[EVENT POST] I FEEL STUPID, AND CONTAGIOUS.

[dishearten]

CHARACTERS: Open to all!
DATE: 3/11-3/12, ICly
WARNINGS: Zombie attacks? Violence? Shopping???
SUMMARY: Lockdown at the mall! Grab your CDs and your soft pretzel, it's about to get bad.

LET'S GO TO THE MALL LOCKDOWN Business has been rough for Woodhurst Shopping Center ever since riots and unrest about the Bristol Virus have shunned most to their homes. Perhaps ill-advisedly, in attempts to draw a few more customers back into the polished halls of the grandest shopping experience Woodhurst has to offer, a weekend of big sales, great bargains, and fun family activities was widely advertised in the Woodhurst Watch. There was even a scheduled public concert, performed by the University Choir. The turnout was smaller than hoped, yet the air was quite optimistic. Shoppers enjoyed the day of activities and fun, and the sense of security was bolstered by the increased security detail. There was even some members of the press on hand to document this return to normality in a troubled time. Everything was going well, until a scene broke out in the food court. Security tried to quietly remove members of the choir that suddenly seemed to snap, plowing into one of the food stands and starting to feed on raw meat. However, a good handful of them escaped instant confinement, and while many of the visitors fled the mall as soon as they could, soon Police Detail arrived and put the entire building on lockdown. Nobody in and nobody out until the situation was resolved. 18:00 TO 23:00 HOURS Anyone unlucky enough to be trapped in the mall is left to their own devices, with very little knowledge to go on. This includes many civilians, as well as a small number of Audentes agents. This also includes a small number of infected, more than just the university choir. There's a voice over the loudspeaker imploring people to hide in stores, barricade doors, and stay put until help arrives. The majority of the infected seem to linger in the Food Court especially. Bad news for anyone trapped and starting to get hungry as the hours pass by, without any obvious assistance from the outside. The members of ALASTAIR have a choice, help protect or just do their best to avoid the infected themselves. Characters can get into the Security Office for a camera feed on what is happening in the mall, and potentially use it as a base of operations to work from. 00:00 TO 02:00 HOURS It becomes apparent that the number of infected in the mall are somehow increasing, despite the lockdown. It means that those that have squirreled away into stores and outlets are growing less and less safe as infected numbers multiply and they begin attacking barricades. To make matters worse, anyone that hasn't found cover will find the infected extremely reactive, and willing to give chase around the mall. The security feed indicates the infected seem to be coming in from the Parking Garage. Investigation will reveal a sewer outlet on the bottom floor. Characters will have to decide whether they should utilize the tunnel as a means of escape, or if sealing it off would ultimately leave the remaining hours of lockdown a little less violent. 04:00 TO 09:00 HOURS It's been an agonizing 12 hours, and with surprisingly little aide from the outside. With time to make preparations and put plans in place, now it's time to end this lockdown once and for all. Audentes is tasked with neutralizing the remaining infected as well as escorting any remaining civilians to safety, by any means they decide on. It is up to Audentes to decide how the end of this event plays out, be it removing or otherwise drawing away the lingering infected, or putting them down once and for all. There are plenty of civilians that have been bitten and attacked, leaving the question in the air as to whether they are infected as well. What should be done with those that could be bringing the virus back to their families? The team is going to have to decide on the answer to that.

Comments

[scrap_metal]

18:00 TO 23:00 HOURS

[ When the panic starts, Genos is running in the exact opposite direction people are. They're fleeing from danger, so it's the best guidance to find that danger.

Someone runs into him, grabs him by the arm, and tell him he's running in wrong direction. ]

I know where I'm going.

[ He brushes them off, even if soon he finds out that no, he don't. There isn't one single monster to run away from, it's just chaos and fear. People are just trying to hide in every store that's possible. Some shutters are already falling off, which only causes more panic, as there are still people not in hiding.

Genos rushes to what looks like a small tea-shop store and stops the shutter from closing mid-way, waving at the small group of people. ]

Quick, get in here.

[ It's going to be cramped inside, but there is still place for few more people. When they're inside, it gets clear that he has no intention on joining them. ]

Remember to topple the shelf over the door.

