View source for 5619/New Years Revelation

{{Log Header
|Date of Scene=2017/12/31
|Location=Brimsteel Frontier
|Synopsis=Pending. Submitting logs because nobody has been.
|Cast of Characters=711, 1114, 215, 1119, 750, 7, 385
|pretty=yes
}}
{{Poses
|Poses=:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A few months ago Prismatic Point was a mostly forgotten ghost town tucked in the mountain range around Mt. Thundersmack.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now it was... still kind of obscure, but thanks to recent interests invested into the once forgotten corner it was slowly being built back up. Someone even got some basic holiday decorations up around the mountain town, fitting seeing as this was one of the few places on Brimsteel that actually -got- natural snow in the first place. Occasionally thunder cracks and lightning sparks far overhead, but the stormclouds are staying in their pecurliar perch at Thundersmack's peak tonight.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Considering how much the people of this world enjoy a good night of drinking and forgetting your ills after a long work day is it really a surprise the old saloon was one of the first places to be refurbished? Probably not. But the recently restored saloon was all festively decorated as well, complete with a big ol' pine tree in a corner that was brought down by the local lumberjacks. It's not quite as crowded as the Toasty Coyote back in Loadstar would be tonight, but it was certainly active with the people that had been working out here, or down at the site of the new bridge being built over Emberspill Canyon.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Like I said, these people love a few good drinks after a day's work. So it's little surprise Corona is already made herself a comfortable spot at the bar, occasionally chatting with the barkeep as he passes by delivering drinks. By this point most of the people that have been working here have come to not be weirded out by the moustached 'dillo not reflecting in the mirror behind the bar due to his ghostly nature. The guy just loved his bar and his job that much.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1114|Mei-Ling Zhou (1114)}} has posed:'''<br>In the shadow of the looming mountain, Mei-Ling Zhou huddles up in her parka, pulling the furry hood close over her face. "Snowball, I think it would be easier to climb that mountain than to go to that bar." She mutters, and the small robot chirrs and beeps it's response. She steps gingerly closer to the venue, trying to peer in through the door without looking too conspicuous.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br>So there's a party. Someone looking to crash it? Nope. Just dropping in to see what's happening, even though she's wearing her bounty hunting attire. Then again, Iria's not the type to get all dressed up for things really. She's just coming by in her free time for a little relaxation. Especially given what Fujikuro's done to her place again! But that's a story for another place and another time.<br><br>Despite the fact Iria is a very agile girl and has a lot of acrobatic skills, she makes no effort to be flashy in her entrance tonight. She simply walks into the party, a somewhat neutral look on her face, although there is a hint of a scowl on her face. For those who don't know her, they'd think she's angry about something. Those who know her will know that it's just her natural expression.<br><br>As soon as she gets in, Iria hangs up her cloak and looks around, attempting to spot someone she knows. Iria may seem a bit grumpy on the outside, but she can be a social person when she gets to know someone or meets someone she knows.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1119|Josuke Higashikata (1119)}} has posed:'''<br>Josuke remembers this place! And now that he's got a few less holes in him, he's going to see what's been going on since the morons got booted out. How has the town developed now that they're free to as they wish? Well, it's high time Josuke found out! He's not here to drink, he's just here to socialize. He'll be here on whatever rented transportation he can find. Failing that, he can whine at Jotaro until the Speedwagon Foundation gives him a lift up here.<br><br>He'll notice Mei sort of awkwardly shuffling towards the place, though, and gives one of his little thoughtful pouts. It's only a few moments before he decides to go over there. "Hi," he greets with a smile. "Are you heading to the saloon too? That seems to be where everyone's gathered. I'm going there too. Want to walk with me?" He's a pretty big guy for a Japanese high schooler, so he'll provide a reasonably effective shield if she likes.