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sinfucks2024-02-27 11:15 pm
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2024-02-27 11:15 pm
Entry tags:
▶ 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
They've played their parts more than just well. There isn't anyone who would doubt them now and with the main event coming, they can relax for just a moment. He settles in back at Aki's side and only smiles and nods as their new friends begin to prattle away, making conversation. He's happy to entertain them but there's no reason to be so over the top anymore.
(He is well aware of how he's been behaving and thinks Aki could use a bit of a break, too.)
The auction goes underway and it opens easily enough. The first item is a a rooster that has been spliced with some other exotic bird he doesn't recognize. The plumage is bright, it has a long and colorful tail, and the auctioneer calls out that this particular item is meant to look like a creature from divine stories. It's a beautiful specimen to open with and then it moves on to... other things. Works of art, treasures that have been stolen and smuggled from other lands, and the occasional hybrid sprinkled in for excitement. The items get more valuable and Tsurumaru places a hand on Aki's arm, squeezing it every now and then to get him to bid for him.
If Aki trusts his cues, he'll notice that just like he'd drawn in eyes at the club and wrapped some of the guests around his finger... Tsurumaru is good at reading a room. He'll help Aki bid just high enough each time to look serious but signal for him to stop so others can outbid them. It's like he knows when others are going to drop money and exactly how much.
Finally, the star of the show is displayed: A miniature kaiju that looks shocking familiar and Tsurumaru squeezes Aki's arm. This time, it isn't a cue, though. He's genuinely surprised to see it on stage. He's speechless and all around them, patrons gasp and cheer and laugh and begin to throw up bids.)
That's...
no subject
It's a poor habit and he knows it - he's known it from the moment that he was first given one, when his partnership with Himeno had begun to develop into something with real trust in it. He shouldn't have ever let himself take the first drag, but here he is now, clinging to it as a source of solace and a reminder of the person that he's lost because of his own lack of ability. If he had been a little stronger, if he had been able to stand with Denji...
Shaking his head, he focuses on the auction.
He follows Tsurumaru's instincts, does as he's told, but leans forward when the creature comes on the stage. He recognises it, of course, how could he not? He had killed the matriarch, after all, had landed the final hit and been celebrated for his KO. Reaching out, he grabs at Tsurumaru's hand and squeezes his fingers gently.
This is what they came for, isn't it? This is what LILITH was after. ]
What an incredible creature.
[ What are they going to do? The cigarette is hanging from his lips, and he's awed. ]
no subject
He manages to bring it in, regain his calm and he gives Aki's hand a firm squeeze. There are other LILITh agents also recovering from the shock. They're beginning to raise their hands and bid. The numbers are going higher and higher and before they get left in the dust he whispers to Aki, slipping back into character... but sharper,)
I want it.
(Their friends laugh. This is the sort of reaction they expect. Of course, how can anyone resist such a prize?
And in the split second it will take Aki to raise his hand to make a bid.... their implants will deliver the signal they need. The last criteria are highlighted for them to read,,
✖ Capture hybrid specimens and surrender them to LILITH.
✖ Capture the perpetrators for questioning.)
Now.
(Now is their time to make their move with everyone else.)
no subject
Aki knows they're here for a purpose, and it settles onto him like a weighted blanket - no more games, no more messing around with Tsurumaru. There's no pretending now, because this is what they need to bring back to LILITH and the base. He hadn't imagined that anyone would risk taking one of the smaller kaiju, not with how dangerous they were, but clearly people in this City are a little...
Crazy. He understands that. He's been called it before himself.
Leaning in, he pretends as if he's about to kiss Tsuru's cheek before he speaks softly in his ear. ]
I'll bid, but if the worst happens I saw the way into the back rooms by the bar. The Future can help me with that.
[ A few seconds into the future will be long enough for him to take whatever might be guarding the thing later, and his arm tugs Tsurumaru closer as he turns back to the stage. ]
Bid to your heart's content, my love.
no subject
And it's here that Aki says something that catches his attention.
"The future..?"
(something to save. to ask for later)
With Aki's blessing though, he puts on an excited smile and waves his hand to bid. Someone else outbids him.
He bids again.
Another outbids.
Again... repeat... repeat... it's clear they aren't going to win. LILITH isn't going to pay for this. But like this, if you subtract the other undercover Outsiders also bidding, they can see who the big fish are. And among the big fish, they can find the whales.
And then it happens. The bids slow down. A real whale emerges and the auctioneer begins to make the final count. 5.... 4... 3... 2... 1. The bid ends, the kaiju is taken to the back and Aki and Tsurumaru may recognize some of their allies hovering nearby, also ready to go back.)
I really wanted a whale, darling.
(Eyes darting across the room at the patron who had bid the highest. The back stage is covered. When all breaks loose, they also need to catch the sponsors in the crowd.)
no subject
Their fellow Outsiders won't get in the way, but there are some intense looking bodyguards.
Turning back to Tsurumaru, he nods his head, tugging him close again. ]
I know. Next time, perhaps. Shall we get another drink?
[ An excuse to get closer to the bar, to get them nearer the door... The winning bid came from someone who doesn't look too tough, and Aki thinks he can probably take on his guards - they can't be any worse than the Devils he's fought. Humans tend to be a little easier.
