lusi | MINGLE 001

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MINGLE 001

MINGLE 001: FOOD, FUN, FUCKING

Guests are 'gently encouraged' by enforcer robots to gather into what appears to be a central gathering place in the middle of the settlement area. Attendance is quite mandatory. Once everyone has gathered, holographic emitters kick on and display... static. Loudspeakers tell the captive audience to prepare for an important announcement, and moments later a proper but mechanical voice chimes in:

Greetings, organisms! R̷e̶j̸o̴i̴c̷e̸, for the portents foresee a time of glorious providence! We have recorded your actions a̵n̸d̵ ̴o̸u̶r̵ ̵c̶a̵p̸a̷b̷i̴l̸i̷t̵i̶e̸s̶ ̴have upgraded accordingly! The fabricator general automata grant you a boon, and shall provide much glamorous f̷i̶x̴t̶u̶r̶e̴s̷ ̴to aid in your future acts. Frolic and make merrily, all!

To honor your contributions and celebrate your arrival, you will be invited to attend our first sultry salacious soiree. Join your fellow chosen and f̵u̶l̵f̴i̵l̸l̵ ̵y̸o̷u̶r̷ ̷f̸u̴n̴c̷t̷i̶o̶n̶!

And with that, the display ends and characters are allowed to go as they please.

Upon returning, characters now find that dormant manufacturing robots have been reactivated, and will accept requests to build certain household fixtures, i.e., bedding, couches, loveseats. Because who wants to bang on a dusty cot, right? The quality will not be high. Imagine low-end IKEA. Build quality also varies dramatically and seems to depend on how old and corrupted the machine is. (As with all things in this world, quality is improved with intimate acts.)

But what is this celebration you've been invited to? That much is simple as sin. It's a mechanically sponsored party. Of particular note to hungry newcomers will be a fully stocked banquet ample spirits and naturally, a dedicated area for an all-out orgy. It's a good old-fashioned party, Roman style!

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These are no hospital rations. This is a full-fledged feast. It's no less dangerous, though.
Naturally, the robots have seen fit to add a little bit "extra." Some offerings are entirely innocuous, while others have bevy of effects that you'll soon discover.

You may find yourself only able to speak the truth, or maybe after one bite you find yourself instantly smitten with the next person you see. Some foods incite obedience, others rebellion. And some... well, you can't have an orgy without some good, old-fashioned aphrodisiac.

The music has been modulated to change the way you think. Of course it's electro-synth, what else would robots play?

Slower music induces sleep; maybe you fall into a cuddle-puddle with some of your fellow kidnappees. Faster music encourages you to dance. And some music? That's what upstairs is for.

Speaking of upstairs, what's an orgy without the orgy? You may find yourself auspiciously able to fill your decadent A5 squares. In a large room that seems unusually renovated, as if the robots had given it special attention just for this day, a floor covered in pillows awaits the beast with two backs. No one is turned away, and those attending will get a notification from their devices that they have received... additional credits? What could this mean?

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N A V I G A T I O N

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

.... Honestly. You are too blunt with your desires.

As with all things: I will consider it. I am not a patient man, however, so ask meaningful questions, and I'll pick a square from your card.

[ blunt like the lance that he bears. maybe it's youth, maybe it's inexperience, maybe it's the privilege of being royalty that he can see in his bearing. it is .... very familiar, and although lelouch might perceive it as mocking, it is anything but; really, he's hit with nostalgia more than anything else, despite the mask and the voice. vidar laughs. it sounds like the rattling of iron against hot pavement with that autotuned voice. he is much taller, so he can afford the privilege of looking down and acknowledging the little lord that has suddenly made his presence so visible before him. ]

But if you want information about this world, I will give it to you freely.

In that regard, there is no debt to speak of, because I don't recognize it as such to begin with. I understand your pride, but keep it for the things that matter.

I see. Then I'll start with your circumstances and go from there.

[ More like not blunt enough, if they still need to talk about this in a way that's somewhat contrived, somewhat demeaning? Lelouch's attitude is so testy and prone to rile sometimes, haughty as they come, and all the vindictive pique or charisma in the world can't help him overcome the conceitedness.

His grip over his own self-restraint is so unsteady sometimes, especially now when gazing up, but it helps to put things into perspective that he has nothing left his life. Not even his life, forfeited over well before he arrived.

His gaze also keeps trailing to the pen still in Vidar's hand for obvious, obvious reasons. ]

Do you know by a man by the name of McGillis Fareed?

