[For once, Koltira isn't using the video function. Instead, there's just his voice, echoing and soft and toneless.]

Ashraf Salib has returned home.

[There's a stretch of silence. He isn't the only one in recent memory--the boy he met, Jack Frost, and Ashraf's friend, the monk--they're gone, too. Koltira hadn't known them nearly as long or as well as Ashraf, but he hadn't missed their disappearances, either.

Still, finding Ashraf gone was a punch to the gut. Despite their rocky first meeting, Ashraf eventually became one of the few people to fully and unconditionally accept Koltira for who--and what--he was. The priest's devotion to his beliefs, his essential goodness, his willingness to learn, his warmth ... these traits were uniquely his own, of course, but they also reminded Koltira of someone else he knew and cared for. Liadrin. A woman just as perfect in her faith as Ashraf, and just as determined to see the good rather than the bad.

She was gone from him, too, though, and had been for a long time.]

I suppose I should be happy for him.

[Another period of silence, and then the feed ends.]

( locked ⇢ voice; )


[ video; ]

[ Anyone scrolling through the network will come across a video feed of this brunette preteen humming to herself as her eyes focus on the right side of the screen. After a moment, she sighs in frustration and rubs her face with both hands before speaking. ]

And I thought my teacher gave me a lot of homework. At least these people don't test us on all of this stuff.

......they don't, right? [ She huffs, muttering to herself. ] They better not. Anyway, is anyone else new to this world like I am?

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

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

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. )

I am very well aware of the date, but I swear if one more person pinches me for not wearing green I'm arresting them for assault.

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.]

[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?

The place sure gets quiet when there aren't any festivals going on, doesn't it?

[The man on the screen is a little bit tilted, probably from the placement of his tablet, and his grin is also crooked as usual. Sitting cross-legged on his bed, Phoenix leans forward to rest his elbows on his knees.]

At first I wondered why Valentine's Day was such a big deal here, but I think I liked that holiday too. I for one would like to know where they got all those toys from, though... but.

[He pauses, sitting straight again. He shrugs once, and that grin becomes a bit more of a grimace as he continues.]

For a place that loves its children so much that they'll throw festivals just for them, these people sure do like dragging those kids into their wars, don't they?

[ Text; ]

[ This anonymous message will be posted for everyone in Exsilium's network to see. It is simple and easy enough to understand. His wish is simple enough actually. He just wanted to know what drove these people to fight.

What was so attractive about a war that wasn't theirs to begin with? ]

Are we expected to fight simply because we have the weapons to do so?


For those who are fighting, what are you fighting for? How certain are you that you are fighting for the right reasons?

[ Action; ]

[ A few hours after sending the message, he can be found taking apart his tablet. He was studying it and searching for anything that would resemble a bug. Kira is understandably very cautious by nature and takes his privacy very seriously.

Whoever enters the unit will notice messily arranged parts from the tablet and tools on the floor and Kira in the middle of all that chaos with a serious look on his face. ]

( well, that was - something. fifteen is not an age he'd ever wanted to experience again for a number of reasons, all of which stand out vividly in mind right now. there was so much he didn't know then, driven by a raw need for revenge and to get his answers, still hanging on mr maverick's every word. he wasn't happier then but things were simpler then, more cut and dry, and he was more certain of things than he may ever be now.

he sighs before he can stop himself, offering the feed a long-suffering expression. )

I'd like to thank everyone who helped me ( there's a slight stress on the last word ) in the last two weeks as I was getting reacquainted with living here - especially since I wasn't particularly easy to deal with, at that age. Presumably, everyone's aware that disruptions like this are difficult to predict or control, but if anyone would still like an apology for my behavior, I can't say it wouldn't be deserved.

[When the video comes on, it's dark for a split second before immediately pulling back on what appears to be a table in one of the rooms. The picture starts moving around quickly, and anyone watching may catch quick glances of a very happy small boy who seems to be the one holding it. The only certain sounds are that he's laughing and the constant loud banging sound implies that the tablet is being struck against something a lot.]

Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha~

[It's a few seconds later that the sounds seems to have drawn the attention of another person, as indicated by footsteps suddenly approaching.]

No, Lloyd, that's not a toy. Give it to me, please. [The order is said kindly, but none the less, is an order.]

[After one more slap, the image finally slows down. It finally turns to get a good look at the ceiling, which immediately rushes backwards a bit.]

So what is it, Daddy?

