[It's the low, rusty voice of the maniac who had been hacking falling debris out of the air during the crash. He is calm now.]

Situation Report.

[A long pause, then he remembers that not everyone here has a military background]

Is everyone okay?

((ooc note: Should have mentioned this earlier but Raiden will be reading people's names on his device, since they appear when a character posts by default. Let me know if your character is replying anonymously or has changed their display name somehow.))

Hey, um... [ Yep, he still looks nervous and awkward. ] I'm trying to learn how to play sports, but I'm really bad at it.

[ That bump on his head from where Asuka kicked a ball at him JUST NOW healed. ]

Can someone teach me?

[There is a shot of a pale face with what appears to be black armor along the jawline. This young man's eyes run across the screen briefly before he notices the video feed is on and he lifts a seemingly armored, clawed hand to the camera, covering the lens with his palm. After a moment he turns off the video feed and the screen bursts into static. After another moment, a voice speaks. It is a low, rusty voice that has an unnatural snarl to it, as if the voice's owner is trying his best to sound menacing.]

Send me back.

[ BOOBS.

Oh wait, give him a second to adjust the camera until you get a good look of this hot chick lounging on a couch that's obviously Adam's; can of beer in one hand and trailing smoke from a lit cigarette in an ashtray on the table.

He's wearing skivvies. Yeah. If you care enough to look, the video is tagged Adam Jensen, and he tried to filter this from the original owner of this body but fuck, encrypting stuff sure is a hell of a lot harder if you don't have your hacking augmentation anymore and are really fucking drunk to boot.

As should become obvious in a second. ]

What's up. Are we all enjoying the newest clusterfuck sponsored by the Initiative?

[ Yeah he's slurring. So much for wanting to stop drinking but wow he hasn't properly gotten drunk in what feels like years. ]

Anyway. Today's a special day aaand this is why I need some professional help. [ No, not that kind of help. ] Lady help. Y'see I'm pretty tight with the original owner of this bombshell but I think she could kinda use a makeover. I mean fuck, look, her assets are pretty perfect already -- [ To emphasize his point, he poses a little awkwardly! Have another intended closeup of boobs as he leans forward, lifting them a bit with his hands, then he turns around briefly and you get a closeup of DAT ASS. ] Lots of tits and ass and wow her legs go on forever. So uuh, my point was... [ Flops down on couch again. Bounce. ]

I wanna do something about her wardrobe, and her hair, and her face. I mean, not too much, that'll look fake, but you know she usually runs around in this -- [ SWEEPING DRUNK GESTURE ] bulk of armor and everyone thinks she's a robot and I'm like why are you hiding that booty? So yeah, she's gotta see how nice she can look. At this point I probably spend more time grooming myself than she does and that's saying something.

[ Pause. Blink. So what was he--oh right. ]

So basically, 'm looking for a girl who got some time on her hands and a sense for aesthetics. Or two. Or three. I don't care.

[ He reaches for both the can of beer and the cigarette and wow, Samus sure is gonna be surprised! ]

[Hooray, Jesse is finally awake and home after his half-week holiday with hookers and meth. This of course means he's looking extra groggy, red around the eyes, and not exactly the most cheerful. Which makes the following message a little dissonant:]

Hey, so... - Hey, hi, I'm Jesse. If you're new.

Anyway, um, I know I talked to a few of you earlier about maybe some baking lessons? I was thinking probably, since in a couple weeks we'll have a whole 'nother shipment of new guys, we'll practice making cookies for 'em.

Some of you saw me this last time, right? I had like this whole setup with a tent? I was thinking we could do that again, but bigger this time. Or if you don't wanna be out in the cold all day, we could set up in the lobby downstairs, like right when people come in to find their units? I dunno. I'm just thinking out loud.

Anybody into that, though? Like on the 28th or something we get together and make some cookies? Assuming nobody bombs us or anything.

[The camera clicks on to reveal a skinny kid with a mess of brown hair. He's holding the tablet in front of him, so the view's a bit shaky; it doesn't help that he's fidgeting and gesturing with his other hand as he speaks, first and foremost being a quick and awkward wave hello.]

