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šš‚šš¢šš—šššš•ššžšš” š™¼šš˜ššššœ ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-03-14 12:53 pm

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7


CONTENT WARNINGS: suggestive topics

ā–¶ 001. WINNER'S CIRCLE.

Although the base has been destroyed, not all hope is lost. Many still view the defeat of the recent kaiju as a significant win, especially knowing how much more powerful it became. Considering the ominous timing of the rift as well, it seems like LILITH predicts everyone is a bit on edge, and as a result, when they come into the main hall that day they will see that it is actually decorated quite nicely. While it’s not a professional venue by any means, it certainly does have its own charms. It’s a step up from the usual pizza party, at least.


There will be plenty of fresh food prepared for everyone, and not a single questionable meat in sight. It’s either they’ve upped their lab meat game, or they’ve managed some success in their endeavors on duplicating some of the food processes from Transylvania. The one thing that hasn’t changed, however, is the bulletin board in which they’ve posted—
GOOD JOB:
MACARONS (K.O.)
GOJIRA (K.O.)
RUBBER DUCKY & QUEENOFKUR (600)
POKER & BAD DADDY (678)

While no one can say where these trends and rumors begin, maybe it’s only natural that people’s eyes are drawn to those they consider strong. Or is it that everyone else is YOWAI weak in comparison? Whatever the catchphrases are, it seems the new thing on the streets of Neo Tokyo is the emerging trend of people either wearing sunglasses or blindfolds.

It seems to be some sort of fashion statement, but it may be doing more harm than good. The blindfolds are often tech visors that citizens wear to amplify the screens they see directly from their retinas, but it doesn’t mean that’s always the case. Some people even consider it a personal form of training for them to live and breathe with blindfolds on. Unsurprisingly, hoverboard accidents have increased by 24% and the city is looking for ways to address this new craze.

There’s a yearly event that’s rolled back into town and somehow they have their new mascot, MISTER ZILLA. It’s in the form of a certified cute and extra cuddly looking kaiju that is strikingly similar to one that people may see on base day-to-day. But that has to be a coincidence, right? Maybe it’s just one more thing that’s been released by a particularly loose-lipped researcher who's been pulling one too many all-nighters.

Maybe people in attendance will end up seeing him a lot more. He’s also given out in the form of a keychain to all attendees. Perhaps he will give GIBUBU a run for their money?

Speaking of kaiju and research, a very popular brand called CHALK-MATE has hit the shelves. Supposedly it’s a food shaped like a stick of chalk that once eaten increases one's overall ability to concentrate; it even claims to make people read a little faster. … Is that a myth? There’s only one way to find out what this little treat actually does.

The only thing is that it definitely tastes a bit like chalk, too. Oddly enough, the flavors come in just ā€œDOCTORā€ and ā€œPHD.ā€

CHALK-MATE, however, seems like it’s especially popular amongst avid readers. Particularly of the romance genre, also known as NOVELTOK. The fans on these platforms have been especially into a new series based on a Goddess of Death who is in constant search of love, only to be met with horrible romanceable options that leaves every reader both salivating and scratching their head. Supposedly, it’s not a book appropriate for children…

A new alcoholic drink, GLITTER, has gotten popular in Neo Tokyo’s nightlife scene. The drink’s iridescent shades of purple, blue, and green have made it a hit despite its high price tag and the condition that needs to be met in order to request one: customers must first play a game of dice with the bartender. Should the customer roll a higher number than the bartender, they will take the order and make the drink; if they roll less than the bartender, they must forfeit the cost of the drink and pay the next seven rounds of drinks, even for people who aren’t in their party. High risks begets high rewards, as they say.


ā–¶ 002. BASE-LESS EXPECTATIONS.

Fortunately, with the success of the last battle with the Imugi and Gigakame, many companies have come forth in support of a few rebuild projects. They state they are very interested in providing funding, granted, it’s not without placing their names down as part of the construction efforts. They’re especially interested in getting some sway down in Kyoto, as that would be a new place for them to not only pitch their businesses and potentially attract those pockets of civilization out there that they haven’t been able to connect with, but it’s a good cause as any in theory, right? We don’t talk about all that free real estate, either.

