biteys: (Default)
NIMBO ([personal profile] biteys) wrote in [community profile] turnout2024-07-20 09:50 am

week 4

WEEK FOUR


road trip!
As the doctor mentioned, the next leg of your trip is quite long, so walking isn't advised; hopefully, you've all secured alternative methods of travel between the abandoned cars and the wild pack of horses you found last week.

These cars are long abandoned, and most of them still have things like CDs and magazines in the gloveboxes and trunks - so at least you’ll have some entertainment for the trip! Conveniently, music you can find comes from the year 2024 and earlier, because in the Turnout universe, CDs were still widely a thing in modern times because I said so.

Be aware that there are not enough cars and horsies for everyone to go solo; you’ll need to group up and decide who’s driving! And, more notably...

Your drive won't be entirely peaceful! There are bound to be some zombies littering the street, which characters will need to clear in order to keep going. Whether that's through running them over, sniping them with your newfound long-range gun skills, or doing it the old fashioned way by hopping out of the car and beating them to a pulp, they've gotta move! Be careful not to let the horseys get bit.


respite

Whether or not you were suspicious of whatever the “SAFE” marked on the map was supposed to mean, when you come to the coordinates that are marked, you’ll be in front of a door that opens down into the earth — it's a bunker. The entrance is slightly hidden by foliage, seemingly intentionally so.

Inside, it’s obvious this place is not like the places you’ve been traveling to thus far. It’s clean, well stocked, and nicely furnished. Judging by the pictures on the wall, it’s a safe house that’s been used many times by Dr. Bei and her five associates. So, it was built by a bunch of super nerds surviving the apocalypse, meaning that it's pretty well fortified and self sufficient. It seems like the Doctor must have been here at least a few weeks ago, judging by the dust levels and quality of the food.

That means there’s clean running (and hot!) water, as well as a freezer that’s stocked up with some raw meat, vegetables, and a rare ice cream treat. Also in the kitchen are some seasonings and other staples: flour, rice, etc. There are cooking utensils too, of course! Characters well versed in cooking may just be able to throw together a nice feast for everyone.

There’s also, you know. Alcohol. Not a ton of mixers, though!

It seems like the nerds had simple things for means of entertainment: there are some party and card games hidden away in drawers — think pictionary, uno and twister, or other such party games. Of course, only your imagination is holding you back: while you have a safe place to rest, it might be easier to let loose and have fun.

The six rooms in the bunker all have one bed and a connected bathroom - each one is identical but decorated with sparse things, like stray trinkets or a picture frame. Only Dr. Bei's really has anything different about it, because in it, there's still a working computer.

Characters will be able to open basic programs like wordpad, MS paint, or iTunes for music purposes. Like everyone who had iTunes, she has U2 songs on there. There's still no internet, but there are some saved messages from her and another colleague using an alternative connection method.

While exploring, characters can discover a chat log between ♛, which appears to be Dr. Bei's display name, and ♝, another user.

Aside from the beds in the six rooms, there are also sofas and armchairs to rest on.


oops all memshare
While within the safe house, your bracelets will start acting strange. It might have to do with being underground, or perhaps just the highly advanced technology at work down here, but at inopportune times, you’ll find your mind linking with other party members’, especially when initiating physical contact.

When connected to another survivor, you may exchange memories, which may come with 1) the physical sensations you felt at the time, 2) the emotions you felt at the time, or 3) the thoughts you had at that time. Players can be creative with this mechanic and have the memshares be like watching a movie, or physically acted out — whichever is your preference. There’s no prerequisite on the type of memory that might accidentally spill over, and characters may share multiple memories with one person.

According to the map's schedule, you have some time to rest your weary feet from the long ride… you’re not scheduled to leave for two or three days. It seems the Doctor might want you to fill up and face the second half of the trip with your most well rested selves. So, why not relax while you can? What’s the worst that could happen???


parttimesoldier: (downcast)

tea time!

