[Kili is pink cheeked and grinning, practically bursting with excitement as he greets the network.]

Fili, I found a forge!

It needs...um...a lot of help. [He turns the screen to the forge, which has clearly been abandoned for some time, half buried in snow and ice and burnt out rafters, before turning it back to himself.] But I've asked around and no one's claimed it. It's just been sitting here. Can't believe we didn't see it earlier!

And for everyone else -- this is going to be a bit of a project. Any help you could offer would be great. We'll give you a discount on your first purchase with us! [Yes, Kili did just wink. Clearly he's in a good mood.] Trust me, once you have seen dwarvish metalwork, you won't want anything else. Very high quality, and Fi and I have been doing this since we were old enough to work a bellows. The sooner we get this running, the sooner we can start making anything you need -- weapons, tools, jewelry, even.

[The video feed shakes, and it seems like Kili's done some kind of little dance of excitement.] Fi, get over here!

[There's something different about Saul today.

He's seated in front of the camera, as usual, and he's in a suit, also as usual, but —

Oh, maybe it's the fact that Stephanie's leaning against his shoulders as he speaks, which takes away all possibility of him being his usual, businesslike self.

It might be that.]

Hey, everyone. As some of you've noticed, Jesse Pinkman went home a couple of weeks ago. Since there was some concern over the cookie situation last month, we — [With a brief nod upward, toward Steph — ] Figured that we'd harness some of the holiday spirit that's been goin' around and make sure this month's newbies are fed and clothed. Feferi will be taking care of handing out jackets and whatnot on the first, and Steph and I will be manning the cookie table alongside anyone else who decides to join us.

[Without missing a beat, Steph adds:]

Might even see if I can get one of those big urns to put hot cocoa in, to help warm the newbies up, and us, if we're hanging around there for a while. Any chance you can help out with that, Ella?

[She gives the camera a bright smile, which is mostly for Ella's sake. Sorry about abusing your powers.]

What we're not gonna do is make a party of it. I know that kinda sucks, but we just don't have the space, so the plan is that everyone who wants to can bake a couple batches in their own ovens, then bring them to our place sometime on the thirty first. If you don't know the address already and you're planning to help out, I'll give it to you here. [But she's not - just giving it out on the network openly.] If you need ingredients, let me know; I went on a mission and made sure we had plenty of stuff so I can give you flour or sugar or choc chips. Same goes for the recipe. Annnnd if you need help getting cookies to us, speak up, and we'll work something out.

[For a second, it looks like she's about to wrap it up, but then something else occurs to her.]

Speaking of parties, I dunno if anyone's doing anything for New Year's Eve, but if they are, can everyone try to get the cookies to me before like - seven, so I can still go out. Thanks.

[At which point Saul looks up and over at her, feigning a pout.]

Sorry, so we can go out.

[And then he's all smiles.

Before the feed clicks off, he adds another "thanks," and away they go.]

( Then, a private text to Sonya from Steph, sent only moments later: )

[ She's rehearsed this, but she still looks rather unsure of herself, though her smile is bright and entirely sincere. ]

I understand that if we need supplies of any sort, we can go on missions. I'm afraid I don't feel quite comfortable going by myself, but there are things I would like to obtain. If others are going on missions and would not mind another person tagging along, I promise I would be no trouble. Perhaps I could even help you?

If there's anyone who would be willing, please let me know. I'm afraid I do not have a great deal of tradeable skills, but I can cook well and I would be happy to help in whatever way I could. Thank you.

[ phew, okay, done. She survived. ]

[Coming on video, Coby wore thick-lined clothes with a hood along with thinner gloves, which looked more like they were inlaid with rubber. His skin, where visible on his arms, had been a bright blue.]

It's swiftly becoming clear to me... [Coby sat, reviewing notes from a pad he had scribbled things in over the course of his studying. Artisan-work wasn't something he put as much time into as he thought he would when he first arrived in Exsilium, but fortunately his ridiculous amount of diligence had paid off.

Somewhat.]

Maybe more of us should get into service-based trades. There are many technicians around, but that involves ... electronics. I think. Would that make them electricians...?

Ah, nevermind. [Flipping through a few marked pages, Coby stopped and started reading again. There were small, scripted spots with basic blueprints and concrete analogies of existing techniques for setting pipes into walls.]

