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sinfucks2024-02-27 11:15 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2024-02-27 11:15 pm
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▶ 003. TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #3
TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #3
▶ 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. When 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, a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in organizing the Outsider 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, and feed 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 10,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 66), 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.
Once they leave the medical bay, they’ll be able to grab a quick meal in the cafeteria and mingle with the other Outsiders just waking up. Today’s menu is oniku sashimi, miso soup, and ginger salad, all packed neatly in a food ration tray. Oniku is whale tail meat. Huh. There's been a whale theme going around here lately. Must be a coincidence... right?
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. When 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, a set of gray loungewear to wear as LILITH makes the final decision in organizing the Outsider 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, and feed 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:
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be and why?
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 10,000 KRYPTOS (about USD 66), 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.
Once they leave the medical bay, they’ll be able to grab a quick meal in the cafeteria and mingle with the other Outsiders just waking up. Today’s menu is oniku sashimi, miso soup, and ginger salad, all packed neatly in a food ration tray. Oniku is whale tail meat. Huh. There's been a whale theme going around here lately. Must be a coincidence... right?
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 busy handling a recent issue. Worry not, my children. You are in safe hands. Please enjoy your complimentary meal which LILITH has carefully procured for you all. You may then head to your quarters are explore our BASE using the map provided. This meal is a delicacy in some parts, so feel free to express your undying gratitude."
▶ 002. SUBJECT NOT FOUND.
Early in the morning on March 2nd, the power suddenly goes out. Outsiders may wake up to find that wake-up alarms never went off, the coffee machines don't work, and breakfast isn't ready in the cafeteria because of the sudden outage. Early risers may find themselves trapped in their team wings when automatic doors refuse to budge and those who are particularly unlucky may find themselves stuck in an elevator.
Within the hour, the power boots back up again and life on base returns mostly to normal. The only inconvenience seems to be a haphazardly thrown-together breakfast consisting of whatever could be made without power quickly. As the day goes on, observant characters may notice something amiss. They can catch some LILITH workers whispering to each other and there seem to be more agents in fancy suits roaming around.
If they find themselves in the right place, Outsiders may find that one of the many research labs on base is locked down and they won't be allowed to enter. If they ask one of the guards keeping watch, they will simply be told to move along. Asking some of the researchers or other workers in the area will reveal "something" happened during the power outage in the morning.
By evening, everyone's ocular implants will flash a quick notice:
Within the hour, the power boots back up again and life on base returns mostly to normal. The only inconvenience seems to be a haphazardly thrown-together breakfast consisting of whatever could be made without power quickly. As the day goes on, observant characters may notice something amiss. They can catch some LILITH workers whispering to each other and there seem to be more agents in fancy suits roaming around.
If they find themselves in the right place, Outsiders may find that one of the many research labs on base is locked down and they won't be allowed to enter. If they ask one of the guards keeping watch, they will simply be told to move along. Asking some of the researchers or other workers in the area will reveal "something" happened during the power outage in the morning.
By evening, everyone's ocular implants will flash a quick notice:
|| MISSING PERSON
Name: Dr. Tanaka Junichiro
Role: LILITH Researcher.
Specialty: Genetic Research (Native Species and Kaiju)
Details: Latest available security footage depicts Dr. Tanaka stationed in their lab at LILITH Research Base. At 0735hrs on the morning of 2 March, a power disturbance struck all LILITH networks, resulting in all security monitoring systems within the area going offline briefly. After this disturbance was resolved, Dr. Tanaka was reported missing from their designated station under mysterious circumstances. Other resources missing from the base include: Research files and various live and deceased specimens.
Any clues on Dr. Tanaka's whereabouts are to be surrendered to LILITH immediately. Dr. Tanaka's primary research involved DNA splicing and induced evolution. Any information or clues regarding them or their work is highly valued. It is our top objective to ensure the safe return of our valuable staff members. ||
▶ 003. CLAWS FOR CONCERN.
Shortly after the disappearance of Dr. Tanaka, Outsiders who wander the back alleys and keep an ear open will hear whispers of exotic animals and chimera being traded for meat, entertainment and pet ownership. Most of this talk will be heard near the biggest black market in Shinjuku, "Starlight X". It's a novelty within Neo Tokyo and word gets out quick, even if the residents are hush-hush about where they got their sources from. Photos of these hybrids show up on social media to the astonishment and skepticism of the citizens. To find Starlight X, Outsiders will have to travel underground, taking the term underground market quite literally. There is an entrance way in a nearby alley without too much security; with the lack of policemen, now, people might as well sell their illegal substances on the surface.
