[ bright and early, splayed on the network feed in somewhat old-timey poster fashion: ]

IMMEDIATE HELP WANTED

with the

Refurbishment and Construction

of

Shelters and Outposts

for purposes including but not limited to

Accommodation, Assembly, Defense, Medical Aid, Technical Support, Supply Reserves, Agriculture

and other prospective services to Transports and other associates.

All forms of assistance and input welcome and encouraged

including but not limited to technical aid, general labor, delivery and supply, security, liaison with third parties, and crew support.

Inquire in this post for further details.

----

( video version, within the same post )

(( OOC: APOLOGIES FOR THE SLOWDOWN IN REPLIES I'll get to everyone's as soon as I can ))

[If Allen Walker's going to be honest with himself, he needs help. Pretty badly. And the truth is that he's come no closer to finding it in this place than he has in his world, and the clock is still ticking.

But what he's also come to realize is that what he has here is access to something unlike anything he has at home, which he's been stupidly neglecting. That is, a network of hundreds of people from a multitude of backgrounds and specialties and worlds, right at his fingertips. One of them might even know something that could, indeed, help him. He can't justify squandering this resource.

Especially not when he doesn't even need to come out publicly about his... problem. He has nothing to lose by trying, and perhaps a great deal to gain.

So, after making triple-sure this is going to post anonymously, he writes,]

hello,

i would like to speak with anyone here who has knowledge of demons, or similar beings from their world.

[For lack of a better descriptor.]

especially those familiar with methods of exorcism, or the containment of them.

[He considers adding more, but perhaps the vaguer, the better in this case. It'll have to do.

He resists the powerful urge to close with a 'thank you.']

Hey, I hope everyone's managing to stay warm enough. I know some of us are still back on the moon base as well; how are things up there?

[Asbel pauses unneccessarily, as if halfway expecting a response -- somehow, even though he's still recording -- before he continues at a calm, measured pace.]

Anyway, a couple of thoughts. The next wave of Transports won't be arriving until the eighth, right? I was thinking maybe we could set aside some extra space for them. In cabins and wherever else people have found to live. That way, they can move out of the facility as soon as they're ready without having to worry so much about where to go. As such, is there anyone who's still looking for a place to stay?

Also, there are a lot of organizations and small groups among us. If you've started or are part of one of these, whether it's official or not, do you think you could tell me a little bit about their purpose and who else is involved? I'm not much for making lists, but I'd like to at least try to keep track of them all.

And lastly... [At this point, his posture slackens, and he spreads his hands casually.] It's more of a personal question and doesn't have anything to do with the rest. Do you remember any hobbies or activities you really enjoyed when you were young? Everyone's been talking about resolutions, and there's something I'd like to do in the upcoming year.

Hello everyone.

[ Video feed opens up with Sophie sitting in the room of her cabin. Behind her is her stuffed rabbit and her fluffy pet cat Lion Carnival taking a nap on her pillow. She holds her arm up high, waving to all the viewers. ]

So my friend Sora told me more about Christmas. Not only does Santa come by to give presents, but you can sing carols on this holiday too.

[ She stands up. ]

He taught me a lot of great songs. There's this one called Jingle Bells and it goes like this:

[ Clearing her throat, she starts singing (more like parroting) in the exact horrible tone-deaf way that Sora taught her. The singing causes Lion Carnival to wake up, hop off the bed and run off screen...

As she sings, she dances side to side, swinging her arm. ]

♪ Jingle bells, jingle bells- jingle all the way! ♫

Oh! What fun it is to ride
In a one-horse open sleigh. ♪

[ The tone deafness ends here. Aren't there more words to this...? Well, Sora didn't even know. For the rest of the song, she starts to sing "la la la" to the rest of the Jingle Bells tune. Strangely, her "la la"-ing is more in tune than what Sora taught her... ]

La la la, la la la~♪

So, I just thought of something that might not be a bad way to go with things.

