Video - Horseshoe 3

[adregem]

[ The ICP blinks to life from the newly revamped Library, and there is Roland standing about in his usual serious expression, only this time he's dressed with a new robe over his purple shirt. If his eyes look a little dull, or that frown refuses to turn upside down, it might just be your imagination. ]

Hey there. For the benefit of newcomers, or anyone I've yet to formally introduce myself to, my name is Roland. I’ll try not to take up too much of your time, here. But if you can lend me your ears, especially appealing to fellow Team Leads from other colors, I’d like to share a couple of important updates regarding the Voidtrecker’s mission supplies. This idea to allocate and consolidate resources came to our attention thanks to the initial efforts of Lightning from the Red Team, and Tidus from Purple. Please stay tuned here if this interests you. If not, then I guess we'll see each other around the train.

[ Roland nods, gives a breath, then smoothly continues. A practiced task for a tired mind. But nevertheless, professional. ]



Missions upon disembarking the Voidtrecker are filled with unexpected circumstances. Unfortunately, the train only gives us a small window to prepare before we begin work on other worlds, and we’re supplied with only the tools needed to get the job done. If you get hurt, or if you grow hungry, the train...won’t really provide. That’s going to be up to us.

[ He clenches a fist in determination. ] But thanks to the combined efforts of the passengers, we’ve now accumulated and bought a total of 453 healing and support items of varying types. We even have MRE’s – freeze-dried rations that can be rehydrated on the field for emergencies. We also have in stock a variety of supplies gathered from different worlds, like the seafood fished from Jema’grethy. That’s not all. [ Roland’s tone grows inspired. ]

Several of us have the ability to create supplies, or duplicate singles into multiples so points aren’t spent unnecessarily. Uta from Purple, I’ve heard, can make food worth ten pounds. Piccolo from Blue was responsible for duplicating lunch boxes and water canisters to two-hundred versions of each. After platform day, I’m sure we now have more people with similar skills and talents.

Team Leads across Red, Blue, and Orange. [ He nods as if addressing them individually, even though the ICP is broadcasted to all. ] These are resources which we would like to share when the time comes for our next mission. Purple already has volunteers to help ferry supplies and medicine, but this is a conversation that you may wish to hold with your own group of ‘treckers. Just one or two per team to help carry and account for resources per mission. It’s a big responsibility, but whoever volunteers, or is assigned to it, has nothing to worry about – they’ll never be alone. They have our support. All of us.

[ He reveals an item sitting nicely on his open palm. ] Supplies can be carried hassle-free in this nifty piece of equipment called an Arms Band. We have five in stock right now. With this, no one has to worry about bulky luggage; it keeps up to three melee weapons, one ranged weapon with unlimited ammunition of any kind, and an infinite amount of items. So long as you know what you’ve put inside, then you can summon it in and out easily. Please let me know if you’d like a demonstration. Additionally, they can be bought at the shop for forty-five points, but it would help us if you could distinguish buying the Arms Band for your personal use, versus buying one for mission usage only. If it’s the latter, we will need to audit it, what supplies are placed inside it, and we will need to ask for you to return it, post-mission. [ He hopes he doesn’t have to be explicit about why...If their names turn gold, then they’ll take the resources with them. ]

[ When this guy's on a roll, man is he on a roll. But! He's wrapping up. ]

This is just the beginning. Please, we encourage people who would like to volunteer to do so without hesitation. We still need people to make lists, keep necessities in check, and to help cook even, especially for long mission days. Even ideas on additional storage options will help, since the Arms Band doesn’t self-organize. Good luck to you if you thought putting a hundred bottles of different potions inside your Arms Band was a good idea. [ He might have cracked a smile here…But no. Barely. He is impassioned though, which is typical for a guy like him. ]

That’s mostly it. Thank you for listening. To those who volunteered already, be it their service on missions as quartermasters or supply keepers, or as passengers who decided to spend their points for shared resources. You all know who you are. We’re grateful for your support, because...

[ Roland only breaks eye contact briefly before he looks back at the monitor. There's something there which was absent, when he started recording. ]

...as someone wisely advised me, you gotta work with the team. That's the way to victory.

[ And with that, Roland flashes the only genuine smile he's made during his explanation. He salutes casually once to the ICP before he signs off. ]

I’m looking forward to our continued teamwork, everyone. Over and out.

Comments

[Video]

[light_of_willpower]

Um...hi Roland, it's nice to meet you.

[Trunks gives a little bow of his head.]

I'm Trunks, one of the new arrivals, and I can help with storage options if we can get stuff from my world. My mom and grandfather invented capsule tech. Basically these things.

[Trunks holds up a small case with three capsules in it]

These can store anything non-living in them, depending on the grade.

[Video]

[adregem]

Pleasure's mine, Trunks. Welcome aboard.

[ He peers into the ICP a little closer, finger under his chin as he studies the case with capsules inside. ] Capsule tech, huh? Sounds like we could use that for missions if it can compress non-living items inside each one. How do they work? What are their limits? Can you demonstrate how they work?

