[There's something different about Saul today.

He's seated in front of the camera, as usual, and he's in a suit, also as usual, but —

Oh, maybe it's the fact that Stephanie's leaning against his shoulders as he speaks, which takes away all possibility of him being his usual, businesslike self.

It might be that.]

Hey, everyone. As some of you've noticed, Jesse Pinkman went home a couple of weeks ago. Since there was some concern over the cookie situation last month, we — [With a brief nod upward, toward Steph — ] Figured that we'd harness some of the holiday spirit that's been goin' around and make sure this month's newbies are fed and clothed. Feferi will be taking care of handing out jackets and whatnot on the first, and Steph and I will be manning the cookie table alongside anyone else who decides to join us.

[Without missing a beat, Steph adds:]

Might even see if I can get one of those big urns to put hot cocoa in, to help warm the newbies up, and us, if we're hanging around there for a while. Any chance you can help out with that, Ella?

[She gives the camera a bright smile, which is mostly for Ella's sake. Sorry about abusing your powers.]

What we're not gonna do is make a party of it. I know that kinda sucks, but we just don't have the space, so the plan is that everyone who wants to can bake a couple batches in their own ovens, then bring them to our place sometime on the thirty first. If you don't know the address already and you're planning to help out, I'll give it to you here. [But she's not - just giving it out on the network openly.] If you need ingredients, let me know; I went on a mission and made sure we had plenty of stuff so I can give you flour or sugar or choc chips. Same goes for the recipe. Annnnd if you need help getting cookies to us, speak up, and we'll work something out.

[For a second, it looks like she's about to wrap it up, but then something else occurs to her.]

Speaking of parties, I dunno if anyone's doing anything for New Year's Eve, but if they are, can everyone try to get the cookies to me before like - seven, so I can still go out. Thanks.

[At which point Saul looks up and over at her, feigning a pout.]

Sorry, so we can go out.

[And then he's all smiles.

Before the feed clicks off, he adds another "thanks," and away they go.]

( Then, a private text to Sonya from Steph, sent only moments later: )

[At eight-thirty in the morning the crisp voice of a young woman begins to drone.] So the holiday of Christmas is just around the corner. For those of you not in the know - of whom I'm sure there are many, I was such a one myself less than 2 years ago - Christmas is a winter festival, meaning its hallmarks are decoration in the red and green hues that are so rare in this desolate season. There is delicious food, and an exchange of gifts, and an overall pretense of universal goodwill. It is, as they say, the most wonderful time of the year.

That time of the year, Christmas Day, is the 25th of December. Celebrations often start earlier on Christmas Eve, or the 24th. If you're familiar with the calendar that governs timekeeping in Exsilium, you'll know that means we have less than a week left.

Now I happen to work with Vennett, the temporal programmer. There are two main things of public import I've learned from him. First, New York and Las Vegas are some of the most popular destinations for missions that procure physical goods and no other result. Second, encoding a unique destination is a non-neglegible drain on resources, especially when the goal of the mission is not related to the location.

If you intend to spend the holidays in Las Vegas, enjoying whatever entertainments it has to offer, I can't really stop you. On the other hand, I have a proposal for whoever else has Christmas shopping to do: We all go to New York, together. I've made this announcement early in the day hoping to organize an expedition this evening; if there are enough interested parties who consider this notice to be too short, a delay of a day or more is perfectly feasible. Either way, we meet in front of the Transporter at 6 o'clock.

And one more thing. Should you be repulsed by the location or perceived frivolity of this entire exercise, but still want to get out of here, for the sake of a [she says like it's a dirty word] 'vacation' or any other reason, why don't you consider the latest lovely selection of mission proposals? AI's new simulations are absolutely top-notch, and we've been getting excellent results already.

Alright, that's all for now. I hope everyone listening to this has a Merry Christmas when the day comes.

So another month, another batch of poor lost souls that are wondering what did they do to deserve this fate. Kinda sucks huh? At least we're going back down, although apparently we're not in Kansas anymore.

