Luceti Town Meeting Cycle Year 5

[shadedsunlight]

Who: Everyone!
What: Town meeting
When: February 6th at 6 PM
Where: The school cafeteria
Summary: The village gets together for a town meeting. Let there be ideas, plans, and future festivities.
Rating:
With the help of some friends and friends of friends, the school cafeteria has been transformed into a meeting space. Rows of chairs and a few benches fill the space, providing adequate seating for whoever wishes to come to the meeting.

Along the back are some tables set with cookies, pastries, and tea, juice, and coffee for people to munch and sip on, before, during, and after the meeting

By the entrance is another table. On it sits a locked box with a slit on top, small sheets of blank paper, and a few pencils and pens. This is the message box, for anyone who wishes to express an idea or thought in an anonymous manner. The box will later be opened and all the messages inside will be read out loud by Ginia.

At the front sits a platform - one of the ones built for A Midsummer Night's Dream - with a table and chair resting on top. It's where Ginia will sit during the meeting, the extra height for the purpose of being able to see anyone who may be seated in the back row.

Links
Pre-meeting socializing
The meeting
Message Box
Headcount

Please remember to add your character to the log tags! If you need one made for your character, send me a PM with your character name and canon exactly as you want it to appear.

Comments

THE MEETING

[shadedsunlight]

[All topics for discussion will go here! Please put the subject of discussion in the subject line, and use a new comment for each different idea. This will make it easier to focus on each topic and give it proper attention, while the subject line will make topics identifiable after comments collapse.

Since this is a big flowing discussion, to feel free to jump in as you wish. Also feel free to have conversations with your neighbor, get up to get another drink, scoff at something someone just said, anything goes. If things begin veering too far off-topic or getting rowdy, Ginia will try to rein things back in.

The initial comment can be written however you want; prose, brackets, bulletpoints if it's a long topic of discussion. Just remember your character is essentially giving a presentation in front of everyone present. Feel free to play with nervousness too.]

Idea - An emergency response team for the village

[shadedsunlight]

[Bulletpoints because you really don't want the tl;dr on this. Use your imagination and pretend it's a speech with visual aids.]

Function: A way for people to get quickly organized in a time of crisis.
-Can also serve as sections to patrol during New Feather cycles
-Is not a police force or any kind of law enforcement. Just volunteers willing to guide and organize incase something happens.

Plan: Divide the village into six different sections.
-Each sector will have a team assigned to it. This team will help in evacuations, get out warnings, guard and defend any non-combatants and/or injured people.
-Each section will have a building designated as a meeting place/safehouse that will be stocked with supplies (first aid, non-persishable food, emergency supplies).

Here is a proposed map of how the sections could be divided. Buildings with a blue X are possibilities for safe houses.

(Yellow could use the school, pink could use the clinic? Green could use CH1?)

The teams:
-Ideally each group would have 5-8 people in each one, can be altered depending on the area they cover.
--There should be backups or a regular rotation in the event of kidnappings, people being sent home, injuries, or other circumstances.
-The primary focus of each team is getting non-combatants and the injured to safety and guarding them; NOT engaging the enemy.
-Not intended to replace any of the existing groups.
-Each team would have people with a variety of skills (combat, medical, magical, etc.)

[fleurdesel]

The designated safe houses, what if those are to come under attack, are destroyed, or blocked off from the rest of the village? Are there secondary safe houses in mind?

[greatinspector]

Back home, this is my job. I'd be happy to help get this worked out. Its sorta like how we Japanese divide up towns back home. A cop gets assigned a neighborhood, and checks it out every day. If there is a problem, they are first on the scene.

[averybadfeeling]

I would be more than happy to offer what services I may in planning out specific contingencies and action plans for specific situations throughout the city, as well as helping to develop SOPs for our security teams.

Also, I think it should go without saying that I am willing to volunteer my services as a watchman in my own region.

[endgames]

This is a smart proposal. The community building in the green sector isn't going to work well for what you want to do, though, especially in an emergency situation. [He jerks his thumb upwards.] You'd have to climb four flights of stairs to get the room you need.

[inabook]

[Estelle speaks up after looking at the proposed map...]

One issue I see with the current proposal is that the yellow sector has two community housing buildings. Would there be enough space for all those residents in the school?

Idea - An alarm system independent of the journals

[shadedsunlight]

Keeping in line with the idea of emergency preparation, I would like to discuss forming some sort of alarm system independent of the journals. While the journals are an effective way of reaching the village, there's always the possibility someone might not have a journal or them, or the posts are inaccessible in one way or another.