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Rebound's not drunk. That's bullshit, she's not. Yet. She's already made her way to the saloon, she's been hanging out on Brimsteel for a while now, so she's gotten to know the locals well enough.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Man hard to believe this place was a literal ghost town not too long back. Or was that the other place? A lot of it tends to blend together." She taps her chin before taking a drink, "Was this the one with the horrible mutants? Or was that inside the mine? Hey Corona, help me out here!" She calls out to the foxy friend of her's nearby.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa is going to be wary of some of the local drinks after what happend the last time she got experimental with things here. She's dressed very casually one might have trouble guesisng it's tone givne she's not weaing some form of smart clothing or stealh suit today. Nope she's got a light jackeyt on over things but there is an odd tell about her, there's no mist on he breath. She does wonder who else might be arriving but for now she's going to start looking for Corona whom she's certain will be there.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>There's being wary of the local drinks, and then being wary of alcohol in general. Yuna is very consciously in the latter category - she may chronologically be old enough, but she still looks like a teenager and she knows that her low body mass makes her get drunk REALLY easily. Or rather, she gets tiddly before she finishes one drink and either passes out or falls asleep shortly thereafter.<br><br>She's looking to avoid doing either of those tonight. It would be kind of embarassing - and she doesn't want Elner to have to teleport her home afterwards.<br><br>"Hey Josuke!" she calls out as she spots the tall high school student, waving to him - and waving to Mei as well, when she spots the woman in the furry parka. "Are you guys looking for the party Corona's hosting?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"This was a ghost town in the slang sense of bein' long an' forgotten," Corona is quick to answer. "Gaslight wassa ghost town in the literal, invaded by spooks sense."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"And mutants in the mine is just one of the rumors why it was closed down," pitchs in the barkeep as he slides another mug down the bar. Not the sort of ghost that has trouble handling physical objects.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Yep, been quite the year. Hopefully a lot quieter than how the -last- one ended though." Corona paused, glancing over her shoulder. "Anyone see where Windrose went off to? Need to get her some drinkin' so we can make drunk as a skunk jokes." Oh well, there's faces familiar and new coming in, so she sits up to wave a hand at the doors. "Com'n in y'all! We's just enjoyin' the season until Miss C gets out here to make her big announcements and what not."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1114|Mei-Ling Zhou (1114)}} has posed:'''<br>Snowball, perched on Mei's backpack, notices Josuke first and the diminuitive robot flashes a happy face and some short chirps. Mei turns around, probably a little too quickly, face flushed. "M-Me? Saloon?" She clears her throat and tries again. "I mean, yes, thank-you. I'm Mei, and this is my helper, Snowball." She says, pointing back over her shoulder at the little robot. Visibly relaxing her previously guarded posture, she sheepishly returns Yuna's wave.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1119|Josuke Higashikata (1119)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna's call of his name gets him to look up, and he smiles and offers a wave to her as well. "Hey there!" he greets amicably. And Josuke smiles at the robot as well, though he doesn't really consider it much until Mei actually introduces it. If it has a name, it's a 'person', at least to Mei. So he'll treat it like a person too. He nods. "Pleased to meet you both. As you probably heard, I'm Josuke," he introduces in return, with a chuckle. And then he offers Mei his arm. Yup, he's going to attempt to escort her properly.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br>They're serving alcohol here, go figure. Fujikuro might be inclined to tie a few on, in which case Iria would be dragging him back home and leaving him to sober up on the couch. But Fujikuro ain't here. Kei isn't here either, but even then she wouldn't be one to tie on one. And definitely not Iria either. She's only seventeen, you know. So instead, she opts for a cola instead, preferring something less intoxicating.<br><br>As Iria sips her drink and looks around, she spots Yuna and smiles a little, recognizing her old friend. "Yuna, you made it!" Iria calls out as she walks over to Yuna. Iria doesn't care if Yuna thinks Iria looks unusual wearing her bodysuit to a party, but the purpose is to have fun, right?