[ vanozza is no less beautiful in the darkest gown she owns, a grey so dark it is almost black, with her dark hair plaited over her shoulder. there is no pearly hairnet today, no jewelry present. though her smile is steady and her manner never falters, she seems to have aged years in the space of a few days—and it is immediately apparent why. ]

My son, His Eminence, Cardinal Cesare Borgia, and my daughter, the Lady Lucrezia Borgia have returned to Rome.

[ they had played it too safe too long. let any snakes in the grass reveal themselves now. vanozza could trample one underfoot. ]

I wish to extend my most heartfelt thanks to those who showed my children kindness while they were here. A mother could ask for little more.

As well, if you came to an agreement with my children that would go unfulfilled due to the abrupt nature of their departure, I give my word I will honor it to the best of my ability.

[ she takes her time to breathe and look down at the simple wooden horse in her lap. her fingers run over its finely carved head. she smiles, a mother's smile, loving and warm and tinged with loss. ]

Tomorrow is the Feast of the Epiphany. When a star, brighter than any other, shone in the sky to announce the birth of Jesus Christ, and three wise kings followed the star to Bethlehem, bearing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

When my children were young, they would polish their shoes and leave them out in preparation for the Three Magi to arrive and leave them their presents. My youngest, Gioffre, would insist upon leaving out water for their camels, as well, and his brother Juan would laugh and tell him they needed grass too and so they would collect it together. [ she laughs quietly at the memory. her hand splays over the horse. ]

I would ask a gift of a kindly Magi here: I require an escort into our frozen world. A walk tomorrow would suit me well.

[ no one will say they saw vanozza cattaneo grieve. ]

Hello, I hope everyone's New Year is off to a good start so far! I just had a couple of questions - well, one's a question and the other's more of an offer. Anyway, say that you've made a New Year's resolution to face one of your fears. Maybe even several of them! What would be the best way to go about trying to conquer those fears?

[Carol sounds a little enthusiastic about her next question - it's the first time she's bartered all on her own. Even if she has no idea what the heck she's doing.]

And the other thing I wanted to ask was if anyone would like to do some trading. I just came back from a mission with a fair amount of rice, so if anyone has any offers, I'd be glad to do some trades for it.

[The face that pops up on the screen is clearly in need of at least a small shave -- he's gotten lazy in the middle of the tundra. Of course, as soon as he turns on the feed he seems to be having second thoughts about doing so.

Probably should've been a little more discreet about what he's asking to keep certain people from fussing. That's almost the exact thing someone might hear in their head when they catch his awkward pause on camera before he jumps right into...whatever it is he's going to say.]

So. Hey. Good day for freezing your ass off, isn't it?

[There's a series of deep playful barks that occur off screen. Focusing on the backdrop of the flat, one might spot a flash or two of black and white dashing away as Nate moves aside for his new companions. The camera focuses back on him pretty quickly, which is about the point that Nate decides he's going to ask a different question.]

Most of you don't know me, and I don't know most of you. Or maybe you do know me. I've apparently been around the bend here once or twice before. But let's forget about that and talk about venison. Game-y sort of meat, right? I'm sure deer is being declared an endangered species in these parts by now even with that in mind -- so if you're looking to turn some over I'm your man.

Name's Drake. And hey, if you have other food stores you're looking to get rid of, talk to me. Between you, me, and the wall I'm not quite ready to dive head first into the snow.

[Which is a lie, but nobody has to know that.]

[There are some things you can't run from. For Peter, he's been trying to run, but things keep coming up, keep reminding him. He went a good month of pretending that he was just a normal guy who made it out of his world alive. It was a good lie. Even for those people who knew him as Spider-Man, no one needed to know that his final moments in his life were spent saving Aunt May. They didn't need to know that he had given his all and that he was actually happy with what he managed.

But there's dying. And then there's finding out you aren't dead. There's finding out that you have a whole new life, and that somewhere, in another dimension, a "you" managed to grow up. Sue knew him. Bucky knew him. Even that grumpy Nathan guy knew a Spider-Man. And for all that, he's been trying to make it less obvious that he's surprised that he grew up. It's been hard, and he knows it'll continue.

It has to, after all. With great power and all that, and this world has bigger problems than his.

