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

Given their lack of visible tethering charms, its possible their opponents think they are together in some romantic sense of the word, or they might just assume that Rokuro, what with his questionable fashion choices, is simply the type of man to 'seat' around.

For once, Rokuro doesn't particularly care. Back home, he wouldn't be caught dead acting so coquettish in public, for fear of the way it would reflect on his master and family. When he did drink in excess, which was incredibly infrequently, he still maintained a certain level of propriety.

Here... well. The liquor is stronger, much stronger, and there's nobody relying on him. If Rokuro passed out face-down in a ditch, drowned, and haunted the place of his death, he really would be just a nameless river-whore, as Jinpachi implied.

"My. That first throw was impressive. I did not know it was possible to miss the board entirely." The smile he offers his opponent has none of the warmth or affection he showed Tech. If anything, Rokuro's expression is colder and more aloof than ever. Now that they're in the final round with a steady lead, he has no need to play at innocence. The man looks like he wants to hit him, and for a moment Rokuro wishes he would, if only so he would have an excuse to stop playing and hit back-- and that's when he knows he's had one too many drinks.

"Let us get this over with." Rokuro pulls away from Tech, retrieves the darts, and takes his place at the line. The two rebels are talking negatively about him, just loudly enough for Rokuro to hear, but he is far too close to victory for their opinions to matter.

He breathes in through his nose, out through his mouth, and whips all three darts at the same time with one hand, in the style of the ninja he has fought so long and hard beside. All three find their marks within the tiny triple-ring.

The rebel man leaps to his feet, clearly intent on saying a few of those unsavoury names directly to his face. Without blinking, Rokuro simply places two fingers upon his chest and pushes him back down again.

"You may want to think twice about what you call me, as I am still clearly superior to you." If Rokuro is a bitch, that makes his opponent the refuse of one.

"That is simply skill," Tech can't help but point out, but he's clearly impressed by the performance. The comment gets a sharp look from the woman that would have split him in half had it the physical force to go with it.

The clone had gotten to his feet the moment the other man had, ready to jump to Rokuro's defense if anything went beyond words, but Rokuro's clearly in a completely different zone. The bold display and even bolder words throw the rebel off for whatever he'd been about to say, gaping at Rokuro like a freshly landed fish.

"Rokuro," Tech says quietly as he comes up beside him, setting a hand on his shoulder. They've only two more to go and they can be gone from this place. It wouldn't do for things to get ugly now. Although Tech might say that it's already gotten so as he pointedly tries to avoid looking the rebel woman in the face. Rage certainly does nothing for her features, and as she wrenches the darts free of the target she nearly takes the board along with it.

She at least manages to hold her poise better than her partner as she hurls her darts. It isn't as bad as her previous round but at this point nothing really mattered after Rokuro's display.

A deep breath. Tech, contrary to most people, knows how to calm him. If Rokuro's emotion is met with emotion, he will only become more emotional and difficult to reason with. Logic and gentle (or firm) reassurance is all that really assuages his anxiety and anger.

He could talk badly of the woman's turn, but she did so poorly... it's more insulting to simply remain silent, and let her be angry and disappointed of her own volition. Besides, Tech's hand on Rokuro's shoulder is enough to earn another sneer before she takes a heavy seat beside her shell-shocked partner.

Rokuro lifts his hand to meet his touch, and makes direct eye-contact.

"Finish them."

"Gladly."

Tech steps over to the board, picking out each dart. They may as well have been playing a private game for the lack of attention he directs towards their opponents, but he'd read them from the start as easy to upset and bringing emotions to the table tended to affect performance for good or bad.

He's not after impossible bullseyes, but he's not above showing off in his own way, even if no one else would likely understand the significance. First toss, a triple twenty. Second, a double fifteen. The final toss sails into the broad space of the nine. He dusts his hands off, looking almost smug at his accomplishment.

"Ninety-nine." A pleased smile from Rokuro, who at least partially understands the significance. All their opponents see is a devastating loss at the hands of two newbies who looked like easy marks.

Even drunk, Rokuro isn't really someone who 'hugs', but he does clasp Tech's hands when he returns in some form of... strange congratulatory squeeze? Looking back over his shoulder at the rebel (literal) losers, Rokuro thoroughly enjoys this next statement.

