INTRO LOG - JULY 2013

[rekindlemods]

Who: Everyone Where: The Welcome Plaza When: 18th July, afternoon Summary: The new arrivals, freshly pulled from their worlds or others, awaken in a strange plaza... Warnings: Inbox death may occur. System overload at own risk. SOME NPC RESPONSES WILL BE SLOW UNTIL THE ONE WHO PLAYS THEM IS PRESENT. The first flickering of a lantern... It's a shuddering breath, a sensation of being pulled to elsewhere and finding oneself pressed against something rather hard with the sound of water coming from nearby. However, before one can fully stir, there is something that lifts you up from the rather warm (yet why did it feel like a chill going down your spine?) stone when you begin to drift off once more. It felt as though someone had thrown you from the frying pan, and then into the freezer - all you wanted to do was sleep... Yet the feeling passes quickly, and when you awaken, you begin to realize your surroundings. It looks like...a plaza of some sort? As they look around them, the ground beneath them is an intricate mosiac - a water fountain at the center of the plaza in this foreign world. There are many buildings around its perimeter, making this location seem like a central hub of whatever town this was. Some may even recognize the peculiar design of the buildings and sloped tiled rooftops as a Far Eastern theme. Were they somewhere along the Pacific? Who knows! But what is quite apparent is this: Along with the many buildings surrounding the plaza, the first thing that is noticeable is the amount of people sitting or standing around you in a similar daze. You are not alone... One building seems to stand out among all the others; one that seems large enough to house all of the completely lost and confused masses gathered here to the welcome plaza. A sign outside the door reads: WELCOME CENTER Newcomers: Please come inside for refreshments and your welcome packets! Odd... This wasn't written in your own language, and yet you find it easily understandable. Soon enough, if you don't enter on your own, someone comes from inside the double doors to usher you and everyone else inside. "Welcome to Saeng Seong! I know you must be confused as to where you are and what's going on, but we promise to explain this to you once we're inside and away from the hot sun!" Whether you go inside immediately or linger outside a little longer, eventually you must come in from the hot summer day, and sooner rather than later would probably be better. You'll find yourself in a well-lit lobby, filled with comfortable-looking couches and chairs. Along one wall are refreshment tables, loaded with all sorts of food and drink, including some you probably aren't familiar with. On the wall opposite are a pair of desks, each with a sign and a person seated behind them - Irene, General Assistance Devin, Technological Assistance However, before you can go over and give them a piece of their mind and ask for questions, the same person who ushered you inside hands you a manilla envelope that contains your welcome packet, urging you to read this before asking the three figures questions that the packet likely answers. Inside it, you will find: a ring with a key and apartment number on it, some kind of cash card, a map and informational guide to the city, and a letter folded neatly on the top - Welcome to Saeng Seong! You are among a new group of arrivals to our city, from many far-apart worlds. We have gathered you here because our city is in a crisis, and we are at our last resorts. The energy of the city is in a slow downward spiral, and is dangerously close to expiring altogether. That's where you come in - you and everyone else we've brought to the city. Unlike those of us here, you have the potential to generate the energy the city needs, but you'll need to work together to do it. Why? Because the energy can only be generated when two people touch each other. Any touch will do, but it must be between two of you who are new to the city. If you don't keep in contact with someone, eventually your energy will begin to drain as well, making you dangerously ill. A few other things: The closed-off sections of the city are closed off for a reason; approaching them will cause your energy to drain very rapidly. We're working to open the rest of the city to you as soon as we can, but for now, please remain within the two central districts of the city. You have been given a key to a one-bedroom apartment in a complex set aside for you and the other new arrivals, near the riverside in the 1st district. You're free to change your living quarters whenever you like, and we encourage you to move in with someone in one of the larger apartments. When you want to change, just come back to this building to exchange your key. We've also included a cash card with a living stipend; if you're unfamiliar with this system, or the network established for new arrivals, you can talk to Devin in the lobby for help. It's what he's here for. If you need medical assistance, contact Mai, one of our nurses - she'll be going around today for anyone who needs help. Again, welcome, and thank you for all your help. Irene Arrival Liaison Back behind you, others still linger, and through the translucent glass you can see a banner hanging from the tiled roof of the building across the street in the blistering summer day: WELCOME TO SAENG SEONG (ENJOY YOUR STAY!)

Comments

[soldiernoclass]

(Man, for a second, there...

I really thought I was a goner.)

