After some time here— enough to make a good go, I think— I have concluded that I'm not cut out for space. My wife would say I'm not cut out for anything! And maybe she's right. Maybe I was born, maybe I was made. I don't think I was cut out.

Some think government is a necessary evil. Some think it's not even necessary, I bet. People who are a lot more clever than I am have been trying to talk together a government here for quite a while. But that's what they say about the speed of bureaucracy! I don't want to get into all that, since I prefer to be disagreeable in more amusing ways… [ He lets that drift off, a bit. ]

But it got me wondering! Maybe not everyone here is used to a government! Or a council, or having any say in how laws fall onto them. Where I come from, the priests rule, and the high priest, they say, has the ear of God.

What about you?

Are we truly on the moon?

[ She sounds curious, curious enough to ask again but this time to the network now that she's been given proper instruction on how to work it and the device given to her. Lucrezia's already asked both her mother and her brother, but asking network-wide means making friends. ]

Has it always been this bleak? We see it high up in the sky, unable to ever touch it. It shines down light should we happen to lose our way—and this is how it really is? What a lonely place to be.

And space—God’s light must not reach far.

[ It doesn’t make sense. It shouldn’t be possible. Yet here they all are. And she'll put behind her the chaotic welcome she had been greeted with, monsters and carnage, death littering the corridors a week ago. ]

I cannot help but think that space is a far darker world than that of Rome.

[ But how could such a thing even be possible? ]

You know, my missus is very suspicious of me. She says that my eye wanders. Maybe she's right. [ He sighs, an overdramatic sigh, with his shoulders raising and falling. He does miss her, and it occurs to him in this moment just how much. ] Don't tell her I said this, but she usually is.

[ And then he straightens up and his expression levels. ]

The UE is authorizing their Black Code. By the end of the month— so a week, give or take. [ Nash doesn't quite know what this means, but the previous posts, and the way the UE talked about it, have given him an idea. He turns very grave, very quickly, and uses the tone of voice to order soldiers around. ]

I think we should evacuate as soon as possible. As many people as possible—

And I don't think we have much time for debate.

[ the video opens on a table, spread with long cards, most of them face-down. the one showing is xvi, the tower. the camera pans out, a little jittery, to show physis sitting at her card table, turned to the side in agitation. blue is knelt on the floor beside her, glancing up at her with concern.

it was almost like it's all happening again, but this time she can't be quiet about it. she doesn't know the initiative as well, she can't really trust their efficiency in the face of something like this. the mu were always mobile, the moment they knew their location was compromised, they would find another one. that wasn't the case in exsilium, and the warning was necessary. ]

To those who don't know me, my name is Physis. I have the [ gift? not hardly. ] ability of foresight, clairvoyance.

We've made ourselves known, acted openly against our enemy, and they are preparing to make a retaliation. We are to be an example of how they retain their power, I have seen it.

Does anyone know what the Black Code entails?

[ The feed turns on, showing a young, serious looking girl who says nothing at first. She's tapping her foot and staring at the screen curiously for a moment. ]

-- Oh, it's on. Greetings, my name is Lucina. I hail from the Halidom of Ylisse. I've been here for a few weeks, so I'm not really "new" here but I figured I would make a post, considering I've only spoken to a few of you.

[ There's a pause, as she's not sure what to say. She doesn't really talk about herself that much to strangers. ]

I understand that I may have been here before. [ Considering there was someone here that recognized her. ] If you are someone who remembers me, I apologize for not remembering my previous stay here. I hope we can get to know each other again, even if I'm not the Lucina you knew in the past.

[ That's all she'll say on the subject, for now anyway. ] I'm looking for a few people, but I've had no luck searching on foot. I'm looking for a man named Chrom, along with his shepherds, so if you've seen them I would appreciate it if you would direct them towards me.

... I believe that's it. I look forward to getting to know everyone here, and working alongside of you.

[ And hopefully, she can get home soon. She bows her head and quietly disconnects for them time being. ]

Here's a saying: in youth the days are short and the years long, in old age, it's just the opposite.

