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

[ How Godzilla ended up falling in with Silco is anyone's' guess, really, sometimes the big guy just kind of shows up places. It's a nasty habit he had even when he was gigantic.

Maybe he was bored, maybe he thought going to the seedy underbelly of things would present an opportunity to blow off some steam in a way that LILITH won't object to, maybe he thought the very unassuming older looking human shouldn't be out and about on his own.

Whatever the case he's there while Silco speaks wwith the stall's owner. Looking entirely bored while also keeping his eyes moving across every face and every shadow around them. He's unarmed, he doesn't have any human weapons of his own, all he has with him is a styrofoam cup he's drinking from.

As Silco wraps up his discussion Godzilla pings the other Outsider through the network. Blunt hammer he may be sometimes, he understands the advantage of discretion. ]

This one does not speak all they know. Shall I work upon them the curve tipped nails, as they say 🤨?

[ Put the screws to him. ]

[ Silco notices it to. The way the man's eyes dart to the side, the way his smile is just a touch too wide. The way he offered information, but it was only some information, the gaps saying as much as he himself was saying. He may be accommodating, but accommodation only went so far when one was speaking. Silco himself probably didn't look that all out of place — other than his eye — here in Neo Tokyo's black markets, dressed in severe blacks that blended in with some of the criminal element, though less lights or other such fripperies than the rest of them. Silco looked... both like he was fitting in, and out of place.

Like an old crime boss would look among the younger crowd. Fitting, but out of place all the same. Silco exudes that kind of air that means his response to Godilla comes as no surprise. His eyes flick toward him, one always glowing no matter what, but the blue matched it when he responded. ]

He might respond to torture, but it may drive him to go to ground, too. We'd want to track him, if you did.

[ He seems... less opposed to that than one would think.

After a moment, another flash. ]

Perhaps you might try to ask. Bumble for it a bit, see if he responds to someone who doesn't know what they're doing, and then if he doesn't...

Well. Those curve tipped nails might be next.

👍
[ That's the only reply Silco gets. Godzilla gives it an appropriate stretch of time so it doesn't seem like they're tagging each other in to amble up to the stall and engage the shady fellow in discussion. The big guy takes a sip of his coffee, placing his free hand down on the stall, and leans forward to engage. ]

You. I am in need of... unique remains. The hushed word of others mentions your talent for obtaining such things. This is true, yes? I have much in the way of funds and little in patience. It would be quite vexing to learn I have been mislead.

[ The threat is almost subtle except for the creaking of the stall as Godzilla grips it and the way he stares the man right in the eyes. Not exactly bumbling it...

But even trapped in a human body the king has an aura about him, when he wants something he's going to get it, when someone's in his way they're going to get out of it. The stallkeeper tries to stall, evasive answers like he gave Silco. Godzilla growls at him and in a flash punches the stall, leaving an indent on the surface. ]

Less patience now. Still the same funds. Talk.

[ That gets the man talking a bit faster, maybe tripping over his words a little actually. Godzilla listens intently before shaking his head. ]

Non-domestic. Korea. My funds are just as likely to pass for information as goods.

[ More words, more frowning from Godzilla. It doesn't look like he's getting exactly what he wants! Whether that's because the human doesn't know anything or is trying to lead him away, he's not entirely sure. Dealing with deception isn't his strong suit, he's more a blunt hammer. ]

He speaks much but says little 😑. Perhaps you shall have more luck now that his tongue loosens?

Unsurprising. He is a middle man, not the source.

[ It's terse, because while Godzilla had slowly ambled his way over, Silco had made his way elsewhere — though still in range to watch — his eyes drawing across the altercation even as he appraised a spread of... what looked like little gadgets and tools spread out on a table. He'd picked enough up from Jinx over the years to kind of get what was going on, but it was barely, and he passed off as a new hobbyist, instead of completely ignorant.

His fingers draw across a screen, as he continues, flicking a half-unblinking gaze in their direction. ]

He looks scared, though. Good job. Maybe a little name drop will help this time. Let me try something, but play along.

[ With the flash in one of his eyes dimming again, he shook his head, and extricated himself from the conversation with the man before him, and turned to make his way back over. ]

You know, my friend — [ His voice a rasp, but it's friendly... enough. Dripping with sarcasm and nastiness, but there's a quirk on his lips, as he leaned forward, butting into Godzilla's space, as if he were nudging him aside. A rude Karen, essentially. ]

I don't know if I gave you my name, earlier, or whom my buyer is. [ He pulled a cigar out. ] Mister Fissure, by the way. I don't know if you heard of me, but my employer is... [ He slid an eye to Godzilla, annoyance in his voice as he says: ]

Do you mind? This is a private conversation.

[ Rather than text back Godzilla simply does as asked, he plays along. He meets Silco's side-eye with a glare that speaks of someone who spends a good portion of their time glaring, the growl is possibly a bit much but it's human enough to pass. ]

Consider yourself fortunate that I have better things to do than part your head from your shoulders.

