01. May Event - Start of 2nd Week

[cantilevers]

[For anyone that was close to Vander or at least had a budding tether with him, they may have noticed that they had lost contact with him for hours at a time over the previous week. Now that the city was going up in flames - in some places literally - Vander had decided that he needed to actually make an announcement. He had people he wanted safe after all; this place had become a home away from home.

So he appeared on the Murmur in front of a rather brick building where he briefly flashes the sign of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. The building had the usual signs of decay and wear that was common in the city.

He shouldered his way inside, and it was clear that this place had been cleaned up. He was walking towards an elevator that has broken cameras and other signs of security.]

The city is a bit hot to trot right now, so it seems as good a time as ever to alert everyone to a place that I discovered during my exploration for safe spaces. Originally, I had looked at common bank branches, then I found this place.

[He gestured around at all the impressive architecture that remained mostly intact, if contaminated. It was not showing signs cracking foundation though.]

There's a massive vault here, everyone. It's filled with gold, which in and of itself is impressive enough but ultimately useless to us. What is impressive is that there's no fungus or sign of Sleep's influence down there. It's got to be seventy to eighty feet below ground, and it's pristine and safe.

I've been down there a few times, and now more than ever, we deserve safety right? I've been working on getting the lift working, though it's temperamental sometimes. I'm welcoming anyone who feels unsafe or needs a break from the constant of Sleep's power pressing on us to use this as a safe haven. The address is 33 Liberty Street, and this place takes up the whole block. Still weirdly easy to walk by...

[He shrugged his shoulders, pushing the button the open the lift doors.]

I don't have a lot of supplies down in the vault yet because I was clearing areas for people to make themselves comfortable. Better bring what you need if you come, but I'll start shifting supplies once I explore the area more. Consider this a community safe haven, yeah?

[With that, he's happy to answer any questions.]



[OOC: This is to start off Vander's player plot! I'm slow rolling this over the course of this month and June. Happy to answer any questions about it :)]

Comments

[tequila_sunset]

Harry perks up. This is a much better location for the mutual aid oasis. The sensation of a wagging tail travels through the murmur. And pride! He’s proud of you, Vander.

“I have stuff. I’ll bring it over.”

Wag. Wag. Wag.

“When I was giving my shit away I was just kind of in the street. Not as safe or convenient for people as a big ass vault.”

[cantilevers]

[The Murmur filled with warmth at Harry's enthusiasm, and he welcomed the other man here. He appreciated the contributions, since supplies were hard to come by in this place.]

That's very kind of you, Harry. I'm sure everyone who may want to utilize this facility will be happy to have safety and supplies.

[He was so pleased with his find. It was an enthusiasm that came with trying to build a community and also keeping people safe. That's what he enjoyed, always had.]

Yeah, I've been in this place on and off for a week and a half and it's probably the safest I've ever felt in Manhattan. It is strange too, like white noise clearing in your head when you're in the vault, you know?

[tequila_sunset]

The wagging stops.

HALF LIGHT - (That sounds scary.)

EAT THE MARROW, KNOW THE TASTE - (Without Sleep, who are you? What are you?)

“…I kind of like the white noise.”

[cantilevers]

[Vander sent comfort to Harry, a tendril of invitation to come and find him at the vault.]

I know, pal. Others don't though, and it's a huge burden to bear.

[He hummed softly.]

How about this? You come to the Fed Bank and I'll show you around top side and we can discuss your concerns, yeah?

[dethangel]

Wowee, that's cool.

[It is pretty cool! Might be nice to hang out down that way.]

So Sleep doesn't like gold...

[...That appears to be his takeaway.]

[cantilevers]

You think that's it? Imagine what we could do if we melted the gold down and spread it across the city! I hadn't thought it was gold, but hey, we should utilize everything at our disposal, right?

[Toki, you're a hilarious genius who may have simply helped to spread this across the city. Hint: it's not the gold.]

[dethangel]

Well... the other stuff that's underground has lots of fucked up guys there, right? So it can't be that...

[WHOOPS. Now he's just excited that he might be onto something good, not something that sucks. Uh-oh.]

I bet there's still lots of stuff in jewelry stores and stuff too. 'Cause you can't eat that, probably.

[cantilevers]

This place is like 80 floors down; this is deeper than any of the subway tunnels, so perhaps we haven't been deep enough to the bedrock before this.

[He considered, rubbing his chin with his hands.]

All the gold here is in bars. It's massive, and I bet there may be others. I think you might be onto something! Maybe I'll bring a bar up and we can move it somewhere else to see what happens?

[dethangel]

That's really fuckin' far...

[Maybe it is too deep for Sleep. But then Sleep could probably get through the door or something. He doesn't know, he's just imagining stuff that could work.]

That's a good idea. You can just take it around and shake it at stuff!

[cantilevers]

You think so? That's nothing compared to the fissures where I live, but for this place, yeah, it's rather down there.

[They all had to start somewhere when it came to an area of safety. This was it for him, since the security here was already set up well. It would keep Hosts out.

Just needed fewer power surges for the elevator he supposed.]

Aw come on, shake it? It's a gold bar. If we aren't throwing it against things, we aren't enjoying it enough! Need to leave gold flecks everywhere!

[trashblaze]

[ Wow, this is a major discovery. A place that's actually untainted by the influence? ]

What? I'd like to investigate the materials down there, please!

[ Who would've thought that vaults could actually resist the apocalypse!? Well, logically, it does make sense, but… Considering the extent of One's powers and how the city is reduced to complete emptiness, it's easy to assume that there's no safe place left. ]

If I could find out exactly what resists the rot, maybe I could start developing better tech to combat it. I wonder if the metals used on the vaults are what protect it, or…

[ There are a lot of theories to be thought of here, but he'll only get a real answer if he investigates himself. This is all very interesting for an Artificer like Caelus. ]

Ah, and of course, I'll also help it feel more habitable for everyone! I'll contribute camping sets, including bedrolls and flashlights.

