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.

Um, hi. [Even though you can't see her. She gives a nervous sort of hum.] I'm Skyler. I'm new, just came aboard this month. I've been helping out with the clinic data, but I made a post about possibly starting a school or a day care.

It's not much, but someone made a run for me, and there's a few laptops, some games like Oregon Trail-- my son really liked that one, books, puzzles, and a few things for smaller children. This isn't any sort of forced thing. But if anyone wants to come and learn, spend some time away from the war, play a few games, whatever.

You don't have to worry about food or anything. It's all covered. [Here. Have a location.]

And Anne, I think was her name? You are more than welcome to come. [There may be a hymnal or a devotional book.]

Venite da me tutti voi che lavorate sotto un pesante giogo; io vi darò riposo.

[ no one will ever know how long it took her to type that.

the video clicks on after the message. vanozza set aside the red silks for today in favor of a simple apricot gown.

a show of humility is becoming with her topic. when she addresses the network, her smile is quiet and kind. ]

Idleness is a dreadful labor it is said, but rest is blessed. I have set aside a room to serve as a chapel. A place for peace and meditation. [ there are some simple directions here. ] I would be grateful for any assistance you, kind listener, may provide and would be glad for company besides. Those not of the Catholic faith are welcome as well. We are all but children in the eyes of the Lord; now is a time for togetherness.

[ the walls and floor have been washed and a few chairs appropriated from elsewhere. several pillows from the unoccupied rooms now sit on the floor for use of the supplicant. vanozza sacrificed one of her gowns to create a runner for the table upon which to set a cross. two unlit candles sit before it. the room is sparse, but clean and, as promised, peaceful. ]

[She looks tired, a little strung out, like she's sure most people do right now, but this is important, and it's important that people listen, which means she's using video, in the hopes it'll help make this message stick.

When she speaks, it's steady enough, though there's hints of worry and desperation in her tone, at times. Indications of how serious she's taking this, how hard it's hitting her.]

I know everything's a mess right now, but if you're seeing this, I need you to take the time to sit and listen, please, because I'm trying to help all of us and that won't work if everyone ignores me. Some of are probably going to hate me for this, but that's okay, as long as you keep listening while you hate me.

[a beat; a breath]

We're not abandoning the Exiles.

( this got long winded )

Ah!

[ her little exclamation of surprise has all the delight of a child discovering something new. vanozza looks off-camera for a moment to someone who remains unseen as if to say, "Look! I did it!" her broad smile settles into something more controlled when she returns to the tablet.

vanozza has her dark hair plaited back. she wears her red silks again, dry now, for she knew she was to address the network. a rosary lies around her neck, the cross tucked into the bosom of her gown. ]

What a curious toy! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Vanozza. [ her family name she withholds. she knows not who may be listening. ]

As I am sure we are all occupied, I will make this brief: I require a seamstress from whom to commission several gowns. I have one with me that may serve as a template.

A maid, too, to assist me with daily chores. Nothing difficult, I assure you. Matter of payment can be arranged after meeting.

[ her son will be vetting applicants fyi. ]

Lastly, directions to a church. A chapel will be as welcome. [ she only seeks the peace of one. her son is a cardinal; her sins are forgiven. ]

So many youths gathered here. [ she had again looked off-camera, her smile fond, before speaking. as she returns her attention to the tablet, the smile adopts a wry turn. ] Perhaps I should be honored to be an exception.

[Despite everything that's happened in the last few days, Steph looks positively cheery as she comes onto the screen, dressed in civvies with her hair pulled back into a loose ponytail. She might not have worn the particular suit for a couple years now, but she's all Robin, all grins and charm, because she doesn't have the energy to be anything else.]

Hey, guys, I know this is kinda last minute, but there's been a change in plans with the whole cookie thing this month. [She holds up a hand as if silencing comments that aren't actually going to come, because this is pre-recorded.] I know, I know, I'm not exactly the regular guy that does this, but don't adjust your sets, Jesse's just come down with a hell of a cold, so I'm gonna run things this time 'round.

For those of you who don't know, I'm Steph, hi, I don't bite very hard.

[Steph pls]

Since Jesse's sick, we figured it'd be best not to cook in his kitchen, 'cause I'm sure we don't wanna give the newbies the sniffles when they first show up. If anyone who's normally involved would like to volunteer their kitchen to be the base of operations, I would love you forever, but if not we can just use my place, 104.

