[Asuka clears her throat and pauses before actually launching into her little spiel.]

So, I thought you all deserved to know that I turn sixteen tomorrow! Maybe I'm finally getting used to living here after a year. Or something. Hell if I know!

The only problem is that we're still stuck on this stupid rock, so it's not exactly the best place for celebrating much of anything. Anyone have suggestions? And none of that virtual reality crap! They're neat, but they kinda give me the creeps. Maybe I'll just try and take over part of the dining hall...

[She'd been tempted to send a simple Donny Casey is gone text out on the network, but using the text function would imply that she's not capable of anything else, and god forbid she seem as upset by Donny's deperature as she is.

And she realizes that if she's going to be helping with this little government they're putting together, she needs to put herself out more, and being associated with Donny could be an advantage. Not everyone respected him, but he was well liked, and that goes a long way. She can manage the respect part by herself.

So: a video of a young woman, blonde hair tied back and make up simple (though still there, because appearances are important) as she addresses the camera.]

Donny Casey has returned home; considering his involvement in the clinic, I thought it would be best to ensure everyone is aware, rather than trying to track down individuals.

[Also she just doesn't want to talk to that many people one-on-one right now.]

For anyone I haven't met, my name is Max Briest, I am Donny's - partner. [There's a pause before the word, but not as long as it might have been a few months ago.] If there are any arrangements or commitments he had made to you, I will do my best to fulfill them, though if it's in regards to the clinic you may prefer to conact Ashraf or Kirian.

To the new arrivals, welcome, and my apologies for the circustances, as much as they are out of our control. I hope you can all settle in smoothly.

Thank you for your time.

[the feed cuts.]

[The voice is that of a young woman speaking in a crisp English accent. She sounds entirely unamused, though not necessarily resigned to her situation.]

If the circumstances here are truly as they've been presented to me, it would seem that my travel plans will need to be revised and that I shan't be leaving for Paris in the morning after all. More pressing, however, is the lack of access to my own finances. I find this irritating, to say the least.

[A girl's gotta have some cash. Real money, too, not this fake stuff they're touting. This is absolutely ridiculous. She sighs, voice taking on a slightly more sympathetic tone.]

As I said, if I can't go to Paris tomorrow, I shall have to alter my plans. I am in dire need of a tailor. Someone skilled. Not a dressmaker. I shall impart the details of my commission to said tailor, if and when we are introduced.

At present I have nothing to barter with aside from my good name and promise of repayment at a future date. And with all these witnesses, that ought to be enough. My name is a very good one, if that matters to anyone at all.

[There's a deliberate pause before she speaks again.]

Though if anyone should have pertinent information on how one might go about securing passage away from this this... settlement, I should be much obliged for your assistance.