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sinfucks2024-08-21 10:56 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2024-08-21 10:56 pm
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▶ 006. TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #6
TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #6
▶ 001. ARRIVAL / CAFETERIA.
It happens in the blink of an eye -- a dash of time. You're taken from where you were. What you were doing... it isn't important anymore, and slowly, you give up to desire your normal life. When you awake, figures are looking down on you from a surgical table.
"Yeah, this one will do; let's take them to the rest." That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, your pod opens in a dim corridor with many others. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
The pods drain their stasis fluid which wakens each Outsider. Outsiders emerge from their pod in only their undergarments which have been supplied to them, and head to a locker room in the medical bay to find a towel to dry off with and a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in assigning the Outsiders to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right; that their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the pod, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, as well as providing them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
The system will give Outsiders one chance to provide a truthful answer and choose their username and civilian identity. Should they refuse to cooperate, the implant will download the answer directly from their brain (and give them a username or civilian name against their will). This questionnaire will then be posted on the network for all to view and reply to. Almost like an ice-breaker, if you will. LILITH wants all their newest recruits to learn about each other!
Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: they will be told that the year is 2278, and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee they will provide them with a straight answer …
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 15,000,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 100), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries, and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
While there would normally be a meal available for them in the cafeteria, this doesn’t seem to be the case this time. Robots working within the cafeteria will instead be handing out food ration bars to each Outsider. They are dense with calories and nutrition, but taste a bit like sawdust.
That familiar, robotic voice is heard again:
"Yeah, this one will do; let's take them to the rest." That's all you see before losing consciousness again, only to wake up in a pod with many others.
"Your questions will be answered soon enough as I'm sure you will have many," a female, robotic voice says.
Just then, your pod opens in a dim corridor with many others. Your new life is about to begin... whether you like it or not.
The pods drain their stasis fluid which wakens each Outsider. Outsiders emerge from their pod in only their undergarments which have been supplied to them, and head to a locker room in the medical bay to find a towel to dry off with and a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in assigning the Outsiders to their rightful teams. If a character has any accessibility needs, they will be found here. It's about then they will feel a sharp pain at the back of their eyes, almost like there’s a foreign body lodged on the inside of their head. This pain will subside quickly as their body adapts to the changes, but there will always be a sensation of something being not quite right; that their bodies have been changed forever. They would be correct in thinking that. In the pod, all Outsiders have been surgically fitted with ocular and brain implants that will enable them to communicate with LILITH and the rest of the crew, as well as providing them the information they require. Almost like a computer screen has been loaded into their brains, they will see a loading screen as the implant completes its download. A questionnaire will then pop up, waiting for their answer. A voice, robotic and feminine, will also read along in their brain for them.
█ █ █ LOADING COMPLETE … BEGIN ORIENTATION …
Name:
Username:
Civilian Identity:
Age:
Species:
Origin:
A trolley is headed down the tracks at high speed towards a fork. On its current path, five people are tied to the tracks. You stand in front of a lever to switch the tracks to the other path, where only one person is tied to the tracks. Assume the trolley cannot be safely stopped before it hits the people, and they cannot be freed before the trolley gets there. What do you do?
The system will give Outsiders one chance to provide a truthful answer and choose their username and civilian identity. Should they refuse to cooperate, the implant will download the answer directly from their brain (and give them a username or civilian name against their will). This questionnaire will then be posted on the network for all to view and reply to. Almost like an ice-breaker, if you will. LILITH wants all their newest recruits to learn about each other!
Outsiders will receive a quick brief about their situation: they will be told that the year is 2278, and they have been taken to Neo Tokyo, one of the last bastions of mankind in a world terrorized by various Kaiju and monsters. Only a third of the population remains, and LILITH has gathered talented people from other dimensions here as a last ditch effort to save humanity. Outsiders are free to continue asking LILITH questions through their implant, but there’s no guarantee they will provide them with a straight answer …
Outsiders will also notice an implant in their dominant wrist. This implant has a barcode in it that will enable them to purchase goods from the local stores in Neo Tokyo. They will receive a starting balance of 15,000,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 100), which is barely enough for a few good meals, groceries, and supplies. They can view their current balance through a hologram window projected by their ocular implant.
