etrayalogs | November Mingle

November Mingle

WHO: Everyone!
WHEN: November 22nd - Early December
WHERE: Etraya
WHAT: The arrival of newcomers, and an unexpected guest!
NOTES\WARNINGS: N/A, please note any needed warnings in threads.

⏵ arrival ⏴
Welcome to Etraya!

Arrival goes as expected - or it would, except it is not just Aurora that greets the newcomers as they arrive. Certainly they receive their earpiece so they can communicate with one another as those before them have, however there is what seems to be a woman waiting for them that is of a more flesh and blood persuasion as they leave the hospital. She carries an air about her that isn't quite like the newcomers themselves, but she is decidedly not one of the companion bots, nor Aurora.

She has bone-straight blonde hair reaching past her shoulders, with a straight-cut fringe hanging above her eyes. The black dress that ends just before her mid-thighs also has a rather revealing neckline, though the sleeves which cover her arms almost feel like a mockery of modesty considering the rest. She is also wearing black stockings and black pumps, and the red of her lipstick is striking against the extreme contrast in shades she otherwise holds.

As each newcomer independently files out of the hospital, she makes certain to garner their individual attention, either with a wave of her hand, a wiggle of her fingers, or directly calling them over. She is persistent, and with being so new, it is wise to heed her. Not that anyone can force one to, if they choose to walk away, nor does she seem interested in trying to, but she has her means for those proving stubborn.

However, those who aren't...

“Hey! I know you’re not just walking past me. I’ve got- you know, plot relevant, written all over me. I picked this dress out just for you, you know?’

“C’mere, listen up. Mama’s got a little bit of homework for you, but it’s gonna help you, too, okay? I need you to go find the hot goss, the piping hot tea on the street for me. Find out what everyone’s saying about the people we’re stuck with, okay? People are a lot more relaxed and honest when they talk about others, right? This is about efficiency.

Efficiency, honey.

Don’t worry, I’ll be in the trenches, too. But make sure you come find me again. I’ll be around here, okay? I know you’re as confused as I am. Well no. I’m much less confused than you are. But if you can tell me about the people here, I’ll tell you more about where you are and what this is about.”

For those who ignored her, or those not newly arrived, they will receive a message through their earpiece:

“Girl. Hey. Listen. I’m kind of in a pinch, okay? I need like… a little favor. But its a fun favor! I need you to get your girl some info. I need the word on the street, honey. I need the tea piping hot- I need you to go talk to your friends, enemies, frenemies, butt buddies, cousins, and have them tell you about anyone they know. I need straight facts and good gossip on everyone here. And then get back to me. Kisses.

And this isn’t something for nothing. If you bring me some good goss, you’ll get some good info in turn about your whole situation. Cause that’s what you’re missing most besides home, right? Context.”

⏵ spill the tea ⏴

Tatianna having now tasked everyone (new and old) with finding out more about their fellow inhabitants—if not for their sake, for her curiosity—and in exchange she will give them valuable information that may aid them with acclimating here, or something far more valuable depending on how hot the goss is! However, she will not just hand out her secrets so easily, and so she will need one piece of gossip about each inhabitant. So she expects everyone to get mingling and talking, she isn't a charity here!

To assist in this, the companion bots have set up cozy little wicker daybeds around the main hub of the city. All of which are suspiciously cozy and warm once you have sat down on them, but especially so with the accompanying aroma of the tea wafting from the kettle which rests on the center table, accompanied by sweetmeats. The tea itself also stays warm despite the cool autumn air, and so long as you stay within the daybeds, the biting chill won't reach you either.

However, the tea is not only perpetually the right temperature, but it seems to have a way of loosening one's tongue. Especially the more one imbibes it. Did you mean to share that secret that might not have been yours to begin with? Or that personal detail about your best friend that wasn't meant to be known by anyone but who they themselves have told? Probably not, but the cat is out of the bag now, isn't it? Well, hopefully word won't get around...after all, it isn't likely who you are talking is going to tell everyone else, right? Right?

Adding to the oddity of it all, the tea one drinks might not be the same tea that their companion is drinking, despite it pouring from the same kettle. What might be one person's earl grey, is another's pumpkin spice chai. Whatever it may be that pours out, it certainly seems to be to one's liking, or its closest approximation. There's probably some deeper meaning in that, some sort of symbolism one might surmise from the nature of sharing gossip and it being tainted by personal bias, but who cares about navel gazing about such a thing?

