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𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-03-14 12:53 pm

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7

DOWNTIME MINGLE #7


CONTENT WARNINGS: suggestive topics

▶ 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 “DOCTOR” and “PHD.”

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.


▶ 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 “city hall” 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. )


▶ 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. )


▶ 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.)


▶ 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.

harboredfeelings: (31)

[personal profile] harboredfeelings 2025-04-16 05:15 am (UTC)(link)
Half?!

[ Her eyes narrow as she gives Yzak an incredulous look, then turns her gaze to the Blitz and starts muttering to herself. ]

That thing has to be what, a little over nine meters...? Half of that... Creator's sake.

[ Turning back to Yzak she's just. Staring. ]

Around eighteen, nineteen meters then? That's almost as large as some Rigging Beasts. How the hell do you manage to maintain these things? The cost alone must be staggering...
curingidiocy: (pic#17171049)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-16 07:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ Exactly. Dissection, though that was the last thing he would have expected them to do. There is merit in studying them live as well, especially to see if they could be tamed or controlled by an implant. But none of it matters now; they're dead.

Bakugo is right. Ratio doesn't make any indication of acknowledging the command, but when he finds one of the herbs, he uses his Imaginary energy to outline the plant in a faint light, almost like it's been selected by a cursor in a video game.

He repeats this for all the other herbs he manages to find, and soon the area is lit with dim patches of light here and there.
]

What information do you intend to record before harvesting them?
stonehearts: 🦚 fanart → <user name="mindcreator" site="twitter.com"> (pic#17335321)

[personal profile] stonehearts 2025-04-16 08:20 am (UTC)(link)
You're the biggest seeker of truth I know. And you're never one to keep it to yourself once you've found it, so please -- am I wrong?
curingidiocy: (pic#17171032)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-16 08:31 am (UTC)(link)
Some truths need not be spoken aloud.
cosmarchy: (pic#17634537)

[personal profile] cosmarchy 2025-04-16 06:38 pm (UTC)(link)
[ A reliable little brother... Cute. ]

I see. It sounds like she'll be hard to miss.

I'll keep that in mind.
cosmarchy: (pic#17634415)

[personal profile] cosmarchy 2025-04-16 09:44 pm (UTC)(link)
Are you saying you'll find a way to my world just so you can do that?

If I let myself die.
hachikai: (deeper sigh)

[personal profile] hachikai 2025-04-16 11:27 pm (UTC)(link)
[ And just like that, his eyes lose focus and his gaze wanders around the rest of the office. He looks almost bored. Enough so that he reaches over to where a cigar box rests on the nearby desk and plucks one of the sealed rolls for himself.

A power struggle. A classic battle of wit against numbers. Eliminating the greedy because their avarice has led them to stagnate and become complacent. Silco doesn't strike him as the type to have an upstanding moral impulse to cleanse the underworld, but if he's not driven by profits, then what drives him? What will keep him from become just like the "fat and lazy" once he's gotten a hold of what he seeks?

As he speaks, he rolls the cigar between his fingers. It's an empty movement to accompany the light tapping of another finger against the cloth of his haori. ]


Say I trim that fat for you, what will you establish in its place?
saudadist: (my place...)

[personal profile] saudadist 2025-04-17 12:07 am (UTC)(link)
[ Lucy's quiet again as she studies the robot arms in a new light. She knew he was a smart guy from the beginning, but seeing his creations in action is a whole other experience. She's awed. ]

That's...actually pretty cool.
saudadist: (unusally interesting sight)

[personal profile] saudadist 2025-04-17 12:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ She eases up off the wall as she hears his griping, but immediately her eyes are drawn to his attire. He's a heck of a sight, all 7ft of him, and she can't help likening him to some kind of dramatic lead actor reveal from a TV drama...if not for that Selection of a shirt of his.

To his mouthful of a complaint, however, she gives just a short quip. ]


Nice shirt.
soft_shelled: (335)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-04-17 12:14 am (UTC)(link)
[Three fingered robot hands on skinny robot arms, they really don't look like they could hold any weight but well... If she asked he would show her.]

