[Hisoka was a tall man, dressed in a rather unusual costume. His hair was carefully styled, the performer's makeup on his face immaculately applied. And he was brandishing a small spread of cards in his left hand, whose faces were clearly visible on-camera.]

Since it seems we're not under immediate threat of attack, how about a game?

[As if on impulse, he crumpled the cards in his left hand, then opened his palm, revealing that he was now empty-handed.]

I'll read three things about your past, present, and future. I'm sure it will provide some unique insights. Perhaps you'll even be able to use them to your advantage. ♥

[Hisoka closed his right hand into a fist, then reopened it, revealing the crumpled cards -- but intact now, and fanned out as neatly as you please.]

In return, I'd like you to tell me three things you've learned since you arrived here. They don't have to be terribly important things, but I'd prefer if they were interesting.

[video]

[It's that Doctor fellow again. The floofy one. He looks a little worse for wear. And he's soaked to the skin.]

Oh. I'm back here, again. Back in the cold and the rain. [coughs] Still, I suppose I still have things to do if I'm here again. What've I missed?

[Private, to Swann]

Hullo, Swann. D'you, by any chance, know where my TARDIS is?

[action]

[The door to unit 605 admits a soggy Englishman.]

Now I know why I carried an umbrella so much in my previous life....

Beloved friends, dear acquaintances, and soon to be beloved friends and dear acquaintances! Last I spoke up hereabouts, I believe it was with mention of a party, no? Well, the lot of us are in luck! I've spoken with the Initiative, and not only is such a thing possible, but we've a date and a place.

Clear your calendars, my friends, as this coming Friday, anyone with any sense of the sociable ought to be joining us for a masquerade ball in 1772, France, the Palace of Versailles. Quite a lovely place, I'm given to understand!

Those of you who have volunteered to assist me in the preparations, I do believe that now is your time to shine. And to the rest of you, find something you won't be ashamed to be seen in—and a mask, of course!—and prepare for a terrifically lovely evening, won't you?

( [Private to Samus, Cairistiona, Eddie Riggs and Jaina] )

[[ooc; one last plotting post for this shindig is up here, for new characters that didn't get a chance to hash stuff out last time, and here is a log for setting up!]]