So, uh...

Does anybody feel like talking? It doesn't matter about what.

I just really need the distraction.

[one of the few, if vague, things that Frodo remembers from his time before in Exsilium is how to work the tablet. The hobbit on the video is a tween, voice a bit higher than before and a mischievous look to his eyes.

He's leaned down, as if forming a conspiracy with all those on the network; whispering (loudly still) with possible partners in crime, if you will]

Has anyone got a list of what the kitchens around here serve? Or what times they find themselves the busiest? This is very important!

For those of you who may not know me, I’m Nathaniel Howe, one of the newly promoted sergeants of the transport section of the Exsilium city watch. I will do my best to protect the citizens and the transports, and offer my services whenever needed.

However, there is something much more important that I need to discuss. I and my fellow Grey Warden Duncan have just returned from a brief reconnaissance excursion in United Earth territory. We weren’t able to glean very much new information regarding our enemy, but we did procure this:

[Nathaniel holds up a small vial--approximately half the size of a standard test-tube--filled with some unknown liquid]

We found this on one of the citizens of the United Earth, and we have great reason to believe that it contains the drug that is being used to keep the citizens docile, and to prevent them from rising up against their leaders.

Unfortunately, neither Duncan nor myself has been able to determine what exactly is contained in the solution. We are, of course, sharing what we’ve found with the Initiative, but I am also calling on my fellow transports to see if there is anyone who has the knowledge or means to possibly determine what ingredients are in the drug, and to hopefully find an antidote.

If you are interested in helping, please let me know. I’m also willing to answer whatever questions anyone might have about what we learned.

( OOC INFO behind the cut )

[Exsilium, you are now faced with the greatest weapon in the Winchester arsenal: Sam's puppy face. The young man looks into the tablet with an expression of complete interest in anything that might be shared with him.]

Hi, my name's Sam - I'm one of the uh, new transports around here. I'm really looking for any information you guys can give about this place, hopefully beyond the initial rundown, although some of that could stand repeating too - [he smiles apologetically] I'm sure I don't have to tell you guys it's a lot to take in at once.

Specifically I'd like to hear about these missions, the weapons, and if there's any pattern to those who end up disappearing as I've heard happens - does it usually happen say, right after a mission? Or are the incidents completely random?

Don't have much to offer in return but I can promise I'll make all the information I gather easily available so it could end up useful to all of us. And I'd really appreciate it. 

[screened AWAY from Dean Winchester and Cas]

I've heard I've been here before - if anyone recognizes me - I'd like to talk to you. 

Arwen.

[He mutters her name quietly in hopes of taming both his disappointment and relief.]

She is gone. There were no other quests for her to have joined. Nothing that would require her time nor presence.

[Silence grips him now as he thinks about the rare moment they spent before she just suddenly vanished. ]

For those who knew her, I'm certain she's well.

[Hello! It's been awhile since he's done one of these, but in the spirit of a new year, and the love of everything he's had to drink, Cailan thinks this is a great time to show everyone something he's been working on for awhile. Hence why he has the biggest, brightest smile on his face.]

Back in Ferelden, there are some celebrations to bring in the new year. But not as many as you would think! None to the extent of the celebrations here, in this place. I found, while being dragged on an excursion to many different bars, that there are many who do not watch out for the perils of such a place. [And he really does not want anyone to get hurt, here.]

And truly, there are some terrible things in this world that, if you are not vigilante, will harm you, or your loved ones, in many ways. As we all know, most of the people here are not from the same world. And even if they are, they could be of a different race entirely. As king of my homeland, I feel it is my duty to ensure, not just the safety of my subjects, but those who may not be able to protect themselves. The best way to do this is to impart knowledge. Knowledge, my friends, is the first step in protecting yourself! And so, to start off the new year, I will be sharing what I know to everyone about...

Werewolves. [He is deadly serious.]

( OOC cut for length, details about werewolves under the cut! )

[The screen shows a terribly serious-looking man. If you look closely you might realize that he looks an awful lot like an animated corpse (which, coincidentally, would be because he is one). If not? He might look like any other medieval fellow who hasn't really kept up on hygiene. Or who perhaps contracted some kind of horrible disease.