Hey. Hello? This is on, right? You know, they should put a light on these things to show they're transmitting. Maybe they do, I didn't really - [Barely a pause as he checks himself, gets back on track.]

Sorry. Hi, my name's Peter. Peter Parker. So I got the welcome tour, and I guess my big question is - where can we get decent food around here?

[Priorities. He got most of the relevant info the other day, anyway. He almost looks like he's done, but then he abruptly remembers something and speaks up again in a rush.] And I made a thing. I mean, I didn't really make it, I just re-made it. I probably messed some of it up, but I guess nobody here's going to know any better, right?

It's for Collette, but I figured anybody could use it. Let me know if you have questions, or just type "help" and it should cover the bases. And don't forget to use your lanterns. [And Peter out - no wait, just kidding. He's half a second from ending the transmission before he stops.]

It's a game, by the way. The thing.

[He's done for real this time, pending an attachment:]

► ATTACHMENT 1: zork.exe

What moron's in charge of the machine that's bringing in the new people.  It's like they decided to say the hell with trying to win this war, we're just going to keep throwing bodies at it till something works.

Anyway.  Back to normal, blah blah.  I'd apologize for what an asshole I grow up to be, but I can't really remember too much of what he did [ He's lying. ], so there's not much point.  Just be glad I'm back to my regular charming self.

[Filtered from Collette (as useless of a gesture as that may be) ]

But uh.  There's a reason for this besides the not-apology.  I don't exactly have anyone specific I can ask, because.  Well, because.  So I figured I'd just kinda throw it out there.

So, uh.  How does dating work?

I mean, I'm not a total social reject, I know how it works normally, but for like a specific girl.  And okay, the last date I went on back home didn't go too hot anyway.

[ He's just going to disconnect before he digs himself any deeper.  SMOOTH, JASON, REALLY SMOOTH. ]

[Nananea isn't smiling for once, and when she talks she isn't making her usual grand gestures with her arms. She’s just sitting, idly fidgeting with her hands, a vaguely concerned expression on her face. A substantially more subdued Nananea.]

I have been thinking lately. About leaving this place- about what truly happens when we go. When the Initiative is done with us. What happens to the people who simply vanish. The popular theory is that we will return home.

[She looks away briefly, taking a second to gather her thoughts.]

But. I have been wondering. If we do return home, do we get to start our lives again just as we left them? Has our home universe been in stasis the whole time we were away? The more likely answer is that life continued without us. That time passed. But how much? I am concerned... that perhaps while we are away, time has passed unusually. Perhaps it has been years back home, and the people we love are dead and gone and our homes will be unrecognizable.

[Another pause, and then she smiles. Not the brilliant grin that’s so typical of her, but at least it’s a less dreary expression.]

In that case, I do not think I will wish to return home. But! I am being quite the pessimist, aren't I? I could be wrong. It is very likely that I am. I wish to hear other theories, if any of you have them. Or maybe I should not dwell on this so much.

[It seems like she’s done after that, but a thought occurs to her, and she perks up noticeably, sitting up a little straighter, smiling just a tiny bit more.]

Ah- one more thing. I have noticed that other people have moved into my housing unit recently. We have not yet met- but welcome. I hope we will see one another soon, face to face.

( INTROSPECTION. Warning: Less manpain than one might think )

I see everyone's quick to mope or make apologies. Excuse me if I refrain from joining your ranks this time, seeing as I came out of this with a few cute girls, free meals and a videogame—all things I didn't ask for, but I'm still not sharing. The game, maybe, if you ask nicely, but it's somewhat dated. So unless you can appreciate classics, don't even bother.

[ HI everyone did you miss this butt he's sure you did. ]

Oh, and here's your general PSA, directed at no one in particular, especially not the guys around the precinct: get into the habits of locking your tablets if you're just gonna leave 'em lying around. The next time I find one I'm gonna post the entirety of its porn folder to the network tagged with your name. And before you go, oh, that silly Adam Jensen, of course my porn folder is locked and hidden slash I'm an innocent virgin who doesn't even have a porn folder, honest--

Don't make the mistake of thinking that's gonna stop me.


