[The feed flickers on with a wobbly view of a single eye and a thick eyebrow. It wobbles.]

Oh! Ohh!! It's on! I think!!

[The image pulls out to focus more generally on Nitoh's face. He holds his device out at arm's length as he walks up a back staircase in some nondescript building]

Hey! I'm Nitoh, Kousuke Nitoh. I'm looking for my RIVAL, Haruto Sohma, Kamen Rider Wizard. And also PHANTOMS. I'm sure he's hiding some somewhere around here. They told me there are no Phantoms here, but that's gotta be a trick or something. BECAUSE! There's no way I could be here AND he could be here without there being any PHANTOMS here!!!

[He treks up and pushes open the door up to the roof, and for a moment the video feed whites out, until it adjusts to the light and it shows him silhouetted and the scattered rooftops below him. It bounces up and down as he paces.]

Okay, stop don't say it, I know what you want to know. How do I know my rival's even here? WELL! I asked about him and they said he'd been here for a while! So Haruto! Don't try to hide from me! I'm sending my little gryphon out to find you!

[He sets the camera down, still pointing at him, as he activates his driver belt and a little self-assembling model appears in mid-air in front of him: a green somewhat robotic-looking gryphon. He pulls off the ring he is wearing and sets it inside, then looks at the camera significantly.]

SEE! I'll find you if I have to search every donut shop in the city!!

[Gryphon flies off and he waves his forefingers at it as it leaves, smiling fondly. Then he looks back.]

And then you can show me where you're keeping all the Phantoms in this city! You gotta share, you KNOW why!

[At the last, he focuses strongly on the camera, pointing accusingly at it. Then he waves, back to a winning grin.]

Later!!!

[The feed switches off]

( Action for 705 )

[As Open Action before the post gets made, a rainbow drinker can be seen clattering about half the shops of the city at a breakneck pace - on the streets, this is literal, a blur of supernatural running so fast her clothes are practically dry. She's buying things. A fold-up hexagonal playpen. Blankets. Food, none of it cooked or complex. You usually don't see her carrying too many of these objects at once because she's rushing in and out of the apartment to set them aside. Inside the stores she maintains a more normal pace, though she flickers like a morse code technician out of nervousness.]

[This relatively short video shows nothing of Kanaya except for her voice and softly glowing hands. She's holding a gray sphere about the size of a soccer ball, covered in smaller versions of the orange horns all the trolls possess.]



The restoration of the troll race will take place at four o'clock today in Unit 705. I thought you should be informed if you're a member of our species or care about it at all.

( Homestuck text under the cut )

( Filtered text for Kido and Kano )

( Action for people who show up to 705 )

[ Feferi doesn't look like she just got back from a three week mission, she's made sure of that. She is staring a little too intently at the camera, and looking a little too cheerful-- normal for her. ]

Hello Exsilium! It's so good to be back, but it looks like I miss one shell of a mission! I had my own to be on, but it sounds like it was a lot of fun, from what I've heard so far. And I missed the new arrivals? [ She raises a hands a gives a little wave. ] Hi to all of you too!

Oh, but I wanted to ask something too! Is anyone here really good with making furniture?

[Rose is dressed in a simple purple blouse and black skirt when she appears on the screen, sitting in a high-back, fluffy red chair she found somewhere. She's holding the camera at arms length, and then she leans forward and sets it down on a table. There's a battered, somewhat worn out couch half-visible off to the side.]

So. That was certainly more than any of us signed up for, I suspect? Waking up in foreign bodies, different ages, different genders, different species at times? I imagine a qualified person with enough time and resources could dedicate an entire library just to the experiences of the last week or so.

Unfortunately, this is hardly the proper environment for large scale publishing, so those of us with a particular talent towards assisting others with their mental well-being just have to make do with actually helping people rather than just theorizing and becoming famous authors.

Which brings me to my point, in as roundabout a fashion as I could manage. If anyone here would like to discuss what took place recently, and of course I mean our recent intra-body experiences, I'd be more than willing to find some time to help you work through any lingering emotional concerns you might have developed. Suddenly feeling like a stranger in your own skin, or finding that you actually miss certain aspects of a body you had never previously considered? I'm quite certain we can work through it together.

