New Start Zephyr Intro 1 - RPLOG
From Flexible Survival
Participants
Date
24/1/2013
Log
You all got a request to join Robert into the requisition room of Zephyr. While such communication wasn't a secret, seems that only part of the agents got the invite. And by the look of it, everyone has clothes on them.. which is not a common sight. The room seems to be reserved, away from the usual chaos of the angets busy with their daily missions.
Evangelica steps into the room, peering around nervously as she searches for signs of life. After a moment's hesitation she approaches the zebra, hovering nervously and rather shyly trying to get his attention with a little "U-um..."
Arimia slithers into the room after the bunny, her coat held tight and secured at the waist with a belt holding a sword. She has a cigarette dangling from her lips and she glances around. She moves to a clear area of the room, where she can see and hear Robert easily, and coils into something resembling a seated position before saying at Evangelica's hesitant words, "I'm sure he'll clarify things when everyone is gathered."
Skylar enters the rooms soon after the lamia, adjusting her clothing after the usual flying around, she nods at the other two occupants and then examines some of the items in the 'store' if it could be called that, she ponders the uses of some of them but soon remembers that this might be all of the people Robert called and settles down in a spot.
Balina saunters her way into the room with a put-upon scowl, upper arms crossed between her chests so tightly as to be almost hidden. The expression breaks somewhat upon seeing at least one familiar face, and her free hand taps Skylar on the shoulder in passing while looking for a suitable place to slouch conspicuously.
Stetson hat hanging from its loop around his neck, Thor spares a quick glance of interest at the collection of Special Wares in Robert's inventory. Though here by request and not for the shopping, it never hurts to look... At least, that is what the (agent) zebra tells himself in passing with a sigh. "Been hangin' out with Mickey too long," he grumbles ruefully, chuckling with a wry good humor. Hooves click as he moves into the smaller, more official area beyond Robert's counter. Sweeping eyes take glance of those within the room, and he tips his head in courtesy. "G'afternoon, all."
There is a feint, sliding sound. It's kind of subtle, deep, but a moment later Sil can be seen in the doorway. The Lab 6 head is wearing her usual, strange garb that just doesn't fit the image of a scientist. Those synthetic, dark wraps, strung and hung around her horso, albeit the hood of it is pulled back to reveal her bald, humanoid head. She has an expression of calm curiosity on her face, along with a little..well. Annoyance in a way, as if she has yet to determine if whatever's coming is worth pulling her from her work. She takes a glance around, her serpentine tongue flicking once, twice, before a light smile pulls on her dark painted lips as she recognizes some faces. With her gloved arms clasped behind her back she slides further in, nodding to those present, replying to Thor with a "Greetings.." before she looks at Robert, her eyes focusing on the man. "Hello, Robert." she says, lightly nodding, as her serpent length begins to pile up beneath her fluidly. "I presume this is important."
Robert smiles as he sees everyone finally gathered here, giving a nod to the shy bunny and offering her a comfy seat. At the same time, he bows a bit his head to Sil and Thor in greeting and respect, "Glad to see you, Thor, doctor Sil.". Giving the sign to sit down after everyone got inside the smaller room, the zebra morph takes a deep breath, before starting to talk. "First of all, thank you for having answered this special call. I didn't summoned you here for the usual daily task.. but to seek your collaboration for a more important mission." The zebra starts to explain, smiling as his usual, "For who doesn’t know me, I'm Robert, the one in charge of the requisition area of Zephyr. And for today, I have a big mission to offer.. especially for those seeking new challanges. Truth is, some of the Prometheans are not happy for the freedom we offer, calling us decadent and a risk for their children's future. We are used to these words, and most of the New Dawn's leaders know they need us and how much we are doing for them. We are not new to their attempts to seek for a new place to move in.. they tried it with Bozeman, but they weren't prepared for the dire situation of that city. This is a time to group together, not to spread out our people and efforts like they are doing. Still, those stubborns didn't gave up and kept sending out their children to seek new bubbles and cities. And in the end, it seems that they finally did it.. they found this city, Clairmont, which seems a suitable site to rebuild. Any question so far?"
Evangelica stares at Arimia for a long few seconds before offering her a polite little nod. Then she takes a seat, wriggling around in the chair as she tries to get comfortable, finally finding comfy spot and listening to Robert quite intently. "I um, i-it's just um...well, wh-where is it?" she murmurs once he's done, fiddling with the bottom of her hoodie as she speaks.
Arimia gives a small nod at Evangelica's question and asks, "And have investigations into it on our end come up with the same conclusions as they have?" She pulls her cigarette, unlit, from her mouth, slipping it into a pocket before crossing her arms over her chest. "And if they did prove successful how would that effect their relations with us?"
