logsinthenight | That One With the Meeting [OPEN]

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That One With the Meeting [OPEN]

characters: Cao Pi and OPEN!!!
location: the town hall
date/time: appx moonrise Sept. 2, for a couple of hours
content: Cao Pi proposed a meeting for everyone to talk about what ideas they have for organizing, protecting the town, and safely exploring their confines. This is that meeting. Newcomers are welcome as well! Assume characters have heard about it through the grapevine, but especially on Sept. 1 as Cao Pi makes the rounds and tells people this is happening. He will have a moment to orate but after that the floor is open, threadjacking is encouraged, and whatever comes of this is a complete free-for-all!
warnings: probably some discussion of character death. lmk if I need to edit this.

Despite the fact that Will Ingram's messages providing further information were yet to come, Cao Pi had made a public promise and he would hold himself to it, carrying out his meeting as described. At moonrise on the 2nd, he is already present in the town hall, hoping to see not just those who told him they would be there, but also some of the unfortunate newcomers freshly thrown into this situation. He had done his best to prowl around the Invincible and the bonfire, mentioning that the meeting would happen, but he still had to rely on word of mouth to do its work.

When he decides there are enough people present to begin, the Lord of Wei steps up before the assembly, clearing his throat importantly. "For better or worse," he begins, "we are a community. A town, if we are not a country. The hints and cryptic comments from the Lighthouse Keeper have suggested that we have a job to do, but we're still waiting on information as to what it is and why - why us, why the dead stolen from their worlds or their respective afterlives. But the recent mission to connect the Keeper to the network our tablets can access has shown a number of weaknesses that may hamper our ability to do any job, let alone the one which will keep us all from being permanently obliterated." Is that harsh? Too bad. He doesn't care. "We know a few things for certain. One, that we must carry out the purpose which the Keeper understands and encourages. Two, if we fail in any way, she will kill us all by ordering the spirits to destroy us. Three, the spirits deep in the forest are not just her weapon against us, but they have their own will and may attack or destroy anyone who simply wanders out too far. Our explorations have uncovered a number of things but not everything, by far. If you are new or simply haven't kept up on the recent developments, the record is here." He holds out a hand to the logbooks kept there in the town hall.

"I've asked you here to discuss the issues facing us in Beacon, and to offer up any ideas for how to solve those issues. There are quite a few of them, some that even I, perhaps, haven't considered yet. Please be orderly and take your turns, but I should like to hear from everyone. Whether you have questions, or have an idea you wish to share, please. Speak up. We will all be better for the sharing of ideas and discussion of pros and cons, rather than just waiting and hoping that someone will take charge and give us orders."

With that, he steps aside, inviting anyone and everyone to come up and speak. Or simply rise from their seat and speak. The floor is open, Beacon, use it to say things that you might not want anyone connected to the network to overhear. Sass the Keeper, gush about the Postmaster, whatever you want. Hopefully by the end of it all, someone might have some plans that can be brought about. For his part, Cao Pi is not putting himself up as any sort of authority or the one actually in charge, he literally is only there as organizer and moderator and nothing else. At least, so his cool half-smirk and perfect manners would suggest...

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[ he's listening, but what he wants to hear isn't there. And it's obvious by how he hangs out in the back, not volunteering anything, or bothering to really show his face by lowering his hood. There's not really a plan, it just feels... reactive. Assuming a lot of things that may or may not be true. And he thinks Crowley has a point about talking about getting the hell out of there. He doesn't know what he was expecting, but this wasn't it.

After a while, he finally offers, ]

We don't know anything. We've got what Will told us, but there are what, about 50 of us here? And we lost over 20 last month? We can train everyone, but if we don't have a plan for figuring out what the fuck is happening, outside of what's being given to us on a silver platter, we're screwed.

There was no reason to hide the situation from us for two months. And unless we're proactive, we're always going to be behind the curve.

