April System Mingle

[thespaceopera]

Who: Everyone!
Broadcast: Possibly!
Action: April System
When: Month of April!


[Welcome to the Belt, a huge asteroid belt that's been terraformed for life. Here you can explore the different asteroids, become a rock star, race on some ATVs, enjoy not being underwater.

In other words, it's a mingle! Get in everyone!

> System Info ]

Comments

Ignis Scientia | OTA

[nonightdriving]

Shopping on Meston

[Being assigned the cook to the First Breath has left Ignis a lot of time to experiment with the protein, flavored and not, that the ships seem to have in abundance. However, there is nothing quite like having fresh ingredients on hand to use in new recipes. As it is, the first place he goes once they enter the asteroid belt is the more natural looking one as he figures it will have the best ingredients and he can discuss with the sellers the nature of the food stuff.

In fact, he is calmly discussing the farming techniques that are implemented when someone bumps into him, knocking him into the stand.]

Forgive me. I seem to have been in your way. It must be a matter of extreme importance.

[Irritated? Ignis? Never.]

[Nightlife is New]

[Though Ignis isn't a huge visitor of the bar on the Fleet or even one to drink much at all back on Eos, he's not sure what to do with himself. He's felt a little out of sorts since receiving some bad news. However, he does know that watering holes are the perfect spot to obtain information about local goings on.

He feels a little out of place as he enters, but the laidback atmosphere and the dim lighting of the area help him to relax. He casually walks up to the bar and orders a drink, slowly tasting it to find out the different flavors used to craft it while observing the others in the area.

A particularly amorous group of young people are in the middle of the dance floor, causing a scene.]

I suppose that's one way to go about it all.

[Not that he knows anything about that.]

Hunting is a Way of Life

[After doing a few of the "tourist" things, Ignis heads off to find some way to spend his time that doesn't leave him cramped in a kitchen. He needs to let off steam. And what better way to do that than lending a hand to the locals in hunting down predators.

He might even find something to use in a recipe or two. Who knows.

He was told by the man who gave him his job that he would find his partner waiting by the head of the biggest cave on the asteroid, so he heads there and clears his throat to grab his new companion's attention.]

You must be the person I was told to meet here for the hunting position. Forgive my lack of promptness.

Wildcard

[Wanna do something with him? Go for it!]

Re: nightlife because LET'S PARTY LIKE IT'S 1999

[maledictus_semper]

[Ardyn found himself in a quaint little bar with people mingling around drinking, talking and of course....dancing. The dance floor hadn't escaped the Chancellor's eye, as he walked past it and ordered a drink at the bar. His amber eyes always alert spotted the figure of Ignis looking as stiff as always. Did the guy ever relax and let his hair down? Of course not.]

Ignis! Good to see you again. What is your poison?

[He waved to the bartender and ordered himself a clear liquid in a glass, which he was told was a form of vodka.]

/forever embarrassed to be seen with Ardyn

[nonightdriving]

[Suddenly, Ignis's enjoyment of his own drink is soured and he puts the glass down on the bar and slides it away from him before looking over at the other man.]

Izunia, I see you're out and about, enjoying yourself.

[The same cannot be said for Ignis now. Ugh.]

I've no intention of consuming anything that will leave me vulnerable. I'm merely attempting to gather intel about this particular asteroid belt while we are visiting. You, however, are free to do as you wish.

Re: what's wrong, Iggy? The hat and clothes not doing it for you?

[maledictus_semper]

[Izunia. He couldn't even bring himself to speak Ardyn's first name. Ah, the irony. The mauve man just clasped his drink in his right hand, as he spoke.]

Indeed. What else can a man do in such a place as this? So much frivolity and yet, you seem to be out of your comfort zone, Ignis.

[Probing, testing, teasing. All the things to get under your skin.]

Vulnerable? My dear Ignis, I would never spike your drink or get you so inebriated that you could not find your way back to your space craft. Perish the thought.

