[ Ever since that brief meeting within the courtyard, several questions plagued Cao Cao's mind. He had hoped to find the information on his own with the Initiative's help, but they weren't very...helpful in his opinion. Besides the whole notion of them using sorcery to unravel the United Earth's influences through a series of smaller skirmishes, Cao Cao wasn't certain as of how this war could possibly be won. From what little he's managed to understand, the enemy outnumbers them greatly and there's great dissent amongst the transports here.

Still trying to understand his role in all this, the King of Wei decided to act. He never used such a device before. These "tablets" as they call them were nearly two-thousand years ahead of his time. Though with some luck and minor concentration, he managed to operate one. He was still far from proficient with this odd device, but at least he got it work.

Now staring into the blank screen of the tablet, Cao Cao speaks. ]

Just how many generals sit amongst us? How many soldiers and how many strategists? If this is a war, then shouldn't we treat it as such?

[ He paused momentarily in hopes of hearing an answer, but nothing was said. So he continued. ]

I've won wars before but nothing resembling this kind of scale. Gathering the information necessary about my foes was never so daunting as this. Virtually nothing is known about the United Earth or their method of combat. I'm aware that they hold the most influence in this realm, but how so?

[ Mengde wondered if their were other factions out there who hoped to rebel against their federation. He wouldn't be surprised if there were, but they assist them? Surely this war doesn't fall upon the shoulders of a wayward few.

That would be suicide. ]

In truth, I see no victory in sight but I refuse to die a martyr's death.

[There's been a tremendous spike in patients recently, and the influx is only worsening as the days pass. The clinic doesn't have a robust staff as it is, so Adrasteius--and probably anyone else on the roster--is more than a little overworked. His expression over the feed is harried, haggard, and more than a little frustrated. Normally, diseases wither into nothing under the influence of the Light, but this illness has proved alarmingly resistant. He can treat the symptoms well enough, but the sickness itself keeps surviving. It would drive him to drink, if he even had time.]

This situation is getting out of hand. If you're still able, and you have the skill, the clinic needs you. I don't just mean healing skill, either--we need people to run supplies, prepare food, organize files, maintain records, all that sort of thing. Just tell me what you're able to do and I'll find you a place.

[Adrasteius runs a hand over his tired face, but his eyes are as bright and steady as ever. They might be bogged down, but he's damn sure not going to turn anyone away--not until taking in more people becomes unsafe.]

And if you think whatever this damn thing is has gotten hold of you, come see us. Not just because we aren't the Initiative--but because even their hospital is probably overflowing. We're busy, but we've still got clean beds and I'm still going to take care of you. I can't eliminate the disease, but I can mitigate whatever pain you're feeling, at least.

[ The video feed opens to the outside, a downfall of raining hitting the tablet screen and blurring out the details of buildings and shop signs nearby. Not too long after the feed begins its run that a hand – evidently a woman’s – passes over the screen, wiping the excess water off. ]

They did say it was water proof. I hope they were right. [ Comes her voice. Eventually the tablet focuses on her – in a glistening, green bodysuit, with a golden crown-like ornament resting atop her head. She’s drenched in the cold rain yet appears unfazed by it. Her bright eyes gaze intently into the feed instead. ] My name is Mera, and... well, I was on a different Earth until today. Our greeter did not carry out her duties properly, I suspect. I’m hoping someone out there can answer my questions as she did not.

I’ve been in other dimensions before. I’ve heard them claim no one has been able to leave of their own volition until this Transporter allows it. [ She pauses, her eyebrows knitting closely together in vague irritation. ] Does this Initiative truly have no control over their machine?

I have also heard in passing about a recent battle in another dimension. [ Mera’s expression is grim, but genuinely concerned then. Resolutely: ] I’ve seen and fought in many myself, but it seems we aren’t often given much choice in the matter. I would like to hear about this battle from those who were there and what happened in this other world. What became of it? [ She strongly suspects nothing but bad news and braces herself as much she can for it. She has many more questions to ask. ]

[Though she's been here a while, this is the first time Kerrigan will be addressing the network. Those who aren't familiar with her should easily notice the rather unusual hair she has going on, not being kept in it's usual... ponytail.]

Alright, I'll make this quick.

This place doesn't have much in the way of decent tech, but it obviously has some. I'm looking for equipment that can be used to scan and analyze a person's body in as much detail as possible. Not expecting much, but if anyone out there has the information I need, I'll gladly take it.

That'll be all.

[Jaime chooses to use the video function for a couple of reasons: the first is that he’s really, really hoping that someone he can trust will be able to recognize his face if not his voice and the second is that he hopes others will use it too. He doesn’t look happy in the slightest, but he also doesn’t look quite as terrified as he probably should be.] Hi. I guess I’m supposed to introduce myself here. I’m Jaime.