[ Here she takes a moment to take a little breath. ]

I mean, we weren't in Kansas to begin with, but hopefully at least half of you will get the reference, or I'll be a very sad Ella. While we're on introductions though, this is Ella Ellis speaking, Doer of Things, Helper of the Needy, God of Awesome. I also make a mean mac & cheese, by the way.

[ At least she's grown comfortable talking through the tablet? Is that even a good thing? ]

Anyway, I plan to remain in the Moon Base until the twentieth or so, so if anyone around needs something done, let me know. For the new kids that means I can make most things out of thin air, and I'm being rather literal here. For the old folks, well, you either believe me by now or you don't.

[ Ella then proceeds to drum on the tablet's surface for a solid minute. ]

Oh, I almost forgot: How do you guys celebrate Christmas? Hanukkah? The equivalent I'm obviously missing? I thought it would be cool to make pines or seeds to grow and plant them somewhere, but then I realized not everyone might know about it. Then it hit me that me being me, this should probably freak me out in so many levels you don't even know, but if you don't mention the whole religious implications, I sure won't.

Anyway, I'm out of things to say. Stay safe, stay sane, and always wash your hands after using the toilet.

Ella out~

"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.

Hi! Hi again, to people I know already, hello for the first time, to anyone I haven't met yet. I'm Ashraf Salib, one of the heads of the clinic, high priest, snazzy dresser… [ He waves a hand. ] General things like that.

So, I'll get straight to the point. In the wake of the mutiny, I've seen a lot of talk on the network that I haven't seen before. Establishing a code of conduct, uniting… there was even some discussion of who you personally look to as a leader. Whatever your opinion of the mutiny may be, you have to admit that it's sparked some new subjects for us. And I'd say they're things we've been needing to talk about.

It isn't just a matter of wresting control from the Initiative, I think that was overly hasty and shortsighted. I think what we should be looking at is how to take control of ourselves. We're a really big group up here, with over three-hundred of us. That's a lot of voices to be heard at once, especially when none of them have much in the way of a recognized authority.

So, I think that should change.

My suggestion would be a council, voted on by the entire Transport body from a number of nominations. The people that we most trust are the ones we should have speaking for us — deciding for us. Because someone needs to. That we're still locked in this base after over two months up here should be evidence enough that it's difficult to achieve much of anything with no one calling the shots.

I've got some specific ideas about the organization of this council, which I wrote down and can attach here, but I want to hear from you. How should we organize ourselves? How can we decide who to listen to? This won't work if we don't all agree to it, and we need to agree on something. We're in a precarious position up here that frankly can't last, and it's past time that we take it into our own hands to change that.

( Council Specifics )

[Saul would've come to the network sooner, but his earpiece picked something up not long after the network came back online.

So, he waited.

And waited.

And now, he thinks, is as good a time as any for this broadcast.

He's seated in DITR's office; the interior looks much the same as any other bedroom on the base, but in lieu of the beds, there's a medium-sized desk. This is where he's perched in his usual pose with elbows on his knees, hands folded, leaning forward just slightly and addressing the camera — which someone else is holding — with an expression so grim it somehow almost seems amused.]

This is not how you get what you want.

[A pause. He appears thoughtful for a moment, then waves a dismissive hand at nothing and smooths down his tie.]

I mean, sure, it must've sounded great in theory. And I'd bet any amount of money that you all thought you had your bases nice and covered, buuut —

[Tch.]

Looks like maybe not, if the network being back online is any indication. Hi, by the way. Are you having fun yet? Because that whole lack of gravity thing — man, that was a blast. I'm just wondering, you know, if this is gonna work in your favor the way you'd all hoped. Messing with the systems is all well and good and yeah, okay, we get your point: you're mad as hell and not gonna take it anymore. Fine.

But I think — and this is just my lawyerly opinion — you're gonna have a hell of a time dealing with the fallout from this. And I promise you, Charlie, there will be fallout. Civilized fallout, of course, assuming no one gets hurt. I'll keep my promise if you keep yours.

