[Gently:] Good morning, Exsilium.

[It almost sounds like a reminder.

Saul's looking just as businesslike as he did in his last network post, this time broadcasting from the Observatory. Elbows on his knees, hands clasped in front of him, he leans in and addresses the camera with an expression that's a little too somber to pass for neutral:]

As of last night, Medusa's gone home.

[He hopes that's where she's gone, anyway. He's never sure what happens to people after they disappear.

After a moment, the look on his face softens.]

For the time being, I've assumed the role of Director of the Department of Initiative-Transport Relations. Medusa and I started this together back in May, when its purpose was to foster trust between us and the Initiative by way of hiring liaisons to make announcements on the Initiative's behalf. Friendly faces, right?

But it's clear to me now that there's no use for that in our current predicament, so the Department's getting a bit of a makeover.

( First of all... )

[There's a pause, then, as he runs a hand through his hair to move onto other business.]

( As far as supply runs are concerned... )

[And the feed cuts.]

[ it has been a while since morgana has appeared on the network and when she does, she does so suddenly. the feed clicks on to reveal her as she steps back from the tablet, there is more of a coldness to her face, edges gained only by time. pale skin is stained with blossoms of red, scraps and cut still unattended (she had a bloody cave dropped on her head not too long ago, thanks merlin), fain traces of dust collected in her hair. ]

And I thought my loathing for this place could grow no more.

[ as striking as morgana herself the large white form behind her begs more attention. the creature croons softly, head lowering and wings folding in tight. ]

Her name is Aithusa. [ even morgana's tone is colder now. there is a pain to it, joy and pain. aithusa her dear ally and friend, brought here to this dreadful rock with no sky to stretch her wings and fly. yet part of her is happy to have the dragon here, at her side. ] And she is under my protection. [ aithusa's head raises and the dragon pads forward a single step. morgana exhales, her hands balled into fists that none can see. they shake. ] She is not to be harmed. This is the first and only warning any of you will receive.

Heed my words or you shall regret it, unimaginable suffering will follow if you do not. [ it is a threat, plain and simple. lacking in subtlety, but she could care less, she will have herself understood now and understood plainly.

and just as quickly as morgana and aithusa appeared, the feed cuts. ]

[Kido is trying not to be agitated since a good leader shouldn't be but hey she's tired, things have sucked, the reports from the rescue mission really suck and yeah. So she finds some solace in her old role.

She taps her fingers against her leg, hair damp from one of those lovely short showers with a towel around her neck.]

Hey everyone. I've been thinking it'd be easier to figure out things if we were all together. You know, like a real meeting. What if we just pick a day and grab one of the VR rooms and try to figure this out. Everyone's been getting together the information they got from the rescue mission- [She frowns slightly. None of it sounded good.] -so we've got a better idea of what we're up against now.

[A beat.] I'm not in charge of everyone, but we need to be organized. [She gives a lopsided smile.] Some of you are better at it than others. If no one else will take up the lead, then I'll pick a day and spam everyone with it.

[She's kind of hoping someone else does though. Leading the Mekakushi Dan and leading a small army are pretty different things.]

I've seen a lot of you with good thoughts and ideas though so... let's keep this up.

( PRIVATE to LILY )

( PRIVATE to ELLIE & DICK )

[ Her voice, while somewhat tired, is leveled as she speaks. ]

For the time being, the clinic should be stocked with some personal hygienic products anyone might have been wondering about. There's shampoos, soaps, sanitary napkins, and pads and tampons for the ladies. There's also patches for smokers. Anything else you're looking for, like medicine or bandages, you'll have to check with someone at the clinic.

Anyway, I asked the AI the decrypt a couple of drives belonging to the UE. There were various analytical notes specializing in robotics, specifically robotic spacecraft — rovers. For those unfamiliar: a rover is a vehicle used in space explorations. Depending on the design, they can either be partially or completely operated on their own, or they can transport crews.

There's a couple of bad ideas that come to mind knowing this information: one being they may have plans to come up here eventually and if they aren't fully aware how many of us are here, they'll find out.

Research also indicated "interdimensional colonization". We've been well aware for a while they're able to access portals into other worlds.

The drives also contained some notes on Project Chimera and talks of previous genetic projects the UE's researched. I'll forward anyone who wants a copy of these notes to look over.

[ For those who ask and receive: here. ]

Has anyone begun to compile the information we have together to make it more streamlined? I imagine the AI can likely do it if you ask.

- Yeahyeah, ya got it but til then this'll do.

[The video feed kicks in and sets to record mid-message. The closer of the two men turns to the screen, fixing the camera with an irritable look.]