To be as curt as possible, I believe we should institute areas of work in which a number of us may learn a trade. As it stands, our relationship with the people here is flimsy at best. There should be at least a few among us who can manufacture workable plumbing, for example...

[Grumbling, Coby hunched over his notepad and breathed warmth into his gloved hands.] Since no one in the residential area felt like helping me with plumbing, after all.

I don't think I've ever - actually posted anything to the network before. [ a small, amused smile creeps up on her face and wow, belle, really? you've been here almost half a year by this point. ] For those I haven't had the pleasure of meeting, my name is Belle. [ the smile grows wider; she waves at the camera. ]

Actually, I have a question concerning the - um - the monsters in the woods. The yetis? I ran into one on the original scouting mission, but I'm afraid I never actually made contact. Does anybody have any information about them? Maybe some safety precautions if one actually intended to study them? I know there are similar creatures in different worlds, but I don't know if things like temperament are consistent between them all.

[While Coby is lacking when it comes to fully understanding how private filters work despite their ease of use in most circumstances, his concerns about their necessity rarely ever overlap in that same vein. So, when he decides to orient a message towards a handful of people all at once for the sake of catching their attention, he doesn't realize how an already rude concept can get progressively worse when introduced to everyone else, especially those not particularly involved.

Particularly as he turns on his camera in starting a video post, sticks two fingers in his mouth and releases an inhuman, extremely loud and even more shrill whistle from his lips.]

I have an announcement for my few students among you.

[Was it mentioned that this was done at 2AM?]

In 0300 hours, I'll be commencing a Virtual Reality Session which will entail experiences from a war you may never have heard of in history. As we've experienced the United Earth gaining superhuman abilities well beyond our scope, I believe this time of turmoil may be put into perspective if you experience something very similar.

Ah. For clarification, I had been looking to catch the attention of... Johnny D'Amico, Saul Goodman, Sango and Korra.

[Coby, setting down his communicator on the closest thing he has to a desk--a supply crate--returns to what he had been doing before he turned it on. In one hand he held a thin cloth, cleaning his glasses. He occasionally raised the glasses to his lips and gave a little breath to the surface before returning to cleaning them.]

Can anyone give me information as to which faculties have been recovered? I believe I would like to return to my...

[He paused, staring forward as if he had forgotten what he was going to say.

Or, how he was going to say it as delicately as possible.]

...Exercises. [He felt comfortable with that term, though it was fairly awkward.]

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: )

On Earth - my Earth, anyway, though I'm sure it's true on other ones too - today is celebrated as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in much of Europe and North America. It marks the day World War One ended, and in remembrance of those who've served in the armed forces, particularly those who died on the battlefield in sacrifice of a cause.

I've been a soldier most of my life - at times an unconventional one, but it doesn't make the battles any less real. I've seen a lot of people die fighting.

And here we are, today, conscripts in the middle of another war. So take a moment and remember those you may have lost at home - people close to you, or people you never knew who were fighting for you all the same. And think about why you fight here. Or why you don't fight, if that's the case. Both are choices not to be made lightly.

[Today Sango is looking just a little less out of place, her hair braided and her kimono substituted for a too-big sweater. Of course, the illusion of normalcy is still ruined by the giant boomerang on her back and the demon cat on her shoulder.]

It's easy to get very busy here, isn't it?

Perhaps it's only me, but I feel like I have less and less time to think. There's a lot of bustle here... never any real peace and quiet. Just another thing to miss from home, I guess, though some days I get the feeling that there aren't many people here who come from worlds--or times, maybe--as vastly different from Exsilium as mine is.

[A pause--she's rambling, isn't she.]

I'm Sango, anyway, and this is Kirara. [She touches the two-tailed cat on her shoulder lightly, who meows.] I hope those of you just arrived are settling in as best you can--I can try to answer some questions, if you still have them. For those of you who have upcoming plans with me, I'm going to have to cancel them for the next few days. I'll be with Mr. Summers' group in the wilderness; I'm sorry for the short notice.

((CR & anyone who's sparred with her before can feel free to assume that plans were made, be it lunch, training, etc.))

[Bolin's hair is slicked back and while he can't really afford to put together a new costume for this UBER IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT, he manages to make it work.]

