This is by far the clearest indicator that Mami has a lot of money.
I think.
well at least for a decade ago.
Puella Magi Adfligo Systema
- Thread starter Firnagzen
- Start date
-
- Tags
- puella magi adfligo systema puella magi madoka magica be gay do crimes (gay) female protagonist bad decisions dating mami tomoe (tomoe mami) diabolical laughter friendship is the best ship handholding identity crises microwaving tea gets you put in the bad place names are important the body is the fursona of the soul this is not the baked goods thread we don't talk about rionna what could possibly go wrong? who in the world is azure sanfrancisco?
I think.
well at least for a decade ago.
- Location
- UK
- Pronouns
- She/Her
[X] Torgamous
JIMI94
Birdman with a cauldron on it's head
- Location
- The Garden of Earthly Delights
I mean, you can have those without being that wealthy, though I do believe she has a pretty good inheritance if she isn't just destitute and working multiple jobs (which would probably leave her even more frayed). A strong social safety net for orphans, including a stipend, education allotments, and paying off any costs to their current home could totally be something that was wished for.
Burned_Cookie
Very tired girl.
- Location
- Plato´s cave.
- Pronouns
- She/Her/It/Its
The eldritch horrors lurking in it´s depth kindly did the searching for us. I mean the ones that aren´t QB, he was kind of a dick about it.
No, no, she set a rich man on fire.
- Location
- a Minecraft Rollercoaster
Speaking of rich men, should we suggest taking over the Yakuza to our Alliance? Maybe also see if there are gucas involved in organized crime.
Burned_Cookie
Very tired girl.
- Location
- Plato´s cave.
- Pronouns
- She/Her/It/Its
Yes, please do involve organised crime in our allience. Next up on the agenda, protection racets and "negotiations" with the local judges.
- Location
- a Minecraft Rollercoaster
I mean in the sense of eliminating organized crime. Anyway, Firn has notes about it and I don't think he would plan for a scenario where we go grimderp.
Burned_Cookie
Very tired girl.
- Location
- Plato´s cave.
- Pronouns
- She/Her/It/Its
Yea that makes more sense.
TortugaGreen
Constantly out of the loop
- Pronouns
- She/Her
I mean even if we do stay a mutual aid group expansion beyond territorial gains is still viable - remember, non-magical girls could use a strong mutual aid group too. Of course, the inherent ethics of a mutual aid group - from each according to their ability, to each according to their need - somewhat requires openness in order to judge what someone's ability precisely is, so would be Fun to operate with a masquerade still up.
Additionally, any public-facing organization we build needs to acknowledge that it can get Wish-bonked at random from girls with related wishes contracting, with consequences ranging from relatively small changes in an employee's performance to major policy changes.
Additionally, any public-facing organization we build needs to acknowledge that it can get Wish-bonked at random from girls with related wishes contracting, with consequences ranging from relatively small changes in an employee's performance to major policy changes.
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- Location
- Here
I'd want our first humanitarian intervention to be some sort of low-hanging fruit. Eliminating malaria, for example, seems well-suited to our capabilities, whereas wrangling Yakuza doesn't. That is to say, wrangling Yakuza sounds like it would require a whole bunch of middle managers, and I don't see any obvious way in which our phenomenal cosmic power gives us an advantage.
Anything we seriously consider needs some homework. Is malaria still a thing in PMAS? I expect the world isn't all sunshine and rainbows, but specific problems may have taken substantial departures.
I'd also like to follow a pattern where our humanitarian interventions follow our meguca recruitment efforts if possible. If there is something straightforward and large-scale we could do in Japan (and now Myanmar?), that might be helpful.
It's not so large-scale, but one demonstrably effective intervention is to give homeless people homes, with no strings attached. We could set up and fund an organization charged with identifying homeless people and buying them someplace to live and giving them a stipend (for food and other necessities, but just a stipend). Meguca are often homeless, so it might be another good way to show our bona fides.
We'd need a lot of money for it, though. I suggested gold and diamonds on the principle that they are small-volume goods that would still be very useful after a market crash.
Anything we seriously consider needs some homework. Is malaria still a thing in PMAS? I expect the world isn't all sunshine and rainbows, but specific problems may have taken substantial departures.
I'd also like to follow a pattern where our humanitarian interventions follow our meguca recruitment efforts if possible. If there is something straightforward and large-scale we could do in Japan (and now Myanmar?), that might be helpful.
It's not so large-scale, but one demonstrably effective intervention is to give homeless people homes, with no strings attached. We could set up and fund an organization charged with identifying homeless people and buying them someplace to live and giving them a stipend (for food and other necessities, but just a stipend). Meguca are often homeless, so it might be another good way to show our bona fides.
We'd need a lot of money for it, though. I suggested gold and diamonds on the principle that they are small-volume goods that would still be very useful after a market crash.
