expiationlogs | OPEN MINGLE ✤ GOLDEN WEEK PICNIC

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OPEN MINGLE ✤ GOLDEN WEEK PICNIC

Who: Everyone!
Where: One of Aldrip's garden areas
What: A simple barbecue picnic meant as a welcome to newcomers and a chance to relax for the Chosen veterans.
Warnings: None for the general prompts and themes of the log! If your thread goes places, be sure to include warnings in the subject line!

1. In full bloom

With the spring in full swing now, it's a perfect chance to stop and take a look at the flora that Aldrip has to offer. The park area might not be the most well-tended greenery spot out there, but it's still a nice place to spend some time at. Like promised, Mitama has brought and set up multiple blankets, and there are even several hammocks hanging between the trees. Anyone is welcome to sit down, have a meal, chat with others or even take a nap ─ how you want to spend the time here is entirely up to you! Overall, you'll find some lovely scenery here, with flowers blooming and sun shining. What better place to have a picnic at?

Of course, the pretty sights might start causing some trouble once the pollen is taken into account...

2. Food for thought

Now, for the real reason you've all come here: free food! There are several tables, barbecues, and even a fire pit set up for all your picnic needs. That includes both ingredients, in case the last month's cooking adventures weren't enough for you, as well as pre-made dishes for everyone to enjoy! Some of them are store-bought, but others look a little... suspicious. They look more or less like they're supposed to, but the colors, the texture and the choice of flavor combinations are... questionable, to say the least. That's right, Miss Coordinator herself has decided to double-down after her lack of success in the competition last month and brought something... new and exciting to the table. We're talking absolutely smashing offerings, such as sausages with peanut butter and raspberry jam, rice balls stuffed with tuna and chocolate, and the exclusive mustard and banana pancakes. If any poor soul feels brave enough to try them, they're free to do so, but those who prefer to survive this picnic are recommended to pick something else.

Some simple utensils are provided, too, along with drinks ─ but sadly no alcohol, you're gonna have to bring that yourselves.

3. It's all fun and games

But what's a picnic without some entertainment? Aside from food, some tables also feature a selection of books, chess and board games to engage all you nerds─ I mean, intellectual types. For those who'd prefer to take advantage of the sunny weather to spend their time in a more active way, there's a small variety of sports equipment (think dodgeball, soccer, jumping rope, maybe even baseball if you want to get fancy) available to get you moving!

All of the equipment is provided free of charge (gasp), but there are notes asking to take care of it properly and make sure it remains usable and available for other people. So please don't get any silly ideas about those baseball bats. Miss Coordinator will know.

wildcard

Got any other ideas? Want some more activities? Go wild! The above are just suggestions, but as this is meant to be a mingle for everyone, you can come up with anything you'd like.

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[ Look, he's used to nerding out with the Professional Nerds, AKA the nerds stupid enough to sign up for life on a Starship, but Jim knows as well as anyone that the average person isn't signing up for that kind of word vomit. But maybe she'll really love the game - or perhaps, simply give him an opening he can't resist.

Like that, actually, and his eyes light up with amusement. ] You know, it's funny - chess is a strategic game, with perfect information. That means - no dice rolls, no elements of chance or hidden rules, right?

But real feudal society, [ Jim gestures widely to the board, their two courts at opposite sides. ] Didn't work like that. Lies, deception, all part of it, right, of keeping power.

The king, [ He taps the piece absently again, propping his chin in his other hand. ] He can only do so much, because he has hard power. The ability to enforce economic sanctions, military power, shows of force which, in excess, prove ineffective. But the Queen - she has soft power. The ability to meet in secret, to gain access where others can't.

Those who underestimate their queen, [ Jim shrugs, resetting the pieces all back to their original positions. ] They don't play a very good game, then or now.

[Caitlyn raises an eyebrow as Jim launches into his explanation, but honestly, it just makes her more intrigued by it all. She also appreciates the knowledge that he shares, about the game and society.]

It seems you've put a lot of thought into this.

[But that seems to be the point. It's all strategy. Making the right moves, blocking off the other player's pieces, even sacrificing pieces for the right play. She's interested, most definitely.]

Bit of a bookworm. [ He's used to a raised eyebrow or two, hell, maybe it even makes him feel a bit at home. Useless bits of trivia are a welcome outlet to the rest of the stuff he has to store up there. ] And resident chess enthusiast.

Back home, there's an advanced version of this call three-dimensional chess. [ Jim gestures for Caitlyn to play her opening, if she wants to try a round. ] It's a board with different levels. But there's something to be said for the classics.

Nice to see not everyone here are morons that act without thinking. [It's refreshing!! Not that she hasn't met other smart and well educated people, but it does seem like there's quite the number of impulsive and reckless people.

When he mentions the 3D version, she can't help but chuckle nervously.]

Let's see how I do with this classic version first. [Since he gestured for her to begin, she peered at the board for a moment, before moving her first pawn forward to D4.]