[ Private to Samus ]

You free tonight?

( well, that was - something. fifteen is not an age he'd ever wanted to experience again for a number of reasons, all of which stand out vividly in mind right now. there was so much he didn't know then, driven by a raw need for revenge and to get his answers, still hanging on mr maverick's every word. he wasn't happier then but things were simpler then, more cut and dry, and he was more certain of things than he may ever be now.

he sighs before he can stop himself, offering the feed a long-suffering expression. )

I'd like to thank everyone who helped me ( there's a slight stress on the last word ) in the last two weeks as I was getting reacquainted with living here - especially since I wasn't particularly easy to deal with, at that age. Presumably, everyone's aware that disruptions like this are difficult to predict or control, but if anyone would still like an apology for my behavior, I can't say it wouldn't be deserved.

( his faint, faint, faint memories of exsilium allow him to remember how to work his tablet easily enough; so much so that he assumes he was just that clever in his ability to figure out how to use a new, somewhat antiquated device. his voice is calm enough when he speaks, bored, just this side of sounding utterly disdainful. )

If you were looking for a ransom, then you should've done more research before kidnapping the first teenager in sight.

( this isn't entirely true, of course; there's his connection to mr maverick, but that's not very common knowledge. anyway, it's not like he's about to blurt out being somewhat adopted by one of the most influential people in sternbild to a potential kidnapper. )

Since there isn't anyone for you to demand it from, anyway, this is a waste of time for both of us. Should you really be giving away computers, anyway?

( this is incredibly stupid and such a waste of his life. whoever's on the other end of this device is going to have to suffer his scorn in all of its teenage glory. he doesn't care.

and there's always his hundred power, if it comes down to it.

after a moment, an attachment will appear: attached: ouroboros.png

yes he drew that, fight him.)

If that mark or its name means anything to you, I want to know.

[ Whoa, who's this guy showing up on your tablet screen all of a sudden... Adam Jensen after surgically getting the shades removed and somehow changing his eyecolor to blue-gray, it seems. He frowns deeply. ]

Hi. I've got something of a weird request. Probably.

[ ...Somehow he sounds different, too. Slightly less gravel, and is that inflection in his voice... ]

Guess I shouldn't be surprised given the nature of this place--or maybe it's really just me and premature Alzheimer's or something, but I'm having trouble recalling some things.

[ He briefly raises a hand--a perfectly normal, flesh and blood hand, at that--to his temple to rub at it. ]

...So if some of the guys I was talking to before could help jog my memory, I'd appreciate it. I'll be... at the precinct, in my office. Working. [ Yeah, still confused, but what can you do. As an afterthought before ending the feed, ]

It's probably a long shot, but I don't suppose anyone's seen or heard of Dr. Megan Reed? Just--

[ Yeah probably not. ]

...Nevermind.

[ And off he goes. Click. ]



(( ooc: forward dated with mod permission because next week will be busy for me! And just as a note, while I might use icons of augmented Adam, that's just because there isn't too much iconable material of pre-augs Adam. Until the end of the event he will have no roboparts or shades whatsoever and look like a completely ordinary human--and a few years younger. ))

[ He picks up his device, using it as a makeshift mirror. ] I wish I were vain enough to keep a mirror on my person when I think of these things.

[ Reaching to left eye, he lightly grabs the eyeball with his index and thumb. He forces the lids back to take a better hold before twisting and carefully pulling the eye out. ]

With the new year coming, I want to make sure I see it well. [ The empty socket has the eye lids half close around it. Segai breathes heavily upon his robotic eye in his hand. Sniffing loudly, he lightly cleans the lens of the eye with a soft cloth. ]

So, how shall you all be celebrating the end of this year and the start of the new?

[ This is a video post! But you don't actually see the scruffy guy talking this time, aside from maybe parts of mechanical limbs and a trail of cigarette smoke—yeah, some cyborgs can pull of tricky feats like broadcasting what they see with their own artificial retinas. Cool shit. He seems to be looking outside the window—not a whole lot of festive decorations in the street, phew—, so probably nothing interesting here for you guys, which means you're more or less forced to listen. ]

So, Christmas. Doesn't seem to be a big deal in this time and place compared to 21st century America, which I'm actually kinda grateful for. Bigger problems, after all... [ Because wow Christmas sure sucks when your family is dead and you don't have a partner. ] Bet the majority of you don't even know what it's all about. Personally I just care about eggnog right now -- and so should you if you like having something good to drink.