<br><br>"Good to finally see someone I recognize," Iria says with a slight smile. "Otherwise, this party would turn boring quickly."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''<br>"Ah right, okay." Rebound replies, as she downs her drink and then taps the bar to let the barkeep know to keep them coming. Corona and Miss C are footing the bill for this right? She figures they are it's their party.<br><br>She takes a look around. Lots of new faces, a few she recognizes and a lot she only vaguely knows, but still it's nice to see everyone enjoying themselves instead of trying to choke each other out or something crazy.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna smiles as she approaches Josuke and Mei-Ling. "It's good to meet you, Mei, Snowball," she greets the woman and her 'bot, bowing politely to both of them. "And it ought to be a fun party."<br><br>Corona's call elicits a wave and a reply of, "Be there shortly!!" - and with Corona herself providing a reference for where they need to go, Yuna tugs her cloak a bit closer around herself and heads up towards the saloon, taking the lead - at least, if Josuke and/or Mei don't try to outwalk her. She's not in a huge hurry.<br><br>And Snowball may have a bit of companionship shortly as well, as a little robotic faerie-like construct flits down to examine the support drone more closely. "My name is Elner," the robo-faerie introduces itself quietly. "I assist Yuna in her ... in some of her work. Please pay me no mind, I was just indulging a moment's curiosity."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa says "Hard to think that things have changed this much Corona isn't it? Also this year I'm watching what I drink." The cyborg laughs a little bit and moved to clap Corona on the back lightly. "So how have you been?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Corona turns on her stool and pushes herself up from the bar. "Seems we've got a few stragglers outside." Her sharp ears picked up the conversation outside, if not the actual words. She holds up one hand to her muzzle to shout in the direction of the doors, "Com'n folks, the food's hot and the drinks are cold, no need to be standin' out here all night!" Followed by a snicker at Kotone's remark. "Eh, don't sweat it Koto. Bitter's saloon is the only place crazy enough to even serve -that- drink."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;One of backroom doors of the saloon clunks open to allow Miss C to walk into the main room, the businesswoman standing out immeadiately thanks to being more or less the only one in actual formal attire with her Retro-Victorian style dress. Only to show the formality goes little pass the level of appearances as the collie grabs a shot glass from the bar and slugs it back without a second thought. You can put a frontier woman in a frilly dress but you cant take the frontier out of her. With a shot to steel the nerves she heads over to the stage. A few minutes later she's joined by her usual assistance as Bucksaw is pushing a large covered cart out of the room and onto the stage as well.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Seems to be a bit of a robo-sidekick party going on. Which gets the attention of another, a clockpunk jackalope sitting up from under Corona's stool, photoreceptor 'eyes' irising like camera apetures to peer at the newest arrivals.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1114|Mei-Ling Zhou (1114)}} has posed:'''<br>Mei-Ling Zhou carefully takes Josuke's arm that has been graciously offered. He may be imposingly tall, but with his impeccable manners and the other young woman's greeting, Joe doesn't seem to be any threat. <br><br> Snowball responds to the inquisitive fairie with a cheerful chirp, but the little guy isn't a conversationalist. <br><br> "Shall we?" Mei seems much more sure of herself now, and eager to join the party. She holds onto Josuke's arm a little more confidently, and steps through the door. "What brings you to such an out-of-the-way place? Have you been here before?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br>Iria's smile turns into a scowl as Yuna seems to ignore her. "All right, be that way..." She says as she narrows her eyes and walks away, folding her arms. "Attempt to be friendly and you get ignored?" She sighs. "Now I'm wondering if I should've gone to the movies with Kei instead."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1119|Josuke Higashikata (1119)}} has posed:'''<br>Josuke's not trying to outwalk anyone, no. He's sort of letting the group coalesce naturally, and doesn't seem at all bothered by being surrounded by girls. Nor does he seem particularly... shall we say, 'overly pleased'. He does greet Elner too though. "Hi there, Elner." He's seen the robo-faerie around at least once! He'll also hold the door open for Mei if possible, saloon doors or not.