Skylar smiles at the pat she receives from Balina and at Sil's entrance, but doesn't have any reaction towards the rest of the group. She soon falls silent as Robert begins talking and shakes her head in negatory as he asks if anyone has questions, letting others deal with that part for now.
Balina raises a paw. "It sounds a lot like you're just going to try and dump the complainers into a new city and hope the problem goes away. What's out in Clairmont that makes it worthwhile?"
Thor leans back in his chosen seat, ears slanting forward as he broods thoughtfully. "ell, folks gotta restart somewhere. Politickin' aside, I'll keep my fingers crossed for good things. Clairmont... it used to be a little college town, right?" he asks, one ear slanting cockwise as he glances towards Evangelica. "'Bout an hour or so east of Los Angeles, in California. Water supplies, decent backdrop near the mountains... If that's where they've gone, should be a pretty nice place." Sharp ears quirk as he looks back towards Robert. "Has somethin' happened?"
Sil lets out a light snort, and settles down on her coil in an elegant, upright sitting position. "I have a question as well. Well. A few." She leans foreward, the serpentinne coils starting beneath her 'hips' lifting a little before she settles her elbows onto them, and rests her chin on her lifted, folded hands. "What nanite presence is surrounding that city?" she states. "What potential resources, good or bad?" Her tongue flicks. "And what kind of headstart do the Prometheans have?"
Robert waits for all of you to do the first round of question, giving an slighter longer look at Skylar, as to be sure that she hasn't questions, yet. "The city is south, south-east from here, a decent trip with our helicopters and it's exactly as Thor said: a small town, fresh water, mines and fertile lands. We are quite agreeing with their conclusion, even if further investigation is needed. But the place seems suitable to support an economy and a settlement.. and yes, to keep complainers away from Fairhaven. They will be happy, and we'll be happy, everyone win.". The zebra takes out a small glass filled with water and sips a bit from it, before focusing on Sil, "Most of this needs further investigation, we weren't able to have a complete examination yet. The place seems safe, rich of resources and the bubble is stable. The only thing we found out is a sensitive weaker influence of the nanites... people moving there seemed to experience less.. sexual hunger, so to speak. And the Prometheans don't have a real headstart.. right now they are recruiting people as we are doing, and some of the children occupying the city are from Zephyr as well.". After another pause, the zebra resumes, "Still, the situation is quite dire. While the place is fit for sustaining itself, they don't have the technology to fix the factories and make them running. And at first, we hadn't any interest to support their initiative. This would had been just another failure from their part, but they surprised us.. by seeking the help of Rsx. As you all know, our former partner have a good amount of technological knowledge, but due the situation of their city, they are always in need of munitions and other resources. Somehow, Prometheans and Rsx managed to negotiate, knowledge in exchange of a portion of the local production. This is when some of our leaders decided to move. We can't allow the balance we created to fall apart, letting Rsx to take a step ahead of us. So, we decided to offer our support, in exchange of some freedom with the local market. This could be a chance to create a new market, with restrictions like no public sex and wearing clothes. And turning down our offers of help and what we can offer is not something a smart leader would ever refuse..."
In a sudden fit of embarrassment, Eva's face quite noticeably pinkens, a furious blush showing through her fur. "I c-can um, r-rules like that a-are um, they're um...th-think um, i-if people w-want those kind of, th-those kind of rules th-they should um, be all-allowed t-to, s-so um, I um..." she manages to stutter out, her blush not dying down for a second as she keeps her head down, seemingly unwilling to make eye contact with anyone in the room.
Arimia turns to stare at the bunny during her outburst, before turning back to Robert. "So it's a nice little find. What is preventing us from moving in and taking over the factories ourselves? The Prometheans can't fix them, and RSX can. But if we can move in before that happens and establish a presence..." She gives a small shrug of her shoulders then, falling silent.
Skylar 'huhs' at the long description of the situation and tilts her head at Evangelica, her gaze telling that she's sort of expecting the bunny to have a heart attack, when nothing happens, she doesn't seem to react much to Arimia's argument, thinking about it before finally adressing Robert. "Sounds like a best case scenario in my opinion. I mean, this actually sounds like a place for truly rebuilding society instead of simply brushing the rubble aside and having most of the agents from all sides be slightly sex crazed as we develop more and more, I think our presence there is quite vital if we want anyone remotely connected to Zephhyr to not be despised in this new city. We'd be seen as freeloaders if we don't help...even if this help is not free."
