[the camera shifts beneath the hands of an amateur as it's set on a flat surface. it's on a bit of an angle, but the position is acceptable. Loki skitters back eagerly, peering into the camera and then waving his hands in show. as he scoots back it's apparent some awful fashion travesty has happened, because he's wearing a terrible Christmas sweater, complete with a big bow pulled over his Asgardian robes. it goes down to his knees.]

It's been an exciting few weeks now, hasn't it? Hello again, Exsilium! I've come to give the gift of Christmas Spirit, marketing gimmicks aside, of course! [he takes a few steps backward as he faces the camera, holding a hand to his chin.] Why, what could be done to spread the cheer of the Yule holiday? With everything that's happened, it does get a bit depressing here ... right in the center of a self-defeating winter full of abominable beasts that wish for nothing more then our untimely demises. And there's still time travel to think about! And our impending existential crises! Terrible, right?

[he holds up a finger suddenly.] Yet I bring Yuletide cheer to brighten all. Surprise! Nothing so extreme as coal in socks and indefinitely kept cakes of fruit, but something more humble in its ageless practice! The ugly Christmas sweater! [he suddenly steps aside and there is a very festive looking red and green pile of awful, terrible, but very warm looking ugly Christmas sweaters. the mass has to at least be up to his shoulder, and there are all different kinds. but is where he got all these fugly knit novelties really a question that anyone wants to ask?] I'm opening requests to lend everyone some spirit! Please make them below so they can all be filled in a timely fashion, all formality, of course. No need to crowd, there's plenty for everyone. All requests can picked up promptly.

Jolly exclamations of ho ho ho and stuff!

-
UGLY YULE KNIT THREADS ADOPTION FORM
(1) Your name (or your unknowing buddy's name), of course, and the sweater you wish to adopt.
(2) Tell me of your intended sweater schemes. How will it aid you on endeavor to spread holiday cheer?
(3) Very fashion!
(4) Are you a super hero (Peter Parker)? Put your name (not Peter Parker) here!


( OOC: go ahead and pick a sweater, he has a load of them. you don't have to fill out the form or anything if you want one! just go ahead and reply however you want. obviously come put them on people who will not put them on themselves. )

[Gale takes a hold of his communication device as soon as the woman who greeted him is gone and scrolls through the "Introduction" app quickly before bringing up a video stream. His face is as emotionless as ever, but his voice is terse.]

My assumption is that this video is streaming to other devices of this kind.

My name is Gale, of Tribe Embryon.

I was given an adequate explanation as to why I am here. However, I was not given an explanation as to the cause of my being here, and I request information from others who may know. In all of these documents left on this device there is no file or volume detailing the how.

[The foggy memories of his comrades and their final battle aren't new to him. He only wonders why his body hasn't changed this time. Same clothes, same face. He can even feel the Atma Virus still running through his veins.]

This situation is neither uncommon nor strange to me, it is simply the means that remains illogical.

[And, perhaps as an afterthought;]

If there are any of Tribe Embryon present here, ...please respond promptly.

[The voice that addresses the network is deep. An adult male. The way that he speaks indicates he might've been a professor of some sort, once. There's the intent to impart knowledge, but also to invite debate. Engage, please. This old man in the button down and lumpy sweater and thick glasses wants to know what you think.]

Good afternoon. I'm Mr. Walter White, and I'm new here. Until today, I've been an observer. But it seems like things are getting a little out of hand. Some information might help to clear this up.

Let's start by addressing the concern of the legal system here. It seems that there wasn't a need for one until recently. Before that time, people hadn't been caught harming one another. The need for regulation and intermediaries was so infrequent that people generally handled things between themselves.

That's beginning to change now, and that's alright. It's a universal fact that throwing strangers together without direction as a cohesive unit will cause some friction. The debate we're having here recently, is whether we are able to punish these outliers or not, with no established system of law.

The good news is, the very act of separating and detaining them is the first step in the process. The system that's being established here will be familiar to those who, like me, come from North America, including Canada. Anyone from the British empire, Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Sri Lanka, and a handful of other countries should be aware of this system. For those who aren't, let's explain briefly.