Just my two cents. Unless we're in a timeless void, I have things I need to take care of back home. People I need to help. I do not want to be here for 2 years.

[Cao Pi's sudden interest in him makes him straighten a bit. He's reminded of how probatios used to present their credentials before the Legion.]

Yes. First as a Centurion for the Fifth Cohort and then later promoted to Praetor of the Twelfth Legion Fulminata. I may have retired that title, but I still have the experience.
If we can get everyone on the same page, I can definitely help with putting up defenses and protection.

[Although it was less a retirement and more passing it on to Frank. Jason was too entrenched in both Greek and Roman camps to properly lead a Roman legion, but that still left him with his experience. He thought about adding camp counselor, but decided that might not sound as impressive without the context of what it meant for Camp Half-Blood.]

I have, at least some, enough to know they're nowhere close to what they should be... I haven't wanted to push it much...

[After learning that the lantern was his life line (literally) he was worried about dropping it from a great height or accidentally blowing out the flame with his winds. He'd done a little hovering and light breezes, but that was about as far as he'd been willing to push it. But he'd be willing to push himself if it was to help them either defend themselves or get out of here. Of course, even pushing himself, he wasn't quite sure he could get very far.]

[ oh, dear. someone didn't take their prozac today. he understands the outrage, even a bit of the venom, but for ever as catty as eliot tends to be, there's still a reason why you catch flies better with honey. ]

Granted that there's an obvious need for more action and less talk, don't act as if you're the only one who would rather not get axed or eaten alive by a monster in the woods. We all have better things to be doing, cause of death notwithstanding.

[ he checks his nails boredly. ]

If there isn't information here, then it has to be out there. And if it's out there, we'll still have trouble because it's pitch black and filled with things that would sooner eat us alive and dance on our corpses than help us. Anything else being readily provided is helpful, silver platter or not.

[ outraged would have been leaving the meeting early, the rest of them be damned, to do his own intel work. but there are a dozen different routes they could take, and as much as he hates it... he has a feeling he might actually need some backup. And his team currently is actually dead. maybe.

he's hoping it's not actually true. ]

I'm just pointing out the obvious: something that would've been good to know a month or two ago wasn't shared until after 20 people were dead. Even if it is handed on a silver platter to us, it might be too late to be of any use.

I don't want to only hash out what we do better next time. I want to stop next time before it happens and we all go home.

Oh, sorry. I didn't realize you were Captain Obvious. Pleased to finally make your acquaintance, Captain.

I don't know what world you come from, but unless you have some means of predicting the future, what you've just described is. Basically impossible. You realize that, right? Things don't work that way, and hindsight is always twenty-twenty. Quelle surprise!

[ heart, be still. yes, he just looked at you. yes, he is real. yes, he just looked at you angrily it, and it was kind of hot in a way you should never let him know about, so chill the fuck out.

but, god, what a real live badass. ]

Are there swords around here? I could definitely do better in that avenue, at the least. Guns would probably do more harm than good in this darkness, and. Well. I try to avoid hand-to-hand combat whenever possible.

[ it's said like a preference, even though it's more a reality. ]

Better Captain Obvious than oblivious.

[something about his eyes flashes dangerously as he pushes away from the wall he’d been leaning against. Though he’s been called short and a child, he actually cuts a pretty intimidating figure, like he’s used to being listened to, or even feared.

It hasn’t shown so far, but after Dick vanishing, and his worst nightmare showing up? He’s tired.

He almost feels himself flashing back to that original threat that established him in the organized crime world: If this is what I can do in two hours, imagine what I can do with a whole night. ]

I’m pointing out that it’s stupid to prepare based on what’s previously happened, when there’s a lot we don’t know. And that the people who do know are willing to wait until we’re all dead. Or they’ll reset us anyway if we’re not useful.

I don’t know what that means. But I’m not interested in testing it out personally.

So, as Captain Obvious, I’m here to ask the obvious question. What’s our plan for finding out more?

