The more I talk to other people here, the more it sounds like the UE's genetech is what we have to watch out for. While there are ways of shifting things in the past to lessen the effect, we have more pressing concerns right now. [like, oh, that nuclear missile strike]

Out of the other people who were taken, what innate powers do you have? We need to know just how much the UE got from us - and more importantly, what they couldn't get, because those powers represent our best offense and defense right now.

May as well start myself.

[Text]
high-level telepathy and telekinesis

_{( Remy’s hanging out in what passes for one of the classier taverns, leaning back in a wooden chair as his hair falls over his eyes. He’s eyeing the communicator a little devilishly, and, as ever, he’s shuffling a deck of cards. And though the process is constant, he eventually pulls out exactly the card he meant to: the Ace of Diamonds. )}

Diamonds are called Coins, sometimes. If it was gonna be an element, it’d be Earth. Has ta do with the physical, your body an’ your wealth. People who do work like that, too—merchants, traders.

Sometimes it jus’ means you’re an achiever. Y’like gettin’ things done.

_{( He nods, solemnly, before replacing the card in the deck and continuing with his shuffling. He pulls out the Ace of Clubs, next. )}

Clubs’re different. Called Wands, in the old days. They’re Fire, willpower. People who do hard work, wit’ their hands. If you’re someone who likes destruction, that’s your suit. But that’s no so bad. The world needs breakin’ down an’ buldin’ up.

_{( Another nod, another tilt of his head. The next card is the Ace of Hearts. )}

Hearts’re special, some people think. Used ta be called Cups. They gotta do with Water, with emotion. People who do things spir’tually.

Hearts’re socializers. They like other people, more than things.

_{( He kisses the card lightly before shuffling it back in, pulling out the last. The Ace of Spades. )}

Now, Spades. Also called Swords, sometimes. They’re Air, freedom. But wit’ that comes unpredictability. If you’re a Spade, y’like havin’ authority. But that comes wit’ responsibility, an’ consequences.

Spades’re explorers. They like the unknown, seekin’ out what they might be ‘fraid of o’ what might bring ‘em joy.

_{( That card goes back into the deck, too. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. Remy smiles at the communicator once more. )}

So, here’s a question. Which’re you?

[ Em doesn't very much enjoy talking or, in general, socializing. Not that she's anti social, it's just that she is very shy and social situations get her anxious and apprensive and she never really knows what to say. She's a quiet person outside her group of friends and she prefers a book to going out, but this time, it's clearly a very different situation she has found herself in. Her voice is quivering, a extremely faint French accent slipping in some syllables and words, but far from the cartoonish exaggeration that the French tend to speak English in. ]

This is a mistake. [ A long pause to suck in some air into her lungs, a shiver audible through her breathing. ] I cannot be here. Not alone-- not without them. Please, my children. I-- I can't leave them with him. Don't do this, please, someone. Take me back. They're alone with him.

[ There is a longer pause now, where she's just breathing. There's a sound which makes it look like she's slumping down on the floor or leaning back, and her voice comes a little muffled as she keeps herself together, possibly a hand over her mouth. ]

You can't do this to them.

A whole week, and nobody's died and nothing's exploded too badly that I've heard of. It's almost unnerving. Probably can't count on it lasting, though. If anyone still needs help with repairs - well, I can do some basic stuff, at least. And any heavy lifting needed.

( [filtered to those who expressed interested in his squad] )

[Filtered to Remy]

Want to watch some kids run their first trial-by-Danger-Room? Buy you a beer after.

[Filtered to Barbara]

I'm running some intro training for some would-be spec ops recruits, if you're interested in watching and giving a second opinion.

[OOC: I'll put up an OOC plotting post sometime Wednesday, along with the log - it's not too time-sensitive! And for interested parties who didn't catch the OOC post earlier, there will be other opportunities for recruitment. Rosters don't stay static!]

[She's not directly looking at the camera, more off to the side. It's not exactly easy to admit when she's wrong, though she doesn't actually consider herself wrong. She just wasn't particularly swayed on why she should fight with the Initiative.]

I don't much like their methods, and I would as soon as shove my spear in any one o' them higher ups here, in the Initiative for what they've done to us, but-- [Her jaw tenses all the more.]

I understand.

[Her eyes flicker back to the screen.]

I want t'know 'bout this Earth, these United Earth, yeah?

( ( private to Thorin, Remy, and Galadriel ) )

( ( private to Gwen ) )

( 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? )

Is everyone okay?