( A brief Initiative transmission )



[For those who do report, the transport pad sits, powered down at the moment, with several of the access panels behind the platform are opened or removed entirely. Vennett sits in a folding chair in front of one of the computer displays. At his feet is a box of tools, and in hand is a strange black device. He doesn't look all that pleased to see you.

Lowell sits at a computer desk in the same room, ready to get the right calculations of the Transports as they step onto the Transport Pad. And while he isn’t really enthused at the idea of being here, he’s also a lot less miserable looking than Vennett. Maybe that makes him more approachable? Good luck.]



((OOC: NOTE: This is an intro for two of the new NPC characters. Come meet them! Handwaving having either done the scan or declined offscreen is totally fine. THIS IS NOT A MANDATORY EVENT.))

[There's a bitter 'tch' as she turns the tablet on. Her eyes hold an underlying, anger that just seems to be slowly seeping outward. But beyond the look of her eyes, her face seems mockingly relaxed. This is all some horrible sour joke. Every word is laced with venom and sarcasm. Tread lightly.]

Obviously, no one here likes this Maker forsaken rock we've found ourselves on. I wasn't present while the chaos was occurring, but I understand getting us here came at a great cost. I won't even say it could or couldn't have been prevented. At least we're here, aren't we?

But does everyone truly think we're safe simply by running and hiding? If those Initiative bastards can send us here then what is stopping any other force from trying? We're safe, for now. But then what? We simply wait and send all our hopes to those bastards who dragged us here in the first place?

Oh, I'm sure the Initiative is just full of what they believe to be brilliant schemes of how to fix this. But I doubt I need to remind anyone how beneficial relying on their genius has been in the past.

So. Anyone here actually capable of thinking on their own or shall we simply wait and see?

[The last time Saul was seen on the network, he was about to choke out a member of the Initiative.

He's calmed down since then.

In fact, the look with which he greets the network is positively cheerful, thought not so much that it takes away from the businesslike atmosphere he's trying to cultivate with this post — he's got work to do, damn it, so he's in the most official-looking room he could find, seated in front of the camera with folded hands. Suit: check, tie: check, pocket square: check.]

This isn't how the story goes, but: good morning, Moon.

For those of you who don't know me, the name's Saul Goodman. I work for the Department of Initiative-Transport Relations with the lovely Queen Medusalith Amaquelin-Boltagon — [He pauses to smirk. What a mouthful, right?] — and a whole slew of other equally lovely folks. We're here to help you in matters concerning Initiative-Transport goings on. Now, here I'd usually take the opportunity to ask you all to lay whatever questions you might have on me, but because things are so crazy right now, the best answer I can give to any question will probably be a confident "I don't know."

We'll update you as we're updated.

Anyway, I'm coming to you today with a request. Lots of people are gearing up to go on supply runs, which is great. Go team. If those of you who've gone on runs already or plan to go could check in with me here and let me know what it is you're bringing back, that'd be super helpful. I'll make a list that everyone can refer back to, so no one has to double-up on fetching supplies that might not be necessary.

[So he might be a little bit worried about the lack of resurrection technology. That might be a thing. He just doesn't want anyone taking unnecessary risks for the sake of DVDs or... or whatever.]

Thanks.

Hi, this is Donny Casey. This is mostly about coordinating some of the ideas that have come up lately.

Ashraf and I are working on trying to getting a clinic functioning, inventory lists and everything like that. Probably figuring out a steady roster for collecting supplies to make sure we can keep up with demand and never get to low, maybe build up stores for emergencies and everything. When things go bad here they tend to go really, really bad so having a maximum capacity clinic that's really well stocked is really critical. If you have any suggestions or ideas they'd be really appreciated.

The better prepared we are with the basics, the more time and energy we'll have to focus on saving Exsilium. I think having all the basic stuff sorted out up here and having what we need on hand will make working out the details and tactics for helping Exsilium, and it means that if anyone disappears then the system can keep going because everyone knows how it works?
If anyone has any ideas about the best way to do this, I'd really appreciate any help. I know a few people have posted ideas since we got here about different areas to focus on, so it would be worth meeting up or something? It could be worth brainstorming.

I also have metal manipulation magic so if anyone needs help reinforcing things or anything like that, anything construction-wise, I'd be glad to help.

If anyone was close to Crystalia, Sweet Pea, Guinevere or Margaery Tyrell, it looks like they've all gone home. I kept looking for them in case there was an administrative error with the Initiative after everything or in case they just needed some time to themselves but it looks like they're really gone.

I'm really sorry.


