[Good morning, Exsilium, today your screens are being graced by three young ladies, one of whom looks like a perfectly boring human, while the other two very much don’t. They’re all smiling, though, and being filmed in a way that suggests they have help, and that the whole thing was pre-recorded.

Steph is the first to speak, giving the camera a little salute before she starts.]

Hi again, Exsilium, oldies and newbies alike. For those who don’t know us, I’m Steph Brown, and this is Feferi Peixes and Kanaya Maryam. [She gestures to each girl as she says their name, just so everyone knows who’s who.] And we all work with the DITR, which was the Department of Initiative-Transport Relations, but we’re here today to let everyone know that we’re moving towards focusing more on the Transport part of that. With the current situation the way it is, we thought our time and resources would be best spent helping out Transports in whatever ways we can, so me, Feferi and Kanaya are gonna let you know what that means.

[Which is her first bit done, so she turns her attention towards Feferi, ready for her to start talking.

Feferi straightens and her fins perk up, now that it's her turn to talk. ]

But first, before you can do anything else, you need to get set up here! You're going to need some supplies and if you're not a human, you're going to have to learn how to play it safe! That's where we come in. If you need help learning how to survive the winter weather, or just how to pass as human if you aren't already, we will hook you up with everything you need to know!

And through the generous donations of Transports, we have a stockpile of winter gear for anyone who needs it. Let one of us know what you need, and we'll make sure it gets to you. We have jackets, blanket, boots, mittens, hats, and lots more. It's cold out there so bundle up!

You are probably also going to need somewhere to stay...

[ She gives an expectant look back Steph's way. ]

And we can help with that, too. We don’t have any officially designated Transport housing, but if you need a place, we’ll help you find somewhere to rent and give you a hand setting up wherevere you want to go. Which does mean you’ll still need to be able to pay rent - we can’t do that for you, unfortunately - so we’ll also be helping anyone get themselves a job. I can’t promise it’ll be glamorous, especially if you don’t have any in-demand skills, but it’ll be enough to pay rent and keep food on the table while we’re all learning how to survive out here.

For those of you that are more interested in running missions...

[Steph gestures at Kanaya.

The glowing girl leans forward at this point. She's kept her black lips in a tight smile until now, a moment demanding she slightly reveal her fangs.]

If you do want to work for the Initiative’s cause and don’t know how, in response to popular demand the Department has allocated some of its staff to mission coordination. In accordance with recent standard operating procedure, the AI designs these missions, their locations and their times. We aren’t proposing strategic goals here; this is an offer of organizational assistance. On request, we’ll facilitate the recruitment of interested parties and the procurement of any necessary resources. The members of the department available for these purposes include myself and Mr. Gold.

[Steph looks back at the camera, and starts talking against to wrap things up.]

I hope that’s all clear, but feel free to toss any questions you might have our way, though I’ve just a couple more things to go over before we’re done. We’re offering our services to other Transport run organizations, including the clinic, so if you need help getting in touch with those organizations, or if you’re in one and need extra hands for whatever reason, all you have to do is ask.

[There’s an apologetic smile, a sort of I know this is long, we’re almost done expression.]

And as for anyone interested on working with the DITR, unfortunately we’re not taking on any more official employees right now, while we’re still working out the kinks after all the changes, but if you would like to help out, again, please get in touch so we can get in touch once we find our feet. Though do keep in mind this isn’t a paid job; while we will be working on gathering funds for our various projects, we don’t have a payroll and that’s not likely to change soon.

[Just, you know, in case people think offering to work for the DITR is a way to get a cushy job.]

That’s it from us, though. So now you can ask your questions, all three of us will be keeping an eye on this post, or you can contact one of us privately if you’d prefer. To the newbies, welcome to Exsilium, sorry about the weather, and remember that we’re here to help in any way we can.

[And with smiles from all three, the video ends.]