"Our new friends are paying for a round of drinks on the house." While the majority of patrons hadn't been paying much attention to their game, they are very much invested in the spoils of their victory, and already placing their orders at the bar. Given the losers promise to pick up the rest of Rokuro and Tech's tab for the rest of the night, they should do the same before the crowd is unmanageable.

Rokuro exhales, head bowing. All of the righteous indignation leaving him at once.

"I... think I may have had enough."

Tech might short circuit at a hug, and already looks just as clueless about what to do with this hand-clasping gesture, but he manages a smile, glad at least one person knows what his final score stood for, and really the only person who counts at present.

He looks around the bar as Rokuro makes the announcement, as though suddenly reminded of the loudness and the rest of the rowdy bodies around them. There's just the briefest look back at their rebel challengers, but he really can't even tell them it was a good match since it was anything but. But Rokuro's sentiments are shared then. Giving a weary sigh himself, Tech nods.

"Let us depart then."

"Goodbye. For your sakes, I hope we do not meet again." Rokuro bows to their fallen opponents, who are now more concerned for their wallets. Not that it stops either of them from flipping the middle finger in their direction.

Rokuro doesn't know what the gesture means, but he will do the same right back. It's too bad his nails aren't painted, because sending them off with the Unno family colours would have left quite the impression. With that Rokuro will turn on his heel to leave. The bar is getting louder and rowdier than ever, and he is 'over it'.

"A full moon. If only Tsukuyomi's blessing extended to the over-consumption of alcohol." He'll be feeling this in the morning.

Rolling his eyes at the rebels, Tech doesn't even bother to offer a farewell as he walks out after Rokuro. The cool air feels good on his face, still somewhat flushed from their drinking and mostly from just being in a crowded space. There's a tingle of a headache that he anticipates will only get worse later on, but for now the fresh air helps.

He lifts his head, looking up at the night sky. "We'll manage," Tech says after a moment. That they've kept their heads this long at least seems a positive thing. Whatever pseudo-adrenaline rush that had been sparked by the rebels making such ridiculous claims of them has already started to dissipate once the dart game had finished, and with it, his ability to focus.

"Best we get back to our quarters while we can still manage."

Whether they're drunk, tired, or some combination of both, the barracks look and feel a lot farther than normal. At least it's cool and quiet night. With most of the rebels still 'recovering' at the social facilities, they're almost alone outside.

Rokuro looks both ways, and when he's certain no one is near, he'll reach out to grab Tech by the upper sleeve. "Wait-- please." He'll need a lot more than ten drinks to entirely forget his manners. When Tech slows, Rokuro will lean against him, and... untie the laces of his sandaled heels. One after the other. Leaving him barefoot on the concrete path (and several inches shorter).

They may have won at darts and left the bar victorious, but there's no escaping the walk of high-heel shame.

It's not so difficult to halt him, not when he's not gone more than a step. Tech glances at Rokuro, somehow managing not to sway as he plays support to the other. He's about to ask when he sees just what Rokuro's doing, prompting a quiet breath of a laugh.

After all that... Well, it was probably better this way than risking twisting an ankle in their compromised states. Tech nods once Rokuro's on solid ground, starting along again once he's ready.

Tech was incredibly wise not to say 'I told you so', or he may have found himself drunk and deaf by the time they reached the barracks. Rokuro is well aware just how foolish he looks, especially after how much attitude he gave Tech over the shoes earlier.

Will Rokuro wear them again? Yes. Because beauty is pain, and everyone has their vices.

Thankfully, the path appears mostly smooth and free of debris. If Tech sees anything that looks sharp or painful he can warn him. Drunk, in the dark, with only his left eye to observe his surroundings, Rokuro is somewhat relying on his partner's guidance.

"It has been some time since I indulged to this capacity."

That would have been an unpleasant end to an already trying night. Tech hadn't even been aware they'd been in the bar that long. Probably not a good sign.

Even as he is now, he's still very much looking out for his companion, and it's not lost on him the vulnerability presented by the lack of footwear. At least heading towards the main complex won't see them having to cross any unpaved terrain, and the only real problem will be not falling over in mounting any stairs. Or walking into closed automated doors.

"I...usually manage to keep from doing so, myself. Let's try not to do that again. At least now we know not to trust free drinks."