Common law is a set of rules which are determined over time by precedent. Unlike civil law, which requires a set of codifers to be established first, [ie the list of rules such "murder shall be punished by death" that were suggested] common law allows us to examine every case individually, present it to a jury if randomly selected peers before an elected official, and allow the punishment to fit the crime. This is the form of law that tends to crop up in societies which are ruled by the people. Civil law is usually seen under the rule of a select, wealthy few, as in oligarchies.

So the question is, do we continue establishing this common law, or do we throw that out and go for civil law instead? If we decide on civil law, we must establish a ruler. While this is usually done by force or birthright claim, that system might need some work here. Then, a strict set of codifers will be needed, which will be provided by the rulers.

To establish a common law, an impartial judge must be chosen to preside over a trial, and a jury must be selected randomly, of the population without a major bias. Legal representatives aren't necessary to establish standing precedents of law here where there are none. The job of the judge and jury would be to determine fairly what sort of punishment best fits each individual, and why.

The most important factor in a common law is a fair trial by a jury of unbiased peers, to clearly establish guilt and the need for a reasonable punishment to be set by a publicly appointed judge. It's similar to what Ms. Roslyn proposed, but it doesn't require anyone to step up and claim authority without public assent.

Of course, law isn't about making everyone happy. It's about establishing order. But stable systems usually are that way because the population largely considers them just. Systems considered to be unjust by the general population usually fall into the trap of anarchy, breaking and remaking themselves repeatedly from within.

[ Roslyn is behind the camera again, face stern, Vennett & Lowell seated just behind her. She’s looking as calm and professional as she can, though traces of exhaustion are seeping through regardless of her best efforts. ]

I’m going to make this as brief as possible. We do not have laws governing the actions undertaken recently by people currently in custody. While hopefully there will shortly be a fuller code of conduct, we cannot apply it retroactively. I do not have the resources to keep anyone locked up indefinitely, nor can I provide a fair trial, and it would be morally suspect to do either in the current environment.

I believe there is a solution to this, one that several others agree with, including Lowell Orwin and Vennett here with me, both of whom were held hostage by these people and have a fair amount of insight into their mindset. However, given that you will all have to live with it as well, I’m going to bring this solution to general consensus.

Under this arrangement, as a first part all current prisoners will be released into the custody of someone who will agree to monitor their actions and ensure that they are not able to plan anything further. These parole officers will either be volunteers from the general population or police officers if necessary, and all will be very carefully vetted. If it is necessary we will ask them to submit to a brief telepathic scan.

The second part of this arrangement would be undertaking a set amount of missions under the supervision of Orwin and Vennett with the goal of putting forth effort into our return to Earth. I am assured that they will be doing real work that will benefit us all.

This is the solution that I and others hope will work best for everyone involved, as well as free up resources to continue working towards getting off of this base and setting up an actual system of leadership.

While Jesse Pinkman was not a member of this, as he has given back all powers taken he would be released under the same conditions.

This is being presented to you all as, essentially, a poll. That is the first option. The second option is ‘other’, and if that is your answer I must insist you provide a fully thought through and careful plan that does not simply consist of ‘strand them somewhere’ or ‘airlock them’. Should enough support be shown for a provided 'other' plan over parole, it will be considered as an option. 

Thank you all for your time. I hope this will be resolved very shortly.

[ And cut. ]


[ ooc: this is an ic poll of the population! you may vote once with each character you have in game. roslyn and others are available for question answering and so forth. ]

[Medivh stands in front of his comm, it hovering by a gentle gesture from one outstretched hand. He scowls once before turning away, tossing over a number of rocks and pieces of metal. He has a small table in his room, which he's scorched and nearly torn apart with small experiments. Picking up and slamming a number of the rocks and metals down on the table-top, Medivh's hand turned over and an arcane trickle of magic imbued itself into the scraps he set down. Bit by bit, those scraps hardened and turned more dense, becoming pink crystals, which eventually shaped themselves into a little crystal imp. The imp looked around and suddenly shrieked with hollow, mechanical laughter before Medivh fed it a fresh scowl.]

I had forgotten what I had set out to say.

[He turned his hand open and with one callous gesture, he blew up the imp with a ball of flame. Shards of crystal flew around the room, some embedding in the walls.]

