synflux | 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....

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Now that Ratio has been barred from reading, he finds himself bereft of anything to do. It is a great source of irritation for him, but he cannot let this deter him from helping, no matter how much he wishes to strangle the executive members of LILITH for their stupidity right now.

He vaguely remembers reading a text post by Raidou about acquiring fresh food from Okinawa. That is something he can still help with. ]

Raidou, you are going to Okinawa to procure fresh food for the base, correct? Allow me to accompany you on your excursions.

[How odd. When was the last time someone called him while not in a battle? It catches him off guard for a moment.]

Ah. Yes, probably starting tomorrow, and once a week if I can manage. And of course, I'd be glad to go with you. I'm sure you know much more about gardens and crops than I do. Someone should look into those. But I know nothing about them.

[ Normally, Ratio would have texted, but.... well, suffice to say that's not an option for him right now. ]

It is a simple matter to conduct research on the internet. Since you're leading the efforts to secure fresh food for us, I believe the onus is on you to do so.

[ He's only saying this because he doesn't want to reveal that he can't read anything right now... but it's not something that is easy to hide. It'll come out if Raidou asks the right questions. ]

It's not that I'm against learning or helping in this case. I'm just starting from zero here. If someone has the knowledge or experience in this already, I'd be glad to assist. But I don't think I should be the one taking point.

[Raidou is your resident sword master and walking library of supernatural creatures. He's never even thought about gardening before. Besides, he always has studying to do for his job, which he's very diligent about.

Still, this is Raidou, and he'll at least make an effort.]

I'll start researching in the meanwhile, but if you know of anyone who might be better suited... Ah, this sort of thing isn't in your wheelhouse, is it?

[It's hard to remember all of the things that fall under Ratio's purview. It seems like practically everything does.]

Leaders do not need to be the most knowledgeable in a field. It is because they have a desire they wish to see realized, and the ability to draw others to their cause that they lead. You are the one who suggested this idea and have decided to act upon it. Do not shy away from this opportunity.

[ An opportunity for Raidou to be the one making decisions and directing people. Ratio has noticed that he is a rather passive sort. Perhaps experiencing what it's like to be in charge would provide the young man some clarity in what he wants. ]

I have a considerable amount of knowledge in flora, but very little as it pertains to gardening and cuisine. Nor am I aware of any other who may be in possession of such expertise. This environment is hardly conductive to discussion on the matter. You will have to make a public enquiry, I'm afraid.

[Raidou certainly doesn't seem himself as any sort of leader among the Outsiders, simply a rank and file solider. Even as a titled summoner back home, he was operating on orders of the Kuzunohas and the Yatagarasu Organization. There's a pause, as there often is with him.]

... Then, if you'd be able to help find me the right things to research, any books or papers or courses, I'd greatly appreciate it. I've already out a call out on the network to see if anyone has farming or gardening experience as well.

[ Well, this is a pickle. As leader it is correct of him to ask a more informed person for help, but... ]

...I cannot help you with that. Not because I believe you have asked me wrongly, but because I am currently... incapable of doing so. You will have to ask someone else for help.

[????]

I... see. I know you have a lot of projects already. I will have to ask around then. But if anything comes to mind, do let me know.

[Another pause, and then:]

... Is everything alright?

[Y'know, just in case they weren't. Ratio doesn't seem like the type to say he's incapable of doing anything, literally or figuratively.]

[ Ratio considers for a moment whether it is wise to tell Raidou. No, not wise—there is no real harm for people to know his punishment. The only thing that would be hurting is his pride, so it is a matter of want more than practicality. Does he want to tell Raidou? ]

...yes, I am fine. You need not concern yourself with my well-being.

[ It's almost automatic, the words that come out. He's far too used to deflecting concern it's easier to continue doing so then anything else. ]

[A relatable thing, that deflection. There is one last brief pause.]

... Understood.

I will see you tomorrow. Inform me when you plan to depart.

DOWNTIME MINGLE #4

▶ 001. WINNERS CIRCLE.

▶ 002. PROJECT EGG.

▶ 003. OPEN FORUM.

▶ 004. AFTERWORD.

2-ish, @rubber ducky, Audio, a few days after the kerfuffle with Godzilla

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