synfluxmods: (Default)
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.

curingidiocy: (pic#17490168)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-18 10:29 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He's seen Donnie enough times to know he's an Outsider, but not much else. Given, though, that the crowd is finally becoming too much of a nuisance, his patience snaps. ]

Leave, now, or I will be alerting security to have you all thrown out!

[ And to punctuate how fed up he is with the group, he'll start to shove them aside as he forces his way out of the crowd. Anyone trying to get in his way on purpose will be physically hauled aside by the muscular scholar. Strangely, the crowd isn't at all upset by this rough treatment (because despite Ratio shoving people around, it's far gentler than it should be) and some continue to follow him like ducklings who've imprinted on him. Fitting, considering his username.

The rest, however, are disturbed by Donnie's threats and turn on him to get huffy with him.
]
soft_shelled: (132)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-19 04:18 am (UTC)(link)
[Ratio snapping gets a low, impressed, whistle out of Donnie. As to being huffed at?

He's just ignoring them and focusing his attention on Ratio, and his (slightly) smaller fan group. Doesn't even make a move to make good on his threat, as long as none of the gathered fans touch him that is.]


People are annoying, aren't they?
curingidiocy: (pic#17171074)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-19 01:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Once he shoves his way past the crowd, they finally get the hint and start dispersing slowly. The ones getting huffy at Donnie end up leaving too once they realize people aren't sticking around. Except for the most zealous ones, of course, who stick by at a close enough distance to eavesdrop on his conversation with Donnie. Ratio ignores them and sighs, aggravated. ]

They are even more so than usual today. Do they not understand the concept of personal space??

[ He's just grumbling to himself at this point as he runs a hand through his hair, looking frazzled. He knew fanclubs could be rabid, but until now, he'd only had the pleasure of dealing with them from a distance and through online spaces. ]
soft_shelled: (269)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-20 12:15 am (UTC)(link)
You're at a convention that, from what I have gleaned, is about praising folks who fight kaiju and other things attached to that.

[Donnie knows about the fans, from the angle of being a fan himself. And well... Let us not talk about meeting Marcus Moncrief for the first time.]

Also you stand out, that probably doesn't help much?

[LIKE DONNIE CAN TALK, fucking 5'5" turtle boy.]
curingidiocy: (pic#17171057)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-20 12:29 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ratio is basically a walking Ancient Greek philosopher cosplayer, so yeah, he does stand out a bit. Also, he's 6'1", which is much taller than the average height here. ]

It's supposed to be a symposium on kaiju, yet it somehow merged with the general population's interest to produce.... whatever fiasco of an event this is.

Regardless, it doesn't excuse their lack of courtesy.

[ He shoots a glare at the stragglers who squeal with excitement and back away to give him more space. Fans. Ugh. ]

I take it that you haven't dealt with anything to this extent?
soft_shelled: (256)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-20 12:39 am (UTC)(link)
[Someday Donnie is going to ask why everyone is so fucking tall here, at least for Outsiders.]

The pitfalls of parasocial relationships.

[He can't help, a slight smile shows on his face at watching Raito glare at the stragglers.]

Nope. Back... In certain places. [Since he isn't sure if anyone nearby is allowed to know that Outsiders aren't from this world, he's going to be mum about that.] People who look like me aren't exactly normal?

I have been in their position though, got a bit into the high of meeting someone I am a fan of.
curingidiocy: (hmph)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-20 12:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ Ah, parasocialism. The bane of his life. Other than idiotic colleagues and lazy students. ]

Hmph. Don't try to excuse their behaviour. If they are truly my fans, then they have all the more reason to acquiesce to my desire for space.

[ Those fans still haven't left, but they've given him enough space so he no longer feels suffocated. He sighs, releasing the tension in his shoulders a bit. ]

Never did I think I'd have to deal with fanatics here too...
soft_shelled: (056)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-20 12:57 am (UTC)(link)
I never said they were smart about it. Obsession tends to make people do dumb things, or miss red flags.

[Now how he says that last part? There is experience on his end there, as he leans on his bo staff and tries to at least pick up on Raito's body language and such.

He is bad at it though and doesn't even register the tension being released.]


Well, if you don't want attention your best bet is to not do anything flashy?
curingidiocy: (aloof)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-20 01:12 am (UTC)(link)
[ Between the previous statement Donnie made about meeting an idol and this one, Ratio can pick up hints of what might be a personal admission, but it's vague enough that he won't comment on it until given further proof. ]

So you suggest that I don't fight to the best of my ability, or do my best to provide aid where I can?

[ That isn't what Donnie's suggesting, right? If it is, Ratio is going to have to drop his evaluation of the mutant turtle by a few points, despite said evaluation essentially not existing because he doesn't know Donnie well enough to judge him. ]
soft_shelled: (347)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-20 01:18 am (UTC)(link)
[Unless pried at, Donnie won't give any more details.

As to Raito's question though...]


Helping others is a good thing, but I said "flashy" not "start slacking". I mean I did my best against that turtle, but it wasn't enough. That or just don't come to these kind of events anymore? But that might just start rumors instead...

[As much as Donnie wants to do well, he also knows he's actually the weakest out of his brothers. But that doesn't mean he won't try while he is here.]
curingidiocy: (pic#17171053)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-20 01:34 am (UTC)(link)
[ Donnie means well, but Ratio already knows that being outstanding means garnering all sorts of attention, positive and negative, overbearing and invasive. He just shakes his head with a touch of resignation. ]

Whether or not I gain attention does not and should not play a role in what I decide to do. If I must deal with this sort of rabble as a result, then I will. While this is the first I've been... swarmed, like this, I'm no stranger to having eyes on me.