After all, this is meant to be an enjoyable endeavor! Getting to know your fellow inhabitant should feel as comfortable as catching up with an old friend. What better way than to do it by sharing tea you both will enjoy? ☕

⏵ close knit ⏴

As the tail end of November draws nearer, people will have already begun to see the first flakes of snow. It grows colder, and while there isn't quite a blizzard or a snow storm happening, the snow does not seem to let up with its descent. It doesn't quite get so cold that it is untenable, of course, but it would be advisable to bundle up! In fact, the companion bots seem to be on the case with assisting in just that!

Around the city people will find groups of companion bots busily knitting sweaters, scarves, gloves, hats, and so forth. In fact, the moment they see someone they clock as not quite bundled enough, they will insist on supplying them with whatever they deem as being without. Are you already wearing a scarf? Well, clearly you need two of them! How about the gloves? Couldn't hurt to have several pairs!

However, that isn't all that's available to people, after all there are cafes out and about where one might get a hot beverage to help fight off the cold, but for those less inclined for such establishments, the companion bots are here to serve! There is at least one companion bot per knitting group that seems to have hot cocoa on hand. If they see someone who is looking particularly cold (almost everyone is, the companion bots aren't particularly keen on the signs of successful temperature regulation), they will have a paper cup of hot cocoa imposed upon them that has their name on the side.

Or, sort of. It is at least a close approximation of their name, or maybe it is an alternate spelling? Really, who can blame the bots for getting confused, there are so many of you!

⏵ snow more games ⏴

The snow is here to stay, but that doesn't mean that it has to be a bad thing! With everyone well supplied in their winter garb, the companion bots have set up spots for fun activities! Perhaps the inhabitants would enjoy a fun snowball fight, or some sledding? Some of the waters have frozen over, so ice skating is always a possibility too. Though one might want to be careful if they are to venture past what the companion bots have marked as safe.

Some of the companion bots are trying their best at making a snowman, but all their efforts seem to come out rather...square. They're trying their best, but maybe they can learn by following the inhabitant's examples. There are others that will offer gold star stickers to those who seem to dominate in the snowball fights, but unfortunately the stickers don't stick too well with all the snow. Well, they tried!

People will still find bots out and about with nice warm beverages available to fight off the cold, too. That service will continue to be available for the foreseeable future. Similarly, if someone comes out who is a little too under-dressed for the weather, the bots might have to pick up those knitting needles again, so be sure to put on your winter clothes..!

⏵ NOTES ⏴

To report information to Tatianna, do so here! She will only give each person their rewarded information once she has a bit of information on each character in the game. Each bit of gossip does not require a thread to count though it should be IC knowledge gained through IC means. Try to check what gossip has been given to her already, because doubling up will not yield results! Good luck!

For all questions relating to this log, please refer to the mod queries comment. All other questions can be directed to the FAQ.

⏵FULL NAVIGATION⏴

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Looking out over the ice, John considers Harold's question. He obviously is, spending more time outside the library than before everything froze over. He's not obsessively cleaning the whole building all day long, as if there's patrons dirtying the floors on a daily basis. Well, if Harold is fishing then he'll get something. ]

I always liked ice skating as a kid.

[ He doesn't comment whether or not he likes it now, he thinks Harold understands without him saying as much. John wants to ask if Harold has been ice skating before, or even if he enjoys it, but he doesn't think he'll get an answer, and if the answer is "yes" then it feels a bit unfair to rub it in that he can't do it now.

John isn't exactly sure what to say to Harold in this moment. Even in Etraya, where they've been closer than ever, there's still these silences between them. They're both very private people even when their world has been reduced to a population of two. Bear runs up to rejoin them but takes his place by Harold's side, panting happily and tail kicking up snow. ]

[ Harold hadn't expected a real answer, so what he gets is a pleasant surprise in that it reveals a little tidbit about John that he couldn't have gleaned from files. It provokes a small smile from him, there and gone, but perfectly noticeable.

He moves past the moment by stiffly bending down to brush snow off of Bear. Fortunately, he's wearing gloves, so it's not too cold an endeavor. Very private indeed; Harold doesn't return the gesture with a piece of information about himself, doesn't quite know how to handle their new living situation here, either. They've always had some distance between them, places to retreat to that let them reestablish their equilibrium after things get... too close.

Now they don't have that, and he's struggling to find new footing in their dynamic. Which means he defaults to talking shop. ]

I'm turning a few ideas around in my head. Perhaps you could be a sounding board as we walk back to civilization?

[ Also not something Harold would normally offer, but it's far better than awkward silence or letting things get too close. ]

[ John follows Harold, walking in his usual spot, just over Harold's shoulder. It's probably less necessary in Etraya than it was in New York, but it's a comfortable position for him; it feels like where he belongs. It's just how things should be between them. It's a piece of structure in their relationship that feels important now that they've gone so far as to live together.

