EVENT ★ LOST IN TRANSLATION

[futurologists]

RETURN TO OSKA Upon arrival in Oska, new and returning recruits alike will find that something strange is going on. Any attempts to communicate with someone who doesn't speak the same language as you will be just that -- like you don't speak the same language. Let's hope everyone is good at charades, because you're going to be out of luck for a full day. On the second day, a text comes across -- surprisingly intelligible to everyone. Is it over? Well . . . crowley: Hello, Audentes. We are currently experiencing magitek difficulties, as you may have guessed already. Temporal insects have arrived with our latest arrivals, and as you may imagine, we have had our paws full. cherenkov: We are working out how to mitigate the pest problem for good. For now, please put your unpleasantly huge feet to use and stomp them out. Or other such methods. crowley: We have created a quick patch to facilitate text-based communications, but verbal translation will continue to be down until the insects are exterminated. Thank you for your patience. It's not over. TEMPORAL INSECTS This invasive species has worked its way in through the rifts along with the newest batch of arrivals, and information on them is available in the library (provided you can read the language it's written in!). It seems they behave like locusts, living quietly within the space between rifts for many years until their numbers suddenly balloon and they begin to swarm in search of food. These bugs move fast and pack a nasty bite, but are unarmored and easily squished. Each one is about the size of a football, and leaves a little tell-tale slime trail that makes it easy to track. They can cling to any surface, and won't hesitate to leap onto attackers and bite if they feel threatened. One can take a decently sized but non-lethal bite out of someone, but a number of them together will pose a real danger. If punctured or squished they tend to explode into moderately acidic goo that can cause caustic burns if not immediately washed off. They are attracted to any area of high temporal energy, which can be literally any surface, corner, or point on or within the castle and its grounds. As they begin to feed they cause temporal distortion in the area. This manifests as the immediate area seeming to flicker backwards and forwards through time. An insect gnawing at a table leg in the dining area, for example, might cause the area to stutter between years and years of dinner parties, ghostly attendants of all fashions and species appearing and disappearing as they enter and leave the affected area. An onlooker can't interact with temporal distortions directly, but if the insect is left to its own devices, it will eventually eat through all of the temporal energy and render the immediate area gray, frozen, and completely inert. It's highly recommended you kill or otherwise chase off an insect before it manages this, as it can do irreversible damage to a world. For affected Oska locations, please see this post. OOC NOTES The translation errors will continue through the rest of the month. For more information or to ask questions, please check the plotting post here! New bounties are available in Oska! Please remember to fill out your squidge success form before August 31, 23:59 UTC! Filling the form out is mandatory, even if you do not have the 3 squidge threads. You will not pass AC if you do not fill out the form. Characters who have been accepted on August 20th are exempt. Please direct questions relating to the success form here.

Comments

[iomnic]

I want to, regardless.

[Genji does not have to listen. They both know this. But the respect Genji has means he will. And so he'll thank him, every time. Thank you for respecting me. For caring.]

Oh? Oh! You flatterer!

[Are you trying to make him smoke??]

It will get you nowhere with me, you know!

[Lies, it will totally get him somewhere.]

[backthatup]

Then... I accept your thanks warmly.

[ He feels himself becoming flustered and glad to have the faceplate in place. It gives him a few much needed seconds to compose himself. ]

I know! But I also know that my master taught me not to lie.

[iomnic]

[ He is incapable of blushing, that's a fact. But still, he touches the side of his faceplate with a hand, and then waves off Genji in a dismissive manner, as if he were an old housewife. Does Genji enjoy embarrassing him?? ]

You are quite the imp sometimes. I cannot imagine how devious you used to be, if this is you restrained.

[backthatup]

... I've explained a little of that...

[ More than he would have normally explained to anyone. He turns to look away, suddenly embarrassed himself. ]

Those memories are rather painful to think about... as I thought I was very "cool"...

[iomnic]

[ Oh, he knows. Well, some, not everything, clearly. ]

If it was the same Genji who was so skilled at the arcade games, I am sure that others have also thought you to be very cool as well.

[ The hair, though... ]

[backthatup]

[ Oh god. This has backfired. How has this backfired?

But at least the rush of embarrassment and light talk has gotten him much less angry at whoever this Jin person is. ]

I... I can only hope... [ He's trying to sink into the ground. ]

[iomnic]

[Goal accomplished, then!! Zenyatta lightly chuckles, as his student's posture begins to slouch a little in embarrassment.]

If it is any assurance, you have always been very "cool" to me.

[backthatup]

[ He buries his head in his hands as he shakes his head.

There is a soft "no" that comes out as he feels himself dying but he looks up. ]

Really?

[iomnic]

Of course! What is "uncool" about a ninja?

[Nothing. Ninjas are always cool.

Also he's very pleased with himself at being able to embarrass Genji as much as he embarrassed him earlier.]

[backthatup]

[ This has taught him a very valuable lesson.

Do not tease teacher so much. ]

Somehow... I don't think... there is much of a comparison between me and you... but I'm touched that you think so highly of me, Master.

[iomnic]

[And yet, the lessons in humility don't stop. Not because he's trying to tease, but because as one who knows Zenyatta knows from experience, he compliments others like it's his job. Especially so when it's someone he already has a soft-spot for.]

I am frequently surprised that you seem to be under the impression that I think less of you than I do. Have I done something to make you think this way?

[backthatup]

I feel like you have asked something similar like this before...

[ He breathes out a small sigh. No, he just wants to be better and perfect for the person that he loves and does not feel himself measuring up. Can he say that? No. ]

I have embarrassed myself more than once before you, in my eyes. I have to attempt to be a better student and person. [ If I am ever to say my feelings. For all that Master has done for me, he deserves someone who is at their best. ]

[iomnic]

[Zenyatta hums a note, glancing over at Genji before settling his eyes on the body of water in front of them.]

“Drop by drop is the water pot filled. Likewise, the wise man, gathering it little by little, fills himself with good.”

Lessons are not learned without experience. You may embarrass yourself- and continue to do so! Because that is how we learn. As long as you are still working towards betterment, there is little you could do to disappoint me.

I am very proud that you were able to calm yourself so quickly earlier. If you are ever discouraged by the path that lies ahead, remember how far you have come since you started.

[backthatup]

I will always walk toward betterment if it means to be at your side.

[ Oh, that is dangerously close. ]

I'm proud, too, to call you my master. It's not -- I am not yet discouraged. I'm happy with how things are and yet... I have hope for the future, too.

[iomnic]

[Dangerously close indeed.]

If it is a hope I can help you achieve, you would allow me to, yes?

[backthatup]

Of course, I would allow you to, but it--

[ Well, it does technically involve him, doesn't it? He looks to Zenyatta and looks away. ]

-- it isn't something that I can ask for help with yet.

[iomnic]

I see.

[Does he know it involves him? Is it not super obvious?

Regardless, Zenyatta doesn't push. With a nod, he accepts that answer.]

Should things change, do not hesitate in letting me know.

[backthatup]

Of course, Master!

[ Little louder than he meant. Right. ]

Thank you for always being patient with me. I promise that one day that I'll ask for your... help.

[iomnic]

You are welcome. You know I have no qualms with waiting.

[The omnic says, voice with a knowing tone. But sure, keep on thinking it's a secret, Genji. It's cute.]

[backthatup]

[ That tone? He perks up to look at Zenyatta.

No, no. He couldn't possibly have figured it out.

So, Genji nods, reassured that he has been very sneaky with his feelings. ]

Yes, of course!