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sinfucks2024-06-30 09:10 am
synfluxmods) wrote in sinfucks2024-06-30 09:10 am
Entry tags:
TDM #5
TEST DRIVE & SIMULATION #5
▶ 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.
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. 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:
What is your darkest fear?
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.
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 busy handling a recent issue. Worry not, my children. You are in safe hands."
▶ 002. THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME.
Existing Outsiders will receive a call to report to the data portal within Las Vegas. They’ve done their parts helping to take down the worm kaiju and assisting with the clean up of the city. LILITH’s army of cleaner drones can take the rest from here. It’s been a physically and emotionally draining mission for everyone, and it’s time to head home. The beaming back to Neo Tokyo will go rather smoothly for the most part (and yes, holding someone’s hand through it still helps), but upon arrival, Outsiders might be struck with a splitting headache, nausea and vertigo. They might need an hour or so to recuperate, which they can do in their rooms or the sick bay.
New and fresh Outsiders will be given the task to take care of their seniors as they recuperate. Make sure they have water and food (even if it’s terrible ration bars). Give them a massage, or cheer them up because they’ve had such a difficult mission! It’s a great way to build bonds and get to know your teammates. Ask them what happened in Vegas! They’ll be more than happy to tell you.
New and fresh Outsiders will be given the task to take care of their seniors as they recuperate. Make sure they have water and food (even if it’s terrible ration bars). Give them a massage, or cheer them up because they’ve had such a difficult mission! It’s a great way to build bonds and get to know your teammates. Ask them what happened in Vegas! They’ll be more than happy to tell you.
▶ 003. TOO HOT TO HANDLE.
One thing Outsiders will notice immediately upon stepping foot in the Neo Tokyo base is that it is hot. Did someone forget to turn on the air conditioning? The rest of Neo Tokyo doesn’t seem to be any better. With summer approaching, the city has been hit with a heatwave, and it doesn’t help that the heat is interfering with the city’s power generators. This means that not only is it hot, but notices are popping up within everyone’s implants to be mindful of how much electricity they are using. Blackouts appear to be happening all over the base and the city. Electricity is being rationed, and when residents exceed it, it’s cut off.
This is having a devastating impact on the people of Neo Tokyo. The fact that it’s hot and there isn’t much air conditioning is one thing. Hospitals are also struggling from an influx of patients being admitted due to heat stroke, dehydration and severe sunburns. Fires are breaking out more often in the heat and this is only making things worse.
On top of it all, restaurants and stores have been greatly impacted by the electricity rations. Refrigerators and freezers are not working, so food storage is a problem and fresh ingredients are going bad. Restaurants are desperate to sell off what remains of their stock before it spoils. LILITH has been giving out food ration bars and non-perishable meals (such as canned food) and it’s been keeping the people from starving, but their subpar taste doesn’t seem to help the morale one bit.
While LILITH knows that older Outsiders have just had a difficult mission, there’s no choice but to activate them once again. A mission brief will pop up in everyone’s implants:
While things aren’t looking too great, the Neo Tokyo Meteorological Agency is promising that temperatures will go down when the rainy season comes along. There hasn’t been much rain recently, however …
This is having a devastating impact on the people of Neo Tokyo. The fact that it’s hot and there isn’t much air conditioning is one thing. Hospitals are also struggling from an influx of patients being admitted due to heat stroke, dehydration and severe sunburns. Fires are breaking out more often in the heat and this is only making things worse.
On top of it all, restaurants and stores have been greatly impacted by the electricity rations. Refrigerators and freezers are not working, so food storage is a problem and fresh ingredients are going bad. Restaurants are desperate to sell off what remains of their stock before it spoils. LILITH has been giving out food ration bars and non-perishable meals (such as canned food) and it’s been keeping the people from starving, but their subpar taste doesn’t seem to help the morale one bit.
While LILITH knows that older Outsiders have just had a difficult mission, there’s no choice but to activate them once again. A mission brief will pop up in everyone’s implants:
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖Contain heat-wave related fires and conduct rescue operations
✖Assist hospitals to care for the influx of patients while they may not have the power to use their medical equipment
✖Distribute water and food rations to citizens in need
✖Assist restaurants and supermarkets to salvage their food supplies as far as possible
While things aren’t looking too great, the Neo Tokyo Meteorological Agency is promising that temperatures will go down when the rainy season comes along. There hasn’t been much rain recently, however …
▶ 004. WELCOME TO OKINAWA.
