annexedlogs | Relief Log #1

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Relief Log #1

I. In The Aftermath

After the mission is complete, the new recruits are invited back to Central Command for a patch-up and celebration to let loose and socialize a little bit.

The first order of business is the patching up. Anyone who was injured is welcome to go to the Hospital, if the injuries are more serious. Everyone else, those with smaller injuries like scrapes and bruises, minor cuts or burns or abrasions, are welcome to come to the Infirmary in Central Command. There will also be attendants that tell returning new recruits that if they'd like to learn a little first aid and tend to their comrades, they can also head to the Infirmary.

In the Infirmary, anyone who's not injured but shows up will be instructed in basic first aid so they can tend to their teammates and friends. Nurses will be rotating around to check in on people and make sure nothing is more serious than it looks, but generally, the new recruits will be encouraged to tend to their teammates in order to encourage group bonding.

II. Pool Party

The celebration itself, which happens after the the initial patching-up exercise, will be happening in three large conference rooms adjacent to the swimming pool. In one of the conference rooms, a large buffet will be set up, catered by food trucks and restaurants in the area, with a variety of food. Some of it will be familiar to characters in the game, with a wide array of food from Earth and any other planet or locale that the new recruits might be from. Some of it will be unfamiliar, local cuisines that are heavy on mushrooms, insects, and root vegetables - stews and flatbreads full of fillings and a lot of varieties of meat on a stick. There's also an extensive dessert bar with cakes, cookies, tarts, donuts, bars, and a soft-serve ice cream machine with a lot of different mix-ins and toppings.

The main focus of the party is on the pool, where characters are encouraged to put on a swimsuit and lounge in the pool on a bunch of assorted pool floats, swim laps, or play in the small children's pool where there are fountains. The pool also sports a small waterslide with three intertwining slides that range from extreme speed to slow speed. Through speakers in the area, music is playing that's suitable for dancing or just listening to while characters enjoy the pool.

III. For The Extroverts

In another of the conference rooms, an extrovert's dream is set up. The door is kept closed because the music inside is loud, and the atmosphere is that of a club. There's a small bar area where a bartender serves drinks. While most of the drinks are regular alcoholic beverages that are both familiar and unfamiliar, there is a selection of drinks catered by Robin's, which is known for their specialty cocktails which have a variety of effects - specifically, euphoria, relaxation, and energy - available in a variety of flavors. Servers move through the room with trays of snacks ranging from nuts and olives to bowls of chips and popcorn, free for the taking by anyone feeling peckish.

There is a nice dance floor set up and the lights are low except for fluorescents and spotlights that bathe the room in bright color, and the DJ is playing a mix of techno, rave music, and danceable oldies remixes. Along the back wall there are several booths set up for karaoke, where groups of characters can go and sing their hearts out and/or laugh at their friends who are singing their hearts out.

Did that mission leave you wanting to get wasted and dance the night away? Then this is the party for you.

IV. For The Introverts

Not everyone is cut out for a rave, though, especially not after a tiring and draining mission, and the rebels have prepared for that too.

In the other conference room, just on the other side of the buffet room, there is a party set up for the more sort of person who finds solace in quiet and peace. In the corner of the room there's a lovely tea and coffee bar set up, with an espresso and latte machine, coffee, and a truly expansive variety of teas - white, green, black, rooiboos, herbal, and some local varieties that are made specifically to relieve tension and relax the mind. These local varieties can produce a state of utter relaxation and mental calm that is beyond what normal tea could provide, perfect to drink before going to sleep for the night, or right before a calming nap.

Speaking of naps, for those who don't want to be alone but would like a bit of shut-eye, there are soft bean bag loungers where people can retire to for naps. The music playing in the room is quiet and soothing, lyrical ballads or instrumental easy listening, easy to nap through and no barrier to quiet conversation over a cup of tea. The library has also provided a large shelf of readable popular novels, non-fiction, and other books that might interest the new arrivals - there are novels of most genres that are unique to the Broken World, and research materials for anyone looking to exercise the mind or learn a little about the culture of their new world.

