[Feel lucky, Elliot's roommates. He's finally taking his complaining to the full network! =D

He's standing in one of the rooms, specifically his, but he doubts anyone can tell.]

I've had as much of this nonsense as I can stand! How are these ever supposed to be livable conditions?! The last place was bad enough, but I doubt any amount of possible improvements could ever make this place even come close to that! YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE REAL BEDS HERE!

[To make his point, he turns to focus on the shot on one of the bunk beds before going back to himself.]

Is there even a point in trying to do anything with this place?! The Initiative has made it more than obvious that their response to a real problem is to run like cowards!

Hello.

[ ...

she clears her throat. ]

So this... is akin to a linkshell, is it? In a way. It doesn't seem to be very good at letting the other side speak until I've done, and that could be disastrous. The point being--it seems most can hear me, if they choose.

Like many, I was called here to help fight a war, and so my physical and magical abilities were called on. In light of our depleted and nonexisting stores, I offer my craftmanship and gathering ability, as well. Back on Hydaelyn, I've learned the beginning stages of all kinds of work--weaving light fabric is where I'm most talented at, but I've known to alchemize grimoires and make leather boots.

Gear shouldn't be overlooked when accepting a mission. I've lost a fight or two because my armor was worn and unbefitting my new abilities.

Which brings me to another point!

Should you need something restored, I should be able to do so. I've repaired most of my equipment for a while now--be it weapons or armor.

The hurdle to all of this--should I need to make something new, I would need the materials to do so. I can make cloth, thread, leather and other simplicities on my own, but finding plants and animal hide and ore to do that... that's another road altogether. I'll make whatever you'd like--as long as I'm given the materials to make them with, or at least a location to where I may find them.

[ as the transmission begins, it remains only in voice. ]

…why won’t this device work? It couldn’t be… is it broken? [ there is a tinge of horror in his voice as he says those words. while gaius is usually a very confident person, his demeanor changes dramatically when it comes to using machines like this. ]

It should be just like the GHS... I just have to remember Rowen's instructions and I should be fine. So why isn't it working? [ of course, it actually is working, and transmitting every word he says. it suddenly shifts to video, as it becomes clear that gaius is pushing buttons rather randomly, trying to get his tablet to work. unfortunately, he has no idea how to tell whether it's working or not. ]

This is why I dislike things like this. Meetings should be face to face. There are important things that can only be communicated through direct conversation.

[ of course, he's merely whining to himself as he continues to struggle with the device, his expression slowly growing more and more annoyed. ]

Enough! If this thing refuses to cooperate, then so be it! I will not be reduced to the mere pawn of a machine. [ he seems to have finally given up... before he suddenly pushes another button. miraculously enough, he actually manages to turn it off. ]

–omeone...

[a beat, a breath heavily drawn and shakily exhaled. sentences are punctuated with overlong breaks.]

Help me understand. Not one person I have spoken to recalls this mission...But she is still gone. [breath.] Physis is. Others, perhaps? I don't know. No one has any recollection...

[Muggle devices, particularly technologically complicated ones, are not among the items on Tonks' "things I'm good with" list. In fact, if she cared to keep a "things I need a lot of work on" list, they'd be near the top. Unfortunately, such a list isn't in existence, and now that she's stuck with one, that too will have to be put on the back burner.

Luckily (or ~magically~), she gets part of it to work after an embarrassingly long time fiddling with it. That part includes the video function… sort of. Her face appears, but it's sideways and angled as if she's not quite sure how it goes. Oh well, one step at a time.]

Huh, so that's how it works. Wonder if I can get it to do that again next time.

Right, anyway! So this place-- future of England and the like? Not sure I'm fond of the changes they've made to it. Can't say I've seen much more depressing outside of a few very particular instances. It's not something I'd want to aspire to meet.

[She chews on her lip, idly musing to herself.] What I wanted to ask was where we get a decent drink. I could go for a good butterbeer about now, though I don't s'pose many of you'd know what that is...