As such, Outsiders are being encouraged to submit their proposals on how to build up on the city of Kyoto and what attractions would lure the citizens to take on the city. While safety protocols are naturally being put into place, as with any new build, they are also open to any additional ideas to secure the perimeter, as well as to make this a more colorful and unique place amongst the wreckage that sweeps the abandoned areas outside the immediate cities.

The only thing is… bureaucracy strikes again. The forms must be filled out in a specific fashion, and Outsiders will be expected to go through a similar trial like when gaining clearance to travel. They will be required to sign documents, and even rushed to the temporary ā€œcity hallā€ in order to drop it off on the dot. They may even expect some people to warp back to Tokyo just to submit a page or two of a signed waiver.

With city plans still emerging, there are positions open for Outsiders to apply and run as local government. While the government of Neo Tokyo have already designated a mayor for the city, there are positions open for people to be in charge of other areas such as healthcare, food, energy, culture, justice, treasury, and infrastructure. LILITH is placing no restrictions on Outsiders who want to contribute their time and expertise to the new city as long as they continue to carry out their missions to defeat the kaiju. Those who wish to apply are free to do so at city hall, but they will need to rally votes and support from civilians and other Outsiders alike to be elected.

Speaking of trouble and real estate, while a lot of vacant land is available, Outsiders have been summoned to confirm all the plots of lands are free of kaiju before any real scoping can be done. Outsiders will be tasked to go out and survey the areas and stave off any large or mutated creatures that may exist in the expanse of wilderness that borders the area around Kyoto. For anyone interested in assisting with the scoping efforts, they will be encouraged to travel in pairs. The permanent rift that’s opened in Tokyo has been making many strange waves all across the country. Kaiju have been acting far more erratically, almost as if they can feel the pulses from this rift, regardless of the distance. Or perhaps, it’s all connected somehow? LILITH researchers think it’s better to remain on-guard because of this, especially when traveling through uncharted territory.

Outsiders are also welcome to explore the region. They will find several old temples that may appear dilapidated, but very much recognizable all the same. Such as the Todai-ji Daibutsuden in the neighboring Nara, or even closer sights like the string of tori that line the Fushimi Inari Shrine. There is even a setting in the oculars in which a general tour guide audio can be heard. However, Synthia is still on the fritz and there is no telling what she says is completely accurate. She also can’t control her language functions, volumes, or the fact that she may also be linking random people’s calls and text messages to one another.

There’s no way that negatively impacts any travel plans, right?

(Note: Please fill out the thread below and submit ideas for buildings and businesses in Kyoto! If players wish to have their characters take a role in managing the city, you are free to coordinate this with other players with the same goals for their characters (or handwave it if your character will be taking a smaller role). Mods will not be choosing any characters officially. )


ā–¶ 003. KAIJUCON.

This is the yearly event everyone has been looking forward to— KAIJUCON is here. This event not only acts as a large research symposium for those who work in kaiju-related research fields, it’s also a place where the most enthusiastic members of the kaiju community come together to share their mutual fascination with the creatures. The event makes it clear that this is in no way meant in any support of the kaiju or the devastation that’s hit humanity, but of coming to be a better understanding of them. Or that was its original purpose.

Now it’s become a larger, more commercialized event where vendors from all over come to pitch their safety gear, offer classes in case of a city-wide emergency, and even have several large and popular exhibitions for kaiju. As much as people may fear kaiju, it seems that kaiju themselves as a concept have been popular for decades before even the first rift opened.

As a result, there are sections of KAIJUCON for the most… zealous kaiju researchers in which they can enter virtual reality scapes and pretend to be kaiju. This form of live action roleplaying has become wildly popular in the city, and has become a hobby to relieve stress for some.

On the flip side, it seems this also has opened up a whole group of people who come up with their own KAIJUSONAS and who attend the event dressed up as their idealized version of kaiju. Fortunately, as LILITH does have its fair share of research and information to trade, it’s the perfect opportunity to grab additional funds to fix up the areas of the base … and of course, how could they not ask the Outsiders to join in?

Instead of the usual team building exercises, they will be expected to help at various booths at KAIJUCON. Whether these are panels in which they teach and share all the intimate details of kaiju anatomy, or where they join in the highly coveted title of BEST KAIJUSONA.

As Outsiders within LILITH, all characters will be approached to speak at panels. Characters previously deemed as HEAVY HITTERS or characters who have dealt a K.O. to a kaiju will be particularly popular at the convention, with fans flocking to them with requests for pictures and autographs. While at panels, a Q&A session will often be held, and Outsiders may have to deal with questions ranging from sensible to ... uncomfortable.