Once there, Outsiders will be able to discover a plethora of suspicious things for purchase: such as recreational drugs, performance-enhancing nanobots, assorted weapons (some legal and some not), unlabeled meats, the … services of suspicious people, and a whole lot of junk. While visiting Starlight X, some of these creature hybrids even get loose and need to be captured before they draw too much attention. LILITH advises Outsiders to turn in any such specimens, live or dead, or put in a report immediately upon seeing them. Withholding such information or keeping a specimen for yourself may result in unwanted consequences if LILITH comes to find out.
These hybrids are generally small and mostly harmless, no doubt being traded for companionship and novelty. Cats that look like small lions or tigers, canaries with peacock feathers, frogs with wings, and so on (players may use their imagination).
Any further questions regarding Starlight X can be asked below.
Once there, Outsiders will be able to discover a plethora of suspicious things for purchase: such as recreational drugs, performance-enhancing nanobots, assorted weapons (some legal and some not), unlabeled meats, the … services of suspicious people, and a whole lot of junk. While visiting Starlight X, some of these creature hybrids even get loose and need to be captured before they draw too much attention. LILITH advises Outsiders to turn in any such specimens, live or dead, or put in a report immediately upon seeing them. Withholding such information or keeping a specimen for yourself may result in unwanted consequences if LILITH comes to find out.
These hybrids are generally small and mostly harmless, no doubt being traded for companionship and novelty. Cats that look like small lions or tigers, canaries with peacock feathers, frogs with wings, and so on (players may use their imagination).
Any further questions regarding Starlight X can be asked below.
▶ 004. THE SAPPHIRE ROOM.
It becomes such a problem that LILITH can no longer ignore it. It's clear that someone - or a group of someones - have gotten their hands on LILITH's priceless specimens and data, and are testing the waters on what they can get away with. Allowing the public to get their hands on the smaller hybrids is one thing. According to word around the street, there's going to be an auction on the night of the 5th, and that's where the larger, more dangerous hybrids will be sold. Some even say you'll be able to find man-made monsters.
Closer to that date, LILITH decides to strike back to avoid further humiliation. With the help of their skilled informants, they've managed to secure the location, but ordering the Outsiders to storm the place like a military strike team just isn't an option. Said location is in a popular, bustling part of town, where the locals wine and dine. That would only cause panic and distrust amongst the people. The approach that's needed today ... is something more clandestine.
Outsiders will be briefed on the disguise and cover identity provided to them by LILITH, and temporarily granted a Style Upgrade to their chip to enable them to dress the part. (Players may make up their own cover identity for this mission. )
Hybrids within the auction include larger, more dangerous chimeras such as lion snapping-turtles, alligator-hippos, and snapping bears (among others). Smaller chimeras such as winged rabbits and seven-headed-snakes can also be found.
At the center of it all … the main event: An actual Kaiju hybrid. At the center of the stage is a miniature version of the Shachimon whales that had sewn chaos across the sea just a month before. She’s much smaller than her full sized counterparts, only about as large as a dog. It’s likely she’s been bred down with native marine life to make her more tameable and less able to completely topple a boat with her strength.
This is what the auction-goers had come to see and hopefully purchase today. What they want a half-Kaiju for remains to be seen, but LILITH is not about to let just anyone get their hands on their specimens.
Outsiders undertaking this mission may wrangle and capture the hybrid creatures (most of which will be aggressive) and fight off or capture the auction staff. Most of the staff will be armed with guns and cybernetic enhancements (e.g. bionic arms with lasers attached). They can be questioned but not all of them are happy to answer. Unfortunately, the ringleaders will slip away in the chaos before anyone can capture them. A message from Captain Yamakawa projects into the implant late into the night (and if you were sleeping by this hour of 2 a.m, you're about to be woken up.)
Closer to that date, LILITH decides to strike back to avoid further humiliation. With the help of their skilled informants, they've managed to secure the location, but ordering the Outsiders to storm the place like a military strike team just isn't an option. Said location is in a popular, bustling part of town, where the locals wine and dine. That would only cause panic and distrust amongst the people. The approach that's needed today ... is something more clandestine.
|| MISSION: Infiltration of The Sapphire Room
LOCATION: The Sapphire Room, in Roppongi. A popular and exclusive nightclub serving a lavish experience to those who can afford it.