[[OOC: We know, we know, endgame and all that, but this was already mostly written and we wanted to get it up! Originally there were gonna be fancy pages and forms and stuff but... hopefully no one's holding it against us for not worrying about that anymore.

As for text color, Steph is black, Feferi is purple, and Kanaya is green.]]

I have information to share with you all, about information that we lack.

[a pause.]

( LOTS OF TALKING )

[Video pops on; Tsubomi is half-hidden behind a small stack of paper. There is, predictably, a tall pair of ferns visible behind her, but there's no plants visible on the desk. She smiles pleasantly into the video, and reaches back from the tablet to shift around the paper stack.]

There! Hello everyone. If you're new, my name is Tsubomi Hanasaki! It's a pleasure to meet you. Now...

[She lifts a postcard onto the feed with a flourish. She looks quite proud of herself. It's a pretty, pale pink, with a cherry blossom painted in the bottom corner.]

It's nearly the new year, isn't it? It just doesn't feel the same to me without New Year's postcards, so I've been collecting some, but I have far more than I really need. So if you'd like to send postcards, let me know! You can have some of mine--but you'll have to deliver them yourself.

[She puts the card down.]

As always, if you need vegetables, I've transplanted a portion of my plants from the moonbase. I've started growing quinoa, but it needs a little more time to grow... if you really need it, I could see if I can collect some, but if you could wait until the end of January, that would be ideal for everyone.

[There's a short pause as she tucks some hair behind her ear.]

Is anyone giving haircuts? I can sew you something as payment!

[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.

[ There's a little bit of fiddling around with his tablet. In fact he's not even looking at the screen for a good fifteen seconds as the video records his dumb face, before he finally looks up and gives it a bright and cheery grin! Gonna keep positive despite all the recent going ons of this place. ]

Well hello there, folks! It's been some time since I made one of these public announcements. Er, do they count as announcements? I suppose they are announcements of sorts. Can't say I've had much of a reason to, but it's been--

[ Looking back down at the tablet for another few quiet seconds. ]

Egads! Has it really been that long? I see it was with Miss Lalonde. What I wouldn't do to see that gal again. She'd know how to liven up the moment.

Which reminds me why I booted up this old computer in the first place. In light of recent incidents it might seem rather inappropriate to ask such a questions, but I do feel rather chagrin even bringing the whole thing up! But I'm looking to procure myself a cake, and possibly a few party goers if anyone's interested. You see today's date happens to be a personally big one for yours truly. Seems today I've not only made it to the ripe old age of seventeen, but I've reached my first full year here in this particular universe. Like a grim anniversary of sorts, but just because the occasions grim doesn't mean it can't be treated as an occasion to celebrate!

[Hello, friends. A cold-eyed elf with a fairly significant skin condition stares at the camera, his jaw set, his mouth a thin, inscrutable line.]

Talk of a council is all well and good, but we have another matter in front of us.

As many of you have pointed out, there is no formal system of law in place. At present, those of you who acted as peace officers have simply continued as you were in your own worlds. If you brought others to justice, if you spoke about justice -- you have continued to see this as your right.

[His eyes narrow, drawing his long eyebrows together.]

But it is not your right. Your laws are not universal. Your morality is not sacrosanct.

We must decide on appropriate conduct as a whole, with consideration given to perspectives outside of our own.

I propose that any code we settle on be simple and direct. For example:

1. Murder shall be abolished. In the case of murder, execution.

2. Theft shall be abolished. In the case of theft, the hand shall be cut off at the wrist. Repeat offenders shall lose both hands.

3. Conspiring with the United Earth shall be considered treason. In the case of treason, suspected or actual, execution.

4. Bodily autonomy shall be respected. Knowing efforts to mind control, telepathically invade, steal, or otherwise forcibly take spiritual or physical authority over another sentient being will constitute assault. In the case of this assault, execution.

And so forth.  These are merely ideas, of course.

