Mingle ∞ Log
No Lifeguard on Duty
Summary
What's going on?
An
unexpected heat wave in mid-June, coupled with the cycling shutdown of all air conditioning units in motels across the Blocks, has made the summer unbearable. Meanwhile, the ever-eager
storm chaser,
Felix Bjurstrom, has uncovered a
fancy resort with a pool in a diffusion zone only 1 hour out from Panorama. Lucky, right? Well...kind of. It's got some quirks.
When is this happening?
June 10 - 30
What should I know?
- This area is one of many diffusion zones that appear throughout the planet.
- A storm chaser is someone dedicated to studying the cosmic phenomenon in the Diadem. Felix is a pioneer in his field.
- A winding highway filled with old empty barrels will take you to the zone.
- Characters can travel with a friend to save on gas! Parking's limited, so it might not be a bad idea.
- At any given time, there's max several dozen visitors. Most work long hours, some are traveling through the diffusion zones, and others prefer not to risk the drive or waste precious gas, so it won't draw a huge crowd (but there's still a crowd!).
- This is a mingle rather than an event. Plot-heavy elements will be minor. The game's first proper event will be posted in July!
What does my character know?
- Having lost his phone, Felix will spread the word using good old-fashioned printed posters that he's put up around Panorama. A young woman is seen helping him. They appear to be close. Some say that's his daughter.
- Though the timing is impossible to predict accurately, Felix believes that due to this zone's unusual proximity to an anchor point, it has a high chance of persisting for 2-3 weeks.
- Directions are printed on the posters, though characters are also free to stumble across the zone by accident.
∞ Links ∞
Introduction
The resort looks like your typical upscale vacation spot: a beautiful pool, lovely cabins, and plenty of pool chairs. The sky is
perpetually nighttime and there are
two moons. One moon is smaller than its sister and glows purple. The other looks like the Earth's moon. The weather is
pleasantly warm. In fact, conditions are almost
too perfect.
Other
fluxdrifts are here, too, and you might come across them, all of whom are taking advantage of the pool. They'll converse superficially with you and will come and go randomly. You'll want to keep a close eye on your belongings. Other than cooling off, this isn't a bad place to start making connections. Life in the Diadem is better when you've got allies if not friends.
Just outside the resort is a
spacious parking lot, designed for visitors. Nobody's following parking rules so put your car anywhere it fits. If you get blocked in, well, that's a problem for when you leave.
At the end of June, the diffusion zone will flicker and morph into an unremarkable overgrown park, long abandoned to the decades.
Prompts
As you wander around, you discover deactivated androids in many of the poolside huts. These androids cannot be mistaken for any organic species: their chassis is metal, and their heads are shiny. Circuits and wires are visible. But each is dressed distinctly human in a way that borders on disturbing. You spot lipstick drawn on some of the metal faces, as though they're playing dress up...or as if they don't realize they aren't human. One android is frozen in place with a diary clutched in its hands. Another has a hairbrush for its nonexistent hair.
Something seems to have destroyed them—perhaps a powerful EMP wave that knocked them all out. All except one.
The Bartender
The poolside bar is at the eastern end of the resort. There are plenty of seats. A few are occupied by deactivated androids. The bartender is also an android and appears to be the only functional one in this place. He speaks with a modulated voice and has a neutral accent. He exhibits the following behaviors if you sit at his bar:
- Icebreaker. Whether you're alone or with a companion, he'll try to get you all to be friends, asking random self-generated icebreaker questions. He'll be visibly disappointed if you don't play along.
- Bartending. While cheerful, he can't make the correct drink: it's always too strong, incredibly weak, added salt instead of sugar, messed up the ice. He's obviously doing his best, but it's just not working. The harder he tries, the worse he performs until it becomes a comedy of errors with stuff falling over, ice dumped in your lap, champagne corks flying, and any number of slapstick mishaps. You can help him out by mixing the drink yourself.
If you're nice to him, he'll introduce himself as Thomas Lustras. He's happy to
tell you about his son. Strange, you think, but who says androids can't have paternal instincts? Yet, when the android takes out his wallet to show you a photo of his son—named Edward Lustras—the picture is that of a
human child, roughly 5 years old, in the arms of his
human father.
The driver's license in the same wallet confirms that Thomas is (was?) a real person. The picture on the license matches the human male in the photo. A half-scorched business card states that Thomas was a consultant at Outer Rim Resettlements. Thomas believes he's on a company retreat and wistfully declares he's eager to return home to his son.
Maybe don't look too closely. After all, this place will soon disappear. And so will he.
