[ dean isn't looking particularly friendly today. no smirky smiles laced with suggestive amusement rest on his face. in fact, he looks beyond tired; sleepless nights are written all over his features, the hard planes of his face even harder than normal.

when shit hits the fan not once, but twice, you don't look your best. ]

Stay away from Castiel. You know, nerdy guy in a trench coat, blue tie… angel of the Lord. He's not himself, and he's dangerous.

If you see him, contact me immediately, okay? Name's Dean Winchester, for those who don't know. Lem'me be clear; don't approach him, just-- don't.

[ he pauses then, green eyes falling from the screen as he gathers his thoughts. ]

And for those who knew him, Sam Winchester is gone.

[ click. ]

[it's evening, babydoll's settled on her cot. her katana and gun are next to her, waiting to be cleaned -- something she hasn't done recently -- while she's still in the clothes she came into exsilium with. she didn't want to sleep yet, and exploring the city day and night interested her. the device is held out in front of her and she offers a smile.]

I know things are bad right now, with this virus going around. If anyone needs it, I can help. I haven't come down with anything yet.

[she pauses, glancing down as if she wants to say something else. she holds back and moves on instead,]

After the virus has been rid of, I'd like a training partner. [she doesn't want to take any valued time away from the people who needed help.] I'd also be open to helping others train or people who needed help learning how to fight.

[it's going to help her bide her time as she thinks of an escape plan, or, even better, returns home after the next mission. that's what she hopes, anyway.]

[with that, the feed cuts.]

 [You know what, Exsilium? Trying to figure out his own shit is giving Sam a headache. So he's going to try to figure out yours.]

Got a couple things on the agenda today so bear with me. Who knows, this just may end up saving your life down the line. So first thing first - if you see a ghost? RUN. Safest place to be, if ghosts here act like they should, is inside a salt circle, or in a room whose entrances are all guarded by undisturbed salt lines. Fill you in on it when it's tested, but it's better than nothing for now. If you can't run? Grab anything iron to defend yourself. Ghosts are weak to it. 

Item number two - raise your arm if you have no idea how the judicial system works here. If you do, explain it to the best of your understanding. The point of this is to eventually make a comprehensive accessible document. Laws and rights are kinda basic knowledge in a civilized society. 

Item number three - looking for someone? Want people from home to know you're here the moment they arrive, wanna let people know someone disappeared? Give me names, and I'll make an organized list we can pass around. There're a lot of posts on this network and it's way too easy to miss things. If you're looking for volunteers for anything, I can make a list for that too. 

Item number four - been on missions, willing to talk about your experiences on them, or just in Exsilium in general? I wanna hear all about it. Anonymously is just fine too. 

[Oh right]

Name's Sam Winchester, and if you're new, welcome aboard. Feel free to ask every question, if I can give you an answer I will. 

( Audio picks up the sound of industrial construction, either things familiar in woodshop, car garages, or anywhere of a similar sort. When the feed goes live, Collette is framed to one side, looking forward and away from the camera.  She's clearly resting on her arms, and given the angle of the ground on the screen, she's probably lying on her stomach in order to do this.  She glances over her shoulder, eyes going to something behind the tablet being used for recording, then smiles as her eyes drop down to the tablet itself.  For all intents and purposes, the camera is positioned to make the viewing audience seem like they're side by side with Collette, wherever it is she is, keeping a low profile in this industrialized looking area.  Concrete floor that she's resting on, packing boxes ahead of her, bundles of cables and chains glimpsed somewhere past her head. )

Guys!  ( She keeps her voice low, not a whisper (they carry further, and can't be heard about the ambient noise), but low to avoid excessive attention. )  Anyone else catch where they dragged the ship off to with that giant crane after the crash? I wondered about that. But I've got news!

( She makes a waving motion at the camera, and it shifts, jarringly, to leave Collette off screen and show something covered in plastic and wiring and cables, a few Initiative workers using welding guns, others wheeling parts away or calling out shouts of questions over the sounds of construction. )

They say the spaceship's salvageable!