ATTENTION LAAAAAADIEEEEEES AND GENTLLLLLEEEMEEEEEEEEEN! Do you like sports? Do you like beating up people with elemental powers like water, earth, and fire? Do you like watching other people beat up others with elemental powers? Then you should sign up for the first ever PROBENDING COMMMMMMPEEEEEEETITION!!!!

The thrills! The chills! The EXCITEMENT! If you feel like you need some more of this, and a lot less depressing war stuff, then come on down to [insert address here] to get all the details!




[ooc: Tag here if your character wants to come get details -- you are highly encouraged to mingle and interact with people other than Bolin!]

[Somebody's looking grumpy today, and it's not even morning this time.]

Okay so I need some help [Yes, she's admitting it, don't get too excited.] and this is supposed to be the best way to get people listening.

Anybody here good at meditating? You know, all the peace and tranquility and inner focus mumbo jumbo. I kinda need some tips, 'cause the "relax and let your mind be free" thing? Not really working for me.

[Sorry, Tenzin. There's just too many thoughts going on in here.]

There's something else. I'm looking for another air element user to spar with. [Maybe she'll get lucky and everything will just click for her when she's under pressure again.] Any takers?

[ Clang! Clang! ]

Argh, no, Master! Put more of your back into your swings!

[ Said one Saber as she's turning on her tablet and placing it on a table, face turned over her shoulder. The recipient of her yelling is none other than Coby, whose hands are blackened with armaments and a piece of hot steel lying on an anvil. ]

My hands aren't exactly even! I'm not certain it'll come out right!

[Despite how illogical it was for him to be tempering and striking a heated template of a sword with his fists, Coby continued bashing them, especially as Saber commanded more of it. His fists struck the steel, sounding as if they were hammers on the anvil.]

Wouldn't it be more practical for me to use the hammer?

Bah, that is besides the point! This is a test, is it not? Put more of your strength into the steel; if you cannot muster even that much, not even a hammer will change a thing!

[ Says the woman holding an actual hammer and swinging it around threateningly. Then she turns her attention back to the feed with a small smile. ]

Greetings! It has been some time since I graced the network with my presence, but I do so with a matter of importance. Having resided in this world for a lengthy period, I have come to notice that many of the weapons I have seen, especially those given by the Initiative, are severely lacking in taste, strength, and refinement! There is hardly any artistry or beauty in them, and not even imbuing them with a special little charm gives them enough luster to be looked upon as mediocre pieces.

Therefore! [ She places the hand that holds the hammer on her chest. ] I have begun to take it upon myself - and my Master - to design works of exceptional beauty and lethality! You will not go wrong when you choose my wares, and if you need an example--

[ Saber raises her free hand and a crimson longsword materializes with a flash of fire. Pride shines in her eyes at its appearance before letting it stand in the ground as she readdresses the feed. ]

My finest work, the Aestus Estus. Considering the Initiative gives a paltry sum as an allowance, I am willing to negotiate prices. Master, do you wish to have a word in before I close this?

( and the master's word is... )

[Have a rare not-text post from Johnny. He has the tablet's camera sitting on a table, as he relaxes on his bed with his old guitar. He idly strums some cords as he talks.]

What do you guys do for entertainment around here? I'm startin' to think I've been here too long when I'm actually waitin' for the Initiative to send us somewhere just to break up the monotony. Don't get me wrong, going back to the prehistoric beach was pretty friggin' sweet. Didn't know I needed some sunlight that badly. But lately, back here in Dreary Town, things get... I dunno, tiring. Wake up, go train, put buildings back together, practice guitar when I can, go to bed and repeat it all again.

So what are you guys up to? I'm pretty stoked about this radio thing, I gotta say. That'll be cool. But what else is goin' on out there? What do you do in your free time?

I was also wonderin' how many other people have been here as long as me, or longer. Been here a year now this month. Time flies when you're havin' fun. [Maybe just a liiiiitle sarcasm there.]

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!

[The video feed clicks on followed by a clatter and a happy meow; unfortunately the only view is of the Hold’s ceiling, but familiar voices of Sango and Kagura follow.]

Kirara, there you are! How long has it been?

Sango. [Kagura does not sound amused at all, a tone of distaste in her voice. She picks up the tablet, handing it over to Sango. Kagura’s not in normal attire; in fact, her hair is all done up with ornaments and she seems to be wearing a wedding dress, her face covered by a partly ripped up veil. ] It’s yours.

