[Lea's voice is quiet, strained. Anyone who knows him can tell there's something really wrong that he's trying not to let show--that's why this is audio only.]

So I have a question. Whenever we get back to earth and all... would, ah... would anyone be interested in making a memorial of some sort? I mean I know that the people who come and go here aren't necessarily dead, but. Well, enough of them don't come back that it kinda seems that way.

I just think it'd be kinda nice to have something to remember them by.

Memories are all some people have, after all.

[ He doesn't actually really like text; he's not great with technology and there's bound to be some spelling/grammar errors, but right now he trusts typing more than his ability to keep a professional tone. So be it. ]

Hi.

First things first this isnt going to be a lecture. Tensions are high enough and Ive barely been here long enough to have the whole history down yet. (Working on it) Besides, you've already herd plenty of it. So this isnt about that.

[ Not overtly, anyway. He's trying to do the "subtlety" thing. He's not taking notes or anything. ]

I'm Doug by the way. Mostly I'm trying to figure everything out still, you know. That sort of thing. I'm a curious and openminded sort of person wich is why I have some questions:

1. Whats your favorite thing about being here?
2. And least favorite thing?
3. If you had to make up 1 rule what would it be?
4. Why's the coffee so bad & Are there vending machines (where)?

Thank you thats all.

[Gently:] Good morning, Exsilium.

[It almost sounds like a reminder.

Saul's looking just as businesslike as he did in his last network post, this time broadcasting from the Observatory. Elbows on his knees, hands clasped in front of him, he leans in and addresses the camera with an expression that's a little too somber to pass for neutral:]

As of last night, Medusa's gone home.

[He hopes that's where she's gone, anyway. He's never sure what happens to people after they disappear.

After a moment, the look on his face softens.]

For the time being, I've assumed the role of Director of the Department of Initiative-Transport Relations. Medusa and I started this together back in May, when its purpose was to foster trust between us and the Initiative by way of hiring liaisons to make announcements on the Initiative's behalf. Friendly faces, right?

But it's clear to me now that there's no use for that in our current predicament, so the Department's getting a bit of a makeover.

( First of all... )

[There's a pause, then, as he runs a hand through his hair to move onto other business.]

( As far as supply runs are concerned... )

[And the feed cuts.]

[He smiles a bit, sitting back from the screen for a moment.]

So, it seems that we'll be leaving this place. Some of you seem...upset.

Not I! I am quite pleased to be rid of this place. But if it bothers you that much, I, the great GENIUS Dist the Rose, propose this:

Given the right materials, I could begin making replicas. In fact, I could even replicate the entire island. If we bring one Exile with us, I could make many more from them. You see? It matters not if I make a hundred or a hundred thousand! We could simply repopulate the island!

[He folds his hands in his lap, pleased.]

It's a simple solution, directly from the mind of a genius. You may thank me now.

[ the video comes on a little shakily with a lot of screeching noises; people who've been introduced to riku's stellaluna would probably recognize her. the feed's too dark to see anything though, like something's covering it. ]

No - stop, just stop. I got it, okay? We're gonna find him, all right? Now would you quit trying to bite my face off?

[ someone's hand lifts from the camera and Virgil's face comes into view, with stellaluna perched on his shoulder. he looks pretty annoyed and kind of distressed for the most part. ]

Riku's missing. I don't know where he is, but I've looked all over this stupid place and I can't find him anywhere. His stuff's still here and she's [ thumb jab in stellaluna's direction ] still here, so this wasn't something he'd planned in advance.

[ his mouth twists into a vague snarl, feral and angry. ]

I don't want to hear any stupid excuses like "oh, he's probably just on a mission" or whatever dumb reasons you can think of. Something's not right. This isn't like him at all.

[ because he would've told him too, if he was leaving. he rakes a hand through his hair with a sigh and stellaluna promptly takes it upon herself to try and hug his face, which effectively makes him lose his balance and drop his tablet, ending the video. ]

[ the feed starts abruptly with the corner of what appears to be a book covering a small portion of the camera. it shows a slightly awkward angle of Riku and the Replica tucked in a corner of the library, deep in conversation: ]

These books are stupid. These names are stupid. [ the Replica sighs, throwing another book on the desk while Riku continues to flip through his book. ]

What d'you want me to break out, kid's books? There's got to be a name you like somewhere in here.

Probably wouldn't make a difference. I don't want to be called Chris, or Mark, or Lucifer? What do they even mean?

Uh, let's steer clear of Lucifer. I don't know. I know 'Riku' means land. 'Sora' means sky... I think. 'Kairi' has something to do with the ocean. There's got to be something that says what they mean somewhere in here.

[ there's a moment of brief silence before the Replica snickers. ]

... Land?

Land, or earth, I thi--... what?

Nothing. It kind of works... you're stubborn enough, I guess.

Wouldn't that mean the same for you?

I never said I wasn't.

Maybe we should name you 'Volcano'. You're always ready to explode.

[ no sooner had Riku said it before the Replica grabbed a book and threw it across the table at him, aiming for his head. Riku barely even glances up and merely leans his head to the right as the book goes sailing over his shoulder. the Replica scowls at him. ]

Once a jerk, always a jerk.

I don't hear you rejecting it.

It's dumb enough that it shouldn't even be suggested, let alone be rejected.

At least I'm suggesting things. What about 'Virgil'?

[ silence again. this time the Replica seems to be considering it, head lowered a little in thought. Riku looks up from his page and quietly waits for his opinion. after a moment: ]

.... Does it mean anything?

[ there's a wry smile from Riku ] Strong.

Okay.

[ as the Replica (now Virgil) stands to gather up the books, he finally notices the tablet and quickly turns off the feed with a resigned sigh and a quiet groan.

OOC: responses will come from either or both limitstorm and replicates! ]