[ Nash is sitting in his apartment, with a cup of tea. He takes a polite sip. ]

Recently I've discovered that my birthday was— oh, a week ago, maybe. [ His non-occupied hand gestures vaguely. ] I know what you're thinking! You don't have to get me anything. I wouldn't have anyplace to put it.

No, I'd just like to let everyone know that I've decided not to have anymore birthdays. I'm old enough already, and I don't think any that I have here should count. We're always supposedly going back and fourth in time. I'm sure some of that's undoing itself. If I understand it correctly, that's the whole point.

Henceforth, I, Nash Clovis, will still be thirty-seven. No less, and definitely no more.

[ Another sip of his tea. ]

Here's another saying: you can't choose how you come into this world, but you can choose how you leave it.

( gamora's been lucky enough to avoid getting sick and to avoid being squished into green paste by the bombing. it's been a lively month, but her expression is far from amused. or even the general disdain she's taken to addressing the network with.

it's settled into something that's obviously 'intense dislike'. )

Next time anyone tries to pick a fight with me I'm going to do more than dent a wall with them. Especially if their reasoning is "someone who clearly isn't human, they must be someone we don't want around!". Terrans are outnumbered everywhere in the galaxy except for this rock, and yet somehow you think you're special.

Get over yourselves.

( guess who's just been harassed by a citizen of exsilium who has it in for those obvious transports? and guess who ever so kindly did nothing to improve the relationship between the two groups? )

[ After finally being able to return to her own apartment and clean herself up, Anne tentatively begins to explore the outside more, now that the worst seems to be over. She's seeking out where the bombs dropped, partially out of morbid curiosity and partially out of a desire to help. She can't just stay at home.

It's nice to walk and talk, and these tablets are handy, so she attempts to use it properly for the first time, flipping on the video to address people at large. This face greets you, Exsilium, and it looks just as happy as in the picture! Same dress, even. She might get an unpleasant reaction from some natives soon because of it... ]

I can still scarcely believe what I have been told, and what I have seen with mine own eyes. This was once my home, but how can I call it so now when I look about and see nothing but disease, horror, and strangers who either suffer or condemn. My heart breaks, and I know not how to piece it back together in this wake.

There must be a sane and like-minded soul here who is willing to make sense to me. My name is Anne Boleyn, and I am most grateful for any assistance provided in this hour of need, and for suggestions on how I may assist. For your time and your consideration, you have my humbled thanks, and I continue to pray to Almighty God to bless you, and those most in need of His love and guidance in this dire time.

[ She leans back, lips twisting a moment in consideration, before continuing more softly. Anne isn't sure how to contact people privately using this. ]

And if I could hear word of Mister Clovis and the Lady Daenerys, I would breathe a sigh of great relief.

[ 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?

Apparently, in some countries, in some worlds, blonds are considered dumb! [ He smiles like there's some private punchline, not like he's the butt of the joke. ] I just thought I'd share.

Anyway— [ he makes a circling gesture with his left hand ] people like to use this thing to ask questions, right? This is one you'll like. [ By "you" he means the Initiative, which he is sure is always watching. Well, maybe not always but enough that you can't count on them not. ] I want to practice my fencing.

I guess that's not a question though, is it? [ He squints. ] Okay, how's this: I'm looking for a sparring partner. No, still not a question. Hmmm. [ Tapping a finger. ] Anyone up for a match?

I can't promise I'm anything but out of practice, but… that's the whole point of practice.

And I hope everyone's recovered from that out of body experience. Like I was saying before, It's a tricky thing to fight when you don't know which is your swordhand.

[ Flashes of video input— the corner of a walls, floors, a swath of blue clothing, with a frantic, tapping accompaniment. Someone doesn't know how these things work. But the confusion settles and the video feed cuts out.]

This isn't how I was expecting my kidnapping to go. I don't think you've thought this out at all. I mean, where's the ransom note? I don't like to brag, [cough cough] but I could fetch a good sum.

If you wanted to do this right, you'd chop off my little finger and seal it in a letter to my father. "We have the Latkje heir, please send one million potch." That's how you do a proper kidnapping.

