I'm guessing this is probably the first time a bunch of you have ever traveled through space. Not as special as you would've thought, right?

Maybe in another couple hundred years we'll actually have a ship that can make it to another planet.

[Kerrigan you're always such a ray of sunshine.]

[ filter; all Mekakushi Dan members; video ]

[ She debated doing this as a voice post at first, but if she's going to actually address the entire Dan as the Exsilium branch leader for the first time, she needs to have her face be seen. She also needs to take a moment to come up with what exactly she wants to say, and how to say it.

How to be a leader when she's only twelve years of age.

Kotetsu & Barnaby would be having a fit over this, surely.

She's sitting on the couch and takes a deep breath before she opens her mouth. ]

Afternoon, everyone. My name is Kaede Kaburagi, and I am the Exsilium Branch Leader for the Mekakushi Dan. I wish I could be introducing myself to you all at the party Kido & I were planning, and on much more lighthearted terms, but that got squashed with the recent kidnappings.

As you all may have heard/watched a few minutes ago, we're now under a nuclear strike thanks to the United Earth, and we're moving to the moon. I just want to extend my assistance to anyone and everyone who may need help packing up items, especially those of importance. If you also wish, once you are completely packed with what you want to take up there, you are welcome to drop your bag, or bags, off in Unit 202, and you can even hang out here while the Initiative prepares to send us up. Kido, Kano, and I all want our door to be open for you all, especially in this time.



[ filter; Keith Goodman & Karina Lyle; video ]

[ And now that that is done, she shakes the numb feeling settling in her hands and takes several more deep breaths before making another filter. ]

Hey! Are you both okay? I'm sorry I disappeared for the past several weeks — the UE got their hands on me, but I'm okay.

[please enjoy about 45 seconds of silent film: small wildflowers, shrugs, and grass...some creeping vines up a dead tree trunk. it's only a little shaky, because this is being filmed in his hands, but hey.

once it's done, there's just follow-up text:]

The plants around here are getting healthier :)
I take it a good sign.

[private text to: ADRASTEIUS]

Everything looks a lot better here, and I'm pretty sure it's mostly thanks to you!
I found an interesting book today about where certain kinds of plants can grow. And I might have some ideas because of it...

[This video is short, concise, simple and to the point...]

I know this is kinda out there, but...

[He sighs as he glances away from the camera.]

What're good names for a cat?

[And as if to enunciate the point, there's a tiny meow heard before he is able to shut the video function off.]

[Virus smiles at the camera, sitting straight, both hands in front of him as he raises his brows.]

I must admit I was a little surprised to end up somewhere like this, however I think it’s interesting. Being brought to another world, given a weapon, an allowance, and a place to live in return for helping this group out sounds like something out of a game, doesn't it?

Tell me, what is the general feeling of this? I’m curious. Does everyone just go along, or is there some reluctance to listen to our hospitable employers? Because in the end isn't that all we are?

Employees to serve a purpose.

How rude of me. I am Virus; I can’t expect you to answer my questions without giving an introduction in return. I look forward to hearing your answers.

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 feed comes on to one of the sectioned-off areas of the temporary housing area, more specifically to a cot carefully made and covered with a plastic sheet. Atop the sheer is a collection of plants in various containers, mostly stereotypical pots made of plastic plastic or unglazed ceramic, though there's at least two or three deep cereal bowls for smaller plants and a paint bucket barely in frame. These are very clearly mostly tomato plants, from the small red shapes spotting them here and there.

Finally, a slight redhead enters the frame, fidgeting with her coat nervously.]

Um, hello! My name is Tsubomi Hanasaki--I'm new. It's nice to meet you all! I'm here to talk about plants!

[She lifts the closest pot with any reddening tomatoes, leaning closer to properly show it to the feed.] I've been growing some vegetables. Mostly tomatoes, and I'm waiting on some carrots. Anyway, after some trial and error, I think I've figured out how to grow tomatoes indoors, if anyone wants a plant! There are... a lot here... [She gestures to the pots on the cot.] They need a couple of lamps and some water, and all I ask in return is letting me look at it sometimes! You can keep all the tomatoes, and everything. So if you want to come to the Hold and pick one up, ask around for me! Or I can come to you! I have about twenty, but I'm planting new ones every day, and as soon as they've taken root I'd be happy to give them away. [The power of magic, to get these plants started!]

[She looks uncertain for a moment, and then takes a deep, visible breath.]

Thank you for your time!

[She bows, and goes to turn the video off, only for it to go tumbling from whatever she had it perched on with a rough clatter. Tsubomi's concerned expression fills the feed just before it turns off.]

