(no subject)

[begguiling]

♥ Who: Magolor and eeeeveryone (who wants in)
♥ Where: Chillin' outside the housing complexes
♥ When: One fine day in the beginning of August/Achtom
♥ What: Everyone loves a good survey, and even if you don't, you're all getting one anyway.
♥ Rating: G, no warnings here
♥ Note: I'm happy to match your preferred format, so proceed as you wish!


[Could Magolor have done this over the network? Of course. Maybe people would have appreciated that more. But that's not how he chooses to go about this: over the network, he'll be easier to ignore, and that's no good. And over the network, he can't give anyone any earnest handshakes or touches on the shoulder to contribute to his bank account, I mean, the wellbeing of this planet! Praise Diacht!

So instead of ringing up the populace to ask for their input, he's doing this old-school.

Upon leaving their houses today, anytime between midmorning and late afternoon, any character is subject to being hunted down and approached by a perky little hovering alien with a clipboard and pen in his hands. He's pretty fast in waving people down, and pretty relentless:]

Helloooooo~! Won't you spare me just a moment? I promise not to keep you! You'll be glad you did. This is for the good of our community, and I can't do it without your help!

[He at least sounds and looks very earnest about this, like a bright-eyed canvasser on their first day on the streets.

Or maybe it's something else. Maybe you've seen him lurking out there for hours now and want to give him an earful, or like, a snack or something, which would be much appreciated. Maybe you have some bone to pick with him. The world is your oyster! He sure is making himself obnoxiously visible.]

Comments

[twistedempathy]

[Will has been experimenting in the kitchen today, but that doesn't mean he hasn't periodically spotted Magolor floating around accosting people outside from the window. He's been working hard, obviously! And hard work and doing your best deserves rewards, right?

Rewards like treats! Maybe he'll be a good taste tester? Eventually, Will flounces outside with a tupperware in hand.]

You've been so busy! What've you been doing out here all this time?

[begguiling]

[Ohhhh what is that! That looks like a present! Magolor perks up at the sight, despite the person approaching him. Which sounds more insulting than it is—Will had been enough of a pleasure to meet and dance with at the party, after all. It's just that spending his day doing this means he's had to be On for hours, and now here is a person even more On than he is, a thing he hadn't thought possible until he'd met a couple of the people here.

But boy is he hungry. He's not sure that's food in there, but that's a food container!

He lifts his hand in a jaunty salute as Will approaches, pretending not to be distracted by whatever's in that tupperware:]

You could've just come out to ask! But I guess that's what you're doing now. I'm just trying to get some input from our little community to pass along up the line for everyone's benefit. Say, mind helping me out now that you're here?

[twistedempathy]

I've been busy, too! I'm done for now though, so I've got time to help~ What're you asking about?

[Will holds out a hand for Magolor's clipboard, offering the tupperware with the other. Wanna trade?]

You looked like you could use a snack, after being out here for so long! And I've been trying out making Poffins with the local fruit today. But for some reason, all the fruit here just seems to be sweet? And my Pokémon aren't actually big fans of sweets, so I'm the only one who's tried these so far.

[Because that's just what friends do for each other, right? Magolor will find the tupperware contains some little bite sized buns, tinted differently from the different kinds of fruits he used. They're more moist and crumbly than light and fluffy, and he'll probably have to eat over the container in case they fall apart--but even if the dough didn't come together the way it was supposed to, as long as you like sweet, fruity flavors, they're actually still pretty good.]

[begguiling]

[At the trade offer, he just holds up his clipboard to show that it holds a notebook flipped to a blank page. There's no list of questions, only a place for him to take notes. It looks like he's had at least some success today before this point in time, because there are scribbled on pages flipped away from and folded over, but on this one there's nothing to see.

But heck yeah he's going to take that tupperware, with genuine, glowing gratitude. As it turns out, "fruity and sweet" is his favorite flavor profile. He pops the lid open, calling upon all of his self-control to not just shove his entire face into the pastries.]

Do I look as hungry as I feel? That's so embarrassing, buuuut you caught me . . . these are lean times for someone who can't cook. And neither can Taranza, so you see how it is? We're scraping by here. You're a complete angel helping provide for us ♥ I'd throw myself at your feet! But, you know, I'd spill all your hard work, so I won't!

[Hmm, how to do this? He tucks the clipboard away and works out how to get one of these things out as carefully as possible so he doesn't waste any by dropping it when it crumbles.]

As for what I'm doing out here, you could say it's related. I'm working on a report on our physical needs to present to the city. Including things like "how about some cherries that don't taste like fish? Ever heard of winter coats?" That's why I want to hear what everyone has to contribute!

[twistedempathy]

[Ah, so it's like that, is it? No need to take it, then! Have an exaggerated look of shock at the confession; he's happy to share, but is your little household really struggling that badly with food, Magolor?]

Whaaaaat? Neither of you? I had to figure out how to cook by myself while I was traveling, but I think I'm not too bad at it!

There'll definitely be more since I still need to figure out how to get the dough sticky enough--but make sure you leave some for Taranza too, okay?

