[audio] @kingofwei HERE WE GO

[pure_havoc]

[he sounds tired. They probably all do, after all of that.]

My friends...

I'm sure I don't need to state the obvious, but we are just now seeing the full extent of this disaster. If you have not yet looked to see the bluff where the lighthouse used to be, take a moment and behold. This is hardly the first time the ferry hasn't come, but everything else....well. It is a tragedy on all sides.

First, I would like those who can to check in. Who is still here, and are you all alright? Now that we have a moment to breathe, report in if you can. We must take stock of who is genuinely missing, versus those who are just too busy to use the Grandmaster's alert system.

Second, can we have reports on what is destroyed and what still stands? I have spent my energy moving torches and redirecting water around the Bonfire. It is mostly safe, as far as I can tell, but Master Rastus is missing entirely. What of the village and the downtown on the other sides of the river? How do they fare? Has anyone been able to reach the Keeper, Dr. Solis, or anyone else with the network?

[a pause, a deep breath. Rosinante, buddy, this is on you]

Now is the time we need leadership, more than any other. We can discuss and debate the options later but for the moment, I would like for all of you to trust me and allow me to take charge. Temporarily, if nothing else. I have led my kingdom through war and disaster on a similar level before, I will do everything in my power to lead us out of this and to recovery and reorder, swiftly and carefully. I have been asked by some to step up, and so I shall. If you will let me. If there are no objections, simply ask me for a direction and I will point you toward a need that your skills can meet. What we need first is to take stock of what we have and what is missing: people, supplies, and shelter. From there, we will move forward one step at a time.

If you will not have me, then feel free to say so and I will not waste my time. Meanwhile, I will be moving torches back to the Bonfire Square until I drop from fatigue.

Comments

@purin | voice | backdated to let's say the 4th

[flangirl]

Lord Cao Pi! This is Pudding, we met briefly not long after April's ferry. I'm glad to hear that you're alright.

I don't know you well, but I'm glad to look to you in the immediate. Being willing to stand up in crisis shows you in a good light!

[ She sounds incredibly earnest. She also does believe her own words, even if she doesn't trust just about anyone. Still, a strong voice stepping forward after disaster is familiar, and that is its own kind of comforting. ]

I've been keeping close tabs on the entire supply contents of The Invincible. I did a thorough food and medical supply inventory as things were packed and moved upstairs. At the moment, there are also 35 unclaimed torches in the upper floors.

I have a good mind for lists and for maps. I might not be much for physical labor, but I'll happily keep on top of inventory to the absolute best of my ability. I've been making use of the notes - app, they call it? - in the tablet and transcribing copies to paper as I have time.

slides onto

[pure_havoc]

Lady Pudding. What a wonderful thing to hear, that solves a number of problems - not limited to, what do we have and who do we appoint to keep track of it? You are already on top of it, I'm impressed.

I will see to it someone moves those torches to the Bonfire, if they are of no use in the rooms at the moment. In the meantime, I welcome any and all assistance you can provide. Such bookkeeping is actually quite valuable.

[flangirl]

[ If only there was a camera for Pudding to blush into. ]

Oh - thank you! [ She does sound that little edge of breathless that indicates flattered and embarrassed. ] I would hardly dare to assume such an appointment, but of course I'll continue until someone with better qualifications steps up to take over, should that occur. [ So, like, probably forever. She doubts anyone here or anywhere is better qualified to maintain an inventory like this. Except probably Sanji (shut up!!) ]

I'm absolutely happy to help. With the water receded, I can look into doing a more thorough inventory at other locations as well. I know the Landmark and the upper floors of the Library were used for emergency supply relocation during our preparations for the storm.

[pure_havoc]

[yeah that's going to be...forever thanks gurl]

And it sounds as though the Landmark, at least, came through primarily unscathed. We may want to continue to use them as repositories - that is, not collect all of the supplies at the store - as a backup. If I know anything, it is that one never keeps a single supply depot that can be compromised.

Thank you, my lady. This is a relief to counter all the uncertainty.

[flangirl]

I completely agree. Especially with such scarcity, with the ferry not arriving... we can't afford for anything to be compromised, but especially not all our stores at once.

I'm keeping most of the dry goods at The Invincible on the upper floors for the time being, for that matter. The rivers might have receded, but it's difficult to know what else might happen in the aftermath of a storm this big.