Get In Losers, We're Doing Research

[alchemyfreak]

who: Openish - Floor Six Mingle Post
what: Ed and Chloe Initiate Phase II: Research and Explore
when: Sometime After New Arrivals Show Up (July 10th?)
where: Floor Six
warnings: Please hit up Ed's Permissions Post, as he's a CRAU and may recognize your character or talk about being in various other worlds.


The kitchen is laid out with whatever (reasonable) refreshments one can imagine available within the quarantine, snacks and beverages to accommodate varying tastes spread across the kitchen island and counter tops. Enough seating for 20 (10 from the kitchen, 10 from the entertainment area) had been arranged around Chloe's display, however she chose to set it up - since it had been put on her as the tech savvy one between them to do the presentation.

New arrivals, whether they cared for the research and exploration party or not would easily find themselves surrounded by books, notebooks and other papers with various notations - all regarding Riverview, the history of the quarantine, rumors surrounding it and comparisons to other worlds that similarly pull people through portals. These are out in the open and free to browse, should one be so inclined.


[Anyone with relation to floor six is welcome to attend - resident, friend of resident, etc. If you're unsure whether or not your character would get an invitation please contact the player you have CR with. Should your character be the type to show up uninvited, feel free to crash. Pretty much anyone Ed has CR with would be notified, and he'll be making a public post on the network before this event actually takes place IC. However if you have any questions don't hesitate to hit me up: TransmutedSelf]

Comments

OPEN - Refreshment Set Up (Before Presentation)

[alchemyfreak]

Whether your character is already party of floor six or likely to be early to things, they may come across the more mundane preparation for this "party". Seating being moved, snacks being put out. Nothing out of the ordinary if you're used to a typical human get together. That is, partly, the point. A getting to know your new neighbors angle was equally Ed's motivation, so some consideration has gone into those not too enthralled by research, exploration and the potential for danger.

Welcome to Floor Six, Newcomers.

Jason Todd - OTA

[hititwithacrowbar]

Jason had not stayed long when he was first brought up and showed around. Quick to drop some thing into the trunk by his bed and head out without a word to anyone. He wasn't gone all that long though, returning after eating and getting a change of clothes, though he had walked around a bit. Luck would bring him back before things got into swing with the presentation. He found a a glass and was taking survey of the happenings on around him.

He was a hard man to miss, just a little over sixfoot and built like a tank, the suit he had bought didn't do a lot to make him look smaller, but nibbling on pretzel's with those blue eyes of his taking in everything around him like he was plotting every escape route might just make him look a little less intimidating to some. He hadn't made much of an effort to speak to anyone yet, just skirting quietly around and listening to people.

[alchemyfreak]

Ed was moving some of the seating when he noticed Jason. His first impression of the other being that the guy looked a little out of place, like he didn't really belong or want to be here. He stopped what he was doing to turn, watching him curiously for a moment as he wondered if the guy was a new addition to the floor or just here to learn about their plans for exploration.

He offered a quick smile in greeting, trying not to look too amused that he was just helping himself to the snacks while they were still setting up. "You here for the presentation?"

[holds_up_walls]

Lyle was so weirdly out of place here. He had been invited for this presentation and he was curious to hear what was going to be said, but he wasn't necessarily a social butterfly in large groups, the wall being just fine with him, watching to see what was going on around him. He was much better was smaller groups, closer to one on one. At least until he got to know people. Then he was better.

He wasn't quite there yet.

So he was playing wall-flower and quite possibly looking for an escape route as well when he spotted someone else standing more to the side as well. Well, no harm (usually) in going to say hello to someone.

At least Jason wasn't the only tall person there, Lyle being around six foot himself though he was dressed more like he was trying to blend in if that was possible.

He walked over. "Hey."

Garrus | OTA

[dispenserofjustice]

[While some people might be getting ready to party - something Garrus just doesn't even question at this point - he is taking a slightly different approach. He is tucked out of the way, as much as he can be, but with bits and pieces of his rifle scattered out before him. It's not meant to be an intimidation factor, but in hindsight it could be seen that way.

Garrus clearly doesn't. He just likes to keep proper maintenance of his firearms, all right? Besides, it's a bonding exercise too right? Right?]