[His lower lip twitches, suggesting that he's perfectly aware of the extremes he's recommended. Suggesting that he's just trying to get your attention, to get you to think about how you would define your own terms. What constitutes murder? Theft? Conspiracy? Justice? He's only asking.

Maybe.]

[After several hours, the post is edited with a very carefully recorded text attachment.]

( alternatives.txt )

( When she speaks, Collette aims to sound warm. She's tired, keyed up, and confused as well as trying to understand what's gone on since the mutiny began, and what's continuing in the aftermath. She brings a question she'd talked to Ros about, in her own way; something she wants to know very simply because she doesn't, and it's all the more important now.

Out of respect for that same woman, she keep's Ros's name out of this. )

When it comes down to do or die, who do you trust here to make decisions to pull people through, and not leave people stranded high and dry, or freeze up and fall into inaction? People who keep their temper in heated circumstances. Ones who maybe aren't going to forget the bigger picture, even if that doesn't make it easy on the smaller scale.

I've got a few names myself! Blue, Kate Kane, Nathan Summers, Caesar Silverberg, Lenalee Lee, Xerxes Break, Gilbert Nightray, Jaime Reyes, Ashraf, Kang, Peter Quill, Donny, Armin Arlert, Chrono and Rosette, even Dick Grayson and Ahiru and Vanadi, of all people, would stand by you figuring things out.

Those are some of mine. What're yours?

( I'm going to keep talking, though, so you might want to tune out if you don't want to hear me ramble about a few maybe important, maybe not things! )

[ When the video clicks on Roslyn looks a little tired but primarily determinedly mad, someone who's been running on coffee and protein bars for too long and is in no mood for anyone's games. Her voice is brisk, no nonsense and cuttingly sharp. ]

As of this moment, all identified mutineers are in the custody of the police. Should anyone wish to provide help with guard duty it will be appreciated. Visits to them will be allowed only under supervision. Should anyone attempt to injure them, that person will find themselves in cuffs faster than they can blink.

My patience with having to repeat myself on this matter is wearing thin.

[ Her tone softens a little, almost an appeal. ]

While there will be consequences for their actions, we have enough war and bloodshed on our doorstep without killing each other. Nothing will be gained and much could be lost. We do not execute people, and I will not tolerate it as a suggestion.

All systems should be restored. The base should now be fully operational again and you can return to your daily lives, if that is what you wish. Alternatively, you can consider what was said on both sides and determine if what we are doing is truly enough, or if we have become complacent.

[ Just saying. Small out. ]

( an array of private texts )

[ ooc: all mutineers can now be considered to be locked up in empty rooms in the West Wing for the immediate future! I will keep all arrested mutineers updated as further consequence type developments occur, feel free to let me know if you have preferences that we could maybe work out. log for mutineer & visitor shenanigans can be found here. ]

[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: )

[At 6 P.M. on November 5th a video shows up recorded in an empty room by a teenage girl with glowing white skin, green makeup, and horns. She speaks with a clarity practiced in front of the mirror and an intentional enthusiasm that is the only thing keeping her from eroding into dust leaving only her purple dress behind to show she was ever here.]

Good evening, transports. Have you just arrived, disoriented and distraught? Have you found sympathy for the Initiative's cause and want to know? Or maybe you want to share your experience with your fellow Transports? Maybe your usual combat comrades have left, leaving you without the support network you had come to depend on here? Do you want to make sure somebody can report back what happened to us if you die while on a mission? Are you just interested in an excuse to interact with at least one other sentient being to assuage your crippling loneliness?

In any of those cases... May I suggest that you sign up for the Newcomer-Veteran Matchmaking Program! Run by the Department of Initiative-Transport Relations, we have over two dozen seasoned veterans at our disposal ready to make a connection.

The scheduled mixer has been delayed on account of too little time to prepare earlier this week; invitations will be sent to everyone who applies for this program. That is all. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.

((Signups are always open! Matchups for this month will be finalized in a few days.))

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

[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.