[ There is a young boy, just barely past his twelfth birthday. He seems to have a monster of a red rolling luggage behind him that's nearly as tall as he is. He also has a young dog with him, some kind of a blond Labrador mutt. In one hand, there is a small clear cage, with a hamster in it. He seems vaguely thoughtful, but it is hard to tell. Jesse has always had muted expressions, even when he is with people he is the most close with. A small, warm smile shows his happiness and a cold frown reveals his terrible fury, and his face now is his typical neutral expression.

He looks up to his upper right, clearly mulling things over before he speaks. Normally he doesn't think so much on talking to people - it's not like he's shy or anything - but he feels like a little hands-off approach should be warranted.

And if you think boy's tablet is hovering, you are totally right. It is hovering. Kid's got his hands full, okay? ]

I just got off a Canadian island that had monsters at night. I just got on a boat and now I'm told that I'm in Exsilium or whatever and I have to fight a war?

[ Another pause, this time heavily weighted. ]

I'm not sure if I'm up to that.

So what we do here, exactly?

Gwen. [ What are privacy settings? She does not care for them. ] The dress will need some taking in, about the length of a pinky.

[ Yes, she tried it on. Do not act so surprised by this, she has only one dress in this place and there will come a time when she will need a second. But she sure isn't going to sound thankful for all the work and effort that her former maid is putting into this- because she isn't. It is simply a means to an end, or something akin to that. ]

It is in front of my lodgings for you to reclaim.

[ That may as well be the end of the post, but it isn't. There is naught but silence (and some nondescript background noises) for a time until she speaks again: ]

It is a fine collection they have assembled here. Fools and jousters and men too full of themselves to see the ground beneath their feet. [ Wonder who she's talking about here? Haha. ]

And they expect these same men to save them from their tyrannical oppressors. [ Beat. ] I would laugh were it not so sad.

[ in a rare turn of events, you get one dean winchester on the network today. for those who know him, he's looking more thoughtful than usual-- though there's still something close to a smirk on his face. ]

If there's one thing the Initiative's pretty good at, it's gettin' a bunch of people here. I mean, our numbers have quadrupled or something since I got here, and sure there've been some ups and downs in our dandy population, but it's still peaking. [ he has a point with this, bear with him… ]

So that makes me wonder, how many of you weren't yanked straight from your beds back home? Meanin', you were in an entirely different world before Exsilium decided it was its turn? I know there were some of you 'round before, but what about from the new bunch? Or anyone who's left.

Also, if you've ever taken an otherworld-ly tour and gone home after, that counts as well.

So let's hear it! All you aliens and mutants or whatever gotta have a few things to tell, right?

[ because in the movies it's you guys who get to do that kinda stuff. or something. but have a smile if that'll hopefully help you with the whole show and tell thing. ]


( filtered to sam and cas  )

First things first - Initiative? Really? Come on, couldn'tcha be at least a little original? I mean I'm having a serious case of been there, done that. And for the record? Not really looking forward to doing it again. I've had the tour, I've seen the shinies - and I'll say again. Not interested. Opposite of interested. Me and freaky government strongholds go way back. We had a very hot and heavy relationship, but we're seeing other people now, and both of us are better for it. So, second thing? If you could just, you know - help a girl out and point me toward the nearest exit? That'd be real peachy. Failing that? I'm not your strong-arm. You can't control me. Don't even try.

[ It sounds like she's done, but then there's rustling, and she comes back. ]

Oh, neat um -- neat weapon thingy. By the way. Looks like it might be stolen tech from someone very unsavory. But you almost had me drooling. I'm watching you.

[Hey Exsilium. Guess who was late to the time-swap party? This girl. Claire has long, dark brown hair, is extremely serious looking, and looks like she probably hasn't smiled in at least two years. She doesn't look a day older than the Claire that is normally here, but her eyes look worn, like she's seen way too much and can't be bothered to care anymore.

She's on a mission, so, just, yeah. Sorry.]