[ He can be even blunter. Possibly, is Vidar this man? Probably not. Though the height is somewhat reminiscent, that's where the similarity begins and ends. Lelouch's memories of that party are disjointed, fuzzy around the edges, but he remembers tracing his fingers over the seven stars on that lapel while halfway out of his own mind, so it bears mentioning. ]

[ well, it's bound to come up sometime soon. to his credit, vidar doesn't even blink when the name is mentioned. but he spins the pen in his fingers, carefully considering how best to answer that as he gives a thoughtful hum. ]

The Brigadier General.

We work for the same organization, though he commands a different fleet.

Edited 2020-06-03 01:26 (UTC)

[ Good thing Lelouch literally can't see beneath that mask. His eyes casually follow the line of movement offered by the pen. ]

And what organization would that be?

[ He already knows; McGillis told him himself, so this is just confirmation if they're either liars, truth-tellers, or work on a basis similar to the relationship he and Suzaku share.]

That'd be Gjallarhorn.

[ though he strongly doubts mcgillis didn't mention that even once, considering how he is, so he deduces that lelouch is just confirming claims. he wonders what mcgillis has told him.

that being said, this line of questioning is interesting to him, so vidar will allow it, until he thinks lelouch should stop playing the game. ]

[ Irreverence spills into the bluff that Lelouch calls. If bluntness is required, then he'll do what's necessary, as his ambition compels. ]

For what purpose? You mentioned a fleet, but nothing of the designation.

[ Air Force, naval, military, an institution that'd liken itself to the Black Knights. Avoidance hints at unwillingness or intentional deflection, an aspect he presses on as he might exacerbate an injury. ]

Brigadier-General Fareed commandeers the Outer Earth Orbit Regulatory Joint Fleet, a fleet that guards Earth against any threats that may enter its atmosphere.

[ and also, hilariously seen as inept compared to the fleet that vidar works for. ]

[ All of this incredibly world-specific jargon goes right over his head. Understanding each word individually doesn't help him when altogether it begins to sound like gibberish. ]

So you safeguard the Earth from... meteors? [ His voice sounds so implacably flat. ] Do you both work from space?

[ Looks like NASA has been incredibly busy since he's been dead. Lelouch doesn't remember asteroid-blasting being a part of an astronauts's job requisites, but he wasn't expecting to end up on sex island either, so. ]

[ that makes him laugh. ]

Alright, let me explain.

Gjallarhorn has three main spheres of influence: the moon, Mars, and Earth, including the space colonies in between.

Not everyone, of course, gets along. We are all tasked differently depending on which sphere we're assigned to.

The Brigadier-General divides his time in all three spheres, because he's a busy man.

For myself, I belong to the Arianrhod fleet. It is an elite moon-based unit tasked with intercepting any threats to the Earth Sphere. It is also involved in the day to day monitoring of the various space colonies and keeping the peace within them.

Edited 2020-06-03 21:19 (UTC)

[ So much of it is difficult to take in.

As always, he isn't quick to believe at all, but if given irrefutable proof he'd fold, mostly because an overly elaborate pretense requires more to prove. As his father's demonstrated time and time again, lies operate best as a reminiscence of the truth, never as something formed in isolation. None of this is verifiable, but none of it immediately strikes him as a falsehood, either.

He could frame his next question around the juggernaut of the powers of a peace-keeping schema, the delicate trifecta of the celestial planets above, all of it affairs he'll never be able to involve himself in. ]

What was space like?

[ Not a substantial or particularly profound question. Just the idle curiosity of how it must feel to be close enough to behold the stars, unmoored by gravity, floating along in the darkness of something that may as well have been eternity. ]

Cold. Dark. Lots of debris.

[ not very interesting, and vidar isn't a romantic, though perhaps, once upon a time, gaelio might think it pretty. ]

[ So unromantic. Here's this question, courtesy of Lelouch's bluntness: ]

How would you define your relationship with the Brigadier General?

[Even more unromantic, but also intrusive and completely out of left field. He's a busy man says a lot without having to say anything. Lelouch can fill in the blanks from there. ]

[ vidar gives him a strained pause.

it'd be easier to run away.

the way he flips that pen in his fingers doesn't stop, but behind the mask, his facial expression sours and turns into something ugly. how should he describe it? complicated doesn't even cover it.

but he can already see mcgillis' face the moment it gets passed onto him that vidar, the great vidar who is completely able to wreck him and ruin his day, ran away from a stranger's perfectly reasonable question, given their shared backgrounds. and shared backgrounds is a perfectly reasonable way of explaining things. more than that, there is a competitive streak in him remaining as gaelio bauduin that would not allow mcgillis to have the upper hand in these kinds of scenarios, at all.

so all he says is, ]

... the Arianrhod fleet is traditionally noted as being more efficient than the fleets of the Outer Sphere.

This is because in general, within Gjallarhorn, the Outer Earth Orbit Regulatory Joint Fleet is viewed as redundant, and unnecessary in its function, considering The Arianrhod fleet's rapid response time and general success in eliminating threats to begin with.