[ Priorities. Adam's downplaying this a lot but he still got a select few people gifts... speaking of gifts. ]

Oh yeah, I think somebody forgot this at my place...

[ And with this, he means a black lace C cup bra, which he's dangling in front of his own eyes. ]

Unless this is supposed to be a gift. I'm not sure what to do with it. Might wanna come here and pick it up before I get rid of it or give it to someone else -- it being Christmas and all.

[ Adam sounds remarkably indifferent despite the implications. He's so gonna get spanked for this and that's actually exactly what he wants AHEM. Anyway, there's a private text message tacked onto this later—for Vanadi. ]

You too.

[ Yeah, just that. ]


(( ooc: also, linking Adam's CASIE permissions post again c: ))

I'm already familiar with the fact that people seem to appear here more than once, disappearing and then returning as if renewed. I'll spare you the effort of convincing me of it.

[ Oh, so look at this pink-haired but serious-business-looking woman finally addressing her tablet for the first time! In a marked contrast to the unusual armor she originally showed up in (no doubt causing more than a few stares at the masquerade), today she's got on a rather unremarkable, plain grey shirt on instead- a fact that, given her posturing, even she seems to think is unsavory.

... But more importantly, despite her direct words, her tone is definitely a bit at odds with them, too; she speaks with purpose, but her voice is low and more careful than you might think... and carries a strange sense of barely-hidden weight behind it- whatever the cause of that might be. ]

If you've seen me before, if we've spoken at any point in time, I want to hear about it. More importantly... if you've ever spoken with my sister, Serah Farron [ ... ] I want to hear about that, too.

[ She knows Serah was here before, but. These things don't record everything, after all, and in a strange way, it's definitely engaging Lightning's sense of annoyance that she isn't familiar with all that has happened yet. After Valhalla, she's not so used to being in the dark about things... and even asking that question seems to spark something painful in her pale face. Regardless- ]

Thank you.

[ She doesn't allow the camera to pick up on any emotions that sneak out past her defenses for long, ending the transmission there in wait for replies. ]

[The video flicks on, though it never actually lands on Rin's... face. Instead the view flips around to focus on a brown loaf of bread with a piece clearly already sliced off the end. Rin's speaks a second later, her tone dry.]

For a place with several rebel armies recruiting, this place sure has been quiet from that end of things. Which is good. I think it's clear now that we have someone horrendous or several horrendousnesses amongst ourselves that maybe we should be worrying about first.

Not that I argue that anybody should trust the Initiative wholesale but... [A small sigh.] ... nothing... deserves your loyalty absolutely and without questions. Nothing.

[Lighter:] Anyway, I made some bread. It's pretty good if I say so myself! Does anybody want to share some bread? Don't be shy. As you can see, I already ate a piece.

[ Look who's showing his face again on the network after ducking his head throughout that entire undead affair! No worse for the wear, of course, seated upon a cushy armchair with a wine glass in hand, next to a roaring fire. Apparently some are living in the lap of luxury despite living in a world of utter dismay.

For some reason or another, Prestor is appearing even more pompous than usual, made even more evident in his snide tone once he opens his mouth. ]

What an unfortunate turn of events lately. It's such a pity the Initiative was not there to diligently protect us from a most unexpected undead apocalypse. [ You hear a faint I told you so, I told you so echo in your thoughts. The voice is chilling. ] That is why it is better to rely on one's own strength than that of the group, or at least one so large. Divide and conquer, you know. It's simple strategy. I see they have yet to implement this, though. You'd think they put more capable commanders in charge, but it's not my place to judge, now is it?

[ Prestor raises his glass to his audience, lips cracking into a grin. ]

But I am curious of your battles, your greatest triumphs, your most renowned accomplishments. After all, it's not bragging if it's true. And who doesn't love a little indulging of heroics?