Oh? She must have turned it on accidentally. [Sango takes the tablet and looks into it; sporting a similar updo and dress, with Kirara perched on her shoulder, she gives Exsilium a faint, somewhat weary smile.] Well, hello, then. We just returned from a mission, actually. Are all of them really so frustrating?

Like you can talk. [Kagura gives Sango a glance. She’s been through hell and back, and Sango had it easy.] I want my clothing and my fan. I could kill someone right now. Kicking him in the groin wasn’t enough for me. [She addresses Sango.] Why couldn’t I kill him, again?

Because there are things he still needs to do that will ultimately lead to the defeat of the United Earth, supposedly. [She sounds dubious at best, but turns to the tablet.] Anyway, what did we miss?

((ooc: replies from both Kagura and Sango!))

[ Among the imported fighters this month there is a boy who is familiar to some and unfamiliar to many, with a straw hat dangling precariously from a string around his neck. Like a few before him, he appears to be upside down, though judging by the Super Saiyan 'do he's rocking, it isn't because he's technology inept, but rather because he's totally hanging upside down.

Those around the Initiative building will see him looking like he's about to go hurtling head-first towards the ground from the rooftop, and those who aren't are treated to a video post that is being filmed way, way too close to this guy's face. ]

Hey, about this fighting thing--sorry, I don't wanna fight for you guys! I'm a pirate, not a hero. Heroes are the guys who share all their meat, and I don't wanna be that guy! I wanna keep all the meat for myself!

I mean, I don't really get it, and the in-eat-iative lady said a lotta stuff I didn't understand? I'm strong, so I'll help out if I want to help out, but don't expect to be getting any of my meat from me.

[ He nods sage-like, like he's just expelled some great knowledge upon the awaiting masses.

Then he grins, holds a piece of paper so it's rightside up to the network, depicting... uh, people? Yeah, those are probably people. ]

( Read more... )

I'm looking for these guys! It doesn't really matter if I find them because they're all strong enough to take care of themselves, but I'm getting hungry and I need some food before I starve to death! It's been almost an hour and I can feel my energy levels dropping already.

[For the last week, Johnny has been included in some intense training with Coby. His roommates may have noticed that he's been practically crawling back to the apartment and collapsing into bed in exhaustion. Which is saying something, coming from the guy whose genes give him what seemed like endless stamina.

Today, though, both roommates and anyone around the first floor of the apartment building might notice a very loud noise or something breaking. Specifically, it's the sound of a door getting quiickly ripped off its hinges, taking parts of the doorframe with it. Johnny just stands there, blinking, with nothing but the knob in his hand as it falls in front of him in splinters.

Seems like this training is working a lot better and a lot faster than he imagined. Sweet. If any of his roommates or neighbors come by, he gives them a tired smirk and shrugs.]

Honey, I'm home.

---

[Later he sends out a text totally unrelated to this little incident.]

So I was wondering

has anyone from our side ever try to sneak into the UE territory? you know, try to get information right from the source. see what they're up to, what they think of us. just curious.

Also i was wondering if people might be interested in helping with something. if the UE keeps bombing us or whatever they may do, we need a place to retreat to/live in/to protect people who can't fight. the catacombs are good but we need to make sure they can keep withstanding this sort of thing, plus I think we should keep a fair amount of supplies and stuff down there, etc. Thing is, i don't know a damn thing about repairs or checking to see if it's safe. i'm just a dumbass who punches shit for this army. but I think it's something we should look into, and i'd be willing to do whatever work horse stuff you needed out of me to get it done.

[Coby was facing away from the communicator. His eyes were tightly shut and reddened at the lids and just underneath them. Despite this, he was looking very much pleased with himself.]

For those who need assistance in their efforts to rebuild their losses, I'm absolutely available. As I don't get out terribly much and to those of you who may be fairly new to this island may call me Coby. I'm a captain of the marines.

If you'd like hand-to-hand training, I'm absolutely available!

[Raising one hand promptly, Coby saluted the empty space that definitely didn't house the camera of his comm.]

Have a pleasant afternoon!

[oh, it's a Toph. For once her hair is brushed out of her face, but her eyes look puffy and her nose is red]

Has anyone...

[...

.....

........

...........

SNEEZE!!!!

......snoooorts snot back up her nose.]

...'scuse me.

