melodiesofeternity | Cop Con 2018! Open Mingle Log

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Cop Con 2018! Open Mingle Log

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.

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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.

Edited 2018-09-19 23:50 (UTC)

"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."

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.

"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."

"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."

Ashelia sighed heavily, shaking her head. "Who knows...however, there have been three waves of off-worlders so far, yes? Biggs and Wedge ten years ago, and then nothing until the first wave of now-Heroes of Light?" She crossed her arms and began pacing. "If the pattern repeats, every two months was it? Perhaps they will be able to find a pattern in the Dream Width itself, as the day of arrival approaches."

She stopped abruptly, eyebrows furrowed. "Although...was it not ten years ago that the Empire closed its borders due to some kind of terrorist attack?" She turned back to Finn. "What was the nature of this attack? And what was the timing vis a vis Biggs and Wedge's arrival on Vaikuntha?" It wouldn't be the first time an act of violence would be used to jump start the arrival of the Heroes of Light.

"I've been wondering if the Dream Width is open to other worlds in only that span of time. Maybe we need to-"

But, oh, she's on to something much more interesting. "I-... I don't know. I never even asked anyone for details. The locals here must know. Maybe even Biggs and Wedge. I mean, it might be a touchy subject, but what if it had to do with all of this?"

In case anyone hasn't heard yet, Finn doesn't trust the Empire very much.

"...I suspect it might," Ashelia answers. "Back on Crystallis, the beginning of the end of the cycle was jump started due to a devastating explosion. The Fire Crystal was being studied, tampered with, amplified. 'Twas eventually revealed to have been purposefully done, if I remember correctly."

She clasps her hands behind her back and begins pacing again. "While the four elemental crystals don't seem to appear here on Vaikuntha, there's no saying a similar act could have taken place. And if that's so, then the summoning of Bahamut coinciding with the first larger wave of Heroes is no coincidence." Well, that they already know. "But, the story of the attack may hold the answer as to whom is responsible for the summoning, their motives or methods even. And this time, I'd prefer not to be made to travel through time to witness it myself."

Finn feels like he's a dozen steps behind but he's totally okay with it.

"Then we definitely need to ask around. Maybe there are even records on the Mognet, if it was operational back then. The nature of the attack might reveal more, too. I mean, was the attack a failed attempt to wipe out the Empire or did it happen as another step to summon Bahamut? The motive's going to be just as important."

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desertbloomed - 2018-10-05 16:10 (UTC) - Expand

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!”

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?"

"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!

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."

"Huh." Sora thought about the valid points Finn had brought up and he wondered just how many people were going to show up. "Unless someone records the meeting.. then we'll have to confiscate their device and give them a good what for." Sora slammed his fist into his palm, though with the laugh that followed it was evident he was not at all serious about the latter threat of violence.

Finn laughed though he hadn't thought about this all getting recorded. Maybe everything would be fine either way?

Kind of too late now, though. "Anyway, tell me what you've been up to. Find any guilds to join yet?"

"You mean like.. um, groups? Like .. a party of people to hang with and fight with?" Sora's nostrils flare as he brings in a big breath through his nose. "Nope!" He then chuckles and shifts his weight between his feet. "I've been just trying to practice my new skills and earn some money!" He lifts a hand to scratch his head. "I .. still kind of feel overwhelmed you know?"

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hatejakku - 2018-10-04 02:10 (UTC) - Expand

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hatejakku - 2018-10-17 17:19 (UTC) - Expand

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?"

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?"

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.

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."

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."

Finn thinks about it for a moment, still worried about focusing on any one thing during this whole mess. But, no, he has a good point. "You're right. I agree. Finding the summoner needs to be the number one priority. If we can do that, we won't have to worry about anything else.

"Our leads are pretty thin, though. You have any ideas?"

Then he finally remembers himself and stands up straight, offering his hand. "Ah, I'm sorry. I'm Finn."

He slumps, exhaling softly and rubbing at his neck. "WELL, NOT YET. ADMITTEDLY, I'M STILL TRYING TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO BEST USE MY SKILLS IN THE OVERALL EFFORT."

Obviously, there's a lot of ground to cover. Places to visit, people to see, doubtlessly dungeons to explore.

"SINCE I'M NOT A SUMMONER, I CAN'T DIRECTLY TALK TO THE EIDOLONS, BUT RESEARCH FALLS DIRECTLY INTO MY LINE OF EXPERTISE! AND ALSO SCIENCE. AND PUZZLERY... BUT WHAT I REALLY NEED IS A GOOD FOCUS. IT'S JUST... SLIGHTLY OVERWHELMING?"

This isn't the Underground. It's so much bigger. So vast! And he does have Frisk to care for, too.

"I know what you mean. There's so much going on. I've considered the idea of splitting our resources, but that might just ensure everything fails."

He doesn't know what to do. Trying to plan for something this huge is insane, especially with so many ideas going around. "If research is what you do, we could always learn more about the disappearances or the Dream Width... Even information about the Eidolons might be interesting from an outside perspective."

"IT DEPENDS ON HOW IT'S DONE! I THINK TEAMWORK IS KEY. THERE'S ONLY SO MANY PLACES WE CAN BE AT A TIME, AFTER ALL! WE JUST NEED TO BE PRACTICAL. FOCUS ON THE KEY LOCATIONS WITH TIES TO THE EIDOLONS, I SUPPOSE."

Still, Flynn's suggestion isn't a bad one! So he nods his head. "I WAS ACTUALLY THINKING OF HELPING THE CURTI CENTER! I'VE GOT SOME EXPERIENCE WITH TIMEY, SPACEY TYPE THINGS. IT WOULDN'T DO MUCH FOR THE SUMMONING, BUT I THINK IT COULD HELP WITH REGARDS TO THE DREAM WIDTH."

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hatejakku - 2018-10-17 17:24 (UTC) - Expand

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