After a few days of continued efforts to support the people of Neo Tokyo, things seem to have calmed down. LILITH has fired up some backup generators that are able to power the hospital and essential services, most of the fires have been contained, and the hospital has been able to get its patient load under control. LILITH has stepped in to further support the city, with their drones working hard to hand out supplies and provide medical aid. Restaurants continue to struggle, but nobody is starving, and LILITH is working hard to get the power back in operation.
On July 5th, there is a message from Captain Yamakawa:
Departure is set at 1100hrs, and Outsiders will be provided a water bottle and some sunscreen. Once they step through the data portal, they will be met with soft sand, the hot sun, and clear, beautiful waves - Welcome to Okinawa! Specifically, Outsiders will find themselves in Emerald Beach. While the water is pristine, the first thing Outsiders might notice is that there are unnaturally large coconut crabs all over the shoreline; with the majority of them the size of a large dog, and the largest of them about the size of a car.
Nearby to the beach, there are many abandoned fruit farms (such as watermelon, dragon fruits, mango and pineapples) that may have fresh produce for Outsiders to harvest. With how the rift changes the environment, some of these fruits have grown humongous in size. On top of that, the water appears to be cleaner than that found in Tokyo Bay. There are fish still swimming in it, and while some of these fish appear to have mutated, they do not appear inedible.
This is probably what Captain Yamakawa means by ‘supplies’.
On July 5th, there is a message from Captain Yamakawa:
“My Angels of LILITH. You may be at ease now. Our dedicated staff will take over from here. It’s been a difficult month for us all. To show appreciation for your efforts, we have organized a company trip to allow you the appropriate rest and relaxation. We do ask that you gather some supplies since food is short in Neo Tokyo, but that should be an easy task for our talented workforce. Please report to the data portals for departure at once."
Departure is set at 1100hrs, and Outsiders will be provided a water bottle and some sunscreen. Once they step through the data portal, they will be met with soft sand, the hot sun, and clear, beautiful waves - Welcome to Okinawa! Specifically, Outsiders will find themselves in Emerald Beach. While the water is pristine, the first thing Outsiders might notice is that there are unnaturally large coconut crabs all over the shoreline; with the majority of them the size of a large dog, and the largest of them about the size of a car.
Nearby to the beach, there are many abandoned fruit farms (such as watermelon, dragon fruits, mango and pineapples) that may have fresh produce for Outsiders to harvest. With how the rift changes the environment, some of these fruits have grown humongous in size. On top of that, the water appears to be cleaner than that found in Tokyo Bay. There are fish still swimming in it, and while some of these fish appear to have mutated, they do not appear inedible.
This is probably what Captain Yamakawa means by ‘supplies’.
█ █ █ MONSTER DEBRIEF SHEET
NAME: Coconut Crab
SIZE: 24 inches (size of a large dog) to about 5 meters (size of a car)
CLASS: Mild threat
LOCATION: Shoreline, ocean, forests
ABILITIES: Razor-sharp pincers with formidable gripping force - once it grips on to something, it is difficult to break free. Very hard shell that would take effort to crack.
WEAKNESS: Poor eyesight and hearing. Helpless if you tie them up. Becomes stunned with a knock to the head.
EXTRA NOTES: Apparently very delicious.
█ █ █ MISSION OBJECTIVE:
✖ Hunt and capture coconut crabs. Alive is preferable for the best quality meat.
✖ Harvest fresh fruit
█ █ █ ATTACHED PHOTO:
▶ 005. THIS IS A VACATION WE PROMISE.
“Are they seriously making you guys work on your vacation?! This is why we can’t leave everything up to that stiff-ass commander. This should be our beach episode! Don’t worry, your daddy Seok Dang’s got you. Take a crab, take whatever you want, have a damn barbeque! Lie on the beach until your tan comes in. Get nude! Let’s get this party started!”
