Cop Con 2018! Open Mingle Log

[hatejakku]

Who: Everyone interested in public safety! (That means you!)
When: Sept. 21-23
Where: Sparks Golsaucia
What: Attempts at being professional are thwarted as the entertainment arrives. Who ordered these dancers? Who's paying for these drinks? Why did you wake up in someone else's shirt? Wasn't this supposed to be important?
Warnings/Notes: Partying way too hard. So much booze.

A. The Important Bits

You may be wondering why he called you here! Or maybe you just saw the announcement a few weeks ago. Either way, there are concerns in Vaikuntha. Finn doesn't entirely trust everyone, unfortunately, so he figured meeting in person and brainstorming together might be best. If you look in any which direction, you'll find a helpful flyer Finn typed up with some talking points!

• Bahamut: The Empress was kind enough to tell us about the Eidolon and set a time limit. We need to come up with some concrete plans. If we could prevent the summoning, great, but what's Plan B? She called us heroes, so I guess it's up to us.


• The Princess: Ashelia's being held somewhere against her will, and the search so far has been unsuccessful. She's only shown herself to new arrivals and hasn't given much information on her whereabouts. If anyone has any ideas on what to do or where to look, we'd love to hear it.


• Missing People & the Mognet: People vanish, seem to go back home, and reappear. This is different than Ashelia. Plus, the Mognet seems to know whether people are coming back or not. I have a theory it has to do with the Dream Width, but it seems like technology or magitek has the upper hand. If we can figure this out, maybe we can predict disappearances before they happen.


• Getting Home & the Dream Width: We came through that thing. Why can't we go back the same way? I've heard a few of the problems and a lot of, "You can't." Let's say we could. What problems do we need to overcome? We already know when it opens to let in new arrivals...


• Crime: I really don't want to relive Friday the 13th. Law enforcement is here to help and protect people. I know a lot of you can help yourselves, but we're supposed to be some sort of organized group. We really need to get organized a little better if that one slipped under the radar.

He feels a little silly about the fliers, but if it gets people talking to each other, yay! And, please, feel free to bring up your own concerns!

B. A Proper Party

Finn's not a total buzzkill. That's why he wanted to do this in Sparks Golsaucia. Maybe he could attract more people with a little fun? So the small convention center/ballroom he rented out isn't exactly bare.

There's a buffet, for one! Lots of different foods from cakes and brownies to pasta and roasts and everything in between. Finn's Moogle friend, Valli, pulled some strings (he didn't ask) and got some nice catering. There are a few tables set up so that everyone can talk and mingle.

There's also a nice outdoor garden to take in the view of the city, plenty of board games set up, and even an area for those looking for apprentices/to apprentice with all the new jobs! See? Not a total buzzkill.

C. The Party After the Party

Seems like someone partook in Valli's free catering a little too much and decided that Finn is, in fact, a buzzkill.

If you stuck around long enough, you might have been there to see the ten dozen pizzas arrive along with a few kegs. If you continued to stick around, you probably saw the DJ slip in and the professional dancers arrive.

So, uh, there's a dance floor now. And the fun seems to be flowing out of an increasing number of taps. Who the hell is ordering these kegs? Don't bother trying to ask. The music is just going to drown out your voice.

D. The Morning After the After Party

Did you wake up on a metal chair, in a bush, or on the floor? Did you even sleep? Well, that's Sparks Golsaucia for you... Right?

Never fear, though, for the catering is still here. You now have a variety of breakfast foods to choose from along with the best selection of juices in Vaikuntha. Gotta get back to tip-top shape, heroes! The DJ's still here, after all! He's not awake right now, but he's here.

If you hear a scream of shock and rage, ignore it. That's just Finn getting the bill. He's fine.

Comments

Finn

[hatejakku]

A. The Important Bits

Finn tries to talk to people as they arrive to find out their individual concerns, big or small. There seems to be a lot of cat complaints lately. Who would have thought?

But you might catch him in between arrivals, just standing at the doors, lost in thought. "Shouldn't getting home be our first priority?" he asks no one.

B. A Proper Party

This is his dinner tonight. And, honestly, it's not so bad. In fact, he loves it. There are so many different foods!