Pushing himself to his feet, taking a long drag of his cigarette to finish it and stub it out, he offers his hand, the hit of nicotine making his heart thump a little harder. ]
I'll buy you something special to make up for it.
no subject
We should congratulate the winner.
(Their allies are beginning to circle their prey, marking the targets they want to capture. To the oblivious patrons, the air is heavy with excitement but for Tsurumaru and Aki, they may feel the growing tension... any minute, any second, it'll snap. If Aki watches his partner closely, he may also see the shift in Tsurumaru's own air.
As relaxed as ever, carrying himself as naturally as he had before at Aki's side... his eyes are brighter. He can feel the moment approaching and he's ready. Even his smile seems a little sharper even if he tries to keep himself calm. He's had fun but he's ready for excitement.
And then it happens. Someone on the other side of the club makes their move, the first fight breaks out with a scream and then another... a ripple of activity, the energy in the room shifting, and it's time to catch their prey.)
no subject
He knows what they're here for; they're not here to fight all the random guests behind them, to deal with them and put them down. He can fight people, he can put himself between Tsurumaru and someone else if he has to, but his main focus is ensuring that they capture the young kaiju and return it to base. LILITH wants this creature back, and he can appreciate why.
Having an animal like this in the hands of a random citizen would be far too dangerous.
Twisting, Aki looks at Tsurumaru and hesitates for a moment. They could make sure that they get the guy that bid on the creature, but he also feels like getting the kaiju is a priority. Frowning, he glances towards the door that leads to the backrooms, taking a step toward it. ]
Let's go. He'll be back there soon enough.
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... Tch.
(Still, he can't help but pout and he shrugs his shoulders, shifting away so he can also follow Aki more freely,)
Let's get the guppy.
(It isn't really a guppy but you know... it's small.)
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Follow me.
[ Moving forward, he storms through the door, working his way down and through, attention focussed. He doesn't want to lose the small whale, not just because it's the mission, but also because he feels a little... Bad for it. He did kill it's mother, or matriarch, after all.
Turning back, he watches Tsurumaru absently. ]
Do you want to split up?
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Are you breaking up with me already?
(He's teasing.
But he knows if he stays with Aki, he'll behave and see this mission through correctly.)
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[ Aki shakes his head, trying not to roll his eyes. ]
I'm trying to do this as efficiently as possible so we can leave. If you think it's easier to stay together, then we can stay together.
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(Maybe too much.
But that isn't important right now. They have a whale to look for among covered cases and growing chaos.)
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[ If this was a real relationship, it might sound romantic, but since it isn't...
Aki wishes he had Kon with him to help track down the whale, but he sighs as he begins to walk through the halls. If he follows the scent of seawater... ]
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Tsurumaru is quick to move out of the way and like a flash of white, he's already charging right at them. Finally, a chance to fight. A chance to blow off some steam. They just have to clear a few minions to get their prize.)
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Then he's moving after Tsurumaru, slipping forward, using his metal hand to shift up and punch the next man in the jaw. There's a rather satisfying 'clang' that comes after it. ]
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As for the truck that the whale is being carried to... they struggle to secure it, the engine of the truck revs, and Tsurumaru moves to slash the tire. The truck jerks to one side as the tire pops and lets out air with a loud hiss. The tank slides, splashing water as the miniature kaiju begins to flail in the tank. Even if it could drive, it wouldn't get very far like this and the occupants begin to scramble out. There's no way they can transfer the kaiju to another truck now. It's over.
And more agents and outsiders move in. They catch who they can, secure what they can, and in the end... that's it, right? They just have to take the hybrids back to base and their captives to... where ever they need to go, right?)
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After all that pretend, it was that easy?
Aki sends off the information to LILITH so they can come and get the kaiju before he pauses by the car, crossing his arms. ]
... Are you alright?
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What an exciting night!
(He's fine, and he turns back to look at Aki, eyes still a little wild as he winds down from the high but otherwise fine,)
And you?
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[ What surprises him is how honest that statement is - he did enjoy himself. It was a little strange and odd at first, but...
Well. It was exciting, too. ]
I'm fine, thank you, Tsurumaru-san.
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(A lot of fun and he smiles at Aki. It's a simple thing... but being thanked makes him feel proud. People only show gratitude when they appreciate something. When someone has done good. And what would make a tool like him happier than knowing he did well?)
I'm glad.
(Satisfied. Proud.)
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It would just be embarrassing.
Instead, he frowns as he stares out at the vans and cars. ]
... Are we going to have to write a mission report?
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I don't want to.
(Even if he's written plenty of reports since being summoned. No thanks. In fact, he's already pushing his way through all of the mess and chaos to head back to base before someone can catch them and give them orders. He's escaping.)
Reports are boring and I've heard government reports are worse.
(Worse than the regular briefings he has to write back home.)
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[ He's written enough reports to be able to get them done rather swiftly, and it's not as if he has to worry about submitting it to Makima-san here. She's not going to be checking what he's doing... Is she?
He said he would report to her, but he also promised not to speak to her, so... Hm.
Shaking his head, he turns back towards the main room with a sigh. ]