Actually, transmuting rare elements in bulk is probably a great combination of stupid, simple and effective. The whole platinum group is still just as useful for catalysis even if we sell thousands of tons (current yearly production is low thousands of tons for the group as a whole). I'd expect them to head to 1 USD/g territory if they were so plentiful, without thinking about it hard, so that would get us to billions of USD per year.
Lowlife pt. 29
You lean back, chair creaking slightly behind you as it reclines backwards, and you just... let the discussion wash over you for the moment. Peace amidst chaos, of a sort - it's a welcome chaos, of a lighthearted decision and a rousing debate. An important decision, but a lighthearted one nevertheless.
"-Starlight Coalition!"
"Not bad, but if we're going for star themeing I do think I prefer Constellation," Sasami opines.
"Do we want to be Googleable?" Noriko asks. "If yes, it can't be too generic."
"We have international ambitions, and not just in magical girl society, don't we?" Mika asks. "If yes, then we want to be Googleable."
"Fondazione della speranza?" Mami offers. "It's, um, Italian for Hope Foundation."
Mami all but glows with happiness, gesturing with her free hand even as her opposite hand remains interlaced with yours. Golden eyes flicker over to you, delight dancing in her gaze. You beam back at her, brushing your thumb over the back of her hand.
"Possible..." Yuki muses. "But we are based in Japan, or at least we started here. Our name should... if not reflect that, then not mislead?"
"Hm..." Mami nods thoughtfully. "True enough."
"I still think 'White Ribbon' would be good," Sayaka says, pouting.
"Too much of an injoke," you say, and grin at Sayaka. "As much as I appreciate the support, it's probably not a good name for the whole organization. How about... Morning Rescue?"
"... What, like the drink?" Kaoru says, tilting her head.
"Copyright issues," Kazumi points out. "But I kind of like the general idea?"
"Dawn's Salvation," Umika suggests. "Dawn's Light? Dawn's Hope... Hah, Morningstar."
"Ew, veto on Morningstar," Sayaka says, cringing a little. "Bad implications."
That earns her a sidelong look from you, one that she either doesn't notice or chooses to ignore. But really, she's not wrong, suspiciously angel-related comments aside.
"Brighter Dawn Foundation," you offer. "... Hah, Brighter Future Society."
"Spectrum?" Homura ventures quietly.
You shoot her an encouraging grin.
"Because of our Soul Gem colours?" Sayaka asks, tapping her chin. "I kind of like it. Uh... Spectrum Corporation, Spectrum Foundation, Spectrum Association. Spectrum Union?"
"Grief-B-Gone!" Kirika declares happily.
"That might make a better mission statement than a name, dear," Oriko says fondly.
"Yeah, it kind of is our mission statement, eh?" you say, grinning. "Hmm... Seeds of Hope? Or... mm, maybe not - sounds kind of like an agricultural company to outsiders. Hrm."
"There's a certain elegance in something that becomes immediately obvious only to those who are aware of magic," Yuki says, propping her chin on her fist. "In particular if the listener has heard of your Clear Seeds, which is not an unreasonable assumption."
"Actually, on reflection, sounding like an agricultural company might be a feature, not a bug," you say, brushing hair out of your eyes and frowning. "I mean, sustainability is our goal, after all, just not in the way people would expect. It gives the right impression, maybe?"
"Sounds too bloody twee," Kyouko grumbles, and you blink in surprise.
Not because you'd forgotten her angry, brooding presence, but because she's... actually engaging. And she hasn't actually been snacking this entire time, either, and now that you think about it, she's just been sitting there. Not sulking, just watching, and listening silently.
Which actually bothers you a little, because you're not entirely sure what changed. She'd given you that odd lecture earlier, too, which...
Well, she was trying to tell you something, that much you're sure of. The surface level of people dealing with things differently, obviously. You're not that dumb. But you should probably think more about what else she was saying, and what prompted that? What changed? It certainly wasn't just bringing her along for a good brawl, though burning off some of her resentment probably helped.
You file those thoughts away for now, because the conversation's moved on with the general consensus that there's potential in 'Seeds of Hope' but it might be relegated to a secondary consideration.
"... uh, since we're all throwing out ideas, Time Space Administration Bureau?" Shinobu ventures.
"I thought you said you didn't like that show," Yuki says, raising an eyebrow at Shinobu.
"I don't! I always felt like it didn't do enough to earn its emotional payoffs," Shinobu says, folding her arms.
The sheer intimidation factor of bulging muscle -biceps the size of Yuki's entire head- seems to bounce off Yuki, who simply smirks and arches an eyebrow at Shinobu. She's used to it, you suppose, and Shinobu definitely doesn't mean it as such.
"... but it might make a good name," Shinobu finishes lamely, ducking her head. "But, uh, now that I think about it, I guess it's not really fitting. Nevermind."