Any sort of alarm system is something that should be easily seen and heard across the village at all times. The easiest would be some sort of bell, with maybe some sort of visual element added on. Creating some sort of spell that would also work as a warning system has also been suggested.

I now open the floor for discussion.

[fleurdesel]

What of those that reside outside the village? There is the house by the lake, the beach house, and those that would be patrolling as well as any in the mountains. A bell will work to an extent, and a spell as signal is an excellent idea, but what if something is done to prevent it?

The concept is somewhat antiquated, but beacons might be a good addition to both the bell and the spell.

[folklorist]

I've discussed the magical alarm system with you before, but I do agree that having other means would be best as well. In-in case of a shift or some other such things were to occur.

Re: Idea - An alarm system independent of the journals

[greatinspector]

I like this. Maybe a bell tower, like they used to have in medieval Europe. I dunno, just somethin' I see in those fantasy movies, but it seems to work.

Suggestion - Applied Shifts to Key Buildings

[godbent]

[This probably comes sometime after Ginia's whole speech about the patrols and whatnot. Because it's an obvious segway into it and something she's been considering since she saw the Mission Rewards.

Worth noting is that Haruhi's making a concentrated effort to look older here. She's 20, even if she's physically 17 - so she's dressed formally (perhaps more than is necessary), has her hair all straightened up (it's down to a little below her shoulders now) and her hair-ribbons are replaced with something more like this. That said, she's a good public speaker, so there's no hesitation-]

All of you realize the some of the buildings you're referencing - namely that Rec Center and the Barracks - are ones that were built by people in Luceti, right? There's some other ones - the docks, that beach house, that other stone one by one of the lakes - but those buildings are ones which won't get their damages fixed in the event of, well. An explosion or an invasion or anything like that.

One of the mission rewards is a stupidly expensive one called an "Applied Shift." Now, I don't know if anyone is planning to collect 80 Participation Points or if they will allow for people to combine their points to purchase something, but it seems to me if we're going to rely on those buildings, we might as well use a convenient method such as the Auto-Repair which is used on all the houses and buildings here, in which it'll be fixed without labor in twenty-four hours.

[A beat] I know that these Applied Shifts are relying on the Organization when we should be self-sufficient, but if it's beneficial there's no harm in making it happen if anyone is willing to collect the necessary payment.

...Thank you.

REQUEST: Crew and supplies for the Britannia

[simplestgift]

As we've no idea as to the proximity of the fighting with the Third Party to Luceti, Captain Hornblower and I have a plan for a contingency of them breaking through the Barrier and attacking by sea. The trouble, as always, is manpower. The Britannia is a ship of war, capable of carrying more guns than she's likely ever to have, and certainly spry enough to outmaneuver any of the ships we've seen of the enemy's. To sail her, we need and have a dozen crew members, although we should prefer two dozen. To man the guns, provided we have more than one, we'd need eight to a dozen men and women for each gun to establish a satisfactory rate of fire, and we'd have to be practiced. It may not stave off an entire fleet, but it'd sink a scouting ship which happened to have luck on its side.

Moreover, we'd need someone to make powder. Someone familiar with the chemistry of it, who can direct others to help. I know what goes into it, but I've never made it, and we'd need a great deal of it.

The Britannia isn't meant for law enforcement. I want to make this clear. It's meant as a way for us to protect the village if the worst should come to worst.

Suggestion: Watches

[captainhornblower]

[He's prepared for the fact that this will likely not end well, but it needs to be said.]

We have no idea what is outside the barrier. We do not know how close the war is or how the tide of battle flows outside what we see, what we are pulled into.

It was suggested to me to bring up the idea of watches.

The difficulty is that, to my understanding, the barrier is a long way out from the town itself. We would need to watch not only the area around the village but far enough away that those here would have ample time to prepare.

We can get to the beach, simple enough. There are approximately eighty-five miles of coast. A watch tower could be set up. Three or four men-- people watching in different directions with spyglasses would answer. Less than that could not cover the angles needed.

The mountains and land around the village, however, are not as easily accesible, but they would need to be guarded as well.

A watch would need to be maintained by those three or four at all times. Twenty-four hours a day, no matter what the weather is. The Navy kept watches-- four hour shifts. We could implement that here, with enough volunteers. It would be a commitment. Not something to be done when bored.

And it would be imperative that we find ways to establish a consistent watch away from the heart of the village for the other parts of the barrier. There is no use readying defences on one side if we leave the others completely unguarded.

