Chapter 3: A proposition in troubled times; Ryuubi slowly builds his network

[fightingvirtue]

Listen, everyone, I think Mr. Wonka is right - we're going to have some flooding trouble once the blizzard calms and the ice breaks on the river. Flooding is very hard to handle on the fly, and we have not got the conditions to start on drainage system. Does anyone know of a particularly stable tall building or buildings that we can use for higher

Comments

[makerofimage]

Doom and I are working on plans for a pump system to get the water out should flooding occur. We may not have a lot of time and we have to work quickly which is why we need the action plan.

Thank you for taking the initiative. The Taj Mahal on the Northwest side is relatively large and it's structurally sound. I think that would be a good place for that particular zone.

[fightingvirtue]

Right, pump system goes on the list. How large a project is it? How big an area do you hope to have some control over? I'm assuming you're looking for engineers and manual workers.

Right, I hear you - I'll try to have a look at it myself. Better go out in the blizzard now than have to run, later!

[makerofimage]

Oh, I certainly think that it's rather large. It's still in the making and it's going to take some time. Hopefully not too much. Even if we had just enough installed to keep the floods from becoming too dangerous, then I say that it's a job well done.

Any amount of loss is a heavy burden.

[He knows this from his own experience through his financial and public losses over the years which also included bit of his sanity as well.]

[fightingvirtue]

Maybe you'd start with a prototype, then, or a local version? So you'd be sure not to get caught in mid-work. No one can tell how much longer we've got.

[2ndlt_jeanhavoc]

We got alotta fire weilders and people controllin' all sorts of things 'round here too. If it gets too bad we could prob'ly ask some of 'em t'just take care of it. Or prob'ly figure out better re-route systems t'just dig ditches n' have th'water run that way. That's what we're gonna be doin' around here if water needs takin' care of

Highly doubt we're gonna have t'move to actual higher ground, more like just th'people with basements are gonna have t'watch themselves. Not all th'snow's gonna melt all at once I hope.

Anyway though.. Name's Havoc, Jean Havoc - if there's anything I can end up helpin' with once th'storm settles down don't hesitate t'ask.

[fightingvirtue]

Yes, I've seen that there are people here with the most amazing talents, really amazing. That's why I think we should coordinate efforts - so they don't get overtaxed or spread too thin, and the rest of us can help them out in every way we can. Being prepared now means less work later!

Are we sure that the people with basements, or those who live near the river, are aware of the problems they'll be facing? It's sometimes hard to really understand the force of a flood till you've seen one...

Good to hear from you, Mr. Havoc. I'm Ryuubi Gentoku. I'll probably contact you again soon when I've talked to more people and have got some plans formulated.

[2ndlt_jeanhavoc]

I agree, gotta get things goin' before they get done.

Well, kinda takes common sense don't it? Y'live near water n' there's a quick melt? I'm sure people'll realize it, I don't think there's any kids livin' on their own here in Adstring that'd have a problem takin' care of that kinda knowledge either...[He raises his hand to his hair and runs his fingers through it, thinking if he can figure out any kids on their own without the smarts.] ...Huh, nope I can't really think of 'em. Far's I know they're either smart enough, at th'clinic, with family, in big groups or at least another friend. I'm not sayin' don't be prepared, but don't worry too much 'bout it. Except for maybe new arrivals, seems like everyone's just 'bout set up proper.

Likewise! Just call me Jean though, Mister Havoc's my Dad's name. [Grin!]
If y'know someone that needs a place t'stay you can send 'em here, we have extra rooms.

[fightingvirtue]

I don't think we should worry, really, only that we make sure we know where we stand. I've dealt with natural disasters, and I've seen people not really get the danger until it's right there - a perfectly human reaction, but still one you want to avoid! You're on top of things and that's good, you just want to make sure everyone around you is as well.

Alright, Jean. [Grin back!] Call me Gentoku. Gen, even, it's less of a mouthful. And thanks very much for that offer.

[vedaandme]

You're probably the first person to publically do something useful around here.

Are you going to coordinate efforts?

[fightingvirtue]

Oh, there must have been others. A lot of it is really a matter of circumstances.

I hope to do more than coordinate, but coordination is the start.

[vedaandme]

Perhaps. You're the first I've seen.

We will need someone who can keep track of everything so no one is unecessarily duplicating another's task.

[fightingvirtue]

That's what a checklist is for! They tell me making them is one of my greatest talents.

[brig_gen_maes]

Well put.

And what can you handle, sir?

[fightingvirtue]

Thank you. We had to do it all the time, when I was growing up, fighting back the elements - I know enough to patch a house for winter, preserve and ration food, stitch up injuries, mundane skills mostly. But every little bit helps.

[brig_gen_maes]

My name is Maes. I've been looking to put together more of a community effort for a while, though we keep losing people.

I have a greenhouse. Some of the crops could use preserving, and I'm not very knowledgeable on that topic. Maybe it's mundane, but when it comes to survival, it's big.

[fightingvirtue]

Pleased to make your acquaintance, Maes. I'm Ryuubi. I can see how you'd have a rather unique set of problems keeping an organized effort going, here... just means we need to be creative! A good system doesn't depend on any one man.

Oh, absolutely, I'm glad you think so - I'll be happy to help. It's simple and easy once you know how.

[willdateforyen]

Why are you so nice?

[fightingvirtue]

It's nothing special, Ms. Ai, something needs doing so I'm doing it.

[willdateforyen]

Somebody is pretty energetic for a newcomer.

[fightingvirtue]

No use moping around! Plenty to do, and plenty of lives depending on it. Believe me, this is peanuts to what I have waiting back home.