Once their shift is over, they’re more than welcome to take a look around!

(Note: You are all free to presume everything you’d expect at a convention to be there! Including, but not limited to, merchandise, snack carts, panels, and more! Outsiders with inhuman forms do not need to wear their cloaking devices. As a note, Outsiders are public figures known by their alter egos/usernames. However, the fact that they are from a different dimension remains classified information to the public. )


ā–¶ 004. CROSSED WIRES.

While rebuilding of both the Tokyo Base and Kyoto are coming along, certain other departments seem to be struggling. SYNTHIA in particular is still broken, and try as the LILITH engineers might, repairs are slow going.

While SYNTHIA is down, there are all sorts of communication errors:
- Messages being sent to the wrong recipient, or to the base at large
- Thoughts transcribing themselves as texts and being sent without approval
- Text messages glitching during the sending process and sending as illegible symbols and strings of letters
- Text messages never sending, or sending dozens of times repeatedly
- SYNTHIA generating inaccurate information about Outsiders and sending them during the numerous reboot processes (think Google AI summaries)
- Blocked users suddenly becoming unblocked, and best of friends suddenly blocking each other

If asked, researchers will apologize for the errors and suggest that Outsiders meet in person to discuss any important topics. There's no better way to grow relationships than to spend time in person after all, right? Towards the end of the month, the errors will slow until they are finally fixed.

(Note: Feel free to use this as a general text glitch event in either your top levels for this event or in inboxes and individual player logs! We've listed out some suggestions of what characters might experience but feel free to come up with your own fun ideas as long as they aren't gamebreaking.)


ā–¶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our fourth downtime mingle!

As stated in the prompt itself, players are welcome to suggest buildings and business to be found in Kyoto by replying to the header below. Please submit all suggestions by March 31.

The texting glitches will last to the end of the month, at which point SYNTHIA will be repaired and all systems will go back to normal.

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 cute plushies, stylish sunglasses and blindfolds, and edible chalk enhancements among other things.

2. BASE-LESS ACCUSATIONS: ICly, Outsiders are tasked with assisting in rebuilding projects across Kyoto, which include scoping out land, suggesting what new businesses and buildings to construct, and general exploration. OOCly, players are welcome to suggest new businesses and buildings to add to the Kyoto area.

3. KAIJUCON: The annual convention centered around kaiju-related research and inventions. Outsiders can find all sorts of kaiju-related merchandise and gear for sale, as well dress up and meet other kaiju enthusiasts.

4. CROSSED WIRES: With SYNTHIA still broken, communications within LILITH are breaking down. Outsiders will experience a string of troubles when trying to message others. This will be fixed by the end of the month.

kubricks: (where exactly are we going... exactly?)

Kaijucon

[personal profile] kubricks 2025-03-20 04:04 am (UTC)(link)
It is, isn’t it?

[Sorry to ruin your break Power, but Makima's also here at Kaijucon. She’s also had a pretty good time herself, despite not having quite as noticeable souvenirs. Just a bag of assorted things she’s bought.]

I think everyone has enjoyed themselves.

[A smile there, this was actually fun and she thinks it went far better than she would’ve expected. If there’d been something like this in their world, it probably would’ve been a mess. Devilcon just doesn’t seem like a good idea at all.]

I am a little surprised though, I thought the two of them would be with you.

[The smile stays on her face there. Does she have to say who? She doesn't think so.]
lionize: <user name="lionize"> (Displeased)

[personal profile] lionize 2025-03-20 04:14 am (UTC)(link)
Don't tempt me-- either of you!

[She is annoyed at herself for being somewhat embarrassed by that, but here they are. Cagalli crosses her arms and glares at... Donnie. She settles on him.]

If you come back here like you did this time, you'll have more than your stupid backpack to worry about.
soft_shelled: (123)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-20 04:20 am (UTC)(link)
[Donnie looks at the Z'gok and just says it;]

Is she always cute when she's angry, or is it just for us?

[Glaring at him does nothing! He has siblings, he's immune.]
lionize: <user name="lionize"> (Promo)

[personal profile] lionize 2025-03-20 04:33 am (UTC)(link)
Cagalli, nice to meet you. This is the Akatsuki. It's not sentient, I just pilot it. [She pauses, then there's a sigh heard.] Weird statement, but I promise it's likely to come up as you stay here.