Don't worry, I promise to be very uncooperative.

The last time I was drafted into something at least superficially resembling an army, they had a box set up for suggestions. I've decided to carry on the tradition! These things are our direct link to the Initiative, after all, even if they pretend they aren't listening.

Feel free to add your own suggestions. After all, misery loves company, and that's why my wife says I'll always be miserable.

— Rodents. Why do my feet attract rodents? Is it my socks? Especially when they seem to be dead already, it's very distracting.

— Speaking of things that are already dead, why are there so many vampires here? I know they seem like they'd be useful allies, but in my experience they just make you do all the hard work and abandon you at the earliest opportunity! What a pain in the neck.

I'm sure I'll have more suggestions later. I'm a very concerned citizen.

[ ooc: I am heading out right now, so replies will be delayed a bit. ]

Hello to our recent newcomers. Welcome to Exsilium.

Please do not panic, we just got the place looking decent again. There is nothing you can do to return home of your own abilities. This has been tested by many people over the space of ten months now. 

There is a guide to Exsilium put together by other transports. It can be found here.

If you are a healer, doctor, or medical professional of some other kind, there is an active clinic always looking for new recruits. They can be contacted here.

If you wish to consider joining the recently formed police force, they can be contacted at [ insert an address + ooc link ].

Should you simply wish to drink yourself into forgetting this has happened, I have attached a list of places alcohol can be found here. This method is highly endorsed.

Do enjoy your stay.

[ she figures she might as well put all her organization to temporary use. her personal annotated list of places you can drink or obtain alcohol is attached as a downloadable file. exsilium newbies' guide originally posted here. ]

[The device powers on and the view swings around wildly for a moment as Rick turns it over in his hands:]

--amn thing. What do they even expect us to do with this piece of junk? What would anyone want a bunch of strangers spying on you for. Putting your face all over the place? No thanks.

Guess it makes for a good start to your paperweight collection though huh?--

[By the sound of it, it's fairly obvious that he has absolutely no idea that he's live. The netbook's camera focuses first on his shoes, then the drab grey sky then - finally - Rick's ruddy face. Upside down. He turns the device over and frowns at it - checks his teeth in video feed. Hello, you handsome devil. He taps the screen, the red light. Think that might be important?

He glances away and speaks to someone off screen.] Think I could hock it? [Cue the world's wryest smirk. Well someone thinks they're being clever.]

[ Jaina's not the type to normally revert to text. Sure she enjoys reading, but it feels impersonal to speak to someone (or a group of people) through the written word than with her voice. Unfortunately for the time being, this sorceress is lacking in the vocal department and has no other choice. Combined with her current physical state, she sees no reason to worry her allies nor give pleasure to any potential enemies she may have in this place. ]

I'm afraid I must ask a personal favor of the good people of this land. My luck has failed me in the search for a church on my own time, so I will ask it here. Are there any blessed with the Light confident in their ability to purge an infection? Certainly I would be in your debt for such a kindness.

[ Having Jaina owe you a favor is definitely worth it. ] If you could reply to this message with haste, I would be eternally grateful.

[ Surprisingly, she doesn't filter that post. There's no need for her to hide behind the shroud of technology or any shroud for that matter when it came to Arthas Menethil. After witnessing his hesitation first hand, she's out to ensure that he knows she's alive and well. Perhaps not so much of the latter, but definitely full of vigor. ]

( Filtered text to Painwheel )

( Filtered text to Thrall )

[When the communicator turns on, the first setting that it gets turned on to is just voice. A male voice can be heard, cursing softly.]

This shouldn’t be that hard to work. If that button does—ah, there we go.

[The voice setting is turned into video, and a young man with blond hair appears on screen.]

Well, looks like this thing is finally working. I was almost getting tempted to bash it against the wall, but the technology is too good to waste. Or was it the network? [Grins.] So, from the depths of despair we emerge, possibly victorious, possibly having made things worse.

[His grin slowly fades, and he grimaces as he looks down at his clothes.] And all this good leather wasted out in the rain... I was glad those others didn't offer their robes to the rest of us. Not something very leader-like, isn't it? More like a monk of some sort.