Tell me of the moment you pride yourself most upon in your life. A moment of glory to lift ourselves from despair.

So I take it this isn't exactly unusual.

[ And if you wanna know what Adam means with 'this' ... well, the video opens with a closeup of a rabbit, snarling and squirming and hanging off an arm it has bitten into and just won't let go. The person that arm belongs to doesn't sound too bothered, probably because that arm is made of solid, black metal that's not at all sensitive to pain. ]

( Cut for implied animal violence; private messages to Samus, Edgeworth, Barnaby )

[ it opens with the sound of walking, the creak of a door opening followed by hard soled shoes on an old wooden floor. there's a creak of a lid opening, and then the scrape of a chair across the floor. There's a pause without sound and then there is a song. After it's done, Takegami plays a couple simple scales and then sighs. ]

That was an interesting interlude. Do try better next time, mm? I think I lasted a good two minutes laying in that alley. Mind, I am still pissed about my jacket. Do you know hard it is to find a good leather coat in this place? Blood does not come out of leather, never mind the holes. People and their guns. How messy.

[ yeah, he does not care about dying. in fact, he finds it a little funny. ]

What did I miss while I was spending time among the dearly departed?

Greetings, Exsilium. I am Miles Edgeworth and I have an announcement to make. In preparation for Thanksgiving, a silly American holiday where people gorge on turkey and celebrate historical inaccuracies by painting bald eagles with gravy, I have attempted to cook a simple but delicious mashed potatoes dish.

I have failed. It has been less than two hours since I stepped into the kitchen and I have already managed to soil my cravat, stain my vest and slightly singe my sleeves. It will take a lot of effort to rid the delicate embroideries on my vest with the potato bits that have gotten between the threads. It would take more effort to get rid of the stench of curdled milk, failure and shame that now permeates every corner of this kitchen.

I must now admit that I am not only a failure in the kitchen but also a failure as a man. I am a foolish fool who can not foolishly comprehend recipes so simple even a fool of the utmost foolishness can foolishly cook. I submit myself to your mockery, Exsilium. I deserve to be punished for my incompetence.

That is all.

[ Note: Franziska von Karma was here. Miles Edgeworth smells.

Franziska has hi-jacked her brother's communicator. She wrote this entire post. Expect tags from Franziska pretending to be Edgeworth, Edgeworth, and Franziska... probably. ]

[ He frowns once before speaking, running a hand through his hair. ]

Does anyone know of a good place to get a haircut, or else know how to do so well [ "well" being the operative word ] themselves? The price isn't an issue. [ any cost for beauty etc. ] Thank you.

[ He expects glowing recommendations okay. Or if you know how and are offering LISTS OF REFERENCES....nah probably not. Maybe.

But in any case, his hair's getting on the long side these days, even for him, bangs becoming an annoyance at his eyes; so it's about time he gets that fixed up. He'd just like to be sure before actually letting someone at his hair with a pair of scissors, even if he isn't Sternbild-famous here.]

[ Video--coming from Adam's tablet for once, and not his retinal enhancements. it shows him, obviously in his messy apartment, and obviously... different from what one might be used to. he's neither properly dressed nor his usual stoic, composed, monotone self.

but most notably, the lenses of his shades--which are mounted to his head--are retracted. his eyes are visibly artificial. here's the usual gravely voice: ]

...And they keep dragging more and more people here. Or is that the machine malfunctioning again? Can't be sure anymore.

Anyway, hello. My name's Adam Jensen and I'm -- [ insert vague, dismissive gesture here--his hand, too, is artificial and looks like it's made out of black metal. ] ... who the fuck even cares. I'm the local oversized can opener. Hi.

[ if it wasn't obvious before that he's drunk, it's sure as hell now. ]

Given the uh, premise under which you all arrived here as well as the popularity of thought-provoking surveys lately, let's talk about a topic each of you surely can contribute to with a story or two. Since I couldn't help but notice that we're quite a miserable bunch of misfits. Exceptions prove the rule by the way.

