synflux | DOWNTIME MINGLE #4

DOWNTIME MINGLE #4

DOWNTIME MINGLE #4

CONTENT WARNINGS: suggestive themes, egg hatching, parenthood.

▶ 001. WINNERS CIRCLE.

During this time period, the Outsiders would typically have been met with a makeshift party with poorly placed balloons and streamers. However, this time it’s just a bulletin board with the following message scrawled out on it:

GOOD JOB:
LOREMIPSUM (K.O.)
REDMIST (600)
NICE TOY (600)
RISK (599)

Even though the mission was a partial success, there are still sponsors who were impressed with the actions of the recognized Outsiders. They also believe those who have contributed are still able to provide relief to the people, and should not be criticized too harshly due to their efforts.

In light of this, the base will have an increase of various lab-made spices delivered by a certain sauce company that heard a certain Outsider has a preference for spicy food. Apparently, the spices pair perfectly with their lab-made chicken.

Maybe it’s a coincidence with a certain network name but the Nice Toy Company also endorses the base and creates a whole line of toy guns in the airsoft and BB variety which replicate antique guns that any collector would salivate over! These are distributed on base and can be seen sold at many stores in Neo Tokyo. There has also been an influx of people who are passionate about fitness and training, sparking a trend for those who work out in bunny outfits. Supposedly, it’s something they’ve seen in a prior battle with the kaiju and so the workout is full of intense cardio, and even bunny hops.

Makima’s face will be found on several brands of what appears to be packaged dog food, however it is unclear if it is really dog food or not. Either way, several hundreds of packages have been delivered to base and are stored as “emergency rations.” Everyone on base is free to grab a snack or two at any time!

For those Outsiders worrying about whether or not they'll be docked pay for only taking down one Imugi instead of both, worry no more! Everyone will wake up one morning with a notification that 300,000 KRYPTOS (~2100 USD) have been deposited into their account. It seems pulling double shifts at their civilian jobs won't be necesssary...

▶ 002. PROJECT EGG.

With the last mission ending in the retrieval of the Imugi eggs, the research teams have been left with one major question: what will they do with them? After some initial discussions, it has been decided that they would keep the eggs and attempt to raise them into maturity in order to see if they could garner more insight into not just the kaiju itself, but of their abilities. It is also their desire to see what the relationship between kaijus and the rifts are, and they believe this would be the best opportunity to do so.

The only caveat to this, however, is who would care for them in the meantime? From previously documented research, they found that kaiju eggs are not easy to raise, especially those who mirror lizard-like creatures. They need special attention that exceeds that of what people would typically expect from egg-rearing. Due to this, LILITH is asking for help from the Outsiders to temporarily tend to the eggs. The Outsiders will be working in shifts to watch the eggs, and are expected to care for them properly. It is noted that for kaiju who have been separated from their mothers, the chances of them hatching are very slim, and so they are not expecting each and every egg to hatch. They are, however, expecting Outsiders to put forth their best efforts in spite of that. At least, it’s one less thing to be blamed for.

Outsiders are expected to sign up for egg raising shifts and will get a single egg to care for. They are to be with the egg at all times during their shift, and negligence will not be tolerated. Occasionally, the staff will send drones to check in and also deliver food items and energy drinks in order to ensure that the eggs are being properly cared for. Eating or destroying the eggs is prohibited.

Coming up with names, however, is encouraged, and Seok Dang has even set up a small contest for it....

▶ 003. OPEN FORUM.

As soon as the order is delivered for them to take care of the eggs, a new download will be prompted on everyone’s oculars. It comes suddenly and without any real explanation. When it loads in, people will find that it appears to look like the “forums” of old. They have various topics already posted, including a bolded one that remains pinned at the top of everyone’s oculars labeled “PARENTING FOR DUMMIES.”

When anyone clicks on it, or even allows their eyes to linger on it for too long, it will automatically open. The explanation at the top is as follows:

I see what you all look up in your free time and I think you could use the help.