But still, he sets out to ask this question, because he knows it's better to ask now than later. He had to be careful about what thing he said to Charlie that one day. When he phrases his question, he rereads it a couple times, taking out anything that sounds too much like him. The last thing Peter needs is someone tracing it back to him.

He's not ready for those conversations.]

I've got a question, but first, please don't try to trace this back to me. If you've already done that and broken my encryption, let's just pretend you didn't. [Also, you're a jerk, but he had to cut that part out. Too ... him.]

What happens if you died before you came here? What's left for me after this all ends? Before you ask, yeah, I definitely died.

I just thought I'd ask.

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~

[ she begins without preamble, speaking clearly and surely. ]

I have things to trade in the cafeteria. There's hams and cheeses, doughnuts, and juices. Socks too, and wet wipes, toys and jewelry. I've got books too for those who want them and markers in lots of colors. There's a lot more too. I'll be here all day or until it's all gone.

[ she took over a section of the cafeteria for her use. her direwolf lies beside her, guarding both her and the cart.

her wheeled cart ( commandeered from the clinic ) is full of items: the top has a tray of finger food from the promised cold hams and cheeses to oysters and shrimp packed in ice with sauces alongside, even cooked mini pizzas. below are assorted vending machine goods in their wrappers, sacks of ground coffee and hot chocolate, and a dozen fresh doughnuts. she has a pitcher of lemonade and a half-gallon of fruit punch.

in the drawers are assorted items such as wipes, hand sanitizers, socks and scarves, toys including a stuffed bear that moves and talks when you press its stomach, a few books and papers and markers.

hidden inside a bag at the girl's feet are a few cartons of cigarettes and small bottles of whiskey and wine for those who can pay a little extra. ]

[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.

Okay first off, before y'all start yelling at me, I been assured that we got plenty of supplies for this and I ain't cutting into our rations. Everybody's been doing a good job going on missions and bringing us stuff, so thanks for that. You guys are awesome.

So most of you know what I'm gonna say next: it's almost time to bake cookies. New guys, the deal is that we usually do this every month. It's a little something to help new arrivals feel better about being stuck here. We get together, we bake cookies, and then we pass 'em out on the first of the month and talk for a while with anybody who's got questions or needs a shoulder to cry on or whatever. It's just a nice thing we try to do.

Last month sucked but we're picking it back up again now, so anybody who wants to help out, we'll be having ourselves a little Halloween party in the cafeteria and baking all night. It's fun. You don't gotta be no master chef or nothing, I'll help you out.

And speaking of that, too - I heard some people ain't been eating right 'cause they don't know how to cook. That's messed up, yo. Don't stay quiet about something like that, okay. Ask for help. Nobody wants you starving and getting sick up here. If you can't cook for yourself, just come and find me. I'll make you something. You won't be bothering me 'cause I'm bored outta my mind anyway. I'm in 144 right now, so you can stop by or leave a message. Jesse Pinkman. It says right there on your screen.

Aight, I'm done.

I've been doing some thinking, and I've realized I've taken a lot of photographs while I'm here. I'd like to organize them in some kind of scrapbook but I'm not really sure how to get started. After all, I'd hate for all these pictures to sit here and collect dust, so I might as well use them for something, right? [She moves the video to show the photographs that are scattered all over the floor of her room. It looks like she's making an attempt to organize them. She smiles sheepishly.] As you can see, I've got a lot of them to go through yet! So if anyone could help, I'd be really grateful.

[She pauses a moment.]

That reminds me, I'm running low on film for my camera. Does anyone know where I could find some more?

[The answer is probably missions. She doesn't realize the answer is probably missions.]

[ it has been a while since morgana has appeared on the network and when she does, she does so suddenly. the feed clicks on to reveal her as she steps back from the tablet, there is more of a coldness to her face, edges gained only by time. pale skin is stained with blossoms of red, scraps and cut still unattended (she had a bloody cave dropped on her head not too long ago, thanks merlin), fain traces of dust collected in her hair. ]

And I thought my loathing for this place could grow no more.

[ as striking as morgana herself the large white form behind her begs more attention. the creature croons softly, head lowering and wings folding in tight. ]

Her name is Aithusa. [ even morgana's tone is colder now. there is a pain to it, joy and pain. aithusa her dear ally and friend, brought here to this dreadful rock with no sky to stretch her wings and fly. yet part of her is happy to have the dragon here, at her side. ] And she is under my protection. [ aithusa's head raises and the dragon pads forward a single step. morgana exhales, her hands balled into fists that none can see. they shake. ] She is not to be harmed. This is the first and only warning any of you will receive.