[begguiling]

No need to worry about that!

[Not because he's not going to eat it all himself, but because that doesn't mean he can't share it—he thinks. They're in for a rude awakening later. But for now, fruity bliss!]

About sharing, that is. I can't hoooonestly tell you not to worry about the rest. I've been spoiled by the Lor's pantries all this time . . . all I ever needed to think about was stopping on the nearest planet and stocking up my deep freeze.

[This is a man who has lived on TV dinners and conbini bullshit for a very long time, in other words.]

But there goes that! Sorry, sorry. Listen to me complaining about this when I'm here to take your complaints! That's an empty stomach talking. So while I partake of your generosity, why don't you let loose with any issues you've run into that you'd like to see addressed?

[twistedempathy]

Ahahaha! Sure must've been nice to have all that storage space..... I only had a big backpack to carry everything in. Not that I had that kind of money, even if I did have the room.

[Will just waves away the apologies with a grin, humming thoughtfully.]

Well, it'd sure be nice to know more about the whole..... you know, world in crisis thing? It seems a little silly to expect us to be able to help effectively if we don't know how touching each other makes things better, and why them doing it doesn't work. And you know, maybe we'd have some fresh insight on it, since they haven't been in living bodies for so long! We might be able to think of ways to help that they haven't.

We should probably be working together on making the replicators a little more cooperative, too. Maybe they haven't had trouble with them because they can just do it all wirelessly instead of using voice commands? A lot of the technology here seems a little shaky if you can't connect to it directly. If we get those working right, maybe they can even take care of the cooking for you two!

[begguiling]

[While he listens, Magolor carefully removes a poffin to try. Wearing gloves is definitely an unexpected advantage with crumbly dough, so he manages to take a bite with maximum care and minimum mess—the practiced public eating, incidentally, of someone who's gotten very good at doing this without moving his scarf enough to reveal his mouth. He is definitely eating, just in a way that conveniently blocks exactly how it's happening.

But boy does he light up at that first bite, enough that he doesn't even mask his expression of joy, even though he doesn't interrupt Will, either.

By the time Will's done talking, he's already finished one of them, and holds up his hand dramatically at the pause.]

I hear you loud and clear, but I need a moment to ascend to another plane . . .

[twistedempathy]

[Mittens are honestly the best possible thing he could be wearing to handle something this messy. If Will weren't distracted by thinking about issues they could address, he'd be honestly impressed by just how skillful Magolor's stealthy eating is--the scarf barely even moves at all. It's like the food just teleports straight through it!

The dramatic declaration is enough to entirely derail his train of thought, though; Will bursts out laughing.]

Ahahaha! I take it they're a hit, then?

[begguiling]

[That one was kind of strawberryish! That's like top five fruits! If there's an appleish one in here for him to find later, he will absolutely lose his mind.

But later is the operative word. He has to put the lid back on and put the tupperware down, because if he keeps eating, he's going to ascend to heaven and not get a single useful thing done here. Once the poffins are safely stowed, he moves to grab Will's hand in a tight, starry-eyed clasp.]

I'd apologize for your Pokemon having terrible taste, but I'm not sorry! And I also don't know what a Pokemon is. We can circle back around to that. The point is, their loss is my gain! I can't thank you enough for sharing these!

[twistedempathy]

[There may in fact be some apple ones in there, too--given that the berries of his world range from "very soft" to "very hard", it isn't like he'd have trouble figuring out how to incorporate those into the dough. Will just beams, patting the hand clasping his; is this the cutest thing ever, or what? You're adorable when you're genuinely happy, Magolor.]

You're welcome! Maybe you and Taranza should come over and be my taste testers next time I work on these, hmmm~? You can meet my Pokémon while you're over, too.

[begguiling]

Oh, I don't need a bribe to come over and visit!

[Yes he does. This is a good one.]

Buuuut if you're offering . . . I'm also not an idiot! There's no way I'd turn down your cooking after this sample. It's going to take all my focus to get my work done today and not just go home and splurge.

[He shakes Will's hand one more time in gratitude and then lets go. The downside to doing this with a clipboard and pen is that he's only got two hands and he needs them both to take notes. Maybe he should be taking audio on his communicator . . . that's a thought for next time.]

[twistedempathy]

[Maybe Will's more suited to being an adherent of Ainea than even he'd given himself credit for. Would someone who really didn't belong be so pleased to make a friend so happy and excited? He doesn't even think twice about extending the invitation, knowing the pair have been having so much trouble preparing their meals.

A real shame Magalor doesn't have an extra pair or two of hands like Taranza though, huh? Maybe then he could eat and work.]

Of course I'm offering! But you know, there's nothing wrong with taking a break to take care of yourself every now and then, either. If you plan to teach the locals how to help take care of us, you should really teach by example, after all.

[begguiling]

Hehe, are you worried about me? I'm doing just fine. But if you ever feel the need to spoil me on a work day, I'll allow it.

[Famous last words, perhaps.

For now, on this work day, he brushes off any stray crumbs and settles in to survey properly this time. Self-care can wait for another day. What had Will said—knowledge of the situation, addressing the replicators. He jots these things down.]

