Um, hello, everyone.

[He sounds a bit uncertain. Possibly because he’s never talked into a magical piece of paper that will supposedly connect him to dozens of others who’ve been brought here to save a world they’ve never heard of before.]

I, um – I was told that this is the way to contact everyone brought here by the Initiative, like me. My name is Med’an, and…I’m one of the new guys here, I guess.

[This is awkward. What do you say to strangers you’ll be fighting alongside? Wait, he’s done this before…sort of. He marshals his inner hero.]

I – I may not be very experienced in war, but I will help. It’s my duty, back home, and…now it is here too. So – I look forward to working with everyone. Good day.

[That sounded good! Very heroic and professional. And then there’s a few moments of fumbling around trying to turn the magical paper off.]

( Silence dominates the feed before you're met with Kael'thas' face, his expression a passionate scowl. It is obvious that he'd no intention to make his presence known, but in the interest of avoiding a great many unfortunate encounters that he'd rather not make into surprises, he's going through with it. Also, maybe Jaina will see him!!!

So, have some asshole who doesn't actually look quite as effeminate as his bishounen art would have you believe—scowling with brightly glowing, green eyes. What is that shit? Oh, it's just another elf. Also, he sounds very eerily like Axel and Raiden, but nbd, nbd. )

I have no use for this network, nor its shrieking inhabitants, and this magical trinket with which I am expected to navigate it is unfriendly and wretched.

Still, I refuse to enter this place one-hundred percent unprepared. My name is Kael'thas Sunstrider, and I have met some of you yet. Tell me what you can of your experiences here, that I may prepare myself for the unanticipated.

And for those to whom it concerns—I take no issue with you, in whatever imagined missteps you may place blame upon me for. I would appreciate a modicum more respect.

( Click. )

[when the image comes on, Frodo isn't quite framed all the way. He's still figuring the device out, but looks skeptically at it for a moment. Is anyone listening at all? He feels somewhat foolish talking at the object, but it is better to start somewhere and try this...

[There is the slightest pause.The proper thing to do - had this been decent places or decent times - would be to introduce himself, but he doesn't know who is listening. Instead, Frodo goes on ahead]

Has anyone ever managed to leave this place, go home?

[ 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 )

[It's extremely obvious that someone who isn't used to this kind of technology has been unleashed upon the tablet. And this is the most successful attempt. At least Varian has managed to find the text function.]

i will not be taking part in any of your games do you hear me? if you think i will be rolling over and just accepting that you are taking a man hostage in the most dire of times then you are thinking wrong. i do not care what your reasoning in i have things that require being taken care of back in stormwind

how dare you, that you have even attempted this. you wILL SEND ME BACK RIGHT NOW. DEATHWING'S ARMIES ARE ON THE MARCH UPON THE WORLD AND YOU HAND ME SOME KEY AND TELL ME TO GO LIVE IN A HOUSE? I WILL NOT TAKE THIS SITTING DOWN I WILL SPEAK TO YOUR LEADER AND YOU WILL SEND ME BACK. I DO NOT CARE HOW THIS HAPPENED I ONLY CARE THAT YOU WILL FIX THIS AND FIX IT RIGHT NOW. EVEN THis device is some gnomish contraption that is a pain to use. someone had better be reading this. who's in charge? where are they?

[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: )

[ charles is visibly distressed when he appears on the screen, this time. he's in what seems to be some underground facility, and there are other faces behind him—notably collette, emma, galadriel, raven, and others. his eyes remain closed for a second and you can hear him take a deep breath. then: ]

We have... borrowed a gentleman by the name of Richard Lawson...—from the United Earth. He is a cabinet member of the President's. Yes, the President of the United Earth. [ charles clears his throat, steels himself. ]

We've learnt a great many things about the United Earth from his head, and we feel it best to share that information with all of you, here on the Network.

[ charles states the next words with a heavy voice. ]

The President of the United Earth is not human. "He" is—artificial. Artificial Intelligence, or what you would call an A.I.. The United Earth... has never seen his face, as far as we have deduced.

We will try to answer questions about what we have learnt to the very best of our ability, but do be patient. Ah—[ he closes his eyes again, considering. then he nods as though he's made the right decision and he knows it. ]

That is all.

( note: wow i knew i forgot something like a winner. THIS TAKES PLACE DURING/AFTER these linked shenanigans: [ x ] [ x ] [ x ] [ x ] )

I don't want this. Where is she? WHERE IS THAT WOMAN?

This fight, their war... It means nothing to me!

[The voice, deep and distorted as it sounds, can just barely pass as female. Whoever this is, the grunts and heavy breathing should be enough to let others know how angry she is.]

They all think they can control me, tell me what to do.

THEY'RE WRONG.

[additional grunting, and pained noises go here.]

Let me go, now! I don't have time for this. I have to find Valentine.

Find her, and KILL HER!

[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?

Bariyan is dead.

[ Someone is having difficulties sounding his usual calm and measured today! This comes out sounding pretty forced. ]

I tried to — I'm sorry. I could do nothing for him, and... and perhaps the Initiative, as they've done for others, will return him. I couldn't— 

[ a pause. ]

I'm sorry.

[audio --> video]

Attention, [intones the deep, rough, and rich voice of a newcomer.] I was told that I could contact other-- [the barest pause] -- transports with this device. This is a test signal. If you are able to hear me, please respond.

Or perhaps there is another way—?

[Without any warning, the video feed switches on, showing a green blur at first. At last it evens out, centering on a wrinkled green face possessing two startlingly blue eyes... strangely gentle, despite his otherwise beastly appearance. His hair is black and braided in front, and some of it leaks out of his beige hood. His expression is grave, concerned with recent events and things yet to come.]

I appreciate any information you can give me regarding the nature of missions and the history of this center. If I am to fight for my freedom, so be it, but I will not fight blindly.

[Another pause.] Thank you for your help. [He fiddles with the netbook for a second, then the transmission ends.]