[He grins, then winks.]

Anyway, I dunno about everyone else, but I'm waiting with bated breath for your next move. And if you need anything from us —

[A quick sweep of his arm to indicate the entirety of the room and, with it, the entirety of DITR's staff. Whatever anger he's been keeping at bay finally seeps through, Saul's eyes narrowing for the split second it takes him to say:]

Good fucking luck.

[And off goes the video feed.]

( A few minutes later, a text message for the DITR staff: )

—Uh, hey!

[Peter waves at the camera. He looks like he has it on the wrong level, and then he fixes it to not be looking mostly at his mid-eyes until he looks better, much better, without a camera giving everyone a near immediate relationship with his nose and mouth and probably pores. Look, he can accomplish things.]

—Sorry about that. And whatever you might've seen instead for a moment. I'm looking for a lab, and I'd say "hypothetically, say a guy is looking for a lab of all his own," but really, I need a lab to conduct some experiments. I promise I'm not planning to blow up any showers or the kitchen or anything like that, I—I generally avoid fires. Generally. [Except that one time in chemistry, but he's much more graceful now.] It's just that I'm used to having a lab of all my own, and I've checked the map a few times, and ... well—I don't wanna assume, you know, that I've got access to that.

[It's only now that he realizes that he should've gone for upgraded webshooters, but he didn't really want to ditch what Tony Stark gave him. They're from Tony Stark! They were a birthday present from Tony Stark.]

And this also came up with a buddy ... a pal ... you know, a new guy here, who's new like me, that maybe we should come up with a way to track the disturbances in the—[Force. Don't be a nerd, Parker.]—in the way things are here. Has anyone tried that yet?

Oh, and I'm Peter Parker. Yeah, I'm a nerd. You guessed it. But what can I say? I managed a lab in my own room back home, I can't go without here. Especially here.

Hey, this is Ella. Ella Ellis, for those new to our happy moon base. Don't take it for granted, boys a girls, because then zombies come around.

[ And nobody wants the zombies to come back, alright? ]

When was the last time I used this thing? I think I've been in some sort of funk lately, buried in med kits and people getting hurt. I totally need some fresh air-

Oh, wait.

[ At least she sounds like she's on a good mood? ]

But anyway, I'm Ella. I already said that like, twice already, but you know, new people tend to have short attention spans. I guess you could consider me your...local God or something. You need something, you ask for it and I do my thing and I get it for you. Nice and easy, unless it's something like a space ship, then you better not hold your breath.

[ A moment of silence, because this might take some time for some people to process. ]

Yes, I can make most things out of whatever available matter I can find, no I can't get you out of this place, yes I can heal you if you're ridiculously badly hurt, but if you go the infirmary you don't even need to ask. No, I don't hear when people pray, that would be really weird. Yes, I'm serious about this and no, I'm not a religious nut, I'm not religious at all. I hope some of you can appreciate the irony in that. Yes, I also have other equally ridiculous powers, no I'm not telling you.

So...let me know if you need anything.

Okay, so, two things.

One, anyone know how to reattach an arm? Like... fuck, I dunno, I guess you could just sew that shit back on. Or like... heal it on? Anyone got any magic wand-waving bullshit for that? Or science it back on, I guess, since holy fuck this is the moon, and all. Hey, are we over that part yet? Cuz I'm pretty fucking jaded. Turns out they weren't kidding when they said that thing about no one hearing you scream in space! They can't hear you bitch in space, either. It blows serious donkey balls out there, once you get your ass over the moonwalking part.

Oh, right, thing two. Anyone seen a decapitated head anywhere? Blond hair, rotted out eyes, answers to Luke? You just lemme know if you seen that little scamp, 'kay? He ran off somewhere, can't turn my back for a goddamn second on that fucker.

[ feel free to have spied Jan's missing head-trophy anywhere around the moon base :') it got shrunken and preserved somewhere along the line, and could pretty much have been left anywhere. ]

Kya-HAschyuu!

