[Asuka clears her throat and pauses before actually launching into her little spiel.]

So, I thought you all deserved to know that I turn sixteen tomorrow! Maybe I'm finally getting used to living here after a year. Or something. Hell if I know!

The only problem is that we're still stuck on this stupid rock, so it's not exactly the best place for celebrating much of anything. Anyone have suggestions? And none of that virtual reality crap! They're neat, but they kinda give me the creeps. Maybe I'll just try and take over part of the dining hall...

On Earth - my Earth, anyway, though I'm sure it's true on other ones too - today is celebrated as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in much of Europe and North America. It marks the day World War One ended, and in remembrance of those who've served in the armed forces, particularly those who died on the battlefield in sacrifice of a cause.

I've been a soldier most of my life - at times an unconventional one, but it doesn't make the battles any less real. I've seen a lot of people die fighting.

And here we are, today, conscripts in the middle of another war. So take a moment and remember those you may have lost at home - people close to you, or people you never knew who were fighting for you all the same. And think about why you fight here. Or why you don't fight, if that's the case. Both are choices not to be made lightly.

I just gotta say, a moon zombie encounter was exactly what I wanted for my birthday. You guys sure know how to make a person feel right at home.

But seriously, what the hell was up with that and can we nix that from the schedule in the future? If there are other zany, undead surprises lurking around here, it'd be great if you could give a head's up ahead of time.

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.

[Feel lucky, Elliot's roommates. He's finally taking his complaining to the full network! =D

He's standing in one of the rooms, specifically his, but he doubts anyone can tell.]

I've had as much of this nonsense as I can stand! How are these ever supposed to be livable conditions?! The last place was bad enough, but I doubt any amount of possible improvements could ever make this place even come close to that! YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE REAL BEDS HERE!

[To make his point, he turns to focus on the shot on one of the bunk beds before going back to himself.]

Is there even a point in trying to do anything with this place?! The Initiative has made it more than obvious that their response to a real problem is to run like cowards!

( there's a slight sound of rustling after the feed clicks on, as oz makes himself more comfortable on a seat in the observatory. why he's there late at night — night by circadian rhythms, anyway, simulated nights on the moon — is anyone's guess, or maybe it's obvious enough. in any case, when he speaks up a moment later, he sounds to be in a good enough mood. )

What's your favorite story? Scary ones are probably best for late at night, but what I really want to hear about are everyone's favorites. For instance, something about a princess and a dragon, or maybe a mystery with a twist ending, or something out of history....ah, if you make it up or adapt it from a book, that's fine too! Or even if it's a real one that's happened to someone you know, ( and a light laugh ) — don't worry, I don't tell anyone!

But it's rude to ask without giving my own preference, right? I can start with mine, if anyone wants.

( he'll tell people about holy knight. all about it!!!! don't ask him about it. )

[So this hasn't been a traumatic last few days at all. Still Sky assumes it's better to at least find something to do than sit around and think about how she isn't home. Or about how people were just killed on earth. What she's supposed to do? She doesn't know. She amusingly assumes to herself that at least no one will need her to cook any books here.]

Ugh, hi. I'm Skyler. [Because while only a handful here are associated with her husband, she would rather leave him out of this.]

I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to do. [And this is already starting to sound like an AA introduction or something.] I'm a mom back home. It's the one thing I'm really good at.

[It's not entirely true, but she doesn't really know what else to say, and who needs an accountant in space?]

I like to write, and I don't really have powers. Or know how to fight. Well. [She doesn't want to think about the fight with the kitchen knife, so instead she just breathes and nods.]

I'm not sure what I could really do here, but I'm good with children. I have two of my own, and I'd like to help if I can.

[The voice is measured, disciplined, but rather young:]

This is Armin Arlert, cadet of the 104th Scouting Legion, reporting. I arrived to an unknown location approximately one week ago, and have yet to meet any others from my group, or anyone with knowledge of our war with the titans. While I have currently determined the situation to be safe, even hospitable, all evidence suggests it will not remain so. Should anyone out there who serves under Generalissimo Dallas Zackley receive this message, please respond! [A pause, and there's a slight break in that resolve.] Please... I-I can't have been the only one to...

[After a moment, Armin clears his throat. He is shaken, but continues:] To everyone who arrived here prior to this month, I would appreciate any assessment of the situation or perspective on the war and the time-and-space transportation that appears to have taken place. Suggestions for further reading on the subject would also be appreciated.

[It's clear he's a bit worn out by making this message, though fighting to sound brave.] Thank you.

[When Jaime turns the tablet on, he's standing in front of the cinema that a couple of the other Transports had constructed, visible hand propped up on a broomstick. The area is still scattered with debris and dust after the bombings, but it's clear that he's at least made the rudimentary attempts at cleaning a path to the miraculously intact structure. He gives the camera a little wave.]

Hey! So, it's come to my attention that some people around here have never seen a movie before even though we've got a theatre right here. I'm thinking we're totally past due for a movie night, and it just so happens that I found a copy of E.T. in one of the databases. This place still needs to be cleaned up a bit, but I think I can have it ready by let's sayyyy Saturday, 7 PM. Everyone's welcome to come on down.

Or at least you are as long as you bring snacks.

[He grins at the camera. He's joking, honest. Mostly. Mostly joking. A movie's not a movie without snacks.]

...And if you didn't get it, Sango, that means you. Clear your schedule! It's time to introduce you to modern cinema. Eilonwy, you should come on down too. Call it a mini-vacation you get to choose this time.

[ ooc; Tags will be slow to non-existent until tomorrow, just giving everyone some IC and OOC heads-up for a mingling log this Saturday! ]

[It's the first time she's shown her face on the network, attached it to her name; an unprecedented situation calls for caution. But the moment now is opportune. Her words will have more resonance if the people can see who's behind them.

Words that, while delayed slightly because of circumstance, have been far from forgotten.]

In my short time here, it has been clear to me that a lack of organization is a detriment to the operations of the Initiative, and, by extension, the well-being of Transports. Efforts have been made recently to address this lack of organization, but while commendable, they are not without their concerns.

By making a move such as that proposed to create a Transport-only governing body, we forget ourselves, as well as our cause. We forget that the Transport population is merely part of a whole, one that must be united in the face of a common threat. By making such a move, we only risk further alienating the Exiles, creating a larger rift when we cannot afford one in the first place.

I do not believe this move is ideal. More time and care are needed to consider the consequences it might have. To consider alternative solutions.

[She pauses, gives time for all of that to breathe before she concludes.]

If you have thoughts or concerns, I urge you to air them. This is a matter which affects us all, and every voice that wishes to be heard should be allowed the opportunity.