A while back, I was dinking around with ways we might expand the moon base by going underneath the surface. From what I found, that'd have required drilling, and then sealing it well enough to keep the air inside, freshened, and generally not trying to kill us. I had concepts for the second problem, but working designs for the first.

If anyone wanted to help me get the stuff together, I could build us a mole machine! That could have all kinds of cool uses. We could just go underground, expand bases, and, you know, find stuff!

Who's with me?!?

"Nous protégeons ceux qui ne peuvent pas se protéger."

We protect those who cannot protect themselves. [ her voice is stronger for the translation that had followed and as she continues talking, allison's tone remains even (though it's not hard to pick up the passion behind it). ]

That's the code I took on back home. The circumstances were completely different, of course, but I've been thinking a lot about it lately. Maybe things here aren't quite as dissimilar as I'd thought. [ there's a pause as she takes in a deep breath. there's a lot of doubts in her mind about everything, but she doesn't want any of them to be heard. ]

I know it might be too soon to start talking about some kind of official protective force - we're still in the process of deciding on a code, or a council, or something else entirely - but.

But even if it's unofficial, I want to do something. I don't know if it will help, but a lot happened this past month and I just want to make sure that no one feels unsafe or scared again.

If you're interested, come talk to me. Even if it's for something as simple as maybe learning to protect yourself in a bad situation.

Ah, hello. I'm um, honestly not sure if this is the right time for this sort of thing, but I just received a message. I don't know who sent it, but it sounds like someone wrote this letter right before...

...well, before we all arrived here.

I can share it with whoever would like to read it, and I don't know if there's a lot more messages like this. I just don't think it'd be fair if I kept it to myself.

[And for any character who wants it, Carol will send them the Samir Renner memoir!]

[Asch's voice comes over the network, sounding grumpy but calm.] As I'm sure you've noticed, the base's lighting is back on. There shouldn't be any issues, but inform me if there are.

Don't try to approach the maintenance room until things have calmed down. We're staying behind to keep an eye on things, and if you show up unannounced we'll assume you're there to sabotage the system again. [No mention of who 'we' is, of course.]

[ LOCKED to: Neutral/Positive CR ]

None of you have been caught up in this mess, have you?

Hello!

[when this video post starts, the focus is somewhere... around the top of her head. Colette's eyes widen as she notices that she's holding it too high, so the view suddenly jumps down (yep, she just over corrected). Nibbling on her lip a little, she tilts it higher again... perfect! Determined not to let the view vary she tries her best not to move it]

My name is Colette Brunel. I haven't talked to everyone like this yet, so... hello! It's really nice to meet you all.

I'm sorry to bother everyone like this, but I wanted to ask something. Even though we... don't live on Earth anymore [her gaze grows a mite somber as she talks about it] it still sounds like a very important world. A lot of people here come from Earth, and we're supposed to travel throughout Earth's history! I come from another world that is very different, so I would really like to learn more about Earth if I can.

And so... if anyone knows anything about Earth and has a little time to spare, I'd love to ask some questions! O-Or, if you would rather just tell me a few facts and not be asked any questions, that's okay too. Anything would be helpful.

[although, a thought strikes her] Ah! That doesn't mean that I don't want to talk to people if they're not from Earth. I'd like to hear about everyone's homes! They all sound really beautiful in their own way, and it would be nice to hear about many worlds.

[she pauses, and smiles sheepishly! She's not one to get shy, but she feels a little bad making requests like this when everyone is probably busy]

It's been three months since I've arrived here. After all that's happened in the past few months between the Initiative and the United Earth, I suppose it's safe to say which organization I'm more than willing to assist.

Still, to have to come to that. I hope the Empire back home never gets to a point where the people can no longer bring changes to it using proper means.

In any case, I thought I should offer my services to the network. My roommates have been keeping me from helping with housework and I find myself with a lot of free time.

As a knight, I can fight and protect. But I also wouldn't mind doing odd jobs here and there. Cooking, as well.