[That pleasant sound is accompanied by some sniffling, and throat clearing. You're welcome, fellow space cases.]

Sorry. I...my brain is all stuffed up.

[By the sound of it, the croaky teenager addressing you right now probably means his sinuses are stuffed up.]

It's cold. Anyway some of you said you could help with some stuff before...Don't say it, okay? Just -hyaaaSCHOO!

[Sniiiiiffff, cough. Really attractive, right?]

Show of hands?

( THE SETTING: the setting isn't exciting. I mean, it's the clinic and it looks extremely clean and well organised, but that's probably more a relief to any observers than exciting. Donny is himself, dressed in his scrubs, sleeves of the long shirt he wears underneath rolled up so that the tattoos and metal bands around his forearms are visible. He'd look sort of badass if he didn't also look a little bit green.

Fortunately he is surrounded by attractive people and first aid kits! YEAH. AWESOME. Ella is on his right, Flora as his left, although they're positioned on one side of the camera. Almost like they are keeping room for something. )

Um, h-hey. I'm-- I'm Donny, I um, I help in the-- the c-clinic? With-- supplies, and coordinating uh, stuff. ( There's a long pause, and he glances to Flora, fumbling with his words for a second before he can put something together. ) Um, just-- we just wanted to announce that we have um, m-made first aid k-kits for all the Transports. I think-- some of you p-picked them up at the m-meeting? 

( he's making a conscious effort not to fidget, but he looks so uncomfortable, and there's a reason he doesn't... do video posts. This time he's chewing his lip, glancing at Ella for a second before his gaze drops and his fingers curl towards his palms. )

If you haven't g-got one yet, if you c-could um, please come by the c-clinic. It'd b-be-- be good to get um, everyone checked off the list b-before the day n-new Transports arrive. And-- yep.

( Oh what's that? Donny seems to look horrified for a second, before Stephanie steps on camera, holding a first aid kit and modelling its contents the way you might see a car or a fridge or another fantastic prize modelled on a quiz show. Stephanie, please.

She even has a suitable 'game show model' smile, though it turns into a sheepish grin about a third of the way into her little demonstration.

With that ruined, she steps up so she's closer to the camera, putting an arm around Donny's shoulders as she addresses their audience. Donny would like the ground to swallow him up and it shows. ]

Sorry, they dared me to do it. [No they didn't.] Hey, everyone, I'm Steph, and I'm here to help you learn how to use these handy little things, if you'd like. Well, there are a few other people who can teach you as well, but I'm the cutest.

[Donny is looking horrified still (THIS IS A SERIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT), but Steph is all smiles.]

Anyway, most of this stuff is pretty simple, but if you'd like to learn your way around basic first aid, there are some classes you can sign up for, either by replying here, or coming down to the clinic whenever you're free. [a beat, to let that sink in, then:] That's it from me, have a good one, guys.

[And with a little salute, and a pat to Donny's arm, she moves off screen. There's sort of... trepidation and concern in how he looks to the others, now, waiting for them to chip in. ]

Ella is trying to smile next to Donny. She’s been slightly under the weather -a lot, actually- but hearing him make an effort and kind off flail at it does wonders for her mood. Maybe she’s a bit of a bad friend. Sighing, she takes a step forth as she holds a kit up. ]

It’s free, of course, and we will replenish it whenever you need. It has a bunch of useful stuff, both for treating whatever little nuisance you might have and prevent something serious to get even more serious before you can get help. [ A beat. ] And of course, you should totally come to the Infirmary if you really need to. Having a kit will solve some problems, but here’s where we make sure you get better.

[ She glances at Flora. While Ella can talk for hours, this is a joint effort, so she’ll bite her tongue. For now. ] [She appreciates the self-restraint, Ella. Donny looks at her and she flashes him a warm and encouraging smile. She’s really proud of him for doing this and taking initiative. When Stephanie makes her display, Flora tries to look stern, at least for Donny’s sake, but it’s clear she’s trying very hard not to laugh. She manages it. Somehow. Barely. Boy, does she ever love working here, sometimes. By the time it’s her turn to speak, though, she smoothly takes her cue and is quite composed, if still smiling.]