I mean, I guess? This is a pretty basic version, it's only got the arms and the jetpack function.

[Not bringing up the whole "It also records everything" part.]
lionize: <user name="lionize"> (Defuse)

[personal profile] lionize 2025-04-17 01:01 am (UTC)(link)
Sure, I guess. It's inevitable anyway. People change whether they want to or not. Hell, whether they realize it or not. Could be for the better or worse, it's never guaranteed.

[Royalty, schmoyalty. Cagalli is, too, and she never lets it matter during downtime.

She notes the change in Eresh's demeanor from before but doesn't comment. If that's her way of dealing with things, it's okay.]
saudadist: (quois)

[personal profile] saudadist 2025-04-17 01:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ She could sigh again but she doesn't. Not when he's looking at her like that. How dare he look so sincere...

Lucy quickly brushes her emotions back in favor of looking around the hallway to see if they can catch a glimpse of Gigan. ]


Good idea. Though I don't think he'd bother him if you weren't in view.
blastedass: by bokunoicons @ tumblr (💥 Ready the grenades.)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-04-17 01:58 am (UTC)(link)
Uh-huh.

So stay alive.
30storieshigh: (60)

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-04-17 08:13 am (UTC)(link)
[ He tilts his head as he looks down at the clothing, carefully pinching it between thumb and forefinger and rubbing it experimentally. ]

Hmm, indeed. Yet it is of the construction of the nanotized machinery as our operational suits are. Whilst the quality is pristine it lacks with it a certain... lived quality, yes?

[ He is. So literal. ]
30storieshigh: (65)

[personal profile] 30storieshigh 2025-04-17 08:14 am (UTC)(link)
[ The comment has him chuckling and shrugging in that "what can you do?" sort of fashion. ]

Perhaps, perhaps not. Reliable as he may be he is oft one of impulsive action as well.

[ As if Godzilla has ANY room to talk... ]
blastedass: by bokunoicons @ tumblr (💥 Gross. Stuck with dipshits again.)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-04-17 12:36 pm (UTC)(link)
[Who the hell knows if the mother laid more elsewhere. Some reptiles can store eggs, right? Bakugo's got no idea how the imugi works and theorizing about shit's only going to make the current situation stressful. Best shove it behind them and no longer dwell on the past. Learn from it, move forward.

He glances over when Ratio pauses by a plant, curious about his actions. A faint glow, highlighting the plant. Really flexible power, even for simple tasks. (The cursor-selection comparison isn't lost on him.)

Bakugo uses small metal tines with orange tape around the top, sticking them in the ground beside the areas of interest. Easy to carry, easy to replace, easy to locate. Finished, he steps swings the two sacks and his satchel to the ground with an easy flump.]


Nothing much. Knowing the general location's the most important part. I didn't count their numbers since it was the end of fall. [He'd been more focused on gathering what he could of the lingering populace before winter snuffed them out.]

I'll only take the root if there are four or more plants in a general area. Otherwise I take a cutting. They've only recently grown in. [He pulls two small knives from the satchel, then a few plastic bags from one sack.] You can't make a copy of the from your Imaginary energy, right?

[Plus it's not themed or familiar to Ratio like his chalk is.]
copy: (0 9 9)

[personal profile] copy 2025-04-17 08:48 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Count on him, big bro. 🥺 ]

she is.
hope to you see two soon!
gilgamess: (pic#16296856)

[personal profile] gilgamess 2025-04-17 10:57 pm (UTC)(link)
I would prefer to oversee the efforts in the position I did in Uruk. However, it seems that is not possible here, is it? Thus if I am to take responsibility for the Outsiders in a manner that befits a king, I must do so through LILITH itself.

To oversee the destination of humanity... well, that was my original role, and I do not see why it should be otherwise here, even if this is not my kingdom.


[ it all works out to the same in the end. ]
wwtd: comic, shock (ANOTHER PROPOSAL?!)

1/2

[personal profile] wwtd 2025-04-18 01:46 am (UTC)(link)
[ so scawy!!!