Has anyone seen a tiny little guy around? Like, the size of your thumb? Real sassy attitude, likes to poke people with tiny little swords? He's my roommate and I haven't seen him in a while.

[sniffles.]

...I hope a cat didn't get him.

[Sitting at a desk, pen in hand and twirling it in a seemingly unconscious gesture.]

This may seem an odd question to many of you, I won't deny that, but to those of you that have been to the Outlands, what types of animals are out there? Any details you could give me would be appreciated. Appearances, temperament, diets, anything you may have observed.

[It's a completely innocent query. Hush Bella.]

Otherwise, I believe I've neglected introducing myself to many of you. I'm Doctor Carlisle Cullen.

[The video shows someone that may be familiar to a few, but who hasn't been seen for a while.

Also for some reason, she looks as though she is dressed like some sort of super hero or something.]

So.... I'm back here, apparently? Yay, I guess.

Anyone want to explain the spaceship? This is why you shouldn't drink and drive.

[Saul's not a fan of using video on this thing. Anyone could be watching, and he's sure that's the case — which means he's about to show a hand of cards he never really wanted to — but he also knows he needs to come across as sincere and non-threatening as possible if he wants this request to be taken seriously. Text wouldn't work, voice... might, but also might not.

He still has his doubts, though. What he's about to do is ridiculous, even by his own standards. He'd laugh at anyone else making a suggestion like this, and he's half-tempted to laugh at himself, too, but when the feed clicks on and his image appears, he's all business. Literally: in a suit, at a desk, weapon laid out (for those who'd notice, the weapon is disengaged, the safety on; he's learning!), hands folded.]

This — [indicating the weapon, then lacing his fingers back together] — is a shotgun that's been modified to use non-lethal electrified bullets. The charge measures about 500 volts, and —

[There go his hands again, moving to retrieve one of the cartridges. He lifts it to the lens, waits for it to focus, then continues speaking.]

From what I understand, that should be enough to temporarily incapacitate a normal human being. But the problem is, I'm not sure. I've been using blanks on the dummies over in the Hold, so I have no idea what effect one of these things would actually have on a living, breathing person. So...

[He trails off, lowers the cartridge, and shifts uncomfortably in his chair.]

I realize how unorthodox and just plain sketchy a request like this is going to sound, but... who's willing to let me shoot them, and who's willing to be the medic present if-slash-when this happens? I'm looking for someone over eighteen, healthy, preferably human. I can compensate you with fifty doll—uh. Marques. Or we can negotiate, if necessary.

Serious inquiries only. Thanks.

[At some point in the day, Coby found himself alone in his apartment. He decided, with a bucket in hand, that he would try to test his weapon out again. If he vomited, he'd be resolute to continue training properly with it. His 'replenishable energy drink' would give him stamina in moments of weakness. In good health, it gave him an overabundance of power. Having only used the drink to replenish his vitality over the last few weeks, Coby hadn't noted how the drink itself had affected him differently. He had been used to the drink making him exceptionally nauseous, initially and had been expecting it.

Rather, when he drank it in good health that afternoon, something entirely different happened than an onset of nausea. Filled with so much energy he couldn't handle it, Coby smashed open his apartment wall and barreled into the city in a desperate attempt to get his suddenly and immensely painful heart-rate down. Combining super speed, strength and increasing it with magical Red-Bull had been a bad idea. Essentially, he became a white and pink bullet which tore through the city at high speeds until leaving its limits, ripping a new valley in the desolate country-side fifty miles away. Coby would wake up a half hour later, clutching a bucket in his hands. Turning on his tablet, Coby held the bucket in his free hand, shaking visibly. His eyes were bloodshot and the valley which he created in the middle of his sprint had sprung up with an underground water source, a cone of water reaching into the air while it began to fill. Shaking, Coby looked around nervously and fixed his eyes on the tablet's camera.]

C-C-Coby reporting! H-Had something happened t-to the city!?

I'm certain I-I haven't been here, b-before!

[oh, hello, exsilium-- have a redhead waving at the screen in greeting.]

The weather here's a little discouraging, isn't it? I know I personally would much rather stay under the covers and sip hot chocolate on cold rainy days than force myself to go out, but...

That's also not productive and gets really boring, you know? [she smiles then, slowly growing more confident in her words the more she talks.]