If for some reason you’re unable to pick up a kit, arrangements can be made to have them delivered to you. We’re here to help, so just let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

( Thanks, ladies. BUT BEFORE THEY WRAP THIS UP, Donny kind of shakes himself out of his state of I HATE PUBLIC SPEAKING to add, )

We're-- we're t-trying to uh, make sure we have all our b-bases covered for um, Transports that aren't human. C-cause-- I guess m-most of our knowledge and equipment is human... human f-focused. And-- yeah, any help p-preparing would be great. We have some other staff who aren't human, if you'd uh, f-feel-- feel m-more comfortable talking to them. Galadriel and-- there's also blood d-donations and-- Yeah. You c-can um, always ask us for m-more details and stuff. Thank you.

( Oh God can they turn off the feed now please turn off the feed-- thank God, Flora bounds forward and turns off the device. )


( OOC: Responses will come from Donny and various other clinic folks!
You also don't have to play out your character receiving a first aid kit! These losers will try to make sure every transport has one ASAP, delivering if they must. THEY WILL HUNT YOU DOWN TO GIVE YOU YOUR FIRST AID KIT. But, you know. Politely. )

[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.]

I'm back.

[ Ella's voice is soft, almost faint. A lot more calm than she usually sounds, that's for sure.

She doesn't want to do this, but when has anything she wanted mattered anyway? ]

Not sure if my absence was noticed, anyway, but I'm back. It's been six months back home, but only a few days here. A little disconcerting, but at least I didn't pop into an empty moon base. That would've sucked.

Anyway...I'm back. Did I miss something? I'm a bit tired, inter-dimensional jet lag is a thing, let me tell you.

But as usual, I'm open to people needing things. I have been helping with supplies so I guess right now we're relatively well on that front, but if anyone needs clothes, I can make those too. Or, I don't know, shoes or gloves although I think those count as clothes too?

[ She snorts, but everything is kind of dull, like she's not really trying to sound cheery. Which she isn't. She's still intense though, somehow. ]

And the people that I talked last about stuff, it's all ready. Yes, Rodimus, even your strange Energon stuff, I made like a barrell of the thing and it was not simple. You guys just drop by and grab them or tell me where you want me to meet you to pass it over.

Hi, this is Donny Casey. This is mostly about coordinating some of the ideas that have come up lately.

Ashraf and I are working on trying to getting a clinic functioning, inventory lists and everything like that. Probably figuring out a steady roster for collecting supplies to make sure we can keep up with demand and never get to low, maybe build up stores for emergencies and everything. When things go bad here they tend to go really, really bad so having a maximum capacity clinic that's really well stocked is really critical. If you have any suggestions or ideas they'd be really appreciated.

The better prepared we are with the basics, the more time and energy we'll have to focus on saving Exsilium. I think having all the basic stuff sorted out up here and having what we need on hand will make working out the details and tactics for helping Exsilium, and it means that if anyone disappears then the system can keep going because everyone knows how it works?
If anyone has any ideas about the best way to do this, I'd really appreciate any help. I know a few people have posted ideas since we got here about different areas to focus on, so it would be worth meeting up or something? It could be worth brainstorming.

I also have metal manipulation magic so if anyone needs help reinforcing things or anything like that, anything construction-wise, I'd be glad to help.

If anyone was close to Crystalia, Sweet Pea, Guinevere or Margaery Tyrell, it looks like they've all gone home. I kept looking for them in case there was an administrative error with the Initiative after everything or in case they just needed some time to themselves but it looks like they're really gone.

I'm really sorry.


( After Kang's response, he edits the post to add: )
special medical note:
For non-humans in particular, if you require specific medical care or there are differences in how your body functions from humans then it would be great if you could come by and talk to us so we know how to treat you. With the resurrection tech being down it's even more important that we get everyone the best medical care possible.