[That part over with, his bow is met with a nod from the mobile suit. Cordiality is understood, but bowing in a large robot is more than a little awkward.

His sword is noted, so the machine reaches to its waist and takes hold of its double bladed beam saber, activating it with a sort of "whooz" sound. Sword friends?]
egraegis: (174)

[personal profile] egraegis 2025-03-20 04:38 am (UTC)(link)
[And just like that, BANG, Z'Gok's arm slams down into the space between them, a mobile suit wall.]

Sorry. My hand slipped. [His tone is kinda dry, though. Not very apologetic.

....Also:]
She's always cute.

[END OF SENTENCE.]
thighhighs: (šŸ’Ž068)

[personal profile] thighhighs 2025-03-20 04:41 am (UTC)(link)
huh?
thighhighs: (šŸ’Ž014)

[personal profile] thighhighs 2025-03-20 04:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ the guy wearing her not!boyfriend's face refuses to put on a damn shirt ]

pardon?
thighhighs: (šŸ’Ž014)

[personal profile] thighhighs 2025-03-20 04:50 am (UTC)(link)
was what his vessel?
30storieshigh: (stomp the monkey)

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-03-20 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
[ Vexing little canid... ]

To take a mate is not a matter of "fun". It is a thing of serious import to bind one's life with that of another.

[ Said with an annoyed snort of smoke. He's well aware humans and humanoids have a much more casual approach to the matter, he does Not Care For It. ]

Future Terror is a formidable enough combatant, yet an obvious thing that he does not possess strength on level of my own. To use terminology your kind is of familiarity with he would be considered a subordinate of myself. One whom is aware of when it is of appropriate time to speak or to battle.

[ He gives Akagi a very. Pointed. Look.

Take the hint, boat. (or don't, that's funnier). ]
lionize: <user name="lionize"> (Indignant)

[personal profile] lionize 2025-03-20 05:13 am (UTC)(link)
H-Hey, I’m right here! Stop talking about me like I’m not!

[Cagalli finds her indignation once she gets over being so startled by Athrun’s sudden movements in the suit. What the hell has gotten into him? She knows better than anyone that your hand doesn’t just slip like that when piloting.]

And stop being stupid about this!!
harboredfeelings: (41)

[personal profile] harboredfeelings 2025-03-20 05:29 am (UTC)(link)
That explains it, I was focused on evacuating stragglers during that battle. We should go on patrol together sometime, I'd like to see you fight for myself.

[ A concession! Kaga isn't so much of an insufferable nightmare that she can't (sort of) admit when she's wrong!

She's also not so much of a bitch (sort of) that she's not having her curiosity further peaked. She takes a step back to stand more in line with Cagalli and--

Sorry, Cagalli, that's a fox tail brushing against your side all friendly like. It's involuntary, honest. ]


Should I be calling you -hime or -sama then? [ And that's not even sarcastic! If this thing's a status symbol, Kaga's going to assume the pure GOLD of it means royalty. Cagalli may not be her leader but that doesn't mean she won't be proper. ]
norwegianblade: (Default)

Cropssed Wires

[personal profile] norwegianblade 2025-03-20 06:04 am (UTC)(link)
[Sigrun wasn't expecting this morning to be interesting. She was still getting used to everything after all. However, she wasn't used to the 'technology' people had her.]

[Half asleep, she had read over the text. She muttered quietly.]
"Stupid thing... Why does it have to make noise?"

[She decides it's best to get up and take a good look around the place. Everything was normal, well as normal as a base like this was. She yawns and goes over the information, expecting a short patrol to do the trick for her. She mumbles as she passed by different things.]

"Boring hallway.... normal weird birds... big machines... big lizard..."

She stopped and looked back into the hangar.

Wait.

That wasn't there before.

She rushed back into the makeshift hangar, now fully awake.


"What is Odin's name!?"
norwegianblade: (Sigrun_Confused)

Crossed Wires

[personal profile] norwegianblade 2025-03-20 06:08 am (UTC)(link)

What do you mean you're broken? Are you talking about the whole... blood sucking thing? Or did that get worked out already?