...Ah, yes. A library. I notice this place lacks paper. You may seem pleased with your affinity towards liquid chemicals and electricity, but I prefer something with more texture. Now, I require one thing of you. A date.

[Medivh's fingertip made looks in the air, the crystals slowly returning to where they were on the table. The imp began to reform, but in a patchwork sort of way. When he was done reforming, the imp didn't move so much, looking a bit less excited than he initially was.]

I need a date in which a suitable library would be present on the barren planet below. Make haste--my patience has already given way. You should learn quickly--a bored magus is a terrible thing.

[So, he blew up the imp again.]

[Now here is someone who's been absent throughout the mutiny mess, if the confused look on her face that appears briefly is of any indication. Gently combing through her wavy hair with a free hand, manicured fingers wiggling in and out, Sheryl lets out a soft sigh as she purses her lips to frown deeply.]

Well, well, well... if what I'm getting from hearsay is all true, then I'm so relieved to miss the disaster completely!

[She parts her mouth like she's about to say more. Angry rants at the people involved, massive scolding for dragging the rest of the Transports into their troubles and causing destruction, nicely-worded yet sharp insults at their direction. Instead, she slowly pushes the momentary look of anger aside, gaining her composure while she rubs her cheek and sits up straight, blue eyes locked on to anyone viewing this feed. Sheryl appears calm now, but she's nowhere near her boisterous self, not after learning what happened to Jesse (or what he did).

Still, she manages to sound happy enough. Only a little.]

Anyway, there's something I've been very curious about and I'm hoping to hear excellent answers from you. Now be good people and lend me your ears, all right? It'll only be for a moment.

[A faint smile morphs on her lips, but it lasts for a split second before she frowns, looking thoughtful. Cue the long pause.]

Have you ever wondered if you feel any differently after growing up in this war for so long? I'm not talking about emotions alone, but if you've changed completely after dealing with the Initiative, the UE, that irritating AI, these missions... everything. I've been here for almost a year now, and there were so many experiences I'd never thought I could possess. I wonder, does this mean I should feel older because of it? There's something to be said about war causing people to grow up so fast, after all...

[Like joining forces with a resistance to fight another country, using her own songs to drive the enemy soldiers literally down to their knees. The way she speaks contains genuine ruefulness to her tone, but it's not too long before she smiles once more.]

As of today, I'm officially eighteen, and yet I still feel like I'm seventeen.

[Though her mind lay heavy with all she had learned since her recent arrival, Yui's voice still carries a cheerful, though slightly melancholy, tone as she addresses the network.]

Though I'm more than happy to help around here in any way I can, it also pains me to imagine that my son will have to wake up every morning without his mother. I know that I can rely on my husband to do his best while I'm gone... But I still can't help but to worry about the two of them.

Also, If anyone else here has children they've left behind, I'd like to chat. I think it may help me feel a little better about all of this.

[ He makes the bother to speak in Basic (which is really English except maybe accented weirdly, who knows) but cuts right to it and doesn't betray his own thoughts on the matter. ]

How are we certain the Initiative is the right side to fight for?

((ooc: oh, also. permissions))

An entire war effort founded on the idea that you can change the past. [Gold sounds a bit amused at the thought. He can see the future- or could. Changing the past, however... well, that's completely out of the realm of possibility.] It's such a lovely notion, wouldn't you agree? The idea that by changing a few things, you can change the entire course of the future.

[He chuckles.] I wonder if it's occurred to them yet that for all their hard work and attention to detail, the future is not so easily bent into shape the way we'd like it to be. Some things simply have to transpire. Fate can't always be altered. 

But I could be wrong, and frankly, I am going to be thoroughly disappointed if I'm not. I don't like having my time wasted, especially not for someone else's folly. And I'm aware cynicism has no place in a war, especially one as desperate as this has become. [Because wow Jesse kinda spilled the beans on how phenomenally up Shit Creek we all are.]  Besides, some would say the impossible nature of a thing makes attempting to subvert it that much more enticing.

As far as cynical hand-wringing is concerned, I believe we're all nearly spent. And I'd like to think that spectacular introduction to the base I just received [seriously, zombies?] was meant to be a wake-up call for everyone. 

It's something to think about anyway. It's not as if we're lacking in time. 

[And with that thought-provoking boot up your ass, Gold's out.]