(LILITH would highly discourage anyone from actually taking off their clothes.) Following Seok Dang’s message, outsiders will notice a pop-up appearing in their eyes, prompting them to accept an outfit upgrade. If accepted, they will find themselves in beach-appropriate attire (player’s choice) using LILITH’s Style Upgrade technology.
Despite Seok Dang’s bid for a party, Outsiders will have to make their own fun in this abandoned beach. They are free to do as they like, whether it’s having a swim, lying in the sand, playing a game of volleyball with an old ball that happens to be lying around, or cracking open a watermelon to share. He does try to encourage things along by sending a few gifts. Through the data portal, several drones will emerge and drop off portable grills, boomboxes, and alcohol from his private stash. For some reason he’s also unleashed a robot that is insistent on challenging Outsiders to a watermelon slicing competition. It looks like he’s serious about this beach episode …
Outsiders may travel between Okinawa and Neo Tokyo throughout the few days using the data portals. There are no resorts in operation in Okinawa, but should they choose to stay near the beach, they may set up a camp or sleep in an abandoned house or hotel.
▶ 006. AFTERWORD.
Welcome to our fifth 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 13 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! (Note that Las Vegas is currently being rebuilt and will be made available to visit sometime next month.)
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.
For oldbies: for a job well done after the last kaiju mission, 250,000,000 KRYPTOS (~1700 USD) will be deposited into everyone's account. And to our kaiju MVPs: we haven't forgotten you! Those characters will get their due recognition next event. :)
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards July AC.
There are currently 13 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! (Note that Las Vegas is currently being rebuilt and will be made available to visit sometime next month.)
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.
For oldbies: for a job well done after the last kaiju mission, 250,000,000 KRYPTOS (~1700 USD) will be deposited into everyone's account. And to our kaiju MVPs: we haven't forgotten you! Those characters will get their due recognition next event. :)
Please note that all tags in this log will count for 2 reward points each and will count towards July AC.
TDM #5 BREAKDOWN/RECAP (CLICK TO EXPAND)
1. ARRIVAL PROMPT: Newcomers arrive with ocular and brain implants and told a breakdown of the premise with an icebreaker orientation to fill out. Their first cafeteria meal is food ration bars. Newcomers are placed in gray loungewear while they are being sorted into teams.
2. THERE'S NO PLACE LIKE HOME: Senior Outsiders return from Las Vegas via the data portal and will experience side effects such as dizziness, nausea and headaches. Newer Outsiders are tasked with taking care of their senpai.
3. TOO HOT TO HANDLE: There is a heatwave and that's messed up the power grid, leading to a city-wide electricity ration. Hospitals are struggling, fires are breaking out and black outs are happening all over the city. Restaurants are struggling to store their food so there there is a shortage of fresh food. Outsiders are tasked with assisting the hospitals, containing any fires, distributing rations to citizens and assisting restaurants to salvage their supplies.
4. WELCOME TO OKINAWA: With the chaos in the city now under control, LILITH has sent all Outsiders on a vacation to a beach in Okinawa. The caveat is that they will need to gather food supplies. These supplies come in the form of a coconut crab kaiju, fresh fruit and fish.
5. THIS IS A VACATION WE PROMISE: Seok Dang is eager to get this beach party starter. He's updated the implants, allowing all Outsiders to swap into beach-appropriate attire using LILITH's Style Upgrade technology. He's airdropped portable grills, music players and alcohol for Outsiders to enjoy. There is also a robot challenging people to watermelon slicing competitions. Outsiders can do whatever they want to relax at the beach.
003.
Dressed in a pair of black-and-orange boardshorts with a bomb skull on one leg, Bakugo skewers another crab through the back of the shell, right between the chitinous armor's chink, and out through the face. He's already relieved it of life earlier with a solid crack on the head, a small explosive shockwave ensuring it was gone. He sets the skewer on the spit over the fire and steps back to let it begin roasting. There's going to be a lot to eat later on.
As Ratio works on his own crab, Bakugo glances at him.]
Who managed to drag your ass out here?
no subject
Bakugo doesn't need to know he initially refused to come to the beach.
The crab in Ratio's possession is already fully cooked, and it cracks open neatly with little effort on the scholar's part. Hazy steam rises from the meat—mouthwatering after days of bland, near inedible rations. But Ratio sets it aside to allow the meat to cool to a more reasonable temperature for consumption and frowns at the young man. ]
I am more than aware of the benefit to relaxation after a period of concentrated effort. A balance of work and play is essential for a healthy life and enriched mind.
