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synflux2025-03-14 12:53 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in synflux2025-03-14 12:53 pm
DOWNTIME MINGLE #7
DOWNTIME MINGLE #7
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 itās not a professional venue by any means, it certainly does have its own charms. Itās 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. Itās either theyāve upped their lab meat game, or theyāve managed some success in their endeavors on duplicating some of the food processes from Transylvania. The one thing that hasnāt changed, however, is the bulletin board in which theyāve posted—
While no one can say where these trends and rumors begin, maybe itās only natural that peopleās eyes are drawn to those they consider strong. Or is it that everyone else isYOWAI 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 doesnāt mean thatās 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.
Thereās a yearly event thatās rolled back into town and somehow they have their new mascot, MISTER ZILLA. Itās 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 itās just one more thing thatās 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. Heās 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 itās 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. ā¦ Is that a myth? Thereās 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 āDOCTORā and āPHD.ā
CHALK-MATE, however, seems like itās 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, itās not a book appropriate for childrenā¦
A new alcoholic drink, GLITTER, has gotten popular in Neo Tokyoās nightlife scene. The drinkās 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 arenāt in their party. High risks begets high rewards, as they say.
There will be plenty of fresh food prepared for everyone, and not a single questionable meat in sight. Itās either theyāve upped their lab meat game, or theyāve managed some success in their endeavors on duplicating some of the food processes from Transylvania. The one thing that hasnāt changed, however, is the bulletin board in which theyāve 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 itās only natural that peopleās eyes are drawn to those they consider strong. Or is it that everyone else is
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 doesnāt mean thatās 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.
Thereās a yearly event thatās rolled back into town and somehow they have their new mascot, MISTER ZILLA. Itās 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 itās just one more thing thatās 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. Heās 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 itās 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. ā¦ Is that a myth? Thereās 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 āDOCTORā and āPHD.ā
CHALK-MATE, however, seems like itās 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, itās not a book appropriate for childrenā¦
A new alcoholic drink, GLITTER, has gotten popular in Neo Tokyoās nightlife scene. The drinkās 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 arenāt 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, itās not without placing their names down as part of the construction efforts. Theyāre 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 havenāt been able to connect with, but itās a good cause as any in theory, right? We donāt 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 isā¦ 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 ācity 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 thatās 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, itās all connected somehow? LILITH researchers think itās 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 canāt control her language functions, volumes, or the fact that she may also be linking random peopleās calls and text messages to one another.
Thereās 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. )
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 isā¦ 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 ācity 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 thatās 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, itās all connected somehow? LILITH researchers think itās 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 canāt control her language functions, volumes, or the fact that she may also be linking random peopleās calls and text messages to one another.
Thereās 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, itās 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 thatās hit humanity, but of coming to be a better understanding of them. Or that was its original purpose.
Now itās 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 mostā¦ 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, itās the perfect opportunity to grab additional funds to fix up the areas of the base ā¦ 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, theyāre more than welcome to take a look around!
(Note: You are all free to presume everything youād 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. )
Now itās 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 mostā¦ 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, itās the perfect opportunity to grab additional funds to fix up the areas of the base ā¦ 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, theyāre more than welcome to take a look around!
(Note: You are all free to presume everything youād 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:
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.)
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.
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.
2
So it's surprising that Silco reached out to him, because Ratio has put in more than enough work to be known publicly as an outstanding figure (with a sharp tongue, but that isn't any different from home).
The little office is unappealing to Ratio. The smell of tabacco is unbearable, and it is far too cramped to be conductive to his productivity. It takes all his effort not to cover his nose and mouth. ]
If you've contacted me, then you have a proposition you believe I will consider worth my time. Let's hear it.
[ Straight to the point, with no banter. Just the way they both like it, no? ]
no subject
It's not offputting, it's in fact, better.
He took another long pull of the cigar, before he stamped it out, blowing a plume of it into the air. ]
I do.
[ He says, and gestures at the wall. He didn't start it, but it's clear that he's been working on it. Paper is hard to come by, but Silco seems to find the time to do so. Placing names, locations, deals, all of it together. ]
Have you heard of the Sapphire Room? It's a powerful gang here. Their dealings reach fairly far.
no subject
Ratio glances at the wall, looking over all the names, locations, everything that Silco has put together. It's quite substantial. The man has clearly been working at this little 'problem' for some time. ]
I've heard rumours, but I have yet to verify any the claims.
[ If the target of this deal was the Sapphire Room, he would have to take care in how he involved himself, if only because it would be a nuisance if they decided Ratio was an obstacle to their goals. ]
no subject
[ He gestured to the board. ]
They aren't the only gang in town, but they have a fairly tight hold on some politicians, a few CEOs, and they are fairly inundated within the portion of the criminal community that's invested in Kaiju offerings. If it isn't drugs, it's parts for other purposes.