[Video opens with his face in full frame, along with a long-suffering sigh.]

Alright. For the record, I'm never agreeing to another damn horror themed event for as long as I live. [Glances up as though thinking.] ...Except the costume contest saw some lovely ladies dressing down...

Okay, scratch that. No horror movies. That includes swamp things, aliens, [Mimics someone much more gruff, smirking.] "goddamn vampires", and especially werewolves. I don't need recruits using the full moon as an excuse to run around naked and howling. It's bad for crowd control. And my heart.

[A pause, staring over his shoulder at the scenery through wide windows of the moon base and stars beyond. He snorts, shakes his head, and resumes talking to the camera.]

Must have fallen asleep at my desk, or else I haven’t even started my day. [Frowns, eyeing something beyond the camera.] And since this is a dream, it had better make with the goddamn alien babes, already; considering the crap I had in the projector last night, I'm surprised those lesbian twins are nowhere to be seen...

[Dead air, the blond man adjusting his aviators and seeming impatient.]

...Forget it. This is bullshit. A distinction, then. [Holds a hand in view, adding a finger for every point.] No horror movies. No porn movies. And absolutely no horror porn movies.

With all the shit I put up with, I at least deserve better dreams than this.

Hngh.

[ Yeah, that's pretty much all you get to hear at first – a grunt, followed by a long delay of him trying to figure out how this gadget works. It's tricky and he doesn't have the patience, but given what else he's seen and heard so far, this seems almost insignificant in comparison and not quite worth his ire. Because really – space zombies. ]

Okay. Sure, I'll run with this for now. This thing's working, right?

[ Part of him still wants to believe this is a crazy dream—but even so, he's gonna be a professional and deal with it gracefully. For now. Provided this isn't gonna be dragged out. ]

Not that I particularly appreciate being kidnapped to fight for somebody else's cause without so much as proper contract conditions being negotiated first, but whining will get us nowhere, will it?

Given the circumstances. Bad timing all around, it looks like.

Anyway, I got the gist, but there's still a lot of things I don't understand – most pressing matter of all being the question if and how we're gonna get rid of this infestation, or whatever you wanna call it. [ Of course he's still gonna skim the archives later, but first impressions and especially first hand accounts go a long way. And really a zombie-free station would be kinda nice right now. ] So tell me about what you know, what's important – what can be done right now. About yourself, if you feel so inclined, I'd rather get to know my comrades. Unless you'd like to postpone introductions, which is fine by me.

Me, I go by Big Boss, but Snake's fine.

[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.]

In my world, there was a story of a hero named Drualt and his love, Freya. The man slayed dragons and fought to protect the people of the land, but when his lover was attacked by griffons, the townspeople of Bamarre were cowardly and did nothing to save her. When she perished, Drualt turned his back on the people, saying that he would return only when the villagers became brave once more. Most remained cowards, retreating inside their homes and behind their walls. My sister Meryl, however, is truly brave. She swore she would rid the land of monsters someday. Were she here, she would have be more determined now than ever to help the people of Exsilium.

[A small hum of thought. She remembers when she finally saw the horrors of living in Bamarre, and how she'd sworn to herself that she would no longer turn a blind eye to this injustice - how she had sworn that she would help her sister fight against the monsters in Bamarre if she ever made it back to the castle.]

I can no longer stand by and watch. I do not think I'm predisposed to it, but I should like to learn at least basic combat, if anyone would teach me.

[There's a bitter 'tch' as she turns the tablet on. Her eyes hold an underlying, anger that just seems to be slowly seeping outward. But beyond the look of her eyes, her face seems mockingly relaxed. This is all some horrible sour joke. Every word is laced with venom and sarcasm. Tread lightly.]

Obviously, no one here likes this Maker forsaken rock we've found ourselves on. I wasn't present while the chaos was occurring, but I understand getting us here came at a great cost. I won't even say it could or couldn't have been prevented. At least we're here, aren't we?

But does everyone truly think we're safe simply by running and hiding? If those Initiative bastards can send us here then what is stopping any other force from trying? We're safe, for now. But then what? We simply wait and send all our hopes to those bastards who dragged us here in the first place?

Oh, I'm sure the Initiative is just full of what they believe to be brilliant schemes of how to fix this. But I doubt I need to remind anyone how beneficial relying on their genius has been in the past.