( After Kang's response, he edits the post to add: )
special medical note:
For non-humans in particular, if you require specific medical care or there are differences in how your body functions from humans then it would be great if you could come by and talk to us so we know how to treat you. With the resurrection tech being down it's even more important that we get everyone the best medical care possible.

Even if you're human but have allergies or anything like that, get in touch so we can make sure our records are accurate.

[a mild, plain-looking face shows up on the screen, blue eyes tired but vaguely surprised as they look down at the screen.]

Well, would you look at that. Doesn't that just beats the shit out the old Macintosh. Not to mention chat rooms. And telephones, for that matter. At least, if I'm actually talking to people? [a quick, toothy smile and a fake little wave] Heya. Tobias Beecher, nice to meet you.

[he looks ready to lose it then, like a sudden bout of laughter's just going to erupt. It passes, and he says mildly:] So, Exsilium, huh? Doesn't exactly have the same fun fairytale ring to it as "Oz" or "Emerald City", but I guess you guys make up for it with all that "alternate universe" and "sentient weapons" crap. Mine hasn't started talking to me yet, but hey, maybe it's only a matter of time! [Beecher wiggles what looks like a bed-spring at the camera, although one end of it has been unwound and sharpened to a point.

He plays with it a bit as he continues, sounding awfully cheery, and awfully fake] So if I've got all this straight, I've been taken somewhere I can't leave, and I don't really have a choice about it, and I've been provided with a bed and the basic creature comforts and we're all expected to get along together all nice and civilized like. Now, gee, what sort of place does that remind me of...?

[Beecher tilts his head, his voice a sort of sing-song:]

Mary had a pretty bird,
Feathers bright and yellow,
Slender legs, upon my word!
He was a pretty fellow.

The sweetest notes he always sang,
Which much delighted Mary;
And near the cage she'd ever sit
To hear her own canary.

[there's a pause where Beecher gives a breathy chuckle, pleased with himself. Then,] ...You know, I'm... well, I was, supposed to be up for parole soon. So - what passes for a parole board in this shiny new shithole? [Beecher's lips twitch into a grin, blue eyes lit, and he titters into his hand. It's unstable, odd, a freak gurgle. It loses momentum. Beecher's expression cools, becomes pensive, and he ends the feed.]

[When the video starts, the view shows Erika in good spirits. She's downright upbeat in fact and it makes her seem even younger than usual. It doesn't help that some cup noodles are visible and she keeps twirling her chopsticks playfully.]

Good evening, everyone! It's now October 4th, a very special day. I've decided to extend the celebration of this day to everyone here with a little party game. It is an elegant and intellectual game, though, so please don't try unless you have enough brain cells to participate.

[She claps her hands together.] I'll say the prize first for motivation: the winner gets to have me at their beck and call for fetch missions for the duration of our stay on the moon. Trust me when I say I'll be able to quickly acquire any items you want.

Now for the game! It's a murder mystery of your design! This is perfect in light of the fact that no one can be revived now, isn't it? A true murder mystery is finally a possibility.

There are a few guidelines. One, you must use the moonbase as your setting. Two, it should be designed with the intention that you, the 'culprit', escape. Of course it must also be solvable so like any good mystery, the culprit won't get away.

Anyone who follows Knox's Decalogue gets extra points! Closed room murders get extra as well. I'm the sole judge, though I may ask Christopher to help me decide. Keep his tastes in mind as well.

Be creative! After all, this is just hypothetical, right? Surely there must be multiple ways to murder someone here, don't you think?

Feel free to add to each other's ideas. At least for this, I'll allow multiple culprits. It's only fair on this day. Well then, good luck everyone!

[She giggles before shutting off the video.]

What's up, Exsilium?

[ ... ]

We! We're totally up, get it?

[ A nervous laugh. Ella pls. ]

I swear it sounded better in my head. Anyway! Welcome, newbies! I'm Ella, Ella Ellis and yeah that's my name. For those that don't know yet, I'm the person that gets you whatever you want, no matter what. Unless it's like, really complex. Or alive. Or a hydrospanner. I mean, seriously Han, the damn thing has exploded like ten times in my face already. Sure you don't want a battery powered screwdriver?

[ Not that she can really do one of those without the risk of explosion either. ]

But yeah- you need something, you ask me. I'm still not charging for this, so hey, better make good use of it. And yet I didn't want to talk about this, or at least not only this. I keep getting sidetracked.

So for the ones that were around on August, I hosted a pretty kickass party, right? September wasn't so good for parties because we were too busy, er, you know. Plus we got bombed and not in the fun way. And now we're on the Moon, which is kinda cool, but you know what's cooler?