DETAILS: Sources reveal that The Sapphire Room, while a fully functioning club, has also been playing host to suspicious activities and trading in their exclusive underground rooms. An illegal auction is currently being held at the end of this week, which happens to be their Couples' Night. To gain access into this auction, Outsiders are to pair up and maintain appropriate cover. Information about your disguises have been downloaded into your chips.
OBJECTIVE:
✖ Infiltrate the secret auction occurring in The Sapphire Room as a pair.
✖ Disrupt the auction using any means possible.
✖ Capture hybrid specimens and surrender them to LILITH.
✖ Capture the perpetrators for questioning.
✖ Obtain any research data available and surrender it to LILITH. ||
Outsiders will be briefed on the disguise and cover identity provided to them by LILITH, and temporarily granted a Style Upgrade to their chip to enable them to dress the part. (Players may make up their own cover identity for this mission. )
Hybrids within the auction include larger, more dangerous chimeras such as lion snapping-turtles, alligator-hippos, and snapping bears (among others). Smaller chimeras such as winged rabbits and seven-headed-snakes can also be found.
At the center of it all … the main event: An actual Kaiju hybrid. At the center of the stage is a miniature version of the Shachimon whales that had sewn chaos across the sea just a month before. She’s much smaller than her full sized counterparts, only about as large as a dog. It’s likely she’s been bred down with native marine life to make her more tameable and less able to completely topple a boat with her strength.
This is what the auction-goers had come to see and hopefully purchase today. What they want a half-Kaiju for remains to be seen, but LILITH is not about to let just anyone get their hands on their specimens.
Outsiders undertaking this mission may wrangle and capture the hybrid creatures (most of which will be aggressive) and fight off or capture the auction staff. Most of the staff will be armed with guns and cybernetic enhancements (e.g. bionic arms with lasers attached). They can be questioned but not all of them are happy to answer. Unfortunately, the ringleaders will slip away in the chaos before anyone can capture them. A message from Captain Yamakawa projects into the implant late into the night (and if you were sleeping by this hour of 2 a.m, you're about to be woken up.)
"This is unacceptable. Angels of LILITH, please be on the lookout for the organizers of this crime. This kind of theft is unforgivable. We are investigating their identities, but any further information regarding those that got away is appreciated."
▶ 005. SIMULATION.
While Outsider are given some time to rest and recover from their battle in February, it doesn't take long for their training to kick back up again. Outsiders will be summoned to the simulation room and instructed to put on their LILITH-issued plugsuits. They will be paired or put into groups for another battle simulation. After being ushed into the training grounds, the room will turn pitch black and a briefing sheet will be projected from their eye implant.
They will be able to access the briefing sheet at any time during the simulation by simply asking to see it. After each Outsider has read the mission brief, the simulation will begin, and they will find themselves in Singapore. The city is lively and all seems well and ordinary with civilians going about their daily lives. The weather is warm and sunny and it's a beautiful day.
Suddenly, screams break out from a nearby Hawker centre. A small group of civilians go on a rampage and begin chasing after the crowds. They move quickly but awkwardly as if they aren't in total control of their bodies. They try to attack other people in any way possible and cannot listen to reason. Rendering the disturbed civilians dead or unconscious will result in a large hornet emerging from a melted hole somewhere on the victim's body. The hornets must be destroyed before they possess another host. It isn't just the humans that can be taken over: Some of the suzume-bachi will infect the local animal life as well.
If you look around, there are still many people running around and curious onlookers trying to catch a peek inside. With so many hosts milling around, the suzume-bachi could be anywhere among us.
They will be able to access the briefing sheet at any time during the simulation by simply asking to see it. After each Outsider has read the mission brief, the simulation will begin, and they will find themselves in Singapore. The city is lively and all seems well and ordinary with civilians going about their daily lives. The weather is warm and sunny and it's a beautiful day.
Suddenly, screams break out from a nearby Hawker centre. A small group of civilians go on a rampage and begin chasing after the crowds. They move quickly but awkwardly as if they aren't in total control of their bodies. They try to attack other people in any way possible and cannot listen to reason. Rendering the disturbed civilians dead or unconscious will result in a large hornet emerging from a melted hole somewhere on the victim's body. The hornets must be destroyed before they possess another host. It isn't just the humans that can be taken over: Some of the suzume-bachi will infect the local animal life as well.
If you look around, there are still many people running around and curious onlookers trying to catch a peek inside. With so many hosts milling around, the suzume-bachi could be anywhere among us.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET:
NAME: SUZUME-BACHI
HEIGHT: 7.6-12 in.
WEIGHT: 2 kg
CLASS: UNKNOWN, CANNOT BE CLASSED.