[Tonks makes a face as she runs some possibilities over in her mind before finally settling on one.] I'd also fancy a bit of exploring. None o' that "she sells this" stuff... something more fun. Or just a place to eat if that's too much to ask. Conversation's good for this, too. Nothing specific, idle chatter's all.

[The camera catches a grin of hers before she moves to shut it off. Predictably, she knocks it off its perch, and it captures a yelled expletive before shutting off completely.]

[Lily's still nervous, even after discovering that she's free of that underground facility. Not only does she not know what happened to her fellow test subjects, but it's a big change, and there will still be fighting. Will she accidentally hurt someone? She hopes not. She flips on the video feed. There are two things worth noting about the young girl's features. The first is that her eyes are yellow. Perhaps the most notable, however, is the metal collar around her neck. It doesn't look like jewelry.]

I just have a question for everyone. What do you do to relax when you're scared or upset?

[She doesn't want to mention the extent of her problems, but she shouldn't lie either. So she just won't say anything if she's not comfortable talking about it, or she'll change the subject. That usually works for her.]

This place is very different than what I'm used to, so I'd really appreciate any suggestions. Oh! And I'm also looking for flowers. The place I lived in didn't have any, and I've always wanted to smell real flowers. Thank you for your time.

[In 304, a nun in an ash stained provincial dress and a half elf from the Times of Yore are crowded around a tablet propped up at the table. By the expressions ranging from serious to annoyed, some sort of argument has just taken place between the two of them.

Rosette is the one to address the network, as if proving a point in the simple asking.]

So! Hypothetically, if someone were going on a mission and needed to blend into the turn of the millennium, average working class crowd... what would you wear?

[Somebody's looking grumpy today, and it's not even morning this time.]

Okay so I need some help [Yes, she's admitting it, don't get too excited.] and this is supposed to be the best way to get people listening.

Anybody here good at meditating? You know, all the peace and tranquility and inner focus mumbo jumbo. I kinda need some tips, 'cause the "relax and let your mind be free" thing? Not really working for me.

[Sorry, Tenzin. There's just too many thoughts going on in here.]

There's something else. I'm looking for another air element user to spar with. [Maybe she'll get lucky and everything will just click for her when she's under pressure again.] Any takers?

Oooooooookay people, after much work and coordination efforts and the fact I can't get anything done ever, I have finally managed to get everything I need in order to throw a proper kickass party. Wide spaces, music, drinks, food, dark corners, lights. The works.

[ A beat. ]

And yes, anyone can come. But because of that I've written down four simple rules you are all expected to follow:


1. You start acting like a stupid drunk, I kick you out.
2. I see anything besides and smokes in your hands, I kick you out.
3. You start a fight, I kick you two (or three) out.
4. I see you trying to take advantage of a drunk teen...well, you know how it goes.

[ Does she make awesome lists or what? ]

Now! We need to decide on a date. This weekend is kind of taken by that Open House thing, so next week? I guess the best way to welcome the newbs is with a party anwyay. For ourselves. So maybe we'll meet them with a hangover! Please measure yourselves.

So! If you are remotely interested in coming, let me know here, so I know if this is going to be an all out party or something more like three people playing Strip Jenga.

Come on, talk to me people.

[Private to Tony Stark and Oliver Queen]

Congratulations, you two have been chosen to give me a hand making sure the adults play nice. I don't think anything is going to happen, but can you please please please at least pretend to keep an eye on things?

[Private to Stanley Lucerne]

Hors d'oeuvres.

[ She actually says it moderately well. ]

Assuming you're going to come.

[Private to Donny Casey]

You're totally coming.

Ladies, gentlemen, a question: what do you look for in a significant other?

[he's grinning something fierce, like he's a host of a dating show or something. don't answer him, he's just going to use what you'll tell him against you when it suits him :c]

Looks, property, good with their hands, an excellent cook? Willing to die for you on missions? Takes a bath every week? I'm curious, this sort of thing isn't spoken about in my time!

