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

[byoukyu]

(Not the bucket of cold water... it's super effective. He starts to yell,)

It wasn't me--

(And then he lets out a loud, dramatic yell. He grips the edge of his seat and sort of just lays back there, sopping wet, dripping from head to toe, and staring up at Ereshkigal with wide, confused eyes,)

I'm awake...! (And then the cold sets in,) D-did you just...?

(Throw water at him?)

How much did you throw?

wildcard!

[copy]

[ Yuta wouldn't exactly say he's thriving on this mission, but his already messed up sleep schedule comes in handy now when he's plenty used to getting only a scarce few hours of sleep at night. The deep bruises under his eyes are permanent fixtures either way, it matters little that he's continuing the bad habit here. It makes it easy then to take up the self-assigned task of looking after the people who are less fortunate (or rather, unfortunate) and make sure they stay awake. A little boost of RCT to refresh people's brains does wonders and is a far healthier alternative than the caffeine.

If it comes at the cost of draining himself faster... well, it's fine. He's always got Rika as a second reserve to fall back on if he ends up depleting his cursed energy too much.

He's making the rounds late at night, walking about the institute in search of those who need a little helping hand in whatever way — be it some grounding company, a gentle shake to wake them, or the particular boost he can provide — when he spots the blond mop of hair tilted in a way that seems to be erring on the side of getting too restful. ]

Hello, do you need an energy boost?

[ Apologies for the sudden appearance and also his awful aura, Vash. ]

[queenofkur]

I think that's the problem...
Well it's not just your problem
Many people here exhibit the same behavior.
But it's more predominant in you.

You say you'll try your best to not put others in dangers,
And so that we won't worry.
But what about you?

It's a good thing you care so much for everyone.
But you should care about yourself more.
Sometimes you should try thinking:

"What is best for me?"

And not

"What is best for everyone else?"

It's difficult to accept such selfish thoughts when we've spent our lives working for others...
However, it is also necessary.
It is something I have had to come to terms with.
Because sooner or later, if you're never selfish.
Well, something really bad will happen.
And it will undo all the good you did.

Ironically, being selfish and caring for yourself
Is sometimes the best thing to do,
If you want to help everyone else.

[queenofkur]

The first step to beating it is staying alive.
Personally I would advocate for evacuating the civilian population entirely...
But it appears to be impossible (╥_╥)

[queenofkur]

Weirder things have happened ┐(￣ヘ￣;)┌

[ The Fate/ world is better not spoken about. ]

[byoukyu]

(The computer is dark and there doesn't seem to be a mouse but he'll know to touch the screen. As soon as his finger tips touch it, the screen lights up. A series of dots arranged in a grid pattern appears and Jinwoo will be struck with a series of short, quick memories as "he" recalls how to enter the computer.

— Jinwoo gasps, his breaths short as he struggles to breathe in bed. A man with a yellow headband tends to him, placing a breathing mask over Jinwoo's face. "Take it easy," He advises, eyes filled with concern, "Slow breaths." Behind him, a woman in a lab coat frowns at the screen and taps at the desk, irritated. "This won't do," She mutters, her voice detached and pointed, "We still need more results. Increase the tests."

— A woman in a lab coat taps at the screen, a series of numbers and graphs scrolling quickly as she searches for a certain result. "Everything is looking great so far. Aren't you happy?" Despite her pleased tone, she doesn't look back at him. Instead, her eyes are fixed on the screen, a wide smile on her face as she continues to study the results. He may get the feeling she cares more about the data than the patient. "We'll continue your treatment tomorrow, o~kay~?" Something about that question makes Jinwoo very aware of a sharp pain in the back of his neck.

Each time, the woman traces a pattern on the screen that Jinwoo has committed to his memory so he knows to trace a complicated pattern across the screen. The screen lights up and reveals a treatment plan and checklist.)

Patient: Asaba Harumasa
Birthdate: 19 July
Age: 7
Diagnosis: Ether Aptitude Regression Syndrome
Stage: 1

(The rest of the data is difficult to parse. White blood cell counts, vitamins, platelets, numbers going up and down, with the most recent series of numbers being mostly in red save for a few results in green.)