THREAT LEVEL: MODERATE-SEVERE
LOCATION: Tropical climates with high humidity
ABILITIES: Parasitic and will enter a “host body” and try to gain control. Capable of entering other wildlife.
WEAKNESS: Ice (they cannot operate in cold climate), physical attacks.
EXTRA NOTES: Once they gain control over a lifeform, only rendering the host body unconscious will allow them to expose themselves. It is advised to kill them prior to have the entering ones body. The process of them latching on to take control is extremely invasive as they melt through skin to gain access to a body. Possessed bodies will behave aggressively and will try to lure others into areas of nesting for the SUZUME-BACHI. Highly protective of their hive and their “QUEEN”— please approach hives with caution and do not approach alone.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Identify humans and creatures being controlled by the SUZUME-BACHI.
✖ Rescue civilians and clear all wildlife of being possessed by the SUZUME-BACHI.
✖ Help move civilians to underground safety bunker.
✖ Protect safe zones from SUZUME-BACHI.
EXTRA NOTES: Every SUZUME-BACHI killed equals 1 KILL point, freeing those who are under its control is 1 ASSIST point, and getting civilians to the shelter will give 1 RESCUE point.
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our third TDM! All TDM threads are game canon; characters who don't app will be glitched out of this world. As TDM will act as the event, existing characters are heavily encouraged to participate. We encourage this format for top levels: CHARACTER | CANON | CURRENT / NEW CHARACTER. '
There are currently 23 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!
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.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards March AC.
There are currently 23 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!
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.
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards March AC.
no subject
Yes. The living do not venture in the Underworld... [They rarely do, at any rate. The few exceptions she remembers were actually really nice. Like that time Enkidu fell in the Underworld and of course, her dear Ritsuka.] Only the souls of the dead and my Gallû Spirits.
[ And sometimes a golden sheep. Great emotional support whenever she cries (which is often). Lazy and not very helpful when it comes to doing actual work, but you can't discount emotional support! ]
I'll admit it could get lonely, but thiiiis is a bit much at once.
[ Even if the loneliness was really unbearable, she's still an introvert at heart! All of those people around at once... She feels like she's going to faint from the sheer overwhelming power of it all any moment now! ]
no subject
You're lonely even surrounded by so many souls? [ is this his attempt at a joke, or is it a general inquiry, who knows. that said, he does understand where she's coming from to which he responds in tune. ]
I'm also not used to it. [ unlike some people who may say these words in an attempt for comfort, yuwon says them matter-of-factly, as if he were reading it out of the paper than he was actually speaking about himself. ]
no subject
Well, I cannot understand what they say... [Which is a source of much pain. It would be so much easier to help and accommodate them if she could understand them... She can vaguely feel their emotions, but it's not the same as proper words.] Even if I did, they sleep under my care.
[ She would never do something as horrible as waking up the resting souls simply because she feels lonely. What kind of worthless goddess would do something that selfish? Just the thought makes her mad. They deserve rest... And she just has to bear with her fate. ]
Really...? [She can't tell whether he's trying to be nice or is genuine. She can't feel deception from his voice, but... Maybe she's overthinking it.] I was made to bear this solitude. But humans are not so. It must pain you greatly.
no subject
sometimes a bit too noisy and boisterous for yuwon's liking. though, he's definitely thinking of susanoo in particular as he answers her.
the clear show of emotions on her features is so different from what he normally experiences. more so, when this sympathy seems to be... directed towards him? but, surprisingly, he looks rather blasé about it. ] It doesn't really bother me. [ he's almost comically dismissive about it... ]
So you're not human... [ a brief hum. he wonders what kind of being she was? or was she just a different race? ]
no subject
I am a Goddess. [She lifts her head up and speaks as nobly as she possibly can.] Ereshkigal, Mistress of Death and Queen of Kûr.
[ What a lousy intro... But there's no way she can go ahead with her well-rehearsed introduction, not while she's wearing those boring and uninspired clothes. Honestly, that's the worst part of it all. Those clothes. She would feel far less insecure if she was dressed properly! ]
Whether this is normal or not... [She doesn't know, she thinks it is based on all of her research, but the ancient deities vanished before she could ask them.] They can understand me, at least.
[ And that's what matters most. She can comfort them when they're cold, she can reassure them when they're afraid, she can assure them they will never be disturbed. ]
no subject
the fact that she is also someone who rules of death is intriguing for him considering his own title of king who rules over the dead. but, he can't deny feeling like the title was a bit mismatched in comparison to her. he gives a bit of a wry smile. ] I'm Kim Yuwon. [ he doesn't attach anything else to his name.
instead: ] For better or worse, you might have to deal with the fact that everyone here will always have something to say back. [ but, in comparison to that, ] So you might want to start getting used to it.
no subject
I... I prefer it that way.