Well, maybe a lot longer than a second. He'd actually been sure - but now, of course, it's considerably harder to go ahead and believe he's dead. Not when he can feel the hot sun, the air on his skin, the hard, flat surface of the plaza beneath him. And for a while, those little things are enough for him - he stays where he is, sprawled out on the ground, propped up by an arm and breathing in the strangely pleasant day. He's distantly, disorientedly aware of some kind of mass exodus of people moving around him (and maybe this should start him reconsidering the idea that this might not be the afterlife), though, and the appeal of sitting still quickly wears off.

If he's not dead, he ought to find out where he is. And why he's not. And all sorts of other things, probably.

While the generally dazed and confused mood of the crowd isn't very reassuring (no more than the unfamiliar city, or waking up right out in the open), he pulls off a measure of confidence as he follows the sluggish flow of the throng toward that one stand-out building in sight. (Welcome Center? I guess that's me) The facade loses some of its luster in the confusion that comes packed into the deceptively plain manila envelope a stranger foists off on him as soon as he's indoors - and the self-conscious recognition of the fact that he's still wearing a shirt loosely peppered with bullet holes.

"Not much of a punchline, is it?" But none of that's really enough to stop him running his mouth. "'Welcome to the Great Hereafter. Go touch somebody.'"

[smallspot]

"Is that a request for a hug?" A small voice giggles from behind Zack. The owner is a young dark-haired boy who pops up around Zack's side and waves at him before pausing when he notices the state of the man's shirt.

"Were you fighting a monster before you came here? You look like you were in a fight. Will you tell me about it? Please? I like stories!"

[soldiernoclass]

"From the sounds of this thing," he says, flapping the envelope and the impersonally informative letter attached and sounding more puzzled than sarcastic (but a little sarcastic), "they're mandatory, anyway."

Taking a step back, Zack rounds on the kid as he steps out into the open, just slightly thrown by that enthusiasm. Well. Could be worse. (A lot of things could be worse.) The barrage of questions starts his bemused half-smile faltering back into something more like solemnity, though, and even though he really shouldn't feel guilty about not wanting to relay the gory details of his actual death - he kind of feels a little guilty.

"Ah, sorry, kid. I... Don't think I'm really up to it, right now." His smile returns, however lopsided, still. "Between you an' me, it's not a very good story, anyway."

The ones where the hero dies never are.

[smallspot]

"Oh! No, I am sorry! You just arrived and I'm asking for a story already! I shouldn't bother you until you get settled in," Diarmuid bows his head in apology. "You are probably tired and confused. I was when I first got here, but lots of people helped me so I am not so confused now."

He falls silent for a moment, rocking on his heels before suddenly starting to talk again, "We just powered up the Third District. There are a lot of stores there so you can get new clothes! That way you don't have to wear a ruined shirt anymore! They give us money in exchange for touching and helping them repower their city. See! Hugs aren't bad at all! I don't know why people wouldn't want them.

"Would you like a hug?"

[soldiernoclass]

"You could say that." Certainly nothing's stopping him, gross understatement or not. Zack's pretty sure he could sleep for a week, if given the chance. And probably eat the whole refreshment table spread unassisted, beforehand. He's running on fumes, feeling a little sick and definitely disorientated, already - but sorting out his new and unfamiliar place in the universe comes first, nothing else.

"So this stuff - really works?" He can't keep the incredulity out of his tone, or off his face, at that. Of course, he'll take the kid's story with a grain of salt. (Sending in the adorable children to pull the wool over his eyes would be a pretty cheap trick.) But hearing him out can't hurt.

A hug probably wouldn't, either, though it's not the reaction he's used to getting from strangers. Especially lately. Crossing his arms, Zack takes a half-step back and puts on a somewhat overwrought frown as he sizes the kid up. "I dunno. Can I trust you?"

[heroofjustice]

During his daily investigation, the influx of new people surrounding the welcome center hadn't escaped Kerry's notice, so of course, he heads over to investigate. It's strange--it's exactly like the day he'd arrived. The milling crowd, the sign, the refreshments... Does that mean they're going to keep bringing in new people? He hadn't thought about that before, but if they need people for energy, that makes sense, especially considering the recent blackouts.

He doesn't like this at all. Kidnapping people is never good, so kidnapping more people can only be worse.

He enters the welcome center curiously. He's looking over the newcomers (and thinking about having some of the free food, since investigating is hungry work), when he happens to catch Zack's words and turns toward him with a friendly smile.