Anyhoo . . . don't quote me on this, but I'm pretty sure the issue with the replicator is a software one. I've tried fixing ours, but no dice! It's no surprise the code is garbage when they probably haven't even used these things in hundreds of years. What use do they have for some blue apples, right? That's top of my list, so thanks for your input!

[twistedempathy]

Who wouldn't be, after how long you've been out here? You seem like a real go-getter!

[Absolutely famous last words. Spoiling involves treats, yes, but it also involves things like spontaneous cuddles, carrying you around, and fussing over you. Sorry, Magolor, you just greenlit a pet owner to dote on you.]

I didn't know you were a mechanic too! Do you really think it's all software? Maybe we should try it with non-edible things a robot would still use, it might work alright for those.....

[begguiling]

[TO BE CONTINUED................

He waves his hand now that he's done writing, getting into the topic the way he does with this stuff.]

I've got a ship to upkeep, you know! Not right now, but most of the time. I've got some engineering under my belt! Still, this technology's as new to me as it is to any of you. It's pretty different from what I have experience with. I just think that if the problem were with the hardware, it'd be easier to fix than it is, and less consistent between our devices. In other words, someone should have one that works, but as far as I know, we're all suffering from the green steak plague.

[twistedempathy]

I haven't heard any different, either. I bet the ingredients being all messed up is part of why those poffins turned out so bad, too!

[Although, Magolor's turn of phrase can't help but make him grin.]

I hope the Green Steak Plague isn't contagious. Better keep an eye out and make sure you don't start turning green yourself!

[He's pretty sure Magolor's not green--or at least, the tiny bit of skin he can see isn't. The little guy could keep just about anything hidden under that belt, along with his engineering experience, and nobody would know. And as a guy who wears a mask 24/7, himself? He can absolutely respect that fact.]

[begguiling]

You don't think I'd be just as cute green?

[He'll have to make sure to wear his green around Will sometime soon, specifically because of this conversation. Stupid pleasures. Right now, he just gives him his most adorable smile.]

Then I'll just have to work extra hard to nip this in the bud! I'd just hate to lose my charm. On the other hand, you're still calling your poffins bad, so maybe you just have unreasonable standards . . .

/gets distracted with esoteric world specific bullshit instead

[twistedempathy]

Poffins are supposed to be light and fluffy, the texture of those is all wrong.

I think you'd be at least equally adorable if you were green, though! Maybe more! It'd certainly make your eyes striking.

[Will clasps his hands enthusiastically. Cuuuuuute!]

I don't know if that's a healthy color for you guys to be, though. Ooh--unless it's your shiny coloring! Do you guys have shinies? I don't think humans do. But I could be mistaken!

SHINY KIRBY

[begguiling]

[All right, the flattery is real nice, and Magolor eats it up, with some exaggerated preening at being adorable. But also, terminology issues. It's all right to get off track for this . . . he has to admit he's curious.]

Something tells me you're using that word in a way I've never heard it used before.

AAAAAAAAAA *A*

[twistedempathy]

[Will can't help but grin at the preening; it's kind of endearing, honestly. Clearly he needs to flatter Magolor more often, huh? Although is it really flattery, if it's just the truth?]

Shiny Pokémon are Pokémon that are a rare color for their species! I guess there's no reason things like animals and humans and Halcandrans can't be shiny, too..... but humans have so many complexions and hair and eye colors I don't know how you'd even tell.

[begguiling]

[More, always more. He settles again, just cocking his head cutely to listen, but by now his mood is pretty firmly positive—a flip from the Customer Service Face he had on earlier. But really, who doesn't know what it's like to wear that face?]

Oh, so it's like that. I see what you're getting at. My people come in a wide variety of looks! But I've met plenty of species that don't. I'd be pretty thrown off by a blue Waddle Dee. These shiny Pokemon, are they more sought after for being rare? That tends to be how scarcity works . . .

[twistedempathy]

Mmhmm! People really eat them up in the contest circuit and entertainment industry. They're real hard to find in the wild--and not much easier to breed, either. It's all just a roll of the dice, after all. What are Waddle Dee?

[begguiling]

[Magolor hears the words entertainment industry and makes a mental note to follow up on that later, maybe when he meets these mysterious Pokemon for the first time. At this point the picture he's painting of them in his head is maybe half complete: clearly living, both wild and domesticated, but not on the same level as pet animals, and definitely A Big Deal in that universe. Fascinating.]

Waddle Dee's the dominant species on the planet my best friend lives on. Pop Star! You can't get away from those guys if you ever pay it a visit. But there's not a whole lot of variation in how they look compared to me, or humans like you. I had no idea about humans, you know? This is my first time meeting so many!

[twistedempathy]

I'm not sure how I'd get there, without a ship like yours..... It sounds like it'd be great to visit, though! What's your friend like? Are they a Waddle Dee, too?

[A planet named Pop Star? He can't help but think it must be a fun, colorful place, full of music and cheer. But then, you can't always judge a book by its cover, can you? Either way, he's curious.]