Which is why I thought to myself, Ringo, is there something that would still be fun and easy to do even with this weather?

Why, reading to the relaxing sound of the rain, of course! Reading is essentially a solitary activity, but I do think it could be fun with more people, especially if we're taking turns with picking what to read and we could get together and talk about it over some snacks and a light atmosphere.

[she pauses to let that all sink in and make sure she'd gotten the basic idea out there.] Uhm, so just let me know if you're interested, I guess! Or come by the library, I'll probably be here a while.

( open action / library )

( backdated to around april 2nd )

... There we are. I do believe it's-- ah, it is working.

[ The feed snaps to a young woman bedecked in fine blue armor and clothes, holding the tablet at arm's length. Someone's finally gotten to learn how to use the tablet better, it seems. She clears her throat, and stands a little straighter before resting her free hand on the hilt of a sword. ]

Forgive the impromptu greeting, but it is a matter I must address: if anyone has heard word of a man called Chrom, or his Shepherds appearing in this wave of, ah, "newcomers," please inform me with all haste. I would not be able to offer much in gratitude at this point in time, but rest assured I will repay that debt.

[ Pause. It looks like she's gonna end it there, but feels that just might not be enough. And then: ]

Right, my name is Lucina. I am also offering, if anyone is willing or interested, a training session come this Thursday. I believe it would do some of us good to relieve some tension.

[ Have a nod before she stiffly yet abruptly cuts the feed. Hope she did this right? ]

( Private Video to Ellie//Moderate Encryption )

[As for the rest, will get a video of a young woman in what appears to be her room....a room that has a fair amount of books in it now]

Hello. My name is Dagger and I was wondering if anyone could give me any recommendations of books or plays to read. Even with my duties of training and the cafe, I keep finding myself with a lot of time on my hands. So I'd really like to know new stories to read.

My favorite genre is plays and dramas, such as Lord Avon's work- or William Shakespeare, who seems to be an Earth playwright with a similar style. Though I'd be open to other genres as well.

Thanks!

Good afternoon, fellow Transports! [Coby stood in front of his tablet and saluted, the back of his hand facing his forehead rather than saluting in a flat, horizontal fashion. This was the kind of salute that his navy practiced. For once, he was wearing his full attire--his long sleeved collared shirt, his medals and his mantle. Clearly, Coby felt a need to dress at the nines on a Friday afternoon. His stern expression maintained itself with practiced ease.]

As some of you may be aware, my name is Coby and I'm a Marine from a world you may not have heard of. I'm at the rank of 'Captain', which usually exempts me from a number of periodic physical, psychological and mental tests, though as an officer capable of running one or more vessels, I'm still very much responsible for practicing good behavior! [Coby kept his back straight, arms behind himself and his legs perfectly spaced apart to look one hundred percent the part of an officer.]

I have missed a formal evaluation and as a result, I find it imperative to conduct it in the form of a survey to those who have encountered me and interacted with me on a social and work-related basis. Now, for the survey! Ahead of time, I must thank my employer for helping me program this into my post.

Attached to this video post is a document which you may fill out and send back to me. At the bottom, there will be an interactive field in which you can sign your name with your finger if you so desire; however, you're absolutely free to take this survey anonymously. The survey itself will consist of a few basic questions which will be answering numerically from 1 to 10, ten being your highest approval and one being your lowest! Thank you ahead of time for your cooperation!

( Cut for TEXT! )

In Spira, people play a game called Blitzball. Every year there's a big tournament in Luca, and people come from all over to watch it and root for their favorite team. It was one of the few really good things we had in Spira. A time for everyone to get together and have fun, and forget about their sorrows for a little while.

I wondered if there's anything like that here? Maybe not a sport, but some kind of regular event where everyone gathers to celebrate and have fun?

[Nothing like a rude awakening at 2:30 in the morning, right? Well, you're in for a treat fellow refugees. It seems like one just flew over the cuckoos nest. Not that you can tell initially. At first this just looks like some inconsiderate kid with rings under his eyes and messy hair, breathing down the camera lens a little too up close and personal.]

Yo. If we haven't met yet, hello. I'm Yosuke. But...but if you're new, you should count to three and then stop listening. Okay? One, two...three. Alright, go away. It's for your own good.

[For emphasis, he clicks the lamp beside him off, and the video goes dark. Nothing to see here, apparently.]