( Cut for cute and fail parenting )

[ So here's Jesse and Collette, grinning stupidly at the camera and looking like they've got a plan up their sleeves. Jesse's the first to speak, rubbing his hands together excitedly: ]

Okay, so like... I heard there's superheroes here. Like real, bona fide superheroes. Costumes and everything. And, like, where I come from, you know, we don’t really got superheroes except in stories. So we were thinking it'd be real cool...

[ Collette glances at Jesse, then to the camera. She blurts out something that surely will never ever cause immense embarrassment once she learns the extent of the super heroes she's been around (discounting Barnaby and Kotetsu, who are weird anyway): ]

... If we could meet a few of you in person, and maybe even get an autograph!

Continuity- kinda just-

[ -scuffles in the background. The video feed clicks on, though for a few seconds there’s not much to see other than a few broken shingles and a small-fingered, bright green glove. The voice is young enough not to crack, and probably – probably – male. ]

Yeesh. Okay, that’s not it. You know, you guys should’ve just said if you were looking to upgrade this stuff. I mean this thing... this thing is just kinda...

[ With a click he figures out where the input is and tilts it away from the rooftop he’s perched on. The face peering down into the feed is masked and frowning. ]

Okay. I think... that does it, right?

So I didn’t think there was gonna be much of a reason for me to use this thing, but since the welcome wagon left out the part about everybody forgetting who they were I thought I could… um. Help. I mean, if anybody’s still confused about stuff. I didn’t get a chance to write down everything before this place went haywire, but I think I still remember all the same things I did yesterday. So that’s something, anyway.

[The video opens on a three-year-old Lloyd Irving, peering curiously at the tablet with a "What's that thing?" before Kotetsu turns the camera back around to himself.]

Anyone recognize this kid? He says his name's Lloyd, and he knows someone named uh...Noishe?

[Yeah, that's all he's got and he's probably butchering the pronunciation, but there's only so much info you can get out of a toddler, okay.]

I found him wandering around the Hold by himself, so if there's anybody here from his world it'd be a big help to hear from them.

( his faint, faint, faint memories of exsilium allow him to remember how to work his tablet easily enough; so much so that he assumes he was just that clever in his ability to figure out how to use a new, somewhat antiquated device. his voice is calm enough when he speaks, bored, just this side of sounding utterly disdainful. )

If you were looking for a ransom, then you should've done more research before kidnapping the first teenager in sight.

( this isn't entirely true, of course; there's his connection to mr maverick, but that's not very common knowledge. anyway, it's not like he's about to blurt out being somewhat adopted by one of the most influential people in sternbild to a potential kidnapper. )

Since there isn't anyone for you to demand it from, anyway, this is a waste of time for both of us. Should you really be giving away computers, anyway?

( this is incredibly stupid and such a waste of his life. whoever's on the other end of this device is going to have to suffer his scorn in all of its teenage glory. he doesn't care.

and there's always his hundred power, if it comes down to it.

after a moment, an attachment will appear: attached: ouroboros.png

yes he drew that, fight him.)

If that mark or its name means anything to you, I want to know.

[Lloyd seems a bit perturbed as the feed starts. Seriously, it's been over a week and he's only finding out what happened now? He really needs to pay more attention to this tablet thing, but he's still used to the communicator he had before. N-Not that he's been looking at that instead out of habit and wondering why it's so quiet before he remembers...]

Is it seriously already a New Year here? I just saw it's that January month again. The years on this world are really short! Did you even have that Halloween thing again, or does that not happen every year?

[Okay, Exsilium. Hilda's kept quiet on the network so far, although she's commented to other people. She's chiefly been out to familiarize herself over the past month with the city, among other-- things.

(Like settling Victini in, and finding somewhere to put him if she should leave.)

She's ready today, though, to ask a few questions of her own. Those get pretty nice responses, right? The more philosophical the better. Which would be good if she was the philosophical type, but she isn't. She smiles, because even if she can't ask a meaning of life question she can at least look friendly.]

People get dragged out and go back in time to fight, right? [It's rhetorical. She's already been to the past, during the masquerade. She knows it's possible.] Is there a way to volunteer for that kind of thing?

[The smile slips into a small frown, as she realizes that fighting blindly in a foreign world probably isn't the easiest thing. Time for a little advice getting.]

And if you've been out like that, can you tell me what it's like? Unova hasn't had a huge war since the twin brothers, so I'm pretty much a Basculin out of water.

[After dealing with the uncertainty of being parent (or future parent, rather) and being taken care of by his son more than should be allowed, Kratos has finally decided to ask for help. Anonymously.]