Besides that, there are also a cluster of small tables where games are set up. There are board games, decks of cards with printed sheets of common game rules from the Broken World, and a type of chess-like game that is played frequently on the Broken World, complete with instructions.

NAVIGATION

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"If they are indeed under supervision, than the situation is far more grave than I originally suspected! What adult would allow such rowdiness and ruckus?!"

It seems the celebration isn't limited to the Witches Camp or active rebel members, for there are children, families, and many obvious civilians strutting around in their swimwear having a grand time-- at least until they break a 'rule' of the pool.

Rokuro shakes his head, wincing, one hand shielding his eyes from the sun. Tired. Grumpy. Sun-stressed. Wishing there was a better more tranquil source of water he could recline by, at least until the worst of his headache has faded.

"They are lucky I'm allowing them to continue utilizing the water. It would be nothing for me to empty the entire pool and dump it over their accursed heads."

"Well, it does appear to be a public venue if there are families allowed. I'm afraid there's nothing to be done for it, although I'm certain that if you were to respond in such a way, it would not be taken well." Tech looks over at those actually enjoying the pool time for what it is.

"I would not recommend doing anything too drastic. They may revoke your access to the pool. Perhaps if you wait, things will be less crowded and rowdy. I don't think that the children will be allowed to stay all that late, in any case."

"I suppose." A glance at the noisy, messy, and irresponsible crowd muddying the waters of what feels like his pool. The temptation is real. Especially as another person does a belly-flop off the diving board, and the piercing slap and chlorinated mist reach all edges of the pool.

For a moment, Rokuro looks like he's hit his very last nerve, but in an amazing display (for him) of self-discipline he doesn't rob the pool of water OR scream. It's a miracle, really. He has inflicted so much worse over less.

"Fine. I will leave, as this clearly is not the hour for people of gentle bearing to enjoy the water." Said with the least gentle look on his face and utter murder in his singular red eye.

Tech hides a mildly amused smile behind a hand at that, pointedly turning his attention back to the rest of the pool-goers once again. He is however glad that Rokuro has relented in doling out punishment for those who have transgressed upon these... sacred waters.

"I think that would be for the best," he nods. "Staying at the moment will only prove counter-productive to any relaxation you wish to attempt."

"It seems utterly ridiculous to engage in such festivities over a singular mission. People were injured, many of us-- of them are still attempting to adjust. All the noise and activity seems entirely counterproductive to the recovery of our numbers." Rokuro understands morale is as important a resource as food, water, and ammunition, but throwing a large party hardly seems practical or productive.

And maybe (mostly) he is simply overwhelmed by it all.

The fact this world can take something that so simple that Rokuro is intimately familiar with, and turn it into something loud, scary, and markedly unfamiliar does not bode well for his life here.

"I... I suppose I shall take my leave." You know. Like Rokuro said he would. Except he hasn't, because he simply doesn't know where else to go or what to do with himself.

Tech hasn't spent much time with Rokuro outside of dire circumstances but he feels he's gotten a fairly good read of the man to figure that this is definitely not an ideal venue for him, at least not when it's so very open. He doesn't have to look again to see how most everyone else here is taking full advantage of the time and the resources.

"I've been informed that one of the conference rooms they've opened up for the festivities here has been designated as a quiet zone," he says, gesturing over towards the building just across from them. "I was going to sit in there and do some reading, although I may stop by the bar first to see what they have to drink." He offers a smile. "But I have heard they have tea there in the other room."

Rokuro enjoys a good festival, especially if it means dresses in fine clothes, eating fine food, and drinking fine tea, but in his opinion there is nothing 'fine' about this particular celebration. The one and only evening he spent upon a pirate's ship drinking entire barrels of sake was less chaotic.

"I was in the so-called Quiet Zone earlier. I did not hate it. Except for that vile liquid they call 'coffee'." And Rokuro will never make the mistake of drinking that particular poison again.

