Once, a really long time ago, I made a guide for new people coming to Exsilium, but I think it's a little out of date. It still says we're on Earth.

[ She's sitting in one of the hallways around the base, and purposefully points the camera out a nearby window to look at the moon's surface with her, then back to her face. ]

Definitely not Earth. So I think it's time to update it! [ She holds up some paper with notes scribbled on it, though it's mostly illegible. ] Look, I have all this to add! But I could still use more, and there is some specific information I am looking for right now.

One is that we have so many more transport-run services now, and I want to make sure new people know all about those. Like DITR didn't exist at the time! So if you are part of a group like this, could you tell me who you are, what you do, and how to contact the group?

And two is that I don't have anyone to help answer questions anymore! I don't mind answering questions, but I think it'd be great to have some help, and to help spread the word. And help write, if you really want to! Who wants to volunteer?

[ ooc: Anyone who wants to help write, I'll be putting up a Google Doc later, to help with coordinating edits and additions! ]

I, the elegant and glamorous Dist, the Rose have arrived here from my home planet, to grace this savage place with my presence.

[He sits back in his chair. It's not as comfy at the one back home. He'd have to remedy that.]

Though I am a genius, and my work is unparalleled, I do have a small question for you. How many of you are not entirely ignorant about technology? How many have constructed something with their own hands?

Additionally, where might one find the gardens?

Mmm, don't be shy, now.

I miss home. I know that's normal, I know - I know there's nothing that can be done about it. I try to keep that in mind so it won't get to me so much. Everyone is so nice and helpful, even with everything going on. I'm very thankful, and - I would like to think I have made some friends.

[There's a pause, and he sighs softly. He suddenly isn't sure why he decided to start this feed.]

It's weird... one of the things I miss the most is hearing my language. [a little exhale, followed by a contradictory smile.] I wasn't used to speaking English for so long until I came here.

... Are all of you from English-speaking countries?

Well.

That was a blast, huh?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[A pause.]

What do you make of it?

Lee.

[There's a deep-seated rumble in what used to be Eastern Asia--Gilgamesh standing in the heart of a volcanic nightmare. In front of his hovering mirror, he held a stone 'sword' which spun on a cone's inner axis, red wisps of electricity and vapor dissipating from it. Each time he gestured with the sword, there was a massive earth-quake. The land itself shook, lava spraying up in geysers above wherever it was Gilgamesh stood.

After some time, he seemed content with what he had done, whatever it was. Over his free hand, a gold and silver set of blades spun on his forearm, much like a drill. He advanced, burying his arm into the ground and sending up sheets of rock around himself. The spinning red sword ceased its spinning at the same time.

When he seemed to be 'done' with it, Gilgamesh allowed it to vanish from sight. The sword itself became golden vapor and was gone just as quickly as it had been spinning. With a voice laced with raw irritation, Gilgamesh spoke up again.]

I will bringing you materials. Uncorrupted materials, beyond the poison in the ground. And seven days after this--I will bring you more.  Make no waste.

... Well. This Initiative is certainly going out of their way to make me comfortable. I suppose it's some compensation for their impromptu kidnapping.

[ As that is said, the feed opens up to a young woman with sharp, gold eyes, and features that would seem exotic for the "norm" (even for her world, probably) addressing the feed as it sits by her side. Despite her words, said in an almost intrigued tone, she looks nonplussed about the situation. ]

Hm. From one war to another war without the usual war time rules- [ Time and space travel was something thought of in stories, okay? Okay. ] -that's set in a dystopian future.

An interesting change of scenery. [ Not really. ] Who else thinks so?

[The feed opens to an upwards shot of this guy. His expression is hard to read but a sharp ear might be able sense a bit of boredom in his tone. There are scatterings of white fur dotting his black armor, which he brushes off with clear distaste as he speaks.]

There are multiple theories about the afterlife. You humans have more than a few of your own. I believe rebirth is one of them. Eternal damnation another. Both too extreme for me but I expected something similar.

Needless to say, this place has… altered my expectations. Next time, I'll be sure to anticipate more fur.

[Hear that Korra? Yeah that's aimed at you and your little dog, too. Speaking of which, he brushes more white fur off his shoulder and continues, mandibles raised slightly in an alien grin.]

As for the rest of you, since introductions seem to be the standard here, allow me to make my own. [The grin disappears, replaced by a cold, unreadable expression.] My name is Nihlus Kryik. I… was a Spectre under the authority of the Citadel Council. Some here will recognize what that means, the rest of you shouldn't concern yourselves with it. All you need to know is that I'm here to help.

[when the image comes on, Frodo isn't quite framed all the way. He's still figuring the device out, but looks skeptically at it for a moment. Is anyone listening at all? He feels somewhat foolish talking at the object, but it is better to start somewhere and try this...

[There is the slightest pause.The proper thing to do - had this been decent places or decent times - would be to introduce himself, but he doesn't know who is listening. Instead, Frodo goes on ahead]

Has anyone ever managed to leave this place, go home?

[The entry begins with a quiet sigh, apparently unconscious but no less heartfelt because of it. First a relocation to some post-apocalyptic/cyberpunk/dystopian locale (it's difficult to fit Exsilium into a single box and he feels no inclination to), then told he's to fight a war he has no interest in joining (doesn't he have enough to worry about already?), and then the revelation that yes, yes he should in fact care about this revolution (life is never easy), and honestly, is it any wonder he's beginning to feel tired? Either way, this introduction has long since been forthcoming. He's wasted enough time absorbing the information; now is the time to act upon it.]

Exsilium. Latin, if I'm any judge. Easy enough to guess its meaning.

[A pause, and although it isn't visible, he's shaking his head. Now is not the time to muse.]

Where are my manners? Lelouch Lamperouge, student, although if we're to be working together in the capacity the information I've heard and read suggests, I ought to be more direct: I am a rebel, a leader, a commander—a strategist, if you're looking for a more—

...and also a silly boy.

[Said "silly boy" falters, obviously thrown, then after a second or so of silence—]

C.C, what are you—I told you not to—!

[ There are muffled sounds on the other end of the feed, the jostling of the tablet's camera, a flicking of a switch, and flashes of green hair and violet eyes before it comes to center on a pale, slender woman with an entrancing gaze. ]

What he means to say is that we're looking for assistance.

[ There’s an aggravated sigh from off-camera, practically a huff, and without a care for how it might interrupt the flow of the entry now, Lelouch mutters, ]

I was getting to that. If you could have just waited—

It's not important. Weren't you supposed to bring me a pizza an hour ago? Where is it?

Witch, I told you, I—

[ A loud yelp, and now C.C. is addressing her audience as a whole. ]

Call me C.C. I'm this one's [ a jerk of her head ] partner. You may contact either one of us if you've need of anything.

You're an embarrassment.

Likewise.

((ooc; Joint intro with Lelouch in purple and C.C. in green. Lelouch has also changed his visible name thing (I am the most technical) to "Lelouch Lamperouge" rather than "Lelouch vi Britannia" and will continue to do so until further notice. C.C. has no actual name, but will show up as "C.C." Expect both to be replying, but please do specify to whom your character is replying if you have a specific preference. Do note, however, that either or both may or may not be looking over the other’s shoulder during responses. Because. What is personal space. Yeah. And yes they are rooming together. Thank you!

ETA: Oh, and responses may come as a 1/2 and 2/2 because of the dual nature of this intro with 1/2 probably being Lelouch and 2/2 probably being C.C. Depends on who's faster.))