Yuki pats her arm gently, smiling.
"Negentropy?" you say, picking up the slack for the slightly awkward silence. "Negentropy Union? Negentropy United?"
"Whassat mean?" Kazumi asks.
"Negative entropy, or so I presume," Umika says. "Based on that thing Kyu... based on what it says sometimes, correct?"
"Yeah, exactly," you say, bouncing on your chair. "Magic is negentropy, we bring forth magic from our souls and with it energy. Liiike, you know, uh, more than half of us can kick off of thin air or do reactionless flight or straight up conjure light or matter or whatever from literally nothing? Negentropy."
"Too obscure, perhaps," Mika says. "I don't hate the idea, but... needs too much explanation. We need common appeal, so in the same vein... Infinity Foundation, or something of the like?"
And on the conversation goes, suggestions ranging from Starlight Brigade to The Coven to Mages Without Borders lobbed and shot down. Yuki provides refills of water, while you discreetly check the time - this is an entirely worthwhile endeavour, and one that will change the world, but you'd love to be able to get back in time to see Nagisa off if nothing else.
"You know," Mami muses, finally. "I think, of all the names we've suggested, I keep coming back to Constellation. It's simple and evocative, of the radiance of our Soul Gems and the hope we want to bring, and the fact that the same stars shine over the whole world."
"And the idea that we unite to form a greater whole is entirely implicit in the name," you say thoughtfully. "And it's innocuous enough too. It's... not the most exciting name we could choose, I suppose. Do you think it's too plain, maybe? People'll think we're an astronomy company or something."
Kazumi beams across the table.
"I do agree," Yuki says. "Though I would regard the plainness as a feature of the name. It's innocuous enough that we can discuss it freely."
"Hey, there's worse things to be associated with than space!" Kirika says.
"Not just Constellation," Sayaka murmurs thoughtfully, rubbing her chin. "We'll be The Constellation."
"I like it," Mika says. "Bold symbology, while being... tastefully understated. I could see it as the name of a proper company, but it's just dramatic enough to be cool."
"There's an air of the mythic to it," Noriko says. "All the stars in the night sky, the guiding lights of humanity..."
"... you know what? I can definitely live with that. 'Hope Foundation' could be a runner up, but... yeah. The Constellation. Uh..." You purse your lips, looking around the table. "OK, look, maybe in the future we'll want to have formal voting and all that, probably ranked voting or something like that? But just for now, for something like this, shall we just try for a unanimous decision?"
"That sounds reasonable," Oriko says, nodding. "Besides, we are the... founding members, are we not? We should be unanimous on the name and goals of our organization, if nothing else."
Murmurs of agreement around the table. You grin, and nudge Mami, giving her an encouraging look. She rises to her feet.
"Alright!" Mami says, standing with back straight and the gleam of eager anticipation in her eyes. "All in favour of calling ourselves The Constellation?"
"Aye!" The call goes around the table, Kazumi's hand shooting up the quickest, followed by Kaoru and Umika and Mirai and Kirika... even Homura raises her hand, murmuring quiet assent. And finally-
Kyouko rolls her eyes, and grudgingly raises her hand.
"Then it's unanimous!" Mami says happily. "Henceforth, we shall be known as The Constellation!"
"Woo!" Kirika cheers, bouncing to her feet.
"Woo!" Yuma echoes.
"May we accomplish all we set out to do," Yuki murmurs like a benediction. And heck, maybe it is.
You find yourself grinning as you push your chair back and hop lightly to your feet, joining Mami.
"Tomorrow, Tokyo, the day after, Japan!" you declare. "And let's pencil in the world for Monday."
"Yeah! World domination!" Kazumi crows, pumping her fists in the air.
"World domination?" you say, infusing polite disdain to your voice and the furrow of a raised brow. "Oh no, my good lady, we are going for world optimization. World domination isn't good enough for us."
"Ah, of course," Kazumi says, nodding solemnly. "My mistake."
"However!" You clap your hands together, smiling. "I think that brings us to the end of our first meeting, unless there's any other business?"
"What, no party?" Mika asks.
"... hm," you say, drawn up short and blinking. "I, uh, didn't even think about that."
"Ennnh," Kirika says, stretching. "A party'd be nice, but..."
"I can respect that," Mika says. "Was mostly a joke, anyway."
"Maybe next time?" you offer.
"Sounds like a plan, then," Mika says, interlacing her fingers and inverting them in a stretch. "I should probably get back home, anyway."
"Alright! Then thank you, Miss Tsuruya, for hosting," you say with a warm smile. "And thank you, everyone, for being here, and coming when I called."
"It was very much my pleasure, Miss Vee," Yuki says, also getting up - and that seems to be the cue for everyone to stand, stretching or shaking themselves out. "So, I'll be accompanying you as far as Mitakihara, and from there joining Miss Kazusa to Asunaro, correct?"