Edited 2019-09-06 02:51 (UTC)

[ If you're looking for Scarlett to show up and impart some epic wisdom? You've come to the wrong place. She's here, which is a miracle in and of itself, but she's the one standing towards the back of the hall, very much away from the debate that's rising up before her.

The most you'll get from her is the narrowing of her eyes, some slight facial tick here or there depending on what is being said. She gives off the distinct impression that she's watching with purpose, though what said purpose is? That's anyone's guess.

You're unlikely to draw her into the open discussion, but if you happen to slip in late or keep to the back of the room, you could easily draw her into a hushed conversation. ]

( They have... sledgehammers, and that may work in a pinch, but it's not something you're going want to carry into the forest. Javert, himself, only has his cudgel. He hasn't asked for a gun or a sword, mostly because rarely ever uses them.

But that may change. He seems pleased, at least, that Jason has spoken up. )

That is well. What sort of combat are you trained in?

[ ah, he does quite enjoy when a big tough guy™️ needs to prove they're a big tough guy™️ by aggressively walking toward you like someone holding a brick between their butt cheeks because they think it exudes big tough guy™️ when it really just looks more like constipation. always a weird flex, but okay. ]

You do realize that preparation can only ever be based on previously acquired foresight, right? Maybe not things that have happened here, but evidential and empirical history that would otherwise indicate a need for the possibility of being ready for various circumstances, foreseen or not.

But so much for being Captain Obvious. You're starting to sound more like Captain Oblivious again. That answer should be pretty obvious to anyone with enough experience. Forming groups of reasonable strength and tenacity to run expeditions, to go out and find the information for ourselves rather than wait for it to fall into our hands.

[When Mary sees Scarlett, she abandons her crayon sign-up station to stand beside her and look pointedly serious. She's just trying to be impressive. Like Scarlett! The most impressive lady in the world! But she's not very good at staying quiet when there's no reason that she can see to stay quiet, so eventually, she whispers.]

What are you thinking about?

Agreed and well met. I'm Kuai Liang from Earthrealm, so I fear I've not heard of Fillory. However; what you propose would be a solid start so that future arrivals don't feel as though they're beginning with a disadvantage at the onset. We'll need everyone on solid footing and working together if there's to be any hope of our continued existence here.

A stockpile of supplies is something we've started working on. Without sunlight I doubt many plants will grow, if any at all - so agriculture seems a faint hope.

We'd need to consider how many we need to feed and for how long and see if Rastus will provide as such with his monthly shipments.

[ for as much as he adores the spotlight, it's only really enjoyable when everyone's crawling over each other to kiss your feet. it's been years since anything like that has ever happened, so eliot does eventually escape from center of the forum to find some silence of his own. there's always a benefit to watching people anyway, plenty of information to find when people don't realize they're being watched.

he sighs softly as he finds a spot to lean against the wall, some feet away from a woman who he can't really read. she listens with clear intent but with no motive to collaborate. maybe not a team player? or perhaps someone who simply hasn't the patience?

eliot finds his flask and takes a swig, making a clear, "ah," of satisfaction after he swallows and rolling his head against the wall to watch the woman more. what's her deal? ]

Not much of a partier, are you? [ he manages quietly after another moment. ]

I also didn't think musical books would be of any use, [ davina admits, frowning at the transcriptions. ] I can't really see any patterns based on the songs and their respective meanings but we can also ask the Librarian for his help. [ since he's technically a spirit too, right? ]

"Don't worry. I'll definitely be sure to add anything I think of to your list. And to add another vote for brilliant ideas like yours."

He sets the crayon back, poking through the broad array of color choices again.

"Which kind of red? Like this?" Eliot picks up a firey red, like a brick. "Or more like this?" He finds another, this one a cool rose with an echo of pink.

"You don't like it here?"

It's not exactly surprising...a lot of people seem to share this sentiment. But it's strange, because there are little things worse, in her mind, than being returned where she came from. And sad, because it's hard to think about her friends leaving her behind. Beacon isn't the best place, but that's mostly because it's so dark. It's if it became lonely that it would be really scary.