<br><br>At Mei's question, "Me? I've been here before. We had to kick a bunch of ghosts out." She's probably an Elite, he figures, so she can probably handle the knowledge that ghosts are 'A Thing', right? He pauses as they enter, looking at the spectral bartender. "Not that one, though. He's cool," he specifies. "So I came back to see how things were going, if the town bounced back or not. Seems like it's starting to, and that's &lt;great&gt;."<br><br>Notably, the word 'great' is spoken in English. Very sloppy English, to note, coming out as 'gureito'. He'll wave at the other gathered Elites at large as he enters, giving his trademark friendly grin. He knows most of them, and he's got friendliness to spare! And also to Miss C, since this is her shindig.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Corona gives a friendly slap to Iria's back. "Com'n, now ain't the night to be like that! It's a big party," relatively speaking, "it takes folks time to catch up to everyone." That said she saunters up towards the stage, leaning on it on one elbow. "Hey Miss C, y'seen Windrose 'round?"<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Miss C looks up from glancing over some notes one last time. "She took one of the bikes and brought some refreshments down to the sentries at the bridge site. Don't dare leave it unguarded even for the holidays, considering."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"What happened last time, yeah. Pro'ly why Target's not been seen yet, either. Hope he don't have more than HWIs to deal with." Miss C raises a brow at the phrase, prompting Corona to explain. "Horsebackin' While Intoxicated."<br><br>As the new arrivals make their way Hopalong shuffles out from under the stool and jumps up onto the bar. The ghostly barkeep shoots the construct a glare and mutters something about better not scratch the surface with those metal feet as he goes back to wiping out a mug. Hopalong doesn't seem to care at the grousing, he's trying to get a better look at Snowball. So smooth and shiney! Unlike his visible clicking gears and actuators. Ears twitch back and sideways to keep his balance as the clockwork jackalope leans a bit farther over the edge of the bar in his curiousity.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Corona, would you mind helping Bucksaw?" As the fox scurries up on the stage to help the beaver foreman with whatever is under the tarp, Miss C turns towards the rest of the saloon and puts two fingers in her mouth for a sharp whistle. Which gets a lackluster response. With a sigh she holds up one arm and a minature pistol pops out of a sleeve into her hand, that despite it's tiny size goes off with a highly audible *BANG*. THAT gets the attention of the rest of the room, as well as a scowl from the barkeeper (not that he has anything to fear from getting shot). "It's okay, it's only blanks." Miss C ahems, slipping the derringer away and fluffing out her dress. "I know you are all eager to continue your revelling, but as we cap off one year and prepare for the next I have an important announcement to make."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa smiles a little bit at this. She seems to be moving into settle in with things and Mei-lking along with Josuke get a wave from her she grins wi dly at the pair. <br><br> "Hey there good to see some more people keeping out of too much trouble I hope Josuke." Mei is new to her an she takes a second to look her over to get a feel for her. <br><br> "Hey the name's Kotone good to meet you." <br><br> She'll even attempt tpo wirelessly greet Snowball with a Ansi Hello if it's possible.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br>Looking up, Iria says, "It's not her, it's Fujikuro. He ruined my house again!" She shakes her head, still scowling. "I can't believe I took my anger out on Yuna like that. It's just not like me." Walking back a little to get another cola, Iria sighs. "Kei went to the movies while I came here. Fujikuro's cleaning up my apartment. He deserves it." She then moves to Yuna and says, "I'm sorry for snapping at you. It's not your fault."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''<br>Setting off a pistol is a surefire way to get everyone's attention. Even Rebound jumps up a bit when it goes off, "That thing sure has got a lot more kick than it's size would make you think." Then she pauses for a second, and then under her breath, "That's what she said."<br><br>And then she laughing, though she puts a hand over her mouth to calm down so that Miss C can actually give the speech she has planned.