[ Imaginary drum-roll! ]

VR Rooms! I've been messing with them, and I have decided I can totally host a party inside of one of those. Make a nice, big house, with an even nicer, bigger back yard, maybe put some grills, some games, a pool, make it something more afternoon-evening to let everyone relax for a little bit. And something like a college party in the evening, although all I know about keggers and the like comes from movies so some help would be appreciated.

[ Obligatory pause to breathe. ]

But yeah, it's totally happening, sometime soon in a close VR room to your Moon base. Probably on the last week of the month, but you've been notified! I'm now open for ideas and suggestions. Just like the last time, food and whatever will be handled by yours truly, and the music will most likely be handled by Claudia, I guess. So if there's any real party planner among us, you might want to step up and give a hand.

This totally trivial message ends here.

[Han Solo]

I actually have a working hydrospeanner, but I need you to look at it to make sure it actually does what is supposed to do. This is the first time I've created something I don't have in my world, so.

[Lisbeth Salander]

The tobacco is ready, if you still want it.

[SOMEBODY SURE SOUNDS CHEERFUL. It is the fakest thing that ever faked, because actually she's feeling a high degree of stress right now. This is not where they are supposed to be, but it's apparently where everyone is. Why?]

Hey everybody! Haha. We got sent on a mission. And now we're back! Um, they said they'd explain things but they kinda just left... why are we here? H-haha, I'm afraid to ask.

Oh, uh... Collette, Jesse, Vanadi, Nill, Jack... I brought you back some things. Come see me! Once I figure out where I... am...

[Whistling in the dark intensifies.]

[Though it ain't over yet, considering Gin's just as confused and a little unnerved by this as Rin is, even if he doesn't sound it.]

Yeah, pretty sure last time I checked, we were down there, not up here...though ya' might wanna break it gently to Asano here, not sure how much she can handle before she loses it fully.

[IN CLOSING: the sound of Rin trying to shove him. :/]

Seems like the Initiative felt we needed some new blood - to all of you, if you haven't heard already, you really drew the short stick this time, unfortunately. Things are a mess up here and on the ground, and are likely to stay that way for a bit.

We've got two sets of goals, really - short term, and long term. Short-term is survival, and part of that is undoing the recent damage. Most of us need four things - air, water, food, and sleep, in that order of urgency. This place has air and water recyclers, but while some designs are pretty good, they're not limitless. Dunno how many weeks or days we have before either give out. Food is probably a bigger concern - can't recycle it, we can only produce limited amounts here at best, and it takes up space. Anything fresh runs the risk of spoilage, which is not something we want to deal with in a totally closed environment like this. So anyone doing supply runs, keep that in mind.

The situation on the ground... I know we all want to fix that, as soon as possible. The quick way is to do something about their missile reserves - disarm them, take the fissionable cores somewhere safer, hit their production facilities to keep them from replacing them right away. It needs a fair bit of skilled, dangerous recon - weapon design, launch locations, production locations, all that. And time travel isn't some instant-reset button where if we screw up we can just do it over again. Time can be changed, but that doesn't mean it doesn't resist change. Overwriting the same period repeatedly - you're pulling at the fabric of the universe there, and eventually you hit consequences. I'd like to gather a team for recon, but if anyone has less risky ideas, well, you've got time to speak up now.

[There's a pause, as he remembers his conversation with Dick about the weapons] To those of you who are from times or places where nuclear weapons haven't been used - they create immense explosions by using materials with a great deal of stored energy. These materials - and the by-products they create in an explosion - are hazardous in other ways, too. They release energy even when not primed for an explosion reaction, and that energy, if there's enough of it, will kill you by destroying your body on a cellular level. An explosion sends all those kinds of materials into the air, and ground, and water, which is one reason why we aren't on the island right now - after what happened two days ago, the land isn't safe.

[Here ends your fun science lesson for the day]

Fixing all of that is only a stop-gap, though. The UE still knows where we are, still hates our guts. Fixing that - well, that's the long-term goal. Which the Initiative is working on, but I'm starting to feel like we might be able to come up with some ideas of our own.

[He's keeping it short and sweet as he's not too interested in doing the whole "Hey I'm new and this is my name and I'm confused" bullshit that everyone else seems to be doing.  Nope, he's looking for only one thing.]

I've been here for a week without a drink, anyone care to point me to a good bar?

[Here's the voice of a possibly familiar British gent. Some may know him as a Transport from the past, others may recognise the iconic charm, while plenty may well just think he sounds like a total dick. All would be correct. Whatever your thought, he's back, masterfully managing a tone of smug disinterest as he addresses the community as a whole.]