( She's looking worse for wear, has lost a lot of the muscle she'd managed to build up since getting here. Still, she offers a little grin, a cushion on her lap that her hands are idly twisting into, before she remembers the cup of tea nearby and grabs it up, warming her hands around it. )

So, uh. Okay.

( Eloquent, Linton. )

Do-- is anyone here familiar with Gwen Harwood? She's an Australian poet. I was thinking about her a bit, but I haven't been able to track her down. She wrote this thing, once about how death has become obscene, and philosophers...

( Ellie tilts her head, running her fingers through her hair, gaze not really focused on anything. )

It's been a while. But it's really good. I don't even know if anyone here is that into literature and poetry and stuff except for Dagger. Any takers?

[ 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.

( She isn't the Oracle: she has very little faith in the security of this network. Either it has to be a tool for the Huntress, or for Helena Bertinelli. All things considered, Huntress feels a little more pressing.

When Helena speaks, there are traces of Sicily, it's all very charming. With the Huntress, it's all Gotham, rough and harsh, words bitten out more than spoken. )

Any Bats in the belfry?

( A beat. )

I'll rephrase that: keep your eyes on the skyline.

( There's a brief pause and for the trained listener, they might realise that is the sound of a fight happening in the background. Don't interrupt with Huntress with an attempted mugging when she is trying to talk, okay? Okay. )

Anyone else who's washed up here from Gotham, well. On the bright side, ( that was the sound of someone getting kicked in the face ) there's not much this place can throw at us that we didn't have to deal with back home.

( Look at her, being all optimistic. If only it didn't sound so close to scathing. She's on the move, and there's a breath - maybe she meant to say something more? - before a clatter, the pained cry of a male assailant, a sharp crack, and suddenly: silence. At best, she's faintly irritated.)

Nice to see some good, old-fashioned manners. I feel right at home.

( So much derision, and then the feed cuts. One can only imagine how much information she'll try to get out of that guy. )

[This lady might be a new arrival but she is going to be damned if she appears with anything less than perfect hair and perfect make-up.]

Good morning, everyone. First, thank you to everyone who welcomed me so warmly on this chilly day. I'm Sofiya Karimov, and I'm new to this city, and I'm asking for a little bit more help from all of you - trying to get in here before all the other people I saw rush to give their introductions.

First, I'd like a world map and a compass. Don't ask me what it's for, because I'm not going to tell you and I'll get really annoyed if you ask.

[She sounds cheerful, like she's joking.]

Second, I need the names of useful people. I mean really useful. You might think you're useful, but then you come and you start talking about your emotions, and that's not really all that useful to me. Smart people, literate, willing to work and put something in place. Heads down, getting it done. They're what I want. And if you're not them, then no complaining to Chicken Little when you don't like the taste of her bread.

I'm a lawyer. I'm going to be starting with the system of law here. You have things in place, and you've all done decently, but it's underdeveloped. There'll be more after that. Interested?

[And cheerily, with a little salute, she shuts it off.]

[Jack appears on the network. It looks as if he isn't aware he's being filmed at first; he glances around him nervously, his eyes darting from place to place.]

So-- right. You guys don't got no newsies, yeah? But I'm grown outta that business anyway, so I figure, I'll do somethin' else anyway.

[And now he focuses on the camera. His eyes are a little sunken in; his cheekbones jut out sharply from his face. The entire effect is unpleasant; he looks like he hasn't slept or eaten in quite some time. Carefully, each movement deliberate, he takes a cigarette out of his pocket; his gaze focuses on that as he speaks.]

I draw pictures. Real good, if I do say so myself. Do paints, too. You want your picture done? You want your wall painted? Maybe you're in theater, you want some sets done, or maybe you want somebody to put a, a, a mural on your wall. If it's somethin' to do with art, I can do it. I don't give a damn what it is. I'll paint you and your stupid girlfriend if you want, 's long as you pay me. Name's Jack Kelly.

[He nods sharply, once, and lights up the cigarette.]

An' in personal business, a couple thin's: this gun's good an' all, but I'm in the knives business, meself. Anybody sellin' any good blades? I don't mean no stores, all right, I ain't lookin' for no directions to no weapons shops. I'm talkin' about the good stuff, the stuff you get on the streets. I don't got much money yet, but like I said, I got a few skills I can exchange.

An' speakin' o' them: I hear I got some roommates. Miss, uh, Galadriel and some guy named Guy? Well, I ain't gonna be in at all. Not for sleepin', anyway. So don't trouble yourself with that, when you don't see me come in.