It just feels like I need to do more.

The more I talk to other people here, the more it sounds like the UE's genetech is what we have to watch out for. While there are ways of shifting things in the past to lessen the effect, we have more pressing concerns right now. [like, oh, that nuclear missile strike]

Out of the other people who were taken, what innate powers do you have? We need to know just how much the UE got from us - and more importantly, what they couldn't get, because those powers represent our best offense and defense right now.

May as well start myself.

[Text]
high-level telepathy and telekinesis

[Well, Asbel has managed to pull himself together. And he's finally figured out that setting the tablet down on a flat surface before he starts recording is a pretty good idea. Despite young face and unruly hair, he seems determined, and the brief smile he offers is kind.]

Hey, everyone.

I'm sure some of you know this already, but a good friend of mine, Cheria Barnes, recently left us. While she was here, she ran a relief organization, and I really feel like we should keep it going. Possibly now more than ever.

Its purpose is to help people during and in the aftermath of difficult situations and to get them what they need, whether it be medical attention, food, a place to stay...maybe a listening ear, or a shoulder to cry on, or skills so they can go out and do the same for others.

There aren't any requirements to be a part of this. You don't have to be a medic or a fighter or have super powers of any kind. As long as you want to help out, we'll gladly welcome you. And if there's something you'd like to learn, then we'll make every effort to teach you how.

We could definitely use more help, though, as well as some people who'd be willing to help manage things and keep them running smoothly. If you're interested in getting involved in any way, come talk to us about it. And if you aren't comfortable discussing things over the network or in front of a group, you're more than welcome to contact me directly or see me in person. My name's Asbel Lhant.

Thanks.

((OOC: If interested, please sign up here just so I can have an idea of who all is/was/still is involved. The relief organization runs on a volunteer basis, so how much or how little you wish to invest in it is totally up to you! Thanks!))

[Oh look, everyone. It's your favorite person, here to screech at you again. He's looking a little disheveled- and there are rings around his eyes like someone was crying and didn't use waterproof mascara oops.]

THESE FOOLS IN THIS INITIATIVE CLAIM THEY CANNOT HELP ME! JADE IS GONE, I ONLY ASKED HE BE RETURNED AT ONCE!!!!!!!

I DEMAND THE PARTS TO CREATE A MACHINE! IF JADE CANNOT BE RETURNED TO ME, I WILL REPLICATE HIM!!!!

YOU'LL ALL FINALLY SEE THE TRUE DEPTH OF MY GENIUS!

[ First the Captain, Hubert, and now Cheria... ]

Has... anyone seen Cheria?

[ The reluctance can be heard in her voice. Sophie might be already accepting that one of her dearest friends left. If she were still her, she would know. Even if she were blind, she could easily take notice a person's presence by the sound of their footsteps, scent... and while wandering around the moon base, she couldn't pick up Cheria's presence anywhere.

But just in case, she wants to double check. ]

She ran a relief organization here and was a part of one back home too. She has very pretty pink hair and I usually see her put ribbons in them. She's always so friendly and caring. And she would always look out for me. She's like a mother to me.

[ More like she is your mother now, Sophie! There's a faint smile while she fondly talks about her. She has to keep herself from going on and on about her. ]

I think... she might have left... but can everyone keep an eye out for her, just in case? Thank you.

[ It goes by quickly, but her smile falters just seconds before she ends the video feed. ]

[Kido is trying not to be agitated since a good leader shouldn't be but hey she's tired, things have sucked, the reports from the rescue mission really suck and yeah. So she finds some solace in her old role.

She taps her fingers against her leg, hair damp from one of those lovely short showers with a towel around her neck.]

Hey everyone. I've been thinking it'd be easier to figure out things if we were all together. You know, like a real meeting. What if we just pick a day and grab one of the VR rooms and try to figure this out. Everyone's been getting together the information they got from the rescue mission- [She frowns slightly. None of it sounded good.] -so we've got a better idea of what we're up against now.