[ Playing the big damn hero and staying outside as the shutter goes down? Well, he doesn't have to worry about being bitten, after all.

That's going to be his focus now. Running around and picking up the strays. There people hiding in toilets, in equipment rooms, small not protected places. ]


00:00 TO 02:00 HOURS

There's more of them. [ Genos notices as the infected start attacking barricade of the shop across the corridor. ]

Could the infection spread that fast? [ He frowns and shakes his head, hoping that it's not the case. Maybe they have found a way inside? But there's no time right now to wonder about it. ]

That barricade won't hold. I'm going to distract the attackers, And make escape path for the people inside.


04:00 TO 09:00 HOURS

Why can't we just blow a hole in a wall, and let the civilians escape? [ he mutters

Genos can't get physically tired, that's the perk of having mechanical body. But his brain is still human, he needs sleep like anybody else. The exhaustion set in few hours ago, and while he's been ignoring the warning that pops up in his field of vision, he can't help but sometimes just doze off. His body immediately shuts into sleep mode, locking him in place and making freeze, sometimes in weird positions. ]

00:00 TO 02:00 HOURS

[ofobedience]

Possibly.

[Although he doesn't think so-- it seems to be a slow burning thing, creeping up on those caught by the infection slowly, corroding their sense of self over time. Not something he likes to think about, all things considered. And as such its in him still-- the desire to simply put them down, quick shots to the head and it'd all be over, bang-bang. Lights out.

His tone, it borders on disinterested, and his eyes behind the orange lenses are focused on the milling infected rather than the man making the suggestion. Slowly, he raises both pistols. Takes aim.]

It'd be simpler, more elegant, to kill them. Who'd need distractions then? Hahah.

[scrap_metal]

[ Simpler. Yes. Efficient? Maybe. Elegant? Who cares. ]

Don't be stupid. The cure is under works. [ And there is a big possibility that it won't work retroactively. That those fallen into this state can never go back. Then, and only then, killing them will be a form of mercy. ] Until it's complete, it's not our call to make.

[ He reaches for one of the pistol to lower the aim. ]

Aim to disable if you must, [ Infected that can't run, is a much less effective infected. Probably? ] but what I need, is someone to lead those civilians to safety.

[ofobedience]

[He glances sly-eyed at the other man then, exhales a low and put-upon sigh. They all seem to be the same, these people, judgement clouded by morals he can't pretend to understand, but at least it's becoming predictable, now. Expected.

As such, he doesn't jerk back as the pressure on the gun skews his aim. Doesn't react with visible volatility. Instead--]

Come on, now. Do I look like anyone's saviour to you? I'll deal with the infected, you can play babysitter. I'll even take non-lethal shots, just for you.

[Do you trust him to do that, though...]

[scrap_metal]

[ No, no, he doesn't. Looks like this whole Audentes team is reliable in that way, that you can rely only on yourself, or bash heads with others and attempt to take charge, depends on situation. Looks like it's attempting time. ]

I'm immune, and they can't hurt me, they will break their teeth trying. [ Lots of metal plating on the body. Silicone sheathing they could possibly chew through, but Genos does not intend to let them. ]

Looks like you're on saving duty right now.

[ofobedience]

[The roll of his eyes goes unseen behind the bright sheen of orange lenses, though the slight curl of his lip indicative of distaste is made clear enough.]

As am I, and no wound sticks for long.

[Immunity to poisons and pathogens has set him in good stead here, and that autonomic regeneration of his at least means he'll heal from any bite he receives. But still-- arguing like this, it's wasting time.]

But suit yourself. If you want to distract them, get on with it.

[Maybe he'll just shoot one or two, out of spite...]

[scrap_metal]

I will. [ And Genos says no more, but launches himself right into middle of the hall, heading into the different direction. He grabs first thing that happens to lie around, it happens to be a broom. A poor choice for a weapon, but he never intended to use it as one.

There's a ruined kiosk on his way, it used to sell something. Cigarettes and cigars it seems, some of the glass counter parts are still intact. Not for long, because glass shattering always makes a good noise.