Looks like the Initiative are still up to their usual tricks. Can't really blame them for wanting me back. [He is perfect, after all.

A beat, thoughtful, as if he's considering his words, briefly wondering on whether to use this opportunity to chase up on facts and information only to settle with a conceited:]

Miss me?

[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.]

[ There's a head of vividly red hair on the video feed this afternoon, and it belongs to one surprisingly unsurprised newcomer. Behind her is a brief flutter of feathers from what looks to be extremely messy wings as she adjusts herself, although they quickly disappear once she folds them against her back. ]

Alright, hey there Exsillinum. [ A wave! ] Name's Apollo, I'm new and I'm just gonna go ahead and assume this is a locked world that [dramatic voice] ~nobody leaves~ because of a magical Queen or some shit and there's no way out blah blah bleh bloo blah whatever, I'll give a shit about it later.

So yeah, I'm gonna get right to it and do a roll call. [ She clears her throat and oh boy here we go. ]

OI JEREK, AIDAN, OLD FART OF A GRAMPA YOU GUYS HERE OR WHAT

Get back to me if you lot are here, yeah? Alternatively, for those of you who ain't one of these assholes, lemme know if you see a doctor with chick hair, a blonde teenager with a baby face or an old fart with big ol' wings who looks like he's a million years old. Their favourite chicklet's after them! In the meantime, I'm gonna go scout out a fuckin' bar and drink until this shitfest looks a little better then pass out on a bench somewhere. [ A lazy salute follows. ] Peace!

[ After spending nearly an hour trying to find a good way to phrase her thoughts, Charlie decided she was too shaken to try and face the crowds. And she dared call herself vlogger, right? ]

Four days into this whole deal, I believe there has been a mistake.

It shouldn’t have been me, but any of my other four siblings that should have been brought here. Is not as if this hasn’t happened before…maybe not in the same outrageous way, but it’s not completely unheard of greater forces calling in Hunters to deal with their problems, even if that means whisking them away from their own plane of existence. It's rude, but it happens. We deal with it and usually get something nice out of it in the end.

But seriously, me? Didn’t they teach your tech guys or whoever runs this Initiative what a Red Sheep means?

[ She’s twisting an errant strand of hair as she types. She should’ve shown them, maybe they would realize their mistake and take her back. Maybe they didn’t know, which was worse. ]

I need to talk with whoever is managing this thing. Not some representative or hologram or whatever else, but the high ranking person calling the shots.

[Chloe--long time no see, network-- is settled down in a dimly lit bit of local architecture. At least it looks that way at first glance; Initiative buildings are usually a touch more pristine, and one hell of a lot more futuristic.]

Evening lads and ladies. Given the way things've been going lately between our sort and the locals, there's no doubt that finding what we need to get by isn't exactly an easy venture. Then again, when everything around here is coated in a couple hundred years of grit, it wasn't all that easy to begin with. [A small, thoughtful little beat. Drummed out on a table too low to see.] Or worth it for that matter.

Which is why after a lengthy hiatus, I'm pleased to announce that my item retrieval service is back up and running-- with a few minor adjustments.

[The camera shifts, dipping slightly as whoever’s holding the tablet shifts their hands. The cameraman in question hisses at her, clearly trying and failing to be discreet:] Oi, your retrieval service?

Well it was mine first. The next time you wind up in an alien future before the rest of us you can go start your own bloody business.

Fine, alright. Go on then. [And the camera shifts up again, less steady than before.]

--Right. So as I was saying. For those of you that need something-- anything-- found or picked up or even gently borrowed from a few bygone eras, Frazer and Cutter's Acquisitions and Fine Antiques is here to manage it for you. For a few nominal fees of course, and with much less glaring than what you’ll find around here.

Trust me, with the sort of luck the Initiative’s been having, you’ll want a pair of professionals on your side.


**Charlie Cutter is in red and the pair of them are more than happy to respond to any incoming inquiries or requests!

[The camera turns on, and on the screen is a seventeen year-old boy, with blonde curls and blue eyes. He gives the camera a polite smile.]

I’ve been here a while but I haven’t tried this thing out. And I’d like to meet more of you, of course.

I’m Peeta. I’m 17 and I came from Panem. I like to bake mostly, bread or cakes… and I decorate the cakes at my dad’s bakery. I’m friends with Katniss, Haymitch and Effie, if you know them.

Oh… and does anyone know of any bakeries? Any that are hiring? Or if you need some heavy-lifting done, I can do that.

[He isn’t exactly sure how to apply for jobs. He’s only worked at his father’s bakery. He shrugs and turns off the feed.]