[personal profile] parttimesoldier 2024-07-26 05:37 am (UTC)(link)
[Sleepless nights aren’t exactly new to Suzuha. Maybe not with alarming frequency, but enough that she can face it with a sort of weary resignation when it happens. Sometimes it’s simply too dangerous around to doze; others, there might be an endless repeat of recent events playing on and on in her head every time she closes her eyes. Being a light sleeper can help salvage something of the former, but the latter… that one’s a little harder.

And it’s unfortunately a problem she can’t quiet seem to resolve tonight.

For a moment, she’s not entirely sure what to make of the feelings roiling in her chest when she limps her way to the kitchen to find Soujuurou standing at the stove. What she does know, is she doesn’t particularly feel like being alone right now, and maybe he doesn’t either.]


Not really a great night for sleeping, is it?

[Testing the waters a bit as she leans against the doorway leading into the kitchen for support.]
unliminal: teen (24)

[personal profile] unliminal 2024-07-26 06:45 am (UTC)(link)
Ehhh, that's just 'cause you've only seen me in the zombie apocalypse! Back home, I'm known as Mr. Charitable!

[ Just don't ask Shoko. Regardless, he seems pleased as punch that Hella seems to like his overly sweet tea. She's not really so bad after all, is she? Even if he will not ever forgive her for kicking him...

Unbeknownst to Gojo, as Hella sips the tea, she may experience a rather unusual phenomenon, as memories that are not her own flood her mind. Memories that come more like a montage at first, a colorful set of highlights, of Gojo at Okinawa with a small entourage of people that mean the world to him. It used to be like that, didn't it? He's never been great at communicating his emotions, but he used to...connect with people more easily. He only knew Riko for a short handful of days, and yet those sunny memories of a warm, sandy beach, of kayaking and relaxing and spending time at the aquarium, are some of his most treasured. If only for how he glimpsed, for a short while, what it was like to just...be human. To be a teenage boy.

The memories don't end quite so bright and warm, however, shifting once more to a dark, cold, crowded building, as Gojo holds the body of the very girl he swore to protect. That became like a little sister to him. He couldn't save her, and...

He didn't feel anything.

And just as quickly as they came on, the memories fade away. ]
parttimesoldier: (015)

respite, maybe mem c later for spice??

[personal profile] parttimesoldier 2024-07-26 06:45 am (UTC)(link)
[The fact that so many of their crew have taken to drinking their sorrows and anxieties away while they’re down here, seemingly safe and secure, doesn’t really come as a surprise to Suzuha. They have the means, they have the opportunity, and they have more than enough baggage from the last few weeks weighing them down. There’s still a nagging little part of her that can’t help but feel uneasy at the idea of everyone letting their guard down because of it, but she’s quickly learning that maybe it’s better to let that slide given the circumstances.

And, perhaps, partake a little herself.

So Shoko is met with a similarly weary smile when Suzuha catches her eye while she’s carefully limping her way through the room. At least she can kind of get around on her own now, which means she is all too happy to pivot course to join Shoko on the sofa.]


Can’t have you drinking here all by yourself, now can I? [She exhales something that’s not quite a laugh as she carefully settles herself down next to her.] Guess I’m game for a little bit.
unliminal: teen (69)

[personal profile] unliminal 2024-07-26 06:51 am (UTC)(link)
[ If Gojo's loudness is what made Suguru break up with him, he would have left long, long ago...the day they met, probably.

As it is, Gojo seems pleased with his ostentatious display, and turns back to Shoko with a self-satisfied grin on his lips. They might be going through hell, but when aren't they? And at least there's ice cream here. ]


Then relax and try some.

[ He holds the cup out towards her again, insistent. ]

If you don't, I'll cry so loud it'll wake the dead! Oh, too late, I guess...

