MARS: Mingling

[ghoulking]

WHO: Anyone involved in MARS PLOTTING
WHERE: :Re Café, in Nonah
WHEN: A monday during May
WHAT: Deciding where to go
WARNINGS: None so far

A coffee shop might not be the best place for all of them to meet and discuss next steps, but Kaneki wasn't sure where else he could do this. Monday is the day the coffee shop is closed, and Kaneki made sure to prepare it so all of them would fit and had a place to sit and talk; he even had drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate) and food (all japanese snacks and cakes, since that's what he knows how to cook best) to offer during this, found at the counter and fee for grabs.

On the network, Kaneki left an open invitation to all imPorts come and discuss where to go next and what to do regarding the OTO's possible station on Mars, and he hoped many would come and like this they'd be able to reach the planet fast. Many things had to be discussed first, though: the engine had to be built, the ship too, what kind of mission was this going to be, the government, money and funding, materials... and many other problems that would come up as they went. This first meeting would work to meet each other and bring rough ideas to the table, and from those decide which should be followed.

No idea is stupid and every idea will be considered. Many heads work better than just one. Even if there is no exact idea at first, well they can at least enjoy the cookies and drinks for now, and get to know each other!


[ OOC: Everyone involved, please don't forget to brainstorm HERE about the future of this plot and how to move forward! As for this log, it's meant to be a mingling log between all characters involved, so they can get to know each other and grab new CR along the way. Feel free to make your own prompt and tag each other as you please! There is also no specific date for this log, Monday is however, the only day :Re Café is closed and therefor the only day they could have the place for themselves. HAVE FUN GUYS! ]

Comments

Kaneki || OTA

[ghoulking]

1. Welcome
[ Kaneki feels a bit like a fish out of water; it's not the first time he brings group of people together, he has done that back home, but he is no scientist, he isn't familiar with a lot of these people, and they are all from different worlds. So this will all be quite tricky and he is still trying to figure out what is even his role at this point.

Well, for sure, and in the immediate, his role is to at least provide a place to talk, snacks and drinks. Hopefully he can do more, but for now he will just welcome all the imPorts that go through the door; he smiles at them and says: ]

Welcome, please relax while we wait for the rest. [ If it's someone he has never met before, he will bow his head politely as he adds ] I'm Ken Kaneki. It's nice to meet you.


2. Get things started
I think we are all here. [ or maybe not, but they should get started. Once everyone is read to start, Kaneki decides to start since he was the one who brought all of them here ]

I'm Kaneki. I'm no scientist, so I'm not sure I can offer a lot to this, but I think different opinions on this matter could be useful. [ Kaneki motions his hand gently towards everyone ] We also have people from space backgrounds, so your input will be amazing during this.

Ultimately, this is all about one thing only: stop the OTO. And I know when we put our heads and powers together, we can do it for sure. [ this is an inspirational speech of sorts, yeah ]


3. In the background
[ Like Kaneki said during his speech, he is no scientist, doesn't know anything about space, and doesn't really know if he can be any good during this. Even though he brought everyone together and gave a speech, when he is done and everyone is discussing what to do, Kaneki stays behind in the background. He isn't going to meddle into things he doesn't quite understand, so he will just stay quiet and listen.

Anyone is welcome to approach, or maybe you are missing a drink? Kaneki sure can go get it. ]

1

[itcanwait]

[This was going to be Tailgate's first time as an organic and on his own in over a month and he was freaking out as he drove himself to the café after arriving in the city. He was interested in this plan to go to Mars for a few reasons.

He's outside as he transforms from vehicle mode to normal in a whirl of moving parts and noises. Making sure that before it there wasn't anyone too close and apologising to those that got a fright seeing a car turn into a large robot. He then turns human with less fanfare (none) and quickly runs into the café to avoid all the people. Once the door is shut he leans against it for a moment to collect himself and gives an awkward smile to Kaneki.]

Hey, I'm Tailgate. [He looks around for a place he could sit where he could see everything.] Nice looking place.

3

[mathemagier]

[He waits until it seems as though Kaneki has had some time to relax to approach him]

Yes, sorry to be a bother, but I had some questions about what sort of resources this project has available, outside of what we're able to contribute on our own. Funding and lab equipment in particular.

2

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

[After Kaneki's said his little piece, Jacob stands up to add the weight of his own voice.]

Kaneki's right. The OTO have shown they're a threat to everyone. This is bigger than any of us, so let's all work together and give it everything we've got. The stakes are too high for anything less.