[When Jaime turns the tablet on, he's standing in front of the cinema that a couple of the other Transports had constructed, visible hand propped up on a broomstick. The area is still scattered with debris and dust after the bombings, but it's clear that he's at least made the rudimentary attempts at cleaning a path to the miraculously intact structure. He gives the camera a little wave.]

Hey! So, it's come to my attention that some people around here have never seen a movie before even though we've got a theatre right here. I'm thinking we're totally past due for a movie night, and it just so happens that I found a copy of E.T. in one of the databases. This place still needs to be cleaned up a bit, but I think I can have it ready by let's sayyyy Saturday, 7 PM. Everyone's welcome to come on down.

Or at least you are as long as you bring snacks.

[He grins at the camera. He's joking, honest. Mostly. Mostly joking. A movie's not a movie without snacks.]

...And if you didn't get it, Sango, that means you. Clear your schedule! It's time to introduce you to modern cinema. Eilonwy, you should come on down too. Call it a mini-vacation you get to choose this time.

[ ooc; Tags will be slow to non-existent until tomorrow, just giving everyone some IC and OOC heads-up for a mingling log this Saturday! ]

[The video flickers for a moment before turning on. Claudia grins lopsidedly at the camera, waggling her fingers]

Sup, bitches?

[With a laugh she spins in the chair, kicking her feet up on the desk she's sitting behind. If anyone looks closely enough they might spot another tablet behind her... in pieces... what? She was bored and wanted to know how it worked.]

Okay. So I get the whole "transported to another world" thing - been there, done that, don't really want the t-shirt - but, seriously, could they have picked a lamer place? What? Couldn't the world have ended and left, like, Cabo or something? This rain is really cramping my style. Aaaaand no internet. No TV. Not even radio? Booooring. This place is like a total yawn-fest. What you guys need is someone to rig up something to liven up the joint.

[Her smile widens as her mind already starts to turn, thinking on what she could do to fix the place up. Of course that smile is short lived as a door slams and someone who shall remain Artie calls her name in his "Claudia did something wrong" tone (patent pending). Guess who found out she stole his tablet because she dismantled her own. Whoops? She cringes before shooting the feed a quick grin]

Uh. Gotta go. Uhh [She flashes the Vulcan Live Long and Prosper sign] May the force be with you.

((OOC: Action to the apartment otherwise replies will come after she's been sufficiently scolded by Artimus Maximus))

[ Eilonwy has her arms crossed. Her skin is quite red with sun, redder than her redgold hair. Thanks, mission. ]

Well, this is a curious device, isn't it! It's rather like an enchanted pool of water, or how I imagine it would be, without the water. So not very like a pool of water at all.

[ She waves. ]

I've been terribly rude, not introducing myself until now! I am called Eilonwy.

What I wonder though, is why we were all sent to spend afternoons collecting rocks. Surely if they wanted to clean up the beach, that was a silly way to go about it. It's bound to be dirty again, by now. Why, it's like making your bed right before you go to sleep in it.

If this world is in danger, and all of ours along with it, I would fight, not— not gather pebbles by the seashore turning half my skin red as a tomato. [ She really soured on the idea after she burned half her skin off. ] It doesn't seem like a clever way to go about this at all!

( See Jules. See Jules with twenty-six shots of something dangerous arranged very neatly in front of her. She's speaking from the comfortable haze of unit 409, cigarette held between her fingers. )

I have become vaguely aware of concepts such as birthday punches, but I feel that birthday shots are infinitely more appealing.

( This is fun, okay. The only people she's really ever had around on her birthdays have been her family, or when she's accidentally been in a town on her birthday and not been run out of it, yet. )

To my dear friends in Exsilium, I most cordially invite you to join me, or take me out elsewhere.

( Isn't she the most generous? )

[There's a bit of rustling at first once the feed clicks on. The screen is filled with a small snout and tiny paws and it seems almost like it was turned on by mistake by the pet in question on screen. After a moment or two though, a voice speaks up, mechanical and deep.]

My GPS program appears to be malfunctioning, as I am unable to download a map of the island wirelessly. [There's a pause and a mechanical hum before the voice speaks again.]

Please instruct me on a place where I may find a USB connector to transfer information from my tablet. Thank you for your assistance.

[One paw stretches forward to tap the tablet and shuts the feed off.]

[You've probably seen this kid running around for the last two weeks, shrieking excitedly when he notices you're a human being (or fish person, or troll, or whatever; he's pretty excitable). But it's only now he attacks the network, all smiles and cheer.]