[She smiles.]

But don't think this is limited to just particularly recent developments. I realize this place has a tendency to lend itself towards rather unsettling and lingering trauma, and I am more than happy to discuss any of those with you as well. We'll get you through this.

[She reaches out to turn the camera, and reveal the couch she had found. The room is a bit battered, it's hard to say precisely where it is, she probably just moved into an empty building with it.]

I even found a suitable couch for that authentic psychological office feeling. So, please, feel free to contact me, whenever you need to.

[And she turns it back, offering a small, polite wave before she hangs up.]

[The feed turns on to show something that might be an unusual sight. It's Gamzee without his makeup. He's also wearing an extremely irritated and haggard expression]

120 hours, huh? [A deep sigh] I'm just popping in to say that this is Nepeta. Like so many others I've been pulled out of my own body for some stupid reason. [She can't even muster any catpuns right now]

So to those of you who don't know me, I'm a female troll with a blue tail so if you see her around that's currently not actually me. [Of all people to be swapped with. Then again after seeing some of the other posts on the network she supposes it could be worse. That's really all she has to say, and the feed closes]

[Feed clicks on to a probably somewhat familiar gray-skinned, yellow-horned seatroll with a purple streak through his hair. He looks equal parts extremely irritated and frantic, mouth tight but eyes wide. When he speaks, his voice is level, but it's clear he's distressed.]

And here I'd thought the fun part of this was over with the grand larceny. This is Haruto Souma, even though I look like this. I'm looking for my body--brown hair, tall, extremely good looking. Belt buckle that looks like a hand, lots of rings. Whoever's in there, I need to talk to you. Considering where I've ended up, it's probably Eridan Ampora in there, but just in case it's not...

Please get into contact with me. For your own safety.

[For the first time in... ever. Sollux is making a video post to the network. Typically, he relies on just typing, and would really prefer it that way because of his lisp, but, as the audience will see by his ... "smile." He lacks a few of his top-front row of teeth. All that's there are some rather yellow-greyish looking gums before his cuspids.]

Hey. Sup guys. Hahaha.

[He seems rather happy for a guy missing about four-to-six teeth.]

Great festivals, right? Festivals.

[He's so proud he can say those words.]

Anyway, to the point: Got candy, toys, or gifts from random strangers that you suspect of poison and/or don't want? Drop it off at 206. Or I'll pick it up. And I'll...

Put them to a good cause. Ehehehehe. Yeah.

[He means eat them.]

[Filtered from Roxy but lets face it she could probably crack this open by just looking in it's general direction, he's just...hoping she won't.]

Alright, pay attention, I need some a' you to make yourselwes useful for once. If it's any a' you who can't fight especially consider this payback for sawin' your asses god knows how many times.

I'm sure you all know by now this [WALENTINE'S DAY...] planet got a holiday comin' up centered around your single formed watered down horseshit excuse for romance, I mean we already got a buncha hopeless jackasses who couldn't date 'emselwes out of a paper bag practically throwin' themselwes onto the network askin' for help or more what the fuck they're meant to do.

But considerin' it's sorta more or less expected an' downright good form for two indiwiduals with actual concupiscent goings on to get together an' do somethin', I need suggestions. What the fuck does this shithole ewen hawe that could come close to passin' as some sorta legitimate good time.

She likes Wizards an' Alcohol. Her name's Rox' if you know her.

So.

Get to it.

[Nananea isn't smiling for once, and when she talks she isn't making her usual grand gestures with her arms. She’s just sitting, idly fidgeting with her hands, a vaguely concerned expression on her face. A substantially more subdued Nananea.]

I have been thinking lately. About leaving this place- about what truly happens when we go. When the Initiative is done with us. What happens to the people who simply vanish. The popular theory is that we will return home.

[She looks away briefly, taking a second to gather her thoughts.]

