001 • community building

[zauns]

[Silco's voice is smooth, slippery. The Murmur sneaks in like a whisper in your mind, full of promises. If it's just a tiny bit sinister, well, maybe you're reading too much into it?]

How heartening it has been to see everyone sharing information so readily. [So helpful, so useful.] In the difficult situations that seem common here, we certainly will all find it easier if we can work together. While we all seem to be surviving, I think we can do better than that.

With that in mind, I would propose a cooperative organization made up of those in this city who would like to support one another. We could work together to secure safe housing, protect one another in times of danger, and assist in scavenging necessary supplies. Those who have been brought here have a wide array of skills. Consider the possibilities that a bit of organization might bring.

For example, if you have something you wish repaired but lack the skills to do so, your current options seem to be shouting aimlessly into the void in hopes that someone will help or asking anyone you meet and hoping someone knows someone with the right skills. Then you must negotiate a trade, or pray that they'll help you out of the goodness of their heart.

If we operate in this spirit of mutual aid, you would be helped by someone trustworthy within our little organization. No trade would be necessary, because you would already be providing aid in your own way - food to a central storage area, perhaps, or protection for those who need it. I'm sure you can see how this might make life a little easier for everyone involved.

My own expertise lies in this sort of administrative support - connecting people with each other, organizing what needs to be done, and ensuring things are kept fair. I would be more than happy to use my skills for a purpose like this.

Let me know if any of you are interested. The first step in creating a community is getting to know one another, after all.

Comments

[dethangel]

[Yeah, yeah, all that sounds really helpful and useful and Toki's generally happy to help people when they don't piss him off.

But!

All he's thinking about is the organization part. It sounds all... official.]

Do you get a cool hat for it?

[zauns]

I never have before. Perhaps I've been missing out.

[vixenish]

[ oh, it's sinister, alright.

Lortel takes this all in quietly, not even sure if she wants to remark on it, at first. this, all of this, worries her. Silco is both enough like and unlike her that she understands very well exactly how much damage he could do with what he's learned between herself and Megumi, Viktor, and now this.

this isn't I want to help. this is I want control. she sees immediately the bid for leadership hiding beneath his words, and knows it for what it is.

sometimes he reminds her a lot of her father. ]

How thoughtful, [ she'll chirp, pleasant, with nothing at all to give her away in the murmur. ] I'm afraid I won't be able to join physically, but if you keep me informed, I'm sure I could help.

[ best to make her own bid, then. ]

[zauns]

[He does, of course, notice the vagueness of the offer - nothing but possible help, in return for information about whatever activities they get up to. There's a trace of amusement when Silco responds.]

A gracious offer. I'll keep you in mind, should we need something that requires your talents.

[merged]

You already know how I feel about all of this. I can't say I have a wealth of skills to offer the community, but I can give people a taste of home, and I'm well-acquainted with both the city and the situation we're all dealing with.

[PRIVATE]

[vixenish]

[ she has to viciously smother the flicker of panic she feels when she hears this. breathe. it's fine. ]

... do you know Silco well, Sharon? [ conversationally, which is probably the tip off that this is not going to be a casual conversation. ]

[zauns]

I'm glad to have your support. And your skills are quite useful, you know. Information on the city and the creatures in it is invaluable to new arrivals.

[Not here]

[cantilevers]

[He's watching and suddenly none of this seems quite so friendly any longer.]

[fatedfinality]

[ 'Administrative support,' hm? Ardyn knows that speak. It's one he's quite practiced in himself. ]

Initially, I was a bit glad to be free of The Empire's strict rules and regulations but... You're right. There is a distinct lack of those here that unfortunately comes with its own issues.

I have a similar background myself being chancellor of the nation, so let me know if you need anyone to assist. I'm better 'out in the field' as it were though.

[zauns]

People have been managing alone, or in small groups, but it seems obvious that more could be done with large groups. How nice to meet someone who agrees.

What exactly do you do, 'out in the field'?

[cantilevers]

"Administrative support"? Does that include knifing people in a cool damp basement, or is that an extra cost?

Asking for an ex-friend.

[zauns]

For you, it's free.

[justification]

[Yeah, this is... sus, but also... what better way to keep tabs on Silco.]

Where do I sign up?

