TRAVEL LOG #5

[synfluxmods]

TRAVEL LOG #5

CONTENT WARNINGS: death, nightmares, gun violence, survival scenario

▶ 001. EYES WIDE OPEN.

"Angels of Lilith, report for duty in the DISPATCH."

The day starts off with alarms blaring and oculars shining bright lights in the Outsiders' heads, waking them up early for an emergency dispatch. Although the current Rift at Mt. Fuji needs to be explored and examined, the Rifts continue to appear in different parts of the world, and this Rift is no different. Captain Yamakawa continues,

"We have received a distress call from EGYPT. Much of the region fell during the first kaiju crisis. Now it is a desolate land that survives with the help of a generator called an ESSENCE which is currently malfunctioning. We assume the cause is Rift energy—according to our radar, there is a heavy amount of Rift energy coming from that area. We will move out immediately. Pack all the things you may need, but each Outsider will be supplied with a care package of their own containing essentials."

Even though it is 4:00 AM Tokyo time, LILITH hopes you all have slept well. It could be the very last good sleep in awhile. While the dataportal to Egypt is operational on Japan's end, because of the malfunctioning generator, Outsiders are unable to come out on the other side. The old method of using the flying cruiser will be used once again.

There will not be assigned seating for this other than by teams. Everlights will sit with Everlights, Brimstones with Brimstones, and so on. The Outsiders will be encouraged to rest on the flight, and a few hours before landing, an in-flight meal will be provided. The meal is surprisingly delicious and consists of chicken or pork katsu cutlet, but with the warning that all Outsiders will know about: it contains high amount of cyber caffeine. This sort of newly innovative caffeine can keep Outsiders awake for several days, but sometimes it may cause restlessness or hyperactivity, causing characters to have a jittery amount of energy but razor sharp focus. Other times, it simply keeps characters awake and they feel no different. The cutlet will be served with KAIJU™ Energy Drink. Any Outsiders that require a different diet will be provided with what they need, and the cyber caffeine will be added to it if they would like.

Yamakawa gives instructions again:

"We have received more information about the kaiju. Civilians have died in their sleep from horrible nightmares, and we are encouraging Outsiders to sleep together in pairs or groups, or disregard sleeping at all until we obtain more information. We are still receiving facts about this monster, but this meal will help with keeping everyone awake as a safety measure."

Those who do not want to have the highly caffeinated meal can have everyone's favorite: a ration bar that isn't spiked with any energy, but it doesn't taste good at all. Outsiders may be more likely to fall asleep and be in danger by choosing this meal. The balance of a dystopian society.

▶ 002. ARRIVAL IN EGYPT.

When they finally arrive, the air is temperate and dry in Alexandria. The Outsiders might have to check their clocks once more to make sure everything is right; everyone is expected to land in the late afternoon and every clock says it should be close to evening, but the city is already growing dark with the sun setting quite early. Because of the ESSENCE disruption, Alexandria is running on back up energy, which makes for spotty lighting and loss of basic power.

LILITH will be greeted by a small group of researchers at the airport and they will help take the Outsiders to their base: the Alexandria Institute which was once the University of Alexandria. They will give the Outsiders a quick run down of the situation and some background.

1. LILITH does not have a strong defense branch in the region any more. Instead, the branch here seems more focused on research, especially on the origin of kaiju and rifts.
2. This region is extremely prone to spontaneous Rifts. Many of them are small and pass quickly but this most recent one is unprecedented.
3. One evening, in the final week of March, the Alexandria Institute received a corrupt file from their fellow researchers in Greece. It shut down much of their research facility (including their warp portal) and all they have been able to recover so far are the words, "Do Not Go To Sleep."
4. The next morning, they awoke to find the sun rising later and setting earlier. It feels like the days are getting significantly shorter.
5. Many locals developed a fear of the dark and going to sleep. They would then die in their sleep within the next few days.
6. The autopsy of these victims have shown no cause of death, puzzling coroners.

Progress has been slow because the corrupt file shut down many of their facilities. They have not been able to track the source of the Rift or identify the kaiju responsible for it. They believe the answers may be within the corrupt file and will be happy to receive any help they can get from the Outsiders.

