june 2020. welcome to the void.

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Redshift: Welcome to the v͖͕̺̲̘̱̜͎o̴̦̣̠̦̘̹͞i̯̖d̛̪̬͈̱̦̝͍̕.

▶ Click here to read what characters will experience when arriving in Anchor.

▶ All TDM threads can be considered game canon, and current players are welcome to either top-level on the TDM so prospective players can tag them, or use the prompts for logs or network posts on the communities. All threads on the TDM can be used for Activity Check.

a. welcome to paradise.

What at first appears to be an odd glint in the sky over Anchor slowly broadens and brightens into a truly enormous...cruise ship? Yes, that's a cruise ship, and it's coming down to rest just outside of Anchor's exit doors. The ground shakes as it lands. A bubble forms over the ship and connects to Anchor's exit, and there's no two ways about it: the ship comes with its own radiation shield.

This sucker puts the Titanic to shame. Nearly as long as Anchor is wide, it's more like a floating city than the cruise ship it resembles. Little satellite ships hover and dart around it, occupied by alien lifeforms with too many arms to quite fit the Hawaiian print shirts that they're wearing.

The Daisy Darling Interdimensional Cruise Barge has come to Anchor.

b. anchors away!

And it's quite accessible to residents of Anchor. In fact, the people (of every shape, size, and coloration that can't be considered human) on board will be delighted to host the creatures they've been watching for the past few months as they orbited the planet. Not only will Anchorites find themselves accosted for photos, but they can also find figurines, keychains, and small novelty items of themselves in almost every knick-knack store on the promenade deck. The souvenir shops will also come heavily stocked with red shift-themed items, including toys and decorations featuring some of the monsters that have appeared from the wastes. You always wanted a slinky sand worm, didn't you?

Anyone who can sing, dance, play music, or otherwise perform will be encouraged to do so and showered with gifts - both useful and useless - by the vacationers. Have an instrument, or a good voice? Go busking! Sell your art, give lectures about your home worlds, teach salsa dancing. The vacationers are just waiting to give you money for helping them have a good time.

There's an alien casino, with machines both familiar and very very not. It's a rollicking place with neon signs, free-flowing drinks, and even more free-flowing money. You might not have any use for alien currency in Anchor itself, but it couldn't hurt to check out the shops with a little extra cash from the poker tables, could it? At one side is an all-you-can-eat buffet of everything under the sun, from alien fruit and vegetable platters to...is that a whole giant squid? I never knew they came in quite that color...

You can sneak around the casino without too much effort, stealing from pockets, tables, and platters, but that could get you caught and thrown in the brig, which. Well. We'll get to that, but you don't really want to go there.

The uppermost level of the ship is a beach and water park. There's sand, palm trees, a wave pool, water slides, and a lazy river with inner tubes big enough to support even the heftiest alien. Oh, and a regular old pool, over there. Where all the old aliens are hanging out and playing hover-shuffle-board. Swimming gear is required in this area, but not to worry! There’s an automated booth that will supply you with just the suit you need.

In addition to these places, there's a whole ship to explore, with all the amenities a weary traveler could want. A spa (manned by real (alien) people!), jacuzzis, restaurants that actually function with food the bold can actually eat, clothing stores (though not much of it is designed with humans in mind), deck chairs on sunny promenades, gardens full of alien flowers, and an enormous library filled with books that are checked out based on the honor system. So, y'know. Be honorable. Or something.

c. the first rule of daisy darling.

For those unentertained by the above-board offerings of the upper decks, there's the ship’s more hidden amenities. A fight club filled with creatures of every shape, size, and level of power. A drug den with everything from euphoria-inducing cigarettes to hallucination-causing body paints. A thriving black market, though the offerings are comparatively innocent - bootlegged episodes of Anchors Away, mostly. What's that? Oh, just the reality show of your lives over the past six months. Let's hope no one comes across any awkward vids showing things you don't want people to know about.

Attached to the fight club is the brig. Can you see where this is going? People who get caught breaking the rules on the Daisy Darling can expect to face the music by being put opposite some of the ships more powerful monsters, or its more powerful and reckless vacationers. Who wouldn't love to test themselves against a giant robot or an honest-to-god cowboy? Don't worry! If you get too badly hurt, there's a repair suite on the medical level that can fix up almost any injury. Just don't die before you get there.