[At first the video feed doesn't show who's making the post, instead it's focused on a remarkably well crafted stone statue that some people might recognize as Gin Ichimaru, just standing on the spot. After a few seconds(given to allow everyone to admire it, of course) the person recording walks closer to the statue, then turns his tablet around, focusing the camera on both himself(it's Gin, what a surprise) and his stone lookalike which he now has his arm around it's shoulders, and grins that godawful grin of his at anyone watching.]

I came into some extra money this month so decided to treat myself.

Whaddya all think?

[For roommates, it's just back up against a wall facing the rest of the apartment. No matter where you walk, it's visible out of the corner of your eye, unless you turn your back towards it.

But it's still there.

Watching.]

Hello, everyone.

I have been in United Earth territory since June. I was released last week. Although I have been inspected and declared safe by the Initiative, I feel that it is my obligation to notify you all of what happened.

I am very eager to see some of you again. I am staying in my assigned housing at 502 while I continue to recover. Please come by at your convenience.


((feel free to use this post for both network conversations and action!))

_{( Remy’s hanging out in what passes for one of the classier taverns, leaning back in a wooden chair as his hair falls over his eyes. He’s eyeing the communicator a little devilishly, and, as ever, he’s shuffling a deck of cards. And though the process is constant, he eventually pulls out exactly the card he meant to: the Ace of Diamonds. )}

Diamonds are called Coins, sometimes. If it was gonna be an element, it’d be Earth. Has ta do with the physical, your body an’ your wealth. People who do work like that, too—merchants, traders.

Sometimes it jus’ means you’re an achiever. Y’like gettin’ things done.

_{( He nods, solemnly, before replacing the card in the deck and continuing with his shuffling. He pulls out the Ace of Clubs, next. )}

Clubs’re different. Called Wands, in the old days. They’re Fire, willpower. People who do hard work, wit’ their hands. If you’re someone who likes destruction, that’s your suit. But that’s no so bad. The world needs breakin’ down an’ buldin’ up.

_{( Another nod, another tilt of his head. The next card is the Ace of Hearts. )}

Hearts’re special, some people think. Used ta be called Cups. They gotta do with Water, with emotion. People who do things spir’tually.

Hearts’re socializers. They like other people, more than things.

_{( He kisses the card lightly before shuffling it back in, pulling out the last. The Ace of Spades. )}

Now, Spades. Also called Swords, sometimes. They’re Air, freedom. But wit’ that comes unpredictability. If you’re a Spade, y’like havin’ authority. But that comes wit’ responsibility, an’ consequences.

Spades’re explorers. They like the unknown, seekin’ out what they might be ‘fraid of o’ what might bring ‘em joy.

_{( That card goes back into the deck, too. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. Remy smiles at the communicator once more. )}

So, here’s a question. Which’re you?

[This video is short, concise, simple and to the point...]

I know this is kinda out there, but...

[He sighs as he glances away from the camera.]

What're good names for a cat?

[And as if to enunciate the point, there's a tiny meow heard before he is able to shut the video function off.]

[Virus smiles at the camera, sitting straight, both hands in front of him as he raises his brows.]

I must admit I was a little surprised to end up somewhere like this, however I think it’s interesting. Being brought to another world, given a weapon, an allowance, and a place to live in return for helping this group out sounds like something out of a game, doesn't it?

Tell me, what is the general feeling of this? I’m curious. Does everyone just go along, or is there some reluctance to listen to our hospitable employers? Because in the end isn't that all we are?

Employees to serve a purpose.

How rude of me. I am Virus; I can’t expect you to answer my questions without giving an introduction in return. I look forward to hearing your answers.

[The screen clicks on to a super close up of Pabu's face. The little fire ferret sniffs the screen, then turns a few circles and plots down right on top of it.