The Grill
It's not a vacation without a grill! Not a grillable item is in sight, though, so you'll have to rely on what you can bring out of Panorama. Some of the visiting drifters will pitch in to share, unloading hotdogs (some synthetic, others authentic, and some far past expiry), burger patties (same) and buns, and "kebabs" made of blocky frozen vegetable squares. The squares vaguely resemble corn, mushrooms, and pineapple. The texture is passable, like a flavor-infused block of tofu.
Fire up the grill and take turns grilling. You'll also have to manage the propane. The grill's also prone to sputtering out, requiring regular minor repairs to get it back up and going. Any loose bolts or screws can be taken out of the dead androids to replace the rusty ones in the grill. You're unsure if you should feel uncomfortable doing that or what, but it is a solution.
Parking Woes
Like any crowded event, the parking lot can get chaotic, and the lawlessness of the diffusion zones doesn't help. While some are happy to help barbecue, others are more interested in picking fights over who got to the parking space first. It won't take much for a fistfight to break out, and a knife fight isn't out of the question, either, though nobody'll be killed (this time).
You can let the troublemakers beat each other, or you can try to intervene if somebody who doesn't deserve it is getting harassed. Just avoid causing too much of a scene. Breaking noses is acceptable; gutting someone head to toe is not. There are Enforcers visiting the zone, and if you interfere with their nice pool time, they won't hesitate to haul away everybody involved and make you sit in jail for a few days.
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thediadem) wrote in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
diademlogs2025-06-08 10:11 am
no subject
[ Jack answers honestly. He tried in those first few days to be as normal presenting as possible. His lies about his species always ended up pathetically bad. He revealed what he was accidentally more than once. At this point there seem to be plenty of non-humans in this city, enough that it isn't as much a fear as it was back home. When they were supposed to keep everyone different secret. ]
I was raised by humans. I tried to be like them but it always felt false.
[ Jack doesn't feel half-human, he feels entirely like an archangel. He has more archangel Grace in him right now than anything like true blood in his veins. He doesn't feel the way humans do, he knows that for a fact, and there was a time he longed for a cut to last, a bruise to form, anything that would make him feel like a real person. ]
I wonder if the androids felt the same way, if they tried and failed.
no subject
[ There’s not much else he can glean just by looking, the details drowned out by light and power. While he is no stranger to needing to conceal one’s nature, he’s well-aware that it matters little here. Less, even, considering he himself has a small handful of people running about who already know full well just what he is.
Expecting them to keep that a secret would be a fool’s errand.
His gaze turns again, briefly, to the defunct robot in the corner. ]
You think they played at being something they are not? ‘Tis possible, I suppose.
no subject
[ That is part of what sets him apart. Jack's body itself isn't truly human as he doesn't age, doesn't need food or sleep, and he can't be harmed easily, but it at least physically looks like a host. The brilliance Jack has in glowing whiteness is brighter than what Emet-Selch might see in other angels, but he hasn't met one yet so he wouldn't know the difference.
It feels good to say all of that out loud. There is no real reason he should feel to hide his true identity in this world, but there is an instinct all the same to cover it. He doesn't like to feel different, but he is. Maybe this is him getting used to that being okay. Or maybe it's the lack of fear or judgment he's getting from Emet-Selch too, that he doesn't seem concerned to be talking to a non-human. ]
I hope not. It would be a shame for them to have died pretending to be something else.
no subject
[ Will he elaborate? That remains to be seen. As it is, Emet-Selch simply shrugs, again turning to the matter of the natives of this place. ]
I wouldn't worry yourself overmuch. What's done is done, and we have very little time here as it is. Certainly not enough to go unraveling the mysteries of how these machines lived.
no subject
[ Emet-Selch sounds like Jack is being visibly made of light, and when Jack uses his powers, he does glow. His eyes change color and he can blind people with how bright he becomes. That's when what is inside him right now simply shows on the outside, but it's always simmering in him. ]
Do you have something you'd rather be doing?
[ Jack's curious, not having much of an opinion either way. He really does tend to go from one thing to the other, like following the wind's pattern. He finds the androids interesting so he stops and learns from them. Or he ends up talking to an android bartender for an hour with endless questions. ]
I mean, before this place goes away forever.
no subject
[ Not that he expects this kid to be able to do anything about that. His soul is his soul, and there will be no putting a damper on it. Emet-Selch will simply have to keep his gaze focused on the physical to avoid the headache.