Heed my words or you shall regret it, unimaginable suffering will follow if you do not. [ it is a threat, plain and simple. lacking in subtlety, but she could care less, she will have herself understood now and understood plainly.

and just as quickly as morgana and aithusa appeared, the feed cuts. ]

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.

[The last time Saul was seen on the network, he was about to choke out a member of the Initiative.

He's calmed down since then.

In fact, the look with which he greets the network is positively cheerful, thought not so much that it takes away from the businesslike atmosphere he's trying to cultivate with this post — he's got work to do, damn it, so he's in the most official-looking room he could find, seated in front of the camera with folded hands. Suit: check, tie: check, pocket square: check.]

This isn't how the story goes, but: good morning, Moon.

For those of you who don't know me, the name's Saul Goodman. I work for the Department of Initiative-Transport Relations with the lovely Queen Medusalith Amaquelin-Boltagon — [He pauses to smirk. What a mouthful, right?] — and a whole slew of other equally lovely folks. We're here to help you in matters concerning Initiative-Transport goings on. Now, here I'd usually take the opportunity to ask you all to lay whatever questions you might have on me, but because things are so crazy right now, the best answer I can give to any question will probably be a confident "I don't know."

We'll update you as we're updated.

Anyway, I'm coming to you today with a request. Lots of people are gearing up to go on supply runs, which is great. Go team. If those of you who've gone on runs already or plan to go could check in with me here and let me know what it is you're bringing back, that'd be super helpful. I'll make a list that everyone can refer back to, so no one has to double-up on fetching supplies that might not be necessary.

[So he might be a little bit worried about the lack of resurrection technology. That might be a thing. He just doesn't want anyone taking unnecessary risks for the sake of DVDs or... or whatever.]

Thanks.

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. ]

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

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

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

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

[ If he doesn't need this bad right now, come five to six days from now he's really going to need it. ]

Alcohol. They carry any of it here?

[ 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.))

[ The way he's looking at the camera on his tablet, something's off. It may be noticeable to anyone who's been around him long enough and come to know him. The way his eyes appear clouded, his expression closed off, it's almost like he's only now just risen out of bed. And Joel's never been known for being a late riser. Doesn't make much sense, however, as he's already on the move outside in the rain - no umbrella, no backpack of supplies and weapons. Just the clothes on his back.

His tone and words are brusque, clipped, as he addresses his device. Oops, failed filter to Tess and Ellie. ]

Headin' out for the day. Might be a while. Don't wait up.

Hey, does anyone know where I can get some supplies and survival gear? I'm thinking of heading out of the city for a little bit to get my bearings and see what's out there.

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.

[So it seems that this one has finally taken the initiative to actually use the network for his own purposes, aside from actually listening to others speak of their problems and their questions.

Mainly, because he has one of his own.]

It would seem many of us from a very different time find ourselves here in the city. Almost two thousand years, for some, or perhaps a little less. For those of us blessed with such a time difference, what is it that you remember? How was it in your time, before all of this, before all of these devices and these machines?

[He just wants to keep tabs on everyone from around his time alright?]

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.

[Alright, while Alex has used the video function several times already, this will be her first attempt at publicly addressing the network.

No pressure.]

U-Um... hello. My name is Alex Benedetto, and I arrived here at the beginning of the month.

[Hard to believe it's already going to be September. Time flies when you're forced into a war effort.] I'd like to thank everyone who's helped me out so far. It's been... really helpful in getting a grasp on what's really going on.

[Bit of a lie. She's still somewhat lost and in disbelief, but at least she's not showing it as much.]

I did have a question, though.

My doctor hasn't been brought here, and I was wondering if there were any among the Transports. The Initiative has been pretty helpful to me so far, but... It couldn't hurt to know of others I could visit.

Thanks.

[action for roommates]

[Alex turns off her device and heads towards the exit of her room. Though she didn't mind the cots, it was nice to be able to have a bed of her own, even if she had been used to living in the cramped apartment with Worick and Nicolas. Her new roommates seemed nice enough, and she hoped that they would all get along with each other.

Thinking that now would be a good time to do a bit of bonding, Alex finally left her bedroom proper to take a look around.]

Hello...?