"Anywhere is better than here-- and perhaps sake might alleviate my headache faster than water. If you should wish to accompany me, then I will accept." It can't be any LOUDER or more obnoxious than the pool, can it?

Tech smiles mildly at that. I did not hate it. The rebels clearly had to up their standards if they wanted Rokuro's approval, it seems.

"Not a fan of coffee, noted," he says. "Quite a different direction from tea, although it too is an acquired taste, and more often than not people drink it to help them stay awake." It's not exactly his go-to drink either, but he wouldn't call it 'vile'...

Oh, so now it's him accompanying Rokuro, is it? Tech rolls his eyes slightly, giving a faint shake of his head. This guy. "Well, since I'm headed that way, I may as well."

"Very well." A glance down at himself. Naked except for the fabric wrapped around his waist in a poor-man's sarong.

"I will take a moment to change. This is hardly drinking attire." Not that Rokuro really knows what he should be wearing to a bar, given people seem to question his fashion choices on a day to day basis. He does his best to dress similarly to the way he would back home, but it appears hakama as a concept do not exist in this world and he hardly has the money to have them made.

"And I have only ever made an ally drink such a bitter brew as punishment. To think some would willingly subject themselves to such a potion, just to remain awake..."

A pause, stopping awkwardly in front of the changing area before they properly start on their way. Already far more quiet than he was only a moment ago. The anger and volume appear to have left him-- for now. As has some of the haughtiness, replaced with something a touch more shy.

"Could I... trouble you to wait for me?"

It's hardly attire, but Tech at least seems to know better than to say that. He nods as they put some distance between them and the poolside.

"Some do add to their coffee to alter the flavor. Others prefer for it to be strong," he says with a shrug. He hasn't experimented enough with the stuff to figure if anything makes enough of a difference to actually enjoy it as much as some people seem to.

He looks at Rokuro then, noting the sudden shift of mood. That the man's no longer angry and seeming about ready to bite childrens' heads off is a plus, but Tech is a little puzzled by this shift. He blinks at the request, giving a nod. It seemed hardly necessary to ask given that they'd decided to head to the bar together, but Tech isn't going to ditch him either.

"Very well."

"Thank you." An incline of his head, and he will hurry in the direction of the changerooms. Suddenly aware of all the eyes on him. Rokuro had known he was making a scene, but was confident in his righteous indignation.

Now that Tech is here, and Rokuro has talked through some of what he is feeling... perhaps he is a little embarrassed by the outburst, if only because his comrade hardly seemed bothered.

Five or so minutes later (listen, he doesn't just wake up like this) Rokuro re-emerges from the change rooms in said 'proper' attire, or his approximation of it. A shirt and pants tied onto his body with string and little else, touch of colour upon his eyes and lips, and the 'modern' variety of geta which are both taller and less comfortable than what he is used to, but have a strange allure in their added height.

"Is this acceptable? I have never attended a bar."

Tech is, perhaps unsurprisingly, looking at his tablet by the time Rokuro comes back out. He's aware of the time and isn't sure what the man's been doing in there, it takes his brothers even less time to get all their gear on.

He does look up ~~amazingly~~ when Rokuro finally returns, having to blink as he processes this transformation. "I believe I've seen some wear similar degrees of such fashion to nightclubs, so I suppose it works." Studying Rokuro's choice of footwear, he supposes he'll never understand fashion.

"Well, if you're ready, we can go," he says, tucking his tablet away.

"I do not frequent 'nightclubs', as I have no interest in prostitution of any kind, but I must admit the oiran are extremely well-dressed..." Geisha are the peak of culture, fashion, and class in his time. While Rokuro has scruples with the their skinship services, he does appreciate their music and artistry in a non-sexual fashion.

For all that nobility judge the red light district, it is they who mimic the geisha, and not the other way around, so he's going to take Tech's comment (almost completely out of context) as a great compliment.