That being said, once he was assigned as commander of that fleet, they have definitely transformed into a more competent fighting force. He has that ability.

So, to answer that: we work with each other, and have similar spheres of interest. Both of us have extensive combat experience, though he is the better pilot. The Brigadier General's rise is unprecedented back in our world. He is a very tactical, ambitious man, capable of scouting exceptional talent and bringing out loyalty and devotion from the people who work for him. He reforms and shapes units to fulfill his vision of order. As his work ethic is exceptional, you can imagine the kind of people he commands. I'd say they're lucky, but who knows. You're certainly not using your vacation days when you work for the Brigadier General, or so I heard.

In general, Gjallarhorn, as keepers of peace and order, doesn't like surprises at all. [ a wry smile, though it's not seen behind the mask, vidar tilts his head like a bird of prey. ] Then again, that's why the Arianrhod fleet exists -- to eliminate threats before they even begin to make themselves known.

You have one more question left. [ vidar is going to put a stop on this, gently, before it turns into a disaster, though he'd argue he'd been more than fair to mcgillis despite any and all conflicting feelings regarding the man. also because he already knows how mcgillis would respond to having been found out like this, and forcing his hand to be equally magnanimous in a place where it doesn't even count is hilarious to vidar. ]

Edited 2020-06-04 13:46 (UTC)

[ Surprises are the bane of Gjallarhorn's existence, evidently. So leveraging information is perhaps the most ugly of Lelouch's skillset in turn. Those he can't persuade with his conviction alone, he invariably blackmails.

The monologue he's treated to is strange, tilted as it is into emotionlessness but with passion still coming through. But it's more than suitable for his needs as far as charisma and a disparity between what Vidar says and how he frames even his praise of McGillis Fareed is concerned. As long as Suzaku doesn't show all of their cards at once, they've got the upper hand. Neither of them can be extorted if they're in a position that holds anyone with the means of conquest firmly in check. This game, for now, is done.

Both of us have extensive combat experience, though he is the better pilot.

Thanks, Vidar. ]

I'll save it. [ Lelouch says it with the same distance and caution he'd exuded at the very beginning of their conversation, each word a struck chord. ] I'm taken with you, so I'd appreciate a reason to talk with you again. You can contact me here.

[ Lelouch flashes his bracelet to display his username, the glint of the metal catching the light. ]

This is just a recommendation, but avoid revealing anything too damning over the line. Sharing details on this world is best kept in-person until we know what we're working against. [ Ever the cooperative air. That said, Lelouch will extend his hand for the pen and that card. Time to fulfill what he owes Vidar. ] For now, show me what you'd like me to do.

[ He'll do anything for a cheap ballpoint that also happens to write in blue. What a sad state of affairs. ]

Taken with me, huh.

Well, there are worse people you can be with.

[ such as certain brigadier generals, for that matter.

he does give a thoughtful hum at lelouch saving his question, because he thinks it's prudent to do so. there are many ways that line of questioning could've gone down after his response, and vidar can predict how well or badly he'll answer them in turn. he makes a note to remember Lelouch's username, after, nodding: ] Your suggestion is noted. You can find me under "Vidar" on the network.

[ he feels no need to modify it since it's not his real name, anyhow.

after that, he hands him his pen, and shows him the card. ]

How's your discipline?

As this will be transactional, I'm not really interested in anything strenuous. But I can guide you through if need be.

[ Yeah, how about that.

Lelouch scans a bingo card that matches his in depravity, fully expecting some truly lascivious request. But it's so tame, if incredibly unfitting, given that he's lived his life in opposition to such a tenet. Still, it's something he'd asked for, and straightening, his voice stays brisk. ]

I'm the worst person to ask, but I don't have any complaints.

[ Here's the kicker: ]

You will need to guide me through it. I only have a rudimentary idea of what this would entail. [ Though he's just as haughty and irreverent as always, sliding the pen into his pocket. ] Would you mind if we take this to a private venue?

[ As much as he'd love to be seen debasing himself on a rooftop, Lelouch's modesty drives him to these absurd lengths, asking for discretion in all things. Please understand. ]

Edited 2020-06-05 01:13 (UTC)

Are you? Well, if nothing else -- we'll make it interesting.

[ such haughtiness. but there's no hesitation on it, and vidar just regards him carefully as he takes in his request. privacy is fine, not everyone can be as shameless as he'd been in the orgy anyway. ]

Do you have a place in mind?

So that's the game we're playing.

[ Helps to phrase it like that, like this is some kind of idle diversion. His ascent from death itself hasn't cured him of his fussiness. Lelouch is antsy to move, antsier to turn. ]

No. Further into this building is fine, if you have no preference.