Her handwriting is not the best, and her spelling could use some work, but she does her best, regardless. It, uh, it'll probably get the point across well enough to anyone who reads it. She puts a +1 tally for each of the ideas! She especially likes the idea of restoration. "These are really good! Everyone will feel much safer, and the town will be so much prettier, too! And pretty towns make everyone happy."

Well, most people, at least. So she would assume.

( He should suggest it anyway, because Javert would absolutely support it. He listens to both of them carefully, and nods. )

Each of these are valid points. There is also the matter of our lanterns, which need to be kept close and safe during a fight. It may do us all a bit of good to practice sparring that way, experience or no.

( Then, looking more to Kol, he says, )

I have not seen you around before. What is your name?

Yeah, it's, ah, I mean, it's a little worn but it's got some good bones, it looks like...

[And immediately, he regrets using that word. How many skeletons are littered out there in the trees, unseen? How many more will there be in the coming days, months, years? He wants to throw up.]

I'm, um, happy to help. Just direct me anywhere, anytime.

[He needs the distraction. Without it, he thinks about all sorts of things that he wishes he wouldn't.]

( The meeting a bit of an ordeal even for Javert, who normally prefers to keep himself more isolated. But he manages to muddle through, and slip out the door once the chatter is beginning to wind down. He doesn't seem startled when the other man speaks. He just raises an interested brow. )

Were you a part of the service? ( It makes sense given all the experience he has. Javert can't help but ask. ) You must be one of the new arrivals. I have not seen you around before.

( Shame, too, because they could have used someone like him, earlier. )

[If he's being honest, he hasn't really stopped to make a full assessment of the state of the town. He's been too busy cleaning himself up, clearing his head, and...well, probably crying. But he doesn't want to say that, because why would he say that?]

Um, well...

[Remington fidgets.]

I think it would be best to start with the basics. It seems like there are, ah, a few different ideas going around about different things that could be built, and I'd like to work on some projects on my own, too, so...I'd like to get to work storing wood and other supplies. Maybe make a supply shed specifically meant for building projects that we can keep coming back to, so we don't have to start from nothing every time we want to undertake something.

[He waves his hands in some kind of manner that doesn't really mean anything at all.]

I was thinking maybe...to avoid going crazy and chopping down enough trees that the spirits get angry, we could, maybe...er, it seems like there've already been efforts to coexist with them, so we could ask them to indicate resources that are safe to take for ourselves?

Sniper and assassin. Worked with military sometimes.

[A pause. Not sure where that came from, so it adds,]

I think. But outside the official chain of command.

[Javert is also officially the first person the Soldier has been so straight-forward with about its actual job. (Also, it picked up that Javert is speaking in French, for all everyone else seems able to understand him, so the Soldier is also speaking in French. It's only polite.)]

Codename the Winter Soldier. Asset.

Anything can be a workbench if you try hard enough.

[He laughs, weakly, and immediately regrets trying to have any kind of charm. God, just shut up, Remington.]

But I mean, it's helpful. I'm not really...picky. I don't need anything fancy when push comes to shove, as long as I have a solid surface.

Yeah, I don't know too much anyway. My girlfriend's real good at that stuff but, I mean...

[She's not here.]

Worth a shot, anyway...and we can see if they're adverse to things like iron. Either way, I can make walls, and some traps, though trapping isn't really my specialty.

"True. But how many here would be compliant with the idea? After all it was those among us who in their lack of foresight got her connected to the network in the first place. They lost several in the process but I doubt they have learned much from their mostly failed mission."

Bi-Han already gave his opinion a few times on the matter. It wasn't that he cared that anyone died, he just felt they were all being inefficient and well, stupid.

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Page 6 of 14

That One With the Meeting [OPEN]

JASON TODD | ota

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Scarlett Harker | OTA

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