Who wrote this cryptic message? Their identity has been kept anonymous, but it seems clear that Outsiders are meant to utilize this to field any questions in regards to the eggs they have been ordered to care for. Some of the questions already include “do I keep them warm by sitting on them?” and “what can I do to provide further enrichment?”

While most of these topics pertain to parenting, if one exits the parenting tab, they will find the forum is entirely opened up for other topics as well, including a GENERAL chat, and a thread created by Seok Dang called “AITA.” Apparently, this was all the rage once upon a time.

[ Note: Feel free to use this not only to discuss parenting, but also to discuss any other topics Outsiders may want to engage in. You can use the code below, or do it without! ]

EVERLIGHT

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REVELATION

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BRIMSTONE

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REDEMPTION

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▶ 004. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our fourth downtime mingle! For the naming contest, we are limiting submissions to one name per character. This is entirely for fun and there is no obligation to participate.

We decided to keep the mingle lighter this time due to the number of player events ongoing. Please do check out the SPA UPGRADE and the ROYAL GALA also occurring this month. Big thanks to Sky and Bijou for organizing these! Additionally, the LOCATIONS page has been updated with both Kyoto and Okinawa. Characters may now visit those locations at any time.

All tags on this log are worth 2 points.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. WINNER'S CIRCLE: The heavy hitters/KO winners of the last kaiju fight receive their sponsorships, including spices, BB guns, training videos, and fancy dog food.

2. PROJECT EGG: Outsiders are tasked with caring for and attempting to hatch the Imugi eggs salvaged from Seoul. They are encouraged to try a variety of methods in order to get the eggs to hatch, as no data currently exists. Not all eggs will survive.

3. OPEN FORUM: Outsiders are provided with an open parenting forum to ask for and exchange egg raising advice. However, a certain someone seems to have also included a general forum for Outsiders to discuss whatever they wish....

code

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

IS THIS WHY YOU WERE ROARING

DID YOU KILL ANYONE

WHO WAS IT

It was not my intention to kill, Gigan ❌💀⚰️❌. I simply sought to impress upon the Purple Furred called Ratio that he may not speak so loosely about the lives of the hatchlings.

LILITH did not appreciate my methods 😐. I would recommend you moderate yourself should you have disagreement with the other Outsiders, the retribution is unpleasant 😒.

I HAVE TO HEAR EVERYTHING

WHAT RETRIBUTION

WHAT DID YOU DO

WHERE ARE YOU I'LL COME FIND YOU AND YOU CAN TELL ME ALL ABOUT IT

Where to even make a start of it 😮‍💨.

I am finishing my meal in the common feeding area. You are welcome to join me, I have coffee. It is being taken in moderation ☕.

[ Between a promise he made with another Outsider and the crash that Mothra awful "enhanced" coffee LILITH served them, Godzilla's been taking it easy on the stuff. But he still loves it. ]

I NEVER TRIED COFFEE

YOU TRIED ALCOHOL YET

WAIT NO I'M GONNA STOP WRITING THIS IS DUMB

I'LL BE RIGHT THERE

[With the ocular implants, "typing" is easy and fast, and Gigan's getting used to it quickly. But it's still just not the same as interacting in person, especially for something like this. You can't see or hear someone through text! You can't enjoy their presence as you interact! It's stupid! So instead Gigan heads for the cafeteria to see what exactly Godzilla is dealing with here.]

[ When Gigan arrives there is no Godzilla as he knows him in sight. No sir, no 10ft lizard, just a 6'1" human sitting at the spot Godzilla specified sipping at a cup of coffee. When the cyborg kaiju shows up and approaches he raises said cup in salute. ]

Ah, Gigan. Quick as the projectile of a firearm. [ Quick as a shot, fast as a bullet, take your pick... ] You have been adjusting well to your pack, yes?

[He probably ordinarily would have commented on that "projectile of a firearm" stuff, but that's the least of what grabs his attention upon being greeted by this. That's Godzilla! That's Godzilla! That's Godzilla! Of course he'd have to have a human disguise; Gigan does too. Everyone does who needs one. But he'd half forgotten about that fact as it related to Godzilla, and he hadn't even thought to wonder what his would look like. And now here it is! Maybe because it makes it easier to drink coffee? That is one of the many human body benefits.