Balina snorts as she listens to Robert, then again at bunnycrises in progress. Resting herself against a display case, she gives the door a slightly longer look than she does Robert, finally shrugging all her shoulders and shaking her head. "I am waiting for the catch, but Sky's more or less right. This is better than most people would be expecting, and certainly more promising than the last few places I've been to. Keep talking, Robert."
Thor's expression grows decidedly neutral, and the horseman pats at his pocket, searching for a ready cigar. He casts a glance of sympathy to the bunny before he draws the cigar free, leaning back in his chair with a quiet creak. "Gotta agree with the carbird, myself. No offense." He lends a sly wink to Skylar, expression returned to neutral before he continues. "We go out, take a look-see, and gather information. Further info to come, I warrant. Meanwhile, chip in, lend a hand, and bury any random hatchets might be sittin' around. Sounds simple." He spares a glance for the others, gaze silent as he ignites the dark cigar, quiet blue flame licking from the butane lighter at hand.
Sil's eyes slightly turn, and she eyes Evangelica with an unreadable expression, before she closes those eyes and lets out a soft sigh. They open again, the lamia focusing on Robert, her expression...serious. "I fully agree. RSX must not have a dominance over that city. The fact that they and the Prometheans collaborate on this one is...regrettable. But I am sure the marketheads can figure something out in that regard." Her tongue flicks, before she eyes Arimia. "We cannot take over the factories, because if I understood things right..the city is populated." Her eyes find Robert again. "Is that correct? Else there would be no..market to get into. Just the explorers from each side. And the nanite presence is actually...low?" She slightly cocks her head. "Intriguing. I presume investigation of those nanites will be one of the unofficial priorities." She actually manages not to make it sound hopeful.
Robert looks a bit curiously at Evangelica, before asking gently, "You mean that you are you fine with such rules, miss Evangelica?", using a warm tone of voice to help to calm down the embarrassed bunny. Then, as he hears Arimia's question, he becomes a bit more serious, "Acting like that would cause tension to arise between the factions, which is exactly what we don't wish for. More, Zephyr isn't too interested in overtaking and controlling a new city... we prefer to focus on Fairhaven, it's not the time to spread our large but still limited resources. But a new market ad our advantage is another matter, especially if someone else is going to run the place. We care little for rules such those, if those Prometheans want them, they can have them. And you are completely right, miss Skylar. My superior is thinking exactly like this when he made his decision." The zebra takes a deep breath, nodding at Thor as well, "The matter is this. Right now, we are collecting resources and people that will be sent to Clairmont. Then, using our and Rsx's vehicles, we'll move there and starts to rebuild the place. I won't hide that, there is a lot of work to do for everyone, the life is harsh and teamwork will be the key for success. There won't be the free meal at our cafeteria, there won't be guarded streets and getting a job will be mandatory. But this is what Zephyr needs right now, loyal agents ready to take its interest in this new city. Also, don't worry. Our helicopter will be always ready to take you back home, should something bad happen. Again, Zephyr asks you to put all your effort in this task. If the mission fails, the Prometheans will have a debit with us and Rsx will have wasted resources and gained nothing. If this mission will be a success, we'll have a new market, an extra hand in Rsx's activities and we'll have a place where unhappy prometheans will be able to leave Fairhaven.". Finally, the zebra looks at Sil, studying her with a serious look, the smile completely gone as he nods and replies, "Sorry to disappoint you, but the place isn't populated. Well, it was until recently.. likely a couple of months, maybe more. The market is a potential market... the town is quite able to have a decent productions, and people should be able to work them into goodies to sell. The nanite presence isn't low, more like their influence is lower than expected. As for the investigation on those nanites, there will likely be a building dedicated to such researches."
"Y-yeah, um...those r-rules, they're um, th-they're fine!" Eva mumbles, the traces of embarrassment still quite evident on her cheeks. "Anyway, um, a f-few things! F-first, right now I'm k-kind of, um...y-you know..." she says, running a paw over her belly in demonstration. "And, um, i-if the n-nanite influence is s-so um, s-so low, what h-happened to the p-population? Even, e-even if they c-couldn't work the f-factories they w-wouldn't just up and um, l-leave unless s-something made them l-leave. Or, um. W-worse."
Arimia gives a small nod of her head saying, "Fair enough. Can we expect any resistance to our agreement to help from RSX? Any voiced resistance that is. I am sure that they won't be pleased about us coming in. But any overt protests on their part." She glances at Sil, then back to Robert at the mention of research being done and she gives a small shake of her head, adding, "I'll leave that research to those with a mind for it. I'll help with rebuilding and survival. Anything else I can help with."