Perhaps he'll never be over having a variety. Anyway, he'll be at the buffet if you're having a hard time deciding what to go for. "Did you try the carrot cake? It's incredible. Doesn't even taste like a carrot."

C. The Party After the Party

"What's going on!?" Finn screams at the DJ. He's not doing it to be mean; he just can't be heard otherwise. Apparently, he can't be heard at all. "Who are you!?"

The DJ shakes his head, smiles, and gives Finn a thumbsup. Right. Well.

Screw this. He beelines for the nearest keg, giving up.

Give him about thirty minutes and catch him on the dance floor with a change of heart. Maybe this was a good idea!

D. The Morning After the After Party

It was not a good idea.

He wakes up slumped against the wall, hugging a potted plant. After his sake adventures with Baiken, he really should have known better.

After rubbing his eyes and trying to mentally filter out any light and sound from entering his brain, he decides to start making his way to the buffet for something to drink. But before Finn can get up, a Moogle floats up to him wearing a cute little bellhop hat.

"We appreciate the stay, kupo! Here's your tab!"

He tries to tell the Moogle to keep his voice down before realizing he's being handed a slip of paper. He takes it and skims over the contents as best he can. Music equipment. Liquor kegs. Pizza. Light sho- There was a light show? Then he gets to the bottom and-

"You- I-... You can't-... What is THIS!?" Wow, instant regret. Should not have done that. Finn cradles his head and tries to pretend none of this is happening. "Oh God." Don't throw up.

A.

[desertbloomed]

"I wouldn't disagree, especially seeing how many minors we've in our midst," Ashelia answers from nearby, a glass of wine already in her hand. She's wearing a simple, thin off-white dress, a yellow shawl around her shoulders. "If you do find a way back, though, then the paradigm shifts completely. Who stays to defend Vaikuntha against the ravages of the Great Dragon, and who abandons the world to its fate?"

She tilts her head to the side, shaking it slowly. "'Tis a useless endeavor, by my reckoning. Whosoever brought us here did so for a purpose. And if we allow our attention to be consumed by finding a way through the Dream Width, time before the summoning will run out."

[hatejakku]

Finn gave a sad frown. "But if we can find a way home, we could evacuate everyone. Have them come with us the same way we were brought here. But-"

Sure, it would be a great plan back home. But they couldn't exactly throw everyone on a ship and fly to the next system. "But we don't know if we can. You're right. Trying to figure out one course of action might prevent us from figuring out the next thing. I just... don't like having limited options about this."

He's used to things happening now. Everything going to hell now. With months to prepare, Finn's kind of at a loss.

[desertbloomed]

"I don't disagree with you," Ashelia answered. "However...should worse come to worst, a plan of evacuation could save us all. After all, we've no proof that this crisis is at all similar to Crystallis' - whether the Calamity is involved, whether any other world is at stake. Escape may be a viable option."

[hatejakku]

"But how would we even figure out if it's possible?" Finn sighed, putting all his weight against the wall. "The Curti Center and Observatory doesn't seem to know that much about the Dream Width, and it's been here for over ten years... I don't know what to do that they haven't, but they weren't desperate either."

a

[keymemory]

Sora still wasn’t up to date on everything that was going on in this world, in fact, he felt incredibly overwhelmed. However, he was doing his best to include himself in what he could! This was definitely something he could do. He was a few feet toward the ballroom when he saw a familiar sight. “Hey!” Sora clapped his hands together before he got a few feet from the other and he beamed up at Finn. “I got the invitation!” He tucked a hand in his pocket and pulled out one of the papers. “This is a great idea!”

[hatejakku]

Finn laughed at the invitation. "Hey, man. I'm glad you could make it." He gave Sora a smile and a cheerful pat on the shoulder. "How've you been doing lately? Holding up okay?"

[keymemory]

"I'm great, thanks to you for pulling me out of that thing!" He was referring to the Dream Width, of course. He had a big grin on his face. "I bet this is going to be such a fun night, what ever made you think to do this!" He was pretty excited to learn a lot more about this place and he felt like he was definitely behind on a lot of things, even being here for as long as he had!