Peter Petrelli. [The sound of a gun clicking, loading can be heard off camera.] Anyone who can lead me to him, I'll make sure you're compensated.

[You out there Peter? Seeing this? She knows you are, somewhere. You can't hide forever.]

[Winchesters show no fear. Winchesters have no fear. Nope he is not afraid at all, even though this is basically the nightmare his father jammed into his head for years now. Waking up alone, in a city he half knows as if from a dream, populated by freaks. The face that stares through the tablet is that of a very fiercely determined little boy making his best effort at being intimidating.]

I don't know what you're playing at, whoever you are, but this is the worst mistake you've ever made. If you've taken me you know who my dad and brother are – and they'll come for me. You better believe they'll make you regret this – so just do yourselves a favor and take me back. It's your only way out.

[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. 

[She's not overly fond of this thing, but it's got it's uses, and Ygritte is growing all the more bored here. Though there's still places to explore, things to do. She wants to know more about this place though. She's still undecided on the plight. On one hand, a rebel cause is one that burns within her. On the other, no one tells her what to do.]

I can't stay in this place f'much longer like this. I need somethin' to do, t'work with my hands. None o' this Initiative stuff though. I choose m'own sides and who I'm goin' t'follow.

I don't know m'own letters though. Not somethin' you learn above the Wall. But I've skinned any animal, built shelter, fought before-- [She huffs. Without Jon, without her people, she grows bored. And really it's safer for Arthur everyone if she can busy herself.]

Just need somethin' t'do.

[ to say Gwen is fully adjusted to the city would be going too far but she seems to get the hang of some of it. There is a broom leaning against the wall behind her and she is busy with sewing, yes sewing her cape. An old thing but good and warm despite the small tear at the bottom of it. Nothing that can't be fixed, clearly; maybe she's just busying herself.

Speaking of which. ]

I wanted to thank those who had greeted me when I came here. You have shown me great kindness and despite this -- situation being odd, I truly felt very welcome.

[ erm. ]

I know there is training to be done but I wish to ask if I may find more work in this city.

[ from the pocket of her dress she takes out the small bag of money she had gotten when she got into the city. It's quite a lot, for her, if to judge by the way it's still rather full. She spends very little. ]

I know we have these but I need something else to do during my days. I have been a maidservant since I was very young and I would be glad to be of service here. I am learning the -

[ a frown, how do you say it. ]

Technology by the day but I can already cook, wash clothes and do whatever it is that needs done.

[ There's a small shadow of sadness on her features. It's weird, having to ask to be someones maid when her lady is very present in this city. A moment later she tries for a smile. ]

My father was a blacksmith and I often helped him. I can help any other blacksmith in this city if there are those who search for an assistant. I can mend armor, too, I have been taught that as well.

[ here, let her put down her cape, rise up and curtsy. ]

Thank you.

[Again, Lucifer is in the borderlands somewhere, holed up in some ruins. This time, however, the walls behind him are scrawled with charred sigils and there's the residual feeling of magic in the air. Someone - likely the devil himself, but could be anyone! - has recently cast a spell here. If this is a concern to Lucifer, he doesn't make it known. Instead, the camera hovers in front of him as he looks thoughtful.]

This inquiry is directed to individuals with more than five senses. If you can't sense magic, then you can go do something else if you want.

To those who know when the fabric of the universe is being messed with, please continue.

[He clears his throat and wipes ash off his hands.]

At the masquerade, someone was messing around with time. If, my friendly time-messer, you are listening to this, you should let me know. I don't think you will, but just to put that out there.

If you have any other ideas on who is messing with time, I'd love to hear them. And everyone, I imagine. As we're all hostages together, it's important for us to have a greater understanding of what we can do, so we can get things done together.

That's all.



[PRIVATE TO CROWLEY.]

I think you've had a reasonable enough headstart.


[PRIVATE TO PRESTOR.]

Still waiting on those virgins. Don't make me forcibly remove them from you.

[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.