Uh, I already got the run-down from that spooky-weapons-lady a little earlier, but I’m guessing I didn’t get everything about this place because all this? Still makes no sense. So if there’s anything I should know... [He trails off, gaze diverted up into the sky. He tears his eyes away from whatever he's looking at to address the network again.] Aaaanyway, I'm starting to get used enough to this place that I know I'm not gonna make it home in time for dinner anytime soon, but I still want to hear how legit all this is from people who don't actually benefit from spoon feeding me this in--

[He's staring up again. There is a definite boom, and Jaime's eyes widen as he ducks his head as if that will somehow protect him from any debris] Did that spaceship just explode--

[Fade to black as Jaime unceremoniously shoves the device into his pocket, though he does announce his apparent survival a little after the hubbub is wrapped up with the voice-only addition of:] Next time I say I'm even starting to think about getting used to this place, someone should probably hit me. Are exploding spaceships just a thing here?

How many kids do we have here without guardians from their own worlds?

[He sounds tired, and maybe a little sad. He's having trouble reconciling the man who calls himself Nathan, father of two, who has lost one child to war already, and the soldier who calls himself Cable, who founded X-Force and was leader of a war clan before he turned twenty.]

...If your works considers you an adult, I won't patronize you by portending otherwise.

[ This is Nash. He has a pleasant but lazy expression. ]

I don't like to live in the past. It makes me feel old. But when a thought eats at you, sometimes the only thing you can do is take a bite, right?

Anyway, a few weeks ago something the Initiative did put people in their wrong bodies. I don't mean to drudge up bad memories, but— think about it. What are we, really? Hands, feet, fingers, eyes?

We've all got bodies, but souls? [ He shakes his head. ] Not for me to say.

But if the Initiative can keep our fingers and toes and move the rest around, it means there has to be something else, right? And whatever that something else is, the Initiative can mess with it it.

[ The implications are spooky, so he takes a moment to be spooked. And then waves that all away, shrugging. ]

You ever stop to think, and not know how to start up again?

[ Sokka is sitting cross-legged on his bed, leaning against the wall. There seem to be a few books scattered around next to him as he leans forward to address the camera. The young man scratches at his chin, then speaks. ]

Heeeey, everyone. I've been doing some reading and stuff and I was wondering if there's anyone who could give me a hand, now.

[ He holds up one of the books, the worn and battered volume open to show a diagram of a car's engine. ]

Is there anyone who can show me how to work with an internal combustion engine?

[Ah Alistair. He comes from a place where technology is non-existent. Still, he tries. Because he's so intrigued by this magical device that can apparently allow him to communicate with others.]

Hello, is this working? HELLO! Hmm.

ADafddffsgsfg. dfa d sfss

Ah! Here it is, no wait I'm sure I can...

[And then finally after all the random button pressing, his face appears on the screen.]

Hello! Is this on? It looks like it's on. [he gives a wave, hoping he's not waving to no one and the video function is actually working as it should]

Maker, this thing is amazing. I've never seen anything like it. How does it even work?

[Anyone who gets motion sickness from a moving camera might want to stop looking as he moves the device around; flipping it to check the back; turning it upside down then turning it back the right way up. He doesn't realize and just carries on.]

Um right well, enough of that. I should introduce myself. My name is Alistair, from Ferelden. I'm a little confused about why I'm here. I was given all the details when I arrived, but I have a very important mission to take care of. I have no doubt Am- the Warden can continue without me, but there was something that I personally needed to take care of. [not that he'd made a decision about becoming King or anything] I don't suppose there's a get-out-clause where I can just pop off back home? Maybe if I agree to come back later?

No?

Does anyone here know how to set up a training montage?

I'm starting to think that's the only way I'm going to get anywhere as long as I'm out here...

[Guess who used all the hot water in the shower?

Marjolaine is lounging comfortably on the couch in her new living room, looking a good sight better than the day she arrived. Her hair is still styled very simply, but she is wearing an ornate dress that can be seen from about the waist up and subtle cosmetics.]

This new little toy of mine is almost as fascinating as some of you. I've read the darling tutorial, so sweet of them to provide it. I have a hard time believing it allows us to use the tablet to its full potential.

[She pauses and smiles.]

This is where you come in. Well, one of you. I'm looking for someone who knows their way around this technology for some more in depth study. I'm not foolish enough to expect you to do it for free.

I'm willing to talk arrangements. As a newcomer there's little I can offer you in influence or leverage. I suppose that means we may have to get creative.

Any takers?

( action )

Greetings, everyone.

[The voice is one of a young man, and one who seems rather calm about his situation, or at least, is attempting to remain calm. He seems to have a careful sort of control over his emotions at the moment at the least. The boy is quiet at first, as if trying to remember just what he wanted to say, or perhaps just how to say it correctly.]

I pray that someone who hears this can assist me. I've been properly debriefed, as it was, but the personal insight of others would be far more desirable for this situation. If I am to remain here and help, then that seems to be the place to start. It was perhaps not the most ...convenient of times, but if assistance is needed and I can provide it, then I will.

[He drops into silence with a quiet sigh, letting it build for a short while, as if waiting. When he does speak again his voice is warm once more, the calm returning.]

Introductions are in order, I believe. Hello, my name is Anduin. Anduin Wrynn...

[He debated offering his title for a moment and for those potentially native to Azeroth it shows in how he trailed off. Something lingered in the final words but went unsaid. After a moment he picks up that slack with a moderately cheerful and patient voice.]

It would be my pleasure to meet you all as well.