Needless to say, he's thrilled.]

—Ahaha! So that's "you"! I forgot all about it! C'mon, get up for a sec, I wanna get a look at the whole package!

[And he's going to join in, obviously, shifting into his own human disguise for the occasion as he moves in closer. His human form is almost as attention-grabbing as his kaiju form is: 6'5" and very broad, with a silver mohawk and red-lensed glasses that obscure what the area around his eyes looks like. His hands are still cybernetic, but they are human hands. Robot hands. Five fingers and everything!]

[ Godzilla has no issue indulging the other kaiju's curiosity. He gets it, kind of, if Gigan is used to some form of the majesty that is Godzilla then he'd want to see how that translates to human form. Besides it's polite to stand up until your guest seats themselves as well.

What the big guy isn't expecting is Gigan to 1) willingly use the shape-changing cloak in the base and 2) still... be taller than him... Even amongst the others at 6'1" there's not a lot of people Godzilla has to look up at, yet here stands Gigan.

When he notices the claws have been replaced with hands he can't help but chuckle. In all ways the human forms are a downgrade but honestly? Gigan's life must be easier having access to real fingers. ]

Impressive. Though I confess, I was given to expect hooks in this form as well. [ He shakes his head ruefully and gestures to the table he's sitting at, where a second untouched cup of coffee sits. There's sugar available as well, as Godzilla has learned some of his packmates prefer that. ] Come, sit, drink, I shall answer your inquires. Where would you wish me to begin?

[Before Gigan sits, he throws his arm around Godzilla's shoulders, because this is another great thing about human bodies. Not that he wouldn't do it anyway, but it's so much easier like this! No blades to keep track of not slamming against people's skin! Imagine that, not wanting to slice Godzilla open . . . they live in interesting times.

He ruffles one of those hands obnoxiously through Godzilla's hair. Then he finally does let go and move around the table to sit, still brightly amused.]

Ha, I'm not a weapon when I'm like this! Claws aren't what I need in this body. You hang out like this a lot around here? Being a human?

[ Ah Gigan seeks to perform a comradely pat upon the back. Godzilla is well used to these, having given many himself, he appreciates the ges-

Wait what is he doing...? Oh that's his entire arm around Godzilla's shoulder, well that's fine comrades do that to-

Wait. What.

what....

WHAT?!

This arrogant young titan tussling Godzilla's hair as if the role of elder and fledgling were reversed?! How dare he! Godzilla is King, Godzilla is Alpha, Godzilla should kick his ass all over this detestable excuse for an eatery and then throw him inside the oven like the overgrown metallic poultry he is!

Why even now he can feel the fire building in his... wait. Wait no he can't. Thoughts like this are exactly what got him in this situation to begin with too. Think back to the teachings of the old human thinkers and leaders, Godzilla, think on what Mothra would say. Deep breathe in, deep breathe out.

Okay. Good to go. ]

[ After that little moment Godzilla shakes his head and takes his own seat, wasting no time in grabbing his cup to take a sip before he answers. That's the good stuff, in moderation like this it actually serves to calm his mind. ]

Not on the base, no. I far prefer my own form. [ A beat, a sip. ] I oft venture out into the city for my civil denizen occupation and my meals of course, it is not entirely without merit. However I find myself confined to this form for the foreseeable future.

[Gigan doesn't drink from his own cup yet, but he grabs it, curling one hand around it and looking down into it briefly. It's not as interesting as watching Godzilla's human face form the words I oft venture out into the city for my civil denizen occupation, so after a moment Gigan's doing that instead. His sunglasses somewhat obscure the expressiveness of his own human face—but only somewhat. There is still a certain Look that passes over him when he listens to Godzilla speak, as if he's listening to a comedy special on a radio that keeps cutting out every few seconds, obscuring some of the punchlines with static sounds.]

You "find yourself confined," huh . . . ? In other words, this is your punishment for whatever happened! They can do that to us?

Indeed. They can do more, one would presume.

