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𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚏𝚕𝚞𝚡 𝙼𝚘𝚍𝚜 ([personal profile] synfluxmods) wrote in [community profile] synflux2025-05-15 08:31 am

DOWNTIME MINGLE #8

DOWNTIME MINGLE #8


CONTENT WARNINGS: disease, epidemics, COVID-like illness, lockdowns

▶ 001. WINNER'S CIRCLE

In light of everyone's recent help with both the ocean exploration and the clinical trials, the Outsiders will return one day to a surprisingly well-decorated area within the mess hall at the Kyoto base. It's been adorned with some of the flowers that have wildly bloomed on the outskirts of the city in various areas, as well as those that the researchers had been personally working on fostering in the LILITH greenhouses. Beneath it will be not a pizza party for once, and charcuterie and other donated food items will be there for Outsiders to enjoy. There is even some recognizable cuisine from Egypt for them as well!
GOOD JOB:
FORGERY (K.O.)
AKATSUKI (600)
BANKERBOY (600)
Thanks to the Outsiders’ hard work, they are met with positive reception by the general public, which seems to have grown astronomically since the past two missions. This has only grown from their recent success abroad. Per usual, there are a few oddities that have caught on in the city.

While Neo Tokyo has always been noted as being a city of technology (even with their dwindling resources), a new trend of collecting swords has sparked in the city. Maybe they've seen it in certain Outsiders, but the idea of both collecting swords, displaying them, or even holding exhibitions for them have become more common. Some have even taken to hunting for them in the wild.

If any Outsiders are interested, there appears to be several posts online in which they think older blades may be laying in sleep. But, as with most rumors, there's no guarantee it isn't a wild goose chase.

On TV, the new spring line up is out. A new live action series featuring a group of friends who fight kaiju using mecha has made its debut. Their mecha are animal themed and can combine to create a super mecha. The new lead is a hot headed female character with a lion mecha, which spawns a line of action figures in stores across the city. The lion mecha is the most popular and often resold online for inflated prices. Maybe an Outsider can get their hands on one without paying the scalping fee?

Oftentimes when it comes to the Outsiders and the general masses, there's a distinct disconnect. Which is why it all seems to hinge on rumors and hearsay. Who knows where the information stems from, but they heard a certain Outsider has a liking for bread. There will be no shortage of bread sponsorships for the base, though... some may be far more experimental. However, some claim lab-grown bread may actually be tastier? Only one way to put it to the test. The lab-grown bread conveniently also comes in cans.

▶ 002. FROM SUMER WITH LOVE.

Around the same time, a few LILITH employees show signs of a common cold – nothing noteworthy at first really, if only out-of-season. But then the disease starts spreading at an alarming rate within the headquarters, its symptoms evolving from a mere cold to a severe life-threatening flu. Preliminary analysis reveals the disease to be unlike any known on this planet – perhaps this is why no medicines work. Symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, nausea, excessive vomiting and diarrhea, chills and high fever.

To make matters worse, news from LILITH locations around the world reveal all known bases to be afflicted by the same mysterious epidemic, only affecting LILITH staff and not Outsiders at this time. This cannot be a coincidence: LILITH is under attack.. but how is something like this possible?

As researchers race to try and understand the disease, LILITH will request everyone to quarantine themselves on base for the safety of the public. Gradually, the disease spreads across the base only for tests to reveal: the Outsiders are left unaffected.

As the month progresses, more and more of LILITH’s employees find themselves bedridden with the deadly disease until by the 30th of May, only Outsiders are left standing and healthy; all the LILITH crew has been affected. The civilian population outside the base is safe for now, but for how long? Unless something is done, it is estimated all humans working for LILITH will be dead by late June.