[ He spares a last glare at the stall keeper before stepping away, sipping at his coffee in as nonchalant a manner as he can manage. The big guy proceeds to walk off out of sight, though he doesn't go far. He parks himself a little ways outside of view, listening intently while Silco works... whatever it is he works. Godzilla actually has no idea what the other Outsider's skills are, but he seems at home in this environment so he'll let him do his thing. ]

Oh? [ Silco offers him a smirk as he turns to leave. It's an unpleasant one, but Godzilla will get the impression that this man does nothing pleasantly. Buck-toothed and scarred lip, he looks like the type of person who's been through the wringer and is still surviving out of pure spite more than anything else. ] Ineffective threats are often the hallmark of one without as much power as they say, hm? Scurry along now.

[ He waved his hands, "shooing" him off, before he turned back to the stall owner, his lips split in a more friendly smile. ]

Now, as I was saying. I run the books for a local group, you understand? I am not exactly asking for your source, but I am saying that a certain deal could be cut between you and I, were we to bring such a lucrative arrangement —

[ He's spinning it, the tale for the man, and maybe it's the actual story, or more likely, he's more interested in offloading something, that he's quickly writing down something on a sheet. Silco took one look at it — a dead drop — and nodded, a crooked smile, and a handshake to polish it off. ]

Around the corner.

[ He texts, after he turned, pocketing the slip.

He wondered if the guy would understand the idea of a short term versus long term plan. ]

[ It's true, Godzilla very much feels like Silco does nothing pleasantly. He reminds him of the Ion Dragon, or perhaps even Abaddon. Not exactly powerful but with a will to live that borders on the unreasonable and a willingness to do anything to cling to the life he has. It's almost as respectable as it is worrying.

In this instance it'll at least prove useful, Godzilla is certain of that. He's not disappointed when a few moments pass and he gets a text from his ally. The big guy is parked in place waiting for Silco before long, leaning up against a wall, still drinking his coffee, and completely relaxed. Once Silco enters his view he raises an eyebrow in questioning. ]

Positive news, I hope?

[ As he slunk into the area out of sight, he nodded, and handed over the slip to show him. ]

Looks to be a local one. I doubt we'll see something rare on first contact, but it does look to be a dead drop for kaiju parts. He said if we want some, we leave funds with a contact number, and when its ready, we will be notified.

[ It requires a measure of trust, of course. Something that Silco isn't very good at, but to lure out the cagey underbelly, it sometimes required some kind of investment up front. ]

Organizations like these often operate on a... [ He tipped his head, considering. ] Loyalty system. They offer only the best to the consistent and trustworthy.

[ Godzilla hums thoughtfully as he takes the slip and reads over it, glancing up at Silco skeptically. ]

I am well aware that this is not my house of wheels. [ Wheel house. ] However I ill-like the idea of leaving all agency with our quarry. Would it be a poor decision to watch over this location and simply stalk whomever appears to collect the initial funds? They would in theory lead us right to their lair.

[ It's not that he's not patient! He's perfectly willing to sit out in the elements in some dark alley for hours if that's what it means to track down their prey. He just doesn't like not having the control in the situation. ]

Would that not be the ideal?

[ He asked, with a roll of his eyes. ]

However, it would take several days of surveillance to pick out each and every one of the individuals they have planted to watch over it and make sure someone doesn't linger. If we do get caught watching, it's likely they'll scatter and go to ground. An organization using drops like this is not going to get caught by a two weeks from retirement enforcer [ detective ] who's good at surveillance, after all.

[ Hey, he gets it. He hates leaving these things to fate. But he knows what he would do. ]

You don't happen to have a way to make yourself invisible, do you?

[ Oh, how he missed that power. ]

[ The sarcasm is not lost on Goji, he's gotten pretty good at picking up on that considering the coterie of smart mouthed individuals that make up the Outsiders. Of course that's when he's face to face, texting still throws him for a loop. Godzilla decides to let it slide without comment, it's really not worth getting worked up over. ]

I am a very skilled hunter, however I am not quite that skilled. If this were the water then perhaps it would be a different situation, yet it is not. [ He shrugs. ] We perform this the indirect way then. You appear to hold knowledge in these matters, a prediction to the length it shall take? I do not expect an exact time period however a rough idea would be appreciative.

A few hours at best, a day at the most.

[ he said, running his index finger down his mouth, considering. ] Normally these are well monitored and often have an alert getting back to the logistics side of things rapidly.

It's really how much they want us to wait that is the question. Were we a regular, I would say a few hours without question. Since we are new... we'll be at the back of the line.

[ Trust, again. Or a version of it. Avenues like this... they have their own odd trust in this sort of circle that comes from knowing that what is extended is only what can be parted with readily. Reputation spoke volumes more than trust, and if these guys are being recommended, it's likely that they are valued in the circles he runs in.

If they aren't, well. Silco will be sure to remember the name of the group. For Later. ]

Their reputation banks on their dealings, however, they will not make us wait terribly long.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

DOWNTIME MINGLE #4

▶ 001. WINNERS CIRCLE.

▶ 002. PROJECT EGG.

▶ 003. OPEN FORUM.

▶ 004. AFTERWORD.

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