Even if you're human but have allergies or anything like that, get in touch so we can make sure our records are accurate.

What's up, Exsilium?

[ ... ]

We! We're totally up, get it?

[ A nervous laugh. Ella pls. ]

I swear it sounded better in my head. Anyway! Welcome, newbies! I'm Ella, Ella Ellis and yeah that's my name. For those that don't know yet, I'm the person that gets you whatever you want, no matter what. Unless it's like, really complex. Or alive. Or a hydrospanner. I mean, seriously Han, the damn thing has exploded like ten times in my face already. Sure you don't want a battery powered screwdriver?

[ Not that she can really do one of those without the risk of explosion either. ]

But yeah- you need something, you ask me. I'm still not charging for this, so hey, better make good use of it. And yet I didn't want to talk about this, or at least not only this. I keep getting sidetracked.

So for the ones that were around on August, I hosted a pretty kickass party, right? September wasn't so good for parties because we were too busy, er, you know. Plus we got bombed and not in the fun way. And now we're on the Moon, which is kinda cool, but you know what's cooler?

[ Imaginary drum-roll! ]

VR Rooms! I've been messing with them, and I have decided I can totally host a party inside of one of those. Make a nice, big house, with an even nicer, bigger back yard, maybe put some grills, some games, a pool, make it something more afternoon-evening to let everyone relax for a little bit. And something like a college party in the evening, although all I know about keggers and the like comes from movies so some help would be appreciated.

[ Obligatory pause to breathe. ]

But yeah, it's totally happening, sometime soon in a close VR room to your Moon base. Probably on the last week of the month, but you've been notified! I'm now open for ideas and suggestions. Just like the last time, food and whatever will be handled by yours truly, and the music will most likely be handled by Claudia, I guess. So if there's any real party planner among us, you might want to step up and give a hand.

This totally trivial message ends here.

[Han Solo]

I actually have a working hydrospeanner, but I need you to look at it to make sure it actually does what is supposed to do. This is the first time I've created something I don't have in my world, so.

[Lisbeth Salander]

The tobacco is ready, if you still want it.

[Look who's smoking and no one was surprised. However, she's down to her last pack.]

This certainly puts a wrench into my project. I guess I could use the break, though. You can only look at binary numbers for so long before you start to get cross-eyed.

Also, I'm willing to set up a deal with anyone who can... trim my hair. [Only she can cut it.]

[There's another pause.]

And lastly, I'll begin a trade for tobacco products. Any.

[Being on the moon felt like her first day in Exsilium]

[ Ella is standing in front of the Hold, looking serious.

She usually doesn't look serious, guys. ]

So, alright, we're leaving. We really are. I just have to say a little something. I've got powers. Lots of them, it's sort of ridiculous. Anyway, if you are hurt or incapacitated in any way, come to me, or tell me where to find you. I can make you better even if you think it's impossible. Impossible it's my second name. Ella Impossible Ellis. I just never use it because alliteration is kind of funny.

[ She sighs and passes a hand through her hair. That was all the humor she can muster right now. ]

We're going I don't even know where, so I want you all to get there in the best possible shape. So, the offer is open until the last ship leaves. Also, if you need clothes, I've prepared a bunch already, in a lot of sizes. Come and pick some, but think of the rest.

[ More hair raking. She's more tired than she's letting on, of course. ]

That's all I wanted to say, so get moving guys.

((OOC: This post can easily go to Action if needed be, by the way.))

So, awesome party or awesome party? Good enough to make a tradition out of this? Give me feedback, guys.

Also, I've been meaning to put this out there for whoever might be interested: I have a bit of a talent to make things, lots of kinds of things. I'm currently working on a guitar and a piano, but if anyone is interested to obtain something/has a particular request, hit me up and we can discuss it. I enjoy challenges and I honestly need to keep practicing, so this is the perfect solution.

Win-win, as you might say.

[Joel]

[ Switching to voice~

Ella sounds pretty pleased with herself. ]

So I actually have the guitar ready. Anywhere I can find you? You might want to give it a try and let me know if the thing actually works.