[alkahestic]

[ having been around his fair share of military people take apart weaponry ( he's seen lt. hawkeye do it on numerous occasions ), al is unsurprised to see someone fiddling with a gun in such a manner. no, that's not what stops and makes him freeze as he passes through the various parts of the floor, acquainting himself with the layout. it's the person's physical features. insect-like and so very foreign to him that he can't help but stare.

to be fair, al's never really seen anyone like garrus. in his world, in his time, the thought of reaching space is one beyond his imagination. he recalls the world ed had been in ( munich ), and how people were just brushing the edges of the atmosphere. so to al, garrus is something strange, unusual, to be approached with wariness.

but not with unkindness. if al is anything, he is polite. he leans over, brushing auburn bangs from his face as he regards the project with interest. ]

It's... a gun, right?

[hititwithacrowbar]

[ It was the riffle that caught Jason's eye. Slipping away from the crowd he made his way over towards the other. He hadn't been very social in his time in the room, but he had a fine appreciation for weaponry. One of his own guns was tucked away under the back of his shirt with his suit jacket covering it. He had always had an eye for riffles though.

It didn't intimidate him, merely made him more interested in speaking finally. He let out an impressed whistle. ]

Nice.

[ open ]

[alkahestic]

[ it's in the kitchen where ed can find the red coat. al's left it there after stepping out to explore more of the building. draped over the edge of a chair, it smells of chalk, ozone, dust, and sunshine. it's worn, clearly been used recently, and when ed finds it, it'll be obvious that someone has been wearing it recently, as it's still warm. ]

[alchemyfreak]

[Well, that was... suspicious. Ed knew for a fact that he didn't have his duster here, he hadn't been wearing it when he was brought into Purg. After awhile he'd gotten used to going without, so by the time he could make one it didn't matter anymore. Then Al had shown up, and he'd been around long enough for his brother to get used to the concept that it was his now, so Ed felt even more out of place thinking of the coat as his own.

Except, it was there, and Alphonse wasn't. This place wasn't supposed to be one of those worlds that messes with you, that was what they said on arrival. Just some big misunderstanding. No games, no gods. So, why-?

After a moment, Ed reached out to pick it up. Even if it was just some new way to mess with him - he was way too used to those, by now - he was at least going to put it away somewhere. Only, he could tell that it had been recently worn, and the smell of chalk certainly brought on a new level of suspicion. He didn't use chalk, and that meant one thing.

This was his brother's coat. Cue him standing there, holding it in both hands and staring at a piece of fabric as if it was the worst news he'd received in a long while.]

Cain (Jacob Kane) | OTA

[aeturnus]

[ For all the snacks being put out, Cain himself has prepared a few things out of need to keep his hands busy. Nothing fancy but salty, sweet and crunchy things that are sure to keep people munching along. Most of the pre-party is just him taking over the kitchen, let's be real, and greeting anyone new who shows up.

At the least, he's got some quiet music bumping from the weird little phone sat up on the counter. It's basically whatever genre the spotify-knockoff feels like and Cain's pretty okay with that.

Got any snack preferences? Allergies? Want to kiss the cook? (Please don't kiss the cook while he's working.) Maybe just poke him when he's finally finished and all stretched out across one of the couches nearby instead. Shush, seeing as he appears to be the one who's lived on this floor the longest, he's totally earned it! ]

nico di angelo - open

[deathkid]

When Nico arrives, it's by stepping out of Ed's shadow. He takes a few moments to orient himself after the chill of the void and then reaches over Ed's shoulder to peer at the food being set out. He spots some chips and takes the moment to step in line with Ed, looking him up and down before reaching for something to nibble on.

It's a bit weird, though. He figured Ed to be older than him and yet he's got to have a good three inches on the guy. Of course, Nico's father is quite tall, even setting aside the fact he's a god.

"This floor's pretty much the same as mine," he remarks casually, not really aware that he might startle the alchemist at his side, or that it's probably rude to just pop out of someone's shadow like he's just done. Nico's like that, and as he uses one hand to snatch more chips, the other settles on the hilt of the black sword attached to a chain belt around his hip.