Holy SCHMAO, you guys, I've never seen so many humans! This is amazing! Where I'm from-- well, my name is Finn, first off! Finn the Human, from the land of Ooo! I'm basically a knight there, it's pretty great. I fight evil and stuff with my brother! But I'm the last human being ever, and I've never seen any others before-- but here you all are! Which is awesome!  We should all get together and talk about human stuff. What do you eat? Do you like bacon pancakes? What about--

[Oh wait no he had a message here. Finn takes a breath and adds:]

Anyway, uh-- I know things are kind of bumslops right now, but, uh, you gotta just keep your chin up! Sometimes being a hero means nobody likes you very much, or they think you're wrong, or even making mistakes. But as long as you're trying to do the right thing, you're all right!

Oh, and-- if anybody needs lessons in being a hero, I'm totally free. I've got, like, a billion years experience in it.

[Kara's casually draped at her table, nursing a beer, smoking a stogie. Thank the gods for those base creature comforts. Still, she looks a little bored at the moment. Because there is one thing lacking in her life. Well many things, but at the moment, it's the lack of card night. Hope her roomies don't mind some company because she's about to invite everyone over, more or less.]

You know what this place needs? Card night.

[Seriously, she misses wiping the floor with the other folks on Galactica and feeding her gambling habit.]

Anyone else around here even play, other than Remy? We can't be the only ones around here, am I right?

[Charlie usually prefers to post text to the network, but he's in a hurry and talking is faster than typing. He sounds to be a bit in a rush and the announcement is hardly polished.]

Hey you lot, we've got a movie theater up on the run and we're screening our first-- [It's not really a film, is it? More like a carnival act. This is the last time he lets Collette pick something to screen without intense supervision.] --uh, movie. Admission's a flat rate of one marque for any transport to cover operational costs, no fee for civvies. I've attached coordinates and a blurb about the-- movie we've got running to this message.

Come if you like, though I warn you now that minors are probably in for a bit of a shock.

[There's an attachment to the voice message that contains both the coordinates of the theatre - "The Usual Place" - and a description of the movie. The latter reads:]

CRANK (2006)
Rating Information: R for violence and saucy language as well as some extremely adult situations and some truly godawful camerawork as well. Not recommended for anyone under the age of 16 or over the age of 65
Summary: Professional assassin Chev Chelios learns his rival has injected him with a poison that will kill him if his heart rate drops
Director: Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (god help them)
Starring: Some git, Amy Smart, some other people as well


((ooc: There's an open log HERE for anyone who wants to come! Come mingle, eat snacks, watch a terrible action movie.))

This is Comm-- [There's an awkward pause before Lee clears his throat and starts again.] My name is Lee Adama and I'm looking to get my hands on some basic supplies.

Where's the best place or places to get any of the following? Thanks in advance.

[There's a text list attached to his video transmission. It reads as follows:

- first aid kit including sterile bandages, pressure bandages, alcohol, blood stopping agents, scissors, sutures, splints, etc
- multi-tool
- flashlight (rechargeable preferred)
- MREs
- flares
- hunting knife
- compass
- matches
- magnesium (fire starter)
- anti-radiation meds
- paracord
- small mirror

Yes, he's assembling a survival/tactical kit, for anyone who might notice the theme of his request.]

Hey, how many of you have considered celebrating your birthday if it comes around while you're stuck here?

[A brief pause before she begins speaking again.]

See, I was thinking about how when we leave here, we return to the point in time we were taken from in our world. [And also her own birthday, considering certain things involving her situation back home are directly tied to her age.] I guess I was just wondering what other people think about it. Do you think it's worth it, to keep stuff like that in mind, if when all of this is said and done you're just going to be sent back to how you were?

[Another pause, followed by a very soft "heh."]

I guess that sounds pessimistic of me, huh? Don't worry, it's just something I'm curious about!

Biggest country in world I know but Initiative don't seem to bother to bring anyone else but me. Too many goddamned Americans and Japanese. [ Says the heavy Russian accent. ] And aliens. And fucking elves. [ For all the emphasis he puts on that word, he doesn't sound angry. More of a 'fuck, what the hell, man?'

... Sorry, elves. He's targeting one elf in particular and he doesn't much care if there's more of them.

Sharp snort. Sound of a lighter snapping on, and the crackling of cigarettes. Then the camera switches on.

Have a pair of heavily tattooed hands, one of them curled around a white stick. Then he tips the tablet upwards until it shows his face, and Nikolai pulls off the sunglasses. ]

You lot ever get tired of talking on this thing? Bunch of stupid questions lately. [ He takes a drag of the cigarette, and blows it at the screen. ] You've all forgotten how to fuck, or something?