Skylar seems a bit proud of herself for 'being right'. "So, I guess we have a job to do, I dunno about the rest of the group but I can say that with me, Balina and Sil we already have quite a range of talents. I bet that we'll do well if we stick toghether as a team." She eyes the bunny and stays quiet at her query. Not sure of what to suggest.
Balina shifts her weight, fidgetting as she tries not to react as strongly as she wants. Concentrated front, and all that. "I still want more details, and I want to get my nose to the ground there, and I really, /really/ want to know what happened to the natives. But your sales pitch is still pretty good."
Thor chews his cigar, a puff of blue-grey smoke swirling. "'Spose I could help with the water purification plant..." he mumbles, grousing thoughtfully. "And keepin' an eye out for anythin' untoward." To the rest, the zebra is much more low-key; he simply lets it pass, words drifting by as he grins in silent bemusement. "Never met a problem I couldn't take a hammer to."
Sil nods. "I would like info about that building and possible contacts that manage it, in advance." she says, making a mental note or two to send off some emails. "The fact hat the city is unpopulated...is interesting." She flicks her tongue. "That and the combination of nanite effects being low..irks me." She softly inhales before she straightens a little. She takes a glance over at Skylar, then back at Robert. "The rules are quite fine by me however. It will be refreshing not to slide through a puddle of somebody's genetic material when trying to get a mug of coffee." she voices her distaste for the state of a certain room in the building. " However, I will have to see how much time can be arranged between the lab here and the installation there." She pauses. "Tricky. But it certainly has immediate priority over activities here."
"About that.. we aren't sure. Our best guess is that the population didn't regrowth quickly after the P-day, leaving their population quite low. Maybe they weren't able to support themselves and decided to leave and try their luck.. or maybe the ferals outnumbered them and took them away. We still spotted some of those ferals out there, they present but quite prudent in getting closer to armed people." Robert replies with calm voice, doing his best to help the bunny to relax, "As for RSX.. they are clearly upset, but it's not like they would really oppose us. They need our trades, and while we keep up some fairness in our bargains, they know better to not piss us off. Yes, they would had loved to have some independence with this new new city... and this is likely one of the reasons because the Prometheans didn't refused our offer of help.". The zebra sips a bit more of water before resuming, "Any skill is needed. Miners, farmers, artisan, researches, traders... not just soldiers. As I said, the focus once there will be to survive and run a city... together. Honestly, I hope you'll be able to do teamwork with the other groups. While I'm not asking any of you to hug them and asking them out for a dance, you'll need each other out there. Not all the technologies are running there already. You'll have to work that out yourself. We can provide some extra help if needed.. but it won't be cheap. That's not our role. As for the buildings.. as I said, we are collecting materials right now. Our estimation is a couple of weeks for collect everything... most of the work will be done as collective effort. Everyone is quite cautious to work with each other, so incidents shouldn't happen. As for questions.. they are welcomed, really welcomed. Only agents that are sure about the mission should join. It can be dangerous, I won't deny it."
With a sideways glance at Sil, Eva's teeth find her lip, nibbling away at it. "I, w-well, I'm not re-really certain if I sh-should just g-get up and g-go to another city wh-while I'm, um, pr-pregnant. Especially i-if I'm g-going to have to um, st-stay there for a while." she mumbles, staring down at her feet before finally turning her gaze back to Robert. "And I k-kind of d-don't want to leave m-my um, my m-mate, n-not for long a-at least."
Arimia gives a small shrug of her shoulders, uncrossing her arms. "I'm in. I'll help in the ways I mentioned. And if someone with financial or executive matters is needed I'll help where I can. Though you would likely be able to find someone more skilled. In the very least I can provide an extra body though. More muscle and the like never hurts." After saying that she reaches into her pocket and pulls her cigarette back out, lifting it to her lips before reaching into another pocket and pulling out a matchbook, striking one of the matches and lighting her cigarette. "What sort of supplies are going to be sent along, if any? Will basic tools be provided or will we have to get what we can? Also when do we leave and what is the weight limit on how much we can take with us?"
Skylar keeps her sights onto Robert. "I'm sure that it won't be a walk in the park, and that's definetly why I want in on this. This city seems like something very very important not only for us but for the future generations, specially these less...sexual nanites. Altough... I believe we can have quite civil relationships with the other agents and the major problem will be rebuilding wih not much backup. And whatever is in there that we didn't detect yet..." The bunny gets looked at again. "Uh...yeah, those are not ideal conditions for going somewhere harsh...I'd say it's your call tough...unless Robert objects...?"
Balina pushes herself back upright, walking over and putting one chilly hand on Evangelica's shoulder, if only for a moment. "Hey. If they're going to be sending me out there, then child care is covered. Probably more completely than they really want it to be, given the circumstances. I'm going to be stuck with a desk job for the next few weeks, anyway." Giving Robert a Look, followed by a fangly grin, she adds, "I'm sure it's just coincidence, though, right?"