Either way, he doesn't seem bothered by his condition.

He's also doing a pretty good job keeping the camera steady and focused despite his lack of experience with such devices. HE MEANS BUSINESS OK.]

Good people!

I confess I have not yet spoken to many of you, which I presently hope to rectify. You may call me Justice, and I intend to see to it that each poor soul drawn to this world is soon returned to his rightful lands unharmed.

[Big promises maybe but hey that's a spirit of justice for you.]

But first I must ask -- how does the Initiative capture its... [is "victims" too strong a word?] recruits? It is not magic, and I know no other way

[ After much hesitation on his part to address the situation towards those who hold some sort of power here, Aragorn finally decides to step forward and do just that. He honestly believes himself ill fit for such a public role, but he shan't step back and watch from the sidelines anymore.

This may come as a shock for his companions who hail from Middle-earth. Aragorn was hardly the type to step forward and lead, but usually the one forced to lead when no others would. ]

I am Aragorn son of Arathorn, and like many of you I've been drafted by the Initiative. Like you and countless others, we've been taken from our realms in order to fight a war not our own.

[ He finally stated once he realized that the tablet was recording. Aragorn possessed very little love for this means of communication, but for now he'll stomach it. Over time he'll realize just how useful these complex devices truly are but until then, he'll simply think of it as a nuisance. ]

We fight for a nameless cause, yet we're given very little initiative to fight on their behalf. While the rebels had been more than...adequate hosts; it would seem that many of us haven't fully explored this world or understand the reason of our plight. Our realms are in jeopardy by a force greater than our own, yet we know very little about our objective.

Therefore, I seek to know more about the efforts taken to achieve the Initiative's goal, and hopefully form a way for us to further our quest.

[ He paused briefly. ]

Is there anyone here willing to speak openly?

[ This evening, the calm image of a fair young woman appears over the network. Faintly pointed ears pierce through her jet-black hair. When she speaks it is in a soft alto, almost shy, as this is her first time addressing the network as a whole in this manner. ]

Father...grandmother. I have returned. [ She does not attempt a filter. She is confident her family will see, and she is keeping no secrets. Yet.

Her attention then turns to a larger audience. ] It has been some time. I would know, fellow Transports, what has transpired here since I was away? If any are able to indulge me.

[ Anyone in, or around, Unit 810 may very well run into Arwen in person, as she returns to her temporary home. ]

[The screen comes on, to reveal one uncertain hobbit. This isn't at all what he is used to, but now that he has taken a closer look, interest takes over. Frodo leans in close and murmuring under his breath]

Such a fantastic glass.

[. He has gotten more used to it since the first time, but it still impresses him. Frodo clears his throat, all business and aware (so he has been told - and seen, unintentionally, thanks to Rick O'Connell's luck with the tablets) that he may have a number of eyes on him, more than he might expect. It feels odd speaking into this thing, rather than a group he can see, that for a moment, he finds himself pausing. He may never get used to this.

Now. Where to begin?]

My name is Frodo; well met to all of you. I wish it were under better circumstances, but as a good many already know, it seems we are quite stranded here for the time being.

There is one thing I wish to ask of you all; has anyone seen any other hobbits around? They would be small compared to you Big Folk, with curly hair on head and feet, and pointed ears.

[ hello, Exsilium. Larsa carefully adjusts the camera before he gives a little nod to himself, and pulls back. he looks a little worn, but content nonetheless. ]

In the recent weeks I've found residence here, I've grown to learn that the medicines of the Initiative are not explicitly trusted by many of us.

My homeworld has a variety of medicines meant for both wounds and illnesses in the battlefield, and in my time as a student, I learned these recipes carefully. [ his gaze now goes to the small variety of bottles; the liquids inside differ in color and shimmer with ethereal light. ] Although many ingredients cannot be found here, there are reliable substitutes that work just as well.

[ and reminded of his rather... eventful gathering of ingredients, the corners of his mouth quirk up. ] To everyone who helped me collect, thank you. I am in your debt.

Its test run ran smoothly. Should anyone find themselves in need of a medicine and prefer not to turn to the Initiative, they are welcome to stop by Unit 304.

[ a brief nod to the camera. ]

Thank you.