[ She wouldn't wish the loneliness she's known on anyone. The feelings of abandonment. How she'd gotten her hopes up so often, thinking someone would find a way to save her from her fate, only for said hopes to be crushed. Times and times again. How she'd grown colder and resentful, millennia after millennia... Until Ritsuka had finally been the one to make her believe again.
Scary and stressful as it is, being surrounded by people who can talk and socialize, it is infinitely better than what she once knew. What she'll know once more when this avatar fades. ]
It may just take some time getting accustomed to it.
no subject
whatever the case is. ] Well, you'll definitely get "time" here. [ between kaiju battles and other missions they get sent on, of course. ] Outside of missions, have you decided what you wanted to do?
[ who knows if he's talking about their civilian identities, or if he was asking if she was going to foster some newfound passion. he doesn't make any moves to clarify. ]
no subject
But... That'd be selfish. Even if she'd promised her dear friend to try and be a bit more selfish, that's going too far. Even if she is no goddess in this world, that's no excuse for her to suddenly abandon her duties. ]
... I will probably continue my duties in what capacity is available to me. [She smiles. A very forced smile.] The dead of this world need care too. Someone who will think of them when no one else does.
[ It shouldn't be difficult finding a job at a graveyard. And she does genuinely feel happy at the thought she can help the dead of this world. She's always found pride and joy in her duties. The dead need someone and she's glad she can be there for them.
... And yet, that hurts. Even in a foreign world, she can't make herself forget about her duties. Even when freed from the shackles put onto her at birth, she's still trapped. But that's always been the way of it, hasn't it?
Her biggest and most oppressive jailer has always been herself. ]
no subject
he understands it all too well. it's difficult to place the weight of your objectives and goals behind. he doesn't think it's something he'll ever completely let go of, hence his desire to build strength remained... even here. so he gives a slow nod of comprehension. ]
If you decided not to, I don't think anyone would notice. [ there's still the usual bluntness to his words, but he follows it up with: ] They probably have people like that here. Though, I'm not sure anyone would think of the dead the same way you do...
[ for better or worse...
especially, when death seems common enough. ]
Is there anything else you want to do?
no subject
... Flowers. [She's not even sure how you call someone who takes care of flowers. But that's what she'd do.] It has always been my dream to fill the Underworld with flowers.
[ The souls would be so happy and warm if they were surrounded by flowers. Things would be so much less dreary and gloomy all the time. The Underworld would be... Beautiful. But such things aren't allowed. ]
I would probably grow flowers and give - or sell, I suppose - those I cannot keep.
[ She smiles to him when she says that, and not a forced smile this time. It's kind of him to ask... Though she wonders what his own job is? He must have one, since he's been here for longer than her. ]
What is the occupation you have chosen, if I may ask?
no subject
he supposed even "hell" was uncomfortable and suffocating, even just in atmosphere. if her idea of the underworld is anything similar... he can't say he doesn't understand it. there's a pause before: ] It's not impossible, at least.
I'm assuming the soil in the Underworld wasn't the best for flowers? [ or maybe there was something else that stopped her. he doesn't pretend to understand her circumstances, even if he does speculate. at her question—
there's a small, diminutive pause. ] A firefighter. It just happened to work well with my constitution.
no subject
... More than any mortal could hope to endure. ]
Correct. The soil is infertile. [She tilts her head down.] All of my attempts at growing flowers have been unsuccessful.
[ She could just dismiss it on her not being any good at it, but after Enkidu himself tried and failed... It's just the way things are. Nobody can grow in the land of the dead. Trying to do so is futile. ]
Risking your life to save others. A noble endeavor. [At least, she assumes that's what it's all about.] Too many are those who die before they could experience life. Their longing, their regrets, their sorrow...
[ ... A Goddess of Death is supposed to be scary and love death, not think like that. She clears her throat and stands up. She probably should leave so she can put herself together. Improvised small talk isn't her thing at all! ]
My apologies. I believe I should withdraw to my quarters.
1/2
it's a contrast, but it makes her seem all the more her own person in a sense. separated from his own thoughts, biases, and connections. but, that said, her own thoughts of his civilian job...
noble....
for some reason, her words kind of reminded him of something hargaan once told him. ... which is kind of embarrassing. ]
no subject
Tell me more about where you lived next time.