[ He'll lead the way in himself. The building is as gutted and decrepit as everything else in this place, barring any signs of life. The silhouette his figure casts standing in the center of the room is a morose one. ]

[ he'll follow. if he hadn't been here in this building he'd think he was out to get him killed. that's still a possibility, but all the same, they're only here for sex. it's just a terrible place to be with someone. and outside of the effects of the party, establishing a mood is a lot more difficult than it is.

no matter. they'll just have to make do.

vidar sits on one of the robots' ikea chairs, flimsy and looking like it'll barely support his weight, let alone two, though lelouch doesn't look like he's got enough meat in him. he takes off his mask --

-- it is not a disappointing face. though much older, and with scars all over, vidar offers him a genial smile in a charming tone. ]

Come on over, then.

[ No preeminent plans to disable Vidar with his gun remain; he has only one full clip, and nothing more. They've reconciled, otherwise, and there's no need to shoot someone who's so willing to assist him with information-gathering. But glancing back in Vidar's direction, he's taken aback by the scar.

It's so bright where it overtakes his face, vicious and marring in its own right, and Lelouch is frozen in place for all of a moment. Then he steps close; skinny as a rail, a little sallow-faced as always. Sleepless as well, but then he's always been an insomniac by nature. ]

What should I... ?

[ Despite all the atrocities he's wrought, he really is just a boy, gazing uncertainly between the chair Vidar's lounging on and the ground. Is he supposed to bring over another seat? ]

[ ah, so instruction's begun.

vidar extends a hand to him, very much inviting the little lord to come closer. his voice is soft and gentle as he takes his hand. ]

The basics of it are the same -- you've seen it, doubtless, in a hundred thousand films and shows. We begin with a kiss, and move on from there.

I won't claim to be an expert, but I promise I'll take it slow with you. Anytime you want to stop, just let me know.

[ onto his lap, then. like a good little lord. ]

Edited 2020-06-06 03:02 (UTC)

[ Clearly there's been some severe mismatch as far as how either of them define discipline. What is this. ]

I know full well what a kiss entails.

[ His voice is that much more sullen. The pitfalls of youth. Lelouch is attempting desperately to recall the girls that've kissed him while he was alive and those that came after, but all of them were provoking or provoked. Nothing that came with the exactness of permission. There's nothing he can compare this toward, lowering himself to sit on his lap.

Rather than scald himself further under the hot recriminatory sun known as judgment, he leans in and takes Vidar's lips for himself. It's a fumbling, inelegant, even chaste move on his part, noses briefly brushing; Lelouch is a supremely bad kisser, but he doesn't lack in initiative, eyes closed and face tipped to one side to better frame their mouths together. ]

[ vidar smiles at just how awkward he fumbles that.

he lets him do it for a heartbeat until he stops him, gently, by tilting his chin back and pressing his thumb against his mouth. ]

Let me take the lead. Then follow.

[ he holds him on his waist, pulling him flush against his body. vidar leans up and kisses him -- soft, slow, heated, conducting himself with restraint as he relishes him in all intimacy. he kisses him in a way that would make him feel he's his lover. he's considerate and allows lelouch to to kiss back, but for the most part, vidar takes control.

against his mouth, vidar murmurs, ] Try.

[ The disparity between them is nerve-wracking, indulgently gnawing away at him as far as it concerns experience. Dying a virgin tends to instigate that sort of awful, moody overreaction. But beneath every minor slight is a consolation, and his teeth audibly click together when Vidar pulls back enough to kiss his words again.

Relenting to one short, choppy nod when he doesn't trust himself to speak— jarred slightly as he reorients himself on his lap— Lelouch leans in again, fingers firm about Vidar's shoulders.

This time around he's slower with his trespasses, a facsimile of what's been demonstrated. It's a liplock distinctly the work of an amateur, but there's more of himself this time around: more finicky, more obliging. A concerted effort on his part to quell the anxiousness spilling its way down his spine. ]

[ better. could be better, but a lot better than his earlier efforts, and for that vidar praises him with the way his hands greedily touch from his waist down to his thigh, shifting from top to the inner thigh and back and up to his waist, keeping him still. lelouch will quickly figure out what the rule of the game is: move, but only when told. take, and copy. vidar is a quiet mentor, patient with his faults, and where lelouch is good he he gets rewarded well, and when he does badly, vidar corrects it.

vidar breaks their kiss, still holding onto his chin to murmur, ] Part your lips slightly -- let me taste you.

[ he'll take him through it, one onslaught to another, and if his anxiety has rendered him mute, well, vidar is only patient enough and relentless enough to break that silence with his mouth, coaxing lelouch to give in. ]

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