[A deliberate pause. He exhales a lungful of smoke and watches it drift upwards before adding:]

Asano Rin. I got a bone to pick with you, and I think you know why.

A scorpion needs to cross a raging river but fears drowning. As he wonders what to do, a frog approaches. The scorpion asks, "Please, will you carry me across the river on your back?"

The frog replies fearfully, "No! You'll sting me!"

The scorpion promises he won't because if he did the frog would sink and he would drown. So the frog agrees and takes the scorpion across the river on his back. As they cross the deepest part of the river at the midway point the scorpion suddenly stings the frog with its tail.

The frog writhes in agony as the poison slowly paralyzes him. He screams, "What have you done? Why would you sting me after you told me you wouldn't?"

And the scorpion replies, "It's my nature." Both of them drown in the river.

[A pause.]

What do you make of it?

[ 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?

[ Sokka's in his room in his apartment, looking into the camera with a serious expression. ]

I need someone to teach me how to use, ah, what are they called? A gun?

Yeah. Thanks in advance.

_{( For once, Remy might actually be in his apartment. He's sitting on his bed, not in coat or costume but a simple cotton shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He's got a roll of cloth bandages, and is wrapping his hands methodologically. )}

Y'all really know how ta discuss, you know that? I'm very impressed.

_{( He's not, actually. He thinks the talking around such matters is a waste of time, and also a way to show the Initiative their hand. But he doesn't say so. )}

But I have ta say, all this bleak talk ain't really for me. Can't keep at it for very long. Désolé.

So, for those of you who care ta lighten the mood, here's a game. First player--that'd be me, I like ta deal--gives you a word. You say the first thing that comes ta your mind, after that. An' y'keep goin', over an' over, until someone cracks an' has ta ask the reasonin' behind your answer.

Whether y'tell 'em is up ta you.

_{( He laughs, to himself. )}

It's an option, anyways. If you don't wantta keep talkin' 'bout how unhappy y'all are.

_{( ooc / idk if this'll come up but if you want to threadjack and play with each other, i'm totally cool with that. )}

[If Nate sounds pissed off... well, he is. This battle was far too much like ones in his past, ones that still haunt his dreams sometimes, and he can't just let it go]

I think if the last few days have shown us anything, it's that we, as a group, are woefully undertrained, and that while this may have started as the Initiative's war, it's all our war now. Us, and every potential reality. What happened there could happen to any world - hell, it could be happening right now, for all we know. And I know I at least have no intention of letting them continue. We may be able to chance the past, erase all these timelines from ever forming - but time-shifting has it's own risks. Best be prepared to deal with the present, as well.

I know there are people here who aren't fighters, out of choice or out of necessity. I respect that. Do what you can to support those fighting, but when push comes to shove? Stay the hell out of the way. Hard enough to fight a battle you're outnumbered in - having to cover civilians as well means we can't fight effectively.

And if any of you think what the United Earth did was in any way right? I will personally ensure your life is a living hell.

[There's a pause, and then when he continues he sounds calmer, if more determined]

I'm taking volunteers interested in training in a small combat unit. Experience isn't necessarily, though a willingness to follow instruction is. And the roster is, obviously, my pick. Let me know if you're interested.

[Here sits Junko, a girl with conflicted feelings. A girl with things to say! ]

（ ；´Д｀） this is terrible, isn't it? the worst! i was doing something very important, you know? kidnapping is against my schools rules! absolutely, kidnapping junko enoshima is against the rules!

upupu i have to do this and that, it's very important. i'm absolutely despairing. i might cry!

... not really! upupupu. hello! did i make an entrance? were you completely captivated? it's to be expected of hopes peaks super high school level fashion girl! ヾ(･ω･*)ﾉ it's very nice to meet you all, please treat me kindly! oh, isn't it strange to introduce yourself to lots of strangers? it feels like my first day of high school all over again!

upupupupu ~ ✩! let's try our best to get along! if not, i'll definitely kill you!

.... just kidding! (ó㉨ò) would you like to see the great joker junko?

[A slow switch to video. The tablet is bigger than her cellphone from home. Junko waves with a smile. Today she is quirky fashion idol Junko Enoshima: nothing more nothing less. ]

You know, I've never seen a war up close before. Not a real war, anyway. The fashion world is really cut throat though! Kidnapping is really Hollywood, don't you think? It's definitely scary. You know, I think it might even be scarier than home.

[She pauses. ]

... You know, all of that text was a lie. I'm very glad to be out of school. From one scary place to the next, I think my luck is super duper bad. Super duper extremely bad, even. The worst, most despairing luck ever.

