-67 [Voice]

[fortunefail]

[Filtered to Desert Fort Project volunteers]

Attention volunteers. My name is Yuan and as I'm sure Caesar's told you, I'm in charge of restoring the old fort to a functional state. First of all, thank you for offering your time to aid with this project. I'm sure it's not one of the more fun chores to do around here.

Before we start, I have question for each of you. As most of you know, there are two paths that lead to the desert. One is through the mountain range, the other through the tunnel. Both options have a drawback, which is why I'm asking you now. Would you rather take the long route over rocky slopes or the short route through a dark, damp tunnel where your powers are completely useless? Keep in mind that even if you choose the tunnel, the estimated time of travelling will be two days. Expect to be away from the village for quite a while, unless an emergency forces us to return early.

Furthermore, before we can even depart, we need to gather enough supplies to work with. Some tools and materials can be acquired at the store, but I'm sure we'll need to cut down a few trees ourselves. I've taken a look at the fort myself and it seems to be salvagable, but I'm no expert on construction. If I underestimated the damage, we may need to go as far as to build a new wall around the existing one. If you have any professional input on the matter, speak up now so we won't forget anything.

We aren't departing for the desert until I'm sure we're fully prepared and no experiments will interfere with our work.
[/Filter]

[Filtered to Martel]

I'm sure you've noticed that Valentine's Day is coming up again. While the experiment that took place the last two years isn't a guarantee for tradition, it's still best to be prepared. Don't recklessly approach anyone through the journals this weekend.
[/Filter]

[And then a completely unfiltered mutter that was accidentally recorded just before he closes his journal.]

... Two years and counting.

Comments

[filtered]

[martelandmany.livejournal.com]

I didn't intend to... But I appreciate your concern.

Have we an alternative plan?

[filtered]

[fortunefail]

Alternative plan?

[Voice]

[flamesofkaraya.livejournal.com]

I think the tunnels would be safer in general, even without powers. We could risk someone getting injured in an accident if we take the mountain path.

[Voice]

[fortunefail]

Duly noted. Though in the case of an accident, at least we'll be able to use healing magic above the ground. If something happens in the tunnel, we won't be quite so lucky.

[Voice/Same Filter]

[salvationfound.livejournal.com]

I agree that the tunnels would be our best course. Although our powers will be useless, I'm certain we still have enough talent to traverse safely. The mountains have poor footing, and there's a risk of injury that could prove dangerous, especially in this weather.

[Written/Filtered to Yuan]

Compared to our already long lives, two years is considered a mere blink of time.

[Voice/Same Filter]

[fortunefail]

Alright. [But if someone starts whining about the darkness after only a few hours of walking through that tunnel, he's not going to be too happy.]


[Written/Filtered to Kratos]

True as that may be, I doubt our Cruxis Crystals are still effectively halting our metabolism. There's a good chance we're growing older.

[Filtered]

[arrogant-mage.livejournal.com]

Actually, I don't mind taking the whole group there. It just may take a few trips if there are a lot of supplies.

[Filtered]

[fortunefail]

Just how many people are you capable of transporting at a time?

[1week-wizard.livejournal.com]

Two years... it doesn't seem so long when you live as long as youkai do, yet in this place...

[fortunefail]

Youkai? I don't recall hearing that term before.

[voice]

[pfft-scumbag.livejournal.com]

[Since Xanxus fails at hacking into journals (He's more of a traditional man) he can't hear the filtered entries (and he doesn't care, actually) but he does recognize the voice of the other when he there's something muttered.

Hey wait...it's that scumbag who dared to fight him.]

That is too long if you ask me.

[voice]

[fortunefail]

[... Wait, isn't that the bastard who insulted him for no reason and then almost kicked his ass? Well, the fight ended in a draw, but still.]

I wasn't asking you.

[Voice]

[derek-bliss.livejournal.com]

I don't have a preference; I've worked in low-to-none light situations in the past quite often, and I have mountain climbing training and experience. The tunnels, however, would offer a cleaner and quicker path, which, if we have to take all the materials ourselves, would be a better option in the end, loss of abilities or not. As for getting stuck with no help; well, avalanche or cave-in, either way, it'll be hard going. I'd suggest we take a flat out medic with us regardless of route.

For the wall...if there's damage inside and out, if we have the ability, it would be best to try and salvage from the building inside for wall materials first; less to carry, and we can always rebuild and even rearrange the infrastructure to our liking and at a more casual pace if the defenses are already in line. The worst part will be rigging up strong enough cabling and the like, since we won't be able to use heavy machinery or power tools to move things around. I know some folks have abilities that can go towards this goal, but it's best to look at it from the bare minimum perspective just in case that's what we end up working with. You can always upgrade if it's available. Starting something that you might lose half the tools for? Not always a good idea, especially so far out from our sources.

I'm sure I'm missing something, but I'll say it if I think of it.

[Voice]

[fortunefail]

A medic is hard to come by in Luceti, but I know at least one of the volunteers is capable of healing magic.

Cabling, hm? I doubt we'd need any, but if we do end up having to work from the minimum perspective, I suppose we can ask the smithy to provide us with the materials needed for a construction like that. Rune, our teleportation mage, can retrieve those things from the village.

[Voice]

[themoonuplifts.livejournal.com]

It's hard to believe it's been so long.

[Voice]

[fortunefail]

So much has happened in two years' time, yet so little has actually changed.

[Voice]

[unseenspy.livejournal.com]

Two years...?

[Really, what could he say to that?]

[Voice]

[fortunefail]

... Two years in this hellhole.

[voice]

[corrinesbell]

You've been here for two years?

[voice]

[fortunefail]

You hadn't noticed? You've been here longer than I have.

[lilblackfeather.livejournal.com]

Two years... wooow.... I hope I'm not here that long.

[fortunefail]

I wouldn't wish that fate upon you, either.

[Voice]

[knightofratatosk]

Two years...?

[Voice]

[fortunefail]

Yes, two years.

[Voice]

[eidolon-soul.livejournal.com]

I sympathize. It's just been a year, for me.

[Voice]

[fortunefail]

For most, it's not exactly an anniversary worth celebrating.

[earthrumblegod.livejournal.com]

Well, to tell you the truth, I'd rather not use the tunnels just because I won't be able to use bending to see. But if it's really quicker, and it helps everyone get there faster, it's probably the best path to choose. Also, it's gonna be harder for bad guys with powers to get us down there.

And for building, you give me enough time and I can build my own building. The sand's the only supply I need to make rock walls, but I don't know about all that cabling stuff. If you need me to build a wall around it, though, it wouldn't take more than a few minutes.

[fortunefail]

Hm... Your name is Toph, I assume?

[ voice ]

[thirdhost.livejournal.com]

...two years?

[ voice ]

[fortunefail]

That's what I said.

[Voice]

[lezareno_prez]

Unless I am mistaken, Lloyd was sent home not long after he had been here for two years. Perhaps that means you too will be able to return home shortly as well.

[Voice]

[fortunefail]

By that logic, Kratos and Sheena should be heading home any second now, with Raine not following too far behind.

[Voice]

[throwshammers.livejournal.com]

Y-you've really been here that long, Yuan!?

[Voice]

[fortunefail]

You find it that hard to believe?