"Greetings, my children. Worry not. I come here to report some concerning news: both Captain Yamakawa and Commander Shiro have fallen gravely ill. Since I am an A.I assistant, my health is optimal. Seok Dang has also fallen ill, though he is still in denial of it. I will do my best to take care of each and every one of— "


"BULLSHIT!! This is nothing! I've had hangovers worse than this, you hear me? Calm your terabyte-tits, bitch. I'm here. There ain't nothin' that is gonna stop me, in fact, with the higher ups feelin' like shit, that would put me in command, right? W-Wait, hold that thought, I.. feel like I'm gonna throw up."


Seok Dang tried to stay on the line, but all that was heard was gut-wretching vomiting, to which SYNTHIA promptly cuts his connection. Sorry about that.

It is up to the Outsiders to find the source of the disease and resolve the crisis before all hope is lost. Is this somehow related to those Outsiders who recently disappeared? Wait, aren’t there a few Outsiders here who have seen this flu before and can recognize it…?

▶ 003. LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCKDOWN.

While everyone is quarantined on base, they are encouraged to communicate with each other through the network. During this time, they can do research, share ideas, and try to figure out what is happening as the disease spreads across base and around the world.

While they are in lock down, LILITH encourages the Outsiders to pick up some new hobbies and interests to keep themselves active. They will have access to various workout videos. Some of the videos are hosted by cyborg coaches that expect Outsiders to do things with their bodies that probably aren't physically possible. Other Outsiders might get simple ovens and jars of suspicious "starters" to bake. Of course, there are other hobbies like growing miniature artificial plants, board games, virtual reality games, and more to keep them interested while they're trapped inside!

After about a week, when it becomes obvious the Outsiders are unaffected, they will be allowed to leave their rooms and roam freely to assist. LILITH does not understand why they are not affected but they are depending on the Outsiders for help now more than ever.

Though they are free to wander and seem to be immune for the time being, LILITH warns if they experience any cold-like symptoms, they should report their status and quarantine immediately.

▶ 004. AFTERWORD + SPECIAL NOTE.

Welcome to May's downtime mingle! All tags on this log are worth 2 points.

The June Event is a player plot that is going to differ from regular events in a few ways: Outsiders have to find the location for the next Kaiju fight on their own using hints given in the From Sumer With Love prompt, and correlating them with the past and ongoing disappearance of various Outsiders. They can use LILITH’s equipment to look for anomalies across the globe, however there is not enough time to scan or contact every region in the world. Outsiders need to guess where the anomaly likely is before they can get confirmation. There is a PLOTTING post for this event over here.

Furthermore, they will have to reach this destination through their own means as there is no LILITH staff left to fly them there. Vehicles can be requisitioned, but will have to be flown by Outsiders on their own. This also means Outsiders are free to stay behind at the base if they prefer, as nobody will force them to go. Pain-relieving medicines can also be developed if the true nature of the disease is found and the appropriate characters work on it, though nothing short of defeating the anomaly will solve this crisis and save everyone.

Last but not least: this event will have two Kaiju battles, one on each log as well as many different challenges the Outsiders will have to solve on their own if they want to save LILITH and bring home their missing friends! Please use this thread to ask questions and offer your proposals as to what the Outsiders should do (location guessing, transport, etc). Proposals made in this thread will affect the first and second prompts of the first log.


EVENT BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. WINNER'S CIRCLE: The heavy hitters/KO winners of the last kaiju fight receive their sponsorships and inspire new trends, including an interest in collecting swords, a new live action series (like Power Rangers), and free bread.

2. FROM SUMER WITH LOVE: A mysterious disease spreads across LILITH's bases. The symptoms are like the common cold/flu but much more severe. There is currently no cure. Outsiders seem to be immune to the disease. After quarantining, they are encouraged to investigate and come up with plans for the battle to come.

3. LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCKDOWN: While on lockdown, Outsiders are encouraged to try some new hobbies. They can also communicate through the network and do research to uncover additional clues and come up with more plans.
the_fourteenth: (047)

@kuzunoha14

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-05-15 10:28 pm (UTC)(link)
Thank you for your insights. This is incredibly helpful.