Well isn't this just nice and cosy? Not exactly where I want to be but isn't it always so delightful when someone intervenes with your life without any permission and dumps you in the middle of war to play bloody tin soldiers?

[There's a slight huff of frustration.] Look, I'm not really up for the whole fighting side of things, I much prefer watching from the sidelines. Blood is always so hard to get out and it's rare to find a descent dry cleaner in a warzone. I'm afraid you've definitely got the wrong bloke here. Forgive me if I don't plan to stick around.

So, if anyone out there can kindly point me to the nearest exit, I will be most grateful. If not, I'll settle for the nearest place to get a descent drink.

[The video feed flips on, focusing (after a few seconds of jostling around) on Galadriel, sitting on the steps of the Initiative Hold, her sheathed sword beside her. Having just finished training, she’s attired appropriately, wearing a simple dress and with her hair braided and wound about her head- displaying those pointed ears quite prominently for those who might have missed them before.]

I grow weary of the constant grey here. It is overlong since I have heard a running stream or seen the sunlight filtered through the forest canopy.

Tell me, those of you who have journeyed outside this city: does greenery yet remain in this world? It would do my heart well even to hear of it.

Guys. Guys! This is the most amazing thing I've seen yet...

( Collette holds up some sort of smartish or at least MUCH BETTER THAN THE 90'S cellular phone in blue. She grins, looking at someone offscreen, then actively begins demonstrating for the tablet. Talk about weird angles and table and propped up provided steadycam. )

This? Is a cell phone. It takes pictures! It plays games. It even plays music. Sure the reception in the future is totally bad but that doesn't diminish how amazing this technology is! Look at it! This is the phone your phone could aspire to be!

( Then, from off-screen: )

... Please give my cellphone back. ( That? That is a very heavy Japanese accent because REALLY NOW. NAOTO WANTS HER PHONE PLZ. )

Hello, network. I am Leliana, for all the new people here and those that do not remember.

One of my favorite preoccupations is storytelling. That is, listening to stories and telling them. I've been wondering...

A lot of us come from different places, yes? Different places mean different cultures, and to get to my point, different stories. I don't know if there is a collection of some sort, or if this has been asked before, but I want to listen to fables, myths or legends of all sorts from your homelands, if you will indulge me. That way, I can spread these marvelous stories in my travels if/when I get back to Thedas.

If you're more of the listening sort, I will be more than happy to relay stories from where I came from.

[Looking annoyed and more than a little irritated, Claire’s pacing in her room with her communicator, the video focused on her face from a lower angle.] Usually when you’re drafted to fight a war, it’s at least in the right century.

Look. I need to get back home. I know that everyone's probably saying the same thing. But the entire world was about to change, and I'm needed there. You can't just take people against their will like this. I don't care about your war, I need to be fighting my own.

[A sigh. She lifts the camera for a clearer view of her face.] In the meantime, I guess I should say.. My name is Claire Bennet. And I guess while I'm here I could use a little training.


[Action, Open!]

( Insert clever line or cool lyrics here. )

[This gentleman has already wandered out past the city's walls - he's sitting in some ruins, only marginally protected from the raindrops that drop between the camera on his face. He's a mid-30's average-looking guy - blonde, a little skinny, a day's stubble - but there's a tiny smirk on his lips and obvious amusement in his eyes. He doesn't seem to be bothered by the cold or the rain or the fact that he's in a monument to human destruction. A bastard sword with a white, ornate hilt and set with a diamond is sheathed at his waist.

He looks past the camera, considering his environment, before actually looking into it. Any one who can sense mojo through a camera will realize immediately that this guy is not to be messed with.]

So, they actually ran out of people to fight their war that they had to enlist us. Our varied, ragtag group of folks, newcomers. Feed us with food and arm us. I can't imagine they actually thought this all the way through, did they? I mean, they wouldn't really be capable of stopping an insurrection if we really wanted.

Well, no plans for that. Not yet, at least. For now, I'm ready to just enjoy the weather. Nice day out here. Nice place they got, too.