[ Celestia isn't much up for speaking to any of the people here if she doesn't have to. She's already been forced to deal with roommates, so getting out of her room and finding a place to call her own space has been helpful in the past few days she's been here so far.

Still, she finds herself incredibly bored, now that she's caught up on all the information she needed to properly have an opinion on everything going on in this crazy place.

But Celes moves at her own pace, and her pace has pretty much nothing to do with helping anyone but herself. So: ]

Might anyone be willing to participate in a game of some kind? Chess/shogi/mahjong ... maybe even poker?

[This video recording takes place in a VR room with low power; the lights are patchy and gravity is only moon strength, making kneeling on the floor an easy position. Kanaya's words languish philosophically like students trying to pay attention in class.]

I've been part of the Initiative for a year now, if that's what the month being October again means. Bombs were falling on Exsilium for the first time back then, much like they did in May. I wonder how many of you remember that. Everyone was so surprised, back then, that the United Earth would attack us so directly.

That fact isn't very relevant to what I have to say, but it seems there is an unspoken tradition of celebrating these milestones and getting introspective about how often you ask yourself, "Is this day my last." [She seems to regard that with cynicism, reinforced by her pressing forward into business.] So to combat that existential doubt and make this post more than a waste of electricity, I'm here to announce my complete lack of anything better to do than go on missions.

[Remembering something else and turning sad, consolational, she goes on a tangent.] Madoka, if you're watching this, I'm so sorry about everything that's happened, and if there's anything I can do for you now, please just let me know.

[That taken care of, detachment gets easier.] Anyway, I've seen a fair share of posts about having a desired end for a mission but being apprehensive about going alone. I'm in pretty much the opposite position, having the cumulative experience of three missions and no objective. One solo, two paired, all successful.

In light of our current technological status having a partner is especially prudent if safety is of any concern at all. In case my age is giving viewers any doubts, let me assure you I have the strength and speed to offer adequate protection from most earthly threats.

Finally... it seems that I'm one of about five Transports aware of and interested in the virtual reality system prior to our lunar plight. [It's a little funny to her.] I heard about it before it went moonstream, you might say. So if you need help constructing assets for your digital home or office or what have you, that's something I can assist with as well.

[Just then, the power fails, turning out the lights, though the view of the room isn't entirely black considering its occupant's glowing skin. Kanaya looks up at the dark ceiling, frowns a little, then sighs and reaches out to the communicator (already beginning to drift for lack of gravity) and cuts the feed.]

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.

it's a really troubling time huh ......

there's just so much despair with this and that happening! i never thought i'd see real nuclear bombs go off ......

everyone who's trying to do the right thing is really admirable, risking their lives like that. doesn't it make you wish you could be a good person too?????

[There's a reason this is in text: the reason is that Junko wouldn't trust her voice to save herself right now. ]

upupupu......... i wish were half as brave as you guys. good luck, everyone ♥♥.

[ filter; all Mekakushi Dan members; video ]

[ She debated doing this as a voice post at first, but if she's going to actually address the entire Dan as the Exsilium branch leader for the first time, she needs to have her face be seen. She also needs to take a moment to come up with what exactly she wants to say, and how to say it.

How to be a leader when she's only twelve years of age.

Kotetsu & Barnaby would be having a fit over this, surely.

She's sitting on the couch and takes a deep breath before she opens her mouth. ]

Afternoon, everyone. My name is Kaede Kaburagi, and I am the Exsilium Branch Leader for the Mekakushi Dan. I wish I could be introducing myself to you all at the party Kido & I were planning, and on much more lighthearted terms, but that got squashed with the recent kidnappings.

As you all may have heard/watched a few minutes ago, we're now under a nuclear strike thanks to the United Earth, and we're moving to the moon. I just want to extend my assistance to anyone and everyone who may need help packing up items, especially those of importance. If you also wish, once you are completely packed with what you want to take up there, you are welcome to drop your bag, or bags, off in Unit 202, and you can even hang out here while the Initiative prepares to send us up. Kido, Kano, and I all want our door to be open for you all, especially in this time.