{Sigrun isn't smart...}
zauneyete: (pic#17504538)

HMMMMM

[personal profile] zauneyete 2025-03-20 06:17 am (UTC)(link)
[ Poor Ereshkigal, giving up all of her secrets to Silco. ]

I do not think you understand. I did not "snap".

What happened to me was different. I was reborn into what I had to be. That is all. It's a lesson that I learned that day. There is no changing. What is there to change?

You seem to think there is something wrong with the person I am. You should learn to accept that I am quite different than you.

After all, I learned to anticipate such things far better than I used to.


[ N -- No he didn't. ]
norwegianblade: (Sigrun_Confused)

Crossed Wires- A

[personal profile] norwegianblade 2025-03-20 06:30 am (UTC)(link)

Wait... um...First, what's a penguin? And how are they loyal or not? Are they some metal dog thing LILITH made?

harboredfeelings: (just a quick trip to Midway she said)

@Gisei

[personal profile] harboredfeelings 2025-03-20 06:38 am (UTC)(link)
[ Creator's sake, that scream... ]

If you're going to die could you do it quietly?
egraegis: (139)

@selfdestructive

[personal profile] egraegis 2025-03-20 06:44 am (UTC)(link)
Did I? Sorry about that. What did I send?
egraegis: (148)

[personal profile] egraegis 2025-03-20 06:48 am (UTC)(link)
Oh. Another? [How many people got that message!?] A penguin is a flightless aquatic bird. Dearka sent me some stickers, one moment.

[Is there one that isn't silly looking?? No. Oh well, here's what she gets.]

harboredfeelings: (28)

002

[personal profile] harboredfeelings 2025-03-20 06:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ When you send out a message publicly asking people to go out and kill things you should always expect a bloothirsty Brimstone or two. In this case said Brimstone is Kaga who comes flying in, literally.

Nothing fancy, no helicopters, no planes, just the kitsune with her fiery rigging floating beside her, flying on her own power. Athrun is easy enough to spot since his mobile suit is bright damn red. Kaga floats down from the sky until she's level with the machine's head, arms crossed with the elbow of her metal arm atop her normal one, her metal hand grasping her chin in thought. ]


This one's yours, Athrun-kun? It's a bit-- [ dumpier, squat, silly... ] --bulkier than the others.
egraegis: (160)

[personal profile] egraegis 2025-03-20 06:50 am (UTC)(link)
That's true, too. I wish we'd at least had time to rebuild and clean up everything before we were dragged here.

Although, considering our history, there would never be a good time.


[It's been nothing but work, work, work for years.]
30storieshigh: (stomp the monkey)

@Gojira P R I V A T E

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-03-20 06:55 am (UTC)(link)
What is the exact nature of what you believe you are to be observing of Kaede-hime's?

[ Anyone who knows Godzilla well enough (Ie people who don't irrationally hate on the big guy) would know it's never really a good sign when he's emojiless.

He's. debating on how angry he needs to be right now. ]
norwegianblade: (Sigrun_Maam calm down)

[personal profile] norwegianblade 2025-03-20 07:18 am (UTC)(link)

It has fingers!? Birds where I'm from have wings, not feathers!

Does it even have feathers? I mean... all birds have feathers right?

harboredfeelings: (29)

Kaijucon

[personal profile] harboredfeelings 2025-03-20 08:17 am (UTC)(link)
[ What's the perfect cure for not panic attacks?

Fluffy foxes. Specifically Kiko in this case, the wolfhound sized familiar having walked up to Donnie and sniffed at him, before providing a gentle headbutt against his side the way you'd expect from a cat.

Kaga is of course with her familiar as ever, standing there with her arms crossed and an eyebrow raised as she observes the poor turtle. ]


Are you going to make it?

[ What a bitch. ]
harboredfeelings: (42)

@Gisei

[personal profile] harboredfeelings 2025-03-20 08:20 am (UTC)(link)
Engagement party? You and Pretty Boy?

[ Damn it... ]

Were you going to keep that one hushed up, Doctor?
lunarchivist: (I do not see it)

work mcmurderin me again. grabs crossed wires

[personal profile] lunarchivist 2025-03-20 08:27 am (UTC)(link)
[...oh dear.]

Just a heads up. It seems the oculars are transcribing thoughts to the network again. Some of yours are up there.

[He should just leave it that, and not pry. However.]

Is there some significance to the 20th of April?

[A month from now...]