[And a briefly apologetic look because she hasn't actually asked her roommates. Sorry guys.]

We'll still be doing it on the 31st, starting early and hopefully finishing early so we can all head over to Ella's party, and the tent will be set up at the same time on the first, you'll just have me co-ordinating things intead of Jesse.

If anyone has any questions or concerns, now's the time to voice them, if not, I'll see you on the 31st, either at mine, or I'll update this if we get a volunteer.

Thanks.

[A lazy salute, and the feed cuts.]



[[OOC: Same ooc stuff applies; there won't be a log for this but feel free to say characters participated! The thread in the welcome log will still go up and everything will go the same, it'll just be Steph instead of Jesse wrangling things c: ]]

[the camera is on Renee in Nondescript Alley #9, not wearing the mask that usually renders her faceless. She figures unless she wants to walk around with the mask 24/7 she'll need people to get used to seeing her normal face and avoid associating with her Question identity.]

Haven't had much use for this thing so far, but I'm getting desperate so I figured I'd give it a shot. Tell me someone knows where I can get a drinkable cup of coffee in this dump. Anyone who does gets a cup for themselves on me.

[No she's not going to give her name and background. If you need it she's likely already found you or will find you. Pardon her attitude, recovering alcoholic/ex-cop in a city with more bars than coffee places does not make for a happy Renee. Still, at least she's offering a reward. She taps her finger on the side of the computer for a second, then looks vaguely irritated at something and goes on]

Also, I've been hearing stories about tension between arrivals and exiles, not to mention inter-group conflict. Anyone doing anything about that? Doesn't seem to be any sort of police force.

[ allison's decided to record this from the rooftop of one of the slightly shorter and less damaged buildings because why not; especially when the air is crisp and cold and helpful in clearing a troubled head. she's brushing back a stray piece of hair when she turns on the video, before using both hands to steady the tablet currently balanced on her knees. though she looks calm, there definitely seems to be a heaviness in her posture — like she's only just taken a moment to relax and let the good and bad of the situation sink in. the latter, it seems, is what's troubling her today. ]

Hi. [ a half-smile ]

I haven't been here too long, so I'm not so good at this. But how do you even begin to stop thinking and worrying about everything back home? Or at least about people. Family.

[ because the realization had been that her dad's alone now. or he's with gerard, which might actually be worse. she knows he's capable of taking care of himself, but she also hadn't exactly left at the best of times either. her tone turns more inquisitive, more determined as her brain tries to grasp at ideas of what she could do. ]

I know trying to be sent back is trouble, but if there's ways to let us travel, shouldn't there be some way for us to leave something? A note, a memento, or something to let people know we're okay.

[ if she could, she's sure he'd find it. she knows it'd probably make things too easy, but a girl can dream, can't she? the silence begins to stretch on too long and allison figures it's time to buck up and at least stop broadcasting her sullenness, so she just adds: ]

Thanks. [ and a shake of her head before the feed's switched off. ]


[ ooc: oops forgot to add that feel free to also find her outside! ]

[ Em doesn't very much enjoy talking or, in general, socializing. Not that she's anti social, it's just that she is very shy and social situations get her anxious and apprensive and she never really knows what to say. She's a quiet person outside her group of friends and she prefers a book to going out, but this time, it's clearly a very different situation she has found herself in. Her voice is quivering, a extremely faint French accent slipping in some syllables and words, but far from the cartoonish exaggeration that the French tend to speak English in. ]

This is a mistake. [ A long pause to suck in some air into her lungs, a shiver audible through her breathing. ] I cannot be here. Not alone-- not without them. Please, my children. I-- I can't leave them with him. Don't do this, please, someone. Take me back. They're alone with him.

[ There is a longer pause now, where she's just breathing. There's a sound which makes it look like she's slumping down on the floor or leaning back, and her voice comes a little muffled as she keeps herself together, possibly a hand over her mouth. ]

You can't do this to them.

[ The video clicks in and Dinah is sitting comfortably inside some building, munching a hotdog. ]

Someone please tell me there are cheeseburgers in this watery hellhole. Mr. Pinkerman, I think I at least found a temporal alternative.