[ filter; Keith Goodman & Karina Lyle; video ]

[ And now that that is done, she shakes the numb feeling settling in her hands and takes several more deep breaths before making another filter. ]

Hey! Are you both okay? I'm sorry I disappeared for the past several weeks — the UE got their hands on me, but I'm okay.

[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 video feed, recorded at around 11am on August 20th, shows the inside of a Transport's Initiative-provided apartment. More specifically the bookshelf. Some people might recognize the three novels, or the simplified Initiative-approved introductory history to Exsilium's Earth, or the calendar on the nearby wall from Roslyn Small and deduce this is Kanaya Maryam's quarters in Unit 505.]

Hello. I'm Kanaya Maryam and I live in Unit 505. [Those people are right, judging by the politely frustrated fifteen-year-old girl's voice. Those people would also, if they looked closely at the bookshelf, perhaps notice that the thickest volume she owns is not present on the shelf in its usual place, or at all.] There's recently been some kind of mishap. Before I left for a mission in July, I was in possession of The Twilight Saga. This is where I kept it. I sometimes took it with me to read elsewhere, so it's not impossible that I could have misplaced it. However, I pretty distinctly remember having it before I left, and it's only after my return that I noticed it was gone. I've searched quite a few places I regularly visit in vain.

That's not all. I've gone to quite a few bookstores today, thinking that perhaps I should just remedy the situation unilaterally by purchasing a replacement. And all of them not only denied this volume was in stock, they had no idea what I was describing. I checked their stock too to make sure they weren't just discriminating against such an obviously alien Transport as myself, and saw no sign whatsoever of the book where it would belong in any alphabetical ordering scheme.

I know many people don't appreciate the quality of the book, but regardless of how you feel, it is my property that has disappeared. I'm not mad yet. I just want to know what's going on.

[The "yet" hangs in the air ominously for a few seconds before the video ends.]

[For one network user, there is a voice message today as well, playing on the tablet with the name of "Haruka Takahashi" attached.]

I bought you a birthday present. I can leave it at an agreed-upon location for you to pick up if you don't want to see me. There's a note inside that you don't have to read.

[There's a kind of mechanical whining on the feed when it opens at first, as if from a smaller machine, a higher pitch whir and him which eventually silences, only to be replaced by a few taps and once again more whining. After a few moments there's a sound similar to a sigh though- seems to border on the more frustrated end. An adjustment- perhaps to the mic, and the small mechanical sound seems to have drawn closer to what's being spoken into, or visa versa.]

I'm finding it to be exceptionally distasteful- the lack of culture here at times. The lack of something with tradition and true exceptional craft. I admit though, that I've been aloof to the the network lately, so maybe I haven't noticed some kind of creative stirring in this usually excremental pool of iniquitous and sassy degenerates.

[A pause, more mechanical whining, a breath.]

So I guess I'll give it a chance- though some I am aware of, minimal, so extremely so- of a few examples- but those who I'm not aware of- those that harbor some kind of artistic worth in this jambled mess of space and time riff raffs and stolen hoi polloi. To you I command to make known to me what types of artistic sway you or your worlds have. Preferably something held with extensive regard.

And don't start anything, let's keep this professional. I don't want to be made angry.

[It's getting to be nighttime when Aradia films this. She's sitting on a sofa a little ways back from the camera, with a small stack of papers on the coffee table in front of her, and waves once she's sure it's recording.]

Hello, everybody. My name is Aradia Megido, Maid of Time. As you might guess from my title I have a great deal of experience with time travel. But while I have been here I've noticed a major flaw in the Initiative's overall plan; namely, that they don't seem to have any idea how time travel works.

