So how does death really work here? [It's a strange question to even be asking, but--]

I heard others died before. Here. Like dead dead. [Not that she's thinking about it, but the girl has predilections for. Well at least the reasons she has in the past aren't exactly here.]

Oh-- also anyone got any cigarettes for trade. I'd say I'd kill for some, but you know... [She wiggles her fingers before shutting the feed off.]

[ He doesn't actually really like text; he's not great with technology and there's bound to be some spelling/grammar errors, but right now he trusts typing more than his ability to keep a professional tone. So be it. ]

Hi.

First things first this isnt going to be a lecture. Tensions are high enough and Ive barely been here long enough to have the whole history down yet. (Working on it) Besides, you've already herd plenty of it. So this isnt about that.

[ Not overtly, anyway. He's trying to do the "subtlety" thing. He's not taking notes or anything. ]

I'm Doug by the way. Mostly I'm trying to figure everything out still, you know. That sort of thing. I'm a curious and openminded sort of person wich is why I have some questions:

1. Whats your favorite thing about being here?
2. And least favorite thing?
3. If you had to make up 1 rule what would it be?
4. Why's the coffee so bad & Are there vending machines (where)?

Thank you thats all.

So, um, hello. I'm back.

[Have a disgruntled Draculina looking into the screen.]

What the bloody hell happened here?! Because it looks like someone made a sodding mess of the place, and while I didn't mind being in London it's worrying to say the least when you go two days past your return date. Not to mention some of the gear we brought back can spoil.

Can someone please give me an explanation? Because if this mutiny malarky is real I hope the bleeders responsible got a right royal arse kicking.

[Seras grimaces, she's only scanned the network and what she's seen is worrying to say the least. Something big happened and she wants to know what.]



[[ooc: Action are good for this post if your character wants to catch Seras coming out of the transporter room or anywhere. Replies may be a little slow until tomorrow c: mun is le tired]]

[Saul would've come to the network sooner, but his earpiece picked something up not long after the network came back online.

So, he waited.

And waited.

And now, he thinks, is as good a time as any for this broadcast.

He's seated in DITR's office; the interior looks much the same as any other bedroom on the base, but in lieu of the beds, there's a medium-sized desk. This is where he's perched in his usual pose with elbows on his knees, hands folded, leaning forward just slightly and addressing the camera — which someone else is holding — with an expression so grim it somehow almost seems amused.]

This is not how you get what you want.

[A pause. He appears thoughtful for a moment, then waves a dismissive hand at nothing and smooths down his tie.]

I mean, sure, it must've sounded great in theory. And I'd bet any amount of money that you all thought you had your bases nice and covered, buuut —

[Tch.]

Looks like maybe not, if the network being back online is any indication. Hi, by the way. Are you having fun yet? Because that whole lack of gravity thing — man, that was a blast. I'm just wondering, you know, if this is gonna work in your favor the way you'd all hoped. Messing with the systems is all well and good and yeah, okay, we get your point: you're mad as hell and not gonna take it anymore. Fine.

But I think — and this is just my lawyerly opinion — you're gonna have a hell of a time dealing with the fallout from this. And I promise you, Charlie, there will be fallout. Civilized fallout, of course, assuming no one gets hurt. I'll keep my promise if you keep yours.

[He grins, then winks.]

Anyway, I dunno about everyone else, but I'm waiting with bated breath for your next move. And if you need anything from us —

[A quick sweep of his arm to indicate the entirety of the room and, with it, the entirety of DITR's staff. Whatever anger he's been keeping at bay finally seeps through, Saul's eyes narrowing for the split second it takes him to say:]

Good fucking luck.

[And off goes the video feed.]

( A few minutes later, a text message for the DITR staff: )

More importantly, now that I'm here, am I really expected to procure food and clothing for myself? That is what I have been thinking about. It's rude to spring something on someone like this.

[Give her a break, she's small. Well, more importantly, she's used to being given things, or to hunting food if really need be - but usually if she's in the woods eating small birds, she doesn't need clothes anyway! Look, if they want her to be stuck in society like this, they're going to have to take responsibility.]