[A subtle smile creeping over his lips, as he downed his drink in one.]

Hobo chic isn't his thing. He prefers class. (Hence the suspenders.)

[nonightdriving]

[He could say his first name, but denying him that intimacy lets the other man know exactly what Ignis thinks of him. And it isn't much.]

I assure you that I am perfectly capable of relaxing when the time calls for it.

[With Ardyn around, not a good time.]

And yet, I am not that convinced. Besides, it's easier to gather intelligence if I'm not distracted beyond my control.

shopping!

[searingedgelord]

[Velvet is a little more popular with the locals than she's comfortable with. And she's not exactly the most patient person. So when one of them gets a little too annoying she decides to put a little fear into them. Just a little, though. Really.

She doesn't actually mean for him to careen around the corner and slam into some guy chatting about vegetables. But that's what happens. Oops.

The local keeps running even after the guy snarks at him about his clumsiness. Velvet sighs.]

Sorry. I guess I scared him.

[She knows she scared him.]

[nonightdriving]

[Ignis straightens up from against the stand's post, smoothing his gloved hands down his shirt as he looks over at the other voice. The slight sneer that had been on his face seems to calm to one of cool calculation.

This woman is not one of the natives, that much is obvious. She is lovely, however, despite her outrageous clothing choices. Although, if he's truthful, she is about as dressed as Cindy normally is. He can't judge her for what she finds comfortable. It's not his place.

And, well, she has manners.]

It seems that he was easily scared in the first place. However, the fact that he cannot even apologize for his own bad behavior says something about him.

[Like he's a witless coward.]

You aren't from this chain of asteroids, I take it, madam?

[searingedgelord]

[Well, she doesn't disagree with his assessment. That particular local was both particularly rude and particularly easy to terrorize. Though at least he was easy to get rid of.

She shakes her head at his question, dropping her hand from her hip.]

No. I'm with the Fleet.

[She assumes he is, too. He's pretty well mannered, and judging by his clothing he's not interested in the edgy fashions that seem so popular here.]

[nonightdriving]

Indeed. Which ship were you assigned to when you arrived?

[Excuse you. He leaves all that edgy shit to Prompto and Noctis. He is a man of class and style. Can't you tell by his spiffy shirt and pointy shoes?]

It's a shame that for my first landing that this should be the impression I'm left with.

SH-SH-SH-SHOPPING

[luxoraculi]

[ It's been a wild day. And by wild, it means she had An Experience on ATVs. She's a little sunburned and considering that as per usual she is in all white, she's a little dusty. She's busy trying to brush some of it off of her shirt when she bumps into someone, and immediately she looks up and grasps at his shoulder to steady him, not quite paying attention to just whom she's knocked into. ]

Please forgive me, I was not paying attention--

[ It is only when she finally actually focuses on who she is trying to quickly stammer an apology out to does she realize who it is. And that only makes it twenty times worse because it is Ignis, Noctis's lifelong friend. Fortunately that does not show on her face, considering how well she's schooled herself into showing too much emotion, but she does offer him a deep, apologetic bow. ]

Ignis, I am truly sorry. I should have been watching where I was going. Are you hurt?

[ When she straightens, she's quick to give him a once over to make sure she didn't... actually do any harm. It isn't like her not to pay attention to her surroundings, but accidents happen. Why, though, did it have to be poor Ignis? ]

[nonightdriving]

[Ignis turns, eyes widened so that the blue color is visible behind his glasses. He straightens himself and bows a little, feeling irritated at himself for speaking before looking at whom bumped into him.]

It's alright, Lady Lunafreya. I'm uninjured. Are you sure that you're okay?

[It goes against everything he's ever heard about her for her to walk into someone else like this. He takes a quick look at her and relaxes. She seems to have spent the day out doing one of the more recreational things.]

I must admit that every time I've heard you spoken of or seen you on the screens, you're a little more prim than you are now. Have you been enjoying what's to offer on this system?