So. Anyone here actually capable of thinking on their own or shall we simply wait and see?

I've been thinking about our supplies, and I don't like what I've been thinking. More importantly, I don't think I like this food much. We don't want to have to wait until these supplies are gone before we restock, really.

Anyone want to find a nice big foresty place and do some hunting? Or, if you're good with plants, maybe find some trees with fruits that we can get?

I still have some gold, so I'm willing to give it to someone who'll trade it for, say, flour and anything else for bread, too. Or maybe some pre-made loaves, or something else like that we can eat. Or even tubers and mushrooms or other vegetables.

We work on it now, we're not fighting over the last... whatever this thing is... later. couldn't get the all-devouring to eat this stuff for long...

Let me know and we'll arrange it.

This is Locrian Sergeant Tear Grants of the Oracle Knights, home world Auldrant. I'm seeking whoever can give me information on the clinic; I'm a healer and I'd like to offer my services there.

[ She pauses before moving on to her next order of business. ]

The Initiative makes a convincing case for why we should willingly join their cause. "The United Earth will destroy our worlds as well"... At the very least, it makes for a compelling argument, particularly in light of the recent display of the United Earth's level of firepower. But how much of that is actually true?

It's not that I find the Initiative untrustworthy, but rather that they've given me little cause to trust them. Although recent events certainly make you feel compassion for their cause.

I'm presuming some of you have already gone on missions, so you have less biased accounts. Any insight you could give me would be appreciated.

[ Now that a few days have already passed, there's not much point in moping quietly and ignoring the network for much longer. Hopefully things have settled down a bit by now... ]

It looks like people are already organizing a few missions of their own, which is all fine and good, but we need to look beyond supplies for the short term. Our new headquarters isn't fit for holding this many people, for who knows how long, so aside from supplies, I think we need to put an effort towards fixing that as soon as we can.

First and foremost, we need more power.

Especially if we want to get that Aristeas contraption back up and running. Obviously we don't have the tools and resources to fix that here and now, but I'm sure I can work out a few points in time where we can slip in and change how this place gets built. What I really need is anyone who can help out with the technical side of this, or even to lend a hand with the research, and a few volunteers to run around playing time tag. We're going to need to get our hands on and change blueprints and data and who knows what else.

[ Basically, a call for help. He might be in over his head on this one, with how much tech is going to be involved. That all rambled out, there's a small, awkward pause before he adds: ]

And hello to all the new Transports, I guess. When I first got stuck here, Exsilium had just gotten itself trashed by an army of monsters, but this arrival sure tops that one as the new worst entrance of all.

--Ah, good, I believe I've managed to coerce this connection to work properly. Splendid.

[ hello everyone! a rather measured voice of a man is apparently addressing the network this fine evening! he doesn't seem particularly startled... ]

Hello. I've received all the proper information regarding this ... lovely situation we've all somehow gotten into. It's quite remarkable, all things considered.

[ there's no pause for breath, no sound of shuffling... he must be a rather well-practiced speaker!! ]

After some review of this network, I realize Mr. Stark resides among us, is that correct? Sir, if you can hear me, please respond. I'm quite disoriented. [ was he being serious? hard to tell. ]

In the extremely likely situation in which Mr. Stark disregards my message, I would appreciate anyone capable of garnering his attention to do so. I apologize for the trouble.

I was just informed there is no air on the moon, and if you go outside you will die.

Firstly, no air cannot be good for your health or your complexion.

Secondly, if we can't go outside, is outerwear now considered obsolete?

I think this is a very important question to ask when faced with these ludicrous baggage restrictions that make it impossible to travel with a proper wardrobe.

[ When the feed turns on, there's a poorly-shaven and generally scruffy guy in a labcoat peering critically into the lens. He might not look familiar, but when he speaks, Transports who have been around for a while may recognize the voice. ]

This thing on? Hey, looks like we're broadcasting. I'm a genius, as usual.