If anyone asks about staying on board, escaping the planet with the ship, or tries to convince an alien to help them stow away, they'll be told it goes against both the prime directive and the Daisy's petting zoo rules. Try to stow away on your own? Well, if you're lucky, you'll get caught by a benevolent guard and booted back to Anchor. If you're unlucky, get those boxing gloves ready, because you're headed for the brig.

d. the network.

Need to get hold of someone, call for help, ask the city at large a question? Need to ask a friend to back you up and tag team in the fight club? Maybe you need to hold your sat phone up to whatever crazy thing you're seeing and send out a recording to double-check if your eyes are deceiving you and what you're looking at is real?

Whatever the reason, the network is going strong, so feel free to include a post to it in your top-levels.

Navigation.

Comments

[tsuyoi_ame]

Damn, why did he not think of that, too late now since the other is free from the sand. Next time, if he can get away with burying Gokudera in sand a second time of course. He is bound to try should the opportunity arise.

When the shells stop flying he has a little cut beneath the edges of one of his bandages. Other than that he is no worse for wear and still grinning as he swings Shigure Kintoki back over his shoulder, using his fingers to knock some loose sand and small shells free. Jiro grins up at the praise, clearly as happy go lucky as his boy.

"The mermaid is free!" Yamamoto chokes now that Gokudera is free he should have picked a better word but he is having a be lame moment okay.

[bakudan_bambino]

Too bad so sad!

Gokudera doesn't pay any damage he could have caused much mind. The dog is helping him, so of course, that's where his attention is pointed. Fluffy smiley dog, you are getting an ear rub before Gokudera's back to acting irritated.

"Tch! That's Merman to you!" But honestly... who just lets their child pile sand on a stranger?

[tsuyoi_ame]

There will come another chance, he has faith!

Neither does Yamamoto honestly, it was all in good fun and he enjoyed it. Meanwhile, that pup will lean into the ear rub with a woof toward his boy as if to say ha or just get his attention because he can.

"Merman. It sounds like a comic book character." The word gets another laugh from Yamamoto. Who knows, but lucky for Yamamoto and the kid, he found the two people guaranteed not to hurt him on the beach, right?

[bakudan_bambino]

Nope the moment is gone forever. Merman Gokudera is so rare that it's just going to have to be a tall tale Yamamoto tells the rest of the family. No one will believe him.

"Sh!" Gokudera grins and extends his other hand to rub both ears and that is some thick fur! He wonders if Jiro is secretly very thin under it all... he's probably light. "You want something?" He rubs down the dog's sides, sending fur about and chuckling at how he kind of looks like a toasted marshmallow.

"No. Don't you know anything about merfolk? Mermaids are maidens, and mermen are men."

Get your facts straight, Yamamoto!

[tsuyoi_ame]

Oh yes, they will! Or at least Ryohei, maybe Tsuna, Hibari well Yamamoto probably won't bother to tell him. It's not like he would care and Lambo would turn it into a nickname. The only one who may not tease him is Chrome and he knows it.


Nope, the toasted marshmallow is just happy to be out, about, and petted. He is as happy and calm as his owner. There is little doubt that the pair reflect each other as a furry head bumps itself into Gokudera's leg, wiggling in happiness at sides being rubbed. He is light enough for Yamamoto to carry him on his shoulders and head when needed. But solid enough to be a good battle companion.

"Really? I never read anything about mermaids. Makes sense."

Never! Okay, maybe, someday. For now, he is going to stand there with a derpy smile and a sparrow landing on top of his head. So yeah. There.

[bakudan_bambino]

Lambo would probably do his best to recreate a mermaid Gokudera. They could believe Yamamoto, but Gokudera will vehemently deny it.

"You saved me!" Gokudera says, voice lilting affectionately as he stops rubbing and pats Jiro gently. The dog feels like a pillow and isn't as excitable as most. Toasted marshmallow dog-shaped pillow! Honestly, Gokudera loves animals too much. He's almost cooing before he stands up and brushes the sand from his pants.

"I don't know if they're real... but I bet if they are, they're smart enough to stay away from humans." Maybe there are alien mermaids in the water? Gokudera seems a bit excited.

[tsuyoi_ame]

This would be the best thing to catch on camera, bombs and grenades are bound to be involved. What a lively group.