[luxoraculi]

[ This poor, sweet man. She's quick to offer him yet another apologetic bow, before she straightens and allows her hand to drop from his shoulder finally. If she were anyone else, his words may have made her cheeks turn a bright red color... fortunately she's able to push down her embarrassment. ]

I... yes. I suppose I am just a bit... overwhelmed. Please forgive me.

[ Overwhelmed is an understatement, honestly. This much freedom is something she's not used to, and perhaps she's been going a little far with it. But she's never had so much of it, and it's been nice to stretch her legs a little. But his next few sentences have her quickly scrambling for an answer.

She can't exactly blurt out that she's been on a stupid ATV half of the day, quite literally burying Ardyn in the sand and making him eat her dust. That is not lady like at all and she's already somewhat regretting her actions despite the fact that she'd won and the bastard is going to have to pay up with his dignity in front of everyone on the fleet.

Perhaps Ignis and Noctis will forgive her later and find some humor in the fact Ardyn Izunia will be wearing a dress and heels for a day. But for now, she's not going to admit that's where she was and that's what she's been doing because both of them have warned her to stay away from him, and she does not want to worry the poor man further.

So instead of admitting her guilt, she flashes him a small, apologetic smile. ]

Admittedly, I have been a bit disoriented in my attempts to find my place amongst the people here. [ She chuckles a little, almost wearily, before continuing, ] Yes, something like that. I had no idea it offered such adventurous endeavors.

[nonightdriving]

[He offers her a smile, pleased that she appears to be enjoying herself. She deserves the opportunity as much as Noctis does, but he's afraid that her formality has made it difficult for her to do so. Possibly exacerbated by the fact that Tenebrae was an Imperial Territory after the invasion by Niflheim.]

Please, don't apologize, milady. It's quite alright. Accidents do happen.

[Never tell Ignis that she is responsible for that. It will haunt him forever after he has to witness the spectacle. And he will be frustrated that she isn't listening to his very sane advice to stay away from the man responsible for her murder.

But, that's for a later time. Right now, however, he's just glad that she appears to be flushed with health. It enhances her natural beauty. And is drawing the attention of the others around them. Without wasting a moment, he holds on his arm for her to take and looks her full in the face.]

Would you care to join me in my shopping endeavors? We can see the sights and avoid any future mishaps.

Nightlife

[cloakand_danger]

[Oh hey, aren't you our new cook? Yuan turns to follow his gaze, and smirks at the sight.]

Kids these days. I'm guessing that's not your preferred way of making friends.

[nonightdriving]

[ Yes, yes he is. And aren't you the communications officer?

Ignis turns to look at the other man and briefly shakes his head. ]

No, I don't think that that's a way to gain friends. [Bed partners for a night, sure. And he's pretty positive that Gladio might find it fun.] I'd much rather prefer a stimulating conversation, but bars do offer interesting ways to find out information.

[cloakand_danger]

They do, on occasion. I've made a habit of hanging around one of the ones that travels with the Fleet, myself.

[He sips his own drink, then tilts his head curiously, scanning Ignis' features.] ...So what is it you're hoping to learn about at this one?

[nonightdriving]

I've yet to try that. I might have to change that at a later date.

[Being a steward with a duty to one's king in residence is difficult. Especially when your enemy is there as well.]

I would like to find out more about this system. I arrived right before the ships left the last planet. If I'm going to be trapped in this situation, I'd like to experience what that truly means.

shopping

[brainiest]

[ Hermione is frustrated, to say the least; there are people everywhere, pushing and shoving her in all kinds of directions, and all she wants to do is get through and see if she can find herself a good set of books to take back and copy for the library, but that seems impossible. People are out to get her on this planet, she's sure of it, and her frustration gets the better of her as she huffs, barely resisting the urge to stomp her foot.

Of course, that's when she's practically shoved into someone else and she turns, glaring at the stranger that pushed her before she tilts her head up to apologise. ]

I'm sorry, everyone here is so rude -

[ But, wait, she recognises that face. ]

Oh! Hello!