Listen. Guys. I'm curious what people do here for fun. Because uh-look. I've tried sleeping, and training, and then I tried going outside. And talking to the people in the market, and you know. Looking for animals. And I found some, but they were really creepy and mutated. You know? So it's impossible to forget this place is so...

[The light comes back on with a soft click. The phone-roll-up is on the bed table now. Yosuke smiles down at it tightly, and shrugs. Then something thumps in the other room and he jumps at least a foot, gesturing wildly and knocking the device off the table. Someone get the kid some decaf.

He hangs over the side of the bed and gazes at the mobile, his image now fractured like a kaleidoscope, and gives a rather put-upon sigh for a guy who was just trying so hard to be personable.]

Damn it. I'm cracked...

Hey, um... [ There's Yukiteru again. In the very corner of the screen, someone might notice that he found four white ribbons that are situated neatly on his bedside table. He looks like he's adjusting slightly better, but he still sounds distinctly sad. ]

How do you guys deal with something you became really dependent on, but might not have been able to bring with you?

[ He's trying to be vague on purpose. In the off-chance he gets his Future Diary back... well, with his new powers, it's one of the few things that can still kill him relatively easily if someone knows that breaking it is his major weakness. ]

[ The feed snaps on, and it's Saber, lying on her side with her cheek pressed against her knuckles. It's the more blue yes, they're color coded, calmer version also flatter chested, and probably the "older" one in staying in Exsilium. She has an almost uncharacteristic smirk on her face, but she's gonna go ahead and address the tablet with: ]

Tell me of the various tales of your lands, foreigners of Exsilium.

And not just any stories - I wish to know of your heroes, of your mythologies, of your monsters and men. Perhaps walking among you are heroes and villains themselves. I would think we've all calmed down from the Initiative's most recent fallacy: surely those afflicted have learned some things of their bodies to pique certain curiosities?

I am particularly interested in myths surrounding a figure known as King Arthur and his Excalibur. [ This is where her smirk just grows a bit too much for one whose expression is mostly guarded and impassive. ]

Different realms account for different flavors, but perhaps we will discover the threads here.

[When the video clicks on, it's nicely arranged so that Seles is visible sitting in a chair in her room and her hat doesn't take up too much of the screen. Her hands are folded formally in her lap off screen and she gets right to the point.]

I'm interested in training... So for those of you who happen to be experienced in using swords, I'd like to request that you share your routines with me. I could make my own, of course, but I've heard it's more educational to encompass knowledge from a large variety of people.

And could Cloud respond to me as soon as possible? It's... regarding the same thing!

...Thank you. [Click!]

( PRIVATE to DICK GRAYSON )

( PRIVATE to ZEVRAN ARAINAI )

I don't suppose anyone remembers, but back in December I came across an old synagogue here. I've spoken to the citizens here who use it for shelter every now and then and they also thought it would be a good idea to help clean and fix it up. I'm no contractor and I can't offer anything in return unfortunately... I've only noticed a lot of people asking if there's something to do around here.

If you're interested, I figured helping out the people here would be one small step forward. Someone's got to eventually help with some of these buildings, hm? I also imagine there's got to be a few people who know a thing or two about repairing interiors. I noticed there was talk of building a greenhouse a few days ago.

[ A lengthy pause. ]

And a question since most on the network apparently enjoy them: do you think there's such thing as too much information? [ It's been on her mind for a couple of weeks now. ]

[A smiling young man stands just outside of the training grounds, setting his tablet up on a crate so he can film himself. Fixing his mantle and his scarf, Coby proceeds to adjust himself accordingly as to look absolutely formal. In terms of addressing the public, he's been educated on how to conduct himself and it seems like his goal to look upstanding and reliable. Straightening his back and then saluting, Coby addressed the tablet with his air of duty.]

Good evening! My name is Coby. I'm a Captain of the Marines and much like the rest of you, I've been brought here to serve and help return the world to order. If at any point you need assistance in your efforts to strengthen yourself or you need a helping hand in battle, think nothing of asking for my aid.

[Down went his hand at his side--Coby bending slightly to bow before the camera. He word a smile, attempting to look as amicable as possible.]

Please rely on me! As a member of the Navy, the safety of the World's citizens is my priority!

[He reached over to turn off the tablet just before the feed cut off.]