[ ooc; for any character with knowledge of Russian criminals, Nikolai's hands carry tattoos that basically says he's one of the worst ones out there. Yeah.

Also, content warnings for sexual assault for the thread with Steph (controlledvariable). ]

It is surprising, to hear of two holidays that hold such little in common with each other colliding on one day.

[ the feed has caught onto Larsa, awkwardly holding a bunch of candies. it seems like someone who's just passed by has just poured out a bunch into his cupped, gloved hands. he looks at all the chocolate and caramels and shuffles a little, with a grimace. ]

I... must admit to not having a fondness for sweets. If anyone would want these... please.

[ he sets them carefully into a little satchel beside him, atop a sketchbook that seems dog-eared and meticulously kept. he had watercolors next to him as well as a few brushes, but does not seem to draw attention to them. when he turns back to the feed, that awkwardness disappears, covered by a thin sheet of smiles as he struggles to keep his cheer about him in light of all that's happened. ]

I have heard of this 'Valentine's Day' and this day of Separation.

I have heard my full of Exsilium's Day of Separation--and gave gained trinkets abound due to my age. [ which he's so not going to go into. ]

Yet, I have heard little of this Day of Valentine's.

From what I have been able to gather, it is a day wherein love is celebrated, is it not? Committed relationships as well as passing fancies... it seems far more complicated than a mere day of Separation.

May I ask for a more detailed explanation from one who has celebrated such a holiday before?

[Lara comes onscreen, and she looks tired. Tired and disheveled. Tired and disheveled with some cuts and bruises.

But mostly so, so tired. Perhaps a better word would be "beat" or "disheartened."]

... I was wrong.




About leaving, to clarify. The Initiative is ... well-protected. But to be fair I am not often wrong.

[She gives a sigh.]

... I am going to explore the area, then. See what has happened to my homeland.

[For Henry, the past month has been rougher than any other in recent memory. Confessing to the only person in this wretched place he is comfortable calling a friend that she'd been keeping intimate company with a vampire was more emotionally trying than he expected. But that paled in comparison to a week spent living--finding himself with a pulse for the first time in four and a quarter centuries--and then having it taken away again.]

Surely I'm not the only one who'd rather our personal timelines never sorted themselves out.

[The feed flicks on to the rather perturbed face of a woman. A new women. Yaaaay, sudden influx of transports, right? Yeah, not so thrilling to her either.]

Oh, it is just like the queen and country to fight against every strong power with nothing left. I suppose I should feel proud to be ripped from my home to be brought to this wasteland. And I had always been curious to see how our civilization would end … however I didn’t think I would bear witness to it.

[She pauses with thought on this for a moment, giving it the proper weight an idea like that should deserve. But the thought is quickly ended as her regular annoyed tone starts up again.]

Regardless, I’m really not in the mood for impossible odds today, and I have many things to attend to. So could someone point me to the bloody transport home?

I know that in my world, on the fourteenth of this month, there's a holiday called Valentine's Day.
On this day, people express their affection for one another, right?

I was wondering if someone would be willing to explain this to me a bit more.
I don't understand.
It seems to me that expressing one's love, and having love expressed to you in return, is meaningful when it's done spontaneously.

[VIDEO // Encrypted to everyone who interacted with him during the timewarp mix-up]

Hello. I wanted to thank you for helping me the last couple of weeks. [smile.] And I wanted to apologize for my child self, if he said anything strange to you.

[It's been a long while since Chloe last popped in on the network, but unlike last time, the transmission isn't accidental, or dim, or even dire. She's settled comfortably at a table in a local cafe, sipping away at a hot chocolate and looking-- well, it certainly is Chloe Frazer, but she's smaller, a bit sharper around the edges, somewhere around ten years younger than she ought to be, which, owing to all the timeline nonsense, isn't all that bizarre.]

Right, okay. Not usually one to ask for advice, but seeing as how I'm not planning on sticking around and don't feel like absorbing the local culture, I could really use a hand or two. Recently got paid for an odd job, problem is it's not real money; it's this monopoly nonsense that works fine around here, less well back home. Meaning that when I do go back, my hard work was basically wasted effort if I've got nothing to show for it.

I'm sure you follow why that's sort of unappealing, yeah?

So, just out of curiosity, where's the local bank or-- whatever-- that does exchanges? You have one of those, don't you?

[She moves to switch off the feed, stopping short as a particular thought pings in the back of her mind.]

--Oh, and Charlie? If you're still alive, drop me a line. Fairly sure I owe you a finder's fee.