Said sword seems to emenate fear and cold, something Nico ignores completely, and matches well with the rest of his attire. Black and torn skinny jeans, various chain belts ( to hold his sword ), a black shirt with skull designs on it that's covered by a black bomber jacket, and a head of dark, dark hair. His eyes, taking in Ed with an intelligent gleam to them, seem all but colorless for how black they are, though a flicker of something like madness or genius glints within.

As he chews on his current chip, he tilts his head. "I don't suppose you have Diet Coke here," he says by way of greeting.

---

For anyone else arriving, they'll find the above described ruffian chilling in a chair with a pile of chips on a napkin in his lap. His feet are up on the nearest table and his sword is leaning against his chair. If someone is observant enough, they'll notice the dark circles under his eyes and the silver skull ring on his finger. Other than that, he keeps quiet until the presentations begin. He's interested in what people have to say, after all. There are few who have been here as long as he has.

Undertaker - OTA

[somakemelaugh]

The location is just a few floors above his own; getting there will be easy enough. He finds himself there a little early, as is his wont, but if asked, it seems a little... boring. Being a residential building, he hadn't expected to find the structure itself much different than his own and he isn't too wrong about that but for a few personal touches from the ones who lived here.

The smell of it was what hit him first - it always did. Nothing immediately offensive, just unfamiliar, and a type of food somewhere mixed in between that he was already sure he might not like. The sounds came second, only voices just as unknown to him. With eyesight limited as his was, he moved about the room carefully, grinning at everything for the sake of doing so. A tip of the hat here, a wave of the sleeve there. Eventually he'll make his way to the snack table just to see what has been provided, but he won't take anything. If it's anything like what they call those precooked meals, he'll detest it.

CLOSED - Ed and Chloe (Before Presentation)

[alchemyfreak]

Ed didn't know much of anything about computers and modern technology - hell, he didn't much about tech from his own world and timeline, leave that sort of stuff to Winry - so he mostly stayed out of the way as Chloe set up her computer for the information presentation they were about to give to anyone interested.

Still, there was plenty of other things to move around,. refreshments, seating and notes. Although he was careful to keep the originals locked safely away where some stranger couldn't destroy, damage or run off with them he'd made sure there was plenty of information to share with anyone that - like him - wasn't so sure they could get through an entire power point presentation.

Things may have been scattered around between the two desks they'd claimed for the purpose of their research, but he was confident that they could get everything set up before anyone else arrived.

[couldkillthedevil]

If someone had told her a month ago that she'd be handpicked to give a presentation on her research findings on a magical town and its magical portals that had transported a bunch of people from parallel universes, she would've laughed right in their face. Or smiled and nodded as she quietly shuffled away.

But here she was, setting up her laptop as Ed moved around to get some last minute things together. It's actually kind of impressive, the amount of work and information they'd been able to achieve just over the course of a month.

She tapped at the table thoughtfully as she waited for her computer to load, eyes drifting across the room. "Hey, Ed, could you pass me my charger right over there? And that notebook, while you're at it. I'd like to check something."

OPEN - Chloe's Presentation

[alchemyfreak]

Ed and Chloe have managed to stack the notes for sharing close enough to Chloe's computer set up that others can access them without interrupting anyone's view of what's going on. The seating has been arranged so that everyone can see the large screen that the laptop was projecting onto - although technical stuff that Edward had no idea about, but that's why he was leaving that part up to her.

Once everyone that seemed interested enough to settle took their seats, Ed was quick to start. Clearing his throat and motioning to the screen with one hand, "Chloe's going to go over the information that we've collected so far. We've only been here a month so it's a bit limited, but we're hoping to expand on that with more research, not just in books but also exploring. Finding out what's really going on with that abandoned city, for anyone that can hold their own if something attacks. What we're looking for is other people interested in uncovering the secrets of this place."

He smirks then, shrugging a shoulder slightly. "If you're not though, feel free to just help yourself to the snacks. No one's going to kick you out for not getting involved."

[hellshot]

He's done more than his fair share of exploring outside the walls of the Quarantine. Dealing with monsters of every shape, size, and level of hunger, he's really no stranger to what sort of life-threatening thing might 'attack' while a group is out there.

"Been out here for over four months, myself. Still haven't turned out shit."