Is that what this is then? Kur? This is the only image a drone was able to get us from the rift.

Do we have a way to get there? I have experience traversing dimensions, but I don't know if I have enough power to transport many people. I'm willing to try, even if I don't expect it to work.

I am also experienced with fighting demons, and can exorcise them. I carry the sword of my clan that acts as my tool for those rituals as well. I have fought several existential-level demonic threats before coming here.

However, even attempting the spell will exhaust me. I know it will.
[Even possibly kill him! But let's not talk about that.] So either I can try the spell, or I can come on the journey, if one is possible another way.
lostdestiny: (pic#17379365)

@justish

[personal profile] lostdestiny 2025-05-15 11:21 pm (UTC)(link)
That's not what Kaga saw when she sent a drone into the Mount Fuji Rift
lostdestiny: (neutral - more sunset icons)

[personal profile] lostdestiny 2025-05-16 01:05 am (UTC)(link)
Two months ago

She saw trees, maybe maples
the_fourteenth: (068)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-05-16 01:08 am (UTC)(link)
Dimensional portals are often unstable, from my experience. Even if that one has been continually opened, I'm not surprised to find out that, after what's happened, it's now leading somewhere else. It might change frequently.
lostdestiny: (? - she's just a kid)

[personal profile] lostdestiny 2025-05-16 01:45 am (UTC)(link)
Maybe

Or maybe this Underworld place got disconnected from the place kaiju come from
fursuit: (① xochiocotzonamacac.)

[personal profile] fursuit 2025-05-16 12:07 am (UTC)(link)
not the best picture but yeah. that looks about right. luckily got a little peek into her memories with our last kaiju and saw what "home" looked like for her.

[ it was also very sad and pathetic, but. ]

if that's what's on the other side of the rift, easy question that comes to mind is has anyone just tried going through those? might be a one way trip sure. but to be honest with you that's going to the underworld in general. kind of the whole point is that you don't leave.
the_fourteenth: (131)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-05-16 01:03 am (UTC)(link)
I'm honestly amazed that we got any images back at all, and that you were able to recognize it.

We could try the rift, but it's dangerous for so many reasons. We don't know what it's like once in there, if we can control where we go, if we'll even survive entry. Inevitably, it's probably the only way, but I think we need to consider all options first.

My offer stands.
fursuit: (① pōctli.)

[personal profile] fursuit 2025-05-16 03:04 pm (UTC)(link)
yeah fair enough. see this is when I miss the azteca methods of discovery. have a warrior from a battle they've lost, toss them in the portal, bam, you got plenty of information about how fatal it is.

but whatever. assuming we don't get a better way? I'll take you up on the offer at least.

making a long story short, my job title means that I've got a responsibility to quell Beasts once they start causing problems.
the_fourteenth: (078)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-05-16 04:03 pm (UTC)(link)
[No comment on the Aztec way of doing things. Damn.]

My job title back home also means it's my responsibility to defeat any demonic threats to my city and the world. So please let me help as much as I can. After all, this is my home city and world now.
fursuit: (① popōchhuiā.)

[personal profile] fursuit 2025-05-16 04:35 pm (UTC)(link)
that so

question for you then. on a scale of one to ten how would you rate your magical energy reserves
the_fourteenth: (087)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-05-16 07:21 pm (UTC)(link)
As compared to what? Hard to say.

[Compared to a god like Tez? Certainly a fraction.]

As a titled summoner, it's required that I have the ability to store a vast amount of magical energy. The only times I ever use it here to share with other Outsiders, as I am without my summons here, and have nothing to exorcise.

Still, despite my own power, I will require a lot more energy to cast the ritual if needed. I been able to send one person, and open a dimensional rift, but both required immense power. I got extra from magical objects.
fursuit: (① queptoc.)