But. I have been wondering. If we do return home, do we get to start our lives again just as we left them? Has our home universe been in stasis the whole time we were away? The more likely answer is that life continued without us. That time passed. But how much? I am concerned... that perhaps while we are away, time has passed unusually. Perhaps it has been years back home, and the people we love are dead and gone and our homes will be unrecognizable.

[Another pause, and then she smiles. Not the brilliant grin that’s so typical of her, but at least it’s a less dreary expression.]

In that case, I do not think I will wish to return home. But! I am being quite the pessimist, aren't I? I could be wrong. It is very likely that I am. I wish to hear other theories, if any of you have them. Or maybe I should not dwell on this so much.

[It seems like she’s done after that, but a thought occurs to her, and she perks up noticeably, sitting up a little straighter, smiling just a tiny bit more.]

Ah- one more thing. I have noticed that other people have moved into my housing unit recently. We have not yet met- but welcome. I hope we will see one another soon, face to face.

[Lookin' totally normal, here. Or as normal as a dragon can ever look.]

I understand many of you are confused, mainly due to the recent...difficulties. Fortunately for you, I believe I have a grasp on the situation in the large scale, if perhaps not all the tiny details. If any of you find yourself bereft of years of experience or in a place you generally do not recognize, I would refer you to Ms. Pexies admirable guide for the confused. If you have more specific questions, I will make an attempt here to answer them.

Hopefully in doing this I can cut down on the network clogging from dozens of baffled time travelers before actually important information gets lost.

[ hello fellow recruits! a sixteen year old girl with, yes dog ears, appears on the screen curiously before she smiles widely at the screen.] Hello!

Wow, it's been a year since I had to post to the network line introducing myself.. but, new place, so an introduction is in order! So it's nice to meet everyone, my name's Jade Harley. [a single ear flicks to the side, almost thoughtfully.] There are a few cases where someone's come from somewhere else other than home before this, like me for instance! Is that the same for anyone else?

And while we're on the topic.. Has anyone ever heard of the S.S. Thor? A ship in space traveling from planet to planet? [she glances downwards for a second, brows knitting before..] Um.. Oh! Another thing, anyone know where I can find some good parts? I wonder if I could try and rebuild any of my gadgets like my Wardrobifier..

[she seems satisfied with the post before she cuts off. though.. not a second later does green text pop up.]

( cut for green courier )

[Filtered from Kanaya]

OKAY, SO. WHAT KIND OF CRAP MAKES AN ACCEPTABLE GIFT FOR HUMAN TWELFTH PERIGEE? IS IT ANY KIND OF CLOTHING ITEM OR ONLY COLD WEATHER ITEMS, OR IS THERE ANY RULE FOR WHAT YOU GIVE BACK BASED ON WHAT YOU WERE GIVEN?

ALSO, WHAT IS THE DEADLINE ON THIS THING. WHEN EXACTLY DOES THE HUMAN GIFTGIVING HOLIDAY END?

[Well, here's Eridan; with the way he's got the camera positioned it shows him leaning back against his chair with his feet up on the table he's got the tablet on showing off his kickass new shoes. An open book rests in his lap and he's got a neat little cup of tea resting on a separate little table beside him. All gifts he got for Christmas.]

So, this whole "Kriss-mess" [Still pronouncing that wrong...] thing.

[Picks up his cup...]

Apparently some people took it upon themselwes to gift me for it. Most a' you picked some good stuff, too. Book's good. Tea's good.

[Closing his eyes, he sips some tea, then puts the cup down and opens his eyes again.]

I think the whole holiday's bullshit though, sooo...don't expect a gift back or nothin'.

[ Scene: a kitchen. Someone, the focus of the camera, is in the middle of attempting to put on a sweater-- a box and wrapping paper are off to the side. ]

I promise it is going to look great on you! I saw it and I knew you had to have it.

I-- really don't think I need--

[ The sweater gets pulled all the way on, at which point Bariyan looks down at himself and sighs. He tugs in defeat at the bottom-most sweater-cat.

Then he looks up, straight into the camera. He blinks. Horror flickers across his face. ]

What are you doing with that.