[hatejakku]

Well, Finn hoped everyone found it fun! (Little did he know...) His smile dimmed a little but didn't vanish. "I just thought we all need to be on the same page with everything. Plus, some people have been worried about being overheard on the network. Getting everyone face to face sounded like a good plan at the time."

D

[whirluendo_of_puns]

Uendo had slipped away once the kegs started showing up. It wasn't that he disliked parties, really -- he just didn't want to risk accidentally drinking something he shouldn't.

He can't help but feel a little bad for bailing, though. At least he can drop by in the morning to thank their host for going through all this trouble... and maybe go buy some over-the-counter painkillers on the way there.

One step into the room and he can already tell he made the right call.

"Ohhhh dear." He shudders to think how much this all costs. Now where is Finn... Ah, that scream of despair must be him. Uendo stops by the buffet to pour a glass of water before crouching down beside the poor guy. "Hey, buddy. You still with us?"

[hatejakku]

Finn moaned into his hands, eventually peaking through his fingers. Wow, this was... not his best first impression. Hopefully, he made a better one last night. If only he could remember most of last night.

"Yeah, I- I'm good. I'm here." He really wishes he wasn't here, though. "Are you okay?"

A

[einspine]

It's not a bad question. Though perhaps it's rude of Papyrus to eavesdrop. Admittedly, this whole setup is a bit unexpected! Cops were like royal guards, weren't they? But there wasn't really a Royal Guard Con, even if Alphys had apparently proposed the idea once or twice.

But there were many important matters to discuss, and given the severity of their situation...

Hmm.

He frowns, hesitating before speaking, unlike his usual loud and extroverted self.

"I DO THINK WE SHOULD LOOK INTO THE DREAMWIDTH'S PROPERTIES MORE CLOSELY. UNRAVELING A WAY HOME WOULD PROVE BENEFICIAL... BUT! I DON'T THINK WE SHOULD RELY TOO HEAVILY ON IT, EITHER.

AFTER ALL, WE ONLY HAVE SO MUCH TIME TO WORK WITH, AND EVEN IF WE WERE TO FIND A WAY BACK, WHAT'S TO STOP THAT BAHAMUT FROM FOLLOWING AFTER?"

That's the tricky part. And even if they didn't find a way back, what if Bahamut expanded its reach to other worlds, anyway? It's a powerful entity, allegedly. And he'd hate to see other realities suffer, too.

[hatejakku]

This... is... the first time Finn's met this person. He blinks for a moment then registers what he's saying. Then he's frowning, worried.

"You're right. We can't focus on any one thing right now, least of all something we know nothing about. But, I-... I hadn't considered that the Eidolon could follow.

"Wait, what if-" He stares off in the distance, trying to think through his terrifying scenarios first. "If the Eidolon is summoned and destroys Vaikuntha, what does that mean for the Dream Width? We'll all be dead, but what if his reach goes through? What if it-" AH! No. That's a bad train of thought. "I hadn't thought of all this before."

[einspine]

He winces. Oh dear, he didn't mean to upset! Or worry. But then, this whole situation is rather worrying, isn't it? He rubs his neck, contemplating his response. How to handle this. He hates to be such a downer. It's not really in his nature.

But he's also a scientist. And as a scientist, it's important to consider all the variables. All the potential outcomes. And the severity of their situation merits particular thought.

But eventually he speaks again, a bit softer than before.

"THAT'S WHAT WORRIES ME. THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT THE DREAM WIDTH IS CONNECTED TO OTHER WORLDS, WHICH MEANS THAT SUCH CATACLYSMIC POWER COULD POTENTIALLY RIPPLE OUTWARD.

I DON'T LIKE IT. I WANT TO BELIEVE THAT EVERYTHING WILL BE JUST FINE! BUT I ALSO THINK THAT BECAUSE OF THAT RISK, WE NEED TO FOCUS ON STOPPING THE SUMMONING BEFORE WE WORRY ABOUT EVACUATING."

Orcelito

[princeandscholar]

A. Came for the Intel

Orcelito came to absorb rather than share intel, but he does have one thing to report - something anyone monitoring the conversation with Kupoto would've read.