Fire ferret butt. Just the way to start your day.]

What do you think, Pabu? I'm not losing my gorgeous figure, am I? [Bolin hmms and hawws.] Of course not.

[a moment of hesitation] Still, maybe you should eat the last biscuit.

[Pabu chitters and jumps off the device to go gobble the last of the biscuits, and you can finally see Bolin. He's standing in front of the mirror in his room, posing and making muscles and oh, yeah, only in his underwear.

Left arm muscles? Looking good. Right arm muscles? Oh yeah, baby. He turns around so he can see how his glutes are doing in the mirror, and that is when he notices the tablet on his bed.

On.

Recording.

He covers his crotch and turns bright, bright red. Oh no oh no oh no oh no.]

PABU! WHAT DID YOU -- [Off-screen, the fire ferret is no help whatsoever. Traitor. Bolin's panicked and frozen and it takes longer than it should for him to think of grabbing a pillow and covering the device.]

[Wow, Jesse is so tanned, he almost looks healthy. Almost.]

Yo, 'sup. I'm Jesse Pinkman, talking about the usual thing I talk about around this time every month. I mean cookies. You guys that're new, you probably saw me and some other people out there in the rain the day you got here, handing out free snacks and umbrellas and whatever. That's a regular thing, we do it every month for the new arrivals. It ain't a paying job, it's just like volunteer work.

Anyway, we'll be meeting up on the 30th for baking up in my unit, which is 409. Come if you want to, even if you don't know how to cook. I'll help you through it. It's real easy. It's pretty chill, no pressure, just listening to some music and making snacks. I got all the supplies we need, but if you got extra ingredients you wanna bring, that's cool. Variety and whatnot.

That's it. Door'll be open. Hope I see you there.



(( Baking is handwaved so if you wanna say you were there, you were there, but here's an example of what the newbie log thread will be like. No need for permission to participate! Jesse lets everyone help out and teaches anyone who doesn't know how to bake. ))

[ Silence, then sounds of things being moved around. Ella is obviously putting some order in the disaster zone that used to be her room. ]

So, next time I decide to take a solo mission I'll probably make sure it doesn't involve babysit some brats for over two weeks.

[ A beat, and a huff. ]

I mean they didn't even get kidnapped. Not even a flu, dammit. All I did was play magician for them and make sure nobody had a sugar rush. Well I had a sugar rush and that was the highlight of my month.

[ Shuffling. ]

Well at least I got some money out of this fiasco. Does anybody want to party?

Actually...when was the last time someone threw a party in this joint?

[ the video switches on to the oddest not-odd couple. at least for those who know han seeing him accompanied by a nonhuman is not a surprise. except of the "big walking carpet" that usually follows han around garrus only fits the big and walking parts. an ewok climbs garrus to sit on his shoulders, the little guy chattering on to himself in his language.

the image is trained on han first who stares at it with such blatant disinterest it's a wonder his eyes aren't rolling into the back of his head. ]

I'm Han Solo, captain of the Millennium Falcon. [ yes, his baby gets a mention even if his baby is not here. ] My big friend here is Garrus Vakarian. We're not gonna bore you with warnings about the natives. If you want to go out and risk getting jumped on, that's on you. I'd say shoot 'em, but that's not politically correct.

[ why did he let himself get talked into this? what is happening with his life anymore, it is spiraling out of control. the big walking not carpet rolls his eyes, though from his place in the background it might be a little hard to see. not the most expressive alien on the place here. ]

Shooting them would be a terrible idea, you'll only piss them off more.

Yeah, yeah, I heard it the first twenty times. [ EYE ROLL. ] Anyway we're going to talk about something a little different. We're all aliens here. Before you start getting offended that you're from Earth — [ an aside to garrus that the tablet picks up anyway ] that has to be the worst name for a planet I've ever heard, next there's gonna be one called "Rock" — this isn't your version of it so you're an alien. But there's a difference between you and us. When we think interstellar, we don't think of Daft Punk. So we're here to give you a crash course on interspecies etiquette.