An echoing, hollow voice pipes up from off to the side--someone who has opted to neither sit in the set-up area, nor is he lingering around the snack table. There's an odd black smoke that seems to rise from his form in pattern with his (apparent) breathing, and he regards the two giving a presentation from behind a stylized skull-like mask.

"Will tell you though, the furthur out you go, the more horrifying things you find. Best not go out there half-cocked."

CHLOE'S PRESENTATION (OOC NOTES)

[alchemyfreak]

This is a list of the information they have, and questions they hope to further explore. Any replies to this post should be for OOC discussion only.

The goal is to have these questions answered throughout the month of July, with exploration and research. At the same time more research will turn up more questions and things to explore, so another list for July's research will go up next month.

To clarify: this is not a one time expedition. Ed and Chloe will be very clear about this.

Riverview Quarantine - The city.
Capable of supporting over 2 million residents
Epidemic decimated the population years ago
- What, specifically, happened?
Abandoned Outer City considered uninhabitable
- Other than the weakened fence, why?
City surrounded by laser fences
Outer city surrounded by laser fences - damaged, not as strong as the inner fence
- Why hasn't the outer fence been repaired?
- if incapable of reparations, what does that mean for the inner fence, should it get damaged?
Moon orbiting another planet - what information is available about planet
Something "important" said to be on planet, not available on moon
- Is there a way to get there/explore that?
Finding out who the mayor/officials are
- Native or from the portal?
- Can they be contacted?
- What sort of information would they give?

Hoping to question residents until finding who has been here longest. Current record is four months.

The quarantine does not feel "reality distorting" to characters who can sense this
The portal does not "feel magical" to characters who can sense this
The portal is said to be naturally occuring.
The portal is said to have once been alive.
- Investigate further details
Last portal of many
- where are the other portals/why are they gone?
- Why is this one still here?
How is the portal guided to send people home? (seems impossible)
What if people are being sent somewhere else all together (not home)
If people are leaving willingly, why aren't they saying goodbye to their friends first? Or bringing them home too? Is leaving actually optional/intentional, is there no time?
- Copy of a list of residents who were supposedly sent home willingly from public records.
- Arrivals from the same world coming in from the same time, at the same time but different locations. (Chloe and Lucifer)
- How big is the portal really?
If the portal controls who comes and goes, how does it determine a feeling of displacement
- Do characters really bring themselves here?
- Any evidence to the lost world/death theory?
- Are characters being brought here because someone/something needs help?
- Freedom to do as one wishes maybe a way to promote loyalty or debt among residents (Chloe's theory, Ed's indifferent to it.)

Notes about monsters beyond the fence
- what has been witnessed
- what seems to be dangerous vs. harmless/non aggressive
- what others have witnessed and mentioned

Where did the gifts come from in June?
- How are things from home returned to people if the portal is uncontrollable?
- Are they actually things from home or replicas?
- Notes about Purg's event with replica items (items were OBVIOUS replicas, not intended to seem like the real thing, but feel close enough). Comparisons about both events.

- Communal housing room assignemnts (how and why)
- New arrivals being family members of recent arrivals
- Job offer on arrival based on supposed skills

Perimeter Guard made up of new arrivals (high turnover rate?)
Perimeter Guard will take civilians out to explore past the fence

Undertaker - OTA

[somakemelaugh]

Whatever it is that they're using for the presentation, he isn't familiar with it at all. One might find him staring curiously at the computer that's been set up, though he won't touch it. More of this world's alien technology, he'll presume. He didn't get one himself when he arrived, but the ridiculous little metal phone-thing he had been left with was an oddity on its own. He'll leave the other technology to the side for now, but five years in quarantine is a long time. He certainly has his work cut out for him, if for nothing else then to catch up on everything this world has to offer.

If he can, he'll snag a copy of those notes and look them over as he seats himself, near the front of the seating arrangement. They're in small quarters, even for so many people permitted to a floor, but he'll wonder over what he can actually make out on the screen without having to stand and get closer to examine it. No one needs to know so much about him yet.

"Wouldn't worry about that with me."