[Her shoulders sag.] I wonder if any of my classmates escaped too? Maybe that's a silly wish. Hope is really futile, huh?

[Acting comes easy. She probably seems a little nuts, and that's fine. It's easy to explain home. It's easy to claim trauma too. Being on video is tiring, though; keeping her expression in check, keeping her voice completely miserable -- it's all completely fake. She sighs, the only genuine thing about this broadcast.

The despair she feels is not even an impressive kind. It's unexpected and spontaneous, but it's low quality and lackluster. Behind her, out of sight, sits Monobear, immobile and useless for now. Her figure head, reduced to a plush toy with a broken on switch. She forces a smile. ]

Let's be friends, I meant that part.

[And with that, she ends the video. ]

[Kara's casually draped at her table, nursing a beer, smoking a stogie. Thank the gods for those base creature comforts. Still, she looks a little bored at the moment. Because there is one thing lacking in her life. Well many things, but at the moment, it's the lack of card night. Hope her roomies don't mind some company because she's about to invite everyone over, more or less.]

You know what this place needs? Card night.

[Seriously, she misses wiping the floor with the other folks on Galactica and feeding her gambling habit.]

Anyone else around here even play, other than Remy? We can't be the only ones around here, am I right?

Uh. Okay.

As far as I can tell, Pete, Mitsuki and Fi aren't here any more. So I hope if any of you lot knew 'em, you made them feel appreciated while they were here.

( Her tone is vitriol and anger, and frustration because she knows she didn't. If there's anyone she can be counted on to let down, it's Fiona Maxwell. And now she's gone. )

And if you didn't know 'em, then you missed out. They were good bloody people. All right?

Are there any other Australians here, or am I just special, again?

( She's angry, maybe unreasonable, she knows it. But seriously, fuck all you guys. And by that she means The Initiative. )

Shit.


( well, that cheeriness interlude was nice while it lasted )

[Sitting at a desk, pen in hand and twirling it in a seemingly unconscious gesture.]

This may seem an odd question to many of you, I won't deny that, but to those of you that have been to the Outlands, what types of animals are out there? Any details you could give me would be appreciated. Appearances, temperament, diets, anything you may have observed.

[It's a completely innocent query. Hush Bella.]

Otherwise, I believe I've neglected introducing myself to many of you. I'm Doctor Carlisle Cullen.

[The video cuts in on a redheaded girl with one shock of green hair grinning at the camera]

So is it just me or does that [air quotes] "orientation" thing need a little spicing up? Seriously. I didn't know whether I was going to the grand inquisitor's office or if I was back in the... uh... [She cringes, realizing what she almost just said. Grinning suddenly she waves it off] in bed having some weird-ass dream or something.

I do feel kinda gypped, though. [She mocks the woman's voice] "your housing companions will assist you in becoming ready." Yeah well I don't have any "housing companions" so I guess I'm on my own. [beat] Again.

[Yeah this is so familiar. Left alone in an unfamiliar place. Groovy. Yeah. She's done it before and she can do it again. She shrugs, shooting the camera a lopsided grin]

So I guess what I'm really saying is: Is there any place a girl can get a burger around here? I'm starving.

[If Nate sounds tired and cranky, it's because he is. Still injured from the mission, having the psychic feedback of everyone grumpy about the whole exploding spaceship thing bouncing around his head - yeah. Not a happy camper here. Which is probably also why he sounds a bit defensive.]

Look, at least nobody died, alright?

[Filtered to Raiden and Nikolas Kamarov | Video]

[...Yeah, he looks about as tired as he sounds. Sorry, new roomies.]

Hi. I'm Nathan. Don't touch my stuff. That goes double for the coffee - and if you do, I'll know.

[She looks mostly amused at the whole ordeal, what people are making out of this.]

An' you lot couldn't understand why I choose not t'live in that metal buildin' o' yours. Well now you've some ship they say flies in the sky. I'll keep my camp, I think.

( ( private to thorin ) )

( ( private to remy ) )

[The picture starts on a stack of quiet a few thin books. Closer inspection would reveal that they are apparently collections of piano music. Some music lover seems to have lucked out and found these for dirt cheap somewhere since they're next to useless in this place.

Right as people may begin questioning who is doing this, a kitten that's appeared on screen before walks up and starts curiously poking at the books with her nose. A hand reaches in to grab her as the tablet is seemingly placed against the books due to the odd angle it holds for a few moments.]

Hey, be careful with those!