"That's the plan, unless... Homura? Miss Nakano? Any changes of plans on your end?" you say.
"None from me," Homura says, with a slight shake of her head.
"Nah, I'm fine for the moment," Mika says. "But I'll figure out something soonish, yeah."
"Same," you say, nodding. "OK! Let's head up to the- roof, yes, thank you, Miss Tsuruya."
You tilt your face back to the sun, revelling briefly in the warmth and the simple joy of having taken a concrete step forward. And now, if you're lucky, if you rush, you'll be back in time to hang out with Nagisa for just a little while longer. And perhaps it's time to talk to Homura, and it's time to think about Kyouko.
The rush of wind fills your hair as you take to the skies, the Mobile Oppression Fortress formed around you and your friends. The Constellation. It is a little plain, perhaps, not exactly exciting, but when it lends itself to turns of phrases like 'the stars fell upon Iowa', you can't really complain that much.
Telepathy to let Madoka and Hitomi know you're heading back, and you're sure that Yuki, small and quiet and ever-watchful is in contact with Atsuko too.
Homura, sitting on your left, clears her throat slightly and turns to Sayaka with a raised eyebrow. You give her a curious look, leaning back so that Mami can see too.
"'Imperialist'?" Homura says, just loud enough to be heard over the passage of the wind.
"Eh?" Sayaka says, blinking. "Oh, you mean what I said about the Iowa gang? I mean, it sort of fits."
"No empire, no imperialism," Homura points out.
"I... hm, yeah, imperialism has a certain political aspect to it," Sayaka says, frowning. "Definitely not colonialism either. I suppose raiding or murderhoboing is the most accurate description."
"Capitalist slavers?" you offer. "Or, well... I mean, look, if we want a description, 'raiders' is probably the most accurate. If we're looking for a historical analogue, well, Vikings."
"Shut up, Sabrina," Sayaka says. "You started this. 'Gunboat diplomacy' my fine ass, it's put imperialism on my brain."
"I'm afraid I'm not following, Sayaka," Mami says, blinking at Sayaka with innocent curiosity. "Your... posterior put imperialism on your brain?"
Sayaka stares at Mami for a long moment in silence, and then transfers her incandescently accusatory glare to you. Then she sticks her nose in the air and pointedly turns away, folding her arms with a huff.
Mami giggles, snuggling into your side. You beam at her, leaning over to press a kiss against her cheek.
"You did great today, Mami," you say.
"So did you," Mami says.
You chuckle quietly, and relax as she wraps an arm around you. Your other friends chatter away quietly behind you as Japan unspools beneath you, the familiar greens and greys and browns of fields and mountains and towns a vast tapestry stitched together by roads and traffic. Fukushima's long gone over the horizon, and you'll soon be home.
Home to Mitakihara, and home in time to catch Nagisa, if barely. Four o'clock pickup, Shin had said. You owe him an explanation, too, but perhaps after dinner with the Shizukis.
And sure enough, you spot the great, glittering spires of Mitakihara. Still shrouded by rain - now less a dense curtain, and more a shimmering veil dancing in the afternoon sun. Grief fog billows up ahead and above of you, nudging aside raindrops with careful precision so that none of you get wet.
Atsuko's lounging on the roof of Shimachi Mall, a lounge-chair made of dull metal and shade of steel.
"Hey, Yuki," Atsuko calls in all her untied-laces-glory as you drift in for a landing. She turns to you, expression firming up into professional blankness. "No news to report, Miss Vee. Trailed your friends for a while, but didn't pick up a single damn thing."
"Er, sorry bout that," you say. With a thought, you dissolve your flight platform as everyone steps off, milling about the roof with quiet conversation. It smells of rain here, ozone and something earthy, the concrete of the roof slick under your boots.
"It happens," Atsuko says, rolling her eyes. "I just drew the short straw this time, and you gotta guard your flanks just to be sure."
"Well then... instead, let me say thank you," you say, smiling.
"No prob," Atsuko says, waving and wandering off to join Yuki.
"We'll head off!" Kazumi says, waving. She's already frowning, shadows gathering in her hand and flowing forth to form her copy of your flight platform. "Everyone's expecting us back home. But we gotta hang out properly sometime, yeah? Maybe after Tokyo tomorrow?"
"Speaking of Tokyo," Yuki says. "When will you pick us up?"
"Tomorrow afternoon," you say. "The meeting's at two, so... pickup at one thirty, something like that? Since you're setting up the link for Asunaro?"
"Certainly," Yuki says. "Let me know."
"Can do," you say, smiling. "And again, thank you."
Yuki waves it off.
"Er, Miss Akiyama," Sayaka says, trying to catch the other girl's attention discreetly.