Request - Underwater Exploration

[godbent]

...Actually now I think of it these seems as good of place as any to ask

[She mutters that to herself before going up to make another announcement. Unlike the previous one, this one is actually a bit more selfish in nature, but it still might be of interest to other people]

If anyone has the means to loan, build, or give my Brigade a submarine, would you be willing to part with it? Alternatives can include a means to breathe underwater - magical or otherwise - or qualified SCUBA lessons if we can find proper tanks and equipment. Not all of you will have been here long enough to remember, I suppose, but there used to be a desert where that sea is now and there used to be some ruins at the far end of the desert. I'd like to mount and expedition to see what became of those come summer.

...Thank you, again.

Idea: Emergency Response Teams Primarily Designed for Combat

[screwthegods]

It has already been suggested that teams be ready to defend the village itself. In truth, however, it is far better to keep whatever battles we can away from our center, to lessen collateral damage. We cannot merely plan to hold out until our captors come to our rescue. If those in Luceti truly wish for our safety, we must be prepared to fight for it with our own strength.

If such a plan has already been put into place, I am not aware of it. If it hasn't, I suggest an establishment of military force so those who can quickly prepare themselves to fight against the Third Party or whatever other opponent may strike do so. A prepared order will quicken our response to any breach of the barrier, and allow those who must remain the village a much higher chance of survival. Sometime similar to the plans drawn up during drafts should suffice for this, although again, considerations must be given for those who are taken or incapacitated in some form or fashion.

Idea - Starfish Festival

[starfishlovesyou]

[There really are a lot of people here, oh heck. This is nothing like wanting to speak to everyone over the school PA system back home, at least then no one would see you like this.

As soon as there's a free moment between speakers she quickly rushes up in front of everyone, stares at the audience for a moment and starts talking. The start of her presentation sounds a little rushed compared to the points she's making at the end as she slowly settles into her first time giving a public presentation.]

Hopefully you've heard from Fuuko or someone else already, but Fuuko is planning a Starfish Festival. It's a time when the whole village would come together and celebrate those cute little guys, the starfish! But not only that, Fuuko also wants it to a day everyone remembers for having a lot of fun, enjoying themselves and maybe even taking part.

Anyone is free to lend a hand or join in! Fuuko was expecting a number of stalls to be set up in the plaza during the festival for anyone to sell foods or set up games to be played. There are already some people Fuuko has spoken to who would be happy selling cakes, ice cream, even flowers on the day of the festival, but having even more people want to take part would be great! Fuuko is happy for any clubs or groups who want a stall to have one, that way they can take part in such a wonderful day and perhaps advertise their group a little too. All that Fuuko asks is that whatever you do must have a starfish theme to it! Starfish shaped cakes, ice cream with starfish shaped sprinkles, hook-a-starfish, Fuuko hopes you get the idea!

Of course Fuuko can't do something so wonderful alone, so if anyone is capable of making stalls-- don't worry, Fuuko is only expecting wooden stalls and nothing too fancy-- helping with decorating the plaza, the overall planning, grabbing some fireworks, anything at all, then Fuuko would be glad to hear what you can do.

Don't worry, Fuuko doesn't intend for the Starfish Festival to take place any time soon, it's still very cold and a crowded plaza full of festival-goers on the verge of frostbite would be very horrible! Instead, Fuuko would hope for the festival to take place in April. That gives everyone plenty of preparation before the festival comes up! Fuuko is having trouble deciding on an exact date, so please give Fuuko any suggestions for a date, or anything else for that matter.

Fuuko wants this to be a truly spectacular festival so Fuuko can only hope you all enjoyed Fuuko talking about it. Thank you very much!

[Phew...]

Notes - [Message Box] Notes relating to SOS Brigade activities

[shadedsunlight]

[Since the following are all related, Ginia reads the four suggestions off as one batch.]

Number one: "Don't forget that the SOS-Brigade is open for consultation about any mysteries or confusing things in your life. Particularly given the holiday coming up if you have experienced or will experience or maybe even are experiencing interpersonal problems that you want resolved, be sure to step into our offices in town. It's literally impossible to miss us."

Number two: "Looking for sailors to go on an exploratory mission around the barrier's edge by sea. Possible involvement of a king, ship provided. Need those willing to run a ship's maiden voyage on the sea out there. Report to SOS-Brigade HQ for more details."

Number three: "Those of you who were signed up for Project Hydra Social - the Brigade's penpal initiative - please don't forget to write to your penpals. If you don't it defeats the purpose of the initiative, after all."