OPEN - Snacks and Conversation (During Presentation)

[alchemyfreak]

Not interested in whatever everyone else is talking about? Just here for the punch bowl? Maybe you're a new arrival who just moved in and don't know where else to go, yet. If research sounds boring enough to kill you, but you're still sticking around feel free to chat up some other folks around the refreshments, wander, explore the rest of the floor etc.

Alternately, start your own Top Level below!

OPEN - After Party (After Presentation)

[alchemyfreak]

The point of all this wasn't just research. As much as Ed wanted a reliable team of interested explorers to help figure this place out, being in those other worlds had taught him a few things. One was that it was best to get to know people first and two was that not everyone who signed up for this sort of thing was necessarily equipped for it. Socializing was just as much about making friends as it was vetting people for the task - at least for him. He wasn't about to start putting anyone in danger intentionally, whether they volunteered for it or not.

Feel free to mingle, have a drink, wind down. Discuss things and get to know each other, make new friends. Business is over.

nico di angelo ▪ open

[deathkid]

After the presentations, Nico can once again be found in his chair, nomming chips. The information presented had been interesting, but nothing he hadn't discovered already. In fact, he's wondering if he needs to tell people about what he's discovered, but after a moment's consideration, he decides against it. Mostly because his information comes from dead people and not many of the living are cool with that kind of thing.

So instead, he makes mental notes to explore a few areas ahead of the planned group.

It's about this time, as he nibbles the snacks, that a trio of skeletal mice with fairy-like wings begin flapping around him. One settles in his hair, the other on his shoulder, while the final continues to flitter around his head. This doesn't seem to bother him much and if anything, he seems pleased to see them. He even leans towards the one on his shoulder and in a low voice, mutters "You're supposed to be upstairs in my bed."

( Take that how you will. )

Shiro - OTA

[lionunchained]

Shiro hadn't really been planning on coming to this, but then Keith had asked him to come. Shiro was nothing if not a good leader and a good friend to the younger paladins so he had dropped everything (not literally; something would have broken) and went with Keith down to the meeting on Floor 6.

He had stood near the back of the room, listening patiently during the presentation. Any information was good information even if it wasn’t a lot. He felt that there was something that could be held there and if need be, he would be able to protect others who might not be as well equipped to do so. Having a weapon permanently grafted to his arm.

Speaking of which, when he had left with Keith, he had left his jacket behind. He had only started wearing it because he didn’t want constant questions about his metal arm. It still felt weird to wear something to hide it, being comfortable with it visible in a smaller group.

So now that the presentation was over, he stood by the refreshment table enjoying some snacks.

FLOOR SIX - Wind Down (Post Event)

[alchemyfreak]

With everyone gone except for those that live on the sixth floor, and possibly a few of their closer friends things had gotten quieter. For whatever else anyone else was focused on, Ed was spending his time cleaning up - throwing away the trash, putting away what food didn't get eaten.

He seemed to be making a point of not really interacting with anyone at all, but maybe that was just because he was tired and busy trying to get the floor looking remotely back to normal.

[This is strictly for residents of floor six and any CR close enough that might hang out after everyone left to help clean up or just because they're friends. Please feel free to post your own open or closed top levels below!]

[dispenserofjustice]

Unfortunately, Garrus wasn't the sort that is going to stand back and let one person see to the clean up. He wasn't exactly the most sociable of people - and when he was, he certainly got awkward. Granted, he knew that Edward wanted to get to the bottom of things and find out more about the secrets this place seemed to be keeping. He'd also agree that it didn't seem like anyone really cared overly much about said answers.

Whatever the case, Garrus was just going to lend a helping hand. He lived here as well, for the time being, and it would be irresponsible otherwise. While the Turian wasn't going to touch the food, it was an easy enough task to start collecting the trash on his own.

Jason - Open

[hititwithacrowbar]

Jason finally got up and started to help tiddy up along with the other's once the crowd had dispersed. He was oddly a bit of a neat freak when it came to his own living spaces. He hadn't made much of an effort to speak out during the actual presentation, and simply got to work with helping put things away.

Once things were somewhat cleaned up, he found himself hanging in the entertainment room, sitting in a chair, reading the copy of The Count of Monte Cristo again, his legs kicked up on the table as he sat off by himself reading the hard back book. He needed to go buy more books, but for now he was conserving his funds.