"Yes, Miss Miki?" Atsuko asks, obligingly stepping closer to listen.
"Your shoelaces," Sayaka says.
Atsuko blinks, and then belly-laughs. "Oh. No, they're just like that. If I tie them up-"
She loops it into a quick butterfly knot, raises her foot, shakes once, and the laces unravel instantly.
"Oh," Sayaka says, then shrugs. "Eh, it makes sense that it doesn't make sense."
"That's kind of cool," Kazumi says. "What happens if you put a safety pin in?"
"Boing," Atsuko says, shrugging.
"Cool!" Kazumi says. "Anyway, all aboard to Asunaro!"
[x] Get back to Nagisa
[] Anything to say to anyone before they head off?
[] Write-in (word count limit: 150 words)
And that's that little excursion wrapped up!
"-Starlight Coalition!"
"Not bad, but if we're going for star themeing I do think I prefer Constellation," Sasami opines.
"Do we want to be Googleable?" Noriko asks. "If yes, it can't be too generic."
"We have international ambitions, and not just in magical girl society, don't we?" Mika asks. "If yes, then we want to be Googleable."
"Fondazione della speranza?" Mami offers. "It's, um, Italian for Hope Foundation."
Mami all but glows with happiness, gesturing with her free hand even as her opposite hand remains interlaced with yours. Golden eyes flicker over to you, delight dancing in her gaze. You beam back at her, brushing your thumb over the back of her hand.
"Possible..." Yuki muses. "But we are based in Japan, or at least we started here. Our name should... if not reflect that, then not mislead?"
"Hm..." Mami nods thoughtfully. "True enough."
"I still think 'White Ribbon' would be good," Sayaka says, pouting.
"Too much of an injoke," you say, and grin at Sayaka. "As much as I appreciate the support, it's probably not a good name for the whole organization. How about... Morning Rescue?"
"... What, like the drink?" Kaoru says, tilting her head.
"Copyright issues," Kazumi points out. "But I kind of like the general idea?"
"Dawn's Salvation," Umika suggests. "Dawn's Light? Dawn's Hope... Hah, Morningstar."
"Ew, veto on Morningstar," Sayaka says, cringing a little. "Bad implications."
That earns her a sidelong look from you, one that she either doesn't notice or chooses to ignore. But really, she's not wrong, suspiciously angel-related comments aside.
"Brighter Dawn Foundation," you offer. "... Hah, Brighter Future Society."
"Spectrum?" Homura ventures quietly.
You shoot her an encouraging grin.
"Because of our Soul Gem colours?" Sayaka asks, tapping her chin. "I kind of like it. Uh... Spectrum Corporation, Spectrum Foundation, Spectrum Association. Spectrum Union?"
"Grief-B-Gone!" Kirika declares happily.
"That might make a better mission statement than a name, dear," Oriko says fondly.
"Yeah, it kind of is our mission statement, eh?" you say, grinning. "Hmm... Seeds of Hope? Or... mm, maybe not - sounds kind of like an agricultural company to outsiders. Hrm."
"There's a certain elegance in something that becomes immediately obvious only to those who are aware of magic," Yuki says, propping her chin on her fist. "In particular if the listener has heard of your Clear Seeds, which is not an unreasonable assumption."
"Actually, on reflection, sounding like an agricultural company might be a feature, not a bug," you say, brushing hair out of your eyes and frowning. "I mean, sustainability is our goal, after all, just not in the way people would expect. It gives the right impression, maybe?"
"Sounds too bloody twee," Kyouko grumbles, and you blink in surprise.
Not because you'd forgotten her angry, brooding presence, but because she's... actually engaging. And she hasn't actually been snacking this entire time, either, and now that you think about it, she's just been sitting there. Not sulking, just watching, and listening silently.
Which actually bothers you a little, because you're not entirely sure what changed. She'd given you that odd lecture earlier, too, which...
Well, she was trying to tell you something, that much you're sure of. The surface level of people dealing with things differently, obviously. You're not that dumb. But you should probably think more about what else she was saying, and what prompted that? What changed? It certainly wasn't just bringing her along for a good brawl, though burning off some of her resentment probably helped.
You file those thoughts away for now, because the conversation's moved on with the general consensus that there's potential in 'Seeds of Hope' but it might be relegated to a secondary consideration.
"... uh, since we're all throwing out ideas, Time Space Administration Bureau?" Shinobu ventures.
"I thought you said you didn't like that show," Yuki says, raising an eyebrow at Shinobu.
"I don't! I always felt like it didn't do enough to earn its emotional payoffs," Shinobu says, folding her arms.
The sheer intimidation factor of bulging muscle -biceps the size of Yuki's entire head- seems to bounce off Yuki, who simply smirks and arches an eyebrow at Shinobu. She's used to it, you suppose, and Shinobu definitely doesn't mean it as such.