When they arrive at the Institute, Outsiders will be set up in the old student dormitories. Each room has 2-4 beds depending on the room, with a common shared area on each floor. Given the current threat, there is also a supply of energy drinks and bars boosted with cyber caffeine. Outsiders have two options:

1. OPTION ONE: Stay in Alexandria and help the researchers with the generators, while keeping themselves and teammates awake during the night by playing games.
2. OPTION TWO: Go out into the Egyptian desert on camel-back, spending time getting to know their camel before heading out.

OOC NOTE: While players may write prompts for both options, we ask that you submit for a clue only once per player (not per character, as we have a lot of characters in game now!)

▶ 003. LEARN & EXPLORE. (ALEXANDRIA RESEARCH.)

Times are hard in Alexandria right now with their generators malfunctioning and efforts being split. The researchers are trying to get the generators back up and uncorrupt the data they received from Greece. LILITH will instruct the Outsiders to help with the research but also warn that they cannot afford to just sit around and wait to crack codes. The researchers also agree. Sometimes the best way to get research data is to go out into the field, but they haven't been able to do it due to not having much protection. The desert is vast, and there have been sightings of other small kaiju lurking beneath the sand and in some smaller cities.

Outsiders can decide to stay in the city of Alexandria to help crack the codes, or they can opt to go out into the field. For the latter, they can choose to stay close to home and investigate within Alexandria.

Those who wish to help with the ESSENCE generators and researchers will stay in Alexandria, using any downtime when not investigating to try and stay awake, slumber-party style. Two Truths and a Lie? Maybe Spin The Bottle? Perhaps some games can keep Outsiders enticed so they don't doze off.

▶ 004. FEELING SANDY (DESERT EXPLORATION.)

For those who wish to explore the desert and smaller cities, Alexandria Institute will supply what they need, such as water, food, essential tools for digging, sleeping bags (no sleeping, but maybe for resting!) and anything else. To conserve energy, the researchers supply camels for the Outsiders to use. The camels are mostly tame, but have their own distinct personalities, so they may need a little more handling and can be coaxed to behave with treats like artificial carrots and bananas. Outsiders can spend time getting to know their camel if they are going to explore the desert or cities. A camel can seat two people on its back comfortably, but also carry any essentials that travelers need to bring along.

In the distant small cities and across the desert, Outsiders will come across Sand Crocodiles, one of the smaller kaiju that have been inhabiting the desert. These monsters are basically crocodiles but with a twist: they can spit fire if angered and they can camouflage in the sand. They hide strategically, and one wrong step will cause them to push their jaws out of the ground, harming a person or camel. The stubby quills along their backs or rounds of their horns aren't entirely covered while hiding, so watch carefully. Fortunately, Outsiders will be supplied with a shotgun. Aiming between the eyes or in the mouth will kill it, but also beating it with the back of the shotgun will also do the trick. And yes, they also taste like crocodile too, if anyone is hungry.

After exploring, Outsiders are requested to report their findings back in Alexandria.

▶ 005. AFTERWORD.

Welcome to our fourth travel log!

Welcome to the new and improved Travel Log! Below, you will see the link to the MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET post that has information about the kaiju below along with RIFT EFFECTS. Fill out the form for RNG Attacks and whether you would like to receive a RIFT EFFECT. This should give characters some ideas for the status of their character in the next log, which will have more action and monsters in it. Outsiders may use the CHAT to report and discuss any findings.

We thank you in advance for your patience as we try out this new format!

All tags on this log are worth 2 points and will count towards April AC.

EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)

1. EYES WIDE OPEN: Outsiders travel to Egypt after receiving reports of their power generator, ESSENCE, being unstable and malfunctioning, leaving citizens in peril. They are instructed to "stay awake." They are supplied cyberpunk caffeine and told to try not to sleep or stay in pairs to be watchful of any danger.

2. ARRIVING IN EGYPT: Arriving in Alexandria, the Outsiders are confirmed that citizens have been dying in their sleep, with coroners unable to determine the cause. The days are mysteriously getting shorter and people are unable to stay awake.

