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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
▶ 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—
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 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 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.
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
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. )
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. )
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:
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.)
▶ 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.
002
Nothing fancy, no helicopters, no planes, just the kitsune with her fiery rigging floating beside her, flying on her own power. Athrun is easy enough to spot since his mobile suit is bright damn red. Kaga floats down from the sky until she's level with the machine's head, arms crossed with the elbow of her metal arm atop her normal one, her metal hand grasping her chin in thought. ]
This one's yours, Athrun-kun? It's a bit-- [ dumpier, squat, silly... ] --bulkier than the others.
no subject
Don't let its appearance fool you. It has a few tricks up its sleeve.
[If only one of them wasn't currently locked inside the armored plating, apparently impenetrable for the moment. Oh well, he's made do with Z'Gok on its own before, he'll do it again.]
no subject
I'm looking forward to seeing them then.
[ She's being honest too. Honest and nosey, she drifts a little closer to the Z'Gok and raps her metallic fist against its head gently, then proceeds to float around it in a circle to get a better view. ]
Honestly? I'd expect this thing to be carrying the canons rather than Lieutenant Elsman's. [ After completing a circle around it she rets her hands on her hips, ears twitching as she considers the hands. ] Those claws are something else. A real bastard up close I'm guessing?
no subject
[Justice has more, actually. It's just what suits him better these days, for whatever reason.]
Z'Gok is built for durability and better weight balance and distribution. It's also more versatile when it comes to additional equipment that can be switched out depending on the needs of the mission. The Volantes unit it came with stores extra cannons and strengthens its maneuverability.
no subject
[ KAN-SEN are all about getting up close and personal with each other mind you. Some of them, anyway. But that's different, they're an entire species made for battle, it makes sense they'd do whatever they can to make fights more enjoyable when it comes to facing off with one another.
That's Kaga's standpoint on it. Speaking of standing, don't mind her as she stops her floating to come to a landing right next to Athrun. One of her newer jets takes off from the runway of her rigging and proceeds to land in her outstretched hand. ]
I'm assuming the mobile suits all have IFF systems? [ Said casually as she closes her eyes, focusing herself on the instruments of her little plane. She's still not fully used to a lot of these fancier parts. ] I haven't actually... fought alongside any of them yet. The most I've had is a skirmish with Destiny, which I mostly won.
[ Does she sound more than a little smug about that? You bet she does! She was still using prop planes, she would've gotten a victory if Shinn hadn't jumped straight to "threaten the ship with the anti-ship sword". ]
no subject
They do, yes. Anything can be scanned and reassigned mid-battle if need be, and friendlies won't be auto-targeted by default. There's manual overrides, but only an idiot would turn those on unless someone's gone rogue.
[He is so curious about that Destiny fight... Shinn's no slouch in a fight, though when they were finally evenly matched in equipment Athrun was the victor. It must have been interesting.]
Why were you fighting?
[How many people have clashed with Shinn at this point??]
cw; mentions of torture/drugging
I'll send the transponder information for the archangels and sea barons to you once you're in your suit. The tenrai you'll just have to visually identify, they're transponderless, but they're recognizable enough.
[ How many toy sized to full sized propeller planes are flying around after all?
The engines on the little jet start to build up again, before it lifts off Kaga's palm she simply tosses it up into the air as one would with a paper plane. It uses the boost to get a head start, engines angling for speed, wings folding, and then--
A tiny crack of a sonic boom as the plane reaches mach speed and zips off into the distance to do some recon. Kaga opens her eyes and watches after it, a hand resting on her hip. ]
I following orders. Ugly ones. [ She says it firmly, she'd almost seem convinced of that if it wasn't for the fact her ears pin back. Fox body language is hard to hide. ] Asuka-kun and another Outsider took issue with it, I had to fight them off whilst accomplishing the mission. For someone who'd spent the previous week being drugged and tortured I think I managed decently.
Re: cw; mentions of torture/drugging
You were involved in that, too?
[It's not like he'd gotten a list of the people who were taken (it would be a list of strangers when he'd heard about it, anyway); it's startling to hear more of what went down in the prior mission he'd missed. He's not foolish enough to ask if she's okay (her body language is clear) but he can't help,]
I'm sorry you had to go through that. Have you recovered well enough since?
no subject
[ She's Fine. Sure her metal hand keeps flexing open and closed, deploying and retracting razor sharp metal claws from the fingertips in the motion, but that's not out of agitation or anything! Honest! ]
Tsk... it never should've happened in the first place. Those people were obviously fanatics, but every bleeding heart was so excited to find a peaceful little village that they didn't once question it. Everlight, mostly, the others followed suit quickly enough.