One, don't stare. You're just asking to get shot.

[ crickets. what? you're expecting him to contribute to this stupid list thing?

(he is starting to regret this friendship.) ]

Don't pull on anything. [ mandibles twitch, eyebrows narrow, a hand reaches up to touch the top of his head. okay that is all he is contributing, he's the peanut gallery now. ]

Yeah, that's a good one, my friend. Especially if you're not sure what it is. Actually that goes for everything. Keep your hands to yourself. Blasters and phasers are not toys. Neither are lightsabers. You see a man walking around with one? Go in the opposite direction. He's got a bit of a short temper. [ han, you are going to die. ]

[ a snort. ]

Lightsaber? [ really? ]

Yeah. Antiquated relic. I'll tell you about it later.

[ he clears his throat. ]

By the way, if any of you are any good at building, let us know. There might be an exciting career opportunity in your future.


(( note: your characters are free to recognize han from the movies but please please try to keep infodumping down to a minimum thank you c: ))

[The feed comes on to one of the sectioned-off areas of the temporary housing area, more specifically to a cot carefully made and covered with a plastic sheet. Atop the sheer is a collection of plants in various containers, mostly stereotypical pots made of plastic plastic or unglazed ceramic, though there's at least two or three deep cereal bowls for smaller plants and a paint bucket barely in frame. These are very clearly mostly tomato plants, from the small red shapes spotting them here and there.

Finally, a slight redhead enters the frame, fidgeting with her coat nervously.]

Um, hello! My name is Tsubomi Hanasaki--I'm new. It's nice to meet you all! I'm here to talk about plants!

[She lifts the closest pot with any reddening tomatoes, leaning closer to properly show it to the feed.] I've been growing some vegetables. Mostly tomatoes, and I'm waiting on some carrots. Anyway, after some trial and error, I think I've figured out how to grow tomatoes indoors, if anyone wants a plant! There are... a lot here... [She gestures to the pots on the cot.] They need a couple of lamps and some water, and all I ask in return is letting me look at it sometimes! You can keep all the tomatoes, and everything. So if you want to come to the Hold and pick one up, ask around for me! Or I can come to you! I have about twenty, but I'm planting new ones every day, and as soon as they've taken root I'd be happy to give them away. [The power of magic, to get these plants started!]

[She looks uncertain for a moment, and then takes a deep, visible breath.]

Thank you for your time!

[She bows, and goes to turn the video off, only for it to go tumbling from whatever she had it perched on with a rough clatter. Tsubomi's concerned expression fills the feed just before it turns off.]

[Action is open to other people in temp housing or anyone who wants to come by and pick up a plant!]

[ 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.

[The video is a little shaky when it first comes on before it's finally moved to display the user's face.]

Is it working...?

Um- hello! My name is Cheria Barnes, and I've been here for a few months now. I'd meant to do this sooner, but with everything that's happened... Well, it seems like as best a time as any now.

Back home on Ephinea I lead a relief organization to help with the aftereffects of war. We ran food drives, helped with building repairs, gave first aid-- pretty much anything people needed of us that we could help with, you know?

So... I was thinking that I could start something like that up here too. For people that can't fight but still want to help. I thought it would probably be a good way to get the people here to trust us again too... Anyway, if you'd be interested, please let me know!

Thank you.

[She bows, but it's a little lost in the view of the tablet.]

Um-- how did he say to turn it off again? [The feed is still live for a few minutes before she finally manages to turn it off.]

[ The face looking out from the communicator is expressionless. ]

I wish to register my disapproval of an organization that can master time travel but cannot defend its population against basic biological warfare.