[ He's definitely interested. In fact, he's writing these all down. ]

Y'know, it would not be the first time I've put together 'survival packs' for capsules...

[light_of_willpower]

I can, as I came here with these 3 on me. Normally two would have vehicles in them, but they held clothes for my home instead. I still have my mini-fridge though. Where do you want to meet, so I can demonstrate?

d'aaaaw future!trunks :( also sorry for that double sentence there!

[adregem]

[ Roland's eyes grow slightly wide. ]

Vehicles? You can put vehicles into your capsules? That's mighty impressive! [ And what a suggestion to come their way, now that they're planning for the next mission, a little bit more prepared than before! ] You bet I'd like a demonstration. Incredible. Do you need a lot of space?

video

[mtsilver_conquor]

Eva here. There's a chance I can get my Trainer bag after the next mission. It's... similar to the Arms Band, only it stores things by type.

I think Roro -my phone- might have a few images of it? though I'd have to check...

I've also been growing several berries from my world in the greenhouse, which can be used to treat all pokemon on the train and shift those potions back to people.

video

[adregem]

Hey there, Eva. Pleasure to meet you. [ He nods at her with a smile. ]

That sounds incredibly useful if it functions to store by type. How does it work, and what are its limitations? We could combine different storage units into the hammerspace, or just have the one depending on the function of the volunteer. [ He writes as he speaks though his eyes dart up from time to time, as if he's actually speaking to her in person versus against a screen. ]

Ah, Pokemon? [ Roland nods at the sound of that. ] I've heard that word thrown around more than once. I'm sorry to sound ignorant, but what or who is a pokemon? [ A slight tilt of his head. ]

Re: video

[mtsilver_conquor]

Same here.

[Um. There's a blink and then the biggest 'i don't know shrug Eva's ever done.] I cannot tell you how it works, only that it does. It's- if it breaks, I take it to a store to get it fixed. It's that common in my world that I'd probably just replace it if broke, too.

But pokemon I can tell you about, the general gist is their monsters from my world, though I come from a slightly different version than Jounouchi-san does, so not everything is the same across our worlds. Anyway, you've seen the pink puffball, red bird, and uh. neon green duck around? Those are my pokemon.

video

[adregem]

Hm. If it breaks here, then that might be a problem. Still, it's something to keep in mind and explore anyway. So many talented minds live under this train's roof, I'm sure someone could get a crack at it. [ Senku for one thing, and that's not taking into account like-minds. ]

[ But more than this, he finds himself more interested in Pokemon since it's a word that's been thrown around the Voidtrecker since he first got wind of creatures from other worlds. Roland listens closely, nodding when he can. ]

I have, from time to time. But I never really thought to approach them, not sure what they were. Now that I know they're pokemon though...[ He ponders on it. ] They can be ordred on the shop just like any other pet?

[laurefindil]

[Glorfindel smiled at Roland over the ICP.] You have done a marvelous job getting all of this organized.

If anyone wants to help bake prior to the mission, I will be doing some marathon sessions. Those MREs are... [he pauses] well, they are. And I am sure we will be glad to have them.

[adregem]

[ He smiles at his fellow Lead and shakes his head, one hand in a wave to emphasize his point. ] I played a small role in all this, believe me. It wasn't my initiative, and I had the least amount of points at any given time so even buying for the train was a struggle. This is a total group effort, yourself included.

[ Congrats, Glor. You got Roland to crack an actual amused smile since platform day. He even chuckles. ] I'm sorry. Those were my idea. They're good for emergencies. And by emergencies, I really mean, an emergency. [ Hey, Roland never said they tasted gourmet. ]

[laurefindil]

[Glorfindel chuckles too, glad he amused Roland.] Don't be sorry! They have...nutrients. And if they are washed down with some of Romeo's coffee or my pastries, people might not even mind the taste.

Though if the rumors of what happens if you try to eat them dry are true, we'll want to make sure we have plenty of containers of water along as well!

[adregem]

[ He's a bit bemused at the thought. ]

If we have your pastries as an option, you won't even need to bring MRE's along. Between eating fresh food and that, it's not much of a choice. Thank you for always volunteering your talents in the kitchen, Glorfindel.

audio

[aluciner]

[You know those moments where you, like, realize you forgot to do something? Ronan is having one of those. Aw, shit. He forgot to introduce himself to Roland and then the shit with Tidus and the dreams happened and now he's fucked up about the heartbreak Tidus is feeling and -

Well. None of that's important, really.]

Did you need something specific? Tidus mentioned there were things you and Lightning might want. [Oh, right. He should actually introduce himself.] My name is Ronan. I can get almost anything, terms and conditions apply.

[The "terms and conditions" aren't something he's willing to get into over the ICP.]

audio

[adregem]

[ He lights up slightly at the mention of a name - Ronan - and what Tidus has told Roland about him. Not a lot, really, but enough that Roland knows he's to look out for the guy a little bit more closely if the need arose.