Jiro never says no to affection and boy oh boy does Gokudera give good affection. Yamamoto is no slacker in that department either but the pup will just enjoy the attentions of Gokudera as if he needs them, not just enjoys them. Yamamoto smiles watching the two of them, his friend and his companion both happy does the same for him. It's moments like these they fight for and it's a nice reminder to have. Who doesn't love animals? Only a monster wouldn't, even Hibari likes animals. Small ones, that are not cats, probably dogs and more feathered or hedgehoggy but still.

He turns his head to look over his shoulder at the water behind him, a thoughtful expression on his face as he muses "Good thing we didn't grab any by the tail while we were out there." Though his eyes say that would be pretty amazing, if maybe a little dangerous.

[bakudan_bambino]

It would happen and be complete Vongola antics.

He's not much of a dog person, but this guy isn't too eager or invasive. That, and Gokudera's the one earning that attention. His Uri gets along (tolerates) both the dog and sparrow. So they are a reflection of himself. Why Uri was so drawn to Hibari, Gokudera will never understand. The kitten is so cute! Kind of stupid... but definitely cute. With a smile, he stops petting the box weapon and stretches. Yikes that sand did not feel good.

"Or get our tails grabbed," Gokudera says with a shrug.

[tsuyoi_ame]

A thing of beauty.


Dogs are the best in Yamamoto's opinion, though he is fairly fond of birds too and cats. For Yamamoto animals are like people, he does not find many he can't find some way to like or get along with. The pup is content to let Gokudera stop, he plops down on the sand, never mind that he may be leaning a little into the bomber's leg, it's there after all, watching Yamamoto as if amused with what comes next.

"Eh, our tail?" He may be too relaxed, the sharper side of his brain sleeping, content, feeling safe, who knows but as it stands he turns his head and hips, attempting to check and make sure he did not sprout a tail since being on Anchor. It would be up there with the strangest things to happen today but not unexpected? It's an anything can happen kind of day.

[bakudan_bambino]

There's the comfort of being support for those around you, and then there's the comfort of literally supporting a dog with your leg. It's nice, and he's not inclined to move away.

"Or ankles. Whatever. Just mean I'm happy a mermaid didn't swim up and try to grab either of us." Maybe the water they were in was too shallow for mermaids. Gokudera chuckles at watching Yamamoto checking himself for a tail. He wasn't being literal!

[tsuyoi_ame]

Good thing for Gokudera then, Jiro is more than happy to stay that way, looking in between the two and content to just be out and about. Dogs really can be as simple as Yamamoto, couple pats on the head and they don't ask for much.


"Oh.." He looks relieved, then he chuckles at himself "I thought maybe something weird in the water made me grow a tail. I'm glad." Maybe a tail could be kind of cool but he doesn't think he'd want a fishy one. Maybe one like Jiro's or a really super long one that could be used as a sword. Excuse him, he'll be over here in imagination land now.

[bakudan_bambino]

It's nice to not have to deal with the demands on his own box weapon. Uri is... for the most part, napping in his box and quiet as ever. Once Gokudera lets the kitten out, it'll want to go everywhere and explore everything, so he'll let it out in smaller spaces first.

"I'm sure if you suddenly had a tail, you'd know." He'd hope he'd be able to feel something like that.

[tsuyoi_ame]

"Probably, unless it was really small." That had not occurred to him, he is going to brush his hands back there to be sure. It may not be that he believes it so much as it is fun to let go and be goofy. The world gets serious enough as it is and he is enjoying himself, checking for this hypothetical tail.

Then he gives a thumbs up.

"All clear."

[bakudan_bambino]

"You'd definitely know-" He says and watches the other, almost recoiling at how ridiculous it is when the other boy checks to make double sure there is no tail.

"Obviously!"

Weirdo.

[tsuyoi_ame]

Yamamoto can not help but laugh again, the sound gets Jiro and the pup turns, nudging Gokudera's leg before running to the swordsman. Yamamoto crouches down, ruffling fur as the pup props paws on his shoulders, nose nuzzling into his head.

"I think he found it funny." He looks up from his stuck under pup position at his friend. Neither has said it, but this is a rare thing. Peace, fun, no random training, no random attacks. Too bad, this ship will have to leave or at least he assumes as much.