[ He reaches for the button to end the transmission. Click. ]

( oz has spent some time practicing, so when the video feed comes on, it's steady and propped up to give a good view of him in the living room of his apartment. he shoots the camera a grin before holding up a helmet that may seem familiar to some people. )

Hello, everyone! You won't believe what I found today. ( a meow can be heard off-screen, and he corrects himself - ) Or more correctly, Li Jun did. Something like this must belong to someone, right?

( he hefts it up closer to the camera so that viewers on the network can get a better view. it's probably clear he basically thinks it's one of the coolest things ever. a real helmet like what a real knight would have!! maybe even what one of his favorite fictional knights would wear while doing something gallant.

it would probably be rude to put it on his head. which is what he does a moment later, cheerfully, because look okay how many chances like this does one get!! the network gets a wave before he takes it off and adds, )

Well, if it someone's, I wouldn't want to keep it from you. So tell me if it's yours, alright?

A scorpion needs to cross a raging river but fears drowning. As he wonders what to do, a frog approaches. The scorpion asks, "Please, will you carry me across the river on your back?"

The frog replies fearfully, "No! You'll sting me!"

The scorpion promises he won't because if he did the frog would sink and he would drown. So the frog agrees and takes the scorpion across the river on his back. As they cross the deepest part of the river at the midway point the scorpion suddenly stings the frog with its tail.

The frog writhes in agony as the poison slowly paralyzes him. He screams, "What have you done? Why would you sting me after you told me you wouldn't?"

And the scorpion replies, "It's my nature." Both of them drown in the river.

[A pause.]

What do you make of it?

[ action for roommates / anyone who wants to stop by room 905 ]
[Bolin has been holed up in his room, recovering from his injuries and working on this little stunt for Pabu. Pop by for a visit?]

[ video ]
[For anyone who's seen Bolin since he fell victim to Adam's rampage on the 21st, the teenager is looking...better. Not great, but no longer at death's door. He's doing his best impression of chipper.]

Wow, yeah, so that whole thing was kind of......terrible. Talk about your terrible awful no good very bad day. [The fake cheer fades, just a bit.] I'm really sorry, Elmer. And anyone else whose world that was. And....just...everybody.

SO I FIGURE WE COULD ALL USE A LITTLE CHEERING UP. [Smile for long enough and the smile becomes real, right? That's how Bolin's gotten through life.] Which is why I present to you the one, the only, the AMAZING Pabu --

( cut for sfw images )

[ it's rare riku actually turns on his tablet for an actual broadcast; even if he obviously has deliberately turned it on, for a few moments, he doesn't know what to say.

what can he say? that was...

he exhales, runs a hand through his hair, and then straightens. ]

A lot of people have said their piece already, and everyone's got a good point.

[ well, actually--he makes a face, and rolls his eyes. ]

... some are better than others, but arguing won't get us anywhere. We need to come together as a group, and if you don't want to protect the Initiative, I get it. [ a sigh. he looks down. ] I do.

I've been here for more than a year, I've been here for a lot of their mistakes, seen them firsthand. They're definitely far from perfect, but going against them... if we've learned anything, it's that, to keep our homes safe, we should take arms against United Earth. You can fight the Initiative all you want, but it's not going to help. They aren't getting ready to decimate entire worlds and leave no prisoners.

[ another hand runs through his hair, pushing back his bangs. his tone is more firm as he speaks again, but his eyes are on the floor, to the side. ]

It's almost the beginning of the month, again. That's when the new arrivals come in.

[ then, he looks back to the camera. ]

What're we going to say when they say they want to go home? "No, or your home world will be destroyed"? And don't say the staff's going to take care of that. If I've learned anything in my time here, it's that not everything can be condensed into the ten-minute talk the greeter gives them.

[Exsilium might not be expecting to see a smiling face on their network so soon after the battle, but that's what you get with this guy being among your ranks. He gives the camera a little wave.]

Hello! Is everyone recovering from the battle? It's good that the Initiative can resurrect people, don't you think? Otherwise that would have turned out rather badly.