[ He has some connections, so obviously this is how Laios gets his meat. ]
Of course they have appropriately differentiated their holdings. [ He finally stamps out the cigar. It does little to make the air feel lighter. ]
Gambling, Protection, insurance manipulation... It's all fairly routine.
[ Silco's been working with LILITH for this, so he's gotten a fairly decent amount of dirt on them, for being the guy who protests loudly about other things...
Well, it's clear it's been a pointed distraction. ]
no subject
And? What is it that you're trying to do? Get rid of them?
[ Take over it, perhaps, he guesses, but he wants to hear it from Silco. If not directly, then with enough implication to make sure what the other man is truly planning. ]
no subject
[ He says it with a sliding derision, his eyes over the pathways, the city laid out with splashes of color. One edge or another has a streak of color, like someone has drawn over it. Clearly, it isn't Silco, with the childlike nature to the drawing.
He indicates three spaces on the board. ]
I have personally investigated these individual gangs, all who work for the Sapphire Room.
Their organizations are lazy, and incompetent, and while they are self-serving enough to get what they want, their lack of purpose is offensive.
[ Hey, what does THAT mean ]
So yes, I am trying to get rid of the entire organization.
no subject
Lack of purpose... Given its deep connections, Ratio would have expected a deliberate orchestration of some scheme by those sitting at the top of the organization, but if that isn't the case, then that would be quite bizarre. Or perhaps Silco's definition of purpose is different from Ratio's, and given what little he knows about the man, it may very well be. ]
I presume you have a plan to fill the power vacuum resulting from its dissolution. What purpose are you trying to install in its replacement?
[ What is Silco's true aim?Presumably not the collapse of the country's society as they know itāthat would be tantamount to suicide for all of them. If he were to guess, it would be in part to rectify what Silco has always viewed as an injustice in this situationāthat he has been forced to fight kaiju while the inhabitants of this planet sit back and do nothing. ]
no subject
He's smart, isn't he? He hasn't outright disagreed with Silco yet. Minor things, yes; but nothing major.
So his lips turn into a self-satisfied smile. ]
Now, wouldn't that be an interesting turn of events?
[ So, yes. ]
You see, the people here? This Sapphire Room? It's interested in profits only. Money for the sake of their own coffers. Greed is their motivation, as far as I can tell. An interest in more, always more.
[ Capitalists, in short. ]
In contrast, I would think that this... entire artifice could be better served, don't you? Motivate people to do something more.
[ So got it in one. ]
They fear monsters, here, instead of learning to do what they must to defeat them.
no subject
He gets it. ]
I have done what I can to encourage the people of this planet to contribute, [ At kaijucon, he'd preached signing up for skilled trades and other pathways that would provide real value to the situation at hand ] but I do not oppose more... direct methods.
[ In other words, he agrees with what Silco wants to do. ]
So? How do you intend to use my talents?
no subject
Silco didn't mind it, for the purpose that it was. He wanted it to thrive for Zaun to thrive.
But here?
Eh. ]
How indeed? [ Ratio isn't as naive as some. When he tells others that he thinks the people here should contribute, should do something, they all get so upset. Aren't Outsiders doing something? Silco doesn't think so. ]
You're a smart man, aren't you? Talented. [ They both know it's obvious. ] So tell me, where do your real talents lie?
[ He has suspicions, but men like this... they like to feel complimented. Hear their many achievements. ]
no subject
So then, he asks for what Ratio isn't showing to the world. The side of him that accompanies IPC members on all sorts of business trips, helping the megacorporation cut deals with planets and businesses looking for their investment, picking out those who may be attempting to pull one-over the IPC, and on some occasions, assisting with... shadier things.
But it has never been by his own hand that business is done. Always, he has been the support, the side character to the gambler's shows. And so, he should be the side character to Silco's conquest. What would a man need to destroy an underworld organization from someone like Ratio? ]
Knowledge, of course. You are perfectly aware that I am a scholar with a wide berth of knowledge. The subjects I have expertise in include medicine, physics, biology, mathematics, engineering and computer science... [ Here he trails off deliberately for a moment ] ...among others.
[ Now, computer science has absolutely nothing to with information security, but it's not out of the realm of his capability. Hacking, of course. ]
I am also quite well versed in dealing with bureaucracy, as unfortunate as it is to say. I've dealt with businessmen, politicians, and world leaders in my capacity as a consultant for the IPC. Most were idiots, but every once in a while, some would try to engage in elaborate schemes to gain an advantage over us.
[ The implication should be clear. He's dealt with seedy business and two-faced scheming, and would be able to handle whatever Silco threw at him. What he hasn't offered, though, is directly dealing with the underbelly of society, because of his reputation and current position. He's certain Silco would understand its value. ]
no subject
[ Silco understands what he's saying. Also what he's not saying. The things that he's keeping from being overt with, in the same way that Silco doesn't say a lot of what he can do. Battery, Larcency, Smuggling, etc. etc.