Harumasa? What are you doing?

(Without Jinwoo realizing it, a man with a yellow headband entered the room. The man looks at "Jinwoo" and then at the screen. His brow furrow and he frowns, his voice filled with concern,)

Did a nurse leave the computer on?

[photosympathies]

Not the camel part! The whole sand part. It's hot out there, if you need to rest you should tell me. Don't just push through. You know how many skeletons there are in the desert just because people kept forging on? Too many!

( He's allowed to be protective too.

He doesn't think the camel is much different from a Toma, so he doesn't really see the need to practice. It makes sense for Bakugo to steer too, because as much skill as Vash has, he has the sense that his friend likes to be productive. So he's just going to do a last check of things, petting their steed as he passes to make sure everything's shipshape and secure. )

Okay, we ready?

( If yes he'll just clamour up to join Bakugo too. )

[queenofkur]

[ Aha! Exactly the reaction she'd hoped for. Is she... Sparkling? Yes yes, she is. There's no explaining it, it's best accepted as a fact of life. Thank you for the positive reinforcement, she's going to do that to more people now.

But onto the important thing: his misunderstanding as to what being a goddess of death means. ]

Well, death is what gives life meaning.

[ There can be no life worth living unless death awaits at the end. That much she truly believes. Everything that exists must end someday. ]

However, that does not mean humans should precipitate it. Pushing back against death and is what drives human evolution. [Something that used to confuse her and bring her pain, and still does really. But she understands humans fighting death is part of their core identity... Even if she wishes they wouldn't hate her.] Ideally humans should accept death is inevitable, but still strive to live long and fulfilled lives.

[queenofkur]

[ Success! This goddess looks very happy with herself for what she just did, in spite of the look the man is giving her. ]

Enough that you would surely wake up.

[ And it worked! The means may be questionable, but the end results are absolute. Ehehe. Maaaaaybe she can allow herself an indulgence, just a small one. She's not been behaving like a goddess enough of late, so: ]

You should be grateful. You very well could be dead now had I not intervened.

[photosympathies]

A good balance! That's great, Ereshkigal! I'm glad. Everyone deserves to be able to let go and relax every now and again, right? And yeah, I guess I can't complain!

( He could. There are probably several reasons as to why a good grievance might suit him. But he's not really the type for it, and he's feeling fine now. Distractions on the plane are the way to go! Gotta thank Bakugo for clueing him in. )

How are you feeling about the mission? Have you ever been to Egypt before?

2

[copy]

[ Between not wanting to stress out the camels with his cursed presence and the large number of people already going out into the desert, Yuta's decided to remain with the researchers. He might get Rika to carry him out there later, but for now he's fine with making himself useful in Alexandria. Mostly that's split between helping out with the research — not entirely his forte when he's more of a combat strategist, but he's clever enough to make do — and making sure the researchers and their aid don't fall asleep. If the latter means he gets an excuse to approach a familiar face? All the better. ]

I think so? I have a way that will work faster and better for staying awake though.

[ If he were the type, this is where his smile would turn conspiratorial, but alas it's still a subdued, polite kind of beaming. Yuta doesn't seem too affected by all the sleep deprivation; it's almost like he's used to it. (He is.) ]

But you have to promise to still take a break, Kuzunoha-san.

[ Because it's important and it'll be bad for his eyes to keep staring at the same thing otherwise. ]

[photosympathies]

Hayah?

( The nonsensical noise comes fairly quickly upon Yuta's arrival, Vash's whole body jerking to attention. He'd been propped up in a corner of their new quarters, sitting on the floor with one knee pressed to his chest, aiming to chill for a few minutes to try and recharge without falling asleep. That - apparently - didn't seem to account for the fact that he was really fucking tired. His head bounces upwards, puppet like, gaze swivelling to the newcomer with guilty relief, all jerky, short movements. )

Uh. ( Hang on. ) Shoot, was I dozing? Wah.