[The voice, if recognizable, is oddly soft and gentle despite the chastising. Like he was hoping no one would hear that. Oops.

Finally the video sharply turns to show a very serious looking Elliot as Arietta squirms from his grasp onto his shoulder.]

Does anyone know who these people are?! Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Tchaikovsky... [He probably mispronounced a few of those.] There are dozens of these guys and I've never heard of any of them! Do all of them live in this place?!

[Elliot seems to think that finding out this information is incredibly important from the tone in his voice.]

Gwen. [ What are privacy settings? She does not care for them. ] The dress will need some taking in, about the length of a pinky.

[ Yes, she tried it on. Do not act so surprised by this, she has only one dress in this place and there will come a time when she will need a second. But she sure isn't going to sound thankful for all the work and effort that her former maid is putting into this- because she isn't. It is simply a means to an end, or something akin to that. ]

It is in front of my lodgings for you to reclaim.

[ That may as well be the end of the post, but it isn't. There is naught but silence (and some nondescript background noises) for a time until she speaks again: ]

It is a fine collection they have assembled here. Fools and jousters and men too full of themselves to see the ground beneath their feet. [ Wonder who she's talking about here? Haha. ]

And they expect these same men to save them from their tyrannical oppressors. [ Beat. ] I would laugh were it not so sad.

[Ygritte's got her furs on, though her trousers aren't her normal, bulky ones. These ones have been gratefully given to her by Gwen.]

I've got enough supplies now. Should be headin' north any day. Just wanted to talk to any o' you who've made it. Like t'know which paths you've used and the like.

[Not that she needs help to travel.]

Just like t'know is all. I've got enough supplies with me to last a few weeks. But I'm a good traveler and don't expect to be out that far. Just like t'see what's out there.

[See if it's like home.]

[Anduin's voice is once more quiet and lightly tinged with a well-composed disappointment. He had perhaps been a bit too-focused on finding a sembalnce of normalcy lately, and now...]

May Aunt Jaina find peace ...or at the very least the strength to ...get herself through what is to come.

[Because he knows what lies ahead for the departed Mage and feels nothing but sadness for it. More than the loneliness of an empty home, more than his homesickness and desire to see his father once more - this is still perhaps worse. The knowledge of what lay ahead for Jaina very soon now that she had gone home was heartbreaking. He sighs softly, the weariness creeping into his tone.]

Ah- tell me, what do you do when you have trouble sleeping?

[No video. Getting to be a habit with him these days, but really... who wants to see him looking like he does right now? Thank him later. If he sounded bad before, he sounds much worse now. The way someone would sound when they've spent a week vomiting. That's why he keeps the message relatively short and sweet.]

I tested the, um... the verstatsi. The U.E.'s drug.

In case the obvious needed stating: don't try it.

Full report coming once I can get my ass outta bed, but I can tell you it's about half-opiate, half-synthetic. The comedown's a total bitch and I ain't just talking like regular use. I mean like one shot and you're gonna need another fix in a few hours unless you like spending the next few days worshiping the porcelain god. Seriously, I'm a professional and this stuff... is bad. I don't think we got a lotta samples around here but take my word for it and don't mess around with it. I done H. This is worse than H. Way worse.

So that's your little P.S.A. and don't roll your eyes 'cause this ain't some D.A.R.E. bullshit, yo. I'm serious.

I've been here five months now and my weapon hasn't changed much from when I first arrived. I've heard they're supposed to evolve...

What I'm trying to get at here is that I need a training partner. I know there are people out there who have extraordinary abilities. I think it'd be safer if I trained with them.

[he can think of one in particular... A certain blonde. But he doesn't want to just up and ask her]

[He speaks with a mildly British accent, mixed with twinges of French in every other consonant. His first instinct would have been to use his native language - the latter - but it's become clear that he'll have more luck being understood going with his father's.]

I... wish I could think of something wrong I'd done. Something that would explain why I'm here and why I have to - fight. [He's having a hard time expressing himself. Peter doesn't... really know what he wants to say, other than that he would very much like to be placed back where he came from.] Then I'd feel there was some kind of justification I could understand.

Anyway, uhm - if there's someone I know out there, is... is there any way I can find them? Contact them? I'd really appreciate any help. I - I have a friend - his name is Frederick, he's a doctor, English, taller than me... [He gestures with a flat hand, above his head. Then he reaches into his pocket to bring a small photograph closer to the camera,] This is the only picture I have of him. I don't have pictures of anyone else.