[ Just... don't ask what Ratio normally considers play. ]
no subject
While Ratio cracks open a crab with more ease than Bakugo thought he'd have, no crab crackers or anything, he focuses more on the guy's answer as he occasionally turns the one roasting over the flames. Probably a good idea not to shove that in his mouth; it's too hot to do less than scorch a tongue.]
Uh-huh. And you ditched your books to come out here all by yourself.
[If he sounds mockingly taunting, he totally is.]
no subject
Or they won't, if they're an idiot, or someone like Ratio who simply does not care. Though, judging by all the interactions he's had with Bakugo, this simply may be his normal form of interaction with everyone, including friendly acquaintances. ]
It is not often we will be able to indulge in such frivolities on this broken planet, no? I believe LILITH has issued a mission to obtain provisions as well.
[ Ratio is the picture of calmness. A perfect picture. ]
no subject
Good thing Ratio's figuring out the young man is normally just growly and grumpy, but occasionally needling when he's in a good mood. Go figure. When he has a better relationship with people, it usually means they can hang around him more often, and he tolerates their irritating aspects more than he might others.]
That's what they're calling it. Most of us seem eager to eat anything we collect. [Considering the crabs already cooking and the fruit being sliced up. Sure, they'll do provisions to bring back, but likely "later" in time. Vacation first.]
no subject
Perhaps that is a blessing, because he has indeed been known to have a foul temper when dealing with idiots.
Anyway, he knows a corporate excuse when he sees one. LILITH intends for this to be a vacation. The mission, while being of some import, is just an excuse for their expenses. It benefits them directly to bring back provisions anyway, so he will oblige later today. ]
I imagine it would be difficult to resist the allure of fresh food after days of tasteless rations.
[ Even he was craving for something more delicious, and he was someone who tolerated subpar food when out engaging in fieldwork for his research. The crabs satisfied that itch, though of course he first confirmed that they had not mutated any elements that would be dangerous for consumption.
Speaking of, the crab he'd set aside had cooled enough now. He takes a moment to sample the meat, and hums in approval. ]
This would go well with roasted Brussels sprouts.
[ And perhaps a mojito... was he motivated enough to see if Seok Dang had provided ingredients for the drink? If the man was smart, he would have given them alcohol that paired well with crab. ]
no subject
While Bakugo bristled at first over the notion of a "vacation" being slipped under a mission, people like him and Ratio would've eschewed such a briefing in favor of staying behind in the city and working otherwise.]
Duh. [The word's as droned as you'd imagine it. Ratio's stating the obvious, isn't he.] How the hell did Neo Tokyo ran into a damn food shortage in the first place? We weren't even there!
[No, he's not suggesting a group of 60 or so people were enough to make a dent in a city's food supplies, but no one said shit about Neo Tokyo having electrical problems while the Outsiders were off in Vegas!]
It's better with rice, seaweed, and peppers.
[Challenging? Not really. But Brussels sprouts aren't really a large thing in Japan. Don't ask Bakugo about alcohol. He doesn't bother with the stuff.]
no subject
He's stating the obvious, yes. Unfortunately, he's learned that sometimes, it's not obvious to everyone. ]
Informing us of Neo Tokyo's troubles while we were occupied with our mission would have only served as a distraction. They were wise to withhold that information.
[ The Outsiders wouldn't have been able to help while in Vegas, so what point was there in telling them? Especially since they spent a decent portion of the mission recovering from their own ailments. ]
Is that so? I shall have to try when there is an opportunity.
[ He will fall silent as he focuses on the food. The first bite had been unseasoned but he had the foresight to bring a few sauces and spices with him. With a flourish, a bottle of cocktail sauce appears in his hand, and he proceeds to use the shell of the crab as a makeshift plate to deposit it on. He presents the bottle to Bakugo wordlessly after. ]
no subject
Prioritizing another city over their home base is stupid. We could have sent a section back to Neo Tokyo to handle the issue before it got out of control! We were sitting on our asses for two weeks doing nothing!