"These shoes are interesting, are they not? It is known that taller people are seen as stronger and more dignified. Ordinarily, I find high-toothed geta difficult to walk in, however these are quite comfortable." He says that now, beginning to walk with a silken gait. Give him a couple hours and Rokuro will likely have many different words for the modern torture device known as a 'heel'.

"You appear acceptable, and it seems they are allowing anyone into this celebration, so I suppose we will go largely unnoticed regardless." Or so he assumes. How is Rokuro supposed to know that pants without sides aren't the norm here? Ventilation is important for everyone.

"I do hope they have rice wine. What is your preference in terms of liquor?"

There's so much to process in that initial response alone that Tech is left puzzling over it well into Rokuro's shoe commentary. At that point he decides it's probably not worth the trouble, although he does make a mental note to at least get some clarification on what he's assuming to be a term from Rokuro's world.

"The shoes are largely impractical, I think," he does say, brow arching as Rokuro claims them to be comfortable. But so long as Rokuro can walk, Tech says nothing more as they start towards the conferecnce room that's been designated as the party zone.

"There was no specific dress code given," he says, shrugging, not that he would know what to wear if one were expected to be fancy. "We'll just have to see what's on the menu. Usually a beer or an ale will do for me."

Now that he has a point to prove, Rokuro will walk taller, with longer steps, and a graceful bearing that would make the most favoured of courtesans weep. The shoes are staying on all night if it kills him.

"Shoes are not necessary to function. If need be I can remove them." Coolly, as they cross the threshold into the bar. Rokuro wouldn't call himself stubborn. He is simply determined. His comrades, on the other hand... well, they know better than to say anything within Rokuro's earshot if they don't want to go deaf.

He turns his head to glance around the room, taking in the crowd. It's larger and rowdier than in a brothel, but somehow less obnoxious than the pool. Is it because his Master isn't here that he can almost see the value in such a place?

"See. There are many people wearing these shoes, and I do believe I wear them best."

Tech just shakes his head as Rokuro walks on. He can tell the immediate difference in the pacing, and even if it is impressive that the man can walk so fluidly in such shoes, Tech still doesn't see the point. Entering the bar, he frowns just slightly at the abrupt shift between atmospheres.

Which is surprising as Rokuro doesn't seem half as bothered by it as he did at the pool side, but then there are still obvious differences in the mood, and notably, less children. Tech snorts lightly, the closest thing to a laugh as he ever seems to get, as Rokuro continues to carry on from earlier by pointing out footwear.

"As you say. Let's see what kind of drinks they have."

"Yes. Let us." That was the pool, and water is sacred. This is the bar, and alcohol is not. Rokuro takes a prim seat upon a stool at the bar, tucking his feet beneath himself as he attempts to make sense of the menu.

"I do not recognize... any of this." A sigh, chin upon his palm. So much for attempting to soothe his headache. Once again, he is stuck overthinking what should be a simple task. "Perhaps this was also a mistake."

Settling down in a seat beside Rokuro, Tech squints at the various bottles behind the bar before looking over at the menu that Rokuro's already attempted to decipher.

"...I can't say that any of this strikes me as familiar either," he admits with a frown. "The fancy names certainly don't help. Perhaps we can forgo the menu and just ask for what we know..?" And if they just got strange looks, well, they could simply leave.

"This one appears to be named after some sort of shrine... 'Shirley Temple'. Shirley must be a powerful god indeed." What's worse is there are easily five pages to this menu, not counting the many drinks scrawled on signage behind the bartenders head, as well as people shouting out concoctions that appear to be of their own preference and making.

At least he isn't the only one out of his element. So often Rokuro feels alone in his struggles, and while he appreciates Tech's many explanations a great deal, it is difficult not to feel like an idiot (or worse, a child) in comparison.

Suddenly, one confusingly colourful drink is slid in front of Rokuro, and then another in a rounder glass, dark red in hue, only for a third to appear behind them. A rich amber liquid in a much shorter vessel.

