[ The woman is wearing a dark black dress reaching just to her knees and a black jacket. As she walks across the room the echo of her heels is steady and confident. The room is quite like any other in the housing building only somewhat more fancy, the mattress of the bed seems thicker, the blankets softer. But the view changes quickly as she moves to seat.

Regina Mills is every bit of her Madam Mayor title, every bit of Her Majesty is also laced in the way that she carries herself. Confident to the point of haughty as she walks, regal as she sits, folds one leg over another.

It is then and then alone that she smiles.

Her lips, some will notice, are very red and her hair is dark and her skin is fair; fairest of them all, the tale said she wanted to be and she'd laugh at the foolishness if she had time.

But time is exactly what she doesn't have. ]

Exsilium, I hope this finds you well.

It grieved me to hear of the plague that has spread through the city; it grieved me even more to hear of the connection of the United Earth to this -- terrible ploy. My best wishes are sent to you all alongside wishes for a swift recovery.

I would formally introduce myself to you; I am Regina Mills, Mayor of Storybrooke, Maine; I don't trust you have heard of it, it is really quite small.

I do not plan to raise questions as to when or how we will be released from this...service we have been called upon. It is not of my nature to ask pointless questions or to waste time for time is precious, especially here.

I will ask you this and this alone, if there is anything known to us on the devices used to bring us here. We have all been brought in the same manner, I trust and I wish to know if anything has been found on this branch of technology. I assume it is merely that, technology although -

[ and at that part, her smile turns nearly embarrassed, a perfect facade of humility and amusement. ]

I would believe you if you'd told me we arrive and leave and move between worlds on our missions in magical manners. Such means are not quite possible in small towns in Maine.

[ she chuckles and it is charming. A moment later and she grows more solemn. ]

And one more thing I have to ask of you. I am in search of a child, my son whose name is Henry. He is ten, would be dressed warmly if he came here from our world with his clothes. If you have seen a boy of eleven who answers to the name, I want to hear of it. It is my hope that my son had not came here with me, this island does not seem to be fitting for children but I must ask to make certain.

--- It is unnecessary, I hope, to warn the people of this island from hurting him if he is here.

[ but the threat is already there, the violence laced behind dark eyes and then the moment passes and she smiles again. ]

I thank you for you time.

[Mahdi is once again in the kitchen, wearing his red apron and looking particularly flour-dusted and frazzled. He seems slightly wobbly - probably hasn't slept.]

Hey everyone! I made a bunch cookies and I'm just about to drop them to the clinic.

[He sweeps the tablet over to look at each plate of cookies as he describes them:]

Lemon shortbread will give you calm, safe feelings.

Chocolate espresso shortbread will make you feel more cheerful and energized - plus there's coffee in it! [tiny cheer:] Yay coffee!

Um, these are semi-magical cookies, I guess you could say. The effects will vary by person but I'd say... hmmm, the effects last a few hours, half a day at most.

If anyone else is feeling bad or weird, this should help. I've made several dozen, so if you're near the clinic please stop by and take some. Also, um, be careful with your soul. It's actually pretty important. If someone tries to talk you into giving it up, don't listen to them. Just sayin'.

[Mahdi turns the tablet back around to record himself, and smiles brightly.]

That's all!

[But the look fades into something more troubled and he seems to be looking at something in the distance. He absently fiddles with a wisp of his hair, pushing it into his mouth briefly as he thinks.] Forgetting something... oh!

Ashraf, I need to talk to you when you have a sec. If you're at the clinic I'll just stop in.

[Someone still doesn't know how privacy filters work.]


[OOC: Mahdi is responding to the shadow demons. His cookies could be a potential way to avoid the feelings of negativity they bring.]

[Okay, so things have been much better so far in July than last month. But Rise still looks a bit depressed as she sets up her tablet's camera and sits on the edge of her bed.

... She just sits there for a few seconds before letting out a long sigh.]

I'm worried about my roommate. She was sent on a mission a few days ago, and... with everything that's happened lately...

[She trails off and glances to the side, at a small pink plush fox on her bed. She got Nanami one, too... not the same kind, but another plush animal. A yellow one, even. She thought it might cheer her up a little bit.

Really, it's not just that she's worried. She's also kind of lonely without her in the apartment. But Nanami seemed so upset about the mission... it's hard for Rise not to be afraid something terrible might happen to her.]

Does anyone out there know Nanami Kiryuu? Did she mention how long she's supposed to be gone?

... I just hope she's okay...

[Have one of the new transports, currently residing in the temporary housing. It looks like he already worse for the wear, with bandaids and patches of gauze up and down both arms. You see him scrutinizing a bottle labeled "Rifampin". Guess who got his follow up from the Initiative's clinic?]

Side effects may include reddening or purple colored secretions? What the hell is this stuff? Do I really have to take all of it?

Geez. [He tosses the bottle onto his cot.]

The doctors here really know how to give a guy the once over.

Anyway, it seems like a whole lot of people from a whole lot places get dragged here so I've got a question for anyone listening to this.

Do the words "Grand Line" "Red Line" or "East Blue" mean anything to any one of you? I'm looking to see if any of my Nakama are here.

And if you can't answer that one, I've got another question. Where does a guy go to get supplies around here. But not too expensive. I've gotta watch it in case our navigator's here.