[There's definitely a hint of sarcasm in there that she just can't keep out of her voice, but for the most part it is genuine, even if it's not entirely earnest.]

[zauns]

[Silco's thoughts run in exactly the same direction: what an excellent way to keep tabs on a possible threat.]

Normally I would ask about your skills, but I think I'm aware of many of them. Marksmanship, certainly. What other sorts of things might you be good at? Deportment?

[schietto]

Everyone who has been searching for something I feel has found what they're looking for, and those offering trades I've found have been incredibly fair and generous in their agreements.

You are suggesting otherwise. Have I missed a sudden escalation of unrest that makes you feel this is necessary?

[ he's honest and to the point. he doesn't mince words, and while he's polite, there's nothing else to make of his tone. what he thinks is also impossible to read. He could be suspicious, but the way he's asking seems less as if he's trying to pull the rug out from anyone and more fill in potential gaps of information he may not be aware of. ]

[zauns]

Not at all, though I expect something of the sort will happen sooner or later, given my experiences here so far. My goal is to create a small community built on similar goals and perspectives, in order to create an environment of trust and mutual protection. Something more cohesive than the loose groups and individuals scattered across the city.

[sorte]

[ Aventurine has been waiting for this. Good to know that while Jinx has a flair for dramatics, she's not much for lying where it counts. ]

Very altruistic pitch. Seems a bit vague for an organizational proposal, though, do you have any further details on it you can share? Or are you still in the planning stages and looking for early adopters?

[zauns]

[The dramatics run in the family.]

Were you hoping for a business plan? I'm afraid that I'd rather wait to discover who would like to be involved, so that we can work out the details together. I'd hate for people to feel that their interests weren't represented when cooperation is so important to such a venture.

private

[opheliac]

Has anyone caught your eye yet? You know, to be our stand-in Sevika 'till we give them the boot if or when Lefty comes?

private

[zauns]

Not yet. That sort of loyalty is hard to come by, and the people here are used to acting alone. Did you have someone in mind?

[longwillows]

[Oh, this feels slimy. She does not like it one bit.

She gives away only the pleasant buzz of curiosity. There is no projection of appearance to accompany her voice, but there is a sense of restraint about the whole message, like she's quite used to packing things up for sudden intrusions into her mind.] Would you be contributing anything to the group besides administrative support?

[zauns]

You may be undervaluing administrative support, if you dismiss it so easily.

But naturally, I would assist in any way I could.

[hallowedly]

( Well, as long as there are no taxes. )

For what little good a veterinarian is, you can count on my help. We're already outgunned and outmanned, I'm happy not to be outskilled.

[zauns]

Don’t undersell your abilities, veterinary medicine is a valuable skill in a place where people seem inclined to turn into beasts.

I’ve no doubt you have other skills, as well.

[heavensnight]

[through her tether with Vander, it felt his anger and contempt for Silco was going to choke her. probably a bad idea but she had to see what was up.]

So what are you going to do? Play front desk and customer service?

[zauns]

I haven’t got the right face for that, I think. No, I would be organizing supplies and necessary skills, making certain things got where they needed to be and that everyone involved felt that their efforts were worthwhile. The sort of dull background work that people like to think happens by itself.

[trashblaze]

[ This one is unique. No doubts, no turns, no hesitations. When he offers help, he means every bit of it. There's only brightness coming from his side. ]

I don't need to sign up for anything. I'm always here to help those who need assistance.

[zauns]

That’s very kind of you. If that’s the case, I imagine you must be very busy. What sorts of things do you do?

[sculptedash]

So instead of yelling loudly into the void we'd just yell loudly at you instead?

[zauns]

Either that, or you’d already know exactly where to go to get what you needed.

[jiangjun]

Hmm, a very interesting proposal. I would also like to extend my services.

If more guards are needed, my dearest Momo and I can lend our strength.

[ This is his "dearest Momo". ]

[zauns]

[Gee, Jing Yuan, how come mom lets you have a horrible mutated hellbeast?]

I have no doubt we’ll be in need of skilled fighters, considering the dangers here. If you and... Momo?... offer your strength, it would certainly be appreciated.

What is your name?

[potentialman]

"Shouting aimlessly into the void" feels rather hyperbolic, given that there are maybe five dozen people in the city total and we all have access to a single centralized communication tool.