Ah, well. Don't speak too soon. [ Jim shoots her a lazy grin, the kind he usually reserves for convincing Bones to go along with one harebrained scheme or another. Usually involving ill-advised drinking practices and/or the kinds of stupid stunts one could only conceive of when drunk.

But in practicality, yes, Jim's far less likely to fly off the handle than some of the people around town...mostly because most of the people Jim's met are teenagers. He remembers what that was like, and his impulse control was shot.

Jim props his chin in his hand, shifting the line of his body to angle towards the board, paying more attention as they engage. He takes his move - knight to F6 - to begin a Nimzo-Indian defense. ] I like the classic version, though 3D is more suited to a misdirection style of play.

You're spending your free time practicing strategy. That's loads better than most of the people here. [But she can reserve further judgement for when all hell breaks loose around here again. That's when people seemed to show their true colors.

As for the chess game, Caitlyn gives it her best shot. She was still trying to make sense of all the rules, and clarifies things with him several times, but ultimately, he does come out on top-- and yet, she's still pleased.]

That was rather enjoyable. I can see how it's lasted so long, in your world. [shhhh she absolutely wants to play more but she's gonna be cool about it and not ask or beg.]

Seems like I'm in good company, then. [ Yeah, Jim's heard about...everything. He can't say he's looking forward to the next act of domestic terrorism (and he's sure there will be a next one, unfortunately.)

The chess game is fun, if unfair. Jim does his best to temper his own skill against that of a beginner, but he is, ultimately, a giant nerd with a chess rating that by all accounts should indicate he has no social life at all. ]

You picked it up quick! I didn't see that early bishop take coming. [ Jim offers the praise freely, rearranging the pieces back into position for whomever might sit at the table after they were finished. ] Love that it's a game that can still surprise, every time.

If you ever want a rematch, let me know. Can't go around wasting good chess partners where I can find 'em. [ Jim smiles, reaching down to ruffle Bones' ears. ] If you're ever around the club building, I'm sure we can rustle up a set, too. I've been in the STEM room most days.

I honestly was just winging it. But yes, it was surprising. [She was very excited that she pulled that move over on him! She wasn't even sure if it would work, or that she was even doing it correctly, but she was proud of herself for trying.]

I'll hold you to that. [Which means she needs to practice and read up on how to play better, so she's a bit more prepared for the next round. She'll be a much better opponent next time!]

STEM? What's STEM? [She might have brains, but she is not a scientist. She has listened to Jayce ramble enough that she can follow it somewhat, at least.]

That's half the fun. [ It's one of his favorite things to do, switching up tactics mid-match or throwing shit at the wall to see what sticks. ] Flying by the seat of your pants can work really well when you're playing against someone entrenched in a specific strategy.

[ Spock is certainly a prime example of this, and Jim plays his best matches when he's just aiming for maximum confusion. ]

Oh, it's one of the clubs at the club building, downtown? We're next to the music club. [ Jim doesn't have any of Peter's flyers on him, God bless. ] Stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. If you have any kind of tech problem - maybe something from your world that doesn't work right here in Aldrip, for example - we try to help where we can.

Hopefully next time, I'll be a bit more prepared. [Normally, Caitlyn likes to plan better. But flying by the seat of her pants has been coming more and more common for her, especially around here.]

Oh. That sounds like something a friend of mine would like. [Jayce might not be in Aldrip, thank the gods, but all these science minded people always make her think of him. She misses her friend.]

He isn't here, but. He's a scientist. I'm sure he would love your group. But without him, I'm...definitely lacking in help. The technology here is beyond what I've ever seen before. It's been a struggle to adjust, at times.

I look forward to our rematch.

[ The reminder of those they left behind is unavoidable, but something sad softens in Jim's expression despite his best efforts not to allow it. Much as he's glad others aren't stuck here...he can't help but miss them. Hence the dog with the not-so-unique moniker snoozing at his feet. ]

I've been teaching some stuff at the club. Code, basic tech literacy. People have been taken from all over, it can be a lot to get used to. You're welcome to join, if you like. [ Claude had mentioned a passing interest as well, and Peter had enough enthusiasm to power a small city. ]

Likewise.

[Caitlyn's torn over the same thing. If they're here, she can watch them, protect them, and know if they're okay. The wondering and waiting to get back home to make sure everything and everyone was alright was what made her craziest about this place.]

I'll think about it. It sounds useful. I'm sure I'm not the only one that could benefit from that help.

[ Was there even a home to get back to? Was their existence real, or just a blip in a machine they had no control over? Thoughts like that were bound to drive a person mad, but one couldn't help but think them. ]

It can be. Whatever you want to know, happy to help. [ Depends on what she's using it for, but even just functioning in this place might require certain knowledge. ] If you come across anyone who might be interested, feel free to send them my way.

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OPEN MINGLE ✤ GOLDEN WEEK PICNIC

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