3. LEARN & EXPLORE: Outsiders are given options to stay in Alexandria to help with the generator or find clues to assist the research team. Between researching, they are asked to continue to stay awake by any means possible. Those who will be exploring the desert and smaller cities for clues are given a camel for transportation. Outsiders are encouraged to get to know their camel before traveling.

4. FEELING SANDY: While looking for any clues out in the desert, Outsiders encounter smaller kaiju known as Sand Crocodiles. They hide in the sand and attack at the opportune time, snapping jaws and spitting fire. Shooting them between the eyes or in the mouth will K.O. them.

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Comments

[photosympathies]

I don't know. ( Apologetic, and a little self-flagellating. ) Rem didn't tell us much when we were on the ships. I knew humanity was going to a different planet and that the Earth was a no-go. She told us all about the one we were bound for. But then after the crash ... I wasn't really in a position to help out, you know? Nobody wants a weird kid hanging around, especially when they're clearly not human.

( He doesn't blame Brad and Luida for keeping him pretty much imprisoned. He understands their fear. He was an Independent, and that was strange in itself. There wasn't a lot else they could do. )

If they knew anything in those early days they didn't tell me. And then by the time I started travelling alone the settlements were already springing up. I think there's a general consensus that there might be other people out there? But nobody's wasting time waiting.

[photosympathies]

I try to avoid those kinds of people.

[likemybooks]

[There's a thrill in seeing someone react positively to his flirting, even if it's not Taryon's typical method of flattery. The brief spark of excitement is gone when the reality of this pleasant evening comes to mind: this isn't for himself. He must go for the first easy mark no matter whether they please him or not. They will disappear, and your master will take them away from you.

Master. That's the person who turned Astarion into a vampire. The one responsible for the scars on his back, but not the only one responsible for hurting you. You will be hurt tonight, too. Taryon shudders at the weight of one bad sexual experience compounded by hundreds more, and he wonders why Astarion doesn't feel more sick about this all.

He doesn't want to focus on whatever this one focuses on. He sees a man, and he doesn't want to witness a private moment of suffering.

But the memory continues.]

[nutkick]

[ bakugou could retire from being a hero, choose another career path that didn't involve him throwing hands with criminals, maybe start a family and settle in, or travel to another country for a new experience— but denji didn't have that luxury. he didn't have the freedom to choose, to run away, to decide he didn't want to fight anymore, or even live a normal life. as long as he shares a body with pochita, it's unlikely he would ever find peace. bakugou can argue that's not true, and the half-devil will believe him, but that won't change his reality. which is fine. denji has decided long ago not to burden anyone with it; he will focus on his temporary life here, feed on it, enjoy it, fill his heart with memories that he knew won't return home with him. his story is hopeless, meaningless grief that no one could protect him from, he lost hope in it — with that said, he wants nothing more than to hear everything about bakugou's life, the good and the bad. at times he wanted to force it out of him, frustrated to miss out on so much, yet he didn't know how to say it without coming off as childish. maybe when they slip into their old routine and things calm down, he will talk to him about it. maybe instead of waiting for the right moment, denji should create it ... a thought to consider.

as for his current thoughts, they're nothing more than pleasurable sins. they are corrupted because he's having an intense boner over watching the person he loves flex the same scars that almost killed him. he just watched it happen, he could feel bakugou's agony, he could see all the blood loss, the screams of his fellow teammates and teachers— he'd seen it all a few fucking minutes ago. just a few minutes ago! and now all he ever wants to do is pin the other boy down and smother his tongue all over the rough texture of those marks, starved for a taste. how can he even explain this to anyone without getting judged over it? impossible. it didn't even end there, bakugou had to push him further to the edge as he started fondling with his cock, teasing him with his fingers and pressing down on him; muting the tiny voice of reason that waved the red flag in a warning.