[bakudan_bambino]

Gokudera looks down at the dog as it nudges him, but seems content enough at this, shaking his head while his expression was almost fond.

"What, that you were looking for a tail you didn't have?"

[tsuyoi_ame]

The pup finally settles down, Yamamoto nods his head, scratching behind ears that are no longer too high for him to reach as he settles back down on the sand. He did not expect to feel this relaxed after arriving here but right this moment, he is feeling good. If he does miss everyone and thinks they'd love being here too on the beach together.

"Sure, why not?" What's wrong with it, at least he made sure he didn't have one, right?

[bakudan_bambino]

Gokudera is very relaxed. He has familiar company, a full stomach, and he's even taken a small nap. The last time he was so content, he was back home.

"Maybe he wants you to have a tail?"

[tsuyoi_ame]

Yamamoto's eyes go wide, his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. "Oh you think so?" He turns to Jiro, fixing the pup with a serious look. Yamamoto takes a finger and shakes it at him in a mock admonition.

"You look better with a tail than me, sorry." Then he laughs, wrapping his arms around the pup who looks at him in confusion because really, what human are you even doing right now?

[bakudan_bambino]

"You'd probably have the same kind of tail," Gokudera says thoughtfully. It'd be curled up too, and flap about like a flag, he imagines.

"You both can have tails," He shrugs and almost thinks there could have been a digital skin for it back on Amoi. Maybe he already had a conversation like this with a Yamamoto there. Everyone thought Gokudera as a reflection of his box weapon should have a cat tail.

[tsuyoi_ame]

It is clear from his expression he is sitting here trying to imagine himself with a tail. Considering the expression on his face and Jiro's, it is no wonder they get compared to their box weapons. Two more adorable puppies may not exist side by side than the two right here.

Then he laughs, shaking his head "That would be kind of cool. Except, it might get in the way of training." Why yes, there is currently an image of himself, with a tail trying to play baseball in his head. There may be tail wagging involved but he's not telling.

[bakudan_bambino]

Gokudera's just gonna smoke and watch him, relaxed as if this were any normal day in Namimori rather than the baseball idiot and him hanging out alone on a space cruise-ship.

"Both kinds of training? Like with the sword? Probably not. Jirou does just fine."

[tsuyoi_ame]

"Nope, I figure I could do it with the sword, baseball would be hard. Gives them more room to strike me out." Because the other team could just touch the tip of his tail with the ball and then he'd be out and no way does he want that, he worked too hard to be a regular on the team. And while now his focus is the sword, he plans to go back to baseball as well. He can't give it up entirely.


He rolls his shoulders, flopping back as Jiro follows suit and flops across his stomach, both contentedly watching the smoke rise up from Gokudera's cigarette. Forgive the part of him that hopes they don't have any more of those here, they are bad for Gokudera.

[bakudan_bambino]

"You'd find a way around it eventually." Or he'd find a way to make it work to his advantage or something. Gokudera thinks that Yamamoto could do well getting knocked down a few pegs in terms of baseball. He's too good. It's strange.

Gokudera glances down at them, then out at the water with a sigh. It makes him feel lonely, even if he is comfortable, and not alone. If he runs out of cigarettes, he may have to reach out to some unsavory people, or pay a certain price. Gokudera won't give up smoking, as he uses his cigarettes to light his dynamite. Sure, he could use a lighter, but smoking frees up his hands, and in a pinch, that means a great deal.

"Have you ever played catch with Jirou? With baseballs?"

[tsuyoi_ame]

"Probably, but I'd have to cut holes in all my pants." He would probably do that too. He does not perform the way he does to show off or make anyone jealous. He is just a guy who can't give less than one hundred percent of himself in everything he dedicates himself too. His natural ability to do things is so instinctual he does not realize how strange it can seem to other people.

He does not want Gokudera's logic on those smokes, however, he would as much as he does not like them make sure he got them before unsavory people and certain prices had to be involved. Some things are worse than cigarettes, even to Yamamoto Takeshi. He props one hand behind his head, the other scratching behind the pups here.

"All the time, he loves it. He's pretty good too." He flashes a smile, hoping he can find a ball or something here for them to play with, who knows maybe he can even practice a little baseball. When things are settled of course. Safety and the sword have to come first now, baseball can wait till all his family is safe.