( THE SETTING: the setting isn't exciting. I mean, it's the clinic and it looks extremely clean and well organised, but that's probably more a relief to any observers than exciting. Donny is himself, dressed in his scrubs, sleeves of the long shirt he wears underneath rolled up so that the tattoos and metal bands around his forearms are visible. He'd look sort of badass if he didn't also look a little bit green.

Fortunately he is surrounded by attractive people and first aid kits! YEAH. AWESOME. Ella is on his right, Flora as his left, although they're positioned on one side of the camera. Almost like they are keeping room for something. )

Um, h-hey. I'm-- I'm Donny, I um, I help in the-- the c-clinic? With-- supplies, and coordinating uh, stuff. ( There's a long pause, and he glances to Flora, fumbling with his words for a second before he can put something together. ) Um, just-- we just wanted to announce that we have um, m-made first aid k-kits for all the Transports. I think-- some of you p-picked them up at the m-meeting? 

( he's making a conscious effort not to fidget, but he looks so uncomfortable, and there's a reason he doesn't... do video posts. This time he's chewing his lip, glancing at Ella for a second before his gaze drops and his fingers curl towards his palms. )

If you haven't g-got one yet, if you c-could um, please come by the c-clinic. It'd b-be-- be good to get um, everyone checked off the list b-before the day n-new Transports arrive. And-- yep.

( Oh what's that? Donny seems to look horrified for a second, before Stephanie steps on camera, holding a first aid kit and modelling its contents the way you might see a car or a fridge or another fantastic prize modelled on a quiz show. Stephanie, please.

She even has a suitable 'game show model' smile, though it turns into a sheepish grin about a third of the way into her little demonstration.

With that ruined, she steps up so she's closer to the camera, putting an arm around Donny's shoulders as she addresses their audience. Donny would like the ground to swallow him up and it shows. ]

Sorry, they dared me to do it. [No they didn't.] Hey, everyone, I'm Steph, and I'm here to help you learn how to use these handy little things, if you'd like. Well, there are a few other people who can teach you as well, but I'm the cutest.

[Donny is looking horrified still (THIS IS A SERIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT), but Steph is all smiles.]

Anyway, most of this stuff is pretty simple, but if you'd like to learn your way around basic first aid, there are some classes you can sign up for, either by replying here, or coming down to the clinic whenever you're free. [a beat, to let that sink in, then:] That's it from me, have a good one, guys.

[And with a little salute, and a pat to Donny's arm, she moves off screen. There's sort of... trepidation and concern in how he looks to the others, now, waiting for them to chip in. ]

Ella is trying to smile next to Donny. She’s been slightly under the weather -a lot, actually- but hearing him make an effort and kind off flail at it does wonders for her mood. Maybe she’s a bit of a bad friend. Sighing, she takes a step forth as she holds a kit up. ]

It’s free, of course, and we will replenish it whenever you need. It has a bunch of useful stuff, both for treating whatever little nuisance you might have and prevent something serious to get even more serious before you can get help. [ A beat. ] And of course, you should totally come to the Infirmary if you really need to. Having a kit will solve some problems, but here’s where we make sure you get better.

[ She glances at Flora. While Ella can talk for hours, this is a joint effort, so she’ll bite her tongue. For now. ] [She appreciates the self-restraint, Ella. Donny looks at her and she flashes him a warm and encouraging smile. She’s really proud of him for doing this and taking initiative. When Stephanie makes her display, Flora tries to look stern, at least for Donny’s sake, but it’s clear she’s trying very hard not to laugh. She manages it. Somehow. Barely. Boy, does she ever love working here, sometimes. By the time it’s her turn to speak, though, she smoothly takes her cue and is quite composed, if still smiling.]

If for some reason you’re unable to pick up a kit, arrangements can be made to have them delivered to you. We’re here to help, so just let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

( Thanks, ladies. BUT BEFORE THEY WRAP THIS UP, Donny kind of shakes himself out of his state of I HATE PUBLIC SPEAKING to add, )

We're-- we're t-trying to uh, make sure we have all our b-bases covered for um, Transports that aren't human. C-cause-- I guess m-most of our knowledge and equipment is human... human f-focused. And-- yeah, any help p-preparing would be great. We have some other staff who aren't human, if you'd uh, f-feel-- feel m-more comfortable talking to them. Galadriel and-- there's also blood d-donations and-- Yeah. You c-can um, always ask us for m-more details and stuff. Thank you.