it will hurt, he says, and it was music to his ears. a third fingertip pushed at his rim, but there was resistance that denji didn't try to force, just kept fucking the other with his two fingers. ] Damn ... I kinda feel like a weakling for making you prep me so much during my first time. [ his smirk widens a bit. and now, with every thrust, that third finger tested him, tested if he could try to squeeze inside until at last, it did, up to the first knuckle, where it and the other two fingers stopped. it was insanely tight that denji knew if he acted stupid, it wouldn't be the 'good' type of pain. with that, he slowed down, face heating up, watching bakugou dominate his view, feeling himself sinking lower into the thin mattress, heart pounding inside his chest. still going in slow, but it failed to translate to gentle, he wiggles the third one deeper. he tilted his head forward ever so slightly as his jaw unhinged farther; the saliva glistened along his teeth, thin strands trailing and snapping as his mouth widened like a predator preparing to devour. he didn't reach for bakugou's lip, instead he brushed his tongue along his open throat, feeling his heartbeats pulsing and flooding his senses. denji's eyes fluttered half-closed in bliss. ] Okay, fuck it ... I want you right now.

[curingidiocy]

So long as you don't create problems where there were none, I see no issue keeping an eye out for things that need to be fixed.

[ Ratio is like that too, so he understands. ]

Regular checkups are essential to maintain good health. I welcome your scrutiny.

[ A semblance of something more mundane and routine would do wonders to make him feel better, in honesty. And he's certain that his immune system has weakened due to the stress of his life here, which is far different from what he used to know.

Ratio looks out the window at the village, already noting the claw marks evident on some of the buildings. ]

So this was one of the villages that were attacked...

[copy]

[ Yuta's smile widens a fraction and his fingers curl in a light grasp when his hand is taken, hold gentle and easy to escape, mindful of that cautious hesitance Harumasa's been displaying. Unseen and unfelt, his first pulse of energy is a quick sweep to take stock of Harumasa's condition as he replies with sincere curiosity. ]

Sure, if you don't mind reciting it. It sounds interesting.

[ What he senses is... concerning. It suddenly brings into stark clarity their first meeting at the convention and it has Yuta's heart plummeting. It is not something he thinks he can fix with reverse cursed technique. It works miracles when applied fast enough after receiving any kind of damage in battle, but this? It's beyond his scope and it leaves him feeling frustratingly helpless. It also makes him (even more) angry at LILITH. As much as he hates it with every fiber of his being, Yuta can understand why they brought the likes of Sukuna over. The King of Curses is impossibly strong. But for them to bring someone over who is sick and deserves better than to be forced to fight in such a condition? It's unacceptable.

He's careful not to let those emotions bleed through too much; the slight narrowing of his eyes and the tauter pull of his mouth easily mistaken for concentration as he sets to work channeling positive energy into Harumasa. He targets and heals his brain of the fatigue first, providing that promised energy boost and feeling of having had a good night's rest, rejuvenating and refreshing. Next he just pours the positive energy into easing whatever symptoms he can and if that means dipping into his cursed energy reserve a little more than intended, he considers it worth it. ]

[egraegis]

[Does Kiko like and/or accept pets? Because if so, he'll give her some scritches.

The fact that Kaga doesn't immediately yell at him to piss off or throw a bottle at him is enough of an acceptance of his presence that he stays, quiet for a moment. Yeah...]

Knowing what I know, and seeing what I've seen now... agreed. [A beat, and then, more quietly,] It was difficult to grasp the scale of it, before.

[curingidiocy]

I leave it to you to figure out.

[ He's not telling. ]

[egraegis]

[ Athrun rubs at his forehead. Is there really no escaping this...]

...I'm not. I'm just trying to take this seriously, and making sure we're all doing the same. [He pauses, then adds wearily,] And I'm tired.

[It's just! How he sounds!]

[lostdestiny]

I traded everything that guy had to drink, [ he says, waving away her concern with a semi-sequitur. ] The guys in the desert wanted water to splash away kaiju. Or some other kind of monster that hangs out out there.

[blastedass]

Don't apologize for not knowing.

[Vash couldn't know everything about his world. People were people. People are unpredictable and stupid at the best of times. It sounded like a lot of those with more knowledge about the ships, piloting them, fueling them, moving them, weren't around anymore. He scowls at the idea of people not wanting Vash around, because he was a plant, thinking he was weird when he was simply looking for help. To help.]

Tch. Bastards.

[As a hero, he wants to try and save everyone. But as a human, it's hard not to think those assholes will have had it coming once they're nothing more than sun-bleached skeletons and Vash remains wandering the planet for a while longer.]