Anyway, I wanted to say thanks to the people who tried to come to the rescue of my world. If we've not met, I'm Elmer C. Albatross, the person who was sent back. After what happened, it might be hard to think about this positively. But there's a few things we can take to heart! Like the fact that people can be ressurrected, or that while one world may have been taken over, it probably wasn't your world, and you might still be able to return to your own someday!

As for mine, well... Not much can be done about that, now. I suppose Exsilium is my home, now. The friends I was travelling with are like me, so they'll survive no matter what. I just hope someday things will return to normal there, so the survivors can find reasons to smile again! You're all still here, fellow transports, so I hope you continue to smile on as well!

[Greetings, Exsilium. It's Sue Richards, in her white and black Fantastic Four costume, sitting in the DITR offices. She looks tense, but composed. Guess who drew the short straw on responding to this whole mess?]

Hello. I'm Susan Richards, of the Department of Initiative-Transport Relations.

[She's good at reading from a teleprompter, but this is obviously not extemporaneous.]

On behalf of the Initiative, we would first like to extend our condolences and apologies to those affected by yesterday's events--

[Sue stops, and her expression darkens.]

--No. You know what? I'm not reading this. I'm not making excuses for them.

[Oops. Sue just went off-script, and her spokesperson persona drops in favor of what she's really feeling, a simmering, controlled anger.

There's a strangled noise of outrage offscreen from Saul, but it's rapidly cut off.]

Thank you, Medusa.

Not at all, Susan.

[Sue takes a deep breath, squares her shoulders, and addresses the camera again. This is no longer someone playing the role of a bureaucratic functionary. This is the woman who has stood against gods and won.]

( tl;dr )

[OOC: Pink is Medusa. Medusa and Saul appear courtesy of Ammay and Heather. I'll hit up all the replies, but your comment might also get answered by any member of the DITR. Even Saul after Medusa lets him go.]

[Mahdi addresses the screen dressed in a red apron with his name embroidered on one side: a perhaps-obviously handmade gift from a friend. The apron and his face and bare arms are smudged with flour and a few streaks of chocolate.]

Um, does anyone want cookies? I made cookies.

[Around this time you may notice that pretty much every inch of the kitchen counter is covered with foil-wrapped paper plates.]

I made a few dozen.

And a pie. Maybe two pies.

Baking is how I vent stress sometimes, I guess, um...

I guarantee these cookies will make everyone feel a bit better! So let me know if you'd like a plate, I can drop it off with you. I'll probably be leaving some at the clinic too.


[OOC: Mahdi's cookies will, miraculously, give one a lingering sense of warmth and affection for a short time, due to his powers of emotional projection.]

 [You know what, Exsilium? Trying to figure out his own shit is giving Sam a headache. So he's going to try to figure out yours.]

Got a couple things on the agenda today so bear with me. Who knows, this just may end up saving your life down the line. So first thing first - if you see a ghost? RUN. Safest place to be, if ghosts here act like they should, is inside a salt circle, or in a room whose entrances are all guarded by undisturbed salt lines. Fill you in on it when it's tested, but it's better than nothing for now. If you can't run? Grab anything iron to defend yourself. Ghosts are weak to it. 

Item number two - raise your arm if you have no idea how the judicial system works here. If you do, explain it to the best of your understanding. The point of this is to eventually make a comprehensive accessible document. Laws and rights are kinda basic knowledge in a civilized society. 

Item number three - looking for someone? Want people from home to know you're here the moment they arrive, wanna let people know someone disappeared? Give me names, and I'll make an organized list we can pass around. There're a lot of posts on this network and it's way too easy to miss things. If you're looking for volunteers for anything, I can make a list for that too. 

Item number four - been on missions, willing to talk about your experiences on them, or just in Exsilium in general? I wanna hear all about it. Anonymously is just fine too. 

[Oh right]

Name's Sam Winchester, and if you're new, welcome aboard. Feel free to ask every question, if I can give you an answer I will.