2

[secondplacescrow]

(( Unfortunately for everyone, Edd is not the inspirational type. ))

I know the bird here is more useful for this thing than I can. I came last place when I was in space last time.

3

[justaskalice]

[While Kaneki is sitting back and out of the way, Newt joins him, sipping on some of the store's coffee that he's added to his brought cup.]

So what prompted you to head up this operation? I mean, why specifically did YOU take initiative against OTO when there are undoubtedly more qualified out there?

3

[fource]

[With resignation, and no context, Quatre comes up to Kaneki and asks]

Do you have a dustpan?

[Guess who broke another teacup.]

Hermann | OTA

[mathemagier]

1. A wild science appears

[As ever, he's over-prepared and underwhelmed for the meeting that takes place. As a scientist accustomed to lecture halls and presentations, he'd prepared a short summary of his intended work through a short lecture with accompanying data slides to support it. Granted, he didn't have a great deal of data at the moment, but he was partially counting on someone to catch onto that in order to smoothly segue into a request for lab space in order to get that extra data.

Instead, Hermann stares around the interior of the coffee shop, no projector in sight, and dreads the informal atmosphere. He had absolutely no problems with selling his work, but he's never had the right disposition for schmoozing.

He decides to order some tea, then sit at a table with his laptop arranged to automatically pan through the data slides he'd prepared in hopes of garnering some interest while he reconsiders his approach.

Slides with names like Properties of K-Blue-90, Potential Thermal Energy Output, Rare Earth Elements- Lanthanides and Problem Areas and Potential Solutions flash by, accompanied by charts, graphs, and supporting points. There are a lot of numbers and complication equations on one in particular, aptly named Balancing the Equation.]


2. The wild science approaches

[He's decided he's curious. It is a project about going to Mars after all, and everyone here has some idea or willingness to make it happen. Surely there's some common ground there. So despite the crushing awkward feeling that accompanies social engagement at large, he does his best to catch people when they seem to have a moment]

Excuse me, is there a particular part of this project you're planning to work on?

1

[hellrisen02]

[Duo, on the other hand, has never had a problem being the first one to approach when something on interest has caught his eye. He came here to take in the atmosphere, to listen to the murmurings and gauge the tone of this project; he wasn't the face of his particular faction. He feels like he recognizes this fellow's face from somewhere- a past network post or a past imPort mingle is entirely probable, but it's as he draws nearer and sees some of the titles on Hermann's slides that he truly finds himself giving pause.]

[A science head, huh? And one that seemed to be experienced in space manufacture or engineering. Someone who could actually understand things on their level, perhaps, and maybe someone who might even understand the dangers involved.]

[...Then again, he thinks with a smirk, he'd never known most scientists to be cautious. With this in mind, he takes a seat next to the man, sipping at a hot cup of coffee that he sets on a table away from the laptop.] Engineering? [He asks, gesturing towards the slides showing on the screen.] Sorry, couldn't help but take a little peek.

1

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Hermann! Damn, it's been too long.

[A deep, familiar, friendly voice sounds out as Jacob Taylor approaches Hermann's table. If anything, the space marine is looking more intimidating than the last time Hermann saw him- his armour has been upgraded a couple times since then, inlaid with new technology and protection. The smile is the same though.]

It's good to see you back... and not just because we could use your help on this thing.

1

[jadus]

[Jadus does not immediately seem to be the type who would be interested in an academic presentation. Physically massive and dressed in an all-concealing robe and mask, he looks far more likely to have strong opinions on hitting things than the finer points of spacecraft development.

Nothing could be further from the truth.]

You suggested fuel sources for the craft. I am aware of similar but less controlled applications for ytterbium, but I am curious how you would intend to make use the other Lanthanide elements. [His voice is quite emotionless, but not especially harsh.]

[justaskalice]

[He enters, makes a show of looking for Hermann in the group, and comes over to him with a pre-bought drink in hand. He leans down to put a hand on Hermann's shoulder, all smiles and flippant friendliness as he peers over his sunglasses and greets him with:]

Hey babe. Fancy meeting you here.

2

[namesaquestion]

Hmph. I've got two pokemon that I can have help with lifting or carrying things when it comes to building.

[He pauses, running a hand through his hair before shrugging.] Hmph. Maybe a third, but it's... wild.

[And putting the sneasel around people/sensitive whatever when he doesn't think he can control it is not the best idea in the world.]

Galla | OTA

[lastofthebog]

[ Galla is a little later to arrive than most, but she strides in with the same confidence that she carries with her in any situation. She helps herself to some of the coffee and tea cakes, spending her first few minutes enjoying the bite of food while she paces the room, getting a read on the room as a whole before picking out someone to approach for a little conversation. ]

I hope you don't find me rude, but I'm curious what you hope to contribute to this mission.