( Oh God can they turn off the feed now please turn off the feed-- thank God, Flora bounds forward and turns off the device. )


( OOC: Responses will come from Donny and various other clinic folks!
You also don't have to play out your character receiving a first aid kit! These losers will try to make sure every transport has one ASAP, delivering if they must. THEY WILL HUNT YOU DOWN TO GIVE YOU YOUR FIRST AID KIT. But, you know. Politely. )

[Saori sits by a window with her head leaning against the glass. There's some faint redness in her eyes. She sniff and brushes some hair out of her face before looking at the tablet.]

Sorry. I...got pulled out of here suddenly. It's hard to believe I've stayed there for six years and yet only a few days apparently passed. I'm sorry if I worried you, especially you Margulis, with my disappearance.  The room assignment hasn't changed yet, right?

I'm not going to lie, it was nice to see home again.  I just wish...I had a way to see my children. It'd be too cruel to have them be brought here but  if I knew they were safe, I can focus on things here better.

Um, also one more thing. I'd like to try something with the plant life here. I've been working on some of my other powers and I'm hoping it would help with growing plants here.

Okay first off, before y'all start yelling at me, I been assured that we got plenty of supplies for this and I ain't cutting into our rations. Everybody's been doing a good job going on missions and bringing us stuff, so thanks for that. You guys are awesome.

So most of you know what I'm gonna say next: it's almost time to bake cookies. New guys, the deal is that we usually do this every month. It's a little something to help new arrivals feel better about being stuck here. We get together, we bake cookies, and then we pass 'em out on the first of the month and talk for a while with anybody who's got questions or needs a shoulder to cry on or whatever. It's just a nice thing we try to do.

Last month sucked but we're picking it back up again now, so anybody who wants to help out, we'll be having ourselves a little Halloween party in the cafeteria and baking all night. It's fun. You don't gotta be no master chef or nothing, I'll help you out.

And speaking of that, too - I heard some people ain't been eating right 'cause they don't know how to cook. That's messed up, yo. Don't stay quiet about something like that, okay. Ask for help. Nobody wants you starving and getting sick up here. If you can't cook for yourself, just come and find me. I'll make you something. You won't be bothering me 'cause I'm bored outta my mind anyway. I'm in 144 right now, so you can stop by or leave a message. Jesse Pinkman. It says right there on your screen.

Aight, I'm done.

[ Celestia isn't much up for speaking to any of the people here if she doesn't have to. She's already been forced to deal with roommates, so getting out of her room and finding a place to call her own space has been helpful in the past few days she's been here so far.

Still, she finds herself incredibly bored, now that she's caught up on all the information she needed to properly have an opinion on everything going on in this crazy place.

But Celes moves at her own pace, and her pace has pretty much nothing to do with helping anyone but herself. So: ]

Might anyone be willing to participate in a game of some kind? Chess/shogi/mahjong ... maybe even poker?

[ Now that a few days have already passed, there's not much point in moping quietly and ignoring the network for much longer. Hopefully things have settled down a bit by now... ]

It looks like people are already organizing a few missions of their own, which is all fine and good, but we need to look beyond supplies for the short term. Our new headquarters isn't fit for holding this many people, for who knows how long, so aside from supplies, I think we need to put an effort towards fixing that as soon as we can.

First and foremost, we need more power.

Especially if we want to get that Aristeas contraption back up and running. Obviously we don't have the tools and resources to fix that here and now, but I'm sure I can work out a few points in time where we can slip in and change how this place gets built. What I really need is anyone who can help out with the technical side of this, or even to lend a hand with the research, and a few volunteers to run around playing time tag. We're going to need to get our hands on and change blueprints and data and who knows what else.

[ Basically, a call for help. He might be in over his head on this one, with how much tech is going to be involved. That all rambled out, there's a small, awkward pause before he adds: ]

And hello to all the new Transports, I guess. When I first got stuck here, Exsilium had just gotten itself trashed by an army of monsters, but this arrival sure tops that one as the new worst entrance of all.

[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.]