[ It's fine. Ratio's honestly not much of a fighter, but this time he'd gotten lucky and struck a weak point at just the right angle for maximum damage. One day Donnie will get the honour, one day... ]
soft_shelled: (012)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-20 01:46 am (UTC)(link)
[And Donnie is so used to his outstanding efforts being ignored, or put on blast by his family.]

Ah, just a suggestion. If you're used to it then really it's just a case of adjusting to the new angle it's coming at you?
curingidiocy: (hmph)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-20 02:15 am (UTC)(link)
Ultimately, yes. Though I would not have to complain if these fools would learn to respect one's personal boundaries.

[ Again, even though Ratio spoke loud enough to make it obvious that it's a pointed jab at the fans still loitering around, they only giggle and titter to themselves, and pointedly don't move from their position where they can continue eavesdropping on the conversation. ]

I suppose I must learn to completely ignore them.
soft_shelled: (223)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-20 03:04 am (UTC)(link)
Hey, at least they haven't taken to try stealing your hair?

[He gives the hangers on a look as he says it, before making a quick movement as if he was going to hit them with his staff. He doesn't, hit them that is, but it's more to spook the fans than anything else.]
curingidiocy: (pic#17171032)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-21 04:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ Now that is a very dangerous idea that Donatello should not have vocalized. Ratio glances at the lingering fans, some of whom wave back at him guilelessly. He returns his gaze to the mutant turtle. ]

You've said too much.

[ He's going to motion for both of them to start walking since, well, there's no real point in loitering in the area. ]
soft_shelled: (272)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-21 04:56 am (UTC)(link)
[Donnie was just stating some crazed fan actions he's aware of. But he just shrugs and shuts up as he falls in step with Raito now, in silence.]
curingidiocy: (pic#17171049)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-21 05:50 am (UTC)(link)
[ The fans follow from a distance, but not all of them. Thankfully, the number of stragglers is slowly reducing as time passes. ]

I'm Dr. Ratio. I don't believe I've met you before.

[ He's read Donatello's profile but that's all he really knows. ]
soft_shelled: (353)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-21 05:55 am (UTC)(link)
[The name rings a bell? Maybe, Donnie hasn't actually gone over every profile with a fine toothed comb just yet.]

Donatello, and I keep to myself mostly.

[Even in the Tokyo base he tended to either wait until most people weren't around, or he'd go cloaked.]
curingidiocy: (pic#17171073)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-22 07:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Was he uncomfortable around humans? Ever since he was accused of being discriminatory against non-humans by Godzilla he has been conscious of that. Not because there was any merit to the accusation, but because it brought to his attention something he never considered before.

He can't really ask directly, though, because he would not ask if he was speaking to a human.
]

Then you must still feel at odds with your unilateral transport to this planet.

[ Which he can understand, because he doubts any Outsider is happy about being kidnapped. But the statement is meant to be a probe, to see if Donatello would be willing to divulge more if Ratio prompts him. ]
soft_shelled: (204)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-22 07:17 pm (UTC)(link)
[It's more Donnie is so used to having to be disguised (poorly, we might add) when among humans that aren't named April O'Neil or Casey Jones (both of them) that he just. Uses what resources he has here to do it. That and he really doesn't want to find out what LILITH would do to him if they caught him out and about uncloaked outside the proper situations.]

Hm, not really? I've been here since November. Enough time to adapt and get used to this place, that and it's not like there was anything urgent I was taken from.

[Thankfully, aside from any rebuilding that was needed to be done post-Krang attack, Donnie is all clear.]
curingidiocy: (pic#17171070)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-24 03:53 am (UTC)(link)
[ Just introverted or solitary then. He understands that, being solitary himself. ]

I take it then that you don't miss your home.

[ Again, not what Ratio really thinks. But conversation with another that isn't just about business, research, or teaching does not come naturally to him. This... small talk is a little awkward for him, but he hides it well. ]
soft_shelled: (400)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-25 12:21 am (UTC)(link)
You would take it wrong, then.

[He misses home, at least some aspects of it. But he's not going to elaborate on that unless Raito asks.]
curingidiocy: (pic#17490182)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-03-25 10:04 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Ratio falls silent at that. It's not in his nature to make small talk, and honestly, he's not entirely sure why he's trying either. Lately, he's had a desire to connect to others more, but perhaps being solitary is what suits him better.

He doesn't speak up again, instead waiting to see if Donatello will speak in the silence, or if that's just the end of the conversation.
]
soft_shelled: (408)

[personal profile] soft_shelled 2025-03-26 10:20 pm (UTC)(link)
[Then they're going to be in silence for a good while, before Donnie can't stand it and has to say something.]

Do you miss your home then?

[May as well continue with the topic they left on.]
curingidiocy: https://x.com/hamutyurosu/status/1811366097750487213 (uncertain)

[personal profile] curingidiocy 2025-04-02 02:40 am (UTC)(link)
[ Does he miss his home? He thinks for a moment. He didn't, initially, but... ]

Aspects of it, perhaps. My work, mostly.

[ If that sure doesn't make it obvious that he is a workaholic, then nothing else will. But since he's come here, he hasn't been able to engage in meaningful research or teach brilliant (and not-so-brilliant) minds. He misses that; he really does. ]

(no subject)

[personal profile] soft_shelled - 2025-04-02 03:22 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] curingidiocy - 2025-04-02 03:46 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] soft_shelled - 2025-04-02 03:52 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] curingidiocy - 2025-04-03 07:04 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] soft_shelled - 2025-04-03 16:01 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] curingidiocy - 2025-04-04 20:39 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] soft_shelled - 2025-04-05 01:34 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] curingidiocy - 2025-04-11 01:08 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] soft_shelled - 2025-04-11 01:15 (UTC) - Expand