[fource]

[In Galla's defense, that's a fair question to ask Quatre, a small teenager who looks more like he stopped by to grab some refreshments while on his way to a summer internship instead of someone who can contribute to building a space engine. He perks up when she asks regardless.]

Oh, of course! I'm hoping to help with the engine and manufacturing. Ideally, I'd like to be on the ship as well, but I suppose it's too early to begin thinking of things like that.

[ghoulking]

[ kaneki pauses, looking back at the woman. Honestly, he can't offer much. Or anything at all - he knows nothing about space, he knows nothing about building a space ship, and he is no scientist to even discuss things.

He is a fish out of water ]

Ah... I'm not really sure there is much I can offer. Besides a place for these meetings, I guess. [ even that, he doesn't think it's amazing. They really should find a better place to discuss things and build things. ]

[namesaquestion]

Huh? Oh. Hmph. Back home, we used pokemon to help with everything, bulding included. I've got two I can have help with lifting or carrying things.

[He pauses, running a hand through his hair before shrugging.] Maybe a third, but it's... wild.

Quatre | OTA

[fource]

1. try saying it five times fast
Hello! I'm Quatre Raberba Winner. [If you don't already know Quatre Raberba Winner's name, you do now. He can't be older than 16, but he holds out his hand with a smile (almost certainly looking up, since he's only 5'1) with the polite confidence of a businessman starting a negotiation.] It's really inspiring, isn't it? How many people are willing to come together for something like this.


2. we wear only the height of 90s fashion in AC 195
[Quatre is sitting at a table with a cup of tea in one hand, furiously frowning at his communicator in the other. Whenever he senses someone nearby-- which is not necessarily when that person makes any sound, maybe just if they linger long enough to notice him-- he looks up and shows the screen, which is open to an image search of space suits, all bulky and, you know, life-supporting.] Is this really what we'll have to wear the whole trip? Not just for launch?


3. I couldn't think of a witty title for a "talking shop" thread so here it is
[Quatre is all smiles and enthusiastic comments about how great Outer Space is during the initial discussion about the mission. He explains his presence here, if anyone asks, as someone with a family background in asteroid mining and space colony construction, with some hands-on experience with manufacturing parts and more in working with schematics and designs. Still, he's quick to admit to the problem:]

But I'm not sure how well that experience will carry over here. We mostly work with compounds harvested and refined in outer space. Even assuming the raw materials are present in this world, I doubt we have access to the technology needed to utilize them. Does anyone have experience with building ship parts with this world's industrial capabilities? I don't even know where we'll have room to assemble it.


4. haha it's a four joke
[Wildcard me! Empathy permissions post over here if you don't mind!]

1

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

Quatre, hey.

[Jacob steps forward smiling, hand outstretched.]

I think we talked before on the Network. Good to meet you in person.

Luke Skywalker | OTA

[faithfulson]

1. Enter the Farmboy
[ Luke is just a bright beam of sunshine the moment he walks in, his enthusiasm for getting them up into space enough to make the engine build itself. He looks around a moment for anyone he recognizes, going to them first to say hello, before taking a seat at the counter and offering that bright smile and a hand to whomever's sitting nearby. ]

Luke Skywalker; nice to meet you.

2. Mission Statement
[ Once Luke has the blueprints and tech specs for the engine in hand, he's already making notes around the edges as others speak; ways to improve the engine, ways to make it lighter, things that could be done away with or added to it, ect. At one point he hits a road block in his thoughts, and doodles a little X-wing shooting down a TIE Fighter in the corner to help him get his focus back. ]

[ It's once conversation of what kind of mission they need to make this comes around that he lifts his head up, a concerned look on his face. ]

It doesn't matter if it's recon or attack; if we're going up there into a situation we have no prior visuals on, we need to be able to defend ourselves at least.

3. Materials Planning
[ This is the hard part, as far as Luke's concerned. He's confident he could build an engine block -- he's done enough repairs from his T-16 Skyhopper to his X-wing to know an engine well enough. It's the parts that are an issue, and what those parts are made out of even more so. It leads to him slumped over the counter, tapping his writing instrument against his head. ]

...I know where we could possibly get some plastoid, but...

[ He hesitated, grimacing. How do you even ask a stormtrooper to give up his armor? Especially a stormtrooper you end up killing? ]

...I'm not sure if we could ask him to give it to us.

2

[darkpants_warmfeeling]

[Jacob nods his agreement with Luke's point.]