"Hi. We're not dead. It's more like we're in another dimension." Then he catches sight of Zack's sweater and connects the sight with what Zack had just said. It's not like he's never seen someone who's been shot before. His smile falters. "Are you okay?" It might be a silly question, as he looks okay, aside from the state of his shirt, but it comes out before Kerry can stop it.

[soldiernoclass]

"Gee, I can't tell if that's reassuring or not." But there's a shade of weary good humor in his voice, either way. (Sheesh, who let all these kids in here?) He knows who he ought to be saving his piece of mind for, and it's not the helpful (if painfully blunt) little boy who answers his unasked question.

As long as it's not just a ploy to get his wallet. (Not that this place looks anywhere near bad off enough to support the kind of gangs that populate the Slums. But seriously, that's not happening again.)

"Huh?" Okay - now there's a loaded question. "Uh, sure. Everything's still where it ought to be, so I guess so."

[heroofjustice]

"Yeah, it's not that reassuring. They say they're not gonna keep us here, but... It's still kidnapping, right?" Kerry remains unimpressed by and suspicious of their hosts.

He also displays no interest in obtaining Zack's wallet. Though the fact that he's armed with a gun might contribute to whatever criminal air he may or may not have. He doesn't trust this place, so he doesn't like to leave his gun unattended, or to be unarmed while exploring, even if the only place he's found a use for his weapon here is the shooting range--which is probably where he'll go later in the day.

"All right." Kerry looks uncertain for a moment, then his smile reaffirms itself. He's not about to pry, even if he's not going to forget the rather telling state of Zack's shirt. He hopes Zack is really okay. "Good. I know it's weird showing up here, but I've been here a while now, so if you have any questions, I can help you out!"

[soldiernoclass]

"Kidnapping?" In truth, he hasn't exactly been thinking along those lines - although, to be honest, Zack's very aware no one actually asked him if he wanted to pitch in, around here. Maybe that whole Lifestream bit rattled his brains around a little more than he thought, but the difference between recruitment and kidnapping seems a lot less important than it would've, before. Or maybe he's just not feeling like himself. A bad shock is a good excuse. Still, he shrugs, nodding equitably enough. "I guess you're right."

Which casts this whole setup in a far eerier light.

No good reason yet to start acting like an alarmist around a kid - or in a crowd of equally potentially disgruntled and definitely distressed people - but the realization doesn't help him with the levity. "All right. I guess I can probably think of a few.

"...Say, how long's a while, anyway?"

[wontdoanyless]

Steve was thankful to be out of the heat at least, but the whole situation was still a bit hard to believe. His envelop was tucked under in his arm as he walked around, uncertain what he really should do now. But Zack's comment and bullet ridden shirt caught his attention.

"Not my idea of what the afterlife would be like either. Hopefully we're not really dead though." Now that would be something horrible, join the army, die one week later. "But are you alright, sir?"

[soldiernoclass]

"Oh - yeah." He laughs easily (if a second too late), once he gets a look at the stranger's face. Joking about being dead might not be the best idea around this guy - let alone actually admitting to it. Zack's expression turns sheepish as he grins, again. "I wouldn't put too much stock in it. I mean, I am the one talking to myself."

It's a lot easier to brush off the idea of the afterlife consisting mostly of ending up in a well-lit lobby under a welcome banner than it is to explain his own personal welfare, though. No amount of confidence is going to sew up the fairly conspicuous mess that is his uniform top, now. At least the rain took care of the better part of the dirt and blood - but maybe changing clothes ought to be a little higher on his list of priorities. "Other than that, though, I'm fine as long as you don't call me 'sir' anymore. It's Zack."

[wontdoanyless]

Steve gave a small smile of his own, he normally wanted to be polite whenever possible. However, he was not too comfortable with people being forced to touch others, even if it was a simple one. And he had his doubts of that part even being true, guess it will become clear later. "Think we're all guilty of talking to ourselves, know that I am at least."

From the looks of Zack's clothes, it seemed like he was in one heck of a fight before being brought to this place. He ran into someone else that was also injured, so guess it happened around here. Still, it doesn't make it any less worrying. "Zack, then. Were you in a fight before coming here?"

[soldiernoclass]

"...Yeah. Sort of." He doesn't feel so good admitting it (or at all, if he's being honest), but there's no reason to lie about the hazy details. There's no suitable excuse even he can think up, for wearing around a bunch of blatant evidence of the kind of violence he was just at the epicenter of. Was just the epicenter of.

Anybody who could come out of a fight like that without a few new battle scars, he doesn't want to meet. Not again, at any rate.

"It's a... long story, though. And I'd hate to bore you to sleep, since we only just met. Maybe some other time, huh?"