He smiles at the ICP upon the introduction. ]

He really is the social butterfly. He's mentioned you to me already, Ronan. I'm glad to speak to you in person, now. Thanks for volunteering your talent. [ Roland chuckles, but with very little mirth. ] Well, there are always things we need in constant supply. Especially consumables and survival items in case there's another breakdown in magic or communication.

[ A small beat passes before he speaks again. ] Is it possible to learn about those T&C's you mentioned? It doesn't have to be now, or over the channel. We can meet, when you're free.

[aluciner]

I have something in the event of another communication breakdown. [There's the tell-tale rustling of someone looking for something.] This might be easier to demonstrate in person, actually. Are you still going to be in the library car in, uh, ten minutes?

[The ten minutes are mostly so he doesn't have to run from where he is to the library car. You never know how long it's going to take you to walk through several cars on the train.]

[adregem]

I see...I'm looking forward to it, then. Sooner than later, I suppose? [ Roland nods once. ] I'll be here indefinitely. No worries.

[ Ronan will find him in his own little cubby, surrounded by books he's borrowed from the train's existing supply. His notebooks out, writing furiously on every page. ]

[Video] Can turn this into Action or something if you'd like!

[unfavorableinstigation]

[Guess who's glad to see Roland? THIS wizard!]

I'm pretty sure if I don't volunteer, I'll be volunteered. But yeah, I'm on board.

[She might have to badger Dairine and her own silent partner into figuring out what had become of her temporospatial claudication, but aside from that she was set.]

[Video] Alright!! <3 always happy to see nitabear!!

[adregem]

[ And if anything, Roland's lightened up a little just to see Nita well and good. Especially after what they went through when Nita shared the train's memories.

Roland tries not to get into that headspace when he's working on something else. ]

...Are you sure, Nita? I'm glad for your support, you know I am. [ He trails off. Between the lines? Roland's just making sure she isn't being put up to such a task. He can't help it, can't help that he's not in the right place to offer others up for these things. Not after what he's seen; what he's decided he would do. ] You'll have our backing, regardless. Colors mean little to me if and when anyone needs help.

[Video] nitabeeeaaaar! ... Rolandbun?

[unfavorableinstigation]

I do like working with you, Roland; that's not changing.

[Nita winks.]

Having things organized for one team is one thing, but we are all on the train together, and that comes first!

[video]

[myblueskies]

Hello sir!

[A very excited looking Romeo is on the screen.] Teamwork is very important so it's really good that you thought of all these things!

[It's so much! Romeo would have never thought about all of this organisation but he's got it all sorted and knows what he needs people to do!]

I'm Romeo! I'm on blue team and I can help you! I got points! [Not as many as before, because he had spent a lot on art supplies, but he could make more, he is good at teamwork!] And I can cook too! I can make food for everyone to take on missions! And I know how to make eighteen different types of coffee, if people wanted that on missions. [Some people, Elfnein, thought coffee was a necessity.]

[video]

[adregem]

[ That...is a lot of energy for Roland, but he's not going to turn down enthusiasm from youth. Not a chance. Not even when he's half in the game and half out of it.

Plus, he recognizes that name too. But Alfredo wisely told him that reminding this kid of his past might be dangerous, so Roland doesn't mention that he already knows him by association. ]

Heh, that's quite an introduction you've got there, Romeo. I'm just Roland, you don't have to call me sir. [ He smiles. ] On behalf of everyone on the train, thank you in advance for sharing your points. And your talents in the kitchen. I didn't even know there are eighteen types of coffee...

[video]

[myblueskies]

There's much more than eighteen mister Roland but that's all the ones I know! Mister Jakob used to say it was really important to give lots and lots of choices!

[It was a long time ago than mister Jakob had taught him about coffee making and how to be a better shinki, a lot of the lessons had been a bit silly and Elfnein didn't expect him to be like Jakob at all. But he thought she liked all the coffee!]

What kind of food things would be best to make?

[fun_thementalist]

Hello there, Roland! Nice to see you again!

[ Gen's face is cheery over the ICP screen ]

I should mention, if you're looking for volunteers - especially those who can create supplies - our mutual friend, Senku, can create a variety of tools if he only has the materials to do so.

To be honest, given enough time and equipment, he can build rather complex items from scratch.

But I think tools would be most advantageous, and the most useful, especially if we're thrown out onto these missions with few resources.

[adregem]

Likewise, Gen. Are you getting used to life on the train?

[ He nods cordially at his new acquaintance, and manages a small smile in return. ]

Looks like our mutual friend really is a jack-of-all-trades. I'm not surprised. He's a talented kid. Would you know what kind of equipment he'd need to create these tools? We can order them piecemeal.

[fun_thementalist]

I have a warm place to sleep, food and clean clothes. The situation could be better - but it could be a lot worse!

[ He shrugs as he makes light of his situation, it's all fine, really, he'll complain if it's ever advantageous - to meet a different goal. ]

He's the smartest man I've ever met. And I've met quite a few people. Hm ... I should truly ask him for a shopping list, if others are willing to buy. Having only three points to my name thus far, I'm not too helpful yet!