I'm looking for a man I haven't seen in some time. He's from my world, Rune-Midgard, and is dressed as a gunslinger. [ no but wait no one will know what that looks like. ] That is, he's wearing a heavy gray and white coat. Corosa, is his name— blond, with... [ awkward pause! ] One arm.

If anyone has seen him, I would appreciate the news.

But that aside, has anyone put any thought to starting shops or businesses here? If we're to be here until this war is finished, then I think Charles Xavier may have the right idea with his school, and the clinic we've already established.

There are a great many of us from a great many different places, and I can only assume we each come with our own skills and talents. United as we are by displacement, perhaps we might be convinced to lend each other the assistance such a venture would need. I know I've met at least one cook and one waitress that might benefit from working together.

[The four-eyed alien on the screen is excitedly typing away on her laptop with two hands, and waving two more in excited ways. Because yes, she has four hands and she is making wild gestures to punctuate each and every word she says. She is not going to stop for anything.]

I can’t believe this! Humans are everywhere, this is the most amazingly perfect opportunity! I have been studying humans, of course, but my sample size has been very limited up until now!

Let me review my notes so far- [She taps a few times on her laptop to bring up said notes, rapidly reading over them a few times before she starts talking again]

Humans are a fairly low-tech pre-spaceflight species, not many of them have made it into space! Which is such a shame, they’re a very attractive species, even though they tend to be a bit hairy and don’t have enough eyes. But I haven’t let things like that get in my way before! [She laughs loudly, then continues]

What else, what else- I wish I had my original notes here, I really did! Oh yes- humans are remarkably stubborn, prone to irrationality...and quite a violent species, too, aren’t they? They certainly do love their wars! Only two sexes too, correct? Isn’t that a shame.

I believe that’s where my data ends! I need more, much more to fill out a proper database file. And if any are up for an examination....well, I am a doctor! I need to know how to treat all of you, don’t I?

Oh, I'm so excited to start working! Tell me where I'm needed, please?

[ what up, exsilium. have you had your daily dose of teenager yet? no? let's fix that. ]

Hey, Scott, buddy—thanks for the calendar. It's awesome. [ covering his best friend's furry butt: just a day in the life of stiles stilinski. (it's his "birthday", he can lie if he wants to.) ] I can track lunar phases way more accurately now, which, y'know. Totally helpful. You know me... and the moon. And planets, all of the planets. Love 'em.

[ you might notice the way he's chewing on his shirt, his lips, the way his eyes dart around. it's not because he's lying—which he never made a claim to be good at, but hey—it's because he's two seconds from jumping on his bed and raising hyperactive hell. ]

Moving on—where can a guy score some Adderall around here? It's usually a prescription thing, but, hey, doesn't look like the Initiative kidnappers really care all too much about stuff like medication. Here's a little tip for you guys, if you're listening in, which, let's face it, you probably are: I can't fight your battles for you unless you make an effort for me, okay? Okay.

[ OKAY. ]

Man, I'd kill for a good movie. Video game. I'd even settle for a board game. Parcheesi?

[The video feed sparks to life as Chloe taps repeatedly at the screen, offering the net a view of a woman with shoulder-length dark hair and bright eyes, wearing a stylish biking jacket and a few layers of leather necklaces with various little charms hanging from their ends. The city's skyline is visible behind her from a particularly high vantage point, and it's likely that she's found herself a resting place somewhere atop the roof of one of the taller buildings. She wiggles a few fingers lazily in greeting before speaking up with a distinctly Australian accent.]

Evening, everyone. Chloe here. New arrival, in case you haven't noticed. All right, somewhat new. Got dragged into this mess a few days ago and decided to take my time getting settled; never know what's out there if you don't bother to look first.

I was a treasure hunter back home-- one of the best in the business, I might add. Problem is I'm getting the impression that there's not much treasure to be found here on Alcatraz, and I'd prefer to stay sharp while things are relatively quiet. So here's the deal: if you need something of value-- for a price-- I'm more than happy to lend a well-trained hand and fetch it for you.

[She moves to shut the call down before adding, thoughtfully]

And in the meantime, if anyone out there knows a place that serves good drinks, I'm all ears. After all this I could sure as hell use one.  

[Oh hello there, Exsilium, have the face of a bright-eyed girl that looks way too excited to be here. It seems after much technology abuse and generally failing at turning it on, she finally gets the video working! Success for a failure]

Don't worry, fellow kidnapped people of Exhelium! [That's 'Exsilium', Maya] You don't have to explain everything, I've got it aaaaaall figured out. In fact, I'm an Ace Explainer myself, so just sit back and let me break it down for you, Maya-style!

We're in future England! [This is probably the only fact she's gotten right, but-] Brought here by the United Earth people because they're being oppressed by the Initiative! [And then there's a pause for some very Deep and Philosophical Thoughts. ...Not.] ... I bet it's the tea. England's known for its tea, you know? Anyone would be jealous of that selection!

... But anyway, we've been brought here because we've got to go into the future to change the past! It's just like that movie with Mikey K. Box, except with tea on the line as well as time! [WHAT WAS IT CALLED AGAIN..... Oh, well]

But more importantly than all of that.... I have a question. [SUDDENLY SERIOUS? Look, she's even leaning into the camera all dramatically] A question that will change the fate of the entire world! [Whatever's left of it] Well, mostly me right now, but for everyone's sake, I need an answer!

[There's a long, long pause as she stares intently into the camera. And then:]

Where's the nearest burger joint? I'm starved! And if we're really in the future they must have invented a way for burgers to be even more delicious! Right?

[... And then there's a brief flash of embarrassment, and when she continues she's a little more low-key] ... Um, and how do I get to the housing place? Unit... 406, I think?

[The feed clicks on. For a moment there's silence, just dead air, and then Rin laughs. It's short and shrill and cut off fast. Not a happy noise, even if there is amusement in it.]

... Oh my God. [Laughing again, marginally more stable this time.]

Well. This isn't so bad.

Hello! My name is Rin. Asano Rin, just Rin is fine. I guess I'm going to be fighting with all of you now? What's the deal with the weapons anyhow? How sentient are they?

I'd like to find someone to train me in swordwork if you don't mind. The trainer, that is. And someone who can teach me some field medicine, that would be good too. I don't know what I can do if you want payment but I'm all right with negotiating. What's a day like here anyway? When we're not training?

[She almost asks if anyone here recognizes her, and then catches her breath and doesn't. They'll come to her probably, when they hear her, if they're there. No need to broadcast everything.]

... Pleased to meet you all.

[There's the sound of irritated muttering as he fiddles with the buttons on the communicator, a device that's completely alien to him in every way.] Is this the Overworld? Or, no. Some other place entirely. Maybe I shouldn't have read out loud from that book.

[A pause as he squints at the communicator. Is this thing on? CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?]

I don't have time for this. Why should I fight in a stranger's war? Will these people let us go if we win their battles for them?

[Scowling now. The Initiative pulled him away from a lead. There was a whole bookshelf left in that sunken temple.]