The planet was populated before your crash?

[zauneyete]

He's a god, does that sound like the sort of thing a god would like?

[ A tip of his head, and a curl of his lip. If anything will convince Vash that Silco isn't to be trifled with... ]

Do you know how I obtained his favor?

I killed his sibling. [ Silco stop bragging about killing a god for FIVE MINUTES ] Though his favor often comes with...complications. He is not an easy god.

[zauneyete]

Oh? And are you at that height now?

[ Hey, it does sound cool, he'll give her that, but still... ]

How did you do it? Merely thinking about it?

[lionize]

That's not what I'm saying. [She knows he knows that, but she still feels the need to clarify for some reason. Exhaling through her nose, she continues.] Just, you seem more comfortable with this for some reason. It's frustrating.

[For her. Cagalli is a little frustrated with herself. Still, it's not his fault or on him to make it easier. Is that even possible? Maybe it's like jumping into a pool to get used to the water quickly. Exposure therapy.]

No signal, go ahead. I trust you with the timing.

[Obviously no overt public displays, neither of them are the type. When they're like this. Or when no one else is watching. Asking her each time or waiting for her to understand might kill the mood. And it just makes her feel a little silly.]

Now's fine.

[30storieshigh]

[ With her returning the gesture not only does his purring get louder but Godzilla's spines start to glow pink. Rather than the intense flash of his threat displays it's a gentle, slow pulse of light that synchs up with his breathing. ]

"Sounds good", yes. Very good. Perhaps we shall... make an ending of the week of it? The teleportation technology is oft unpleasant, usage of your covered motorized vehicle to make a journey of it might prove enjoyable of an aspect.

[photosympathies]

By the Toma and the worms, sure. But nothing human. Well, whatever Zazie the Beast is, but I don't think they're that.

( A question for other people, but they're not around for Vash to ask. )

Sometimes I think that's why the planet is so hostile. We shouldn't even be there, you know? Humans or plants.

[photosympathies]

You -.

( You know what? Dead sibling makes total sense. Maybe that's why Tezcatlipoca is the way that he is ( and if it's not, then what does Vash know? ) Still, his gaze turns ever so slightly more cautious, eyeing Silco up anew. )

Wait. You said favour. He was happy you killed his sibling?

[misclassed]

[ He'd meant it half as a joke, not expecting a real opportunity, but the possibility of working is never a joke.

Silco has an air of a man with blood on his hands and his karma, but he talks like a businessman. A shady one, maybe, but a fellow who deals in the movement of goods, of a sort. Muramasa may not have the man's full measure, but its an opportunity, right? Strike while the iron is hot. He turns away from the window to look at Silco fully, and stuffs his hands deep into the pockets of his jacket, looking more like a delinquent skipping class than a famous master swordsmith. ]

Oh, do you now? Not many people got a use for a sword's intended purpose these days who can't make do with something cheaper than a master's work. Your... acquaintances? I imagine they fancy themselves collectors.

[ To say nothing of the fact that such frivolities, a weapon to just be admired for it's artistic value rather than the efficacy and cost, has a high level of skill needed for production... How many real swordsmiths are left in the world, these days, with the population obliterated? None at his level, certainly. ]

I'm going to be forging blades regardless, but it'd be nice to have someone pay me for it.

[ Before leaving, he'd started tallying up the things he needs to make swords with abandon like he'd like; material is the worst of the bunch, followed by fuel. Money solves those problems easier than wasting labor on something other than forge time. ]

[hachikai]

This ocular system does all the tedious work of a phone's keyboard for me. It's simpler now than it was even then.

[blastedass]

So whose general consensus thinks other people are out there?

[Vash mentioned other people, hence the question. If it's just animals, he can see that. Zazie excluded.]

Duh. It wasn't the planet you were supposed to land on.

[Vash made that clear.]

[blastedass]

Had trouble trying to text with those claws?

[hachikai]

You believe I would have a plethora of correspondence on a cellular device?

[blastedass]

So "yes".

[hachikai]

I do not understand the enjoyment of asking questions you already know the answers to.

[blastedass]

[*click clack click* ... "how vexing!" is that close to how it happened?]

Who doesn't like getting confirmation they're right?