[ After a long search, Takegami has found something he just wants to share with everyone. But instead of showing it to people, he is just going to play it. So enjoy a little piano music over the new netbooks.

Then he will sigh and the video is turned on. The room is disused and dusty, water stains on the walls and various plant life creeping inside. Maybe at one time the room had been full of artwork and elegant furnishings but now it was all crumbling, though a few pieces looked intact. ]

Ah, there. It's back in tune. Do you know how hard it is to tune such an instrument without the right tools? [ The camera swivels around so he can look at all you lovely people and smile. ]

The only question is how to it back to the City in one piece. I don't suppose any of you can help me, can you?

So, what with how, uh, dreary it's been around here -- assuming that it's actually any drearier than usual, I guess -- I thought we could maybe use some lightening up. And what with Halloween approaching, I think a celebration of quality cinema is in order. [ He says "Halloween" as though it is actually slightly painful to refer to the date by that name. ] I took the liberty of delving into the Initiative's archives for these classics, and they're all on a shelf in the front of the library now, if anyone is interested.

[ He turns the camera to display the shelf in question. It is full of VHS tapes, bearing such titles as Dawn of the Dead (1978), Dracula 2000, Howling V, Sometimes They Come Back... Again, and Tales from the Crypt Presents: Bordello of Blood. None of the films were released later than the year 2000, they all seem to feature supernatural creatures prominently, and most of them are, frankly, pretty awful. ]

I'm not... exactly familiar with all of them. [ He holds up a copy of 1992's Buffy the Vampire Slayer starring Kristy Swanson. ] I mean, this looks a lot like Muffy the Werewolf Slayer? I'm not uh... sure if it's the same thing?

Anyway. You're welcome, Exsilium.

[ charles is visibly distressed when he appears on the screen, this time. he's in what seems to be some underground facility, and there are other faces behind him—notably collette, emma, galadriel, raven, and others. his eyes remain closed for a second and you can hear him take a deep breath. then: ]

We have... borrowed a gentleman by the name of Richard Lawson...—from the United Earth. He is a cabinet member of the President's. Yes, the President of the United Earth. [ charles clears his throat, steels himself. ]

We've learnt a great many things about the United Earth from his head, and we feel it best to share that information with all of you, here on the Network.

[ charles states the next words with a heavy voice. ]

The President of the United Earth is not human. "He" is—artificial. Artificial Intelligence, or what you would call an A.I.. The United Earth... has never seen his face, as far as we have deduced.

We will try to answer questions about what we have learnt to the very best of our ability, but do be patient. Ah—[ he closes his eyes again, considering. then he nods as though he's made the right decision and he knows it. ]

That is all.

( note: wow i knew i forgot something like a winner. THIS TAKES PLACE DURING/AFTER these linked shenanigans: [ x ] [ x ] [ x ] [ x ] )

[Meg is somewhere in the underground. Hard to tell since it all pretty much looks the same. She's sitting against a wall and looks bored. A knife is held and she's using the point to very carefully scrape some grit from underneath her fingernails.

Well, this is tons of fun. I can't even tell you how much fun I'm having.

[Nothing but sarcasm, as usual.]

Least the ground stopped shaking, but how long do we have to sit around down here?

I don't suppose anyone brought some boardgames with them? Candyland? Chutes and Ladders? Monopoly? Twister, anyone?

[ Scott's made the effort to prop the netbook up on his desk, so when the video flicks on, it has that staged look - he's sitting in his desk chair a few feet back, elbows on his knees and head slightly lowered. But his eyes are locked on the screen, and the general vibe is definitely "not happy". ]

I'm looking for Derek Hale - let me know if you've seen or heard from him. [ There's a beat, then he remembers to have some manners. ] Thanks in advance.

Derek, if you're out there, quit being a jerk and respond.

( Private - Dean Winchester )

So, I've just gotta ask. How many people's parents here went to Woodstock? Because I've been hearing some pretty groovy names being tossed about.

[A pause, and Sam's voice sounds a little more amused as he continues.]

