@kuzunoha14; text then video

[the_fourteenth]

Hello. I wanted to update you all on some things.

I've been talking with LILITH about getting things together in Okinawa. Upkeeping the groves that are already here, planting new things, constructing a new greenhouse, and bringing home more fish and crab to fill our freezers. They've okayed the project, but the work with be in our hands.

I'm doing my best to research things like farming and gardening, but I have to admit that it's very much over my head. If anyone here has any experience at all with these kinds of things, your input would be invaluable. I'm completely new to all of this, but I'm trying to catch up. While studying on my own, I've also gotten advice from other sources, as well as new seeds, bulbs and other matter we can plant once the land is ready.

["Other sources" being the villagers in Romania. He doesn't really want to bring that up, though.]

What we need, besides the labor to get it all done, are those with a green thumb, those who are willing to do fishing and fighting crabs for meat, and those with any kind of construction skills to start a new greenhouse here. It doesn't need to be anything to the extent of the one in the base, just something to keep the plants safe from harmful elements and animals.

As much or as little as you can help with is appreciated either way. But, it's mostly like in all of our best interests to find more sources of fresh food for the base. Think about it: no more ration bars.

For those newer to the base, I should explain a few things. Okinawa is an island area in the very south of Japan, where the weather is mild to hot year round. LILITH has established a data portal there for easy travel. It is now devoid of human life, and the wildlife has been affected by the rift. They have been deemed safe to consume by LILITH. The fruit in the groves are oversized, and the crabs are... rather large. Bring weapons that will be good at piercing the exoskeleton of one anywhere from say, six to ten feet in size. I recommend aiming for their faces and joints.

Thank you for your time.

[There is about thirty seconds after that before the camera turns on. From Raidou's view, you're looking at a pristine beach on Okinawa and an old fishing boat. It's rusty and run down, but it's sitting on the water. Raidou speaks up, his voice a quiet and monotone one. His words are much less practiced and eloquent than what he'd just written.]

Ah. Also. I... bought this. It's what you would call a "fixer upper". The previous owner said the engine needs work, and it needs a lot of cleaning. But this way, we can do much more fishing. Nets and things. If you know anything about fishing, or engines... or want to help with a lot of scrubbing. We've got this to do too. LILITH was able to bring it here, but that's the most they had time to help with.

[Raidou has never made a video post to everyone before, and realizes he has no idea how to sign off.]

Um. Thanks.

[[OOC: Hi! Forgot to mention that this is part of a player plot I've already submitted! While it's going to take them several months, this project will be successful to the degree of keeping the base's food more stocked, but not much beyond yet. Raidou's fondest goal is to help feed the orphans and the other citizens with any surplus they're able to grow, so he plans to keep working hard for their sakes!

Enjoy not needing ration bars, Outsiders.]]

Comments

[swiftshatter]

That's how it always goes, huh. Hopefully it's an easy job! It sounds like there's plenty of people willing to help out at least.

But let me know when you head over to the island! I'll see what I can figure out in the meantime.

[the_fourteenth]

there are, which is great to see. Perhaps it's not too hard to convince people to go hang out on a warm, sunny island for awhile.

I'm over there a few days a week now, when I can find the time. As we gather together the supplies we need, there are other chores we can take care of over there in the meanwhile.

It's nice to meet you, by the way. I am Kuzunoha Raidou.

[swiftshatter]

The name's Thoma. It's nice to meet you too. Everyone here's been pretty welcoming so far...unlike the doctors that ran my tests when I woke up here. But I guess they have their own problems to deal with too.

And you're right, there's nothing like a warm, sunny island to get people out of their rooms and into a bit of healthy hard work. Plus, it sounds like there's plenty of fresh food over there for us to munch on if we need a break.

[the_fourteenth]

They are, but they could really use some better beside manners with new folks. I think the assumption is the rest of us will fill you in.

I've been here since last year, among the first group LILITH brought in. If you ever have any questions, I can't guarantee I can answer, but I'll do my best.

[swiftshatter]

Last year? That's a long time. And you haven't been able to go back at all since then?

[the_fourteenth]

Correct. I arrived in December of last year.

Do you mean go back to my home? No, I haven't.

[swiftshatter]

They really don't have...I dunno, time off to let you go back for a visit? I'd be pretty homesick if never got to go back.

[ He IS going to be homesick if he's going to be stuck here a year too. ]

[the_fourteenth]

Casual visits home are allowed, or possibly even feasible. I think this is a one-way trip. There are some who have visited home and returned here, where long periods of time pass there while almost none goes by here. This is not something that is voluntary, just like those who vanish. LILITH calls these "glitches".

[swiftshatter]

Wish they would have told us that before we showed up here. Or even asked us anything at all. But I guess it's too late to worry about that now.

At least there's a lot of us to share our misery with. And a lot of things to do, from the sounds of things.

[the_fourteenth]

Unfortunately, it's not unlike a kidnapping, though I do understand their desperation.

That is certainly true. If nothing else, we're in this together as a team.

[swiftshatter]

Haha, you're pretty good at looking on the bright side and keeping people motivated and on track. Glad we've got someone like you around.

But I'll do some digging and see what I can find out about boat repairs. Maybe we can even go further and make some improvements once we've got the thing all patched up.

[the_fourteenth]

I'm trying. I think this is important, and... Well, everyone keeps telling me I am spreading myself too thin. [THEY'RE RIGHT. HE IS. PLEASE STOP HIM.] This is an effort to get more people involved who have the right skills to make this a success. It's something I couldn't ever do alone.

I'm not sure I caught your name. I am Kuzunoha Raidou. A pleasure to meet and work with you.

[swiftshatter]

[ Raidou will be stopped, never fear! ]

You can call me Thoma. It's nice to meet you too.....all things considered, that is.

But I'm glad you're looking for help. I know a lot of people who would try and do everything by themselves if they could, only to fall sick and lose progress later. It's important to know your limits and work around them instead of push past them.

Have you been resting enough? Eating enough? What's your favorite snack? I'll make sure to bring some the next time you head over to the island.

[the_fourteenth]

[No, he absolutely isn't doing enough of those things, something that's been a big problem with Raidou for months now. When you've worked your whole life to become the soul protector of the Capital of Japan back home, you kind of feel like you have the weight of everyone and everything on your shoulders.]

Oh. Thank you, that's very kind. I'm fine with most anything sweet, but honestly it's not necessary. I'm doing alright.

[swiftshatter]

Maybe not necessary, but it's always nice to have a pick-me-up, right? Like how we don't have to eat good-tasting food to get the nutrition we need, but it's still way more enjoyable to be able to eat something you like.

But got it, I'll see what I can whip up for next time.