[ Feferi just laughs from behind the camera, completely innocent, no mischief here, no way. ]

Nothing. Say hello to everyone!

[ Instead of saying anything, Bariyan continues to stare dead-eyed into the camera. Then he points at it. ]

You are not putting this on the network.

[ But Bariyan knows that fish princess does what fish princess wants. So he follows that up with a heavy sigh, and proceeds to drag himself out of the kitchen in an attempt to escape filming.

Poor Bariyan. As he trudges off, Feferi turns the camera around and gives it a smile. ]

Okay, will someone help me out here and tell him how cute he looks?

[Perhaps it's his pity riddled mind that causes him to accidentally turn on the audio right now, or maybe he's just tired with how exhausted he's getting lately from his projects. Either way, audio starts up and there's just silent for a moment before a long-]

Hmmm...

And then I suppose, -ah. [A pause, the grating sound of grinding teeth and a tapping sound, before the tapping stops and he speaks again.]

Stalking- with exceptional flocking- of emotional tidings from love affairs to stalwart ridings, yet still the clop's a stopped like a steel fixed blood box in the chest chamber of a royal blue ox. Hmm- [More tapping.]

Yet, to be honest- I'm the fondest- of an exceptional vigor of an exalted figure- not of my own but of another, left to suckle the proverbial udder of budding passion of a most heretical fashion. There I may find my metaphorical bastion to ration my idled mind of deep compassionate abstractions.

Abstractions? Hmmm, perhaps not, no-

[Tap tap tap...]

So who here would class themselves as a 'Wizard' and is interested in a fantastic creation known as Wiz-Con?

[Because this 16 year old sure does want to lure you all to her apartment.]

[An edit is tagged on five minutes later:]

People who are mages or sorcerers or any other type of magical talent also count!!

[Today, you are getting a grey alien kid on the communicator.]

Okay, so apparently we're supposed to introduce ourselves. I can't tell if this is required or not, but what the hell.

Hi. It's Karkat. Here is where my boast about my impressive indispensibility to your army goes, but...look, I don't need to talk up my own shit to you, your stupid human organization is the one that brought me here. Either my value will become obvious or it won't.

Anyway, yes, I'm a troll, I get the impression you've already been introduced to the concept. But please don't make assumptions about me based on the others you've met because let me tell you, this is basically the worst of the genetic slurry poured into a concentrated pool of stench right onto your lap. They are pretty much all top contenders for the biggest embarrassments to the empire in our entire history.

So if you have any questions, you can ask me, probably, unless I get tired of listening to it.

[Today you have something different: Rather than a face peering into the camera, you have a full body view of a young woman standing to the left of the shot, with her right hand on her hip. Said hand glows bright white, like the rest of her body. If you haven't seen her before, she's probably a pretty surprising sort of freak to see when you turn on the communicator.

The center and right part of the shot are occupied by the wall, to which she's attached an off-white poster, landscape orientation, with the following written on it in large letters of bright green marker.

* As Your Potential Leader A Complete Stranger In All Senses
* Proposal To Further Factionalize Already Fractured Population
* Plans Will Only Be Revealed When Or Rather If Any Group Is Gathered
* Initiative Is Our First Enemy Rather Than The United Earth
* Conflict With Other Armies Also A Welcome Possibility

It's attached to the wall with a piece of clear tape on each corners and one in the middle of each long side as well. Close examination will note that it appears there is a second identically-sized piece of paper hidden under it.]

Hello, Transports. I'm Kanaya Maryam. Apart from those who saw my arbitrary self-introduction, you probably don't recognize me as anything but an alien interloper of an age you judge as inappropriate. Even though you have absolutely no reason to trust me, I'm going to ask you to do exactly that, because Exsilium has a terrible leadership problem.

[She's pointing to the second bullet now.] Lots of Transports have been trying to create an army out of members of Exsilium's already perfectly fine existing army. This hasn't worked up until now, but I am somehow absolutely certain that when I do this it's going to be totally different.