CAN'T HELP IT. IT'S INGRAINED NOW. but also don't underestimate her?! although it's true a dabbler won't match someone who lived by that skill. ]


... Right!? [ suddenly, adamant about the MEDICAL UPGRADES. like he hit a trigger word. ] And it's ridiculous to boot! I heard that it isn't pleasant either. Who knows if they're going to put some control chip in along with it! I'm already weary of this ocular thing and how often it glitches out on us and causes problems. [ and yato wants to get the healing one and UUUUUGH. ]
wwtd: happy (idgi)

[personal profile] wwtd 2025-04-18 01:46 am (UTC)(link)
[ anyway. ]

Oh! It changed to what you thought was cool. So, we both have similar ideas on what cool is. With cars, at least...
blastedass: by blastedass @ dreamwidth (Default)

[personal profile] blastedass 2025-04-18 02:56 am (UTC)(link)
[shuddup.

he's not underestimating her. he's being realistic comparing her life with vash's and the skills both needed for their lives. pretty damn sure hiyori's not running away from a planet of people who want to kill her and would require such skill.]


Of course it's not pleasant! I've been trying to get medical plants to alleviate the damn anesthetic shortage. [She mentions the control chip and Bakugo scoffs in agreement. That's the main reason why he has no intention of letting LILITH get inside his body any more than they already have.]

Yeah, everything you just said.

[Bakugo opens driver's side, the right side, of the car. Hiyori's free to get in the left side. He's not opening the door for her. Buuut he's not gonna drive off until she's buckled in.]

You have a car?
queenofkur: (bam 006)

[personal profile] queenofkur 2025-04-18 09:43 am (UTC)(link)
[ SQUINTS ]

If you are genuine about this,
Then I gladly accept your assistance.

I will only remind you that personal enrichment will not be tolerated in this manner.
I am only doing this to put an end to those horrible stories.


[ Besides she's just accumulating money from her multiple jobs, she rarely ever buys anything for herself. ]
copy: (0 1 0)

[personal profile] copy 2025-04-18 10:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ The acceptance of his offer makes him brighten, so very pleased. ]

Then please count on me.

[ Obviously, it makes him happy to be relied upon. When he's so new among the recruits, he doesn't feel like he can fulfill the same senpai role he did back home — if anything the roles between him and the kouhai that's here seem to have switched when Yuji has been here so much longer, knows exactly how things work and are run around here — but in this small way, Yuta can still be helpful to someone even more out of their depth.

A slightly puzzled glance is spared at his sword bag when it's indicated before his curious gaze returns to Muramasa, matching the quickening pace step for step unthinkingly with ease. When he naturally tends to walk quickly, the brisk pace is comfortable to him. Rika just keeps bobbing along above them, unbothered. The offer comes as a pleasant and welcome surprise. (Somewhere in the back of his mind, a realization might also finally be starting to form, but he's currently too distracted by the generous offer itself.) ]


Really? That'd be a great help! I try to be careful, but sometimes my sword just ends up breaking...

[ He has the decency to look sheepish about it at least. He's better about it now than he was before when he would accidentally channel too much cursed energy into the blade and end up breaking swords that way until his cursed energy control improved. Nowadays it's mostly insanely strong opponents who end up doing the breaking, so it's not entirely his fault. ]
copy: (0 9 8)

[personal profile] copy 2025-04-18 12:18 pm (UTC)(link)
Ah, do be careful of rift-poisoning.

[ He cautions, but when he's been contemplating trying to feed Rika kaiju parts to see if he can copy their abilities himself, he's not one to tell her not to do it. If they can make use of the kaiju to get stronger themselves, why not try? It might be a worthwhile endeavor to face the risks. ]

I'm a jujutsu sorcerer, I can use my cursed energy to make myself stronger in various ways and I can use it to heal as well. Rika's really the only curse I can summon, but she can help me copy the abilities of others, too.

[ It's kind of simplifying his techniques by a lot, but it gets the gist across. As for that last question, he hums thoughtfully. ]

I was told kaiju attacks happen every few months and looking at the frequency of them in the database, it will probably be soon?
cosmarchy: (pic#17634401)

[personal profile] cosmarchy 2025-04-18 09:32 pm (UTC)(link)
You don't have to tell me twice.