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1114|Mei-Ling Zhou (1114)}} has posed:'''<br>Mei-Ling Zhou lets Joesuke graciously open the door, but now she excuses herself from his escort so she can hang up her coat and gently lodge her backpack on the floor. Snowball stays attached to the large frosty canister, and pops a pair of question marks on his LED screen that stands in for his face when Kotone sends him a message. <br><br> Mei looks around the bar, and tries not to stare at the bartender and his conspiculous lack of reflerction in the mirror. "Ah! I have never seen a ghost before, we don't have such things on my world. I'm stil finding new and exciting things from all kinds of different worlds."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1119|Josuke Higashikata (1119)}} has posed:'''<br>Josuke chuckles a bit at Kotone's words about getting into trouble. "Trouble seems to follow me, for some reason," he notes. Mei's reaction to the ghost bartender gets a smile. "I'm starting to realize that if I'm not in my own world, there's bound ot be something weird. Best to take things as they come."<br><br>Now, he definitely tenses as he hears the shot -- rather than act like he was about to run or hide, he tenses like he's expecting to have to defend himself! Though he calms when he sees it's Miss C shooting blanks into the air to get the room's attention. He settles down then, and listens to what she wants to say.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"Sorry, Iria," Yuna says with an apologetic smile. "Plenty going on already, right? Glad to see you, though - how was your ChristMEEP?!?!?"<br><br>Her question is cut off by the sound of a gunshot - Miss C drawing everyone's attention with that derringer. Loaded with blanks, as the lady quickly confirms - but judging by the way Yuna jumped at the sudden noise, it might take a bit for her nerves to settle back down.<br><br>Elner has, by this point, finished satisfying its curiosity about Snowball and is hovering next to Yuna once more ... except when Yuna jumps like that; Elner doesn't even budge. If this had been an actual emergency, Yuna would have been in her Light Suit by the time her feet touched the floor again.<br><br>Still, maybe it just isn't a party in this neck of the Multiverse *without* gunfire of some kind ... ? Yuna shakes her head at the thought and just listens for the big announcement that Miss C needs to make.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br>Meanwhile, Iria nearly spills her cola as the gunshot goes off. "What the?!" She says, spinning around in the general direction, almost reaching for her own sidearm before remembering where she is. When she looks towards Corona, Iria scowls again. "Trying to get me on edge?" She mutters. "You did a good job!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa Says "sounds like me honestly, there's always something strange the moment you set foot off world, and sometimes it comes to you." <br><br> She looks to Snowball and speaks this time. "Oh sorry I thought you might have prefered a hello like that!" She looks back to Mei for a moment. <br><br> "Your lucky you have met one that's not looking for trouble. I basically fell into a Mythos novel in the first week."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Despite his ghostly lack of a complexion the barkeeper gives Mei-Ling a polite smile and a nod. "This place was muh pride and joy back in the boom days. Bein' dead may be a bother to some folk but ain't lettin' it stop me from helpin' folks relax. Can I get ya something to drink, miss?" Quite congenial for a phantom this one was.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"First off," Miss C continues once the saloon has quieted back down and she has everyone's attention, "I see several familiar faces here tonight, and once again I must thank you. We wouldn't be here celebrating bringing chains of prosperity back to the Brimsteel frontier if it wasn't for you folks being willing to help out. As annoying as it can be having my prized machinist running off to the far corners of the Multiverse to return the favor." Corona briefly sticks her tongue out at the joke, but keeps quiet as she ducks back under the tarp and can be heard faintly adjusting something.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"That said, while the general travel crossing is open it will still be a time before the Emberspill Bridge is fully operational for the railway full time. We are making sure to avoid the mistakes made with it's predecessor." Pause. "And keeping it out of the reach of deranged molemen machines." The things you never thought you'd have to say until you're making one of these speeches.