While there would normally be a meal available for them in the cafeteria, this doesn’t seem to be the case this time. Robots working within the cafeteria will instead be handing out food ration bars to each Outsider. They are dense with calories and nutrition, but taste a bit like sawdust.
That familiar, robotic voice is heard again:
"Greetings, my name is SYNTHIA and I will be taking care of you today while the rest of the crew is occupied. Worry not, my children. You are in safe hands."
▶ 002. SIMULATION.
While Outsiders are given a fair amount of time to recuperate, not only from physical injuries but from the aftermath of their mission in Korea, it doesn’t take long before their training kicks back up again. This time, the stress is on formation, teamwork, and split decision making. While the Japan branch of LILITH believes all the Outsiders at their branch are performing as expected of them, the other international operatives underneath LILITH may not feel the same due to the results of their prior mission. While the higher ups back in Tokyo believe they made the best decision based on the information they had, it’s not to state the other branches of LILITH echo the same sentiment. As a result, there is a strict training regime that all Outsiders must commit to, new and old alike.
The simulation will naturally cover the terrain of Seoul, Busan, and other intermediary cities of South Korea; everything else will seem par for the course with the simulation. Outsiders will be asked to group up with those close to them and practice timing their attacks and specifically aiming for the kaiju’s weak points. Those who have trouble finding someone to work with can assume to be assigned to one another randomly. Veteran Outsiders will be asked to assist anyone new whom they may not recognize.
Despite their best attempts, the simulation feels harder than the actual kaiju, and its settings seem to factor in its incredibly unpredictable nature. As a result, “MISSION FAILED” will be seen more frequently than not. Outsiders will be forced to redo the simulations over and over, even until the early hours of the morning.
As a result, Outsiders will also be provided with energy drinks and coffee in a variety of flavors that are laced with their newest energy boosters. This will keep Outsiders particularly enthusiastic for the simulation runs, and give them the drive to keep them on track! The unfortunate side effect, however, is it that it does come with a fairly significant crash. Try not to develop a caffeine addiction during this time.
Other than the simulations, Outsiders will also be required to clock in for regular medical checkups, and most will result in asking them to increase their general fitness and physical capabilities. They will be required to utilize the gym, swimming pool, and other physical fitness facilities until their doctors sign off on them. While this may seem like a new form of hazing, the higher ups actually believe it could foster better relationships.
The simulation will naturally cover the terrain of Seoul, Busan, and other intermediary cities of South Korea; everything else will seem par for the course with the simulation. Outsiders will be asked to group up with those close to them and practice timing their attacks and specifically aiming for the kaiju’s weak points. Those who have trouble finding someone to work with can assume to be assigned to one another randomly. Veteran Outsiders will be asked to assist anyone new whom they may not recognize.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: IMUGI ♀
HEIGHT: 1600 feet across, 55 feet high
WEIGHT: 2850kg
CLASS: Extremely Dangerous
LOCATION: Various Locations, South Korea - Map will be auto populated for terrain.
ABILITIES: Control over weather conditions, including summoning of heavy storms, lightning strikes and hurricanes. Can fly up to 1000 feet. By flying amongst the clouds, Imugi releases chemicals into the atmosphere that bring about acid rain. Armored scales, sharp teeth and claws. Camouflage; can disappear into seemingly thin air.
WEAKNESSES: Piercing it in the gaps between its impenetrable scales. There is also a particularly weak spot under its chin that will deal significant damage if pierced.