The game Ratio is playing familiar, because it's the persona he projected topside. He doesn't have to indulge in that persona these days, but he recognizes it, understands it. It's useful, particularly if one wants to be the sort that integrates with such society. ]
And I'm sure said politicians are always terribly charmed by working with you, aren't they?
[ He's heard rumors, and whisperings. Things that he's considering. Some intel from LILITH that may be of use to them. ]
There is a politician in fact, who has rather tight connections with a businessman that I think might be of interest.
I think he has ties to something of particular interest. I think it may lead us down the path to discovering where his...investments lay.
[ He tapped an area of the map. It looks to have entrances and exits, but it seems like it's a dead space. ]
Getting information from said businessmen would be... well. Child's play, for a genius like you, wouldn't it?
no subject
[ Because Ratio dismisses the idiots, or berates them if they try to gain his favour with a stupid suggestion or idea. The intelligence and cunning ones, Ratio can work with, because they understand what's at stake, for themselves and those they represent.
He looks at the map and recalls the establishment located at the space. His eyes flash for a few moments as he accesses the ocular network to do a little research. ]
Hm. Weak network security. Child's play, indeed.
[ There's so much he could do. Hack into their network and copy their entire database, and figure out all of the business and politician's connections from there. More, if Silco gives him even more information. He could set up the access like a rival or enemy had done the hacking, leak information at appropriate times and locations...
There is one thing he wants to suggest, however. ]
Are you open to another collaborator, perhaps? I believe his skills will complement your goals perfectly.
no subject
[ For Silco, it's harder. He's great at this. The plotting, the planning, the strategizing. An architecture to get what he wants, and make it manifest before him. He's driven, and he's clever, but he is not a genius. He still only barely understands his implants, and just barely manages to keep himself from making too many mistakes. He's learned, but hacking? He ain't doing that. He can do the implant equivalent of plugging in a USB drive, but...
Well.
There's a reason the books he cooks are still on paper. ]
That depends on the collaborator. [ His head tipped, curiously. ] Who did you have in mind? Not that a group effort like this does not come with some... openness, but you understand that some people may try to ruin all of this hard work.
[ His tone says: someone who would do something bad with it; but they both know Silco means try to oust him from what he's putting together. ]
no subject
[ Now, it's not a secret that he and Aventurine are in a relationship. If Silco has any doubtsāand he shouldāthen Ratio will do his best to attest to Aventurine's capabilities, but in the end it's of no concern to him if Silco doesn't take his suggestion. It would be his loss not to employ the gambler. ]
no subject
[ Asks Silco. A hypocrite if there ever was one. ]
I've met him, yes. You think he is likely to be useful in this sort of work, do you?
[ A beat, and then: ]
Sell me on it.
no subject
[ Although, he still acknowledges Silco's warning. Most of the time, there is trouble when one mixes their personal and professional life. That is something he will endeavour to avoid whenever they return home.
Sell Silco on it? Well... much of Aventurine's dealings are public knowledge back home, in the sense that it wouldn't be hard to dig up if one was motivated to look up his past. ]
He is a clever man, with a wit that allows him to turn unfavourable circumstances into opportunities. His job as a non-performing asset liquidation specialist means he must often handle difficult situations in order to turn an investment into profit.
During the first year of our acquaintance, we were instructed to gain control over Weloga, a planet known as the Crystal Desert of the Franveld Star System. It was named so for its crystalline appearance when observed from space, and the fact that ninety five percent of its surface is composed of a semi-translucent carbonite material that has arranged itself into a glittering desert, with all habitable space situated in its underground jungles.
That planet was home to an Intellitronāan android, if you willābusiness tycoon who discovered the planet could produce materials valuable to Intellitrons and other inorganic civilizations. That Intellitron also had a significant debt with the IPC that hadn't been repaid for over an Amber Eraāor close to two hundred and fifty of this planet's years. Normally Topaz of Debt Retrieval, one of Aventurine's colleagues, would be sent to deal with such cases, but it was determined that Aventurine would be better at handling this particular instance, and thus he was deployed alongside me to Weloga.
Though I provided aid in the form of intelligence, it was Aventurine who created a plan that caused the collapse of Weloga's upper echelon, destroying that Intellitron's status through scandal and outrage from the planet's inhabitants. That plan involved infiltrating various high society parties and business meetings under different guises, all while maintaining his presence as the IPC representative charged with negotiating the debt's repayment terms. In the end, he secured the planet itself as an IPC asset, which allowed the IPC to strike very favourable trade terms with Planet Screwllum in the subsequent fiscal quarter.
[ That was not at all a succinct explanation of Aventurine's abilities, and hopefully his expression didn't give away exactly how fond he was of the gambler, but there you have it Silco. A whole story of one of Aventurine's exploits. And he has five more years worth of tales, if the other man wants to listen. ]