@all (from @r.asuka)

[luciformis]

[ On the morning of the 15th, there is a network-wide ping issued approximately twenty-three minutes after the roster is released to the public. ]

Hello.

As I'm certain you all are aware, a roster has been sent to each of our devices. Given that this is yet another item on a growing list to be examined by us all, I believe it's important for each of us to come together to discuss any possible concerns or ideas that may require teamwork.

@PALPATINE and I earlier discussed the possibility of a non-compulsory meeting to sort through these issues. We agreed it would be in our best interests.

If you're inclined, please come to the Mess Hall at 19:00 in three day's time.

[ ooc: so! this will be broken down into sub-headings as discussed on the ooc plot post and utilized as a kind of "catch-all." if you think anything needs to be added at any time, please feel free to contact me through pm, at rasasvada, or on disco at morning star#3715. or, you know, add it yourself! i don't mind.

noticeably, this is self-directed! if you character wants to speak or make a point to everyone, feel free to do so. no one is policing how this goes or making introductory comments or whatever else. open floor, y'all. ]

Comments

[mapsio]

[True, but who needs to think about that? No one.

She sighs a little, she does see his point.]

We wouldn't do anything to get ourselves killed, but what we will do is stand for what is right. The views of adults can be very crooked and I won't allow myself to be tricked or taken advantage of ever again.

[ryuji]

[See, Haru "step on shadows until they beg for mercy" Okumura is a force not to be reckoned with. Ryuji may be all about the brawn of the group, provide the muscle and the team's spirit to push on forever forward, but she's the one that stands over your kneecaps and threatens to break them.]

Uh... yeah. What she said.

[Hajime, welcome in.]

'Sides, it doesn't look like it'll come to that, but I don't think anything will come down to gettin' physical. At least not yet. If some asshole was makin' a grab for power, they would've already shown their hand.

So that's why you gotta look out for the ones that play the long game.

[hopefragment]

[You both... really sound like you have experience with this before.

But they'd already declined to give him any details, so he doesn't push it. It's written all over his face anyway as he just nods in agreement with them both.]

It's easy to say look out for the ones playing the long game, but... how are we going to spot that, anyway? Wouldn't that just mean being suspicious of everyone, even the people who are genuinely trying to help?

[mapsio]

[Haru decides that she would tell Hinata more about herself in due time. The reason why she doesn't trust adults.

This isn't something to discuss here.]

Having a certain level of suspicion is normal, isn't it?

[ryuji]

[Ryuji's already one loudmouth accidental outburst away from telling Hajime everything himself, so...

He realizes though, that it's not the time, or the place to start talking about the reasoning.]

Our...

[How does he even begin this?]

Well. I'm gonna be honest. It's usually the people that offer an open hand in the name of goodness... those are the ones that... who deny, like... really, really deny that they're doin' anything wrong. That what they're doin' is for the sake of everyone else. But deep down inside, they're rotten.

Rotten to the core.

[There's a sense of despondency in Ryuji's words. It's easy to tell he's trying really hard not to get angry. He breathes through his nose and loosens his grip on Hajime, figuring that he's not going to compliment Haru anymore.

Those are the people who should have their hearts stolen - he thinks, but declines to voice.]

Anyway...

[hopefragment]

[She complimented him first! He's an innocent party, here!!

It sounds wrong to him, though, and while he doesn't say so aloud, that's also written all over his face. After all, the board of directors for Hope's Peak Academy were looking out for everyone when they proposed the Project... weren't they? To create mankind's hope?

Then again, they're the same people who swept Natsumi Kuzuryu's murder under the rug. He doesn't know why, he only has guesses that he doesn't like to think about.

He just shakes his head.]

I don't know, [he says finally, shoulders sagging a little under Ryuji's arm.] For now, all we can do is... try to keep an eye out for each other, and... do whatever we can to make sure no one takes advantage of anyone else. Right?

[mapsio]

[But in the end, didn't you feel used Hinata? Not that Haru knows his situation or what he has been through. But the adults wronged Hinata too, didn't they?

She grips Hinata's shoulder.]

Good thinking. All we can do right now is watch each others backs. That's what friends do, right Hajime-san, Ryuji-kun?

[ryuji]

[He eyeballs Hajime, even as Haru grips his shoulder. Yes, he understands she initiated it. Yes, he's still defensive. No, you can't complain about it. Ryuji has no manners.]

Right.

[hopefragment]

[They sure did! But it's hard to feel used right now when it's something he wanted -- and still wants -- for himself.

His cheeks color pink when she grabs his shoulder, and he'd shrink back if he could. But Ryuji's hand is on his shoulder, effectively trapping him in. Why are they touching him?? They could both make their points just as well while leaving his poor, broad shoulders out if it!]

R-Right.

[You can both let go any time...]

[mapsio]

[Haru does let go as quick as she grabbed. She doesn't keep contact for very long. She also notices Ryuji's expression pretty quickly. Her hand moving to his shoulder in quick contact, squeezing it. She's fine, Hinata hasn't done anything.

She smiles at him again.]

Sorry for being so dramatic all of a sudden.

[ryuji]

[Why are they touching him? It's like a guiding hand. A beacon of inspiration to do the rebellious shitty teenager thing. Or, you know, in Ryuji's case.... just to make sure he's not getting any kind of ideas here. Those kind of ideas. He's watching you, Hajime.]

Eh. What's life without a little bit of flair for the dramatic.

[And yet, he's cordial, and still goofy about it. The air around here is getting way too serious and way too close to comfort for the whole... ... ... did someone say PHANTOM THIEVES business?]

This party's gettin' kinda lame.

[It's? Not a party, Ryuji.]

I was expectin' some fireworks, some clash of people. Looks pretty civil. Maybe we should just chill for a bit, anyway.

[hopefragment]

[Stop he's a good boy!!

He just laughs, able to breathe more easily once she releases his shoulder. Is Ryuji ever going to let go though... mysteries.]

I'm glad there aren't any fireworks. I mean... that's the best possible outcome, isn't it?

[He shoves his hands in the pockets of his jumpsuit, glancing over the crowd at large.]

I think... I'm gonna go talk to some more people, though. If you're done using me as an armrest.

[Pointedly looking up to Ryuji. Hey. The physical contact is weirdly nice, but also. Get off??]

[mapsio]

If that is what you would like to do, I suppose we will run into one another later?

[Haru will have to apologize later for hiding things. Just, right now she really can't. She has to protect herself and her friends over telling someone things that she hardly knows.

No hard feelings.]