EXTRA NOTES: This is the female counterpart of the Imugi slain in Seoul. After giving birth, it demonstrated typical reptile behavior and abandoned its eggs. Since its initial appearance in Busan, it has grown. This kaiju seems more agile, is openly aggressive, and has demonstrated intelligence in being able to hold grudges.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
Despite their best attempts, the simulation feels harder than the actual kaiju, and its settings seem to factor in its incredibly unpredictable nature. As a result, “MISSION FAILED” will be seen more frequently than not. Outsiders will be forced to redo the simulations over and over, even until the early hours of the morning.
As a result, Outsiders will also be provided with energy drinks and coffee in a variety of flavors that are laced with their newest energy boosters. This will keep Outsiders particularly enthusiastic for the simulation runs, and give them the drive to keep them on track! The unfortunate side effect, however, is it that it does come with a fairly significant crash. Try not to develop a caffeine addiction during this time.
Other than the simulations, Outsiders will also be required to clock in for regular medical checkups, and most will result in asking them to increase their general fitness and physical capabilities. They will be required to utilize the gym, swimming pool, and other physical fitness facilities until their doctors sign off on them. While this may seem like a new form of hazing, the higher ups actually believe it could foster better relationships.
▶ 003. BLACK MARKET.
It’s clear that the number one priority on people’s minds lately is the kaiju that’s on the loose. However, these hushed whispers on the streets aren’t simply rehashing the recent news, but instead are talking about certain trades happening on the black market. Considering the lack of personnel at base due to the damage control and fallout from the incident in Seoul, Outsiders will be tasked with talking to the citizens and scoping out any and all information on these secret trades. Yes, that's right, the black market is teeming with energy yet again.
Akin to the mission in March, it looks like those associated with Tokyo’s darker undertakings have a new business venture and it’s in Imugi body part trading. It looks like the newest hit in folk medicine is currently illegal research in using the Imugi’s scales, bones, and every part they can get their hands on: they have created dragon scale teas, dragon horn supplements, dragon blood steroids, and many other meats, delicacies, and food items. Some have even taken to grinding down the bones and claws. No one actually knows if this increases one's vitality and cures illnesses, or if it’s an unknown risk to the people.
Each of these leads will need to be looked into, and so Outsiders will be tasked as a group, and encouraged to work together in exploring these undertakings. Apparently, there are three major places that need to be explored: an abandoned factory in Shinjuku, a restaurant that is supposedly acting as a front for trades, and even a club similar to the Sapphire Room for higher VIPS who apparently are offering entire limbs of the kaiju up for sale.
It may be hard to move just by operating on civilian identities, and so LILITH is also offering a disguise by style upgrade, and encouraging recruits to make up an adequate “cover” as they explore. As the disguise on their style upgrade coincides with whatever they decide to make their fake identity, Outsiders are also required to turn in the appropriate paperwork, including what the occupation for the cover is, along with any other details to go along with their bit.
These actions are considered unacceptable by LILITH, and as a result are asking Outsiders to partake covertly in order to capture and bring back any suspicious individuals working for any of these black market distribution circles. These same individuals also seem to intersect with other levels of crime in the city, and so certain missions may coincide with these efforts. Outsiders are encouraged to contribute as they are able to.
Akin to the mission in March, it looks like those associated with Tokyo’s darker undertakings have a new business venture and it’s in Imugi body part trading. It looks like the newest hit in folk medicine is currently illegal research in using the Imugi’s scales, bones, and every part they can get their hands on: they have created dragon scale teas, dragon horn supplements, dragon blood steroids, and many other meats, delicacies, and food items. Some have even taken to grinding down the bones and claws. No one actually knows if this increases one's vitality and cures illnesses, or if it’s an unknown risk to the people.
Each of these leads will need to be looked into, and so Outsiders will be tasked as a group, and encouraged to work together in exploring these undertakings. Apparently, there are three major places that need to be explored: an abandoned factory in Shinjuku, a restaurant that is supposedly acting as a front for trades, and even a club similar to the Sapphire Room for higher VIPS who apparently are offering entire limbs of the kaiju up for sale.