What does being a father entail? Or rather, what sort of things do fathers do with their children and what responsibilities are expected of a father? Conversely, what activities do children enjoy doing with their fathers?

[ He frowns once before speaking, running a hand through his hair. ]

Does anyone know of a good place to get a haircut, or else know how to do so well [ "well" being the operative word ] themselves? The price isn't an issue. [ any cost for beauty etc. ] Thank you.

[ He expects glowing recommendations okay. Or if you know how and are offering LISTS OF REFERENCES....nah probably not. Maybe.

But in any case, his hair's getting on the long side these days, even for him, bangs becoming an annoyance at his eyes; so it's about time he gets that fixed up. He'd just like to be sure before actually letting someone at his hair with a pair of scissors, even if he isn't Sternbild-famous here.]

[ Wanda is in her usual red, though the clothes are slightly more low-key than her usual superhero fare.  If a girl can't use her reality warping powers to update her wardrobe, what is the point of even having powers?]

Ah, I suppose I should start with a welcome to all the new comers, but that seems a bit disingenuous.  My name is Wanda Maximoff, though I am known as the Scarlet Witch in my world.

[And that is, perhaps, a test.  Seeing if there was perhaps someone from her world out there who she hadn't seen on the network yet.]

Since it seems we're in the middle of a lull, I thought I might follow up on an idea Collette had.  I'm not entierly keen on going back underground after spending entierly too much time down there already, but perhaps there is something to find down there.  Something that may be more worthwhile than questionable teen fiction.

It'll be something else to do aside from waiting for the next disaster or mad time traveling expedition, at the very least.

[Nick is sitting at a table in his favorite bar, a glass of beer sitting on the table and a silver-plated lighter in his hand. He’s turning the lighter over and over, tapping it against the table occasionally.

His usual pissed-off look has been replaced with one that’s more somber.]

Y’know, I’ve never actually killed a person before. I’ve killed hundreds of zombies, and my dad took me hunting when I was younger – deer and elk, mostly. But I’ve never killed an actual person until that mission we went on.

It felt… different… than I thought it would.

[He taps a sealed package of cigarettes lying next to the beer.]

I gave up smoking about ten years ago… I’m starting to wonder why.

[The pissed-off look is back as he shakes his head irritably.]

Fuck this shit. We went back in time, right? By our standards, those fuckers had been dead for thousands of years. We were just… reenacting history. Nothing to feel guilty about.

[Terms like 'down time' and 'free time' were somewhat of a foreign concept to Samus up until only a few days ago. Between bombing and catacombing and Mongolian battling and Monster slaying, and then believing it some imperative duty to patrol around the Hold in-between those times like an armored guard dog set on (well justified) high alert, she's not given herself much of a moment to relax. Samus has, however, has made it a point to become in need of a good shower very acquainted with the tablet-formerly-netbook device, and especially appreciates the recent upgrade. Her technology is still far more advanced than the tiny little device, but it suits its purpose well enough.

Much the same, she's made it suit her purposes, if literally. The particularly astute will recognize this video feed is coming from the forearm of this person, fixed in place as if it's just another part of them.

"Person" is a generous term--what's being displayed could be more accurately described as a orange suit of armor from the torso up, heck, maybe even some kind of space robot with how distinctive it looks. (Though, there's also something very organic about the suit, like it were a second skin in some parts.) The voice is quite muffled under the helmet and opaque green visor--to the point of questionably androgyny.]

...

[It's a very talkative robot person. A damage report seems utterly moot.]

More Transports and more Exiles. It really is a testament to how miserable this place can be when the island population never seems to grow despite that. Some of the new arrivals seem... ill.

[Then again, if the last mission was any indication time can change anything, can't it...?]

I suppose an overdue introduction is in order. Here's my resume for what it's worth. Take it or leave it.

( [ UPLOADING ENCRYPTED DOCUMENT. . . ] )

[ACTION for el residentes of unit 406]
[KNOCK KNOCK. HONEY, I'M HOME. Actually Samus might have let herself in and out of here previously just to quickly use the shower, chances are when no one, or Maya was present so no time paradoxes happen and saying nothing more than 'hi' and 'bye' before leaving as quickly as she came.

But now, running ragged, Samus thinks she is ready to give this... roommate thing a real try. It couldn't be worse than the fiasco in Adam's place, or sleeping outside in the dirt another night, could it? Hopefully her roommates are ready to give the big armored person standing at the door a try too.]