[A beat.] I'm not in charge of everyone, but we need to be organized. [She gives a lopsided smile.] Some of you are better at it than others. If no one else will take up the lead, then I'll pick a day and spam everyone with it.

[She's kind of hoping someone else does though. Leading the Mekakushi Dan and leading a small army are pretty different things.]

I've seen a lot of you with good thoughts and ideas though so... let's keep this up.

[So. After a great deal of fumbling, Liam has figured out the 'post' function, so please enjoy this view of his shirt before he tips the thing up properly. And then waves!]

So, we're on the Moon, yeah? And I can't be the only person who arrived just in time to watch--I don't actually know what that was but it looked pretty bad.

But, that aside, I have some questions they didn't really cover in the introduction. Little things like "How are we even on the moon". Last I checked, it was kind of covered in a cult that I don't think really liked anyone hanging out on their turf.

[A pause here, for dramatic effect, and Liam's serious face. Check it: . He is so serious you guys, D'Endrrah is kind of a jerk about territory.]

I guess what I'm saying is, if you see any bunnies up here, run. Run and hope their mom isn't up here with us. She's reaaally not too fond of humans, and she's really bit on manners.

[Helpful PSA over, Liam blinks, and pauses to consider something.]

Oh, I forgot. M'name's Liam, and it's nice to meet all of you!

Um... hey. My name's Xion.

[She fumbles a bit with the device. Except for that brief stint where she ran across Dist's post, Xion hasn't used this since before she went back the first time]

Some of you know me already. From... when we were in the UE Compound. I know I talked to a lot of people...

Anyway, I know it's been a while, but a lot of things have happened and I guess I just wanted to make sure everyone I met was okay, since I haven't been able to find everybody. I don't think I got everyone's names....

[Okay. That should probably do it. She hopes. Except... everybody could see this, right?]

Or if we've just met, hi, I guess.

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.

[Text]

Good evening, fellow Transports.

Near the residence domes, anyone who reads this post unless I forgot someone will see a shimmering section of wall. That's the entrance to a kind of... Well I guess you'd call it a speakeasy I've assembled using a magic item I have.

I'm not really open yet, but I'll let people in so that they can be in an area with actual lights during the outage. Just don't try to sneak into the back rooms or anything.

That said, the real purpose here is more of a Help Wanted situation. I need wait staff, barkeeps, and a cleaner or two. Inquire within, of course - the goal's to create a small place of at least a little happiness for ourselves, so... Well, yeah.

Those I've already talked to, if you could please drop by as well, that'd be nice. There's a few more plans to consider, I think.

[Action]

[And the shimmering gate is, indeed, open.

The room within is rather minimalistic, at least for now. The bar and tables look nice, at least, and there's a goodly amount of seating around. Across from the entrance and coat check (currently unstaffed), there's a bar, a Succubus wearing her usual outfit, and a sign saying "HELP WANTED!"

You could kibitz with Pidonus... Or ignore her and go talk with someone else who's chosen a bright room over a building stuck on just life support.]

[He has nothing he wants to say about the fate of Exsilium over the network. Sure, he definitely has a lot of thoughts and feelings about the whole subject, but it really wasn't like him to share those with people. And so when his voice comes on over the usual alias of "Kaneis Major", he gets straight to the point]

Hey. If anyone's in need of a distraction, I need training.

You see, I don't know how much word's spread, but it sounds like the United Earth found a way to copy the abilities of the people they nabbed. Don't know the details of it, buuut it sure is gonna make facing them an even bigger pain.

So anyway, because of that I'd like to learn some new stuff so I can have some tricks up my sleeves. New weapons, abilities, strategies- I'll take whatever I can get. Well, except swordsmanship. I know that one already. But anything else I'd at least...hear them out!

Oh yeah- if you teach me I'm a pretty fast learner, and I'm sure I can figure out a way to compensate you somehow if you're looking for that.