It may be hard to move just by operating on civilian identities, and so LILITH is also offering a disguise by style upgrade, and encouraging recruits to make up an adequate “cover” as they explore. As the disguise on their style upgrade coincides with whatever they decide to make their fake identity, Outsiders are also required to turn in the appropriate paperwork, including what the occupation for the cover is, along with any other details to go along with their bit.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Create false identity to go undercover.
✖ Sneak into or receive an invitation to one of the following locations: an abandoned factory in Shinjuku, a restaurant chain that is supposedly acting as a front for trades, and Club Spades.
✖ Capture and round-up any suspicious individuals who may have information. Bring them back alive.
✖ Turn in any kaiju parts, items, and stock in.
These actions are considered unacceptable by LILITH, and as a result are asking Outsiders to partake covertly in order to capture and bring back any suspicious individuals working for any of these black market distribution circles. These same individuals also seem to intersect with other levels of crime in the city, and so certain missions may coincide with these efforts. Outsiders are encouraged to contribute as they are able to.
▶ 004. INTERROGATION.
In the midst of the ongoing investigations into the black market, there are rumors that the entire black market scheme was hatched up by a LILITH operative. Due to the timing of the Outsiders touching down in Tokyo and how swiftly the parts collected became distributed, a majority of the suspicions seem to fall on the Outsiders themselves. As a result, everyone on the base will be subject to routine checks on base, and may notice some LILITH drones may be keeping surveillance of them when they leave the premises.
LILITH is also offering rewards to agents under them who are able to discover their peers in possession of any sort of contraband. This includes kaiju parts which may have been given to them for safe-holding during investigation, research specimens that were given to them, or even any items crafted from kaiju, including food items. If any Outsiders are found with these kaiju parts and/or items, they will be taken in for questioning.
During questioning, they will either recruit a fellow Outsider to assist in these cross-examinations, or have them done by another agent under LILITH. Everyone who is brought in to be questioned is forced to ingest a truth serum. Upon consuming the serum orally or aromatically, they will be forced to tell the truth. They will also find themselves particularly loose-lipped, or uncharacteristically forthcoming. Unfortunately, while this serum may clear them of the smuggling accusations, these effects will continue to linger even after the interrogation has ended.
Additionally, while the Outsider or agent may not have been planning anything nefarious by holding onto these kaiju parts, they will be lightly punished. This may include being locked with another Outsider for 24-48 hours to watch AI-generated videos on the importance of going through the proper venues of tagging kaiju parts and not stealing.
LILITH is also offering rewards to agents under them who are able to discover their peers in possession of any sort of contraband. This includes kaiju parts which may have been given to them for safe-holding during investigation, research specimens that were given to them, or even any items crafted from kaiju, including food items. If any Outsiders are found with these kaiju parts and/or items, they will be taken in for questioning.
During questioning, they will either recruit a fellow Outsider to assist in these cross-examinations, or have them done by another agent under LILITH. Everyone who is brought in to be questioned is forced to ingest a truth serum. Upon consuming the serum orally or aromatically, they will be forced to tell the truth. They will also find themselves particularly loose-lipped, or uncharacteristically forthcoming. Unfortunately, while this serum may clear them of the smuggling accusations, these effects will continue to linger even after the interrogation has ended.
Additionally, while the Outsider or agent may not have been planning anything nefarious by holding onto these kaiju parts, they will be lightly punished. This may include being locked with another Outsider for 24-48 hours to watch AI-generated videos on the importance of going through the proper venues of tagging kaiju parts and not stealing.
▶ 005. CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR ACTIONS.
A few days after newcomers have arrived and the atmosphere on the LILITH base seems to be less tense, a message on everyone's ocular implants will flash: MEETING IN THE SIMULATION ARENA. ATTENDANCE IS A MUST. THIS IS NON-NEGOTIABLE.