[With a soft sigh, Peter's shoulders drop. He then mutters to himself, a presence of annoyance in his tone,] Je ne sais pas sur quel pied danser...

[ Hey look! It's the resident giant robot. He smiles so warmly it almost seems fake. ]

Greetings! Since it seems we have some new people since I last spoke on the network, my name is Drift.

For those of you who do know me, there are a few matters I need to attend to.

The first being, I'm moving! There's an abandoned warehouse down the way so if anyone would like my new location, please don't hesitate to ask. On a related note it uh, It's a bit of a fixer-upper. I don't have much to offer in return, but if anyone would be willing to help me strip it down and patch a few things up, I'd be very grateful.

On the other note, I was considering starting some self-defense classes to be held at my new location. I've had a job for now as a transport and delivery service of sorts, but I think, if anyone was interested, I'd enjoy teaching that on the side.

So! If you'd like to learn basic hand-to-hand or swordplay, please let me know!

( Locked to Helmsman )

[There is a shot of a pale face with what appears to be black armor along the jawline. This young man's eyes run across the screen briefly before he notices the video feed is on and he lifts a seemingly armored, clawed hand to the camera, covering the lens with his palm. After a moment he turns off the video feed and the screen bursts into static. After another moment, a voice speaks. It is a low, rusty voice that has an unnatural snarl to it, as if the voice's owner is trying his best to sound menacing.]

Send me back.

[ Gwen is sewing.

There is so much time to fill these days that she takes these projects, uses them to pass her hours and keep her mind occupied with simple things rather than her worries and lord knows she has plenty.

In her lap, a dress is laid, more of a gown of silks in shades of royal blue and lighter blue. It is an impressive piece, one she is working on for many weeks on from the look of her fingers, she had poked herself with the needle more than once.

Still she works, sewing what looks like a golden embodiment on the edges.

Beside her is a cup of tea and actually, it's not the gown she wants to talk about. ]

It's rather brilliant.

[ she takes the cup, sips her tea. ]

Are they really tea-leaves? I have never heard of any leaves that can make something so wonderful. In Camelot we only have water and if you're fortunate you have milk.

[ and ale and mead and wine, but Gwen never tried those. ]

N-not that I mind the milk and the water. Or Camelot, really, I miss it quite often but -

[ she's doing it again isn't she? the babbling. She stops, smiles. ]

It is rather brilliant. Where can one find those...tea leaves? Where do they grow?

[By now, Kara really ought to know better. She's attempted to throw out the Initiative-provided sniper rifle no less than five times. Trash it, shoot it, an attempt to blow it up, dismantling it, throwing it in the river. It always comes back. And this time when she opens her closet, there it is again.]

Godsdammit!

[This time, she tries reaching out to the community at large for more info. When the feed starts, fury and frustration is written all over face.]

So look, does anyone know how to get rid of the damned toaster weapon? It's like having a stray follow you home. Frak. I've tried shooting it, dismantling it, tossing it in the garbage. Just comes back for more. So what's the secret?

[She pinches the bridge of her nose and looks away, muttering more to herself than anything else:]

Where's an airlock when you need one?

[ in a rare turn of events, you get one dean winchester on the network today. for those who know him, he's looking more thoughtful than usual-- though there's still something close to a smirk on his face. ]

If there's one thing the Initiative's pretty good at, it's gettin' a bunch of people here. I mean, our numbers have quadrupled or something since I got here, and sure there've been some ups and downs in our dandy population, but it's still peaking. [ he has a point with this, bear with him… ]

So that makes me wonder, how many of you weren't yanked straight from your beds back home? Meanin', you were in an entirely different world before Exsilium decided it was its turn? I know there were some of you 'round before, but what about from the new bunch? Or anyone who's left.

Also, if you've ever taken an otherworld-ly tour and gone home after, that counts as well.

So let's hear it! All you aliens and mutants or whatever gotta have a few things to tell, right?

[ because in the movies it's you guys who get to do that kinda stuff. or something. but have a smile if that'll hopefully help you with the whole show and tell thing. ]


( filtered to sam and cas  )

[voice]
[you will all hear a female voice with a British accent speaking to you]

Good day, everyone. I was hoping you would indulge my curiosity a bit. I was actually in another world before my arrival here. And I don't mean my original world, but a world like this one that takes people away from their homes. This other world was a place called Paradisa.

My question to you is this: were any of you in other worlds apart from your original home before arriving? If so, how long were you there?

I will be the first to answer my own question: I arrived in Paradisa in July. I was there a total of one year and nearly seven months before coming here.

[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 )