[Action is open to other people in temp housing or anyone who wants to come by and pick up a plant!]

[Someone's finally decided to fiddle with the shiny piece of technology he'd been given. For the past several days, just sitting down and moving stuff around on it, bending it and poking at everything he can find had been enough to keep Link entertained for a while. But as he figures out more of the tablet's inner workings, and connected to the network, he's feeling confident enough to try a post, filter-free and totally unrehearsed.]

[Which brings us to this lovely close-up of Link's bright blue eyes as he stares at the thing to see if there's any indication it connected the way he thought it should. There's a good five seconds of silence, then he pulls back so that it shows his entire face.]

Where can I find more trees? [Simple enough request, right? He's found a few gardens and such, but nothing compares to a good-sized tree. Deeming that good enough for his first trial at talking to people besides face-to-face, Link pokes at the tablet until he shuts the feed off.]

[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!

voice;

[Haruto hasn't been on the network much, recently, but he can't keep silent today, of all days.]

Has anyone ever heard of National Doughnut Day? It came up in the library, but I've never heard of it. And I'm very fond of doughnuts.

Speaking of, I've been going to one bakery, near the Transport apartments. Is there anywhere else to try?

( and action for roommates, cut for length )

[ Drift looks a lot better than the last time he posted. The dents and scrapes have been buffed out and he appears to be more collected. Maybe a little less friendly. ]

Lessons are back on, and I'll be taking on new students. Anyone who wants to learn how to use a sword or other bladed weapon, as well as light hand-to-hand.

Don't let my appearance or uh... my size scare you off. I have a perfectly good holomatter avatar that you can spar with.

On another note, I have kind of an odd question.

If you were given a clean slate, completely clean, nothing mattered except the here and now, what would you do with it?

[Because the last post of him wasn't dramatic enough, he has to show his ugly mug again on the network. Don't worry, he's wearing clothing this time, what with his big fur coat and all. He's currently lounging on the bed clipping his finger nails which are pretty much rat-bagged from his chewing on them.]

So this city turns out to have just as shitty prerogatives as my world, and they're just as successful at carrying them out too. Pisses me off watching gifted people like ourselves be ruled by a slack-jawed inferior bunch of idiots. Why are we fighting? Well, my world isn't actually worth shit, not sure about all of yours.

Gotta wonder how bad the UE really is and if we're really 'free' at all. Maybe we're all just fucking guinea pigs for their amusement. Maybe the Initiative is just a covert branch of the United Earth, drawing us away from our worlds so it's easier for the takin'. Lots of questions, not a lot of answers, folks.

[He pauses to glance at the camera, holding his nail clippers poised. He frowns, considers in silence for a moment before going back to his nail clipping.]

Shitty place this is. Maybe we should consider asking ourselves some harder questions. It's not about peace, love, harmony and holding hands around a fucking campfire. Some war this is when we're housed on an isolated island surrounded by polluted wastelands. How many wars you all heard of go like that, huh?

[He twitches his shoulders and sucks on one of his fingers where he's cut the nail too short. He pouts and shakes his head a bit before changing topics.]

On a lighter note, I'm looking to acquire a wig for my woman. Her ears are getting cold in all this rain and misery, and I hate sleeping next to someone rubbing their cold ears on me at night. It's a goddamn travesty. Anyway, couldn't find one at the market, and the kid with the lemming didn't seem keen on giving up the brains of his operation. I'm willing to pay, possibly even with services rather than money, and these good looks aren't all I have going for me.

Be seeing ya, kiddies. [He smirks before clicking off the camera.]

[ backdated to earlier in the day before the ship crash ]

( locked ⇢ text )


[ video; ]

[ The video feed comes on, and if her surroundings look familiar to a few Transports, it is because she is currently sitting in NORA cafe, treating herself to a milkshake as she munches on a piece of candy. ]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone who knows Barnaby Brooks Jr. has seen him lately, or if they know he is for sure gone? I haven't heard from him lately, nor seen him...

[Keith starts out by taking a bow at the camera]

Good evening, citizens of Exsilium! If we haven't met before, my name is Keith Goodman and I want to wish everyone good luck, and again good luck on the upcoming mission! Please give it your best and we'll come back safely.

Now I have a small request to ask of anyone with any prior experience in pets and is not participating in the upcoming mission. Since I will be gone for a while, would you mind looking after John for me? [He tilts the camera to show a large golden retriever sitting by the doorway.] I cannot estimate how long I will be gone so would you please take him in? I assure you he is fully house trained, I have the necessary supplies for his care and you will be paid handsomely for the trouble.