Characters will be grouped by their team name and in numerical order with the assistance of AI robots once they have reached the arena. If they are questioned, they only seem to answer one thing: COMMANDER SHIRO LIKES THINGS A CERTAIN WAY. Once everyone is organized, it's just a matter of waiting. After a moment, one of the arena walls, which is conveniently also a screen, will project a new looking face onto it.
The face is of a man who appears to be in his late twenties, but he's quite older than that. How he's achieved this, nobody seems to know. His hair, stark white, appears rather ragged for someone who otherwise has a neat and tidy appearance. Most of his face is obscured by a pair of goggles, and he does, on the whole look... human. However, while it's difficult to see what exactly is behind him, it certainly looks like a silhouette belonging to a set of tentacles coming from his back. His fingers are laced together with his chin on top of them as he heaves a sigh. The screen flickers with a bit of static.
The screen cuts out, and another debrief sheet appears.
Characters will be grouped by their team name and in numerical order with the assistance of AI robots once they have reached the arena. If they are questioned, they only seem to answer one thing: COMMANDER SHIRO LIKES THINGS A CERTAIN WAY. Once everyone is organized, it's just a matter of waiting. After a moment, one of the arena walls, which is conveniently also a screen, will project a new looking face onto it.
The face is of a man who appears to be in his late twenties, but he's quite older than that. How he's achieved this, nobody seems to know. His hair, stark white, appears rather ragged for someone who otherwise has a neat and tidy appearance. Most of his face is obscured by a pair of goggles, and he does, on the whole look... human. However, while it's difficult to see what exactly is behind him, it certainly looks like a silhouette belonging to a set of tentacles coming from his back. His fingers are laced together with his chin on top of them as he heaves a sigh. The screen flickers with a bit of static.
"Angels of LILITH, I'm severely disappointed in your failure. Teams Brimstone & Revelation, I expected more of you. If you had not let the Imugi escape, we would not have fallen into the hell that we are in now. We would not have had to make a decision to start with. Read the following instructions carefully. Make up for your mistakes. Don't ever let this happen again. Or else."
The screen cuts out, and another debrief sheet appears.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE: COMMUNITY & TEAM BUILDING.
✖ Team Brimstone & Revelation: Treat a colleague from Team Everlight & Team Redemption to a meal to celebrate their overall success. Everlight & Redemption will pick their meal of choice.
✖ (ALL TEAMS) Teach kaiju emergency protocol with given curriculum at the following school: Nishi Elementary School in the Shinjuku district.
✖ (ALL TEAMS) Clean up trash in the following districts: Shinjuku, Chiyoda, and Bunkyo.
✖ Shame fellow colleagues for their MISSED ATTACKS in whatever methods possible. Their codenames are: RUBBER DUCKY, AMBROSIA, CLOWN PRINCE, GODDESS OF DEATH, LILITH69, NADEL, RASGULLA, STARDUST.
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our sixth TDM! All TDM threads are game canon and characters who don't app will be glitched out of this world. As the TDM will act as the event, existing characters are heavily encouraged to participate. Please use this format for top levels: CHARACTER | CANON | CURRENT / NEW CHARACTER.
There are currently 14 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.
None of the prompts suit your fancy? Feel free to check out our main base and locations page and make up your own prompts! (Las Vegas is still being rebuilt and Seoul has closed off its borders to the Japan branch of LILITH.)
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker, and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker.
The monthly mingle will reveal information about payment for last month's mission and the winners for KO and top hit.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards September AC.
There are currently 14 available player slots. New players are welcome to use this TDM to get samples for when APPLICATIONS open.
None of the prompts suit your fancy? Feel free to check out our main base and locations page and make up your own prompts! (Las Vegas is still being rebuilt and Seoul has closed off its borders to the Japan branch of LILITH.)
Use the code provided in the ARRIVAL prompt if you'd like to participate in the ice breaker, and place it in your top level along with your other prompts. Anything such as civilian name or username can be marked as UNDECIDED if you're unsure of what you'd like your character to have for now. Though it says 'Orientation', existing characters can still participate in the ice-breaker.