[OPEN ACTION]
[When not needed Samus is an elusive creature, but the towering armored person can be found especially if your name is Mia patrolling around the Initiative Hold and in the city--there's still plenty for Samus to explore, being here only a little over a month now.]

So Vanadi's hosting the big Masquerade Ball later this month, and that got me to thinking...

( Collette starts ticking things off on her fingers. )

There's no age limit, everyone's going to be wearing a mask and in costume, there's no supervision, and one of the most common questions out of new people showing up here is "where's the nearest bar," so it'll also have alcohol. Lots of it.

( Collette leans forward, chin resting on her interlaced hands, elbows on the table. She grins. )

This is so much better than Prom would ever be.

[For once Kotetsu looks all kinds of desperate and upset, like staying calm long enough to get through a brief message is a challenge for him right now. As soon as the video starts recording he wastes no time in getting straight to the point, all but yelling over the sound of Samus's weapons firing into a monster somewhere not far off in the background.]

Anyone with healing powers--we need help! My partner's hurt really bad and I can't move him! We don't have much time, so please hurry!

[He rattles off his nearest estimate of their location, and as he turns to double check for any landmarks that might aid in a better description the camera picks up a quick glimpse of Barnaby, indeed looking to be in pretty bad shape, bloody and barely conscious on the ground. With nothing more to say, Kotetsu shuts the video off as abruptly as it began.]

[(OOC note: Responses will be delayed and the video will be ICly deleted about twenty minutes after it's posted because they totally had this covered, guys, really!)]

 [Tenjou is on a couch, looking rather tired. Even a future god can get tired out, especially when dealing with the back-to-back combat.]

Well, that was interesting. I won't be able to say I'll be bored easily now. Just one question: Are there any places here that serve decent sake? If not, I guess I can go for any kind of alcohol then. After what's been happening lately, I think I could use a drink.

...The name's Tenjou, by the way.

Quick question.

What do you do if it's a lot closer to your birthday here than it was when you were back home?

Does it count or not?

(read: someone's birthday is on the 23rd!)

And... sorry for how I acted last time.

[Filtered from Arthas Menethil/The Lich King.]

[ The sight that fills the video is one of magnificence really. Purple and golden fabric drape along the background with various crystals floating in the air and a table centered with an intricately designed teapot (with matching cups). Oh, there's also an orc present. He's soon joined by his ally who presumably set up the device to record. There's a moment of hesitation between the two before the human woman turns to face the screen to address the audience. ]

Good day fellow travelers to this realm. [ Her voice is bolstered in confidence, although her gaze falters from time to time. ] There are many of you here that I have yet to meet and for that I unfortunately must ask that we postpone further pleasantries.

[Thrall isn’t quite sure where to put his hands, so he settles them on his knees and looks toward the camera. At least he thinks it’s the camera. Just when he gets used to using one form of technology, they change it out for something that’s still too small for his hands. Anyway, his expression is serious and faintly contemplative. There’s a lot to be said here, and a lot that he shouldn’t say. Not yet.] The arrival of someone from our world has made it apparent that precautions should be taken. [His brows furrow.] And so we must warn you, and decide what to do from there. This dark conqueror was once named Prince Arthas Menethil, but now he wears the armor and the title of Lich King. He is no man, but a monster.

A monster? [ Jaina cuts him off with her own intrusion and for a moment there, she appears almost as though she wants to argue that. With a gulp loud enough to be picked up by the device, she forces herself to continue. ] That's right. [ Steadily growing more strength with that single phrase alone. ] A monster that if left unattended to will purge this entire world of life. The blight will warp the land and from every living being a monstrosity will be born. Man, woman, creature or child. Living or dead. Their bodies will take up arms against those who oppose him and unlike that with a sentient mind, they will annihilate without any concern for their crimes.

[ Leaning back into her chair, her breathing slowly becomes more irregular as she forces herself to continue. ] There are a number of atrocities he's committed back in Azeroth. So many so that the brave, brave people of our world have risen to take the fight to his doorsteps. I, I was almost there. [ There's a seething edge to her tone with that phrase as she nears dangerously close to a point unlike her. ]

Jaina... [Her name escapes his lips, a soft concerned rumble, before he can stop himself. Seeing all that anger sneak into her expression, the tightness of her knuckles in the tablecloth-- it’s all he can do to keep from reaching across the table. He shakes his head slowly.] The damage he could do to this world is unthinkable, but far from impossible.