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Miss C flicks a few note cards. "The nearby lumber camps have been very forthcoming in helping with the reconstruction, as you can see around town, as well as providing materials for fixing up Gaslight after it's own ghost problem. Once the railway is completed it will be much easier for them to ship their goods across the rest of Brimsteel as well... With most of the distrubition going through Loadstar, of course." Businesswoman still has to get in her share of things, of course.<br><br>With the backpack/cooling unit on the floor it's in easy reach. Hopalong, much to the barkeep's relief, jumps down from the bar and hops over to take a closer look at the much more advanced automaton. Yet in a similar manner doesn't actually speak, instead making an assortment of clicks and chirps from his internal mechanical workings that might pass for a 'hello'. Just don't mind the smoke that occasionally puffs out of the vents in his body.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1114|Mei-Ling Zhou (1114)}} has posed:'''<br>Mei resists the urge to reach over the bar to touch the ghostly apparition, and instead takes a seat at the bar while the hostess makes her announcement. "I'm glad the town is recovering so well, people can overcome pretty much any hardship with some honest cooperation and hard work." She looks around the bar and does a quick headcount, and turns back to the bartender. "Maybe something to celebrate the return to prosperity, do you have champagne? Sparkling wine? The bubbly stuff?" she asked, not sure what they call it on a world like this, so different from her Earth.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1114|Mei-Ling Zhou (1114)}} has posed:'''<br>The Snowball drone beeps cheerfully and flaps it's "ears", but that seems to be about the extent of it's ability to communicate.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1119|Josuke Higashikata (1119)}} has posed:'''<br>Josuke seems relaxed around the ghost, if Mei-Ling needs assurances to the bartender's relative harmlessness, generally speaking. Josuke listens to Miss C as she speaks, chuckling at the mention of Corona running off. He quiets soon enough, though. He's glad to hear things seem to be going reasonably well.<br><br>When Mei sits, Josuke also takes a seat nearby. Close enough for conversation, but not too close. He should order something too, he just hopes they have something less... potent than the last time he was here! "Anything without alcohol?" he asks the bartender. He's not hunkered down when he asks that, no.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Business. Yuna tries to keep alert, attentive, and cordial while Miss C is talking about the nitty-gritty of reviving a town like Brimsteel, but enough of it is commercial and/or bureaucratic that the blonde has to make constant conscious efforts not to let her eyes glaze over. Josuke's inquiry about non-alcoholic drinks gets her attention, though, and Yuna moves to consider the options. "There's this old drink I heard about in a place like this one. What was it called ... Salsa ... Slarsky ... um. Sarsasafrassin?"<br><br>"Sarsaparilla," Elner provides, trying not to sound exasperated. "I believe it's a predecessor of sorts to root beer."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br>Iria tries to pay strict attention to what's being said, but she's a little miffed that there's business being discussed at a party. Still, she knows there's not much she can do about it, save for stand there sipping her soda and listening to whats' being said.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:7|Kotone Yamakawa (7)}} has posed:'''<br>Kotone Yamakawa will order a Sarsaparilla to be on teh safe side this year she also looks over to Yuna for a moment and smirks for a moment. "Pretty much, won't melt your innards out sides I could get tapped for duty toniught so no booze for me even though I can't get drunk anymore." Somedays she wished she could.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Got some champagne for the occasion, sure." It's probably not that popular with the local crowd not being of 'the strong stuff' but the tastes of off-worlders has been taken into consideration. The barkeeper ambles about his work for a few minutes while Miss C is making her speech, eventually returning with the champagne for Mei, and passes a bottle to Josuke, grinning at Yuna and Elner's suggestion. "Non-liquor sarsparilla, aye. Also got ginger ale iffen you rather."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"But there is one other venture that we are all here for," Miss C continues as she walks across the saloon stage, giving her speech all the more feeling of a steampunk era expo presentation. "One that, hopefully, you'll all forgive having been kept low profile until now. Those of you that have been here dealing with our.. conflicts will understand how competative the frontier can be, and this is something Brimsteel does not yet have and I didn't want others--"<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Like Goaty McShortpants," Corona interjects.