The monthly mingle will reveal information about payment for last month's mission and the winners for KO and top hit.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards September AC.
TDM #6 BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. ARRIVAL PROMPT: Newcomers arrive with ocular and brain implants, and are given a breakdown of the premise with an icebreaker orientation to complete. Their first cafeteria meal is food ration bars. Newcomers are placed in gray loungewear while they are being sorted into teams.
2. SIMULATION: All Outsiders are subject to a new paired training regimen that focuses on formation, teamwork, and decision making. The training is a simulation of the most recent mission in South Korea and the target is a simulated version of the Imugi. Failed results will be more frequent and Outsiders will be required to redo the simulation until they achieve a mission success. Outsiders will also have required medical checkups with the goal of increasing overall fitness and physical capabilities.
3. BLACK MARKET: Outsiders are tasked to investigate rumors of Imugi body part trading happening in certain areas of Tokyo. They are encouraged to work together and create aliases outside of their civilian identities in order to infiltrate these facilities. Once infiltrated, Outsiders are to capture any suspicious individuals working for these black market circles, as well as to retrieve any kaiju parts or items.
4. INTERROGATION: Everyone on base will be subjected to routine checks with LILITH drones surveilling them upon leaving base. LILITH will be offering rewards to agents who turn in their peers for possessing any sort of contraband; these Outsiders will be brought in for interrogation either by a LILITH agent, or by another Outsider. Those subject to interrogation will be forced to ingest a truth serum; effects of the serum will linger after the interrogation has ended. Anyone who admits to being in possession of contraband will be punished by being locked with another Outsider for 24-48 hours.
5. CONSEQUENCES FOR YOUR ACTIONS: Outsiders are summoned to the simulation arena for a meeting with Commander Shiro, who expresses his disappointment with their performance in the latest mission. He provides a chance for Outsiders to redeem themselves via various tasks to avoid this from happening again.
no subject
What relevance is it that some mysterious matter took up my attention? You do not need to know why I was occupied, just that I was, and that is why my report was delayed. In honesty, now that a smuggling ring has been identified, I am hoping that I can requisition any recovered Imugi parts, through proper channels, [ That's a pointed look at the LILITH agent ] to study them and include in my report. Thus I have no intention of turning it in for the moment.
That mysterious matter is of a personal nature. I'll thank you not to inquire deeply into it.
[ That's... well, he hadn't meant to say the last part, but the serum was working its magic and he'd felt compelled to give the question a proper answer, despite his attempt at dodging it. ]
no subject
What sort of personal nature?
[ Wow she just ignored every single thing he said to her. If Ratio's not going to willingly provide entertainment she'll just have to get it from needling him. Foxes, am I right? ]
no subject
...very well. Simply put, it was an emotional breakdown. You were not there for the events of the previous mission, but it was not pleasant, to say the least.
[ He does his best to speak in a detached manner. The LILITH agent continues scribbling away, although they'd stopped for a moment to stare at Ratio with wide eyes. This forceful man, having an emotional breakdown??? ]
Does that satisfy your curiosity?
no subject
[ The look the agent gives Ratio isn't lost on Kaga. This is a Big™ Deal, clearly. Digging further isn't just a matter of relieving her boredom at this point. It'll acquaint her well with LILITH's leadership and provide her with potential leverage over this man. He strikes her as a difficult sort, having something to hold over him could make future interactions easier. ]
The cause of this breakdown, the nature of it, and the impact it had with your... partner, was it? And his name, if you'd be so kind.
no subject
This has nothing to do with the interrogation. You are overstepping your boundaries. I will not tolerate this breach of privacy unless you give me a compelling reason to divulge this information.
[ While the serum was taking effect, it wasn't yet at its full effectiveness, given his obvious struggle in trying to withhold the requested information. His jaw is clenched, and the hand that has settled on his other arm in its crossed posture is gripping the fabric of his sleeve tightly. He glares furiously at Kaga, as if looks could kill. ]
no subject
Alright, Ratio-kun. Have it your way.