Genos demolishes what's left of the kiosk loud enough to get attention of some of the infected. They start to move in his direction, but not all of them. ]

[ofobedience]

[For a moment Giovanni only stands there watching, his expression one of put-upon disdain-- really, his way of dealing with things would have been more efficient (so he thinks), would have had a certain kind of flair. But eventually he sighs, rolls his shoulders, moves over to where the civilians are cowering and rests one hand upon a slightly cocked hip.

His face, it's a perfect picture of displeasure.]

Come on then, will you? Follow me and no-one will be harmed. Don't keep me waiting, now.

[Some of them look a little dubious - he isn't exactly the image of a saviour, something too sharp and cutting around the angles of his face, his dry tone - but eventually they'll begin to follow him out to safety.

As for the straggling infected-- well. They're fair game. With pistols raised (and a few startled gasps and expressions of fear from those behind him) he disables them with shots to calves and thighs-- nonlethal, but damaging all the same.]

4:00-9:00

[prodigism]

That would also led to all the infected within the building getting out. There's probably some exits we can use to get a good majority of them out. However...keeping the infected from following them is another thing entirely.

[ How to keep everyone alive is the hardest thing of all. ]

[scrap_metal]

[ Genos points at the wall at the opposite end of the room. ]

Blow that wall up, get everyone in this room out, then collapse the room, mall is still locked-

[ As he speaks, he realizes how bad idea it is. People might be still floor up or floor down, and the collapse could be dangerous for them. It's a reflex, really to put hand to his face, because there is no sweat on it, but some habits die hard ]

[prodigism]

I see you've realized the errors of that plan? The less damage we cause to the building's infrastructure the better. We don't have a proper grasp on how many people are on either side of us.

[ At least that's how Arima is seeing it. ]

An alternative might take longer, but it's safer for all parties involved.

[scrap_metal]

I- understand. [ Genos nods and admits, albeit reluctantly ]

Everyone are growing restless, and in such state, ideas like that seem enticing.

[ Not blowing things up, just... finally getting everyone outside. ]

The longer we stay here, the more exposed to danger everyone are.

04:00 - 09:00

[ex_adept136]

[As much as Haise can agree that in theory that would be a convenient approach, he also knows why they simply can't. All they can do is protect people on-site, which he understands the vexing nature of. Unlike Perdition's Rest, they're without the luxury of using their weapons and abilities freely. Mission parameters have imposed certain limitations on them.

For this mission, their presence as outsiders was to remain under the radar.

So when he overhears the muttering, he thinks to respond — only to find that the fellow seems to have gone entirely still. A little too still, in point of fact, which spurs him to drop a hand on the man's shoulder and nudge him]

Hey, are you alright?

Re: 04:00 - 09:00

[scrap_metal]

[ Even if Genos falls asleep, his body keeps watch, so to speak. The touch makes him wake up, with all the sort of warning popping up, and there is an audible whirr as the machinery of his body switches to combat mode.

Fortunately, there is no danger, and he notices that stopping the motion of his hand, already half-way raised ]

I am. It's nothing. [ His answer is short, and a little too harsh. He's not liking the idea that he could reflexively grab, or maybe hit someone for waking him up. ]

What time is it?

[ex_adept136]

[It's the whirring that stands out most to Haise, a sound he doesn't expect from a sleeping man stirring. He'd much sooner expect that from turning on a machine, which leaves him with a rather distinctive impression. The lot of them aren't uniformly human, after all.

Still, it might be too early to make any assumptions, so Haise tucks that impression away for another time. He folds his arms behind him, one hand holding the opposite wrist]

Sorry for disturbing you. [Polite as ever] But it's just about dawn, now.

[And so it might be a good idea to be up and at it anyhow]

[scrap_metal]

Already..? [ He literally just closed his eyes, yet the nap seems to have taken a lot longer than he expected. ]

Are there any updates on the situation? [ He looks around, hoping to see a change. Maybe people preparing to leave. But he sees more trying to catch a moment of sleep just like he did, then any signs of preparation to move ] We need to get them out of here.

[ex_adept136]

I think we've achieved some level of stability, but it's...difficult.

[Considering the sheer numbers and lack of resources involved, there's no getting around the fact that it's a challenge. Haise casts a glance around, himself, particularly focusing on one barren storefront.

So far, it seems that his method of containment is holding, at least for the infected civilians he'd crossed paths with]

At this time, I haven't gotten a progress report from others... But getting people who aren't infected would be safest elsewhere.