As for the question, that earns another shrug. ]
Avail myself of the bar, mayhap. Enjoy the fresh air whilst we have it.
no subject
[ It seems like the obvious next jump and Jack takes a closer look at Emet-Selch. He knows that people here have all kinds of backgrounds and that he's far from the only person with powers now. It's a relief, honestly. It's hard to feel like the strangest person around when everyone's got their version of it going. Plus they're all new to here, so they're naturally outsiders. There are people who have been able to see through him. Donatello mentioned seeing his energy at a single glance.
He tilts his head curiously, considering what he too would like to do here while they have the chance, and nods. ]
Would you like to get a drink with me? I'm Jack.
[ He's never asked anyone to get a drink before, it makes him feel very nervous, like he's pushing himself on someone. But he sounds hopeful.]
no subject
[ If that’s the confirmation Jack wanted. This boy is half celestial being, he very much doubts that he’ll blink twice knowing that Emet-Selch can see beyond his flesh. It’s true enough, no few number of them have strange abilities, and it’s not as if his own soul sight was ever much of a secret before the Sundering.
Weird, figuring out what habits he can and can’t fall back into now that he’s been granted another chance at life – whether he wanted one or not. ]
If you like. I am Emet-Selch.
[ That’s a habit that won’t be going away anytime soon, though. He’s been Emet-Selch for longer than he ever was just Hades. ]
no subject
[ That's not to say that all humans would go blind instantly looking at him, but that amount of life should hurt someone with limited sight. Emet-Selch is different, he can sense that now. He's unique. His whole mannerism is calm and confident.
Jack would be pleased to meet more people who aren't human. It's a secret for him usually, although it's never lasted that long. Most other supernaturals can tell right away, and the hunters were all made aware. He's just used to not being normal. ]
I would like! [ Jack smiles in delight. He leaves the android and her sad diary, gesturing for them to head to the bar. ] I'm Jack Kline. I'm glad I don't have to pretend to be human, I'm really bad at it.
no subject
[ It does feel a bit weird just up and admitting that, having spent lifetimes playing at being human. There were only a select few who ever knew what he truly was, and that was usually long after his business with them was supposed to conclude.
Hiding that here really gets him nothing, and what’s more, there are a handful of heroes running about who are like as not to blab about his existence to anyone they feel worth warning. ]
You had to pretend to be human? Whatever for?
[ Asked as he follows along. Emet-Selch knows why he personally had to pretend to be human, but why would someone else? ]
no subject
[ It's a blunt question but he already admitted what he was so it seems pretty easy to make that leap. Plus Jack is very curious about other unique individuals who aren't human. He's so used to being either human or in the monster category so learning about other options is so interesting to him. ]
So as not to scare anyone. Technically all supernatural things are secret in my world, the majority of the people are protected from that knowledge. I don't think it's wise because then they're vulnerable to monster attacks, but it's not my choice.
[ Jack doesn't like lying in general. He one time made the world stop lying and that led to violent chaos, so it wasn't a good idea, but he still hates the very concept of it. Mostly because he's so vulnerable to manipulation and lies that he can't be trusted to be able to see through them. It's led him down very dark paths. ]
The people who do know are scared of me, even my family. I shouldn't exist, there's only one of me.
no subject
Call me an Ascian, if you must call me anything. Though I doubt it means much to you, just as archangel means little to me.
[ Ascian. That’s the easiest. The most comfortable. It means he doesn’t have to pretend to be anything better than what he was before. ]
All supernatural things are a secret?
[ Frankly wild concept, but also a very welcome change in subject. ]
Doesn’t that get tiresome?
no subject
[ Jack's very curious about other people's gifts considering his are such a curse most of the time. He's in as much control as he's capable of but that's all he's ever been able to do. Keep himself contained enough not to explode everything, but not learn how to truly use it right. Other people understanding it better is of interest. ]
Yes. I don't know how to talk to ordinary humans because they can't know anything. It's constant lying. I hate lying.
[ Jack is the worst at it too so he just tries not to engage with people, but then that isolates him further. It's a bad combination. The few times he's tried to connect went poorly in part because of the secret. ]
So does everyone know about the supernatural in yours at least? That must be a relief.
no subject
[ Even among a people so magically gifted, soul sight was not a common talent. There was only one other with vision sharper than his own. Not for the first time, he wonders what Hythlodaeus might make of this place, but just as quickly he’s glad he’s not here.
Emet-Selch would be loath to wish this place on anyone, let alone one of his very few friends. ]
There are some things that are kept secret, out of some sort of necessity or perhaps greed, but for the most part, yes. Magic is practiced in some form or other the world over.
no subject
[ Supernatural eyesight sounds like it would be interesting, only to a point, but useful. Jack has super hearing which can sometimes be overwhelming, but he doesn't have the sight and taste that other angels can. ]
My friend Rowena is a very powerful witch! You might see her around some time, she has bright red hair and a unique accent. She loves magic.