<br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;It gets a chortle out of the room, and a roll of the eyes from Miss C. "Yes, such as the Copperchokes. But reconnecting with the material resources of this region is only one aspect of a bigger plan to take advantage of this isolated by vibrant reigon. One that tonight, as we celebrate the passing of the old year and the advent of the new, I present to you!" Miss C steps back aside as she snaps her fingers. Corona and Bucksaw grab the ends of the tarp, and with a flourish yank it off and back from the cart.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Set atop the cart is a scale model of Prismatic Point and the surrounding area of the mountains. It shows the town fully restored not only with the saloon and train station as focal points, but a couple of hotels, and taking advantage of the local environment for geothermal hot spring spas and some kind of waterpark built right into the mountain sides. There's even a minature train chugging on a minature track around and through the minature Mt. Thundersmack more like a rollercoaster than a real locomotive.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Brimsteel's first recreational resort!" Even Miss C is getting a little giddy now. "One potential resource that has not yet been tapped here: Tourism!"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1114|Mei-Ling Zhou (1114)}} has posed:'''<br>Mei-Ling Zhou squints as she tries to figure out the physics of a ghost carrying her beverage, but she takes the drink with a quiet "Thank you," as Miss C carries on with her exposition of the town's promising future. "Ah, looks like fun. Might I suggest offering provisions for mountaineering expeditions? You have quite an interesting mountain up there, I was tempted to climb it myself! The only peak in the area with ice and snow, would be something unique to showoff. I could give you some pointers on the proper kind of gear and technique for those conditions."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1119|Josuke Higashikata (1119)}} has posed:'''<br>Josuke raises an eyebrow at Yuna's try at the name of the beverage, with a confused pout. "Sounds familiar, but I can't think where I've heard it." Elner's correction clears the confusion from Josuke's expression though. "Aa! That's what it was! I couldn't remember. It's a weird word, isn't it?"<br><br>When the bartender passes him a bottle, he smiles. "Thank you," he offers in return. Miss C's got more to say too, so Josuke turns in her direction to look and listen as the tarp is pulled away. His eyes go wide when he sees the scale model. "Wow!" he marvels. "That's a really ambitous design! The western aesthetic is pretty universally popular from what I've seen, so I can see that happening."<br><br>Mei's words get a smile. "Hey, that could be a good idea too," he states. "Maybe skiing, something like that, if there's enough snow?" What he DOESN'T ask is if she really climbs mountains. Clearly she does, or she wouldn't be offering pointers on it. Asking for confirmation would just come off as sounding like he doubts her.<br><br>He does have a question, though. "Excuse me, Miss C? Bringing in tourists means bringing defenseless people in contact with the... unsavory elements here. Like those guys I keep having to punch. Anything in place to keep the tourists from being robbed?"<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna gets a bottle of sarsaparilla for herself as well, and clinks it gently against Josuke's (or tries to, anyway) before Miss C gets to the climax of her presentation. So that's what all the verbal paperwork was leading up to?<br><br>Hmmm. The hot springs in particular catch some of her interest, although - "Maybe keep some of the hot springs less-developed, and build inns near them instead of walling them up or anything?" she suggests. Admittedly, she's also trying to size up some of the hotels to see if any of them would likely be suitable for idol concerts.<br><br>Then again, this isn't Japan, is it? And Mei and Josuke have decidedly more practical suggstions about the intended resort development.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:215|Iria (215)}} has posed:'''<br>Iria also gets some sarsaparilla, having drank it quite a bit during a bounty hunt in a Western-era styled area of the Multiverse. Having stayed there for a few days, she made her residence in a small saloon/inn combination, where the only non-alcoholic drink they really served was sarsaparilla. She joins the toasting with Josuke and Yuna before taking a sip.