[zauns]

Isn't the point of hyperbole that it isn't meant to be taken seriously? I'm sure you understand what I meant.

[licencetoheal]

While I can see the benefits of some central organization, some people have...different priorities in this place. For instance, I can see why some might want some distance from those who are supportive of Sleep. Or, alternately, some who might distrust those who have thrown their lot in with the Numbers.

[Personally, he doesn't put a lot of stock into any of these strange cosmic beings. His universe has too many that see mortals as play-things.]

[As for this whole plan, he's trusting but only to a certain degree. This could be no different than someone like Sisko taking over organization, but he's not blind to the risks of factionalism or abuse.]

Seeing as that is the case, my services will remain open to all. Unrestricted.

While I can't stop you from conserving your own medical supplies for use for your people any medical supplies I find or am given will remain centrally distributed through myself based on triage and medical need.

[A few others have made it clear they see him as a resource and he believes it's one that necessitates total neutrality.]

Just so we're clear.

[He's grateful towards the man for looking out for him. He's especially grateful he was willing to keep his secret. He can even see the utility of this.]

[But he has a delicate path to tread if he wants his expertise to remain open to everyone who wants and needs it.]

But do let me know if any of your people ever need my help.

[zauns]

I’ll admit that I have my own opinions regarding our captors. However, I don’t intend to force anyone to choose a side.

Your altruism is commendable, doctor. Naturally, this venture would not require anyone to stop their usual activities - only to attempt to prioritize other members of our collective. Of course, I understand that’s contrary to your beliefs. But if you’re willing to provide medical care regardless, I can only appreciate it.

➥ Private

[nestingdevil]

[The fact that he even figured out how to make the connection private is a feat in itself. Nevertheless, the note coming from his end might be a tad familiar: the soft subtleness of fleeing ash. The tease of smoke, hanging like fog on the ceiling. He didn't miss the public spat, but that's Silco's history. One that's his and his alone.]

[Something to keep in mind later, but for now? Well.]

[Greed tests his teeth on the inside of his cheek.] Got something big planned? Ha - ! Knew you couldn't sit around long. I do like that ambition of yours, friend. [Slippery as his tone may be, the sincerity from his side is honest; the warmth of it like oil, burning away the morning.]

Let me know if any - [The Sin pauses.] - Tokens, or whatever they're called, happen to take you up on the offer. I've got my own proposal in mind.

Course, nothing's free. So go ahead and name it, and I'll see what I can do. Call it an equivalent exchange.

➥ Private

[zauns]

[There is still, perhaps, an undercurrent of anger and pain in the Murmur. But it's not directed at Greed, simply the result of feeling so strongly that it takes a moment before Silco can lock it down entirely, can exude the cool competence he prefers.

But he manages.]

I prefer to keep busy, and this place could use some improvement. If you'd rather be left out of it, I can find somewhere else to stay. [A genuine offer, Greed has been generous, and in return Silco won't drag him into something he finds distasteful.] Are you looking for a particular set of powers? I can see what's out there. Perhaps I've spoken to the right person already.

And all I need at the moment is a stiff drink.

[regulate]

I can also join, though construction efforts are not necessarily my strength either. I would be able to aid in administration and carrying supplies over long distances since I can fly.

...A conservative amount of supplies.

[ He can't carry anything too heavy. ]

[zauns]

[Wow literally everyone gets cooler powers than Silco. Flying? Unfair.]

Help would be useful. I anticipate keeping track of inventory will be a job nearly all by itself.

[Because Silco's not the sort of person who will just throw all the supplies in a room and close the door. There needs to be some order here.]

Though it would be easier if people were clustered closer together, right now people live all across the city. The ability to move quickly over long distances is invaluable.

[tequila_sunset]

Harry likes this. A lot. His enthusiasm tumbles through the murmur.

“I used to be a building safety inspector, and a lot of the buildings here are about the same age as stuff back home. If anyone needs anything looked at. I have a bunch of clothes I’ve found too, could use a good home or be scrapped.”

[zauns]

[In return, he gets a sense of approval, Silco pleased by the enthusiasm.]

Ah, excellent. I think safe living conditions will be a strong priority here - I imagine not everyone is comfortable in whatever abandoned building they've found. Are you skilled with repairs at all?