[ Jack did a few spells in the past with his family but he can't really do it frequently, not with the amount of power that he has. It's too dangerous that he could do something wrong or overpower it somehow. That's fine though, he has a witch living with him. The two of them have been working on if they can find a way back through the universe to theirs, although that's not something he's supposed to share. ]
Why would someone hide that out of greed?
[ They make it to the bar and Jack gives a wave to Thomas, who waits for either of them to order. Or, if Emet-Selch has already learned about the terror of this android's drinks, to take over. ]
no subject
So long as they’ve a soul, yes.
[ Or he imagines so, anyroad. This place plays havoc with his abilities more often than not, but his eyes have remained as keen as ever – even if a great majority of the time he has no idea what he’s looking at, in terms of the ambient aether here.
He makes a mental note of the name – Rowena, a supposedly powerful witch – with a nod of acknowledgement and moves on. ]
People hide things out of greed because they are greedy. ‘Tis nothing more to it.
[ When they get to the bar, Emet-Selch is content to give the bartender a simple order to busy himself with, so they’re not bombarded with asinine questions. How successful that proves to be remains to be seen. ]
no subject
[ It was a terrible time in his short life and he holds a lot of guilt and regret over what he did during that experience. Jack tried his best to be good but he just didn't seem capable of it truly. Great power is too dangerous for a soulless creature. He wonders if Emet-Selch would've seen the gaping emptiness inside of him for what it was then. Or just more endless but too brittle light. ]
There was one demon who pretended to be someone else to trick me. I nearly did something very bad because I thought he was a friend. Shapeshifters are dangerous that way.
[ Jack only figured out the deception when the others got in the way, otherwise he would have torn a hole into Hell and brought ruin to the Earth. He was only a few days old at that point, though, it wasn't entirely his fault he didn't know who to listen to.
Thomas gives them both a drink. Whether it's what either of them wants to drink or edible, that's up to question. ]
He was greedy, he wanted power.
no subject
Ah, wait, he got distracted. Gold eyes flick back to the young man next to him, eyebrows raised. To backtrack a little— ]
Sorry, how does one lose their entire soul?
[ He himself is a being not bound by a physical body, and might vacate his flesh if he so desires – though since arriving on this star, he hasn’t put that ability to the test. He’s not keen on finding it doesn’t work and dying so far from home, in a place where his connection to the Underworld is tenuous at best. ]
no subject
I burned it out. I was dying, my biological father took my angel essence away from me for his own use. He was a very evil creature. My human vessel started to die. My family did a magical spell that connected my soul to my power as sort of a replacement to the angelic Grace. It was supposed to be temporary as the angel power fixes itself with time.
[ Jack could conceivably have gotten all of his Grace back in a few years, but there was no telling at the time and his human side was killing him without it. That was the only option. Jack did die for a time and he went to Heaven, but that didn't work out for him. Neither did coming back to life though. He's serious as he talks about this subject, it was a bad situation. ]
But my uncle was trying to kill everyone I loved and no one else could fight him. So I used all of my power to kill him, and because my soul was connected to it, it burned it out entirely. Leaving me without one.
no subject
Hm. It’s sour, but not unbearable.
As to the tale itself – hells. Emet-Selch has been around for a while, but this sounds like a complicated mess even to him. ]
A bit of family drama in the mix to make it all the more complicated, I see. And you got your soul back… how?
no subject
[ Jack doesn't know everything. He doesn't know a lot of things. He knows how he felt when he was in the Garden, and how the snake seemed to see right to the heart of him. Every memory came to him all at once and he suddenly was able to feel it all again. Despite being soulless, Jack never enjoyed it, he still felt more than what he should, but he's more than human. He didn't question why it all happened, only that it did, and now he can be like he was before.]
I'm grateful to have it again, even if it hurts. Especially because it hurts. I was empty before, it was terrible.
[ All he could do was know that everything was missing from him, but not remember what it was like to be full. ]
no subject
[ Not something so silly as a miracle, but then any “gods” Emet-Selch might be aware of are, in reality, anything but. His opinion might be a bit biased when it comes to the workings of so-called higher powers.
He lifts his neon drink in its wine glass, a small toast. ]
To being whole again.
[ lol. He’s not going to think about the greater implications of that for himself, personally. Since getting here, he’s going for the gold medal in Not Thinking About Things. ]
this feels like a natural wrap, I have a TL at the event if you spot it! :D
To being whole again.