third ⚡ special delivery

[ramuhs]

Type: Video
Sender ID: ramuhs (Cid, featuring Zelda)
To: Public
Subject: Special Delivery
Warnings: None

[ Those who tune in will be greeted to seeing Cid and Zelda sitting next to each other. With a small wave, Cid will go first. ]

Well, things have been quite the mess as of late, hasn't it? Fortunately, Zelda and I have started a little venture that may be of great benefit to everyone.

[ Cid is going to let Zelda start, so he'll move the camera so that she's the focus. With the camera turned to her, Zelda offers a wave and a smile herself. ]

Last week, I acquired a potion recipe for a remedy that temporarily alleviates the "ailment" which many of us have recently become afflicted with. This remedy suppresses the negative effects of the ailment for a few days, allowing for close collaboration between people who would normally trigger an adverse reaction in one another.

[ Cid briefly pops onto the screen with a wide grin. ]

And it works!

[ He'll then grab Zelda's hand and make a show of waving it around, as if in celebration… When really it's another clue as to what this "remedy" is as their insignias are fully visible and glowing ominously. ]

Now typically, each dose of the remedy must be tailored to the individual taking it, necessitating different ingredients for different people. As you might guess, they tend to be costly. But after some careful testing and adjustments, my crew and I are able to reliably recreate the remedy without needing to adjust the recipe each time.

[ And she looks very pleased with this accomplishment. (Never mind the fact that she has to use her sealing power to enchant each dose.) ]

To help Zelda distribute these remedies, I've offered my crew's services to deliver them to specific locations for easier unloading.

[ Read: not in major ports where they would be scrutinized. ]

However, should there be any who have grown tired of the tension in the major cities and would like a bit of a "getaway," there are a few distant islands that I can recommend. Private, out of the way—perfect for those who may want to spend a few days away from it all. Perhaps even for a moonlight tryst?

[ A playful wink because yes, he's talking to you special couples who are suffering the worst of this whole stupid insignia debacle. Although not said outright, instead of just recommending, the Hideaway crew will ferry those interested for a small extra fee, information that can be discussed upon contact.

At the words "moonlight tryst," Zelda blushes. That may have been one of the methods used in testing the efficacy of different versions of the remedy. She quietly clears her throat before going on. ]

Please bear in mind this remedy has a nasty drawback that we are yet unable to mitigate: once it wears off, you will experience the delayed effects of the ailment in full all at once. The severity of the pain is directly proportional to the proximity and duration of contact with the person who would normally trigger an adverse reaction in those suffering this ailment.

[ Translation: the closer you are to someone and the longer you spend with them, the more it’s going to hurt when the potion wears off. ]

I recommend using these remedies only in moderation.

Now we only have so much supply and so many hands, so it's best if word doesn't spread too far or fast.

[ In other words, keep it on the down low, guys, they don't need enforcers from either side getting onto them. ]

But if you have any questions or concerns, you're welcome to bring them up here.

[ OOC: This is a joint network post between Cid and Zelda advertising Zelda's special potions that will help counter the effects of the insignia. Cid is partnering up to help deliver the potions in secluded areas away from watchful eyes while also offering a type of ferry service for those from different Armadas who want a safe, private place to meet up (especially couples). Both will be able to respond, but depending on the topic only one will if it's focused on their part of the operation. ]

Comments

[VIDEO]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I'll get the word out as discreetly as I can.

I know that probably sounds weird coming from me but I've made a few friends through the forge that might be able to help distribute through business channels if you think that would help.

[Darin is...uncharacteristically serious.]

[ramuhs]

So long as they can be trustworthy. We don't want this to spread too far that we can't keep an eye on things, so to speak.

[More of a security measure than anything else.]

[forgeabettertomorrow]

I do my best to vet the people I work with. I don't plan on going crazy.

[But there is a lot of annoyance in Darin's voice.]

Can't believe the armadas would pull a stunt like this...

Text;

[thearchangel]

If you still need testers -

[ S I R. GO LIE DOWN.]

Otherwise I'll see what I can do in terms of distribution. Nonhumans might react better to someone visibly ah. Well. Me.