( He's just going to push himself to his feet, boots squeaking as he levers himself up the wall, uncoordinated like a weird little bug, two fingers slipping under his glasses to rub at his eye. He used to be better at keeping himself going - but maybe that was before getting the chance for a little shuteye every night, maybe he's out of practice. )

I'm okay, I'm okay, no nightmare demons coming to get me. ( Shaking himself violently like a dog, and then Vash gives Yuta the brightest of smiles, seemingly over it just as suddenly. ) Hi.

💨💨💨

[gyve]

( Time slows for Kaladin leading up to the attack. Long enough to make a conscious, human choice. He could leave him, let nature take its course, and feel less burdened, but he doesn't. Silco may be a bad man, but that doesn't give Kaladin the right to decide how he's punished. That'll happen one day well beyond his reach, and he'll wonder even then how he feels about Silco's death.

Time flows again. He spends less than a second thinking and acting; then all Damnation breaks loose.

The crocodile crests the dune like a wave, its launching point sending it parallel with Silco's shoulder. Brutal jaws open wide to receive their meal, to slam shut, lock, and perform a death roll to rip the human's shoulder from his torso—but Kaladin beats them to it. A white-blue glow chills the area in a sudden, pressurized release of Stormlight. He streaks forward at the Light's epicentre, narrowly avoiding a collision with Silco. The sand ripples beneath their feet, shimmering outward from the impact of a short spear thrust perpendicularly into the crocodile's mouth. )

Didn't account for me, did you, you bastard?

( The Sylspear is imperceptibly bent by the force of the bite, which surprises Kaladin into slamming his boot down onto the crocodile's lower jaw. In response, something in its throat begins to click.

Uh-oh. )

Snap out of it, Silco! You want to die getting eaten by this oversized cremling?

[gyve]

Pretty much
But that's good Noctis
You're doing well you just need to keep it up

( praises him... It's gratifying to be listened to. Knowing that for now Noctis will be alright. )

Lightning was the one I was counting on though
I don't think the others would work
Ice
Maybe ice
Stormlight is cold inside me and when it's released
The fire definitely won't work

[gyve]

Sounds like Ratio is looking into that
It's risky
All we can do is hope the guy who volunteered can be woken before anything truly bad happens

@shash

[gyve]

Hey Ratio
As much as I hate this idea it seems necessary to figure out more so good thinking
Someone's going to fall asleep eventually
It's better if it's an organized event

I regret not being in the area to assist but I'm assuming you know CPR
Better yet we might've packed an AED
Can you check the dormitories

alexandria nights II

[copy]

[ Although arguably normal-adjacent (or at least fully normal once upon a time), as someone whose standard is only a measly few hours of sleep at night, Yuta is having an easier time with their current circumstances than most. If anything, the sleepless hours normally spend alone are now easier to bear when there's company around and Yuta's making sure to seek it out as he goes around helping others stay awake. Stumbling across Harumasa is a pleasant surprise, yet the joy of finding a familiar face is quick to falter when he notices that 1) Harumasa is asleep and 2) he's clearly already in the throes of a nightmare.

Normally Yuta is one to respect people's personal space and he knows there's the risk of being lashed out at when startling someone awake from a bad dream, but seeing as this is quite literally a matter of life and death, Yuta doesn't hesitate. There will be gentle yet insistent hands trying to shake Harumasa awake and a firm albeit slightly panic-laced voice calling out to him. ]

Harumasa-san! Harumasa-san!

[gyve]

Good
From what I hear from Tez you seem brave
So I'm glad to know you're standing up for yourself

( It's his fault for calling dibs on irreverent scum )

I didn't factor in your body being cold
You must be having a harder time than most then
How have you been taking care of yourself so far

[gorb]

( Death is what gives life meaning.

Something twitches over his expression then, a strange irritation, maybe. Or some untempered grief. He doesn't let it last for very long. Instead he pulls another lungful of smoke into his body, holds it steady. )

Long and fulfilled lives. I suppose some must manage it. ( Not the people he knows, not the ones he cares about. ) You're not how I imagined you.