So...yeah. Thanks, I guess!

Hey everyone,

This is a terrible situation no matter how you try to phrase it, and we had to make a frankly horrific decision.

It took me a while to learn this, so I wanted to say it in the hopes that it would help someone: no matter how awful it seems right now, you don't have to hate yourself. Hate the situation, hate the enemies, but it's not all your fault, no matter how much it might seem that way if you're used to always being able to save the day. I know because I've felt this way---just recently, actually.

I'm not saying it's definitely going to be all right. The memory will always be with us, and I can't look into our future to see for certain that it ends well. But I think we stand a chance of undoing the damage.

[ voice ]
Do you ever get the feeling that you're completely out of the loop?


[ action ]
Bolin has been obsessively working on plans for probending Exsilium style, and is only just now realizing he has no idea what's going on. You can find him --

A) in his bedroom at the apartment he now shares with Korra and Asami, surrounded by papers with sketches on them


B) checking out some possible sites for the arena


C) at a foodcart, feeding his hungry belly

Um. So does anyone have experience writing scripts? Or an interest in theater? Because I think I could use a few pointers...

[There's a slight pause before Asbel clarifies, and a muffled thump that might be a book closing.]

It's for the upcoming talent competition. The one at the end of the month? Some of us were thinking about putting a short play together for it.

( [Action: Hold Training Area | Also Open] )

[OOC Note: CR, if they wish, are welcome to assume that Asbel has already mentioned the talent competition to them and proposed the idea of putting together a group performance of some kind.]

[ A very eager young face pops into full view on the screen, the second the video comes on, and she doesn't hesitate getting right down to business. ]

So this is kind of a different question than usual, but...

Does anyone know how to get married, and where to do it? Thank you in advance!

[ If human movies and soap operas are any indication, getting married is like going on a date but also having a party at the same time, right? Yes, that must be accurate, but they were never quite clear on the specifics... ]

Pow! Powpowpowpow! Pow!

[From the way it sounds and the echo, someone's in the training hold at the moment. And by himself for that matter.]

Let's go, formation alpha!

[And sounding like they're having a pretend fight with... something.]

Justice will prevail at the hands of the Sunscreen Rangers! For tonight, we will dine on seafood!

[The sounds of scuffling can be heard as gunshots are shot off and the sound of a blade is swung through the air.]

Pow, powpowpowpowpow, POW! Sunscreen Ranger! RED!

[And the feed abruptly ends.]

[When Thereth turns on the camera, it's a little bit too close to her large face. A nose and a mouth is all that can be seen. She moves it further back, then leans further back, to get herself more properly into frame. Her face is more calm than it has been in a while, although there is something subdued about her smile. But at least she's smiling, right? It seems that her mission did help her out.]

Hello, Exsilium. The past...month or so...was somewhat difficult for me. I am feeling better now, but I apologize for any terseness on my part.

But I did think of a conversation topic for you.

[She hesitates, but then goes through with it, smiling sadly.]

What do you like least about yourself?

[Video]

All righty! Finally managed to get something together!

Transports of Exsilium, I am proud to have jiggered out a space for a workshop!

So bring me stuff and I'll fix it up, okay?! I've been working out electrical basics and other stuff unique to here, and I can also build some nice Cryas tech for you if you have an idea in mind.

Prices are cheap - and cheaper if you can find me some bananas.

[Action]

*So, that "workshop" Pascal mentioned?

Is an abandoned building with some duct tape holding the roof together. It's also very small and generally, even by Exsilium standards,, a ramshackle mess.

And no, inside is not much better, with some wood loosely shoved into a shelf-like shape, an old table, and a hammock unstably set up in one corner. The floor is dusty and unkempt...

Look, to be frank? Cheria might faint on stepping foot in here. Sorry!