[ Godzilla's gotten slightly better at reading human expressions over time but he can't quite figure out what's going on with Gigan's. The shades aren't helping, is the other kaiju... confused? Amused? Possibly he's still adjusting to the surreal nature of seeing one similar to himself stuck in a human form, Godzilla can't fault him for that. It's a little odd where he's standing, having seen him go from cyborg poultry to semi-ordinary man. ]

The implants sent pain through our minds as the confrontation escalated from threat displays to open violence, it was... hmm. Not the worst I have felt, though it is close. None of us were able to stand. [ A beat, a sip of his coffee. He doesn't see any reason to lie or downplay it to Gigan, his ally should know what they're dealing with here. ] We each face our own unique punishments. I shall not speak of Ratio's, it is not mine to share, and I know not what his absurd rock throwing mate was given. The one commonality is our powers have been... deprived of us. LILITH was clear on this, unless we face enemies in battle we are no different from ordinary humanity.

Hahaha! You're kidding!

[Of course he's not kidding, but poor Godzilla—Gigan's helpless not to laugh some at the situation. It's serious, but hard to take seriously, at least for Gigan; this is confirmation of something he's used to taking for granted. He hadn't been sure about the situation with LILITH, and apparently nobody else had either . . . but this is the way these things go as far as he's ever been aware. Anyone who modifies you for their use puts in a failsafe. You'd have to be stupid not to. Could LILITH press a button on their end and force Gigan to drop dead right here and now if they wanted to? Maybe. If they could, they wouldn't be the first or even the second group of people to have that kind of power over him, and he's been used to it for a very, very long time.

He shakes his head and leans his chin on his hand, propped on the table.]

They're not playing around, huh? I take it they've never flexed that on anyone here before. But it figures that'd be part of their setup. Is it permanent?

[Hmm, maybe now's the time to try the coffee.]

[ Godzilla shakes his head, waving a hand dismissively. ]

I suspect it could be if they so wished it, however it is not. Once they deem a suitable span of time has passed I shall be allowed my own agency once more. Until then...

[ He sighs and shrugs. ]

The only other instance I am allowed my form is when in contact with the young ones' eggs. LILITH must recognize it is more sensible to have my true form protecting them than this squishy human disguise.

Huh. Now that you mention it, if she can disguise guys like us as humans like this, you'd think she could disguise everyone as kaiju too. Then we could all pretend to be . . . imugi? That what they were called? When those eggs hatch.

[LILITH isn't a "she." Gigan doesn't notice his own slip-up, or that he's beginning to fall into thinking of LILITH as one singular female being, an AI something like another one he knows and can conceptualize more easily than he can a vast human organization. How do I talk to her? he wonders, finally taking a sip of his coffee, black.]

—That's what this stuff tastes like?

Indeed! Marvelous, is it not? A strong flavor that puts fire in one's belly and soul. The humans oft sweeten it with the white powder. [ He gestures at the shaker of sugar he's left on the table, just in case.] Yet I do not care for it myself. I would advise moderation in the consumption of this, however. Caffeine can make one enter into sleep if they over indulge.

[ Godzilla is positively beaming at being able to introduce Gigan to coffee and warn the other kaiju of the potential downsides. He had quite a few humans come to him and try to warn him himself, but him being Godzilla... well, of course he thought they were being overly concerned. Boy was he proven wrong...

Anyway! ]

I do not believe the technology has that capacity. As I have been able to tell it, LILITH can use it to project for us human form, but it can not stretch to something they themselves are wholly unfamiliar with. Even if it could, it would be a half complete thing.

[ A beat, a sip of his own coffee, a pointed look at Gigan. ]

Consider. A human is given a false form of yourself or of myself. They would have the appearance, yes, but the manner? The language of the body? There would be plenty that a well knowing eye could pick out as fakery. One imagines the Imugi and other kaiju would quickly recognize a disguised individual as not being their own.

[It tastes like dirty bittersweet hot water . . . humans go crazy for this stuff, really? Wild. And Godzilla is crazy for it too! Gigan's overall unimpressed opinion of it isn't going to stop him from drinking more, though. He has a poor sense of taste, and the human cloak doesn't change that, despite how accurate it is as a disguise. He cares very little about how delicious anything is or isn't.