"That said, the bar was a definite improvement over the pool. Thank you for suggesting we go out. Sometimes... I become so fixated on what is wrong, that I neglect to notice or appreciate what is right." After walking for some time on the paved path, Rokuro picks his way over to the grass. Softer on the feet, and pleasantly damp with evening dew.

Rokuro is beginning to see the blurry glow of the barracks. Their home away from home. It's nothing like Ueda Castle, and nowhere near as comfortable, or familiar, but it's better than nothing.

"There is a type of pottery where I am from, where pieces are broken and the repairs are highlighted with gold, rather than hidden. It is my Master's favourite. He says there is nothing so beautiful or unique as imperfection, and that an inability to see as much speaks to a lack of imagination--" Tipsy, sandaled heels dangling from his fingertips, and clothes somewhat askew, Rokuro can't help but wonder what his master would think of him now. At least there's nobody milling outside of the building to judge them.

"I do not think I'm unimaginative, I simply view things differently, as I--" WHACK. Rokuro apparently doesn't see things at all, because he just walked face-first into the double glass doors leading into the barracks lobby.

"Granted we stayed longer than we may have meant to..." Tech can't help but mention. "But such is a common thing, to notice what stands out most to you and forget about the other side of things."

He listens, genuinely interested as Rokuro describes this art of reappreciating the broken. His thoughts drift slightly, partially hung up on imperfections as he can't help but think of the label of his squad, defective as they were called. Absently he nods, remembering to pay attention- which is just when Rokuro suddenly smacks into the glass doors. The abruptness startles him into focus, even though he can't help but stare, stunned, for a moment as what happened sinks in.

"-Rokuro?" he finally manages to say, hands reaching out to steady him by his shoulders as the glass doors slide open.

Hopefully Tech has an appreciation for the imperfect, or Rokuro is going to be out of a friend and partner sooner than later. For a moment he is entirely stiff and still, not unlike an unlucky one-eyed bird who has flown into a window and stunned itself.

"I..." He lifts a hand to wipe his now bloody nose, and simply falls silent. It's been a long night. He's drunk, his face hurts, and he is officially over technology. At least he can muster the energy to shake Tech off, stand on his own two feet (though one of the heels has been dropped and temporarily forgotten in the 'scuffle') and trudge into the lobby-- except in the time it's taken him to come round, the doors have closed again.

There's less of an impact the second time around, because he didn't have the time or distance to gain speed, but twice as much humiliation. Rokuro drops the second heel to bring both hands to his face, and for a too-long moment its impossible to tell if he is seething or crying.

It would have been easier to respond to if Rokuro was outright seething. As it is, Tech's left standing there awkwardly as he watches, unsure of how to approach this, save for the same caution one might use around a landmine. Eventually he stoops down to pick up the man's shoes before kneeling beside him.

"Come on," he says softly. "We're nearly there." He offers a hand, and if taken, will also position himself between the offending door once it opens again.

Rokuro takes Tech's hand and climbs unsteadily to his feet. Unsure of which hurts more. His face, or his pride. At least there's enough alcohol in his system that he can't be too acutely aware of either. The bruises and regret are a problem for tomorrow Rokuro. Present Rokuro is entirely consumed with the task of not crying whilst avoiding doors.

This is nowhere near the worst pain he has felt, in comparison to the abuse his body takes with every use of his power it's barely a blip on the radar-- not that Rokuro has any concept of what radar is. What's really getting him is the exhaustion and overwhelming helplessness he feels too often in this strange land. Every day is a battle in what feels like an endless war.

His fingers squeeze around Tech's fingers, as if he's afraid the clone might let go once they cross the threshold.

This is a different sort of reliance than what he's been used to. Tech's unused to someone both seemingly delicate and a pillar of stone, and who fluctuates in intensities like the endless seas of Kamino. But in other ways Rokuro also reminds him of someone else he and his brothers have been learning their way around and getting to know. Someone to look out for.

Feeling Rokuro's fingers tighten slightly around his own, Tech hesitates before letting his hand remain holding Rokuro's as he guides them inside.

Shoeless, bleeding from the nose, and only a breath away from crying, Rokuro looks the picture of someone who has partied way too hard, so he shouldn't stand out too much from other rebels crawling back to their rooms after a (too) eventful night on the town.