[They got there and waited. Then got their butts kicked by the worm in the desert and returned to... wait some more while LILITH figured out what to do. Both times! There was no excuse to not inform the Outsiders and let them choose!
Ignoring the fact a lot of them were nursing their wounds and ocular issues during that second waiting period. Try telling Bakugo that; it won't work at all.
Bakugo takes the bottle when offered and snaps open a crab leg between his hands, only using his thumb, index, and middle finger while the bottle's snared via the neck by his last two digits. Skillz.]
Is that sleight of hand or magic?
[This is the second time Ratio's made a bottle of something "appear" out of apparent nowhere.]
no subject
[ Much of the kaiju's abilities and LILITH's technology remains unknown to him, so he could not rule out such interactions. Even if he were given the option, he would have remained in Vegas out of caution and advised the other Outsiders do the same. ]
It is a manipulation of Imaginary energy, which would be considered Applied Sciences where I am from. I am retrieving objects from a pocket dimension tethered to my being.
no subject
[He's being petulantly grumpy out of stubbornness now. Shoving a bunch of "what if's" as an excuse to avoid helping isn't a path Bakugo's even going to agree with, no matter who's tossing it out. Ratio is likely right in being wary, but the results they returned to... If any part of that could've been avoided by bringing a few Outsiders back early, Bakugo would've volunteered. So long as he could return to Vegas as soon as the rest of them were ready for the offensive.]
Imaginary energy? Is that a specific kind of energy in your world or literally imaginary? [Oh, pocket dimension makes sense to him completely. A few Quirks dabble in that, but it's very limited compared to other powers.]
no subject
[ Which is to say, if Bakugo can't provide a good argument, then his complaints have no merit. His concern for Neo Tokyo is warranted, but there is no solution that would have been satisfactory for both Vegas and Neo Tokyo. Had even a part of the Outsiders returned to Neo Tokyo, the devastation wrought upon Las Vegas by the sand worm would have been far worse. The precious time needed to transport them back to the sandy city would have been fatal for many who were saved by their immediate action. ]
It is the energy that forms the basis of all matter in the universe. It has been named not only for the myriad of configurations it can manifest as, but also for its responsiveness to the sentient being's will. Invisible, yet existent, malleable with infinite potential... is it not a suitable name?
no subject
[Which means jack all in this case. Bakugo never complains without having a better idea or the willingness to do something about it. Though often his better idea is to NOT do what's proposed and his doing something means walking the fuck away cause it's a stupid idea in the first place. Arguing about the past choice isn't going to help much, outside of expressing his annoyance LILITH made a judgement call for the Outsiders without giving them the option. Most of the time they've done that, it's been fine. This time, Bakugo took issue with it, given the results.
There's naught to do for it now but glower.]
So it's your world's generic "energy", like how other worlds have magic, chakra, ki, manna, whatever. [Some of them are more complex and mysterious than others, but it's all the same general idea. Even if most people from each world will take umbrage at the generalization. Touchy touchy.] Can you tap into that energy here?
no subject
[ Ratio has never had the patience for complaints, especially when they aren't used to improve the situation. If Bakugo has brought his concerns up with LILITH, then nothing more needs to be said, in his opinion.
He sighs at the generalization. As much as he dislikes it, until he can determine the composition of the alternate universes and worlds the Outsiders come from, it may indeed by futile to elaborate any further. For now, a basic understanding would suffice. ]
That is a foolish question. [ Ratio just explained that he was using Imaginary energy to access his subspace storage, after all. Is that not evidence that he can tap into that energy, as Bakugo words it? ] Be more precise.
no subject
[Though LILITH also keeps them busy a lot as well. Bakugo hasn't been too "bored" during his months here; he's more annoyed when LILITH sics them on cleanup duty or tries to make them do social experiments for entertainment (team bonding they claim, fuck off). Just cause he's brought his thoughts to the organization over them, doesn't mean he isn't going to growl about them taking their time or doing something he thinks is stupid.
Yeah, don't try to coach him on the specific difference between all those different kind of generic "fuel" for people's worlds' powers. He'll get bored very quickly. Doctors and scientists have spent years trying to figure out what caused Quirks to occur and they have nothing to show for it. By now, it's just accepted.]