[personal profile] fursuit 2025-05-16 08:07 pm (UTC)(link)
comparison ain't the point exactly. but you answered what I was curious about. if you can store a vast amount, that'd work. probably.

would only be temporary because I'm not going back on my deal with my current guy. but would you consider forming a contract with to take care of this?

I'll be taking some of that magic energy especially if I need to bring out the big guns. that's the useful bit here. I do decently well on my own but still better if I have a battery to draw on so to speak.

even comes with a fun perk for you. so long as you're mine, you can't die. well, outside of a straightforward battle, anyways.
the_fourteenth: (125)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-05-16 08:25 pm (UTC)(link)
That's feasible. I've basically contracted myself with a couple of Outsiders to do just that. They use my energy in battle to boost their own abilities.

If I am needed to cast the ritual, is this a contract that goes both ways? Would I be able to draw on your energy if I needed to cast it? Would it deplete you too much? If it's one way, then I will be accompanying you instead, however we get there.
fursuit: (① yacatzapticayutl.)

face in hands. cw: cannibalism. is it cannibalism if he's not human. anyways

[personal profile] fursuit 2025-05-16 08:37 pm (UTC)(link)
it could but at base level you wouldn't have much to draw on. I run in low power mode since a god's power is a huge drain as you can imagine. making myself a human body was a loophole to get around that.

but that said

technically I could give you as much energy as you want in return yeah. you just wouldn't like the methodology I'm guessing. I sacrifice people and eat their hearts? you'll be rolling in extra juice
the_fourteenth: (162)

this is fine dot jpg

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-05-16 09:09 pm (UTC)(link)
[Raidou suddenly remember who it is he's dealing with, here.]

I see. We'll explore other methods of getting there instead. I think with a contract, it's probably best that I accompany the team travelling there anyway. Exorcism is what I'm best at.

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newphew: (your brilliance)

@greatvalue

[personal profile] newphew 2025-05-16 07:30 pm (UTC)(link)
I'm wiLLing to be transported., and Scout.
the_fourteenth: (078)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-05-16 08:27 pm (UTC)(link)
Thanks. Not sure how many I can transport, or how long I can keep a portal open. But hopefully enough to send enough in to help.
newphew: (your brilliance)

[personal profile] newphew 2025-05-18 03:02 am (UTC)(link)
CouNT me in when you test it out. And t ryn ot to punish yourself too hard,RaidOu.
the_fourteenth: (180)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-05-18 01:40 pm (UTC)(link)
I'll try not to. But I will warn that it's a very taxing ritual. That's why if I can cast it, I won't be able to follow along.
newphew: (no matter when or where)

[personal profile] newphew 2025-05-18 10:56 pm (UTC)(link)
I see.

OkAY well we'll keep it in mind as an option. And make sure you do it from somewhere safe at least with at leasT one person staying behind with yoU.
the_fourteenth: (169)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-05-19 01:40 am (UTC)(link)
Someone would definitely need to be there with me.

[As there is not a chance he'd be unconscious for a like a week afterwards.]

The best place to do it would be the equivalent to its location in our world. The barrier between dimensions would be thinnest there, and it would be less time and space to send others through.
newphew: (of an angel)

[personal profile] newphew 2025-05-19 06:49 pm (UTC)(link)
oKAY GooD To KNOW. We need to go to "Iraq", wherever that is.

Multiple people should stay behind with you, then.
the_fourteenth: (031)

[personal profile] the_fourteenth 2025-05-19 07:42 pm (UTC)(link)
[Hunter will get sent a wider map snippet showing him right where it is.]

It's a big place. It's also much closer to Alexandria. I would recommend we talk to them and see if they can help us sending some scouting drones to the areas we're considering before we go.
newphew: (of an ~angel~ uwu)

[personal profile] newphew 2025-05-22 01:32 am (UTC)(link)
Tha Nks.

Jinx can probably send some of her drones too.

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