Oooooooookay people, after much work and coordination efforts and the fact I can't get anything done ever, I have finally managed to get everything I need in order to throw a proper kickass party. Wide spaces, music, drinks, food, dark corners, lights. The works.

[ A beat. ]

And yes, anyone can come. But because of that I've written down four simple rules you are all expected to follow:


1. You start acting like a stupid drunk, I kick you out.
2. I see anything besides and smokes in your hands, I kick you out.
3. You start a fight, I kick you two (or three) out.
4. I see you trying to take advantage of a drunk teen...well, you know how it goes.

[ Does she make awesome lists or what? ]

Now! We need to decide on a date. This weekend is kind of taken by that Open House thing, so next week? I guess the best way to welcome the newbs is with a party anwyay. For ourselves. So maybe we'll meet them with a hangover! Please measure yourselves.

So! If you are remotely interested in coming, let me know here, so I know if this is going to be an all out party or something more like three people playing Strip Jenga.

Come on, talk to me people.

[Private to Tony Stark and Oliver Queen]

Congratulations, you two have been chosen to give me a hand making sure the adults play nice. I don't think anything is going to happen, but can you please please please at least pretend to keep an eye on things?

[Private to Stanley Lucerne]

Hors d'oeuvres.

[ She actually says it moderately well. ]

Assuming you're going to come.

[Private to Donny Casey]

You're totally coming.

[Wow, Jesse is so tanned, he almost looks healthy. Almost.]

Yo, 'sup. I'm Jesse Pinkman, talking about the usual thing I talk about around this time every month. I mean cookies. You guys that're new, you probably saw me and some other people out there in the rain the day you got here, handing out free snacks and umbrellas and whatever. That's a regular thing, we do it every month for the new arrivals. It ain't a paying job, it's just like volunteer work.

Anyway, we'll be meeting up on the 30th for baking up in my unit, which is 409. Come if you want to, even if you don't know how to cook. I'll help you through it. It's real easy. It's pretty chill, no pressure, just listening to some music and making snacks. I got all the supplies we need, but if you got extra ingredients you wanna bring, that's cool. Variety and whatnot.

That's it. Door'll be open. Hope I see you there.



(( Baking is handwaved so if you wanna say you were there, you were there, but here's an example of what the newbie log thread will be like. No need for permission to participate! Jesse lets everyone help out and teaches anyone who doesn't know how to bake. ))

[ Silence, then sounds of things being moved around. Ella is obviously putting some order in the disaster zone that used to be her room. ]

So, next time I decide to take a solo mission I'll probably make sure it doesn't involve babysit some brats for over two weeks.

[ A beat, and a huff. ]

I mean they didn't even get kidnapped. Not even a flu, dammit. All I did was play magician for them and make sure nobody had a sugar rush. Well I had a sugar rush and that was the highlight of my month.

[ Shuffling. ]

Well at least I got some money out of this fiasco. Does anybody want to party?

Actually...when was the last time someone threw a party in this joint?

( gamora's been lucky enough to avoid getting sick and to avoid being squished into green paste by the bombing. it's been a lively month, but her expression is far from amused. or even the general disdain she's taken to addressing the network with.

it's settled into something that's obviously 'intense dislike'. )

Next time anyone tries to pick a fight with me I'm going to do more than dent a wall with them. Especially if their reasoning is "someone who clearly isn't human, they must be someone we don't want around!". Terrans are outnumbered everywhere in the galaxy except for this rock, and yet somehow you think you're special.

Get over yourselves.

( guess who's just been harassed by a citizen of exsilium who has it in for those obvious transports? and guess who ever so kindly did nothing to improve the relationship between the two groups? )

[Guess who is sick? And dragged to the hospital against her will stuck in the hospital.]

I don't want none o' your doctors. [She wheezes into the device, smart enough to keep it off.]

What I need is a wise woman. There are herbs and teas t'do me fine, none o' these metal machines. [She has to lean over to cough. It sounds like she's hacking a lung out.]