[ is it too soon for zombie jokes ]
unliminal: teen (380)

[personal profile] unliminal 2024-07-26 07:02 am (UTC)(link)
[ Were he in his usual form, he'd no doubt have a quick and bratty response locked and loaded for when Mark asks if he's okay, but given his state of being and his new ice cream, he's not so quick to brush off the question, even if he waits to answer until he's shoved a massive spoonful of ice cream down his throat.

God...sometimes, it really is the simple things. ]


Heh, shouldn't I be asking you that?

[ He didn't miss that cough. He's getting worse. Not as bad as Kotoha, but...

Yet another reason not to dodge the question. ]


Migraine. I get 'em from time to time. Six Eyes is a lot to handle...maybe I should start wearing a blindfold.
venomnom: (072)

[personal profile] venomnom 2024-07-26 07:38 am (UTC)(link)
It's a little slower than usual.

[Her healing, that is. So far it hasn't posed an issue, though in the case of Shoko, whose healing is directed outward . . . ]

Does it exhaust you?
venomnom: (006)

[personal profile] venomnom 2024-07-26 07:53 am (UTC)(link)
[She nods.]

Then we'd better hope whoever handles the contents of that container is more interested in sharing than commercializing them. [If there's anyone left.] Unless you plan on overseeing the aftermath yourself?

[They're not meant to stick around for what follows the mission. Reiju is curious; just how far does Ninety-Nine's sentiment extend?]
venomnom: (041)

[personal profile] venomnom 2024-07-26 07:55 am (UTC)(link)
[Is it cool? She picks up a potato, having found the proper tool for the job. Her motions are jerky and uneven, but calm still. As long as nobody expects nicely peeled potatoes, they'll be all right.]

Yes, I'm fine. [Certainly better off than some, if not most, of them.] What about you?
bicth: (pic#17160486)

[personal profile] bicth 2024-07-26 07:59 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, I get it! So, we just need to put in a number like a hundred...

[ So, she beeps in 1-0-0 and presses start, blinking confusedly when the number starts counting down to 0:59, 0:58, etc... ]

That seems to work... sort of. [ She shuts it off again, mercifully not wasting the power down here. ] Don't the instructions say how long it should be in there for? Like, the baking time...
venomnom: (076)

[personal profile] venomnom 2024-07-26 08:07 am (UTC)(link)
[It worked! Hella is so clever, starting and stopping the microwave with such ease. This is rather exciting, isn't it?]

I think I saw something like that earlier.

[Reiju's eyes flit down to the package. With Hella's free hand occupied with the microwave, she brings one of her own to steady the package for a closer look, the tips of her fingers brushing against Hella's other hand in the process . . . ]
venomnom: (013)

I hold your corpse to my bosom, lovingly.

[personal profile] venomnom 2024-07-26 08:13 am (UTC)(link)
[Sigewinne's voice draws Reiju out of her thoughts. The latter smiles anew as she angles her head to greet the former properly.]

I was thinking of finding something simple for myself. Do you need the kitchen?
bicth: (pic#17160534)

[personal profile] bicth 2024-07-26 08:13 am (UTC)(link)
That's right.

[ Such words might usually be be uttered with haughty arrogance by her, but here, she delivers it with graveness. The longer she lingers on the topic, the less she feels she needs to put on a front about in front of Shoko, who's she's already determined is unlikely to betray her tentative trust while they're on this mission. Greedily, she takes a long swig from her can, hating the feeling of fretting over this in any way at all — it's in the past.

She sniffs, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. ]


I escaped within less than a fucking year of being sold to them. [ A little pride seeps back into her tone, and then fondness, indisputable and vibrant and wild, like a love that can't ever be contained or named. Even mentioning that yes, she had been sold to the laboratory by other parties can't dampen the intensity of her next words: ] I broke Ninety-Nine out too. Then we blew up the whole place as we left.