Number four: "If anyone wants to get their hands on slot machines or pachinko machines, the SOS-Brigade currently has two of each that they are willing to sell. Payment can be in the forms of favors, interesting magical items - particularly ones which will allow people to breathe underwater - or assorted other neat things. Report of the SOS HQ if interested."

Suggestion: Banner for Morale, Unity, etc.

[fleurdesel]

I am not terribly familiar with the logistics of such a thing but, with the talk of combat, sieges, the threat of invasion, morale holds some importance, does it not? Something to rally behind in the event of an attack, a signal, a warning, something to inspire...hope.

A flag, a banner, some visual symbol of unity that can be raised either year round or in times of crisis to remind us that we are a community, that we can survive what is to come, and that we can help one another through anything.

Idea - Cultural Festival

[folklorist]

[ It's not that Helios is nervous about talking in front of a large group of people it's just...he's not used to it that much anymore. Sure talking in front of students and faculty was one thing. But this was entirely different to an extent. Still later into the meeting he'll find himself speaking to the crowd at large. ]

I-ah. W-Wanted to do something along the lines of a cultural festival for a good long time. It would something like Tanabata Festival in that everyone could have their own separate stalls and perhaps even games, food, drink, those types of things, specifically from their own worlds.

I'd like to have it in the spring, perhaps after school ends ideally. That would probably be the best time and the students can even make their own stalls if they wanted to.

Suggestion- Evacuation measures.

[averybadfeeling]

Sorry, I'm aware that I'm new here, so if there's any flaw in this plan feel free to let me know, but it seems to me that another potential plan in case the village is attacked might be to organize a series of hidden safehouses throughout the forests and mountains. If we had resources set up ahead of time, along with organized plans for evacuation, we could easily set up temporary, easily-portable shelters in the woods and defend them using guerilla tactics rather than risking a head-on conflict with a likely-superior force, could we not?

[Message Box] Brave Vesperia

[shadedsunlight]

"As a reminder, Brave Vesperia is always available to take on any jobs that need completion. Jobs of all types are accepted, such as information gathering, searching for lost items, or construction. Our group is highly varied in skill and very flexible, so if it isn't shady or impossible, we'll get things done for you. Just put out a filter for Brave Vesperia or contact Yuri Lowell directly for any inquiries you may have."

Idea - Nonhuman awareness

[wannabolt]

Okay, so this place has a lot of hue-mans, but there are still a ton of people who freak out when they see somepony like me.

[She groans.]

The way I see it, there oughta be a way to spread the word that, yeah, there are people here who kinda stand out, just to save 'em from any sudden freakouts. And there should be more accommodations, too. Especially for people who don't have hands. I mean, I can use my hooves for a lot of things, but some of it's still tricky.

Idea - Winter Wrap Up

[canterlock]

[Luna waits until there is a slight lull before raising her hoof (and her voice). It would be rude to interrupt the hewmons, as they have had some very interesting (and fun!) ideas so far.]

Fellow villagers, if we could have your attention!

We would like to propose a community holiday, a yearly tradition in our homeland of Equestria. Since winter is nearing its end here in Luceti - and because where we are from it is our responsibility to help turn the seasons - that which we wish to propose is the Winter Wrap Up celebration.

We have heard much of how it is celebrated in Ponyville, which varies from the formal ceremonies we are most used to. [She switches and holds up her other hoof as she explains.]

There, ponies are divided into three teams based on tasks they are to complete! These teams are of weather, plants, and animals. The weather team are those in charge of clearing the sky of clouds, shoveling away the snow, and scouring ice so that it will melt all the faster. The plant team... they are the ones who carry out the plowing of fields and planting of crops and gardens. As for the animal team, those are the ponies who guide the birds back to their nests, who awaken the creatures who hibernate the winter through, and who fashion new nests for the returned fowl.

...We do realize this would call for adjustments to accommodate other creatures and hewmons, and we would welcome such. We feel it would encourage teamwork and togetherness. And... we also think it would be an enjoyable occasion.

That said, we must insist that no magic be used in such a celebration, for it is tradition in Ponyville to carry out Winter Wrap Up in the manner of the Earth Ponies. By hoof! [A pause as she considers.] ...By paw, and by... hand?

Note - [Message box] On behalf of S.H.E.L.L.

[shadedsunlight]

"Should any intellectuals be interested in convening with like-minded individuals, the Scientists, Hypothesizers and Engineers of Luceti League (abbreviated S.H.E.L.L.) is available as a forum for discussion and collaboration on various topics. All those who wish to contribute are asked to contact Professor Robert Alexander Hastings at this time for further information."