Like hell it is! [Just cause he accessed his ability didn't immediately mean it was the same way!] Some ninja who used to be here used chakra to power their jutsu, but chakra's native to their world, not this one.
[If that example helps the question any.]
Either Imaginary energy exists in your world and not here, or somehow other worlds are leaking their own power into this one.
[Which then raises the question of whether this world has access to all forms of inter-world energies. Or if there's something in this world that serves as a very flexible substitute for everyone's unique "fuel" for their abilities.]
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Have you considered that these terms all refer to the same thing? Each world or universe may find its own unique method of interacting with energy, but at its base, it is the quantitative property that is transferred between bodies or physical systems and manifests in the performance of work, or in the form of heat or light. It must exist in all universes, and therefore exists here as well.
The question should not focus on energy itself, but the systems by which each individual interacts with energy. For those who only rely on biological mechanisms to interact with energy, it would stand to reason that they would be capable of doing so here. Any who require external mediums may find themselves at a loss if that medium does not exist here.
[ Don't @ me for copypasting the definition of energy from wikipedia btw. Shhh. As for his universe... ]
It is possible, but exceedingly difficult to manipulate Imaginary energy without biological inclinations, external assistance or becoming a Pathstrider. The Paths are the medium by which most learn to instinctively manipulate it, but once it has been learned, it is no longer a requirement for its usage. Thus, there is nothing stopping me from utilizing Imaginary energy here.
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Why the hell do you think I asked if you could use that energy here?
[He snaps a crab leg in half with his hands alone; the thing's big enough it's akin to breaking a loaf of break, just much harder. And wetter. And meatier. He listens to the rest of the rationalization, but it's not doing anything other than reaffirming his own curiosity earlier. Plus his defensive stubborn pride. Back we go again-]
Pera pera pera.
[Blah blah science genius blah. He already thought about that crap.]
If it's all the same thing, with the difference being how people and worlds interact with it, then you're not using Imaginary energy to power your abilities, but rather whatever generic energy exists everywhere.
[Suggesting that Imaginary energy isn't imaginary. It's simply the basic fuel of the universe. Called different names by cheeky people. He's gonna argue this purely out of sticking it to Ratio now. Yes, Bakugo IS that petty. Sue him.]
But if there is a difference, the question's valid.
[CRACK!]
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A rose by any other name. [ That's the furthest he'll argue about nomenclature. Whether it's called Imaginary energy or something else has little bearing on the true matter at hand.
He holds out a hand and focuses. Light bursts into existence, forming patterns, lines and objects in a methodical manner, as if he's engaging in a series of tests. Which is precisely what this is, a test to determine the concentration of Imaginary energy that can be manipulated freely. It doesn't take more than two minutes to complete. ]
While a more sensitive device will be needed to ascertain the truth in its entirety, the energy I am currently manipulating appears to be identical to Imaginary energy when manipulated at values below ten gigaHerons. For reference, a Heron is the amount of Imaginary energy required to produce a single point of light of a thousand lux per square metre for one second. [ Please don't do the actual math I am a peabrain artist... ] A basic test for energy levels above that revealed diminishing control, which seems to reflect a perceived weakening in strength in some individuals.
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So it's the same thing.
[That wasn't so hard, see? Bakugo still thinks there's a distinction between the energy people use in their homeworlds compared to what's going on here, whether it's utilizing a "substituting" energy, or some of their homeworld energy has leaked into this place. Who the fuck knows, but those two options seem the most logical.
Despite his petulance, Bakugo's attention snaps to Ratio's hand, red eyes focusing on the gathering light in his hand. It moves, draws within the air, following a deliberate pattern, making him initially think Ratio is trying to exercise his energy, but quickly revealing itself as more than that. The man's conducting a test. So back to eating crab and fruit with him until Ratio's done.]
Uh-huh. So below ten billion Herons, the energy's the same as Imaginary energy in your world. [While he's certainly not arguing whether Ratio can control his powers or perform his abilities...] The ninja could use their chakra as well. The sorcerers can manipulate curse energy. If that's the case, it seems like this world has energy that can mirror the natural energy of other worlds.