Hey, um... does anyone know how to make a cellphone?

[ Yes, Exsilium: He's totally serious. Can't you tell? The video has him sitting crosslegged on the floor, with a bunch of old magazines about electronics, but nothing that would actually show him how to build his own cellphone. ]

I, uh... I want to make one. [ Despite the fact that he's talking on a device from the Initiative that makes even a modern-day smartphone look like a corded landline. But he swears he has a good reason! ]

[The video opens up with a longer-haired Lisbeth, her red-head roots showing because what does a woman have to do around here for some black hair dye? She seems distracted as she clicks around on her computer to the side. Soon, she's biting the cuticle of her thumb.]

If you could take on a project that has the potential to lead to some kind of public attention - attention on you - would you do it?

It's a new month, and I suppose I've recovered enough to return to my business. For those unaware- my name is Kirian Dawningsun, and I own a tailoring shop.

[Directions are attached to this message via text.]

I specialize in robes, but I've begun to make suits, as well. Suits are discounted this month, while I fine-tune the process for making them.

Additionally, if anyone has any histories or other books they wish to part with, let me know. I can pay in marques or barter for them. Non-fiction only. I've no time to bother myself with fiction.

[Kirian, you're a magical elf.]

Thank you for your time.

The video opens up to Keith near the entrance to the training hall late in the evening. He's already changed out of his workout clothes and showered. But his face is still flushed, and it's clear he's tired from a long day with Coby training him to death.]

Good evening citizens of Exsilium! I really hoped all of you enjoyed our little beach trip last month! While it strictly for business I cannot say I didn't take advantage of the fantastic weather out there!

Moving on, I'd like to pose a question, and again another question to all of you!

Number one! What are heroes like in your world? I've seen a few of you who seem to be in the business and I'm curious to how they operate in your world, if you please.

Second question! Are any of you dog owners or even fans of them in particular? I would like to be able to get to know you all so one of us can look after our pets while we're away on missions or can arrange playdates for our lovely animals. I think it would benefit all of us involved.

Have a nice day!

[Saori looks a little tan thanks to that last mission. She waves and has a cheery smile on. Her not-so-little orange tabby kitten wiggles his way in so he gets some screen time too which makes her laugh.]

[ Effie clears her throat. Taps the microphone. Puts on her best smile even though nobody can see it and parts her rouged lips to speak in that designer Capitol accent.

She is a woman on a mission and for once it isn't entirely selfish. ]

Attention.

Attention everyone.

Thank you.

There has been some concern as of late regarding the lack of feminine necessities available to the recruited ladies of this establishment. I have taken it upon myself to run a charitable drive for distribution of these items to any person who requires them.

We would be delighted to accept your generous donation of fine fabrics and aesthetic materials such as powder or perfume that could contribute towards a woman's well-being.

Please note, gentlemen, that this effort is as much for your sake as it is for ours, and on behalf of the ladies in Exsilium we appreciate your cooperation in advance.

[The image first shows an open book lying on a table. It seems to be open at the very back, though looking at the page on the left would show that it's full of text so it obviously was supposed to continue where the cover now is. Closer observation would show that several pages after that one were apparently ripped out.

It stays on this image for several moments, or at least what the person showing it thinks is long enough for said observations to be made. Finally, the screen does a very quick 180 to show a livid Elliot.]

WHO IS THE CRIMINAL RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS?!

Library books are the property of EVERYONE WHO USES THAT LIBRARY! YOU CAN'T JUST TEAR OUT PAGES WHEREVER YOU SEE FIT! IT'S COMMON COURTESY!

ESPECIALLY NOT IN THE FINAL BOOK OF ONE OF THE GREATEST SERIES EVER WRITTEN!!!

[Well a video of Hubert pops up but he's not quite aware, yet at the same time is aware, he's recording. More or less he's happy to know he got it on and working with relative ease and perhaps a little fascinated.]

Ah, I see it's as simple as she described...

[Ahem. He resumes a more stoic facade as he more or less glares at the device.]

I'm plenty sure I've met some of you, however for those of you who don't know me, I'm Hubert Oswell. In my world, I am lieutenant of the Stratahn military, though I suppose such rankings are lost here. [Still, there's a pride in his voice as if to say he's probably better than a good lot of you here. Social skills, he does not have them.]