"I thought the best place to inquire into books on summoning would be Arito. It seems Goodnight Eidolons had a limited printing, but the librarians assured me they will continue to look for it."

He sits with his chin propped on his hand, and after a moment of thought adds, "I want to return to Sen Riqeaux soon. I can ask the libraries there as well. If the book has been in circulation long enough, there may be copies that were brought in before the borders closed." There are more pressing reasons to return, of course, but he keeps those to himself for now, preferring to listen to others’ plans.


C. Stayed for the Pizza

When the noise level escalated and the intelligent conversation plummeted, Orcelito decided it was time to leave. And he was on his way out the door when a new curiosity on the buffet captured his attention. It looked like quiche. It smelled stronger. It tasted... oh, this is really good.

So, don't mind the enraptured teenager who's just discovered pizza for the first time. He'll be here awhile. (At least he's favoring the Hawaiian, leaving the more sensible flavors to others.)

A.

[desertbloomed]

"If I may," Ashelia begins, tapping her chin in thought, "what is the interest in this specific book? The information was welcome, to be sure, it gave a good outline of existing Eidolons we may seek out, but it is, after all, a children's story book."

[princeandscholar]

Glancing to the speaker – Ashelia, was it? – he buys a moment to hesitate behind a polite smile. It's a question of little consequence; it won't matter if it's repeated over the Mognet at some point.

"If the author was able to provide illustrations and descriptions of Eidolons we haven’t heard of, then they're more knowledgeable in this field than most. I want to know if the author wrote anything on an academic level. But even finding another copy of Goodnight Eidolons would be excellent progress, since we are only guessing that Leviathan was on the ruined page."

[desertbloomed]

Ashelia nods along with Orcelito's reasoning. "I see, I see..." It seems a somewhat thin, or rather focused, thread to pull on, but any new information is good information as far as she's concerned.

"Who wrote this book? Is there a reason to believe the author was an academic?"

[desertbloomed]

A. The Important Bits

Ashelia shifts in her seat before standing. She couldn't not make the suggestion - with with so many more people seeming to want more structure. The nature of the threat this time around practically demanded it.

"On Crystallis, a Heroes' Guild was formed, dedicated to the outfitting and organizing of Heroes' activities pursuing the eradicating of the Calamity and safe passage of its members to their respective homes. It would seem, with the dearth of time afforded to us before Bahamut is summoned, such guild would be necessary to organize expeditions to the lost temples, etcetera."

a

[keymemory]

There was chatter around the room, people gathering in groups, and the sound of silverware clanking on plates as people helped themselves from the buffet. Sora, on latter matter, definitely had a plate full of food in front of him. However, at the moment a voice sounded over the others, he put down his fork and craned his neck to find the source of it.

He hadn’t caught the first bit of words but he was able to follow along with the rest of the comment and he thought this was an excellent idea! “That’s great!” He wondered then how fleshed out the idea was, such as: was there some sort of criteria to meet before one was allowed to be in the guild? Or was it no one’s place to judge what defined a hero so long as they had the same end goal in mind?

He hoped she said more on the matter.

[einspine]

Hmm, that's a valid point. Papyrus' bony brows knit, but he nods, tapping his chin all the while. "I DO THINK A MORE ORGANIZED EFFORT WOULD DO WONDERS. THOUGH I WONDER... WOULD THERE BE LIMITATIONS ON WHO CAN JOIN? I HAVE A FRIEND, WHO... WELL, THEY'RE VERY SHARP AND VERY DETERMINED, BUT."

He slumps, rubbing his neck. Ah, how to put this... "WELL, THEY'RE FAIRLY YOUNG. SO I JUST WONDER- WOULD IT BE FOR ADULTS ONLY? OR WOULD ANYONE WILLING AND READY TO HELP BE PERMITTED? PERSONALLY, I'D BE HAPPY TO ASSIST THEM IF THIS WERE TO BECOME A REALITY. I JUST... WANT TO CHECK."

He doesn't want Frisk getting hurt. Or worse. They're his responsibility here. He has to be a good role model.

[desertbloomed]

Ashelia tilts her head to the side. How to broach the topic, when there were just so many youths here?