( The sparkling, you know. )

1

[copy]

[ It's only the third time Yuta's ever flown on an aircraft and although the uneasy novelty hasn't worn off entirely, he's fortunate enough to be quite adaptable and not have a fear of flying. It might have been a different matter only little over a year ago, where he likely would have been a nervous wreck hyperventilating in his seat. Quite possibly it's that fact that has him taking notice of someone less lucky than he is. Even without an expressive face, the iron grip on the seat speaks volumes and he's immediately sympathetic.

In a bid to help in the form of offering a distraction, Yuta moves to take a seat closer to them. For all the immense cursed energy rolling off of him, his smile is gentle and his demeanor mild and polite. ]

Not a big fan of flying?

[byoukyu]

More like enough to drown me.

(He gets up from the now sopping wet couch and wipes at his face, pushing back his hair which just makes water fall down onto the floor in large drops.

While he takes care of himself, he looks Ereshkigal up and down. She seems so proud of herself...)

... Sure.

(He won't shoot her down completely but he's not exactly going to be singing praises.)

So... do you have a towel or something? Or am I supposed to die from the cold instead?

[the_fourteenth]

[It's good that someone is wording it all this way to him, rather than scolding him in the moment for his actions. At this point, it feels like his relationship with Ratio is forever broken. Choso had to rescue Raidou on the brink of death during a kaiju fight. He's an all too familiar face to the med bay doctors at LILITH HQ. Even Yuji was furious about Raidou attacking Sukuna so recklessly.]

I am willing to discard my individual will to protect the people.

That's the oath I took to become Kuzunoha Raidou XIV. The oath I'd been preparing for my entire life.

It's hard to make others understand this, just as it's difficult for me to not live up to my title. I may no longer be a summoner, but that fact about me doesn't change.

[It was no different back home. Narumi patching Raidou up once again after a violent battle, griping at him for always getting so injured. Nagi spurring herself on to work harder than ever, so that Raidou doesn't have to sacrifice so much of himself alone. Seimei extending a caring hand out to an exhausted Raidou, that he brushes away.]

My wants and needs were never factored in. My life was dedicated in being a shield for others, and a blade against those willing to harm them. Others here seem to think it's something I can just turn away from, or turn off. I am trying to take different approaches, to be more cognizant of my actions and how they affect others. Even if it doesn't seem like I am.

I appreciate your kind words and understand, Ereshkigal-san. I truly do.

[blastedass]

All the kaiju so far have been animal in nature. I doubt they'll take on the form of a human goddess.

[blastedass]

Haa? If I need to rest, I'll park the beast and sit in its shadow!

[That or find some shade. Vash'll be right there with him, so he's gonna have the same need to rest as Bakugo! Or so he thinks. Unless the kind of plant Vash takes after is a fucking cactus. (IMPOSSIBLE! Too soft for cactus.) He makes a face at the skeleton comment. Morbid, Vash...]

We're not gonna go too far. The institute is marked on our oculars. Even if the map fucks up, we'll have a tracker heading. [Follow the "compass" in their heads until they reach home base again. Still, he accepts Vash's concern and isn't planning to get himself in trouble. Or bring Vash into trouble either. As the gunman checks their supplies and tools, Bakugo checks in with the other Outsiders they're grouped with, then returns to his and Vash's mount.]

Yeah. We're heading east. [And jumps back onto the camel, letting Vash skitter on up behind him after.]

[byoukyu]

—not a monster...!

(His breath catches from surprise and grabs onto Yuta's wrist, his grip desperately tight despite still being asleep. However, grabbing onto something seems to be somewhat grounding.

He goes still.

Don't worry, he didn't die in his sleep, Yuta, because he's still breathing heavily and then... his eyes open wide. The first thing he sees is Yuta starting right down at him and it's like waking up from a nightmare and being faced with it in reality.)

H-hey... (Heavy breathing,) Don't... look at me like that.

(Really. Don't look at him like they did in his dreams.)