I won't stay here. In this metal buildin'. I'll fight me way out. I swear-- [And another coughing fit takes over before she just ends the feed.]

[ Someone sounds slightly irritated. ]

I just love getting cough in the morning. Three people already have greeted me in such a great way.

Seriously I didn't know people forgot about napkins in the future. Dreadful business.

Soooooooo...status report? Did someone say that already?

[ There's a grunt. So Ella's not dealing with the whole idea of people fighting and people losing their worlds and you know, stuff. Suddenly she's not as excited about this place as she was before.

Still, she's gonna cover that pretty soon. But right now is not that time. ]

I'm not sure how people handle things here, but if someone needs...assistance...I can help. Like, I can really help.

[ Awkward silence... ]

So, you know, don't hesitate to call. I'm open 24/7 until the next big damn fight.

[Exsilium might not be expecting to see a smiling face on their network so soon after the battle, but that's what you get with this guy being among your ranks. He gives the camera a little wave.]

Hello! Is everyone recovering from the battle? It's good that the Initiative can resurrect people, don't you think? Otherwise that would have turned out rather badly.

Anyway, I wanted to say thanks to the people who tried to come to the rescue of my world. If we've not met, I'm Elmer C. Albatross, the person who was sent back. After what happened, it might be hard to think about this positively. But there's a few things we can take to heart! Like the fact that people can be ressurrected, or that while one world may have been taken over, it probably wasn't your world, and you might still be able to return to your own someday!

As for mine, well... Not much can be done about that, now. I suppose Exsilium is my home, now. The friends I was travelling with are like me, so they'll survive no matter what. I just hope someday things will return to normal there, so the survivors can find reasons to smile again! You're all still here, fellow transports, so I hope you continue to smile on as well!

[The video cuts in on a redheaded girl with one shock of green hair grinning at the camera]

So is it just me or does that [air quotes] "orientation" thing need a little spicing up? Seriously. I didn't know whether I was going to the grand inquisitor's office or if I was back in the... uh... [She cringes, realizing what she almost just said. Grinning suddenly she waves it off] in bed having some weird-ass dream or something.

I do feel kinda gypped, though. [She mocks the woman's voice] "your housing companions will assist you in becoming ready." Yeah well I don't have any "housing companions" so I guess I'm on my own. [beat] Again.

[Yeah this is so familiar. Left alone in an unfamiliar place. Groovy. Yeah. She's done it before and she can do it again. She shrugs, shooting the camera a lopsided grin]

So I guess what I'm really saying is: Is there any place a girl can get a burger around here? I'm starving.

I was just about ready to introduce myself like everyone seems to like doing on this thing. And then the housing building went and got hit by a... spaceship. What the hell is going on!? And... it may not have been mine for very long, but my room's gone with the explosion! Where... where am I supposed to live!?

[There's a long pause; the girl looks about ready to tear her hair out, before looking back at her tablet again, a faintly panicky look on her face.]

Is this normal?

[ Look who managed to figure her tablet. The setting is just outside the city. ]

Okay then, let me see if I got it right.

[ The camera focuses on the girl with the long, wavy dark hair and the calm expression. A little too calm for a newcomer, maybe, but Ella has seen some shit, really. ]

Different world, the future. We’re on a mission to save something or other from someone or others, right? And we travel through time? Am I tripping? I’ve never done drugs, so I can’t really tell if I’m stoned. Seriously, I just saw a guy twice my size with a sword as big as myself.

[ Better play it cool, better not say out right she has seen far weirder. You can never be too sure.

Ella looks back, as if she could still see the guy she was talking about, and keeps talking. ] So, they let me walk out of that building with a bag of marbles and I just walked myself into the city…town. Slums? This place looks like crap, no offense. Are we going now? I could really use a distraction.

[ A beat. ]

Can I go to the bathroom first? My bowels aren’t all that interested on time travel just yet.

[ Don't forget to check her permissions post! ]