He's right. We've got no real idea what they could throw at us out there. Whatever we build needs to be able to protect itself, and hit back if needed.

[He really doesn't like the lack of good intel on this mission. Something to hopefully correct between now and the launch day.]

Darth Jadus | OTA

[jadus]

1. A Sith walks into a café...

[It's immediately obvious Jadus does not belong in this environment. In a concession to the purpose of this meeting, his lightsaber is not hanging from his belt. At Marr's cajoling, he has suppressed his aura, though people passing close to him might still feel a sudden chill or moment of disquiet. Nothing else has been conceded for the comfort of others: he is still dressed in full robes and an all-concealing, featureless helmet.

He doesn't take a seat, standing with his arms at his sides, unmoving apart from the occasional turn of the head to look at someone.

This event is useful to him, but he's never been very fond of meetings. If this dissolves into political bickering, he is leaving.]

2. Do you trust this man with your life?

All calculations are preliminary. [He has finally been persuaded to sit, and has spread out several sheets of printed paper across the table in front of him. They contain draft schematics for a life support system, including inset details of delicate components, estimates on the scalability and material requirements of the device. He's still actively making adjustments: the pages are covered in hand-written notes.]

They are based on the assumption of an all-human crew's oxygen requirements and availability of certain materials. Given the tenuous state of resources available to us, I have prepared alternatives.

[From a pocket somewhere in the skirts of his robe he produces a much larger stack of papers, setting them on the table. For anyone who decides to leaf through them, they contain modified schematics and materials lists, each stranger than the last. One commonality in nearly all of them: Estimations of "time to maturity", "total biomass", and "nutrient requirements". The less rigid and more misshapen the schematics become, the higher the estimates go.]

3. Practical suggestions

A test flight with partial crew complement is a necessity. We know the path our adversaries traveled, but we do not know the special considerations this system may require for interplanetary travel. With the laws of physics rendered so malleable by the Porter, who is to say the rest of the Sol system is not equally treacherous?

[He speaks with a certain authority: Sith often take interest in planetary systems that subject spacecraft to adverse and bizarre conditions. Furthermore, he has experience with the design, construction and implementation of space-based technology that was expected to function under unique stresses. This, however, he will not mention.]

The only other option is prophecy, which would ideally be used in support of data from a test launch.

[Yes, prophecy. There's no indication he finds this suggestion to be strange.]

1

[fource]

[All Quatre was trying to was refill his cup of tea, even if that meant passing by the rather... unusual-looking person (?) in the featureless metal mask. It reminds him uncomfortably of a Taurus, and though he smiles briefly and politely as he approaches, he can't get the thought of the AI combat weapons out of his mind. He plans to keep his head down as he passes, his eyes on the prize of the refreshments table--

only to get a sudden shock of awful, disquieting something, something that makes him stagger and grab for his heart.

He hasn't felt anything quite like this before-- the last few times something hit him like this, it was always a suckerpunch of someone else's emotions, but this is... different. He can't feel anything except wrong, in response to this. He turns his head to look curiously at the stranger, a hand still over his heart-- which is when he realizes that his teacup is on the ground, in several pieces, and he closes his eyes in resignation, momentarily distracted from that... whatever it was.]

Not again.

Jonathan Walsh | OTA

[drivesadesk]

1. Snacks and settling in

At the start of the meeting, Jonathan sits there, a few cakes and a coffee in front of him, listening to everything going on. He has a few ideas of his own, but he wants to wait to hear what other people had in mind before giving his own opinion. For now, he'll just enjoy the fact that Kaneki is amazing at making food happen.

2. Designs

"So I drew up a couple of blueprints. Not a solid plan or anything, just a few ideas for different parts and things. I wanted to know what you thought."

He hands over the designs to whoever will listen. Jonathan has a bit of experience working with Earth materials to rebuild his own tech, and it shows. While most of his designs are just a few alternative options for things like life support systems, shields, and artificial gravity generators, he did draw a few sketches of possible exterior designs of the ship. It's clear from those that he's thinking small, fast and stealthy.

3. Planning

As the people around him speak, Jonathan realizes that not everyone is on the same page for what they will be doing once they get there. Before worrying about the design of the ship itself, they need to know what they'll be doing with that ship.

"I think we need to do more than go up there and look around. It's not going to be easy getting there with what we have to work with, I don't want us to have to do it twice. But I don't see why we need to do a big space battle, either. I think we should just go up there, sabotage their life support and anything they can use to get off planet, and leave."

Jonathan isn't usually murderous, and can't stand the thought of killing anyone innocent, but these are people who shot a missile at a crowded city. They weren't innocent, and they were a threat. It only seems natural to eliminate that threat.