[Third bullet:] My plans are so fantastic that they have to be kept confidential and will only be revealed to members of the army once it forms - whom, by the way, I will accept and reject at my discretion even though my goal is to unite Exsilium.

Oh, and did I mention - [fourth bullet] - that I want to overthrow the Initiative first, even though we're fighting the United Earth. Because that's my intention, to fight the people who brought us together and control whether we even stay or leave, let alone go back in time.

And by the way, all the other armies that have already been forming - they're getting in the way of my plan, so we're also going to fight you if you go against us.

[Both her hands return to her hips as she stares at with her head cocked and her lips stretched thin.] Tell me, Exsilium, do you think that sounds like a good plan for anyone to execute? Especially if she's an alien, an undead, a "teenager" [finger quotes], or the like? Or would you advise me to stick with the perfectly good hundreds-strong army that we already have, and take it up with the administrators of the Initiative if I really insisted upon doing something. Perhaps would you go so far as to say that I sound... stupid? If so, that's good, because I have some appalling news for you, which I've just delivered wrapped in your planet's particularly loathsome form of verbal irony.

[In a sudden, too-quick motion, she reaches up with both hands to rip off the poster and reveal the paper underneath it, filled up entirely with these four words:

This Is Stupid
Stop

She neatly folds the old poster three times and throws it away in a waste receptacle off screen, and then stands up straight to address the camera again.]

It does sound stupid, because it is, and so do you. Stop.

[The video ends.]

[ Video--coming from Adam's tablet for once, and not his retinal enhancements. it shows him, obviously in his messy apartment, and obviously... different from what one might be used to. he's neither properly dressed nor his usual stoic, composed, monotone self.

but most notably, the lenses of his shades--which are mounted to his head--are retracted. his eyes are visibly artificial. here's the usual gravely voice: ]

...And they keep dragging more and more people here. Or is that the machine malfunctioning again? Can't be sure anymore.

Anyway, hello. My name's Adam Jensen and I'm -- [ insert vague, dismissive gesture here--his hand, too, is artificial and looks like it's made out of black metal. ] ... who the fuck even cares. I'm the local oversized can opener. Hi.

[ if it wasn't obvious before that he's drunk, it's sure as hell now. ]

Given the uh, premise under which you all arrived here as well as the popularity of thought-provoking surveys lately, let's talk about a topic each of you surely can contribute to with a story or two. Since I couldn't help but notice that we're quite a miserable bunch of misfits. Exceptions prove the rule by the way.

[ pause, during which he reaches off screen... for his smoke. ]

So, broken dreams. There's a pretty catchy song on them by Green Day which I can only recommend. But before you scurry off to find it, why don't we share with the class why we're all so damn bitter, and not only since we ended up in this shithole. Though I guess the shithole made it worse, in some cases. I don't know. Getting it off your chest might have a soothing effect, or something.

[ another pause, and he seems pensive for a moment. he might be able to offer alternative treatment methods for your troubles which may involve punching ahem. ]

Here, I'll start. I was planning to get married not too long ago, start a family. I had the perfect girl, a decent job I liked and paid well, and then--then science happened.

[ a dry, humorless chuckle. ]

Gotta love science. Your turn.

[When the video comes on it's showing Ten's face, and he's looking amused. And somewhat disturbed. It's a strange amalgamation, but he's managing it.]

You know, when they said I'd be sharing an apartment with a "night elf half-demon" brimming with energy, I thought it would be hilarious. I mean not everyone can say that they live with a "night elf half-demon" brimming with energy.

Sounds like a good book title. I should write it.

And I won't deny it's going to be interesting. Makes for great research even if I can't seem to pin that fellow down. I have, however, found one downside.

[Ten turns the device around so the feed now shows the floor of his apartment. And from the door all the way out of the room is a trail of footprints. Not only are they large and shaped like hooves, but they're burning with bright green fire.]

Yeaaaaah. Uh. I do hope that this isn't tied in with the mysterious disappearance of the couch. I needed that couch. To sit on.