"... but it might make a good name," Shinobu finishes lamely, ducking her head. "But, uh, now that I think about it, I guess it's not really fitting. Nevermind."
Yuki pats her arm gently, smiling.
"Negentropy?" you say, picking up the slack for the slightly awkward silence. "Negentropy Union? Negentropy United?"
"Whassat mean?" Kazumi asks.
"Negative entropy, or so I presume," Umika says. "Based on that thing Kyu... based on what it says sometimes, correct?"
"Yeah, exactly," you say, bouncing on your chair. "Magic is negentropy, we bring forth magic from our souls and with it energy. Liiike, you know, uh, more than half of us can kick off of thin air or do reactionless flight or straight up conjure light or matter or whatever from literally nothing? Negentropy."
"Too obscure, perhaps," Mika says. "I don't hate the idea, but... needs too much explanation. We need common appeal, so in the same vein... Infinity Foundation, or something of the like?"
And on the conversation goes, suggestions ranging from Starlight Brigade to The Coven to Mages Without Borders lobbed and shot down. Yuki provides refills of water, while you discreetly check the time - this is an entirely worthwhile endeavour, and one that will change the world, but you'd love to be able to get back in time to see Nagisa off if nothing else.
"You know," Mami muses, finally. "I think, of all the names we've suggested, I keep coming back to Constellation. It's simple and evocative, of the radiance of our Soul Gems and the hope we want to bring, and the fact that the same stars shine over the whole world."
"And the idea that we unite to form a greater whole is entirely implicit in the name," you say thoughtfully. "And it's innocuous enough too. It's... not the most exciting name we could choose, I suppose. Do you think it's too plain, maybe? People'll think we're an astronomy company or something."
Kazumi beams across the table.
"I do agree," Yuki says. "Though I would regard the plainness as a feature of the name. It's innocuous enough that we can discuss it freely."
"Hey, there's worse things to be associated with than space!" Kirika says.
"Not just Constellation," Sayaka murmurs thoughtfully, rubbing her chin. "We'll be The Constellation."
"I like it," Mika says. "Bold symbology, while being... tastefully understated. I could see it as the name of a proper company, but it's just dramatic enough to be cool."
"There's an air of the mythic to it," Noriko says. "All the stars in the night sky, the guiding lights of humanity..."
"... you know what? I can definitely live with that. 'Hope Foundation' could be a runner up, but... yeah. The Constellation. Uh..." You purse your lips, looking around the table. "OK, look, maybe in the future we'll want to have formal voting and all that, probably ranked voting or something like that? But just for now, for something like this, shall we just try for a unanimous decision?"
"That sounds reasonable," Oriko says, nodding. "Besides, we are the... founding members, are we not? We should be unanimous on the name and goals of our organization, if nothing else."
Murmurs of agreement around the table. You grin, and nudge Mami, giving her an encouraging look. She rises to her feet.
"Alright!" Mami says, standing with back straight and the gleam of eager anticipation in her eyes. "All in favour of calling ourselves The Constellation?"
"Aye!" The call goes around the table, Kazumi's hand shooting up the quickest, followed by Kaoru and Umika and Mirai and Kirika... even Homura raises her hand, murmuring quiet assent. And finally-
Kyouko rolls her eyes, and grudgingly raises her hand.
"Then it's unanimous!" Mami says happily. "Henceforth, we shall be known as The Constellation!"
"Woo!" Kirika cheers, bouncing to her feet.
"Woo!" Yuma echoes.
"May we accomplish all we set out to do," Yuki murmurs like a benediction. And heck, maybe it is.
You find yourself grinning as you push your chair back and hop lightly to your feet, joining Mami.
"Tomorrow, Tokyo, the day after, Japan!" you declare. "And let's pencil in the world for Monday."
"Yeah! World domination!" Kazumi crows, pumping her fists in the air.
"World domination?" you say, infusing polite disdain to your voice and the furrow of a raised brow. "Oh no, my good lady, we are going for world optimization. World domination isn't good enough for us."
"Ah, of course," Kazumi says, nodding solemnly. "My mistake."
"However!" You clap your hands together, smiling. "I think that brings us to the end of our first meeting, unless there's any other business?"
"What, no party?" Mika asks.
"... hm," you say, drawn up short and blinking. "I, uh, didn't even think about that."
"Ennnh," Kirika says, stretching. "A party'd be nice, but..."
"I can respect that," Mika says. "Was mostly a joke, anyway."
"Maybe next time?" you offer.
"Sounds like a plan, then," Mika says, interlacing her fingers and inverting them in a stretch. "I should probably get back home, anyway."
"Alright! Then thank you, Miss Tsuruya, for hosting," you say with a warm smile. "And thank you, everyone, for being here, and coming when I called."