Living in the Library is both sentimental and tactical. It's a space they know intimately and have been able to reinforce their position in it so they're more protected than in the apartments. But John never thought he'd be living with Harold, even if only to share a common space. It's dizzying at times to know he can walk out of his room and Harold will just be there.

Harold's offer isn't their usual line of conversation, but it feels safe. It's more sure footing than cooking them both soup on the single burner they have in the library, as he does sometimes so they don't have to traipse back to the apartments just to cook separate meals. ]

Sure, go ahead.

[ Bear's leash is more for other people to have peace of mind than for any real use as a restraint, so out here in the unpopulated scenery, Harold doesn't bother to reattach it. It does feel oddly soothing, just a little, to be walking like they usually might be, except it's in the woods in an alien bubble-city instead of the streets of New York. He'll take anything that feels familiar. ]

The obvious solution to our communications issue is to develop a secondary, more secure network connection, [ Harold starts off. ] However, I'm unconvinced Aurora wouldn't still have access to it, and that being the case, we may be better served with a gesture of goodwill and cooperation.

I could offer to enhance the features of what's available on our standard communicators. And I may learn more about Aurora in the process.

[ Harold sounds markedly neutral about the prospect, though in truth he's been dragging his heels about contacting the resident A.I. overseer for weeks now, until faced with a reason he can't dismiss. It feels absurd to talk to another A.I. if he's not currently talking to the Machine-- But of course he's not currently talking to the Machine. It's not here, and even if it were, Harold had told it not to contact him. Ensured it couldn't, in a way that it respected even after it was let loose. That was what he wanted. It was just simpler that way.

Contacting Aurora feels like poking a bear in his own issues in a way talking to Connor hadn't. Connor seems fully-formed, defined in his sense of self; it's that intermediate stage of empathy development that... well, that Harold finds acutely familiar. ]

[ John considers that. If anyone could create a workaround that avoids oversight, it would be Harold. And if Harold doesn't think that's possible, John is inclined to believe him. Besides, an opportunity to learn more about Aurora is always welcome. As their jailer (or caretaker, depending on the perspective) any information they have on her is valuable. ]

I think that's a good idea. Learning more about Aurora works in our favor. And if we can have something that works more like an open line that will be helpful.

[ It'll mean he actually leaves his device in rather than keeping it in his pocket, wrapped up in some cloth to muffle his sounds. They'll have to be careful with what they say, but John isn't so sure they're not constantly being watched anyways. ]

[ He won't give up on the notion entirely -- he's planning to ask Aurora if his assumption is even correct, not that he believes she'd necessarily tell the truth but because he wants to see how she responds -- but in the meantime it seems like the height of hubris to convince himself he can keep any kind of communication secret. Aurora is based on technology Harold has barely any concept of; how can he know what she is or isn't capable of? There should be logical limits, inferences he could draw -- but there aren't. Not with the kind of magical effects he's seen, not with a literal angel wandering around.

The safest assumption to make is that nothing is secret at all from Aurora. But from each other, that Harold thinks he can manage.

After weeks of playing verbal fencing with others about his expertise and capabilities, it's silently a bit of a relief to have John's unreserved acceptance of his opinion. Humble as he is, Harold hates insisting to others that he does know what he's talking about, but he also hates being questioned. Which tends to leave him mostly just frustrated and mute. Now he gets to appreciate that John agrees with his basic line of reasoning and doesn't make him defend the premise. ]

Yes, that's the idea. No reason not to supply it to others as well; for all I know, it'll garner me additional 'points'. [ There's a sarcastic edge to the word that indicates Harold's continued displeasure at how mysteriously points are merited and handed out. ]

In addition, acquiring the hardware necessary to make new devices seems prohibitive. Not to mention, the ear pieces we were provided with supply translations, which I'm not prepared to replicate, either. So I don't think we could give them up entirely.

[ Of course he has been thinking through all the possible angles he can come up with. ]

[ Harold has clearly thought all of this through, and in further detail than John has considered. It's clear he has a defined plan. When doesn't he? Time and time again he has arrived to work on a number and Harold has this or that cover identity already lined up for him, all he has to do is play the role Harold has decided. Certainly there are times when John takes the lead, it's not as if Harold is the expert on reconnaissance or gun fights, but that's not the situation they're in here. ]

It's probably too risky to leave ourselves a backdoor if we supply a private line to everyone else.