[ This, she can reminisce warmly about; she doesn't think she's ever felt or will ever feel as free as she did in that moment, metaphorically flipping the bird to all that had put them both through indescribable hell. She never forgets to mention Ninety-Nine's suffering in tandem with her own; the laboratory of Parma is her story, but it's her companion's too. ]

You know... she'd never even seen the sun before I saved her. That's the kind of people they were.
bicth: (pic#17160405)

[personal profile] bicth 2024-07-26 08:35 am (UTC)(link)
[ A scolding indeed, because even though Ninety-Nine immediately enables her habit of hogging the bed and blanket, her nose wrinkles and she pouts, disappointed. ]

No, no, you're supposed to say, "do you want to take a rest together?" Pay more attention to me...

[ As if emphasizing her complaining, she drapes herself over Ninety-Nine's shoulders, since she's still standing next to her seat the computer chair — all while maintaining her frown. Her companion is quite used to Hella's needy and attention seeking ways, so she feels no shame at all acting up like this, especially not while tipsy. Speaking of, she sways with the motion.

Besides, Ninety-Nine said she'll carry her, so... she'll just let Ninety-Nine pick her up and move her as she pleases without putting in much further effort to make it convenient. She won't even need to reach up to communicate that she's okay with it; acting like this is as natural as breathing for both of them. ]


This just goes to show you need to lay down, too. [ She gives Ninety-Nine's shoulders a pat, very up we go energy. ] Come on.

[ A perfectly rested Ninety-Nine would understand her wishes with ease, right... not really, but she's not above voluntelling Ninety-Nine to come with her, since she knows she will follow. She can be brazen when demanding things from Ninety-Nine because she knows, and Ninety-Nine knows, that Hella would never abuse that power, nor would she ever ask Ninety-Nine to do something she truly didn't want to do. The thick cord of trust between them ensures Hella can be as temperamental and demanding as she likes without fear of crossing or offending her companion, and she knows she could never truly burden her. There's only a constant, inseparable symbiosis between their truest selves.

Hella knows from experience it won't be so easy for Ninety-Nine to truly rest, but she also knows that just resting alongside Hella can do a lot for stabilizing her — though she wouldn't complain if Ninety-Nine did manage to fall asleep. Hella's clingy plan isn't completely selfish. ]
titlecard: (116)

[personal profile] titlecard 2024-07-26 10:47 am (UTC)(link)
[ He finishes spraying the pan down, deposits the spray elsewhere on the counter. (Surely someone else will use it later, and then they won't have to go searching for it — he's helping.) Mark eyes the steak Ninety-Nine is holding while they wait, and... who knows, it's not like it's going to be good, maybe that'll do it for him.

Back to Ninety-Nine, and he shakes his head. ]


It hasn't been that long. Or if it has, then I haven't noticed. [ Honest. He's got to be honest here or he might kill someone. And maybe it's not a bad thing if it has been a while? It means he's got willpower, he can keep this in check, he—

Chews on his lip, out of worry and nothing more. Is he prepared. ]


I can't let it overwhelm me. I've been thinking more about, [ why is this so tough to say. He knows why, ] dying. I don't want to, but if it's going to happen anyway...

[ Ninety-Nine is going to get it. Everything Hella has told him about her. For as devoted as Hella is, and kind, and sweet, and well-meaning, and maybe dangerously optimistic in a way he can no longer afford to be, ]

I can't hurt anyone else.

[ Pause. I'm sorry, he could say, but, ]

I don't think Hella is prepared.

[ Because if it comes to pass, then there's one person he could hope to make Hella understand, and Mark is looking right at her. ]
irreversal: 🧃 teen (106)

[personal profile] irreversal 2024-07-26 04:16 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She learns that, and so much more. About Ninety-Nine - and about Hella, too, the cruelty that they have both lived through because of 'Parma,' ... and about the bond forged between them. It's about all that Shoko's mind can take away, before the cacophony, the utter dissonance of Ninety-Nine's mind overwhelms her, causing Shoko to freeze the moment she had switched places with Ninety-Nine, only for her to double over towards the desk, clutching her head in her hands. clenching her teeth, groaning from the screaming and clawing and everything else.