Knowing this, what are our choices? Would the Initiative assist us, knowing the danger they have brought upon their country? I have heard of a judicial system in passing, but I am not sure how effective it would be. Whatever must be done, it must be done as a group, with as much preparation and planning as possible. Do NOT engage the Lich King alone. We don’t know if he can circumvent how the Initiative deals with death.

It remains imperative that you do not approach him on your own.

[ Jaina emphasizes on this point in the hopes of drilling it into the heads of those listening in. Rising to her feet, her steps are just a bit heavier than before as her agitation weighs her down in her approach for the device. She felt there was nothing more she can say to this as she cuts the recording short. ]

( ooc note: )

Can I ask someone some questions about human parents? Like if you have them, or if you are one!

[ With the way Feferi has her face all up in the camera, you would think she had never used technology before. But no, she's just very exuberant, more so than usual. ]

Oh yeah, and that's not the only thing I wanted to say! So who remembers that we were working on a guide for new people? Well, it's finally ready!

[ Link Attached: A Newbie's Guide to Exsilium ]

But before I print it out, I want everyone to see it. What do you all think? And some people can be relieved that there are only plain, boring fonts, thanks to the all the help I got! If anyone else has anything to add, tell me! Also, it would be great if some people would volunteer as contacts for the new people. You know, like an on-call question answerer!

( ooc notes )

I preferred the old books better. [This thing is being folded every which way, because they just had to make this thing harder to use.] At least you knew where you stood with them. The old books never changed; they might never have been easy to use, but they you knew what you were supposed to do with them.

[Is he talking about the book, still? Maybe, maybe not.] With all this talk of the Initiative and the United Earth issues, there's been something that's come up several times. Something I would be worried about, and so should others.

Traitors. Those who turned away from the goal right when their colleagues needed them most. Or the ones who never came to help in the first place, though they said they would. Traitors also includes liars. Yes. Liars. The ones who never tell the truth, especially when the truth could be the information you needed the most.

[He's getting exasperated with this new book.] I wonder, how did everyone else treat liars back home? In Ferelden, we had several ways of punishing those that had committed crimes against the crown, or those who'd lied and were caught. Some of them seemed rather harsh, but if someone who steals loses a finger, why not have the liar lose something as well? Something they value, something close to them, so that they can be hurt as much as they have hurt those around them.

So, how should we treat those liars, here? If we find traitors, what do we do with them? A mock execution, whipping, leaving them bound and gagged in a small room? Killing them would just be too merciful for what they've done, wouldn't it? [He pauses.]

Andraste's foul breath, this new book is more difficult then the other! [Okay, he's done with this book thing. With a yell, he throws it across the room.]

[At first it appears the screen is simply black, but no, it's just an EXTREME CLOSEUP of black fur. Followed by an equally EXTREME close up of an eye.]

HELLO? HELLO PEOPLE IN THE MACHINE. [The eyeball is speaking very. Very. Slowly. And loudly.]

I AM THE DRAGON WARRIOR. MY NAME IS PO. PLEASE DO NOT BE ALARMED. I MEAN YOU NO HARM. I AM A MASTER OF KUNG FU AND I AM HERE TO SAVE YOU. ALSO, I AM A PANDA. WE DO NOT EAT...uh...oh what were they called aga--Oh! Right!HEE-YOU-MANS. WE EAT BAMBOO. AND ALSO NOODLES. AND OOH! OOH! ALMOND COOKIES. Man I could really go for some of Monkey’s almond cookies right no--Uh, wait, I mean DO NOT BE ALARMED.

[Pause.]

I SAID THAT ALREADY. BUT THAT'S OKAY. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU NOT BE ALARMED BECAUSE I AM A HERO.

[Pause.]

I AM ALSO A MASTER OF KUNG FU. I SAID THAT ALREADY ALSO. Oh man just shut up Po you’re blowing this. Uh...

YOU MAY SPEAK NOW!

[There's a blur of black and white as the eyeball turns into a...is that an ear canal? Is he putting his ear against the camera? ...Yes. Yes he is.]

Everyone breathing okay?

[One easygoing looking man grins into the camera. He just got his netbook after the bombing ordeal calmed down a bit and he's been fiddling with it all day! Now he knows how to use it and he's so proud of himself.]

Yes? Nice to meet you. The Initiative brought me in to help out this Resistance project of theirs, so I guess that makes us comrades? That's nice. You know what they say about friendship.

[What do they say about friendship, Nick? He has no clue.]