[ The view shifts as he tucks whatever is broadcasting into the front pocket of his shirt, showing a hallway within the Hold. His voice drifts in from off-screen: ] We got the best of the best having a powwow in here. You know, the fate of all of Exsilium, and stuff like that. They're gonna tell you guys when they're done, but I say we pick up the pace a little. We're on a tight schedule, you know? [ The view strides forward as he makes for a closed door. ] Just our little secret, alright? I'm not even supposed to be on your fancy network — like they could ever actually kick me off.

[ His voice drops with the last part as he pushes open the door. Inside are ten Initiative employees, and Saul and Medusa, seated at a table and looking terse. Someone shoots a frown toward our loyal broadcaster, who mutters an apology for his bladder and slides into the only empty seat. ]

( Cut for length and a transcript! Sort of. A prose transcript, because who really wants to read the word-for-word. )

[ The talk winds down, and someone near Saul and Medusa mutters to them, something along the lines of, I don't envy your job, telling everyone. Saul, already pissed and definitely having been on the "no" side of the voting, lunges for the guy — but is restrained by Medusa's hair. The view shifts again as the broadcaster lifts the camera from his pocket, turns it around to grin weakly into it. ]

Done and done, pals. It was the pen all along! Ha, told you I was a genius, noooo one feels like listening to poor old Sponde…

[ There's a quick raising of angry voices, but the feed ends and cuts them off. ]

[[ooc; Saul, Medusa, anyone else in DITR, and possibly the NPC will be responding to questions here, but also feel free to use this as a general IC discussion space!]]

[ there's an awkward second of someone fumbling with the device. when scott steps back a second later, the reason's obvious: he's trying to get it to balance on his desk, giving a clear view of both him and isaac standing a few feet off. ]

Hey. My name's Scott. I was here once before, so I guess I don't really have any questions.

[ except for maybe why am i back, but he knows that'd just be wasting time. anyway, they're broadcasting for a reason, and that's not it. ]

I know stuff is really weird here, like angels and superheroes and shapeshifters, so I don't really get the point in— [ keeping secrets? that's pretty broad. he obviously didn't map this speech out, so rather than making more of a mess he just stumbles for the finish line. ] I'm a werewolf. If you have a problem with that, let me know.

[ there's no challenge in his tone. it sounds more like "sorry, but we can probably talk it out". he almost steps forward to end the feed there, catching himself abruptly to add: ]

Isaac too. [ And Isaac offers a casual little wave at that, in the midst of all his eyerolling at Scott's... presentation of sorts. Really, Scott. ]

People are missing and people are hurt, and we want to help, but we can't do anything if we're too busy hiding. [ which is the real point of this, except hold up, one last thing. ] And we know there's a full moon in a few days, but we aren't crazy and we won't hurt anyone.


( ooc: icly the day after the party/kidnappings. all dialogue is scott's because isaac is rude, but replies will come from one or both! )

[ as the transmission begins, it remains only in voice. ]

…why won’t this device work? It couldn’t be… is it broken? [ there is a tinge of horror in his voice as he says those words. while gaius is usually a very confident person, his demeanor changes dramatically when it comes to using machines like this. ]

It should be just like the GHS... I just have to remember Rowen's instructions and I should be fine. So why isn't it working? [ of course, it actually is working, and transmitting every word he says. it suddenly shifts to video, as it becomes clear that gaius is pushing buttons rather randomly, trying to get his tablet to work. unfortunately, he has no idea how to tell whether it's working or not. ]

This is why I dislike things like this. Meetings should be face to face. There are important things that can only be communicated through direct conversation.

[ of course, he's merely whining to himself as he continues to struggle with the device, his expression slowly growing more and more annoyed. ]

Enough! If this thing refuses to cooperate, then so be it! I will not be reduced to the mere pawn of a machine. [ he seems to have finally given up... before he suddenly pushes another button. miraculously enough, he actually manages to turn it off. ]

[Short and to the point.]

Is it customary for people to leave this place only to return mere days later?

[ 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. ]

I'd put up a video, but I don't think I'm quite ready for Youtube stardom.

Anyway, if anyone's in need of professional military training, I'm not your best candidate, but I can give some pointers. Show you how to shoot. You could say this shit's the only stuff I'm good for, so I might as well put it to good use.

[The feed cut--though, Tim realized this was totally incomplete. He came back with an addendum the post.]

I forgot. I'm Tim Gutterson--U.S. Marshal and former Army Ranger. On top of teachin', feel free to hit me up if you're in trouble.