It's painful, so painful, more painful than anything she's ever experienced in her life, she's sure.

By the time they come out of it and back into the present, Shoko finds herself gasping for breath, forehead drenched in sweat, and all she can manage is to gaze up at Ninety-Nine with widened, but unfocused eyes. ]


N—Nine-san— [ first thing's first: ] Wait. I just— I need a second.
irreversal: 🧃 teen (69)

[personal profile] irreversal 2024-07-26 04:21 pm (UTC)(link)
Curry, huh? How nostalgic. Ahaha. Maybe you should make sure it's not very spicy, though. I wonder if Nine-san overheats from food, too...?

[ She doesn't really remember the last time she had something as comforting as homemade curry. Their American companions will just have to suck it up and try it out. A hearty curry will serve them better than a hamburger.

In any case, Shoko reaches up and claps a hand over Haru's shoulder. ]


Anyway, that sounds perfect, Haru-chan. Let me know if I can help.
irreversal: 🧃 teen (147)

[personal profile] irreversal 2024-07-26 04:56 pm (UTC)(link)
[ What could any of them do, but to respect her choice? Kotoha knows... knew herself better than anyone else, and if ending her life was what she felt best, then who is Shoko - a girl from another world she'd only met because of these extreme circumstances - to argue otherwise? Who is she to object, to wonder why they aren't— didn't give Kotoha the same grace they had Dr. Bei? No. Shoko didn't have a say in this.

She couldn't. Not when she could see how much Kotoha suffered for it, how much she fought just to desperately grasp at any thread of sanity. Not when Shoko wasn't even strong enough to be there when it happened.

And for all of that, she can't fault Gojo, either, for being the one to grant her the mercy of death at the end of it all. Perhaps it's cold of her, but... she'd known, somehow, in the back of her mind, that it would be him. He's the strongest, after all. She trusted him to give her - or anyone else, for that matter - a swift end. He couldn't kill Suguru back in Shinjuku, but this, at least, he accomplished.

Yet, still... does she feel so numb about it? Why can't she seem to drink enough to at least feel anything else at all?

It doesn't stop her from accepting that next beer from Gojo, naturally. But it does keep her from offering a response with any of her usual nonchalance and attitude. Instead, her words come out quietly, and like gravel. ]


That, or something way stronger.
irreversal: 🧃 teen (23)

u got it!! i would like a suzumem too later 🥹

[personal profile] irreversal 2024-07-26 05:00 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It is good to at least see Suzuha getting better, and not worse, which is more than they can say for some of their other companions. Her rueful laugh is met with something equally subdued for Shoko's part, even if her expression manages to brighten just the slightest bit.

Patting the spot next to her on the sofa: ]


Yaaay, it's Suzu-chan. C'mere, c'mere. It's a little chilly in this bunker, isn't it? [ a beat, then she adds, ] You play 'Never Have I Ever' before?
irreversal: 🧃 teen (5)

[personal profile] irreversal 2024-07-26 05:43 pm (UTC)(link)
[ It's good to see him smile. Even better to hear him let loose a little bit, when she's sure it's only getting more and more difficult for him to do so with each passing day. She can do nothing but encourage him, then, by taking her cigarette out from between her lips so that she can offer a full, earnest, breezy laugh. ]

Ahaha! That's the spirit. Say it as much as you want from now on, okay?

[ With that, she taps some of the ash off of her cigarette and then holds the other end out towards him. ]

Here you go. Give it a try from mine first. Only if you wanna, though.
irreversal: 🧃 teen (97)

[personal profile] irreversal 2024-07-26 05:59 pm (UTC)(link)
[ She puts her beer down at last, clicking her tongue once more and making no secret of her annoyance at him, though she does take the proffered cup of tea finally... if nothing else, to prevent him from trying to spill it on her again.

And it's just as well, because while it's definitely too soon for zombie jokes, it's never too soon to lift her foot and try to kick Gojo's shin. If the blow somehow manages to connect, Shoko sighs and leans back in her chair. ]


Now I feel relaxed.