[He turns the camera, offering a shot of the rubble.] It's been a real joy and pleasure moving rocks, but after hearing about those airships and the bombings, I'd like to know more about those. If there's a way to fly, I want it, and I'd like it now.

[Someone sounds like she's been drinking iron filings. Hoarse, in a word.]

Wow. I take everything I said about it being so weird that they weren't just smashing us back. I liked it like that. Peaceful was okay.

[A cough, and she switches over to text.]

Maybe we should be training down here? But I'm not sure I'm up for that yet. Let's play a game or something. Who's up for twenty questions?

Or, if you've passed through other worlds before, who'll talk about that? I'm just curious.

[This time Chloe's set up in her room instead of the chilly rooftop perch where she'd made her initial broadcast. One, it's cozier, and two-- well, two is that she's still busy enjoying the little collection of trinkets and coins that've been acquired over both the course of her stay in the city and their brief expedition into the past. (The most important of the bunch being Henry's Morgan dollars, currently being rolled over her fingertips as she addresses the net.)]

Well that was a wild ride, wasn't it? Here's hoping we get sent out on destination holidays a little more often. Shame about the mess here, though. Seems like everyone's had a hard time of things this week.

Just goes to show how much we all ought to be watching one another's backs, no matter what kind of a disaster it might be out there.

Speaking of which...[Chloe sets her coin collection down for a moment to hold up a slightly defunct looking digital tablet. Poor thing's seen much, much better days.] Anyone out there know a thing or two about computers? I'm trying to save this one from the scrap heap, but it's been giving me one hell of a time.

I also figured it was about time I put out the call again. If you need something found-- doesn't matter what-- my crew and I are willing to get it for you. Our rates are fair, and trust me, with as lovely a place as this is, you might as well have someone out managing the more tedious tasks for you.

And Koltira, you still owe me. Fifty for the last job, fifty as a down payment on this one. Try not to make me regret placing a little faith in you, yeah?

[When the shame of his increasingly unpredictable behavior started outweighing the shame of asking, Henry finally sought help. And if he's going to be perfectly honest with himself, the Initiative's consent to feed him inspires just a little disappointment. Backed by a concern for public safety, It would have been so easy to convince somebody here to put him out of his misery.

But the will to persist is an annoying little fuck. He takes the lifeline.

To say his first feeding in Exsilium is messy is a sin of an understatement. Henry awakes afterward with little recollection of it, but the shredded remains of the plastic pouches his gifted meal had been stored in, and then the stream of blood drying down his front and flecking even the furthest corners of the room tell him enough about it that he's happy to forget the rest.

Though he's settled matters with his stomach, Henry's nerves are in need of some attention. So he cleans himself up.]

I'm making shisha. If you've anything interesting to contribute to the flavor, I might be convinced to share a bowl with you.

[Henry's tucked himself into the corner of one of the quieter bars, his homemade hookah occupying the center of the table beside the open netbook while he works..]

 [ In case you thought you were done with Magneto's kids getting all over this network, NOPE!  Wanda is a bit more relaxed than her first post. ]

I hope this isn't too invasive of a question, but I was wondering how many magic users there are here?  Or perhaps magic like powers.

( When Charles appears on the video screen, he looks happier than ever. Well, happier than... is standard practise, for this place, and especially given his recent interpersonal shenanigans. Still, he's smiling. )

Hello, everyone. I've rather a large request—I will understand if the need does not suit you—but I do hope that you'll hear me out.

I would like to establish a school, here in Exsilium. It would be for everyone, of all ages. I've received permission, and salary funding, from the Initiative, to gather both teachers and students to... ah, well. ( Charles' expression shifts to an apologetic one. ) To help me refurbish this building and make it a proper educational institution.

In the interest of full disclosure, I will let you all know that I've acquired an old building. It's not in the best of shape, and will need to be fixed up—that is where you come in. Soon, I will need teachers; students, too. But for now—for now, all I need is some volunteers to turn this place into a functional establishment.

( Charles presses a button on his netbook, and this picture appears. )

Your help would be incredibly appreciated.