"It was very much my pleasure, Miss Vee," Yuki says, also getting up - and that seems to be the cue for everyone to stand, stretching or shaking themselves out. "So, I'll be accompanying you as far as Mitakihara, and from there joining Miss Kazusa to Asunaro, correct?"
"That's the plan, unless... Homura? Miss Nakano? Any changes of plans on your end?" you say.
"None from me," Homura says, with a slight shake of her head.
"Nah, I'm fine for the moment," Mika says. "But I'll figure out something soonish, yeah."
"Same," you say, nodding. "OK! Let's head up to the- roof, yes, thank you, Miss Tsuruya."
You tilt your face back to the sun, revelling briefly in the warmth and the simple joy of having taken a concrete step forward. And now, if you're lucky, if you rush, you'll be back in time to hang out with Nagisa for just a little while longer. And perhaps it's time to talk to Homura, and it's time to think about Kyouko.
The rush of wind fills your hair as you take to the skies, the Mobile Oppression Fortress formed around you and your friends. The Constellation. It is a little plain, perhaps, not exactly exciting, but when it lends itself to turns of phrases like 'the stars fell upon Iowa', you can't really complain that much.
Telepathy to let Madoka and Hitomi know you're heading back, and you're sure that Yuki, small and quiet and ever-watchful is in contact with Atsuko too.
Homura, sitting on your left, clears her throat slightly and turns to Sayaka with a raised eyebrow. You give her a curious look, leaning back so that Mami can see too.
"'Imperialist'?" Homura says, just loud enough to be heard over the passage of the wind.
"Eh?" Sayaka says, blinking. "Oh, you mean what I said about the Iowa gang? I mean, it sort of fits."
"No empire, no imperialism," Homura points out.
"I... hm, yeah, imperialism has a certain political aspect to it," Sayaka says, frowning. "Definitely not colonialism either. I suppose raiding or murderhoboing is the most accurate description."
"Capitalist slavers?" you offer. "Or, well... I mean, look, if we want a description, 'raiders' is probably the most accurate. If we're looking for a historical analogue, well, Vikings."
"Shut up, Sabrina," Sayaka says. "You started this. 'Gunboat diplomacy' my fine ass, it's put imperialism on my brain."
"I'm afraid I'm not following, Sayaka," Mami says, blinking at Sayaka with innocent curiosity. "Your... posterior put imperialism on your brain?"
Sayaka stares at Mami for a long moment in silence, and then transfers her incandescently accusatory glare to you. Then she sticks her nose in the air and pointedly turns away, folding her arms with a huff.
Mami giggles, snuggling into your side. You beam at her, leaning over to press a kiss against her cheek.
"You did great today, Mami," you say.
"So did you," Mami says.
You chuckle quietly, and relax as she wraps an arm around you. Your other friends chatter away quietly behind you as Japan unspools beneath you, the familiar greens and greys and browns of fields and mountains and towns a vast tapestry stitched together by roads and traffic. Fukushima's long gone over the horizon, and you'll soon be home.
Home to Mitakihara, and home in time to catch Nagisa, if barely. Four o'clock pickup, Shin had said. You owe him an explanation, too, but perhaps after dinner with the Shizukis.
And sure enough, you spot the great, glittering spires of Mitakihara. Still shrouded by rain - now less a dense curtain, and more a shimmering veil dancing in the afternoon sun. Grief fog billows up ahead and above of you, nudging aside raindrops with careful precision so that none of you get wet.
Atsuko's lounging on the roof of Shimachi Mall, a lounge-chair made of dull metal and shade of steel.
"Hey, Yuki," Atsuko calls in all her untied-laces-glory as you drift in for a landing. She turns to you, expression firming up into professional blankness. "No news to report, Miss Vee. Trailed your friends for a while, but didn't pick up a single damn thing."
"Er, sorry bout that," you say. With a thought, you dissolve your flight platform as everyone steps off, milling about the roof with quiet conversation. It smells of rain here, ozone and something earthy, the concrete of the roof slick under your boots.
"It happens," Atsuko says, rolling her eyes. "I just drew the short straw this time, and you gotta guard your flanks just to be sure."
"Well then... instead, let me say thank you," you say, smiling.
"No prob," Atsuko says, waving and wandering off to join Yuki.
"We'll head off!" Kazumi says, waving. She's already frowning, shadows gathering in her hand and flowing forth to form her copy of your flight platform. "Everyone's expecting us back home. But we gotta hang out properly sometime, yeah? Maybe after Tokyo tomorrow?"
"Speaking of Tokyo," Yuki says. "When will you pick us up?"
"Tomorrow afternoon," you say. "The meeting's at two, so... pickup at one thirty, something like that? Since you're setting up the link for Asunaro?"
"Certainly," Yuki says. "Let me know."