[ramuhs]

[He'll leave the testing thing to Zelda but he has a feeling that might be a rejection—]

That's actually a good point. As diverse as this world is, I'm sure even the different races will start to gather more towards their own kind.

[thearchangel]

Can't say I've seen anyone from my area of the galaxy, but it might help.

video;

[weisshappened]

What's the asking price?

[It hasn't even been that long and it's already been Suffering not hanging out with a friend. ... Totally not because his son misses Corsair Harding.]

If you need a supply of anything, I'm willing to trade. Spend most of my time hunting, bounties or otherwise.

[multidisciplinary]

We are providing these at no charge, as it is my firm belief that there should be no barrier to acquiring medicine, monetary or otherwise.

[ She pauses to consider his offer. ]

What might you be looking to receive in trade? We do have need for more ingredients, particularly a few animal components that are not easy to come by. But Hand and Hearth relies primarily on donations in order to operate, so we have little in the way of goods to offer-- more along the lines of skilled labor and services.

» text

[tilfrosset]

While I have no need for either one, I can assist with the deliveries.

[Both of potions and people. She's gotten pretty good as skulking around unnoticed these last few years.]

[ramuhs]

Always appreciated, Jill. Once we have a few orders I'll let you know where to go.

But you should still keep some for yourself, even if you may not use it much.

video

[empyrean_mirror]

"Moonlight tryst", Cid? Really?

[He snorted, but c'mon now, captain.] Have you spoken to Azul? He may be willing to help with production, too.

[ramuhs]

I think it gets the message across quite well.

[Wink wink.]

But no, I have not. I don't believe I ever met him, but perhaps Zelda is familiar with him.

[A QUESTION FOR ZELDA TO ANSWER LATER—]

[multidisciplinary]

[ Totally ignoring that comment about "moonlight trysts" and moving on-- ]

Azul? [ Pause. ] No, I don't believe we are acquainted.

[ A lie. She spoke to him anonymously last fall during her whole "marriage legality" fiasco. ]

voice;

[sunsetking]

How kind of you both.

[An almost lazy drawl.]

What's the estimated time limit on these remedies?

[multidisciplinary]

In trials, the longest a remedy remained effective was fifty-eight hours and thirteen minutes. [ A little under 2.5 days. ] My conservative average would be fifty to fifty-two hours.

[ramuhs]

Well, can't very well stand by if we have the resources and means to help others.

[join them leona]

Anonymous Text

[telepathicignorance]

You guys taking monetary or resource donations?

text; un: multidisciplinary

[multidisciplinary]

My crew, Hand and Hearth, will gladly accept donations of either type, but at the immediate moment, we have greater need of additional resources for crafting these remedies than coin.

[ramuhs]

As for the Hideaway, we're also open to either. But I would say Zelda should receive the bulk of any resource donations.

video;

[catsgothistongue]

If ya' need some extra hands, I can help with delivering 'em.

[He's had to play delivery boy-- er, girl, before. Martial Arts Takeout baby!]

[ramuhs]

Aye, I can think of many ways we can put that strength of yours to use.

video; un: reindered

[reindered]

I'll keep working on making more potions to help! I guess this is the best thing I can focus on for now. As long as we have enough supply of the ingredients for me to keep making more for as many people as need it.

[Chopper wants to help. This seems to be the best way that he can for now. As a doctor, focused on people's health. Something like this takes priority. Something that is harming people, and probably also impacting mental health, worrying about others they care about but can't be with for the moment.]

[ramuhs]

[Just going to hop in since Zelda is a bit busy—]

Are ingredients hard to come by? If you need any assistance my side can also help if able.

video

[sos_pilot]

Oh my goooooosh, you guys are saviors! I'VE MISSED OUT ON SO MUCH HUGGING!

... Oh, and, uh, working together for important things. That too. [ but mostly she's missed the hugging. ] If there's any way I can help you guys out, just say the word!

[ramuhs]

[A quiet chuckle.]

Just be careful. As Zelda said, there are still some side effects, but I think a few hugs should be fine enough.

How are you with sailing small boats?