touchscreens | ♫ TWO ♫ [Video] Backdated to the 14th.

_{[For those who are checking the network while the power seems to be in supply will be greeted by the slightly worried face of Shinji. Granted, he has every right to be worried. The power outages aren't exactly things to be happy about.]}

These power outages...they're really terrible things, aren't they? Unsettling too...I wonder if they're going to keep happening or just get worse? They don't really seem to be showing any signs of stopping..._{It reminds me a bit of what happened in Tokyo-3.}

_{[He pauses, fidgeting slightly before speaking again.]}

The batteries in the flashlight I bought didn't last very long the last power outage and I had bought candles just in case. I'm glad I did...It's kind of funny...I never really had to use candles before until then. They give off a warm glow though - it's really nothing like the artificial light from a light bulb.

There was one thought I had though...Humans are naturally afraid of the dark and we're awfully dependent on technology...so in a way, these outages have the potential to bring people together. That's what they want, don't they? For us to have as much contact with others as possible? I really hope there isn't an ulterior motive behind the power going out so much...it's uncomfortable to think that may be the case.

_{[There's another awkward, little pause.]}

I guess...I just wondered how others are dealing with it all. Do you think they're going to keep happening or continue for much longer? I hope they can fix the problem soon...

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Candles, huh? Forgotten about those... [candles and naked flame on a rocking boat... not the best plan]

Could always just get used to moving around in the dark. They're not that severe.

[no Asuka you just have ridiculously low standards...]

They're not as good as a flashlight...but I like them.

I'm not very good at it. I don't even want to tell you how many times I've banged my knees into things...it's embarrassing.

[she shrugs] Always just a fire hazard to me.

Anyway, keep a hand on the wall and feel the space ahead out with your foot first. It's easier when the room's small like here. Gotta navigate by landmarks.

Right...I'll do my best.

_{[Even if he'll probably end up banging into things again.]}

[hey she has fourteen years on you kid she's not expecting miracles]

That aside... what about gas lamps? Maybe a portable generator?

I didn't think about those...wouldn't they be somewhat expensive?

Gas, maybe, but a generator might be able to keep the whole block powered. Only during emergencies of course.

If we could get everyone to chip in... [hrm...]

[part of her's automatically going back to that 'remember the one time we hijacked all the energy of Japan to power a sniper rifle' incident surely this is nothing in comparison...]

_{[Oh the good old days...]}

That could be a good idea actually. I wonder how feasible it'd actually be to implement.

Well, the main question is if we can even find one, or cobble one together. [there's enough crazy science people here they can make this work]

If we try asking the locals, they'd probably use it as a bargaining chip for concessions. [no Asuka that's just you] Or tell us to just 'share body heat' or something.

Finding one might be tough...but if people knew how to make one... _{[Then maybe it wouldn't be so hard.]}

That's true...I'd rather not touch more people than I have to.

We could improvise one properly. Plenty of cars around.

[she grimaces at that last point]

Exactly.

I wouldn't know the first thing about it, though. I'm useless in that regard.

_{[He pauses.]}

You look better than you did before, Asuka.

You're still in school, kid. Don't worry about it.

And thanks. But there's another complication. I don't suppose you've stocked up on flu medication?

I wouldn't exactly say I've stocked up...but I have some medication just in case. What happened?

It's not 'what happened' so much...

With the power outages, there's been problems with the heating right? If we get an outbreak it could be a disaster.

[cramped ships aboard a contaminated ocean had enough disease control issues but at least they didn't mandate physical contact...]

I'd be more worried about someone eating food that had gone off in their fridge because of the power going out. The temperatures outside aren't too ridiculous. No one will have to worry about getting sick from being too cold...getting too hot however is another matter.

In either case, disease control is going to be an issue. The maximum isolation time is two weeks before withdrawal symptoms start setting in as well. Anything beyond that...

That medical failsafe of theirs better work.

It's...rather frightening when you put it that way, Asuka.

[well, yeah.] It should.

If anyone feels ill here, their first thought's going to be 'It's withdrawal and I need to touch somebody', right?

They've no reason to think otherwise...

[she nods]

With that alone, it'll spread.

About the only thing I can think of is to make sure people know what the Withdrawal symptoms are, so they can tell the difference. Of course, if you're keeping up with the Hug Quota and still feeling sick, that's just as suspicious.

[He's going to file away the 'force us to get closer' thing in his rather large Conspiracy Theory file.]

That? That's the only thing that bothers you?

Well...other things bother me, but things could be far worse, I think.

What? No weapons, no escape and forced to touch alien species.

[He scowls.] Least in the gutters we had some choice.

Better than where I came from.

Yeah?

[Oh is this gonna be that kind of conversation? Bring it, human.]

Yes...

_{[Probably not...because you're a huge intimidating robot and Shinji is afraid of you kinda.]}

[Deadlock's bark is way worse than his bite. ]

That all you gotta say for yourself?

♫ TWO ♫ [Video] Backdated to the 14th.

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