Padme? Kara?

[Were either of them even in the apartment right now?]

Bullshit is showing up here with everything on me but my comic books. All those Savage Starlight issues, gone. Just like that. Fuck you too, Initiative.

[A pause. Ellie's never really addressed a group of people. Technology is crazy. Okay, there was a point to this whole thing.]

... anyway, guess I just wanted to say thanks to the people that helped me out when I got here. I found who I was looking for, so. Didn't wanna leave anyone with a cliffhanger.

[It's Kili's first time really using audio instead of video. He doesn't want anyone to see him right now.]

Thorin's gone. He hasn't come back for days and I can't find his name on the network anymore. [His voice shakes slightly and he clears his throat. When he speaks next, his tone is cold. Detached. He has no uncle to care for him now, after all. He needs to prove he can do this on his own.]

If he had any business with any of you, let me know and I will do my best to make sure his part is fulfilled.

[Someone has recently kicked Jesse's ass, judging by the bruised state of the left half of his face - which is on its way to fading, but still obvious from the video.]

Yo, this is for the new guys, 'cause I think most of you have heard this one before.

My name's Jesse Pinkman. I'm one of the greeters here. You mighta seen me on your first day, out there in the courtyard with some other people, handing out free cookies. This announcement's about that. The cookies are a regular thing we do around here, every single month. The Initiative helps me out with getting all the supplies together, so you don't gotta worry about that, but we could always use more hands for the baking part.

In a week, on the 31st, we'll be meeting up in 409 and making cookies all day. If you like baking, or if you dunno how to bake but wanna learn, or if you don't like baking but you wanna scrape extra cookie dough off the bowls and eat it - whatever. You can come, hang out, smell real good, have fun.

The day after that, we'll need hands outside for the actual giving-out-cookies-and-greeting-people part. That'll be the day newbies show up. If you're gonna be out there looking for your friends, you might as well hang out in our tent.

That's it. I'll 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. ))

[Caspian is sitting on his bed, poking and prodding at his tablet, which, unbeknownst to him, is actually on. He's frowning as he works at it, thoughts of his current surroundings occupying his mind. These accommodations are not what he is used to as a king, and he must admit, he finds them both spare and drab. Still, the shelter is adequate, and the bed seems comfortable enough, which is the most important thing. He understands enough to realize that luxury is at a minimum in this world, and he must not expect any comforts beyond the very basics.

He frowns again at the tablet in his hand. Despite instructions given, he really has no idea how this works, but he's keeping himself very busy trying to figure it out. When the screen flickers, he nearly drops it in surprise.]

Oh! I think... I think this is working now? Hello? I talk into this, and I see and hear people talking back, right?

Like... magic. [That's a disturbing thought. In his world, magic is not always to be trusted, especially magic items from origins unknown. So he'll treat this device with caution.]

I should introduce myself. I am Caspian X, King of Narnia. I must ask first: are there any other Narnians here?

[Caspian's not sure what he hopes to hear in answer to that question: he doesn't want to think of any of his people here, brought to this strange and harsh world, but selfishly, he would like to see a familiar face.]

[When the video clicks on, it shows half of the inside of a bag, and the rest of a blue dress-covered hip bumping into the tablet, which is most likely what set the video on in the first place. There's quiet breathing, and the sound of a door being pushed bodily open, and then the quiet thud of boots-covered feet moving across a floor.]

[A whirl of light, and the bag is set down against a chair in on of the apartments, showing off the living room, and the skirt again, before the skirt moves away to reveal its owner, Elizabeth, turning a slow circle as she examined the apartment. She dressed in a long blue skirt and white corset, her dark hair a bit longer than when she first arrived, and with her rifle strapped to her back. She has a small black and white kitten in her hands, and after a moment she sets the little animal down and sighs.]

Hello?

[A pause, listening for a response, and then she turns back to her things...only to hesitate when she looks at her bag, noticing the little recording light on her tablet, most likely. She pauses to swing her weapon off her back and rest it against the wall, then strides back over, the little kitten bounding after her, and scoops the device up, presumably intent on shutting it off. But at the last moment she stops, considering the little machine thoughtfully for a moment.]

Well I suppose I've been putting this off long enough.

[She settles down on the couch next to her bag, silently staring at the tablet for a moment before she speaks.]