If you have any questions, you can leave them here or privately contact me. Thank you and good night!

I'm thirteen today... I think. It's hard to keep track. Maybe I was really thirteen a while ago but today the date's right.

[Rue can't be seen on screen, she can be heard though, walking around the room.]

I'm not saying it to ask for anything. It... it's just important for me to acknowledge it somewhere.

[As a record, to believe it, to look back and say she survived another year since the reaping, since the arena.]

That's all really.

[And the video ends.]

[Woe and betide Samus Aran, for her shower would forsake her this morning. It was a nice routine, not that she really liked the idea of settling into one much; wake up, stretch, shower, shove some breakfast in her mouth, go to the Police Station and do her Police Lady thing. This morning however would not be par the course; her nice, hot shower turned into an unforgiving sheet of frigid ice water pelting her back. Not to mention the utter darkness that fell over everything. The distinct hum of electricity stopped. The distinct, muffled and frustrated groans of a few other unfortunate apartment residents she could pick out through the walls. They could probably hear hers too.

Mere inconvenience? Or attack as well-founded paranoid let her mind secondarily settle into. She ambled out of the shower, slipping and sliding on the wet tile floor just to hastily throw a towel around herself. It's surprisingly dark inside the building despite the time of day, and her eyes haven't had time to adjust yet.

After a bit of fumbling around, eventually she manages to locate her tablet. Given the circumstances, she'll be sticking with audio.]

Requesting a status report from all awake and coherent Transports.

[If she could figure out if this outage was limited to just the apartment building or not, that would be a good first step.]

Who has electricity and who does not?

It's not fair.

[someone doesn't sound happy at all.]

She was my friend. But now...

YOU CAN'T TAKE HER AWAY!

BRING HER BACK!

[some loud, pained screaming.]

BRING HER BACK. NOW!

[wherever painwheel's at, she's decided to take her anger out on the place itself, as it sounds like there's quite a bit of wrecking, breaking, and smashing going on.

yeah, it's pretty bad.]

[ When Mithos comes onto the screen he looks a bit annoyed about something. ]

Uhm.. Hello everyone, I'd like to ask a question. What would you say is a clean room? More specifically:

[ He flips his tablet so it shows the room he's in. There were books and papers scattered all over the room. Sticky Note were in various places with some sort of fancy chicken scratch on them. Among the books and papers were also clothing and while the bed was clean it wasn't made.

He moves the tablet around and among the mess is also Kratos standing there with his arm crossed. It doesn't look like he has a clue on what his apprentice was doing right now.

Once Mithos was done he turns the tablet back around so it faces him again. ]

Are there any of you out there who would call that a clean room? And is there any way to convince someone to clean their room.

[ Because he's pretty close to just cleaning it himself. ]

Thank you.

[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!

[Elissa's one of those people who still hasn't conformed to the more modern way of dressing. Her tunic is loose and her leggings are worn, still the ones she's had from home. Her tone is thoughtful when she begins to speak.]

We lose people so often here that it's rather staggering. They say they wish to build an army but I often wonder if the Initiative isn't grasping at straws in their attempts to keep us here. I've seen strong warriors come and go, some more than once. I cannot tell if I'm grateful at the idea that their control over our presence is slipping or if we should be worried about what the future may bring. After all, we still do not know if we are returned home when we depart from this world.

[If she seems fearful of the notion, she doesn't show it.]

But we still lose valuable friends and allies just the same. Many, too, will leave this world only to lose their lives. However the Initiative has managed it, they have brought people back from the dead, and they will probably perish once they disappear.

[That is enough to make her frown.] There's little we can do, unfortunately. But I believe someone mentioned wanting to build a memorial before, something to honor those who have left us one way or another. I'll...admit wanting to start such a project if it hasn't been created already, though I have little idea of where to begin. Suggestions would be welcome.

[Otherwise, she can only privately mourn fallen friends and departed allies in her own way, and she's not interested in just moping.]

( filtered to zevran )

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! )

I've noticed the trend towards asking our fellow transports philosophical questions on this network. While I can't say I particularly see the appeal, there is something about which I am curious of others' opinions.

Namely - how would you define a home?

If it's not something you'd wish to talk about, there's no point in answering; similarly, I don't mind answering, myself, for the curious - it's only polite when asking, after all.

( before anyone bothers with either of those points. homes aren't something he's thought about in years, really, fairly certain of the fact that he doesn't have one anymore; but after eight months or more in exsilium...he's starting to, a little bit. )

Greetings citizens of Exsilium! This is Keith Goodman here despite my current appearance. First I want to urge all of you to stay calm during this turbulent time. Rest assure the Initiative is doing their very best to fix the issue at hand!