[nonightdriving]

[He'd managed to avoid a great deal of the people on his way to the stands. However, since starting his haggling, he has been bumped and pushed and had his jacket tugged on. Lucky for him, most of his money is in the form of credits and a handful of the local currency that he hasn't yet spent on his shopping trips.

But this is the first time he's been nearly thrown into the stand with such vehemence. And he's very frustrated by the attitude of this system's people. Even in Lestallum people never behaved like this, and that city was hot, humid and sunny most of the time.

However, the voice sounds familiar and he stops in straightening his jacket lapels to look at the woman.]

Well, hello there, Hermione. I know that we agreed to meet face-to-face, but I was hoping for something a little less bruising.

[He gives her a slight smile to let her know that he's not really angry with her about it.]

[brainiest]

[ The crowds are frustrating but not entirely unfamiliar - it reminds her of the bustling cities of Treun back in the Drabwurld, the tournies, people milling around and making themselves at home, learning and living. That's a world she's left behind, though, even if the thought of it still tugs at her heartstrings; she feels homesick and misses it something fierce, but she fights through the emotion and glances up instead.

Having something to do - or someone to talk to - makes it easier, and she relaxes just a little when Ignis responds, even with a gentle tease. Shaking her head, Hermione breathes out before she glances around, sour and a little put off. She'd liked the idea of this planet before she realised how awfully rude all the people living on it seemed to be.

All she wanted was some books. ]

I'll try to be more careful next time, promise. At least I didn't sent canaries at your head.

[ See, she can be funny too. ]

Are you having fun?

[nonightdriving]

[Perhaps in time they can both find what they're looking for on this hunk of rock, but they should probably stay out of the way of all the rude people that are native to it. He considers offering his arm to escort her away from the crowd but he's not sure how she'd take that.

Not everyone thinks that he is merely doing it out of politeness. Or they realize that it is partially to protect them and they resent it.

And he hasn't known her nearly long enough or through her reputation aboard the space ships to risk the action.]

I'm not sure about the relevance of canaries, but I will take that as a good thing. I would rather not be hit in the head by anything, if you don't mind.

[What are canaries? But, his smile never falters, letting her know that he isn't perturbed at all with her.]

Fun is subjective. It has been informative so far and that is more important in the long run. Besides, the market is fairly full with new things to take back to my ship.

Hunting because L O L

[throwsdown]

[The person he's talking to turns to him.

"Ah! No, I'm just a hiker getting directions. Maybe you're looking for that kid?"

As the hiker wanders off, Takeshi can be seen standing on top of a boulder, in a full-black and strange suit, doing jumping jacks.

The eight-year-old brightens at Ignis.]

Hi!! Are you gonna go hunting monsters with me?

Of course you would do this to me

[nonightdriving]

[Ignis frowns in thought. A child? No, he hadn't been told who his partner for this particular mission would be, but the thought that it would be a small boy is a little much for the seasoned fighter.

He does seem to be energetic enough, a little like Prompto. This can be either very good or very, very bad. He's not sure which yet.

Either way, he's not at all happy that this has occurred.]

I'm afraid there's been some mix up. I wasn't aware that a child was assigned to this task or I would have made them give you a different one, young man.

[throwsdown]

[He's still doing some warm-up stretches, completely at ease.]

You don't need to do that, mister. I asked for it! I'm pretty good at hunting stuff.

'Specially if it might be dangerous to people.

[nonightdriving]

[His dedication to his stretching is admirable, but secondary to what is really going on here.

How in the world can a child be allowed to do something so dangerous as this on his own? Where are his keepers? And who does Ignis need to dress down to make sure this never happens again?]

I'm sure that you're fine hunting down small animals and the like, but we're going after large, dangerous creatures. Allowing you to continue this way would just be completely irresponsible, not only of myself but everyone else. This is a job for adults.