[ She sighs and addresses the poor agent but her eyes remain fixed on Ratio. ]
I'm sure the people in charge know who he's seeing, right? We'll have to bring him in for interrogation too.
"Ma'am! We can't, he hasn't done anything."
You still have the kaiju parts this one had, don't you?
"Y-yeah, but we--"
Then plant them on his partner. Basic false flag, then we can do whatever we please with him.
[ The LILITH agent blanches at that, Kaga just shrugs, even shakes her head sadly. ]
It can't be helped. If Ratio-kun won't be fully honest with us we'll have little choice in the matter.
no subject
[ Now that gets Ratio well and truly angry. He stands up abruptly, chair clattering in his wake, causing the LILITH agent to jump in fear and stare at him with round eyes. Ratio pins the agent down with a molten gaze in return. ]
Ignore her—you are the one in charge here. Or do you think your superior will be pleased to hear that you disregarded procedure and further ruined relations between LILITH and the Outsiders because you were scared?
[ He switches his attention back to Kaga, drawing up to his full height of 6'1" in a proud display of his unbroken pride and will. ]
You've made a very foolish decision, Kaga. I am normally quite tolerant of attacks made against my person, but you've decided to involve someone who should not be. I will not have you making threats upon him.
[ He's furious. ]
no subject
And I won't tolerate thinly veiled threats from an emotionally repressed intellectual. Sit back down.
[ She still sounds extremely laid back for a woman who's being yelled at by a man much taller than her... ]
And we'll try this again. What was the cause of your breakdown? What was the nature of it? What was the impact it had with your partner? And What would you say your greatest weakness would be besides painting an obvious target on your loved one's back?
no subject
Then perhaps we ought to stick to our words and no more.
[ Oh, but how he wishes he could throw chalk at her right now. He won't though, because that would definitely not go well with LILITH.
He sits down, crossing his arms in an obvious sign of displeasure as he tries to control what exactly he says, but eventually realizes the futility of it. ]
The cause was a combination of factors, but the greatest contributor was our failure in Seoul, and the subsequent accusation leveled at us by Seoul's government. We 'betrayed humanity' as they put it...
[ He glowers at the LILITH agent, who shrinks back. Sorry bud, he has nowhere else to direct his resentment of the organization right now. ]
I have never once turned my back to humanity, despite what they claim. But I digress. The nature of my breakdown... I sequestered myself in the university that was my alternate identity's former workplace to conduct research and draft project plans, but did so without regard to my physical or emotional needs. I additionally ended up neglecting my partner, disappearing without warning for several days, which upset him, and rightfully so.
[ A problem he intends to remedy soon, so this information can't be used against Aventurine later on. He'll also do his best not to reveal that his partner was upset because he was afraid Ratio had abandoned him, and let Kaga and the agent believe he was just upset due to a lack of attention.
This last question... what a horrendous one. However, if it keeps Kaga's attention off Aventurine, he will have to accept this outcome. ]
My greatest weakness... would be to withdraw or limit my research privileges.
[ He's a researcher at heart, after all. Threatening funds or grants or preventing him from working is an effective way to get the eccentric genius to listen. Thankfully, it's not something Kaga has control over. ]
Otherwise, it would be to dull or incapacitate my mind through the use of substances or otherwise.
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She listens with keen interest. So "emotionally repressed intellectual" was not just a baseless insult on her part it seems. Any person who'd lock themselves away without informing their mental partner has got to have a lot of issues going on. Said issues being triggered by a shattering defeat is almost understandable even, she could potentially feel bad for him.
But he threatened her. So... ]
Mmhm. And your partner? What is his name? What is his species? What are his weaknesses? Where can he usually be found? For posterity's sake, I'm sure you understand.
[ The smile she proceeds to flash Ratio as she kicks her legs is positively malicious. She's threatening his boyfriend without threatening him directly and it's obvious. ]
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This interrogation is over. I refuse to answer another question if it is irrelevant to the investigation. I will not answer it!