Thor snorts softly, leaning forward with a gleaming eye. "Welcome to the Apocalypse," he says guardedly, looking over at Eva with a caerful expression. "Stayin' is most definitely not an issue here. For the expectin' mothers, different story. And for the company's bottom line...." He leans back, lips curling in a wicked spark of amusement. "Not fer me to decide on."
Sil flicks her tongue, and lowers her torso a little, settling more comfortably on her coils and leaning back just slightly. She stays silent for now, a brooding expression on her face. More mental notes. Reminders to contact a few more people. And plans. She only idly listens to the exchanged words for the moment, it seems.
"We won't depart before a couple of weeks, so there is still time. Also, you can always arrive with a later fly." Robert smiles again, relaxing a bit and stretching his thick arms, "We expect to carry a minimal of personal gear, no more of a couple of bags. Basic tools and gear will be collected during these two weeks, so you'll have that part covered, as well as food for the first days. Sadly, this is a bad moment for the fields, rising something in winter won't be easy. You'll likely have to rely on hunting, fishing or... the barns.". The zebra seems hide a small naughty smile at the last part, before resuming, "You'll still be able to move back and forth, but there won't be many exchanges. Expect to be cut out of the other cities for few days. Anyway... from Zephyr, a big thank you for your support. We'll make sure to put some extra paycheck for your loyalty."
Thor's eyes glitter as he nods, a sharpness before he focuses his breath, a puff of lips to steal in a flare of cigar's smoldering flame. "Sounds like a ball," he rumbles, curving back in his chair. "Two weeks prep. Sounds like a blast-'n-a-half."
Shivering slightly at the cold touch Eva cranes her neck upwards, giving Balina a buck-toothed rabbit grin. "Th-thanks! I mean e-even if we're getting a f-few weeks, i-if I um, take a tr-trip back I'll pr-probably be, um...w-well, mistress is qu-quite en-enthusiastic a-about that s-sort of thing, s-so having s-someone who's experience w-with children w-will be a b-big help!" she says softly, scratching her cheek before she turns back to Robert. "I gu-guess I um...m-maybe? I w-want to talk to m-my mate f-first, I can't g-go off w-without um, without t-talking to h-her about it, especially i-if it's g-gonna be dangerous."
Arimia gives a small nod of her head, taking a drag from her cigarette before saying with an exhalation of smoke, "As I said, I am in. I will start making what preparations I need to. You know how to get in touch with me. If there is nothing else?" She glances toward the door before looking back to Robert, indicating plans to leave.
"You know, this doesn't sound aaaall that bad, sure, settling a city is more complicated than maintaining a city, but, with joint effort and not losing our reason or the reason of the other teams we should be more than fine." Skylar says looking quite relaxed. She gives Evangelica a thumbs up, knowing that with Balina's tutoring even the skitterish bunny in the most arid wasteland would be safe with her kid.
Balina smiles, dropping her hand and stepping back. "I know how I'm spending my next couple of weeks planning, then. Not my usual direction, but, heh." Giving her gaze back to Robert, she throws in a mischievous smile for free. "I also hope you realize that even with 'the barns', those calories have to come from somewhere. I'd like to talk with whoever's setting those up, though. Need to be sure they'll have something that can handle my extremely modest and slightly overwhelming workflow."
Sil's torso lifts, before she lightly turns and her serpentine length begins to uncurl, the pile lowering, spreading out on the floor. She finally exhales and clasps her hands behind her back again, looking at Robert, nodding. "I will have a meeting with the rest of my team. Lab 6 might get temporarily mothballed at this location if the whole staff decides to join in on this. According documents and security measures will be provided, and the higher ups will be notified."
"Unless further questions, I think we are done for today. Any update or important informations will be asked during the next couple of weeks, thank you again miss Arimia. Oh, quite sure one of my colleague will contact you for having a better profile of your abilities. As for you, miss Evangelica..." Robert says gently, "I suppose that your mate could join you into this, unless they are in another faction. But if they are willing to go, I'm quite sure they'll be accepted into the missions.". The zebra stands up, moving to the door, "Again, thank you for your support. I hope to see you soon for the last debrief before the mission's launch.". As Balina moves closer, he chuckles a bit, "Oh, miss Balina.. I'm sure they'll be interested in some suggestions for those barns. And doctor Sil.. I'm sure that your department will deal with this with the exquisite efficiency it's known for. We are waiting for news from you and your staff." the zebra adds with a friendly yet respectful smile.