<br><br>"As complicated as it might sound," Iria says, "It might be better to look at certain locations and deal with them on a case by case basis." Who knew a bounty hunter like Iria could be so logical?<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''<br>"Wait.." Rebound says, "You're turning the mountain into a theme park?" She asks, as she tilts her head looking at the model. She seems...Intrigued. She looks at Corona for a second, "Did you know about this? I mean who's idea was it, and why didn't you guys let me know sooner!" She grins, "I wanna be first one in line."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br>It takes a few moments for some of the impression to sink in, but it eventually gets a round of cheering out of the room. Though for most of the locals it just means prosperous work for them. The finer points of 'tourism' is something for the boss lady to worry about, they just do their jobs to make things good for others.<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Honestly from what I've seen, bandits would be fools to try and harass most offworlders," Miss C replies with a hint of bemusement. "But yes, security is being given serious consideration, and the Rangers will make arrangements for providing law enforcement as necessary." The businesswoman was prepared for questions, and gets some suggestions as well. "Expeditions will be entirely possible, miss, though mayhaps a bit down the line from getting other facilities in order, as is already being suggested." A brief nod of acknowledgement to Iria's comment. "I suspect the seemingly eternal storms brewing around Thundersmack will draw their fair share of curiousity as well."<br><br>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"Don't worry Yuna," Corona adds in as she's ambled off the stage and back over to the bar. "The whole idea is to make what's nat'rally here more accessable rather than section it off." Then smirks at Rebound. "Like C said, had to keep it under wraps to keep folks like that grumpy goat from findin' out too soon. But it turns out Miss C wasn't plannin' on reopening the old mine itself. Just makin' a mine themed attraction."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1114|Mei-Ling Zhou (1114)}} has posed:'''<br>Mei-Ling Zhou scribbles her multiverse radio comm contact details on a napkin and offers it to Miss C. "If you need any advice on climbing up that imposing mountain, just let me know!" She says, tapping her spiked boots on the floor planks. Then she's wandered off to mingle more with the locals and enjor the ambience.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:1119|Josuke Higashikata (1119)}} has posed:'''<br>Yuna makes to clink her bottle against his, and Josuke moves to do the same -- and with Iria's bottle too -- with a grin. "Cheers!" he exclaims, and takes a drink. Iria's suggestion of dealing with locations individually gets a nod. "Hm... that makes sense, put the boots on the ground where the trouble is, and not have to worry so much about areas that aren't too much trouble," he agrees.<br><br>Josuke grins at the mention of harassing offworlders. "An Elite, yeah. But non-Elites might be a little more of a mark. Though that's an idea too -- you might be able to hire out Elites at points too, to provide security if you expect big trouble somewhere, or if there's been trouble." Might not be a great idea if she's worried about collateral damage, but it could still be helpful.<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:385|Yuna Kagurazaka (385)}} has posed:'''<br>"Not all offworlders you'd draw here are Elites," Yuna comments. "Those of us who've come here so far *are*, admittedly, so far as I know ... but once this world is opened to normal tourism, you'll get normal tourists too."<br><br>After the Q&amp;A are over, Yuna perks up a little at Corona's comment, and nods in relief, smiling a little to hear that reassurance. "Wasn't sure," she admits, "but I'm glad to know."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:711|Corona Arclite (711)}} has posed:'''<br>Corona eventually notices Hopalong poking around Mei's stuff, and shoos the construct away. "Leave her stuff and the li'l bot alone, ya silly lagomorph." Then wanders back to the bar with the others. "Yeah, we'll have to keep an eye on things when more 'normal' folks start showin' up. But it ain't gonna be a problem with the support we've got thanks to y'all."<br> <br>

:'''{{#var:750|Rebound (750)}} has posed:'''<br>Rebound makes her way over to where Corona is after the big reveal, and offers he a drink she brought, "Looks like it'll be a blast. Surprised neither you nor Windrose managed to spill the beans..Unless she doesn't know either?" She hmms, and nudges Corona, "That'll make for a heck of a surprise if she didn't know.."<br> <br>
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