"I would think none of us are in a position to outright refuse help," she begins cautiously, "however, I would absolutely object to sending children into battle." She clasps her hands behind her hand before raising one hand to head off any objections there may be.

"I question no one's abilities - this job system, as it were, has leveled the playing field somewhat, as far as physical and magickal prowess goes. Father knows one of our most powerful Heroes on Crystallis was Ib, an extremely young girl with the resolve, willpower and intelligence of one much older than her." From the mouths of babes, indeed. "However, I stand by my statement: I would not, in good conscience, support an organization that sends children knowingly into battle. Is that an issue, in your opinion?"

[einspine]

He listens intently at first, occasionally glancing off to the side. It makes sense. This is a very dangerous world. The monsters here can't be merely reasoned with. There is a world-ending threat looming over their heads. Months back, they'd dealt with a serial killer, a situation that had left Frisk with some hefty emotional baggage.

It was his first real confrontation with a truly merciless being... that wasn't just a feral creature. A near run-in with death.

His eye sockets shut, and he slumps, but nods.

"NO, OF COURSE NOT. FRANKLY, I'VE BEEN... WARY OF LETTING FRISK TAKE ON SO MUCH COMBAT. BUT THEY ARE NOTHING, IF NOT DETERMINED. BUT I ALSO PROMISED THAT I WOULD PROTECT THEM, SO IT'S... DIFFICULT. STRIKING THE BALANCE OF GOOD FRIEND AND GOOD GUARDIAN, I SUPPOSE."

Sora | OTA

[keymemory]

a. important bits

Sora had a difficult time acclimating to this world, though it’s not been that long, he felt as if he should have a better idea of what was going on here. He got most of it, but the finer details like different nations, motives, governing bodies, people of power and influence, that sort of thing. The other part of him was wondering when he’d find Donald and Goofy (not that he expected it since they weren’t on the contact list) but maybe one day they’ll pop out of no where. That same part of him also waited for the arrival of the heartless. That was how it worked for him before. The other part of him was beginning to realize that he really wasn’t on his regular path of world hopping either.

Sora hung out near the front of the entry, with various others kind of standing around waiting for something (or someone) and he did his best to wander over toward other people to introduce himself or delve into their conversation - if he could. “Hello!”

b. proper party

Man, what a great gig. Sora thought as he watched the waiters or catering employees buzz around in their official looking garb. Sora bet he could do something like that, he should have looked on the board for something like that—

although he was glad he didn’t show up here as an employee but a guest of the event where he can spend as much time as he wants chatting in different groups. From inside the conference room to the outdoor garden Sora could be found wandering around saying hello to those who he had come across.

c. the party after the party

Sora spent a good portion of the night outside in the garden and once he came in he recognized the conference had significantly changed its flavor. For the better (now that all the serious business was had) and there was music and dancing and lights and fun all over the room. He was absolutely excited about this development and Sora hit the dance floor with enthusiasm and energy that had bubbled up just from the sight and sound of the place.

For a good while he’s out on his own, doing the best dance he can do to the beat of the music. However, he sees someone watching him and he wiggles right on over to invite them to join him. “Come on! Dance with me!”

d. the morning after party

Sora groans and turns his head away from whatever light was bothering his eyes. His back felt pretty stiff and his legs were cramped. He rolled against something that wasn’t budging so he flopped back onto his back. He had about a moment of snoring before he coughed himself awake again.

Then he recognized the smell of breakfast and he peeked his eyes open and stared up at a tall and unfamiliar ceiling. He closed his eyes again and tried to roll over again, but once again he was stuck on his back and his arm was under something - or someone.

Uendo | Open

[whirluendo_of_puns]

A. The Important Bits

Uendo's findings weren't as helpful as he would have liked... but still, maybe others would be able to make some use of them. He cleared his throat.

"So, just in case anyone still has any doubts... I asked the Eidolon Ramuh about Bahamut's summoning. He confirmed it was the real deal, although he couldn't say where the summoning ritual is taking place.

There was one thing he was able to tell me, though. The summoning ritual is apparently so complicated, the summoner must stay in the general area where they started or else risk delaying or disrupting it. At the very least, our culprit most likely won't be moving from country to country. I know that's not much to go on, but... it might narrow the search down a little."