[ But damn it would be convenient. ]

Hmmm, that one we'll have to see about, [ he answers, but with a tiny smile. Harold is much more confident in his ability to secretly surveil everyone than in preventing their local super-intelligence from accessing it. ]

It is possible she might support the project, including creation of a secure encrypted channel outside of her influence. But she'd have to let me verify it to my satisfaction for me to have any measure of confidence in it.

[ Even then he wouldn't discount the possibility that there's some technology he doesn't know of or understand that could bypass his set up, but Harold would at least be willing to believe it was possible it was secure. ]

[ John can't see the smile from his position relative to Harold, but they've been in each others ears for long enough that he can hear it in his voice. If anyone can pull it off it'll be Harold. And if it doesn't work out and they get an angry mob knocking on their door? Well, that's why John is here. He trusts Harold will evaluate the risks before doing such a thing. ]

How could we even test that? This place can construct perfect replicas of buildings, who knows what else Aurora can do.

[ Harold thinks he would never be so indiscreet as to do something that results in an angry mob. It is fairly alarming that he can't just fade into the tumultuous woodwork of Manhattan anymore, effectively disappearing into the chaos of humanity, and he understands that most people don't like being spied on. (Indeed, as he doesn't.) But he still carries with him a fundamental sort of innocence that disbelieves anything he does could lead to violent retaliation. He's not naïve, not anymore, not at all -- but it just never stops surprising Harold somehow when someone wants to hurt him. ]

Yes, that is the dilemma. I doubt we'd ever achieve real certainty in our security measures, but I'm not going to not try.

[ He's been presented with a challenge squarely in his expertise and he's not going to shy away from it without even trying. Harold isn't even capable of giving up on a puzzle before he's started. ]

[ It brings a small smile to John's face to hear him say that. Of course he'll try. In the privacy of their setting, John doesn't feel the need to still his face, to hold it back from creeping into his voice. ]

If anyone can do it Finch, it'll be you.

[ This is an expression of faith he honestly wasn't looking for. Normally he'd brush it off, but something about their present circumstances -- isolated, without resources, thrown into what might as well be a science fiction version of Narnia, with no way back through the wardrobe -- makes it hit a little more. ]

Hopefully I can live up to your faith in me, [ he says ruefully. ] I have... mixed feelings about Aurora, but I'm trying to keep an open mind.

[ Both positively and negatively. He thinks it could go in either direction quite easily. ]

[ That's a good subject to land on. ]

You're the AI expert. What's your opinion?

[ John hasn't talked to her outside of the his arrival, though he has a mind to ask her about all the children here. ]

[ John is absolutely the only person that could ask him that and get a real answer. Harold contains his irritation at the whole subject and responds fairly. ]

All I have so far is speculation, but I'm inclined to believe its primary purpose is to look after us and keep us complacent. In that capacity it would believably be limited in what it could do.

I doubt Aurora could return us, or determine the fate of our worlds, [ there's a note of skepticism there in the concept, ] or even bring us into contact with Echo. But its nature and function may provide some clues.

[ John notices that Harold uses "it" whereas everyone else uses "her". It's the kind of distinction that Harold would make. John doesn't care either way, so he'll just use "it" when talking with Harold. (Which I will inevitably forget about later.) ]

Do you think it's in charge of deciding things like bringing the Library here?

[ That's quite the mystery, though John isn't really complaining. Though he was disappointed to discover all his weapons were... replaced. ]

[ Harold has conceded to using she/her pronouns with everyone else since that seems to be the convention, and defying it is only going to open him up to a multitude of questions he doesn't want to answer. Sometimes lying really is just the easiest approach. But with John, unique among everyone else, he can espouse his real opinion:

That he's not certain yet Aurora merits the anthropomorphization. ]

Perhaps. Either it puts in requests to be approved by some other authority, or it has direct oversight over resource expenditures within Etraya. I'm inclined to think the latter, though.

It would be quite tedious for some administrator to be approving each individual request we make. The scale of a building versus, say, Bear, is not really so consequential once we get past the initial hurdle of interdimensional travel in the first place.

[ That actually leads to a question that John has pondered since Bear's arrival. He knows that buildings are identical, but is Bear... Bear? John had searched him, had catalogued all the little identifiers he knows, and Bear certain has acted no differently than usual. ]

Is Bear our Bear? Or is he a replica like the buildings?

[ Are they buildings even replicas? Or is there now a library missing from New York City? Are they missing? Is this just a frozen instance of time? He doesn't think Harold will know, but he's curious for his thoughts. ]

[ Harold's whole expression scrunches up momentarily, the question causing a veritable explosion of thoughts he has to reconcile and run through various filters. What are his thoughts? How can he explain them without going off on a rant about theories of four dimensional universes and closed timelike curves? How is what he says going to affect John, who always takes things so closely to heart despite his affectation otherwise?