What he does have is a tendency to consume things quickly, so of course on his next sip he burns his tongue and grimaces, wiping his mouth.]

Yeah, but they wouldn't know if they just hatched, right? Babies are easy to trick! . . . But I guess it makes sense LILITH probably doesn't know enough about the kaiju to make a disguise this good anyway. This'd be complicated to explain to you, but I keep forgetting this is their tech and not just my body.

[ Gigan has just let Godzilla in on something. He's not heat resistant, or at least not to the extent Goji himself is. The big guy's been able to drink the coffee right out of the pot with no hesitation, even in his disguise... though with his "power" sealed he hasn't exactly been indulging that habit. Better safe than having third degree burns in the mouth, as they say.

Godzilla hums thoughtfully while drumming his fingers on the table. It's times like this that he's keenly aware of the lack of a tail as a means of emoting. ]

Perhaps not as complicated as you would be thinking. I have found myself forgetting during longer days spent out amongst the civil denizens. The technology's illusion baffles the senses of all, it is quite vexing sometimes. [ A beat to drink, then he sighs. ] Yet necessary. We would not be able to walk amongst the humans without it. The protons outweigh the electrons, as they say.

[ The positives outweigh the negatives....?! Sometimes it's like he's doing this on purpose. ]

Huh, do they?

[That could be "do they say that?" or "do protons outweigh electrons?" because Gigan does not know the answer to either one of those questions. It doesn't seem especially relevant, either. Godzilla . . . he has such a distinctive way of speaking. Because it's a level or—ten—above Gigan's vocabulary, he can't actually identify misused idioms like this. For all he knows they're just what fancy humans say. It's all he can do to mentally translate Gojish to Giganese in his own head to follow the conversation.

He does know that he could correct Godzilla here. That's not what I meant. There's something deeper behind his own connection to this body. But—should he? Right now? Is now the time for that conversation? Maybe not. It's a lot to explain, and Gigan kind of doesn't feel like it right now, not when he's also curious about this too.]

. . . What d'you think of it? Playing human. You like it? Hate it? No one else here is really gonna understand it the way we do.

Hmm.

[ People have asked what he thinks of it of course but the direct question of if he hates or enjoys it? Somehow the simplest question is the hardest one. Godzilla takes a moment to think it over, the drumming of his fingers increasing in tempo. Finally they stop and he nods. ]

Both. Moving amongst the humans, experiencing life as one of them, enjoying their culture and food, these I enjoy. The robbing of my senses, adjusting to movement without a tail, the sense of vulnerability that comes with the lack of natural weaponry... I ill-like that. A mixing bag, as they say.

[ He shrugs and sips his coffee. ]

I lived amongst the earliest humans, you are aware? They built temples for my use as lairs, worshipped me as their deity, in return I protected them. Those were good days, yes, but... not. I did not understand them, as they did not understand me, I was an outsider to them. Here it is different, here I am no god but one of a pack, a single Outsider amongst many, I belong. It is worth the minor vexations, I believe.

[Gigan sips his own coffee as he listens. By now he's figured out how to drink it without burning himself, and he's also becoming accustomed to the taste, beginning to see why it might appeal to people. There is something jittery about the stuff, as Godzilla had warned him—some sensation in his stomach and chest like they might be their own living things separate from his own existence. The more he listens to all of this and thinks about it, the more he feels that sensation. He can feel the phantom awareness of his own tail flicking around behind him, even though it's not literally there.]

. . . I didn't really know what it was like between you and humans. Whatever your whole situation is on Earth, it's not the same as mine, but . . . it doesn't sound all that different either. I'm no god to the Nebulans or anything like that, but we're not friends either. There's no way we could ever see each other that way. Being small . . . things feel pretty different from down here.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

DOWNTIME MINGLE #4

▶ 001. WINNERS CIRCLE.

▶ 002. PROJECT EGG.

▶ 003. OPEN FORUM.

▶ 004. AFTERWORD.

@FutureTerror

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