[ She glances at him and raises a questioning eyebrow. ]
Do you see people walk willfully into obvious traps like that often in your home? Yzma-kun seemed to be one of the most easily duped by the whole thing.
no subject
....Oof, the awkward face that he makes. Yzak is... well, easily duped is not a way he would describe it. Easily trapped, also questionable. But he could be... manipulated. Athrun can't claim otherwise himself, considering his track record, so he can hardly point fingers.]
I... wouldn't call it common. But anyone can be tricked with the right set-up or incentive. Yzak could be considered something of a war hero where we're from. He's probably used to getting a... mostly positive reception.
[Until he opens his mouth and starts yelling. The newspapers and reports don't include that part.
He's not thrilled to confirm she was part of what he's heard about, and the looks Shinn had been casting in her direction back then makes more sense in retrospect. To hear that she was also part of the group abducted... well, that adds context. Things are always far more complex than it ever is at the first telling.]
no subject
She apparently doesn't think much of Yzak at the moment either considering she scoffs at the attempt to defend him. ]
War hero? Someone that ashamed of their battles? Don't make me laugh.
[ Kaga has Strong Opinions on how a warrior should be and part of that includes being proud of the amount of enemies they've defeated or killed.
With a sigh she holds her normal hand out at her side and uh... well, drops a ball of blue fire onto where they stand. It starts burning quite merrily, growing in size till it's about as long as an animal. The fire is warm but not nearly as hot as it should be.
Sorry about setting your robot's hand on fire Ahtrun, there's a reason! She seems very unbothered by what she's doing. ]
Although... it was a pretty positive reception, no wonder he was duped. Even after the kidnappings the fanatics dotted on us right up until they started the sacrifices.
no subject
Athrun looks somewhat uncomfortable. He's definitely not the one calling any of them war heroes.]
I meant, that's the public perception. People love heroes, and mobile suit pilots are front-facing enough to get the title whether they want or earn them or not. I doubt he appreciates it either.
[Shame isn't something Yzak shows openly, but he does know there's plenty of what they did in the war(s) that all of them are no longer proud of, if they ever truly were.
Also, he's watching that fire? The hell is she doing to Z'Gok? He'd be concerned if it wasn't ridiculously fireproof, and it doesn't look more intense than atmospheric entry heat.]
no subject
[ Judging by her tone this is not a sentiment she shares. If Yzak is half as uncomfortable with this war hero business as Athrun seems to be, well, she gets it. Being lauded as something you're not is just... weird and unpleasant.
For a moment she turns her attention to the fire.]
Kiko, come along. Time to hunt.
[ The fire raises upwards until it's about level with Kaga's waist, then resolves into the shape of a fox before solidifying. Standing where the fire was is Kaga's ever loyal familiar Kiko, a pure white nine-tails, currently the size of a large wolfhound. Kiko pretty much instantly pushes her head against Kaga's hand, who obliges her with some scratches behind the ears. ]
I've been curious, actually. What's your battle record like?
[ Said casually as if that wasn't the cause of a huge fight with Yzak... at least she's worded it more diplomatically than "how many people have you killed", that's good right? ]
no subject
As for her question, it's definitely more diplomatic. But he also doesn't care about that sort of thing, so it's met with a shrug. Discomfort on the war hero business is a given, and he'd found himself an alias in Orb for multiple reasons, one being wanting to avoid the praise, the other also that people would almost certainly want to kill him. It's hard to be bodyguard for Cagalli if he's got a target on his own back. ...These days it's a moot point, though. Everyone who matters knows who he is, for better or worse.]
I don't keep count. I've been a soldier and mobile suit pilot for roughly five years now, and my mission success rate is strong.
[That part's more important in his mind anyway.]
no subject
Kaga meanwhile looks... well, disappointed. Her inherent memory of the people who called themselves pilots is of an era that was the tail end of the Knights of the Sky mindset. Proper old timey warrior nonsense of kill counting and pride in how good one is at ending others' lives. The fact that the mobile suit pilots continue to not be like that is frustrating.
What's more frustrating is she likes them all too much to stay mad about it. ]
Well... that's not nothing. At least you should be able to keep up.
[ She shrugs and casually steps off of the mobile suit, going right back to floating in the air rather than falling to the ground. ]
Shall we get underway?
no subject
A-anyway, she's correct. They have a mission to get on with.]
Right, let's move. There are reports of strange beasts west of here, too close to the city for comfort. We should check out the area and ensure it's clear.
[Or fight mutated monsters, what-have-you. Onward! Z'Gok starts stomping its way out of town with all the subtlety of, well. A thirty-foot mecha.]
no subject
And kill anything we find along the way. Understood.
[ Oh well, no sense grousing over it. She launches two more jets off in opposite directions of the way Z'Gok's moving, floating off after it and deciding to just kinda. Perch herself on the mobile suit's shoulder. She may as well! It'll let her concentrate on her planes. Kiko meanwhile keeps pace off to the side. ]