Thank you very much.

[There is one very scowly looking blond looking at her surroundings, visible both on the network and in person outside the apartments. She mutters under her breath:] You piss off one mage...

[Clearing her throat, she tries and fails to force the scowl off her face] My name's Lena. I need to be - not here. Look, I'm grateful for the rescue, but it's a little too late. I made a deal, and I have six months - I have six months. None of which I can afford to waste here.

You people need to stop making other people fight your battles for you and learn to stand on your own two feet. It's not my job to hold your hand into a better future.

[Have a very confused looking teenage girl, transports. She's been thinking about this problem for awhile, but hasn't really had the time to ask it.] I was just wondering... How do we count how time passes here? [That sounds stupid, Chloe, maybe you should explain.] I mean! With the time travel thing. On our last mission, I was with a group that was trapped in time for six months, and I've been here in Exsilium for three. [Which sucks, by the way.]

If you count the time away during the mission, does that mean I've missed my sixteenth birthday already? Or should that time just... not matter? 

[ Video for a moment. Roslyn's bent over the netbook, frowning. She doesn't look nearly as put together as normal, her hair shoved back into a messy ponytail as she rubs at her forehead. Her room behind her is a mess, none of the organization people who had visited her before would have seen. She realizes the video is recording almost immediately and sighs, clicking a button to switch it to voice. ]

I've noticed a significant uptick in people asking for the nearest bar. I believe someone out there is working on some sort of welcome booklet, but for now -

Welcome to Exsilium. Here's how you have a drink.

[ just before she disconnects ] You'll need it.

[ And attached to her post is a text list of the bars in the hold, question marks by the ones she hasn't been to and a few words' of description by the ones she has - size, activity levels. Well over half of them have descriptions. ]

[She keeps it short, mostly because there's really only one important question she has for the moment.]

Where is the library?

And if there is not a library, who has books and would like to share and perhaps trade them?

[She'll ask more if and when anyone answers, and depending on how they answer. If there is anything she's learned in her life, it's that knowledge can be deemed dangerous by people, and there was no way of knowing which those people were.]

I guess it would be rude not to introduce myself, huh?

[Hi everyone, it's a somewhat ditzy-looking blond guy. He makes a show of dusting off, of fixing his big green scarf.]

My name's Nash Clovis; I'm from somewhere you've never heard of. I know we've been brought here to be soldiers, but I have such a problem doing what I'm told. The missus hates that, but I tell her: "I can only be who I am."

Who I am was never good at the rank-and-file stuff. If they wanted me fighting fit they should've knocked a few years earlier! But I'd be happy to contribute to the war effort in a subtler, more secretarial, tea-brewing capacity.

[The keen-eyed might notice that despite Nash's overblown protestations, he does have the bearing of a practiced fighter.]

[There's a pair of big brown eyes - and just that - peering very, very closely into the camera. They blink a few times before their owner backs away slightly, just enough so that the rest of her face can be seen. Aw, it's a cute little girl! She's wearing an elaborate golden crown that appears to be just a touch too big for her head, as shown when it slips down over her forehead. Scowling, she pushes it back up to its rightful place atop her head, and glares daggers at the camera. Her mouth is pressed into a hard, thin line; her eyes are narrowed. It's a strange expression for such a young face.]

You have an awful lot of nerve, dragging me into all of this. This isn't my country. This isn't even my world, apparently, and I'm not sure I even believe all that nonsense. Why should I care? What does it matter to me whether you win or lose?

I'm just a little girl, you know. How much help am I going to be, hmm? And I am a queen, on top of that: queen of a nation with its own war to worry about. Perhaps if you'd asked nicely, I might have sent reinforcements, once things had been settled. Except I can't, now that you've gone and kidnapped me.

And what if I die? What then? Falena would never, ever, ever forgive the death of its queen - you'll just end up with another war on your hands. This Initiative of yours isn't very smart, is it?

[There's a pause, and a pained expression crosses her face for a brief moment. Her voice is suddenly as small as she is.] They could have at least brought Frey here, too. He would know what to do.