[hopelessdream]

The person he bumps face-first into looks as bad as he does, clothing wise. More holes, less blood, lucky enough to not be head to toe in the sandy-colored uniform he's sporting.

But this guy registers as an adult and makes Nabuca flinch and he looks down immediately. He doesn't normally address anyone older than him, aside from his commander and listening to the often faceless voices of Abelia and King Hamdo.

"I'm sorry."

[soldiernoclass]

Zack may not be paying a ton of attention to his surroundings, anymore, but he's not out of it enough to miss being bumped straight into. With a short, slightly exaggerated Woah, he shuffles back from the person-shaped projectile, at the same time reaching out with his free hand to steady the kid in case they've both been thrown off balance. Zack's careful when he grabs his shoulder, has to be, if the strength in even his light grip is any indicator.

"Hey, no harm done. We're all kinda mixed up, right now, huh?" There's more than a hint of amusement in his answer, but it's sympathetic rather than teasing. It dissipates the second he actually gets a good look at the guy who bumped into him.

"Uh, you okay?"

[hopelessdream]

Nabuca almost swats the hand away out of reflex. Zack's grip is tight and feels a little threatening, but he takes a breath and lets his hands go loose at his side. He looks up at him, serious and calm, or at least faking it very well, and shakes his head.

"I should have watched where I was going..."

His mouth tightens and he breaks his gaze away from Zack, hesitating a moment.

"I'm fine."

[soldiernoclass]

"Nah, if I wasn't still reading this thing-" He pauses to flap the envelope and its informative contents again, taking a step back as he watches the kid avert his gaze like that. "I would've seen you coming." And probably tried to intervene on his behalf, either way, but that was another matter, altogether. Nobody walking around looking like he does could possibly be fine.

"...Sure you're not in some kind of trouble, or somethin'? You were going pretty fast, there."

[nofarplaneyet]

"So you're surprised to be still breathing?"

This, coming from an older looking man with a red coat, shades and rather large sword. Auron understood how confusing that was.

"You just get here?"

[soldiernoclass]

"That's one way to put it."

And him without his own huge sword. Oh well. It went to a good cause. (One he's blaming at least half the sick feeling in the pit of his stomach on not knowing the outcome of for certain, as it is.)

He nods, and the skeptical edge in his expression thins, gone the way of exhausted but still hanging on good humor. "And I'm new, yeah. Unless I was lying on the ground out there a lot longer than it felt like."

[nofarplaneyet]

"Guess this place is serious about getting enough people to power it." Auron shook his head.

"Name's Auron. I got here about a month ago. The place is kind enough to give you something to eat and drink when you first get here." He eyed the younger man. "Looks like you could use both."

[soldiernoclass]

"Just what's that supposed to mean?" Zack asks, crossing his arms - though he's half sure he knows the answer, anyway.

He hasn't thought about it, but he must've lost weight. Between the fraction of muscle mass the preservative properties of even an ocean's worth of mako can't account for, the poor excuse for rations reserved for failed experiments, and the past few months of scrounging for food while on the run, there's no doubting that he's thinner. And paler, after clocking in so many hours basement dwelling leached away a good bit of his natural tan, and probably pretty ghastly all put together.

"I'm Zack," he tacks on belatedly, nodding. "And for doing a month in this place, you don't look too bad off. Unless age is a symptom?" Jokingly, of course.

[dontthesunlookgoodtoday]

"Without even asking if you wanted to!" Davesprite huffs dramatically, spreading out his hands. "At least they're not telling us to bump uglies straight off."

[soldiernoclass]

"If that was the case, I'd have some much bigger issues with this." His obvious shock at the very suggestion probably speaks for itself, though. Casual as the explanation in the letter seemed, that's a potential escalation he hasn't considered.

[dontthesunlookgoodtoday]

"Bet everyone would. Real riots, right here and now, people shouting everywhere." Davesprite shrugs; it seems like the obvious way to produce the most energy to him. But just in a crisis, hopefully, if it ever came to it. And assuming that's all true. "Plus you'd hope they'd keep the shorties out of it. If they can pull people here, they could probably be a bit selective."

[soldiernoclass]

(Shorties?)

"If you mean the kids, then, uh - yeah, that's way more than I wanna think about." Ever. Besides, his personal outlook has never leant itself well to contemplating the worst case scenarios - especially not in situations where they're clearly thinking well outside the present circumstances. "...I didn't think of it that way, though. You don't really think they're picking and choosing, do you?"