Anyway... I actually had a question. Is there anywhere around here I could find some playing cards? I was talking to someone down in the tunnels last week and thought game night might be a fun thing to do sometime. Maybe poker for some fun prizes? Haha.

[... He does not introduce himself. He thought it might make him mysterious, and it'll be a way to start a conversation later, right?]

[On the network pops up a rather unhappy face. Frankly put, it appears annoyed. Dressed in full hero get up, Karina frowns at the screen while studying it briefly. Everything looks like it's working like it's supposed to. Good, time to speak up.]

So this thing does work. A functioning whatever this is is the least these guys can do after dragging us into some strange world. It looks like such a complete dump, too. Upstairs is understandable, but making this underground place appear more like a livable space and less like something right out of a horror movie shouldn't be too much to ask for. [Then she sighs and mutters, more to herself than anything.] Seriously, who designed this place? Tiger?

[Only someone like that guy would have this lame of a style. It's all run down and crappy and everything.Maybe desperate times meant downgrading design, but come on. Kidnapping her is one thing; kidnapping her to a place this ugly is another.

Oh well, complaining can come later. More important things need to be done right now.]

My name is Blue Rose. I'm a hero from the city of Sternbild. If anyone has heard of this place or of someone from it, I'd appreciate being contacted as soon as possible. If any of the other heroes are here, that goes doubly for you guys.

[That last part sounds a bit high and mighty. As it should be. Those guys have to contact her asap so she could be sure they're okay. Especially Tiger. Who knows how much damage he's caused by now if he's here all alone.]

I also have a couple questions. What exactly is this 'Initiative', anyway, and [Her expression shifts into a sour, slightly confused one as she holds up a light blue towel with a cute, little, winking tiger on it.] how is a towel supposed to be a weapon?

[The man that appears is standing in the middle of the street. He is wearing a black kimono and a white haori bearing the number '6' in kanji beyween his shoulderblades. He is holding a key and a card in his right hand, signalling a new arrival to those who have been here longer.

His left sleeve is completely torn away, and his left arm is bleeding. It looks like it's been sliced into by a lot of tiny blades.

He doesn't look to be in pain, though. He's paying no heed to the injury. Mostly, he is looking vaguely irritated and decidedly unimpressed with his current situation.]

The explanation as to how I came to be here when I am supposed to be elsewhere was wholly inadequate. I am expecting a better one.

[His tone means 'right now, or else...'. He truly expects to be listened to and answered.]

Hello, everyone.

[ Today, he looks about as professionally neutral as he normally would - if maybe a little pleased for once - and he's seated at a table in his apartment, somewhat visible from the angle of the netbook screen. ]

I hope to hear that everyone's been doing well - or as well as possible.

[ Considering what happened not long ago, but there's no need to rub it in. He pauses briefly before going on and leaning towards the screen a little, some light catching on the gold resting at his collarbones. ]

There's been talk recently of the need for a more organized means to control threats and protect the people here. Naturally, I agree completely.

[ There are some papers on the table and he takes a moment to glance through them before picking up one in particular - plain, nondescript, with black typeface visible on it - and gesturing at the camera. ]

As I found out not long ago, we're not alone in thinking that. The people - the civilians - of Exsilium have already begun to organize a police force of their own. I happened to find their station because of this flier, advertising for assistance. They're more than willing to accept Transports - in fact, they're willing to allow for a separate segment to be created that would consist entirely of Transports and address dangers to us.

I can understand if anyone may be hesitant to work with natives of this world, but they seem to be completely unaffiliated with the Initiative - so much that no one I spoke to acknowledged the name - and I believe this is a good opportunity to bring some [ JUSTICE ] order to Exsilium while we're here.

[ backdated to evening of 9/12....

wait who the hell is. this bag of angry doucheass? COME ON, GUY, YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE DEAD.

well. more so than usual, anyway. ]

I'm not dead. I never died. I was injured, I was set back. Not killed.

Barnaby. Adam. I am still here and this week is not yet over. The deal stands. Stay out of my way.

[ his eyes narrow, and his words gain a vicious bite. seething, spitting, perhaps disgusted: ]

All of you, stay out of the way. Martin Darkov is my charge. I will-- [ hitch. his accent is starting to come out, a growl in his voice, a harsh edge on his syllables. definite disgust has manifested now, in the flash of his eyes, the curl of his lip. ] I am done here.

This will be over by tonight.

[ end feed. replies may be short, delayed, or just straight-up non-existent. ]