2

[jadus]

Jadus glances over the designs. Unfamiliar, but potentially effective. Relatively. This planet limits all ambitions.

But one thing in particular needs to be discussed. "I have already committed to creating the life support system for the vessel. A technoorganic design will limit mass requirements." And with no proper inertial dampening systems available, mass is an important consideration for efficient and maneuverable flight.

Newt | OTA

[justaskalice]

Your friendly neighborhood Kaiju Groupie

[Newt shows up a bit late (with Starbucks) to this meet-and-greet because his intention was never truly to participate. He's here to make an entrance, be seen, and to harass (his favorite past-time) his husband Hermann Gottlieb, and to listen in on the planning. So when he arrives through the front door--wearing sunglasses he doesn't bother to remove--he does so with some fanfare and noise, making a bit of show out of looking for Hermann in the group before heading over to him. A few words are exchanged between the couple, Hermann gets a friendly if distant shoulder squeeze, Newt helps himself to a snack, and then he has a seat, casually kicking up his feet onto the neighboring chair like he owns the place.]

The name's Dr. Newton Geiszler. So who are you?

Re: Newt | OTA

[secondplacescrow]

(( Edd was going to sit in that chair before the other man put his feet on it. He sighed and picked out another one. ))

Eddison Tollett. But everyone calls me Dolorous Edd.

Nikolai | OTA

[namesaquestion]

[He's only here mostly out of spite that someone told him 'no', but also because he really, really wants to go to Mars. Sure, he has nothing that is possibly useful re: plans or whatnot when it comes to building, but he does have his pokemon, and back home... Sure, his are battlers and fighters, but that doesn't mean he uses them for only that when pokemon are so intrinsically part of everything.

If he's not mingling, or attempting to explain how his pokemon can be useful in helping build whatever, he can be found listening or watching everything, face thoughtful.]

[fource]

Hello! [Quatre's been trying to talk to everyone involved in the Mars mission, because it's a good idea to know who he's working with-- and more importantly, who he has to keep an eye on. He certainly couldn't resist talking to one of the few people here who look to be around his own age. He offers out his hand to shake anyway, because that's how he thinks normal people react.] I'm Quatre. What's your name?

Dolorous Edd | OTA

[secondplacescrow]

Food

Edd is going to shove all sorts of food on his plate, but not really paying attention. Jon's gone, Sam's gone, all the brothers and the fools from his world are all gone, leaving poor old Edd behind to deal with the heat, the bad roommate, and the damn raven that keeps shitting on him and the cloud that keeps pissing on him as well.

Naturally the raven would swoop down to take some of Edd's food, but it seems to sense Edd is not in the mood for that. So instead it just flutters around, muttering and croaking, and for once trying to steal food from somebody else's plate.

Plans

It was Edd's turn to speak, so he stood up.

"I don't know about space. I really don't like it. I don't understand it. I do these missions as I have no idea what else to do, so there's that. Just expect me to be an extra body in this madness, but no ideas from me."

This was about as cynical of him about himself as he can ever be.

Ashley Williams | OTA

[cannotrest]

i.
[Despite the glowing circuitry in her skin and pupils, Ashley's eyes are glazing over at all the technical talk of engines and materials and systems. Trying to keep herself awake, she takes a cookie.

[Catching the eye of someone nearby, she murmurs:] I grew up moving via spaceship every few years, and I still don't know what anyone's talking about.

ii.
[You know what? She's here to bring up something that doesn't appear to have occurred to anyone.]

We don't just need to prepare for the OTO: We need to prepare for the trip there. It's a long way to Mars, and anything could happen. We might end up in a first contact scenario, and whatever aliens are out there might not be friendly.

[The First Contact War is still within living memory in her world, even if her veteran grandfather is dead.]

We need to be ready for space combat as well as whatever we do when we get to Mars. Hell, we need to be ready for that sooner, because that could come first. Both the ship itself [the loss of the SR-1 still stings years later] and whoever's going, in case we get boarded [thankfully not within her experience, but she's heard tales from Garrus and Tali].

iii.
[Wildcard! Feel free to hit me up at pohutukaryl or on my contact post if you want to plot.]

i

[fource]

Did you really? [Quatre whispers back, eyes turning to her with as much interest as he showed the discussion on the technical specs of the mission. Which was a lot. He didn't seem to have any difficulty following the shop talk, even though he looks more like a 16 year old businessman in training taking a tea break than a grizzled space marine like some of the other attendants.] Intersystem travel? Or did you stay in orbit?