[ It's difficult to fight against the truth serum, and he regrets consuming it without hesitation. Had it just been the LILITH agent, things would have turned out fine, but this...! He grips at his own throat, digging his nails into soft flesh and carving a trail of blood even as the serum forces words out of him. ]
The information you seek can be easily found on its own, though not all of it. And I will not relinquish it to you no matter what methods you employ. If you persist, I will not hesitate.
[ This is his final warning. ]
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Only to find himself face to face with a furious Ratio with blood dripping down from scratches across his neck. Goddess. His eyes narrow, and his gaze snaps to the strange woman. His tone turns positively icy, though there's still an empty smile stuck on his face. There's nothing threatening about it to people who have never met Aventurine before, but Ratio would know better. )
You must be Kaga. Don't worry, I'm only here to take the good Doctor out of here now that you've gotten what you were tasked with.
( Another message to Ratio, as his eyes flash. Did she do that? It doesn't matter, seeing Ratio as angry as he is tells Aventurine all he needs to know about this situation. )
I'll handle his punishment. You, on the other hand, are done here.
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Then in walks a man with not quite the fakest smile she's seen, but it's up there. Her ears twitch in annoyance and her eyes narrow as she meets Aventurine's ]
Am I now? So the spineless worm that can't do their own questioning decides when it's over?
[ The look she shoots the LILTH agent has the poor soul shrinking into their seat. After a moment she huffs and leaps down from the table she's been sat on, smoothing out her clothes absently. ]
Very well, I was starting to tire of him anyway. Take him off and have your own fun, but do leave something for this precious partner of his will you? I'd just hate to break his heart.
[ Her eyes go to the back of Ratio's head very unkindly. Maybe one more little question as a goodbye gift between "friends"... ]
What was his name again, Ratio-kun? I'd like to send along my well wishes.
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But he immediately stiffens when Kaga speaks, and the underlying threat in her words has the anger roiling in him again. He glares at her murderously when she asks her final question, and his hand goes up to his throat again as a noise that could almost qualify as a growl bubbles out of his mouth.
He struggles for a second before deciding it's not worth leaving the Foxian with parting words, and shoves past Aventurine to flee from the room before the serum compels him to answer the question. ]
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Perhaps you're unaware of the rules of this place, friend, but what you're insinuating will surely end poorly for you. LILITH does not take threats to its Outsiders lightly.
( A beat, and he moves to leave, but not without throwing a look over his shoulder. )
I've heard that his lover enjoys risking their own wellbeing to get what they want. Should anything happen to the Doctor, no doubt their desire to repay the hurt a hundredfold would be at the top of their list. I'd even say I'm willing to bet on it. Have a good day now.
( And he slams the door behind him in order to catch up with Ratio. )
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Hmm. They're not very subtle, are they?
"W-wel-"
Save it. I don't actually care what you think.
[ Kaga is soon leaving the room behind the two men. She's not so brazen as to go the same way, it's probably best to leave things where they are for now. However seen the tail end of Aventurine down the hall has her pausing for a moment to wave and call out. ]
You boys are a very cute couple!
[ And with that lovely comment of support Kaga heads down the completely opposite way, one of her shikigami floating in tow behind her juuust in case anyone takes exception to her comment and a projectile needs blocking. ]
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He has no desire to return to his room, which feels small and suffocating, no matter how he's managed to decorate it to suit both his and Aventurine's tastes, but neither does he desire to be in a public space, to have the marks on his neck seen. To be seen by everyone in such an emotional state. Imperfect. All emotion and no logic.
But he can't help the mix of emotions that bubble in him, and he doesn't have his usual methods of coping. Just like the last time he'd had a meltdown. This time, this time.... this was nothing compared to what triggered the meltdown last time, and yet. And yet...!
His feet end up taking him to the far end of the greenhouse. In the quiet of nature, he's free to process his emotions on his own. ]