Rokuro twists to look around himself, to see if there is someone on his right side or behind him who is ready and waiting to claim them.

"Did we take someone's place?"

It's only helped that the situations they'd been in together had been things that Tech knew how to navigate. It also unfortunately says a lot for his own experiences. Rokuro probably has much more useful experiences and knowledge for day-to-day living.

"Hm." No, not about to question Rokuro's observations when he's pretty much on the same page there. He tweaks his goggles, poking through the menu pages. "Are these divided a certain way or..."

His attention diverts to the almost magically appearing glasses, each more colorful than the first. He blinks almost owlishly at them before looking at Rokuro with a shrug as he follows the other man's glance.

"Not that I am aware of..." he says carefully, looking back at the drinks before catching a glimpse of movement down the bar. "I believe those sitting at the end mean to get your attention."

Rokuro looks down the bar at the men, simply observing them for a moment, and then back to Tech.

"I do not know them. They must be mistaken." As for who he could be mistaken for, there is only one person... but if Rokuro's twin were here, there is no way he wouldn't know-- not to mention Nanakuma would never stoop so low as to socialize with the common class. Of the two of them, Rokuro is the openminded one. Comparatively speaking.

Politely, he pushes the glasses back towards the bartender. Only to find them pushed back towards himself almost immediately. Now it's Rokuro's turn to blink owlishly, first at Tech to gauge his reaction, and then the group at the end of the bar.

"It seems these are intended for us." Rokuro lifts the brightly coloured glass, mystified by the cloyingly sweet scent, and strangely preserved cherry perched upon the room.

"Poison?"

Tech can only shrug. These are not the sort of interactions he's ever had to deal with at a bar, and the one that's served as his squad's most recent hangout is practically their private place for how slow things tend to be there. He looks towards the bartender for further insight but it doesn't seem like further explanation is going to be given.

"Oh. Well that's...nice of them? A welcome for newcomers? I honestly have no idea if there's some custom to all this or not." He reaches for the amber glass even as he studies the drink Rokuro's picked up as though trying to identify some kind of rare specimen.

"Technically any great amount of alcohol is ultimately poisonous," he points out.

"That is true." Rokuro isn't brave enough to take a sip right away, but he will try the seemingly candied cherry. Lifting it to his mouth, he takes a delicate bite, and upon tasting no poison or bitterness, will pop it past his lips.

He chews for a moment or two, and only a minute or so after he swallows another three drinks materialize in front of him. Each one with a cherry attached.

Rokuro can only assume there is a deep cultural meaning.

"Clearly they wish for you to try this as well-- it's very good. Almost like candy. A local delicacy, perhaps?"

Since eyeballing the drink hasn't revealed its secrets, Tech shrugs and samples it while Rokuro picks at a cherry. He's still deciding on what he thinks of the flavor when more drinks come Rokuro's way.

"...I'm beginning to reconsider your poison theory." How much were they expected to drink? Tech looks over at the other end of the bar again before he plucks one of the cherries from the nearest glass.

"I've never really been one for candy," he says, following up with the tiniest, most cautious nibble. Clearly not getting much out of it for flavor that way, he shrugs to himself and pops the whole thing into his mouth. "Hm. It isn't too bad. Perhaps it's meant to compliment the drinks?"

Mysteriously, a drinks slides across the counter from the other side of the bar to stop directly in front of Tech. Apparently Rokuro isn't the only newcomer who has been noticed. At least this mug appears to be holding something close to beer.

"Poison is usually more subtle. This is quite the display." A breath, and he dares to take a sip of the colourful drink. Brow shooting up at the contrast of syrupy-sweet drink and salted rim. At first disgusting, and then... delightful. Fruit is rare and precious in his time, reserved for nobility and special occasions.

"I have never tasted a wine so sweet or fine as this. It is almost too much, and yet--" Clearly not enough, as he is taking another much longer drink. "You must try it."

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