[And, like any good Doctor, the feed ends with Ten attempting to prod said flames with one finger. Just because he can.]

( [Action] Locked to his room/Kanaya )

[But later, a little while after that's all sorted out, he shows up on video. His hair isn't done so it's messy as hell and even obscuring his eyes because of the length, he has no cape, no rings, no scarf...literally the ampora version of "just dragged himself out of bed". Despite showing up on video however, he doesn't actually say anything. In fact it's like he doesn't even notice, because he's typing up text. With each keystroke, you can hear a little tap.]

( Cut for length and courier )

I can't believe how much time people spend on these machines
and how much weirdly personal and/or sensitive information people seem happily inclined to spill on them. Or you'd think it was sensitive at least.

Anyway I think it's so interesting how badly people want to go home and say they have their own battles to fight and the Initiative's battle is not theirs. It's interesting because if the Initiative is to be believed then their fight is our fight too. Given that our worlds are likewise being plundered. I wonder which world of mine is actually being used but I can only really think that home would be good for it. Of course it's hard to trust these people. I wonder what they would have to do to win the whole group over though. Entirely it's probably an impossibility. There's too many different factors. They sure do let folks run with slack though.

Who remembers when we fought practice battles in our memories anyway?? I am interested in talking to you.

Also I want to play a game. Does anyone know a good word game?

Here are some riddles too.

1) You throw away the outside and cook the inside. Then you eat the outside and throw away the inside. What did you eat?
2) I can run but not walk. Wherever I go, thought follows close behind. What am I?
3) What can you catch but not throw?

Who thinks of these things anyway? [People are so strange.

SHE'S BORED YEAH...]

Well, that was something of an adventure! Between the Russians, the newest arrivals, and our monstrous friends, why there's been quite a few things to keep track of. An awful lot of people. One of which in particular I seem to have misplaced... I don't suppose anyone has seen Bela lately? Bela Talbot?

[ A pause, as if he's actually listening for a reply. Or maybe just asking a completely rhetorical question and taking a moment to gather himself afterward. ]

Well, it was always difficult to keep her in just one place. Not like Sierra, Annalise, and Adamo, three natives caught by the UE bombs, near a month ago now. I would say they were entirely too — too stationary. That old woman in the market, too— with the jerky stand? She always claimed it was dog meat, but I really had to wonder. But she always had a kind word for anyone who stopped to chat, didn't she? I found a bit of her stand some time ago, but no sign of her. Maggie, she told me her name was...

My apologies, to anyone who knew any of those caught in disaster. At least we've managed to turn this latest one back to the status quo, mm? We have that much.

[ Another pause, and this one comes with a slow breath out. So... that's awkward. But! He can make it better. When he speaks again, he sounds just as cheerful as he had at the beginning. ]

You know, for all their flukes and faults, I would say there's one thing the Initiative is truly bad at. They can throw our lot into a room with food set out, but that's not any sort of party. So I propose we arrange one ourselves! We've the musicians for it, don't we? The cooks, surely! The tailors, seamstresses? We certainly have the headcount for it, by now!

Any opinions, mm? I'm thinking, perhaps, a masquerade. A ball! We kitrites excel at the organization of them, you know. I would be pleased to offer my services to a properly interested crowd! Have I any takers?

[As the screen flicks on the Tenth Doctor gives a mock grimace, rubbing the side of his neck as if unsure about something.] So, a big war? Really? I'm not too sure on that one. Guess that depends on the dimension? Though if they'd been around all this time I'm sure someone would have noticed... Oh right, of course- silly me. I got distracted.

[Not that the Doctor looks very sorry or concerned about it as he gives the screen a wave.]

Hullo everyone. I'm the Doctor and I guess I'm the newest guest in your little community. I have everything I need apparently, my housekey, a netbook, good things. I wouldn't mind my sonic screwdriver but that is a bone of contention I'm not going to get into for a while. At least five minutes anyway. Can't seem to find it....

I'm the Doctor. Just the Doctor before anyone asks. Aaaaaand yep. That's about it. I'm not really good at blogging. Nice little communications system this place has going though! Wouldn't mind a look at that, though that would require my sonic screwdriver.