[He has his hands on hips, looking sternly at the tablet.]

Secondly, I wish for the person with my body proper to reveal themselves to me. Don't be shy! I want to make sure you're as comfortable as possible while using mine. I'm sure we can work something out.

[And with his speech finished, he salutes and cuts off the feed.]

[Well, isn't this a face you haven't seen posting to the network for quite some time, Exsilium. What's this weirdo girl up to this time, you wonder, clicking on her video? Surely it's going to be some kind of ridiculous announcement where she's grinning widely and--]

[Well, actually, she looks kind of distressed. And kind of shaky. But that just might be the camera, because she's moving around pretty quickly and you can see landscape behind her. But distressed, definitely that]

Sis, it's not nice to scare people! Are you trying to make me old and grey like Nick?!!

[And she clears her throat, though it's clear her composure is going the longer she speaks]

Has anyone seen my sis? Her name is Mia Fey, and she's a lawyer, and she's this tall [She holds one hand hiiiigh up (no, Mia isn't a giant, Maya's just really short)] and she's got long brown hair and she's really pretty [With a certain two assets you can't miss] and she's really good at defending--! Oh wait, that last one isn't a description.

A-Anyway, I can't find her, she's not in her apartment, and her phone's not working, and I really need to make sure she's okay, so, please, if you've-- [And it seems like her leg caught on something, because--]

Aaaaaah!

[--Because she's tripping and faceplanting right into the ground, dropping the tablet in the process and ending the feed. Yep, she just tripped and fell in the middle of her post, WHAT A CHAMPION]

[OOC: Feel free to action tag if you want to run into Maya in the streets, running around ineffectively looking for Mia. Yep.]

<sub>[The device is easy enough to use. It's not unlike the stuff from back home, so it doesn't take her long to get comfortable with it. The post goes up without a hitch.

She'd easily prefer video--this feels a little impersonal, but it's better this way for now. She's still not quite well.]</sub>

Hello, everyone. My name is Flora. I'm really very sorry if this message isn't...well, it's normally supposed to be, I guess. I'm a little out of it. I can't say I've had to make introductions like this before, but it's nice to meet you, nonetheless. :) This is still just a lot to take in, and what's happened to the Earth itself. I still can't believe it. This planet was once so beautiful.

I don't expect much, but there's no harm in asking. If anyone's heard of or met one of the Winx, would you please let me know? I would very much appreciate it.

Lastly, I have a question for anyone willing to answer it. Thank you, in advance.

Do you believe in fairies?

[ a rather tired-looking blond man can be seen sitting on a couch in what appears to be initiate-provided housing; he gives the camera an equally tired wave. ]

Ah-- hello, everybirdie. [ he smiles, folding his hands in front of him. ] It's been quite hectic recently, hasn't it? I hope I'm not adding too much to the commotion.

But... I was wondering if someone could help me find something in the markets. It's [ a pause; should he describe it, maybe? new worlds and all that... ] a bit like a backwards coat, but it's meant to be worn indoors. It's very similar to a blanket, and... very warm...

[ he continues mumbling for a few moments before trailing off completely, his head falling forwards. he spends more than a few moments just... sleeping... but near the end of the recording, his head jerks back up suddenly. ]

Where was I? Hmm... oh, yes. Just let me know if you have any ideas.

[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.]

So, uh...

Does anybody feel like talking? It doesn't matter about what.

I just really need the distraction.

[ Akito’s eyebrows are wrinkled and his face is definitely way too close to the screen, but once he realizes the video function is actually on and working - he pulls back, an easy smile on his lips and a hand raising to give a small wave to the camera. ]

Hello! I haven’t been able to look around much yet myself, but -- there was someone with me before I got here, and I was wondering if anyone has seen him? He’s about this tall, [ he gestures about foot and a half above his head, which probably isn’t much help, but. ] has brown hair that’s pointed at the ends, yellow eyes, and might be wearing am ugly colored sweater vest. Goes by Akira!!

If you haven’t seen him, then maybe Kazu? He’s about -- [ the hand lowers a half a foot. ] this tall, has blond hair, blue eyes, always wears a white beanie.

[ the hand drops down as he finishes speaking, arm pressing close to his side. ] Or if you could tell me where the nearest cake shop is, that would be almost as good!

My name is Akito, by the way. Akito Wanijima. It's a pleasure to meet you all, I'm sure.