Still, anyone who dares enter can work with the chipper-looking woman, organizing various acquired parts and tools to a surprisingly careful pattern.*

[Action: All around town today, Elmer will be handing out posters! He's hanging them wherever he can find a dry enough place, or is bugging shop workers to hang them in their windows or booths, and he's even just handing them to passersby. What is it? Check out Elmer's amazing graphic design skills with this poster he's made in whatever their tablet's version of MS Paint is. It's for the talent competition he's promoting, and he'll hand you one with a big grin.]

Be there or be square! It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

[Text: Yeah sorry but you're all getting this poster thing emailed to you too. Expect an attachment to this text. He's obnoxious like that. He has a question to go with it as well.]

I know some Transports out there are business owners as well! Anyone care to be a sponsor? (´･ω･`)

[ Clang! Clang! ]

Argh, no, Master! Put more of your back into your swings!

[ Said one Saber as she's turning on her tablet and placing it on a table, face turned over her shoulder. The recipient of her yelling is none other than Coby, whose hands are blackened with armaments and a piece of hot steel lying on an anvil. ]

My hands aren't exactly even! I'm not certain it'll come out right!

[Despite how illogical it was for him to be tempering and striking a heated template of a sword with his fists, Coby continued bashing them, especially as Saber commanded more of it. His fists struck the steel, sounding as if they were hammers on the anvil.]

Wouldn't it be more practical for me to use the hammer?

Bah, that is besides the point! This is a test, is it not? Put more of your strength into the steel; if you cannot muster even that much, not even a hammer will change a thing!

[ Says the woman holding an actual hammer and swinging it around threateningly. Then she turns her attention back to the feed with a small smile. ]

Greetings! It has been some time since I graced the network with my presence, but I do so with a matter of importance. Having resided in this world for a lengthy period, I have come to notice that many of the weapons I have seen, especially those given by the Initiative, are severely lacking in taste, strength, and refinement! There is hardly any artistry or beauty in them, and not even imbuing them with a special little charm gives them enough luster to be looked upon as mediocre pieces.

Therefore! [ She places the hand that holds the hammer on her chest. ] I have begun to take it upon myself - and my Master - to design works of exceptional beauty and lethality! You will not go wrong when you choose my wares, and if you need an example--

[ Saber raises her free hand and a crimson longsword materializes with a flash of fire. Pride shines in her eyes at its appearance before letting it stand in the ground as she readdresses the feed. ]

My finest work, the Aestus Estus. Considering the Initiative gives a paltry sum as an allowance, I am willing to negotiate prices. Master, do you wish to have a word in before I close this?

( and the master's word is... )

( [Filtered to Riku] )

[The vid feed is dark. In the shelter of the alleyway, there's some flickering attempts at a fire in the shelter of the eaves. Luke ventures away from the camera to try and feed more paper and fuel into the half-busted can, but he's not very good at this. After a sigh, he returns to the tablet and flops down. The rain drones on just a couple feet away.]

Heh, I thought building a fire would make me feel better, but I can't even do that properly...

[He runs a hand through his hair to briefly collect himself]

I wanted to let everyone know that Asch and Guy are both gone. I don't know how many friends they had, but Asch had a lot of connections. [He doesn't look at the camera. Guy is okay, he's sure of it, but Asch...]

There's-- there's so much he left unfinished. I'm not Asch, but if anyone needed his help with something, then... please, let me try in his stead.

[His fingers tighten in the gathered fabric around his knee, trembling visibly. He reaches over and turns off the tablet.]

A question for our usual audience.

If the Initiative ordered you to lay down your life, with no hope of resurrection, for their cause, would you do it?

[With the video set up nice and neatly so she's shown sitting properly at her desk, Seles doesn't waste any time getting to the point.]

For those of you more informed in the workings of this city, I have a question! Is there a form I can fill out to request the removal of a roommate?

I believe there's a point where so much time dealing with an issue is enough to file an official complaint. They'll do something about this, won't they? [They better...! She's just been thinking on this the past two weeks and wondering how to approach it, if her huffy expression doesn't share that enough.]

...That is all, so thank you in advanced.