Other than seeing how the device worked and perhaps following up on the aftermath of that bombing, I honestly have nothing more to say. I haven't had the chance to really keep up as I've been researching, so I suppose this is also my attempt at reaching out to the populace on what I should be paying attention to as I've only been paying attention to select things on this device. I figured now is the time to fully learn its functions.

[He thought he could handle this situation on his own, somehow. He thought he would sort it out eventually, that it wouldn't matter to anyone but him -- these were creatures designed for his torment, meant to make him suffer. Their harsh murmurs tear at him more deeply and specifically than anyone else; unlike the others, he feels their burning claws slice into his back, their eyes boring into him. The demons curl around his ankles like unwanted cats; they settle in the chinks of his armor and hiss, their whispers as corrosive as acid. They don't tell him anything he hasn't heard before, which is partly why he's taken so long to say anything. He feels sure that the problem was contained--confined, even, to Koltira alone.

But recent posts on the network suggest that this is not the case.

Koltira stands in the center of his lake, on his platform of ice. Byfrost is stuck into the platform beside him, its blade completely invisible beneath the thick, writhing mass of miasma that envelops it.]

I apologize. If you have heard cruel whispers recently, or seen the shadows emerge from the dark and give chase, then I am to blame. They are demons meant for me, released by the evolution of my runeblade.

[He pauses a moment before continuing. His usually inscrutable expression is pained: his eyes are half-closed, his lips are thin, and his long eyebrows are drawn together in frustration. He hates that he has to do this, but there's no other choice.]

I cannot defeat them. They are reaching out from their own plane of existence, a realm of shadows.

[Another pause. He's getting there. It's happening.]

I ... I am powerless to enter this place. But if any of you are willing, I can send you to it. You could clear them away.

[His fingers close into a clenched fist over his chest. He exhales.]

Please.

[The prim young man on screen does not look amused. But he also looks like the sort that possibly is never amused.]

I'll do my best to save you all from the complaining I am sure you all hear when a group of newbies is dropped off here. However, I can't help but think this is a piss-poor way to raise an army. It's like playing some sort of cosmic lottery and hoping you snag Napoleon or Genghis Khan by sheer luck.

I want to know what you've been doing as far as formulating an army; training, planning, strategy, that sort of thing. The Initiative gave us weapons and a history lessons, and then a hearty pat on the back and a "good luck", essentially. [He grimaces. He doesn't like them already.] I know there's the daily training they offer, but I want to know what the rest of you are doing as well.

Any more information on the United Earth that what the Initiative has provided for us at the start would also be helpful. Know thy enemy and all that. [He idly pokes at his tablet as he continues to talk.] Is there a library here? Or is everything digital?

Ah. I suppose I should introduce myself. Alucard Anselm. Before you ask, no, I am not a vampire and neither are my parents. "Al" will suffice. [Said like someone who's heard the comments a million times, and had to give this spiel just as much.]

[With that, he signs off. Alisha and Monica, Al's new roommates, will find him in his new room with the door open. He's doing his best to keep composure as the reality of this whole crazy situation starts to sink in. He's not even quite sure what to do with himself right now. It's not like he even has anything to unpack.]

[The video cuts on to show a large man with long black hair leaning FAR too close to the camera, squinting as he tries to figure out the strange device. He can deal with his Deth-iPhone but this? This shit is fucking confusing]

Is this thing on? I don’t think this is on. What. How is this even supposed to… I don’t think this is working. [There are a few beeps as he hits a few buttons] Hellooooo? Is this even on? I don’t know how this fucking thing works. This is… [mutters] Stupid fucking tablet

[He sighs heavily, the breath seems to go on forever before he hits another button]

What does that blinking light mean? Is it… oh. It’s on.

[He clears his throat. He’s got some Very Important things to say after all]

Hi this is Nathan. [pause] Nathan Explosion. [pause] From Dethklok. [He pauses, waiting for people to react the way they normally do. You know. Scream. Cry. Kill themselves. Chicks ripping off their clothes and throwing themselves at him. The usual.

When that doesn't happen he squints at it again]

No really is this thing even fucking on?