[ You just give her a moment to finish devouring the hot dog. Once she’s done, she’s ready to get down to business. ]

Oooookay, so I got the You’ve Been Chosen! Tour, saw the sights, got myself soaked wet and found the dirtiest, smelliest and cheapest hot dog stall that has ever been put in a corner. Exsilium, huh?

[ She shrugs, her tone casual, but those who know her might notice the tension in her shoulders and the sharpness in her eyes. ]

Sure beats Apokolips any given day in my list of worlds to suddenly get zapped into. I mean, if you can work out the plumbing issue… [ She points at the rain that can be seen in the window behind her. ] It would be great, really.

Anyway, I’m not much into whining. Name’s Dinah, Dinah Lance, and if you’ve seen a trigger happy…uh, blonde, do let me know. Babs, Helena, Zinda, if you’re hearing this, I’m starving, so be the friends you’re supposed to be and get me something to eat.

[ Effie clears her throat. Taps the microphone. Puts on her best smile even though nobody can see it and parts her rouged lips to speak in that designer Capitol accent.

She is a woman on a mission and for once it isn't entirely selfish. ]

Attention.

Attention everyone.

Thank you.

There has been some concern as of late regarding the lack of feminine necessities available to the recruited ladies of this establishment. I have taken it upon myself to run a charitable drive for distribution of these items to any person who requires them.

We would be delighted to accept your generous donation of fine fabrics and aesthetic materials such as powder or perfume that could contribute towards a woman's well-being.

Please note, gentlemen, that this effort is as much for your sake as it is for ours, and on behalf of the ladies in Exsilium we appreciate your cooperation in advance.

I miss home. I know that's normal, I know - I know there's nothing that can be done about it. I try to keep that in mind so it won't get to me so much. Everyone is so nice and helpful, even with everything going on. I'm very thankful, and - I would like to think I have made some friends.

[There's a pause, and he sighs softly. He suddenly isn't sure why he decided to start this feed.]

It's weird... one of the things I miss the most is hearing my language. [a little exhale, followed by a contradictory smile.] I wasn't used to speaking English for so long until I came here.

... Are all of you from English-speaking countries?

( The speaker, whoever she is, speaks with perfect English, but she's got a pretty strong Sicilian accent; she plays it up, a little. It helps to have another barrier between herself and when she's Huntress. Helena has no need to sound anywhere near so rough and terrifying, save for when she's living up to her last name.)

It looks like I chose a bad time to get acquainted with the city. ( A beat, and maybe you can hear that wryness in her smile. ) Or, maybe the city chose a bad time to get acquainted with me.

( Really. She could imagine more ridiculous accusations at home, though she tries not to let the slow-burning and eternal irritation show; and she's good at that, at the very least.

Hardly a moment to breathe, let alone think, since she got here. Spoiler being alive, Grayson being Robin, and then plague, bombs-- no, she's really not had much time to get a feel for the place. Using this thing seems to be the done thing, though, and at the very least, is a means for keeping tabs on people, known or otherwise. )

I imagine, with all the rebuilding that everyone will be busy for quite a while. Are there any programs that need support staff, right now? I'm a history teacher, at home.

( Let's see what we get. There's no time like the present, right? )

( She isn't the Oracle: she has very little faith in the security of this network. Either it has to be a tool for the Huntress, or for Helena Bertinelli. All things considered, Huntress feels a little more pressing.

When Helena speaks, there are traces of Sicily, it's all very charming. With the Huntress, it's all Gotham, rough and harsh, words bitten out more than spoken. )

Any Bats in the belfry?

( A beat. )

I'll rephrase that: keep your eyes on the skyline.

( There's a brief pause and for the trained listener, they might realise that is the sound of a fight happening in the background. Don't interrupt with Huntress with an attempted mugging when she is trying to talk, okay? Okay. )

Anyone else who's washed up here from Gotham, well. On the bright side, ( that was the sound of someone getting kicked in the face ) there's not much this place can throw at us that we didn't have to deal with back home.

( Look at her, being all optimistic. If only it didn't sound so close to scathing. She's on the move, and there's a breath - maybe she meant to say something more? - before a clatter, the pained cry of a male assailant, a sharp crack, and suddenly: silence. At best, she's faintly irritated.)

Nice to see some good, old-fashioned manners. I feel right at home.

( So much derision, and then the feed cuts. One can only imagine how much information she'll try to get out of that guy. )