Hello. I am...Elizabeth. I've spoken to a number of you on here before but I've never bothered to send out a transmission of my own...honestly I wasn't sure what I should talk about.

[She hesitates as the little kitten bounds up onto the couch and into her lap, and she can't help but smile before her attention turns back to the tablet.]

I'm still not sure, exactly. I suppose a bit about myself. I am from a city called Columbia, in 1912 by the roman calendar. It was a city in the sky, which is apparently nearly unique even amongst the variety of places we've all been drawn from. And no, I can't really explain how it hovered, I never really managed to get quite that far into Doctor Lutece's work before I was...

Well, anyway. It floated in the sky. It was quite beautiful...And I always wanted to escape it, but looking out at this city, I do miss it. Everything is so brown here.

[Another pause, biting her lip as she tries to figure out something else important to say. Or at least interesting.]

...I don't suppose all of you could tell me where you're from?

[The feed turns on to Gin, Seles and Yoruichi’s apartment, where the statue of Gin is just hanging out in their living room. Yoruichi is out of sight behind the camera, for some reason, filming the statue.]

[After a few moments, the feed swings over to a slightly different angle as Yoruichi takes a few steps to one side. Then she walks clear across the room, still keeping the statue the focus of the broadcast. Strangely enough, the terrible, knowing grin seems to be fixed on the camera, no matter where in the room she stands.]

[Finally, she speaks, her voice faintly disgruntled.]

No matter where you stand in the room, that thing looks like it’s watching you.

[She flips the device around, her expression matching her voice.]

You guys saw it too, right? I know I’m not crazy.

[ Aerith appears to have finally decided to get around to using her communicator more, now that she's had some time to get settled in and explore (and also establish that there really isn't anyone she knows from home around here). Her hair looks a little damp and her face a little flushed, like she's been out in the rain, but she's smiling, an empty basket in her hands. ]

I don't suppose there are very many flowers growing around here, are there? It looks like it might take a little time to get back in business since I have to work from scratch.

[ She shifts the basket aside, pointing the camera toward a raw patch of earth that she's clearly been tilling, dug right down into in a particularly large section of missing/damaged pavement. There's a scattering of flowers there, growing just as resiliently as ever in a place where they have no business being. ]

No place is too gloomy for me to work with. Soon, I'll be able to fill the whole basket! I'll accept orders in advance, limit one per person.

[ She laughs faintly, playful, teasing, and turns the camera upward again. ]

Do you think—"they" would allow something like a flower shop around here, anyway? If I'm going to be here awhile, it may not be a bad idea to keep busy. —Busy-er.

[It's been a while since Kili's shown his face in public, and as the feed starts, it becomes apparent as to why. The young dwarf is terribly pale, a gleam of sweat shining on his brow and dark shadows beneath bloodshot eyes. He's been ill, very much so, and it's only really now that he's become conscious enough to speak.

Some words are difficult to understand as his voice is mostly gone, and what is understandable is spoken in a rough, croaky tone.]

I will pay for someone to bring me food, and ale if possible. I have coin or I can pay you back in fresh game, once I-- [He's interrupted by a harsh cough.] Once I can hunt again.

[He's half tempted to ask for a healer. He may be getting better, but he still feels awful. His pride rebels against the idea. He's a dwarf, he's strong. He can handle this on his own. It's difficult enough to admit he's too weak to fetch himself food.]

If I could get that soon.

( filtered to Celebrian )

( Filter: Adonis Casey and Max Briest )

( Filter: Saul Goodman )

[ VIDEO ]

Good people of Exsilium, I greet you all on this fine eve. I would inquire after the recommendation of a well and trusted smithy... One who can be trusted with a fine jewel as much as he can be trusted with a sword.

I must also wonder if any might know the location of a good hall worthy of banquets and all grand forms of entertainment. Only the size is a necessity... I am certain the rest can handle itself readily.

Should any procure any answers to these curiosities, I would be most grateful.

[On screen is Halfpipe with a smile that lights up the whole of her blue-tattooed face. She's in what looks to be a seedier district of the city, but not many Exiles are around.]

This place gets more and more like my world every day.

[At which she shifts the camera to focus on a point behind her--what several people will recognize as one of Exsilium's brothels.]

I'm curious, guys. How different is it here, compared to your homes? And if it is different, is it in good ways or bad ones?

Oh, and I'm Halfpipe, by the way.