[ One more thing… It feels like he met this man before? But he can't seem to pinpoint it… There's just a lingering sense of curiosity on the Murmur. ]

[athinkingreed]

[Oh it’s him. Ratio leaves a mental nod towards Vander while focusing on Caelus.]

I agree, investigation of this phenomenon could yield valuable data.

[Sounds like it’s time for a scanning field trip.]

[cantilevers]

[Unfortunately, Vander himself doesn't remember their previous encounter as he is currently separated from the beast. However, he is willing to offer whatever he can for people to make use of this discovery!]

Yeah, of course! It's just a lot of gold bars, but you're welcome to explore everything and anything down here.

[Vander made a noise of amusement.]

Who knows! It feels like a fortuitous find during my explorations looking for safe spots where there is security that we can use to escape or keep out the Hosts easier. Otherwise, I'm just a bartender.

[He was so pleased that people were on board with exploring and building this community. He hoped that everyone appreciated each other when the silence from Sleep reigned. Imagine just having a normal conversation! It was so novel he actually earned for it.]

That's very kind and welcome of you! If the tourism scraps I have tried to piece together are any indication, I think we might have more of these similarly around the city!

[hallowedly]

It may be worth bringing a few medical utensils there for safe-keeping, if we need a last-resort... contamination-free space for surgery. Good spot, mister...?

[cantilevers]

Any and all supplies are welcome. I'll clear an area for you to set up shop if you like? I'm Vander. You are?

[hallowedly]

Sakurazuka Seishirou, veterinarian. And happy to take your offer. You're a good man.

[cantilevers]

Animal doctor, hmm? That's a useful profession with critical thinking skills on board. [He hummed.] Good enough, I suppose. Safety and welcome for people is my priority.

[Wait...]

Ugh, not to be rude, but which of those two names do you prefer to be called by? We don't have family names in my city.

[hallowedly]

How paternal.

2/2

[hallowedly]

No... family names? ( The bliiiiiiiink of a pulse of incredulity. ) Well, I suppose Sakurazuka, if we're formal.

[cantilevers]

That's what happens when you're a dad, yeah.

[Okay, sorry but Seishirou will now endure Vander signaling in the Murmur his sounding out the name and bastardizing it terribly the first few times. Japanese names are hard for a simple barman.]

Right, Sakoorazooka! Yeah, we're all a bunch of mutts, but we have intense "don't tread on me" energy that makes up for it.

[hallowedly]

...you know. On second thought, shouldn't we be friends? Seishirou is perfectly fine.


( Stop. Butchering. His heritage. )

[cantilevers]

[He's apologetic, but honestly, it might be worse because Vander does the exactly same soft sounding out of the first name through the Murmur because he's old and doesn't always tamp that down.]

I always appreciate more friends, Seisheee... er, sorry, Seishirow. [Nailed it!] Are you also an animal alchemist?

[hallowedly]

I'm afraid I'm entirely too boring for that.

...why? I don't suppose you've found yourself with certain predilections?

cw: casual mention of bestality

[cantilevers]

With a name like that, I don't believe you could ever be boring. You're the life of the party, aren't you?

[He won't try the name against for a bit, or shorten it to a nickname. Easier on them both.]

I'm not opposed to most things, but bestiality is one of them. It's the whole consent thing, and they just plain deserve better.

Vander NO

[hallowedly]

No... no, forgive me. I'd meant - are you... suddenly possessed of animal appendages?

yep, yep, this path to friendship is paved in weirdness

[cantilevers]

[Ah, yeah, that would make more sense, wouldn't it? Still, sharing was caring.]

Nope, not at present. Why? Are you hoping to have a peak under the fur coat to see if you like what you see?

w e e p

[hallowedly]

I... was mostly wondering if you need a doctor.

[cantilevers]

Oh, I'm not injured, but I appreciate the offer! Besides, I found some nifty stuff called duct tape that I wrap simple wounds with. It holds me together when I find a patch of it that still has adhesive.

Are you the doctor of this place?

[hallowedly]

I'm afraid for those of recent animal skills or accessories, I'm their best hope. Sorry. I appreciate that might sound offensive. I promise I don't think of anyone as pets.

[cantilevers]

Ah my case seems to be a bit different compared to normal. But if I become hairy, I'll come find you.

Well, if that's your thing, it takes all kinds. You a collar and leash man then?

[hallowedly]

I don't suppose you'll believe I'm a regular physician?

[schietto]

[ Oh, that's very interesting. He knew Vander was looking into bank vaults and while he expected them to be in good condition as safety areas, he didn't expect to hear that Sleeps influence doesn't reach there. ]

That's a fascinating find.

[cantilevers]

It is, yeah. It will come in handy, I think.

[He wanted people to feel safe, even if that may come with having to step away from Sleep for awhile too.]

My point of view is that people need to feel safe, even if for a short while. I want to set up more security at the door, but otherwise, the security barriers I have now for this place is in good enough condition.

[schietto]

[ Dante can agree with that. If they do feel safe, it's a boon. ]

The hosts have difficulty coordinating themselves with entering buildings except in a few specific circumstances from what I've learned. Which means you have a little leeway to figure out the security at the door, too.

[cantilevers]

Yeah they're mindless creature living on base instincts. They do not problem-solve.

[Which was good and bad. It meant they were relentless, but it also meant that pre-planning could allow for easier escape.]

[schietto]

It would be useful if we had a warning somehow as to when the ones that do have that capability are about to show up, but I suppose we should just be grateful there's usually only one or two as is.

If you need anything brought down or cleaned up or such, I'm willing to help.