"Can do," you say, smiling. "And again, thank you."
Yuki waves it off.
"Er, Miss Akiyama," Sayaka says, trying to catch the other girl's attention discreetly.
"Yes, Miss Miki?" Atsuko asks, obligingly stepping closer to listen.
"Your shoelaces," Sayaka says.
Atsuko blinks, and then belly-laughs. "Oh. No, they're just like that. If I tie them up-"
She loops it into a quick butterfly knot, raises her foot, shakes once, and the laces unravel instantly.
"Oh," Sayaka says, then shrugs. "Eh, it makes sense that it doesn't make sense."
"That's kind of cool," Kazumi says. "What happens if you put a safety pin in?"
"Boing," Atsuko says, shrugging.
"Cool!" Kazumi says. "Anyway, all aboard to Asunaro!"
[x] Get back to Nagisa
[] Anything to say to anyone before they head off?
[] Write-in (word count limit: 150 words)
=====
And that's that little excursion wrapped up!
TortugaGreen
Constantly out of the loop
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Just checking, is anyone else aware of our genius conspiracy theories about Sayaka being an angel? I can't imagine who would be since it requires the precursor weird shit that is our religious beliefs, but it seems like the sort of thing that would get mentioned at some point, to much confusion.
Also, sort of ambivalent on the name. It's a decent name, though it feels like there should be another word in between "the" and "constellation." I don't think we'd have achieved unanimity on a stronger name in the thread or with the group without a lot of serious discussion, which we don't really have the time for, so it'll do for now. Of course, "It'll do for now" is the sort of phrase that gets said a lot when deciding something that will go unchanged for decades, so this might be the name we're using permanently.
[x] Get back to Nagisa
Also, sort of ambivalent on the name. It's a decent name, though it feels like there should be another word in between "the" and "constellation." I don't think we'd have achieved unanimity on a stronger name in the thread or with the group without a lot of serious discussion, which we don't really have the time for, so it'll do for now. Of course, "It'll do for now" is the sort of phrase that gets said a lot when deciding something that will go unchanged for decades, so this might be the name we're using permanently.
[x] Get back to Nagisa
Someone remind me what Atsuko's powers are? Or more broadly why this is happening?
- Location
- Estonia
Sabrina, that sounds like a Sailor Moon Villain Organization name.
- Location
- The Surface Of A Hostile Planet
"The Constellation", huh? I like it!
- Location
- Not the asylum anymore
- Pronouns
- She/Her
Well. Tomorrow, Tokyo. The day after, Japan. Then the world. And why stop there? Put the rest of reality in for Tuesday. (Incidentally, we can then say "the day we saved the universe was the greatest day of yoyr life. But for me, it was Tuesday.")
[x] Get back to Nagisa
[x] Get back to Nagisa
SRLYWHYTHO
Tzeentchian Pragmatist, Deutaragonist of my Story
- Location
- A very cold place.
The Pandora Constellation?
We are basically setting the old System and world on fire, bringing Hope to all Megucas and Muggles whose problems can only realistically be solved by magic, and setting everything up for new things to come.
I consider the slighty villanous sound a bonus.
Edit: posted again because it didn't show on my end, dunno what happened.
We are basically setting the old System and world on fire, bringing Hope to all Megucas and Muggles whose problems can only realistically be solved by magic, and setting everything up for new things to come.
I consider the slighty villanous sound a bonus.
Edit: posted again because it didn't show on my end, dunno what happened.
StellarMonarch
Myrmidon
- Location
- Québec
A boring name, but not terrible.
Pandora has too many negative implications to add it in.
Pandora has too many negative implications to add it in.
Raiseth
I Find Your Lack of Memes Disturbing
- Location
- Russia
Homucifer did nothing wrong, Mikiel. It's high time you accept that.
Mmm. I do have a feeling on why Kyouko is behaving more personably, but it's nothing actionable and the feeling is vague, too. Suffice to say, Kyouko is shifting gears towards the normal amounts of tsundere as observed in the Rebellion, lol.
Nothing to do but watch and maybe bask in the eventual emotional payoff.
Completely unrelated to this, we should start bugging Sayaka to just freaking ask Kwijibo out already, goddamn it girl Hitomi wants some of that cake too! No idea why, but she does!
blast flame
How far will we go if it means lighting the way?
- Location
- Perth, Australia
- Pronouns
- They/Them
The Constellation? Pretty good mage organization name, definitely could see it as the hero faction in a future quest or something.
[x] Get back to Nagisa
[x] Get back to Nagisa
blast flame
How far will we go if it means lighting the way?
- Location
- Perth, Australia
- Pronouns
- They/Them
Er, I'm pretty sure it's a moniker of Lucifer, not Jesus.
Raiseth
I Find Your Lack of Memes Disturbing
- Location
- Russia
Look it up.