[ pause, during which he reaches off screen... for his smoke. ]

So, broken dreams. There's a pretty catchy song on them by Green Day which I can only recommend. But before you scurry off to find it, why don't we share with the class why we're all so damn bitter, and not only since we ended up in this shithole. Though I guess the shithole made it worse, in some cases. I don't know. Getting it off your chest might have a soothing effect, or something.

[ another pause, and he seems pensive for a moment. he might be able to offer alternative treatment methods for your troubles which may involve punching ahem. ]

Here, I'll start. I was planning to get married not too long ago, start a family. I had the perfect girl, a decent job I liked and paid well, and then--then science happened.

[ a dry, humorless chuckle. ]

Gotta love science. Your turn.

[Terms like 'down time' and 'free time' were somewhat of a foreign concept to Samus up until only a few days ago. Between bombing and catacombing and Mongolian battling and Monster slaying, and then believing it some imperative duty to patrol around the Hold in-between those times like an armored guard dog set on (well justified) high alert, she's not given herself much of a moment to relax. Samus has, however, has made it a point to become in need of a good shower very acquainted with the tablet-formerly-netbook device, and especially appreciates the recent upgrade. Her technology is still far more advanced than the tiny little device, but it suits its purpose well enough.

Much the same, she's made it suit her purposes, if literally. The particularly astute will recognize this video feed is coming from the forearm of this person, fixed in place as if it's just another part of them.

"Person" is a generous term--what's being displayed could be more accurately described as a orange suit of armor from the torso up, heck, maybe even some kind of space robot with how distinctive it looks. (Though, there's also something very organic about the suit, like it were a second skin in some parts.) The voice is quite muffled under the helmet and opaque green visor--to the point of questionably androgyny.]

...

[It's a very talkative robot person. A damage report seems utterly moot.]

More Transports and more Exiles. It really is a testament to how miserable this place can be when the island population never seems to grow despite that. Some of the new arrivals seem... ill.

[Then again, if the last mission was any indication time can change anything, can't it...?]

I suppose an overdue introduction is in order. Here's my resume for what it's worth. Take it or leave it.

( [ UPLOADING ENCRYPTED DOCUMENT. . . ] )

[ACTION for el residentes of unit 406]
[KNOCK KNOCK. HONEY, I'M HOME. Actually Samus might have let herself in and out of here previously just to quickly use the shower, chances are when no one, or Maya was present so no time paradoxes happen and saying nothing more than 'hi' and 'bye' before leaving as quickly as she came.

But now, running ragged, Samus thinks she is ready to give this... roommate thing a real try. It couldn't be worse than the fiasco in Adam's place, or sleeping outside in the dirt another night, could it? Hopefully her roommates are ready to give the big armored person standing at the door a try too.]

[OPEN ACTION]
[When not needed Samus is an elusive creature, but the towering armored person can be found especially if your name is Mia patrolling around the Initiative Hold and in the city--there's still plenty for Samus to explore, being here only a little over a month now.]

[For once Kotetsu looks all kinds of desperate and upset, like staying calm long enough to get through a brief message is a challenge for him right now. As soon as the video starts recording he wastes no time in getting straight to the point, all but yelling over the sound of Samus's weapons firing into a monster somewhere not far off in the background.]

Anyone with healing powers--we need help! My partner's hurt really bad and I can't move him! We don't have much time, so please hurry!

[He rattles off his nearest estimate of their location, and as he turns to double check for any landmarks that might aid in a better description the camera picks up a quick glimpse of Barnaby, indeed looking to be in pretty bad shape, bloody and barely conscious on the ground. With nothing more to say, Kotetsu shuts the video off as abruptly as it began.]

[(OOC note: Responses will be delayed and the video will be ICly deleted about twenty minutes after it's posted because they totally had this covered, guys, really!)]

( Winry taps on her tablet screen, waiting for some sign of feedback. When it plays, it shows her frowning, bandana in hair, apron on. That also appears to be the ceiling. )

No, send the message already, don't do whatever you're doing now --

( Ah, but the tapping pays off, the video feed ending and a text message posting to the network soon after. )

Imports -

I'm looking for some kind of foam molding to outfit a leg I'm working on now that my customers have all reappeared. I don't know if any of you have worked with prosthetic limbs before, but I've heard rumors of some kind of shape-retaining foam that used to be used for them? Has anyone seen some kind of material that would work similarly?