Or what about people named after their grandmothers? I know at least one.

[Totally not talking about you, Deanna-er, Dean.]

Anyway, for those of you who are new, welcome aboard. I guess.

[There is a moment- several, in fact, where Dexter contemplates his life; in this new place with this ... war, he can be someone different. He can chose to, if he wanted, be free from hiding who he is, embrace his specific skills. He could be useful in a completely different way. The moment passes. The truth, however, is that last six years of his life had been defining for Dexter. He is what he is by accident, but who he is? That's hard-earned and a bit more complicated.

Dexter decides to forgo video and vocal communication for a while; no one needs to see him yet, anyway. ]

Afternoon, fellow ex-pats. My name is Dexter Morgan and I am (was?) a blood spatter analyst for Miami Metro Police Department. I don't have many useful skills other than basic lab-geekery - I don't suppose that there's much call for a spatter analyst here?

[He should only be so lucky.]

[It isn't his laptop, but he manages to figure out the basics in short order. So have a patented pair of Sam Winchester's puppy dog eyes staring at the screen.]

Uh - hey. I'm not sure if anyone else out there can really hear me. To tell you the truth, I'm still not convinced that any of this is real.

[Sure, he's seen more than his share of strange things. But his dreams have been equally bizarre. He's sort of hoping for the latter.]

I'm looking for someone. His name is Dean.

[Or maybe he's under an alias. But he really doesn't feel like covering the list that ranges from "Dr. James Hetfield" to "Sigfried Houdini"]

He's got brown hair, brown leather jacket, hazel eyes - I think. Anyway, if anyone can hear me, and they see him, tell him...tell him that his brother is looking for him.

And that I'm sorry.

[The video feed turns on and the picture if filled with the face of a woman with alabaster white skin and dark brows and eyes. One eye quirks upward and her lips tug into an annoyed frown.]

Crowley, what is this, some kind of joke? Threaten me, capture me, and then throw me in the middle of some futuristic looking game with a netbook and a weapon? If Schwarzenegger shows up, I swear I'm going to take this knife and gut him.

And this little home make-over you did of hell while I was gone is not at all what I expected. I thought you had class.

[Meg waits for that smarmy demon’s response but hears none, which just puzzles her more. Now she’s getting a bit nervous. Was this his intention? Throw her off her game?]

Fine. You know what? Screw you. I know you won't be able to resist showing your face sooner or later. You're too much of an egotistical bastard not to.

[When the feed switches on, there's the chiding tone of an Initiative worker in the background that Raven has to shrug off. It's obvious from the stark white pillow and the meticulously cleaned walls behind her that she's in one of their holding facilities, and if the bandaging over her shoulder is any indication, it's their medical ward.

He voice rises as she speaks, until she's nearly shouting.]

You know, I was just waiting for something like this to happen. What, was one of you trying to lull me into a false sense of security before you tried to finish me off?

[She's angry now that she's pretty sure she's not going to die, and rightfully so. It isn't as if she's ever really felt like she belonged among regular people, and this just seems to be justification that people here didn't believe it either.

She can already hear Charles' voice: It was an isolated incident, Raven. Everyone was going to make excuses. She's quieter when she speaks next, at least at first, but she's still irritated.]

Well, joke's on you. I'm fine, but I know what you look like and you're not just going to get away with shooting me!

[Occurring after this and this.]

Information

[There's a pause before the feed continues, as if the person sending it pressed post too soon and is struggling with figuring out how to continue.]

jhb786hr Information is required. Machine that hauled us here, these missions, these weapons, or anything of relevance.
Insentient weapons; where can they be found.
How many have been brought here, how many none civilians.

kjsdyrkl1443421535344244)

[Random keys are hit, supposedly by accident, before the feed is cut.]


[ooc: the numbers are a written unseparated representation of tap code. Normally they would be written like so - (1,4)(4,3)(4,2)(1,5)(3,5)(3,4)(4,2)(4,4). They read 'dsreport'.]