[scrap_metal]

So still no word on when we're getting out... [ Genos scans the room quickly, the previous idea going back to him. When he speaks again it's with considerably lowered voice ]

Without food and water the civilians won't last long. There's chance some other group found a way out. [ it's a big mall, and who knows what's going on the other end ]

[ex_adept136]

[Frowning, he casts a lingering glance out over the mall. It looks entirely different to his eyes, now]

Evacuating them would be ideal... And given the size of our forces, it wouldn't surprise me if someone's come up with a way.

[He wishes their team were better coordinated, but it's difficult when there's no infrastructure by design]

04:00 - 09:00

[digiorno]

Security.

[Ordinarily, this would be focused, even reproachful. But right now . . . Right now Giorno's so tired it's honestly difficult to keep himself upright. He's got a lot of power, but he still needs to sleep, and the combination of the physical and psychological effects of this lockdown are finally getting to him.]

[He rubs at his eyes, trying not to think about how much of a wreck he undoubtedly looks. Then he offers Genos a weak smile.]

If you want to take a few minutes to rest, I can keep watch. You've been going nonstop from the start, haven't you?

I'M SO SORRY FOR BEING SO LATE, rl hit me hard this week. also omg jojo!!!

[scrap_metal]

[ Taking on this offer is so tempting that Genos falls silent for a moment, before finally answering. ]

Don't we all? I haven't noticed you resting either. [ he straightens his back, his expression serious. At least that he can appear more awake ] I can probably keep being awake for a hour or so. If you want, you can rest first. [ What might be seen as bravado, is just Genos' logical assumption that most people here don't benefit from artificial bodies like he does. ]

...we can switch the watch then. [ Because that offer is still tempting, as he has to admit grumpily ]

no worries at all! it hit me too tbh. <3

[digiorno]

[Normally he'd find this very sweet. Right now he's just. Too tired for arguments, but also too tired for people not to do exactly what he says. He squints at Genos a little, then sighs.]

I'm worried that if I rest, I won't be able to get up again until after I've slept for at least twelve hours. We can't afford that right now, so I'm choosing not to stop. I can keep going on adrenaline until.

[When. Ever. Sometime. He hesitates, and then, belatedly and awkwardly, because he's also too tired to be charming.:] I appreciate it. You're--very generous.

aww, stay strong! also one week more and I'll be fully availible ;-;

[scrap_metal]

[ Genos can understand very, very well. Sometimes a hour of sleep can make you more exhausted then one more hour of sleep less.

But it doesn't have to be that much ]

Have you heard about power-naps? [ He brings up suddenly, a phenomena he assumes not unique to just his world. There's a small pause for breath, a small one Genos makes always before launching into a lengthy explanation ]

where I come from people sometimes do that, during work commute, or break at work. It's a nap that lasts ten, max fifteen minutes long. That doesn't allow your brain to fall into deep sleep, but in high-stress situations it's actually good. Serves as a quick refreshment rather then proper rest. And doesn't carry the repercussions of being woken up from deeper phases of sleep - like exhaustion or lack of focus.

[ a pause, finally ]

My doctor says it's better then coffee.

yesss

[digiorno]

[You can practically see the ? form over Giorno's head. Power-naps. The phrase sounds sort of familiar, but he's also not that used to that sort of colloquialism. So he tips his head curiously, a little birdlike.]

[The explanation is very thorough and succinct, though. He brightens a little, as tired as he is.]

Ah. I see--sort of like just turning your brain off for a little while? I don't know much about neuroscience, but that makes sense.

[He doesn't know about better than coffee. But the rest of it makes sense.]

Your doctor sounds very smart.

[scrap_metal]

[ Uh, oh, there's a sudden gleam in Genos eyes, and he very vigorously nods. ]

Correct! He's a scientist of unprecedented genius, who mastered multiple medical, scientific and engineering fields. I wouldn't be here if not for him, and I'm forever grateful for the body he created for me.

[ There are very few people Genos respects, but to those he do, he will sign praises forever- but then he remembers that was not the point of the conversation, so he rails it back on track ]

...I've seen him doing those power-naps sometimes, when working on time intensive projects.