Let me know if you have, or if there's any good scrap metal or hardware stores you've run into off the main part of the city.

Thank you,
Winry Rockbell
Automail Mechanic and Prosthetics Consultant

[ This post is anonymous, coming from a tablet with no name attached. There's wind in the background. Whoever's talking is up somewhere high. ]

These tablets are nice, but not nearly as advanced as I'd guess for the future. Which makes me think illusion, though you all seem very adamant on it definitely not being an illusion.

Not the point. Though if this is someone fucking with my head, they can consider this their only warning. [ A moment, as if she's either letting that sink in or waiting to see if anything happens as a result. ]

I have a few questions left over from that very thorough welcome speech. How do I buy alcohol on this island? How easy is it to travel outside of this city? And approximately how many more times can I expect to be attacked by mutant bears?


[ maybe half an hour later another post appears! this one is basically a mass of encryptions, point of origin blocked. Anyone who tries to hack through it will find themselves in what feels like a rabbit trail, but with some effort put in it will lead to a two way encrypted channel, with one message already there. Anyone with some knowledge of hacking who puts effort into it can find this message because the code is designed to lead them there. (Very experienced people might notice this.) ]

Thanks for playing.

[ Looking further into where the message comes from will come to Max's attention immediately, and she will certainly try to stop anyone figuring out what tablet it comes from, though depending on skill levels involved she may not be successful. Essentially, she's getting a feel for the other hackers in this place. ]

[ While technically Lucy was still beaten and battered herself, she wasn't so out of it as to avoid a fight. Er... if the fight came to her, anyway. The food from the banquet had helped a little, but her magic reserves were still fairly low - low enough that she wasn't actively looking to get into any trouble her first day in such a weird place. However there is one thing that is more important than all of that, which is why she sends a message through the network. ]

Nn - is this right? Looks like it's recording - I mean, broadcasting. It looks like the communication lacrima back home, ne Plue?

[ Though her companion can't be seen, her companion can be heard. ]

Pun~~! Pun pun~ Pun~!


[ Lucy grins towards the ground, where her companion presumably is and turns her attention to the feed. She's cleaned up a bit, at least, and is cautiously making her way towards the apartments - keeping an eye out for things that go bump in the night. Or in general. Bandages are wrapped around her forehead and her arms, but she still smiles hopefully. ]

If you can hear me, my name is Lucy, and I'm... I'm hoping that some friends of mine might be here as well. I didn't see them when I arrived, but they're the type that won't sit around in one place for long, in a situation like this. [ With monster infestations and all. ]

Specifically I'm looking for my teammates, Natsu, Gray, Erza, or Wendy - even Happy or Charle. Anyone from Fairy Tail, will do-! [ She can't be the only one here right? ]

... aside from that - [ She murmurs more quietly at this point, frowning a bit. ]

Is it always like this here? [ At that point, her companion pipes up again. ]

Pun~ pun pun~ PuuuN~!

I'm fine Plue - actually I'd love nothing more than to take a hot bath and sleep for a week. But let's see if the others are here first, okay?

Pun~!

[ You can't see it, you poor deprived souls, but Plue just saluted. It was adorable. ]

Looks like moving out of transport housing when I did was one of my better decisions.

[ Deadpan as ever. Yeah, guess who's looking at the apartment complex right now. Almost everything is bombed to hell. Except for his own single apartment further away from the Hold which is pretty damn cool. ]

Though I have to wonder if that was caused by the bombs or another type of explosive. Or maybe a chain reaction.

[ You know who you are. And if this is your fault, kid, Adam hopes you're happy now, you asked for it. ]

Anyway, do we have a status report? Not like I'm expecting an official one anytime soon, given the levels of competence and efficiency we're working with here.


[ Private and 98% unhackable, for Bunny Barnaby. ]

How's it look? The precinct-to-be still standing?

[ There's a notable pause. ]

Should probably get a move on, given the chaos. It's a breeding ground for more.