[Here's the voice of a possibly familiar British gent. Some may know him as a Transport from the past, others may recognise the iconic charm, while plenty may well just think he sounds like a total dick. All would be correct. Whatever your thought, he's back, masterfully managing a tone of smug disinterest as he addresses the community as a whole.]

Looks like the Initiative are still up to their usual tricks. Can't really blame them for wanting me back. [He is perfect, after all.

A beat, thoughtful, as if he's considering his words, briefly wondering on whether to use this opportunity to chase up on facts and information only to settle with a conceited:]

Miss me?

[Muggle devices, particularly technologically complicated ones, are not among the items on Tonks' "things I'm good with" list. In fact, if she cared to keep a "things I need a lot of work on" list, they'd be near the top. Unfortunately, such a list isn't in existence, and now that she's stuck with one, that too will have to be put on the back burner.

Luckily (or ~magically~), she gets part of it to work after an embarrassingly long time fiddling with it. That part includes the video function… sort of. Her face appears, but it's sideways and angled as if she's not quite sure how it goes. Oh well, one step at a time.]

Huh, so that's how it works. Wonder if I can get it to do that again next time.

Right, anyway! So this place-- future of England and the like? Not sure I'm fond of the changes they've made to it. Can't say I've seen much more depressing outside of a few very particular instances. It's not something I'd want to aspire to meet.

[She chews on her lip, idly musing to herself.] What I wanted to ask was where we get a decent drink. I could go for a good butterbeer about now, though I don't s'pose many of you'd know what that is...

[Tonks makes a face as she runs some possibilities over in her mind before finally settling on one.] I'd also fancy a bit of exploring. None o' that "she sells this" stuff... something more fun. Or just a place to eat if that's too much to ask. Conversation's good for this, too. Nothing specific, idle chatter's all.

[The camera catches a grin of hers before she moves to shut it off. Predictably, she knocks it off its perch, and it captures a yelled expletive before shutting off completely.]

[Lily's still nervous, even after discovering that she's free of that underground facility. Not only does she not know what happened to her fellow test subjects, but it's a big change, and there will still be fighting. Will she accidentally hurt someone? She hopes not. She flips on the video feed. There are two things worth noting about the young girl's features. The first is that her eyes are yellow. Perhaps the most notable, however, is the metal collar around her neck. It doesn't look like jewelry.]

I just have a question for everyone. What do you do to relax when you're scared or upset?

[She doesn't want to mention the extent of her problems, but she shouldn't lie either. So she just won't say anything if she's not comfortable talking about it, or she'll change the subject. That usually works for her.]

This place is very different than what I'm used to, so I'd really appreciate any suggestions. Oh! And I'm also looking for flowers. The place I lived in didn't have any, and I've always wanted to smell real flowers. Thank you for your time.

[When the video begins, two girls appear, one blond and one brunette, with identical faces. The blond leans in close, voice loud and clearly attention-seeking.]

Hey, all of you! We have something to say, so listen up.

[She nods to the other girl, and lets her take over from there. Not that the wheelchair-bound girl seems all that pleased with her companion’s rudeness, but the awkward smile fades quickly to a neutral look.]

Please, this will only take a moment of your time, I assure you. My name is Nunnally vi Britannia, student, from 2018 a.t.b. era of the planet Earth. [Pausing.]

And I’m Nemo. You can call me Nunnally’s sworn knight. [Shrugging off that subtle attempt at chiding, Nemo introduces herself quickly, eager to get this part done with. She doesn’t much care for introductions, and it’s obvious in the tone of her voice.]

Yes, my knight. [Her voice picks up at the word as do the rest of her features. Having a strong knight is important for a student.] We are both very pleased to meet your acquaintance and look forward to providing aid where we can. After being told there are a number of objectives that can be completed for the Initiative through these missions, who am I to deny them that? So for those of you who are experienced in these tasks…

[With a grin, the second girl cuts in yet again.] We want to know all about it! How we get on them, what objectives you carry out, the works. And how does the Initiative feel about taking souvenirs from our missions?

You can’t ask them if we’re allowed to steal on an important world-changing mission!

(OOC: Nemo is red, Nunnally is purple, and both will be responding with their own tablets.)