Head down, Rokuro isn't really paying attention to where they are going, more concerned with putting one foot in front of the other as Tech leads him to safety. So much for 'relief'. If anything, Rokuro might be in worse shape than he started. And now he's in his head, worrying about the scene he may have caused both in the bar and outside of it, and whether or not he ruined Tech's chance to relax by being so troublesome.

"I am sorry." Almost too quietly. If they were anywhere other than a near-empty hallway it's unlikely Tech would hear him.

Now that they're in a more familiar place, Tech lets his feet carry him automatically. Now that they're indoors again he feels like everything's slightly muted, probably due to muddled perceptions. However the quiet that's fallen between him and Rokuro doesn't go unnoticed.

And so quiet are the words that come up that Tech almost wonders that he imagined it. He glances at Rokuro, blinking.

"For what? There is nothing to apologize for."

"Taking up so much of your time and energy while providing very little of value in return." Rokuro stays looking away from Tech, so he can wipe away a stray tear from his blood streaked cheek with his free hand. Still holding onto Tech with the other. He isn't crying. His eye is just leaking. Because he's drunk and he slammed face-first into a door. Twice.

Nothing to do with how small and foolish he feels now that they've reached the exhausted and emotional stage of their drinking bender. With high highs come low lows. Especially where copious amounts of sugar, tequila, and maraschino cherries are involved. If either of them were skilled at the art of bar-hopping, they would have gotten snacks to fill their bellies so the drinks didn't hit so hard.

"I... am lucky to have a friend like you."

The gesture isn't lost on Tech, not that he knows what to do with someone crying. He quickly turns his attention frontward, giving Rokuro what space he can. No tears seen here, not at all.

"That's not true. We both decided to go to have a drink, made an understandable mistake, and sought to correct it in a manner that did not involve violence. It was... an interesting time." There was a strange sort of satisfaction in proving themselves. But all that bravado is gone. It's just them.

Tech's pace slows at Rokuro's admission then, not that he'd been going very fast to begin with. A friend... That's something he's never had anyone say to him directly. It's not something he's really give much thought to, but then his identity has been largely wrapped together with his squad, and what little they identified as friends saw them as a whole at best. His hand tightens just slightly around Rokuro's.

"...thank you... for being my friend," he says quietly, looking back at Rokuro.

How is it possible to be so different and still so much the same?

Anyone just looking at them would struggle to find any similarity in appearance, behaviour, or skill-- because what they share is a deeper, less obvious experience. A life devoted to those they were born to serve, and the deep loneliness that follows. No spouses. No children. No friends. Only siblings, comrades, and the work. All chosen for them before they even entered the world.

Something shifts in Rokuro when Tech returns the sentiment. Or maybe it breaks. Regardless, the single tear multiplies into many more, until Rokuro is silently sobbing behind his arm. Trembling, white-knuckled fingers clasped too tightly around Tech's hand.

A tired veteran rebel passes by, definitely eyeing these two weirdoes having a Moment in the barracks hall. It's probably not that unusual to see the newbies having mental breakdowns, though usually they've still got their shoes on and aren't holding hands.

"Get a room." Whose room are they near, anyway?

Edited 2022-09-21 05:03 (UTC)

The response from Rokuro is even more baffling. Tech keeps them walking, unsure how to connect these delicate lines of emotion that still seem so far out of his grasp. He doesn't think it's a bad response, although he's also slowly losing feeling in his hand.

At least he can redirect his attention from the growing awkwardness of the silence that's once again started to settle between them. "Already been assigned them," he replies curtly, not even bothering to look after the veteran as he continues forth.

...and stops at the door of his room, pausing. Well, this is what you get when you're on autopilot. "-oh."

In some ways, it's best that Tech doesn't say anything. Rokuro doesn't need words right now. There's no stopping the emotions welling up from deep inside of him. All he can really do is wade through the thick of them. With Tech holding his hand, Rokuro doesn't fear drowning.

"O-Oh?" He finally looks up, slowly realizing they aren't on his floor, never mind in front of his room. "Oh." A hard swallow, and Rokuro finally relinquishes his grasp of Tech's fingers. Hand falling empty back to his side.

Relief Log #1

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