[ If not, well... she'll try again!! ]
titlecard: (043)

[personal profile] titlecard 2024-07-26 08:06 pm (UTC)(link)
[ He nods, and although a part of Mark feels it in this moment, he's hoping he doesn't really want to say the word all that often. Because if he is then that means things are really going to shit, and he just... he needs to hold out a little longer. A few more weeks, and it'll be okay.

Right now though, with Kotoha, and the bouts of fever, shivering—

His eyes go right down to watching the ash fall, to the cigarette Shoko is holding out to him.

To her eyes. ]


You sure? [ This is still friendly, relaxed, but — ] I think only if you're done with it. You know... just in case.

[ imagine if shoko got infected from sharing a cigarette... ]
bicth: (pic#17160436)

i open my paws for a sigewinne memory also

[personal profile] bicth 2024-07-26 11:02 pm (UTC)(link)
[ Oh... it's just Sigewinne, which is a relief. She doesn't seem the type at all to poke fun at her lackluster education.... ]

Well.. I found this ready made type thing.

[ Calming down a bit, she turns the box towards Sigewinne, leaning down so she can see it. She's seen these at the MBCC... but she doesn't eat them or make them, so she hasn't the slightest on what to do with it. ]

I don't know anything about cooking, so I figured this would be fastest.
bicth: (pic#17160404)

Re: heartwarming!

[personal profile] bicth 2024-07-26 11:11 pm (UTC)(link)
[ """"Difficulties"".... she looks off at that word, not exactly looking guilty, but clearly feeling like she needs to explain herself now that Haru's brought it up. She blows some air through pursed lips, waving a hand. ]

I only had a hard time because those assholes wouldn't let me or Ninety-Nine go. [ She clarifies, sounding very much like she feels justified in the way she attacked members of their group. ] Things would've been fine if I could've handled it...

[ passive aggression... but anyways. Her light eyes shift back towards Haru's, piercing. ]

Even if what you were saying was true, [ Which it's not, in Hella's eyes — they're all having difficulties on account of being forced to be here, ] People dealing with their shit doesn't put yours on pause. You're the type that'd rather sulk and suffer alone so you don't bother anybody, huh? Your business is all our business, dummy.

[ Hella has a way of casually ripping in to people when she's trying to comfort them; she's blunt and direct, even while trying to say I'm right here for you in her own rough way. ]
bicth: (pic#17160501)

[personal profile] bicth 2024-07-26 11:14 pm (UTC)(link)
What, seriously?!

[ oh, dear... her eyes light up in excitement. ]

Then chug this one with me, [ She holds up her bottle very expectantly, waiting impatiently for Suzuha to clink against hers. There's no backing out now. ] Unless you're a chicken and a rulesy worrywart...

[ she's not above bullying her into doing it... now we have shoko spreading smoking and hella spreading binge drinking ]
insinnerate: (3)

sigewinne is the most metal for being on the ride

[personal profile] insinnerate 2024-07-27 01:16 am (UTC)(link)
It can go this fast, so why shouldn't it?

[Hopefully Sigewinne is satisfied with Ninety-Nine's very logical and normal answer. If it's possible to push a car to these limits, then why shouldn't it be pushed? It seems she's taken on the role of convoy vanguard and is making sure to lead the charge with as much threatening energy as she can muster. As they round a bend in the road, the car leans with them, but Ninety-Nine's maneuvering keeps them from drifting - even if that would be pretty metal.]

The road is open, so nothing can stop us. If something gets in our way, we can go right through. Still... It'd be easier if we had something on the front to ram them.

[She's used to modified cars that have been tweaked for gang warfare on the streets. Cattle catches, pilfered or reverse-engineered armored vehicles, barbed wire... This is just a normal SUV, and while it may have been built for off-roading, it isn't made for things like explosions and fights and asphalt turf wars.]

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