It's pretty obvious he's struggling for a few seconds before he finally speaks. ]

That's a very complicated topic, Mr. Reese. The buildings may not be replicas either. If you'd like to know what my thoughts are, I think we are ourselves. Bear is Bear and you are you.

[ John can read the silence and "that's a very complicated topic" pretty well. Harold has made a calculation of what he should say, tried to make it come out just the way he wants. John is curious, he wants to ask more questions, but he doesn't think Harold wants to talk about it more. There's a certain "subject closed" to the way Harold said it. And, well, if that's what Harold thinks then John will trust him. ]

I'm glad he's here with us.

[ It's not like him to offer up a feeling like that, but there's something about being here in the quiet snow, just the two of them, that prompts him to share. And he is. Not just because Harold has his guard dog in a potentially dangerous place with potentially dangerous people, but John likes Bear. Likes having him around, likes playing with him, likes having his solid warmth. Getting him had been a spur of the moment decision and he's not regretted it since. ]

[ Opening up John Reese to extended metaphysical questions about the nature of time, reality, and perceived existence seems like a mistake. Harold respects John greatly, which means he respects his intellectual capacity to grasp such a topic -- but he also knows John can get stuck on things, to put it charitably.

The uncommon admission earns a sideways glance from Harold, but he's not going to outright comment on it for fear of discouraging future such admissions. Instead, he makes one of his own. ]

I'm glad I have a computer again, [ he says with true fervent relief. ] What are you thinking of asking for next? I'm trying to decide if putting in for a bodega is too frivolous, or a requirement for our continued sanity.

[ What is he asking for next? He's put some thought to it, given how much time he has to think. What he really wants is one of those "get out of death" rewards for Harold. Originally he had considered just getting the mission one, but he's since determined that there's just danger here anyways. Dangerous people. He's not sure Harold would like hearing that though. ]

Maybe some of my arsenal. Having just the one gun is a little limiting. Something long ranged would be nice.

[ It's said a little flippantly, since he knows Harold doesn't like talking about that. It's partially true but also good for getting Harold from digging into the topic too much. ]

My distaste aside, [ he grumbles, ] it is a sensible request. You might consider some way of manufacturing bullets as well.

I can help you set up the mechanism if you take on the actual work. I'd still-- well. [ Harold hesitates before phrasing it vaguely, ] I'd rather not.

[ Harold's put considerable thought into this prior to this conversation, and he thinks this will serve several ends. Practically, they need some way to replenish John's ammunition supply, and it would be better if they weren't dependent on anyone else. Mr. Thistlespring had been rather less helpful than advertised in that department. (Not that it was his fault; Mr. Thistlespring was also a teenager with an unduly horrific educational history.)

They're left needing a renewable way to keep John in weaponry, unfortunate as that is, and John himself needs something to do. It's physical and gun related, ergo, Harold is confident he could help set things up and then get him going.

He just doesn't want to-- participate directly in making bullets himself if he doesn't have to. He's aware that's absurd and a luxury he has only because John is there to indulge his distance from violence, but he still, as he'd said, would prefer not to. ]

[ It's not a bad suggestion, though John is well aware of the limitations of production. Even if he gets as detailed as to cast his own casings, there's some things like the primer he can't do himself. Still, he hopes that the materials will cost less in bulk than straight up ammunition. And then where to put it? Perhaps they need to make an addition to the Library: a workspace for his tools and a real kitchen. He can only do so much on the single burner they have there and the trek back to the apartments is tedious. ]

It's a little more complicated than that, but I'll consider it. We should also get a real kitchen.

[ He can hardly say he wants to stay out of it and then contest John's expertise in the area, so he only nods. Suggestion made, he won't press; he'll support whatever John wants to do. ]

A valid point. It's not strictly necessary, but if we're going to be stuck here, I'd like to have some semblance of normalcy. Not to mention creature comforts. This is no statement on your company, Mr. Reese, but I feel like I'm living in a dorm.

[ Maybe he'll ask for his clothing wardrobe as well... Hmm... ]

[ John can't picture a younger Harold, a Harold living life in a dorm. But surely he did at some point? A younger Harold, perhaps more free, perhaps offering smiles like in the photo he found. He can't imagine it, but he wants to see it. ]

I'll get you your suits if it makes you feel better.

[ Said in John's light, joking tone. ]

November Mingle

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wrapping this up here?