[At that the Doctor pauses, looking at his wrist.]

Okay I lied, that was two minutes tops. Law of averages says that if I'm here, there'll be people I know here. So speak up or forever hold your peace! Or just say hello later on, that's alright too I guess..... hm. Right then. Time to have a look around this place, take a look at what's going on with my own two eyes. Alons-y!

[There's another pause as the Doctor reaches into his pocket, pulling out his sonic screwdriver and grinning at it.]

Ah there you are. No longer a bone of contention now!

[ it opens up to a video at first. there's Meenah, lounging about in some ruined remains of a building, rubble around her. she's sprawled back and her clothes are ripped and stained with blood. she has some dried blood on her face, like she hadn't been bothered to clean up after the whole attack.

resting atop her head is a strange animal skull, large and grotesque, worn as a crown with her horns sticking out of the eye sockets. long shredded flaps of the flesh drape around her shoulders like a cape. she twirls her trident around her fingers in her hand ]

Kay, that was fun. I was thinkin' this shithole was gonna be borin', even with all that timeline hoppin' or whatebber the fuck you'd call it.

Was gettin' kind of fond of some o' the beasts that were swimmin' around this plaice, but, 'ey, gill's gotta prove who's the balla, right?

Anemoneways, looks like we got a buncha new scrubs nomoby cares aboat, and more imprawntantly, looks like a buncha suckafishes think they can be startin' armies or somefin, eh?

Maybe I should start an army of my own. Then we can just go and wreck some shit. Sounds fun, don't it?

[ she grins her shark teeth which are splattered with drops of blood and disconnects ]

 [There isn't even a knock at the door.]

[Homura enters her new living arrangements, courtesy of an Initiative she couldn't scrounge together enough energy to give a damn about, not even acknowledging either of the other tenants or their possessions. If her roommates see her, she doesn't acknowledge them in the slightest; still dressed in uniform, bow gripped tight in hand, all that she means to do is make sure the area is secure. She finds the unoccupied room and claims it, locking the door, and investigating it from every angle for hiding and escape spots. Satisfied, she resumes civilian form, and adjusts the bright red ribbon tied in her dark hair. Now sitting on the edge of the bed, she takes the tablet in both hands; first order of business, see what names are there.]

[Her eyes narrow; her lips thin.]

[To the community at large, she sends a simple message, just in voice, which sounds monotonous and sleepy.]

What did the Initiative not tell us in introduction that we should be aware of?

( Filtered to Sayaka, Kyouko, and Madoka )

I'd planned on makin' this announcement after the whole monster attack bullshit was ower an' done with but with all these folks blabberin' on about formin' alliances I ain't takin' chances an' losin' out on the potentially interested to 'em.

[HE'S LOOKING AT YOU SYLVANAS but he's also pretty sure some others had mentioned doing something similar, the open network post about it just spurred him on to finally do something.]

Any a' you here a while should know who I am; for those a' you who don't, it's Eridan Ampora. Alternian royalty an' Prince a' Hope. Fact a' the matter is I been here about eight months now an' the initiatiwe's done nothin' to prowe to me they're worth trustin'.

We got barely anythin' to go on most of the time an' almost ewery bout a' time trawelin' nonsense leads to more problems an' at this stage I'm sick of it. Got no more patience for these guys doin' the remotely competent an' straightenin' up anytime soon.

So I'm proposin' my own alliance with the shared goal of takin' charge. We'll finish this war ourselwes once we'we owerthrown the fuckups who think they're leadin' this sham of a union an' then whatewer you wanna do afterwards, go for it. I don't giwe a' fuck what your own goals are once we're done playin' nice an' pretendin' as if any of us actually like each other.

For the record, anyone who don't wanna join us is fine; but we'll control the machine that sends you home an' you'll either do as we say once we do, or you can rot here forewer. Your mowe.

[Sure is a thirteen year old kid trying to lead a potential rebellion. Laugh at him, take him seriously, your choice really.]