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It would be difficult to substantiate Bakugo's suspicions without specialized equipment, so he allows the topic to die. Regardless of the true nature of the energy they're currently using, what's true is that it mimics the attributes of Imaginary energy. ]
Or perhaps LILITH's technology creates a connection between a summoned Outsider and their origin, allowing them to draw upon energies that exist there. There is very little reason for LILITH to send unqualified Outsiders home if maintaining our existence did not come at a continued cost.
[ What is left unsaid is the implication that LILITH could also dispose of unwanted Outsiders through murder, and that it might be what they're actually doing. ]
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A least the growing argument seems to wither on the vine before reaching full flower. They can all still use their techniques and powers here, for the most part. Whatever energy answer is behind that, does it really matter in the long run? What they should focus on is whether they can use that energy to get the hell back home later.]
We cost more than just an energy tether. Food, housing, medical supplies, whatever resources they use to keep people maintained in those fucking pods. [There's a lot of reasons to send people back. Bakugo frowns as his mind turns to two people in particular who he knew and had gone home.] That doesn't explain why they send back Outsiders who they already vetted.
[Bakugo will hard stop any suggestion of murdering the Outsiders on LILITH's side. If they brought them here, they can send them back. Simple as that. Besides, LILITH already promised them they would return home once their jobs here on Neo Tokyo were done. Along with payment. LILITH might have shady sides, but that's not one Bakugo believes they have.]
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LILITH murdering the Outsiders is not a possibility Ratio wants to consider, but he must be objective, and there is no evidence that can rule it out. They cannot contact those who have gone home, after all. ]
They are likely searching for individuals whose contributions would be greater than existing members but are limited in the number of Outsiders they can summon. By some criteria, they must be selecting for who they perceive to be the least useful and sending them home to make space for newer members who may contribute more. Opportunity cost analysis.
[ There is of course the matter of payment. Ratio's time is quite expensive, so he would not be surprised if they sent him home abruptly one day due to that alone. Because he will certainly demand higher compensation for all that he's done. But if they are intelligent, they'll understand that his presence is worth more than what he'll ask for. ]
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While they can't connect with people who've gone home, Bakugo knows two people who went home and came back, memories from Neo Tokyo still intact, along with new memories from home. Evidence enough to rule out murdering.]
Maybe. There's not an influx of hundreds whenever new Outsiders show up. [Usually only around twenty or so, but not all of them stay. The first week of every other month is strange.] So they're cycling through options and keeping the best ones.
[Then why the hell do some Outsiders remain while others, who are stronger in his opinion, get been sent home? Bakugo frowns at the question in his head, a gut feeling suggesting that's not a good one to ask.
Tough luck, Ratio. You get paid the same as the rest of them. Unless you take out a kaiju, cause then you get a bonus. HA! He's a smug fuck about that any time someone asks.]
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If Ratio had known what Bakugo knows, he would be more firm in lowering the possibility of LILITH murdering Outsiders. He wouldn't strike it out as an impossibility, coming from a world where there is a whole faction that can manipulate memories, but the chances would be much lower. ]
That would be the most reasonable assumption. They may also be choosing to retire certain individuals in consideration of their mental health. Most, I imagine, do not want to be separated from their homes for long.
[ That would be a generous interpretation of their actions. And Ratio can understand why they might want to keep cycling through Outsiders. It would also protect the organization from being attacked by one of them should they be concealing discontent for too long.
Perhaps he should be wary of being sent home quickly as well. The longer he stays here, the greater the chance he will decode their summoning technology. And once that is known to him, he will have a way to return here even if he is sent back. ]
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If they were concerned about that, they'd be sending us home every few months. I know two people who were sent home and brought back, but I doubt it was for mental health. [He frowns in memory of his friends and their responses to going home.] Neither of their lives got better during their time back home. [They came back with heavier emotional burdens.] LILITH might be picking people even through their timelines, trying to find the best "version" of a soldier.
[It sounds inhuman and callous, no matter what reason this place has for wanting the people they pulled in. Ratio's not wrong about someone staying around too long resulting in growing resentment overflowing into an attack. That's one reason he thinks LILITH does what it does to treat the Outsiders generally well and respectfully. Despite the kidnapping, they're not enslaved or tormented, and their participation isn't actually forced so much as requested... heavily.]
I used to want to send everyone home; now I want people to have the choice to return if they want.
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