[She reaches over and picks up the first paper, showing it to the camera:]

( Image below cut )

As you can see, the basic idea is that, by traveling back in time and altering certain events, we can sabotage the United Earth and improve our situation in the present.

[She pulls up a second diagram, holding the two side by side:]

( Another image below cut )

In reality it is a little more complicated than that. Let's say, here, that the red timeline is one in which the desired result is achieved, whether that's the United Earth losing power or never achieving dominance in the first place, whatever. We'll call this "Timeline Alpha". The blue timeline is ours, in which a result occurs which we want to prevent. Let's say, the UE dominating the planet and everybody else dying.

As you can see, the time traveler does change the targeted key event. However, all this does is link two separate timelines, contingent upon how that event happened. Timeline Alpha continues with the alteration in place, but the offshoot timeline that caused the alteration continues without it. Because obviously, if no timeline existed where the event needed to be changed, no one would have gone back in time to change it.

[She puts down those two and picks up a third diagram instead:]

( Yup another image )

This leads us to the fundamental paradox of time travel, which is: the alpha timeline simultaneously must be changed, and cannot be changed. It is the final result when all temporal meddling is taken into account, as well as the only viable version of the timeline. All alternate timelines are, by their nature, doomed. Think of it as paradox space's way of cleaning up before things get too messy.

[Switching pictures again!]

( The image pile doesnt stop from getting taller )

Of course, you can travel within the alpha timeline as well, but only within the context of stable time loops. That's where you cause an event to play out in the way it already did. This is the only way you can affect the past without creating a doomed timeline.

That leads me to the first point I wanted to make - I don't think I'll have time to make the second, since the timer is coming up on five minutes already and I do want people to actually watch this.

[She picks up the first image again, holding it next to the fourth.]

Basically, either A) our time travel missions are having or will have a tangible effect on the alpha timeline, but our timeline is a doomed offshoot and will die off sooner or later; or B) this is the alpha timeline, but our intervention is and will be the direct cause of the current circumstances.

[PHEW. That was way more than a hundred words! She puts down both pictures and folds her hands neatly in her lap.]

I think that explains it adequately. Let me know if you have any questions, I will do my best to answer them. Thank you for your time! [PUN VERY INTENDED 0u0]

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

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

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

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

Hello, everyone.

I have been in United Earth territory since June. I was released last week. Although I have been inspected and declared safe by the Initiative, I feel that it is my obligation to notify you all of what happened.

I am very eager to see some of you again. I am staying in my assigned housing at 502 while I continue to recover. Please come by at your convenience.


((feel free to use this post for both network conversations and action!))

Hmm… I think it was supposed to be used this way— Ah!

[ After realizing that the device is already transmitting him, Naegi quickly recomposes himself. He lets out a soft pardoning smile, indicating to excuse his behaviour just now. It’s then that one of his open hands wave faintly, greeting the audience at the same time. Behind him, there's a rather mysterious-looking girl, Kirigiri, who refuses to look at the camera at first. ]

G-Good morning, everyone! Um… Say, I’ve been really curious about something. [ After these particular set of words, Naegi stares more intently at the camera. Prior to this moment, he wondered if it’s a good idea to ask. But he’s already decided… He’ll never know otherwise. That’s what Kirigiri taught him, isn’t it? Risk is sometimes necessary to reach the truth. ] … Has anyone here heard of Hope’s Peak Academy? Does it mean anything for you?

[ Then he looks to the side, facing the girl momentarily. It's notable that he's less nervous when he faces her, smiling a little in addition. ]

Is there anything you'd like to ask them, Kirigiri-san?

[ The moment she's addressed, Kirigiri finally turns to look at the camera. The unwavering serious expression on her face is a bit intimidating, and that's most likely what's making the other boy nervous. There's probably several things that are bothering her and she'd like to inquire about. But she'll take it a little at a time. ]

Yes, actually... I'd like to know how the weapons given to us actually work. We've been told that it's been granted sentience but... [ Kirigiri holds up her "weapon" into view. It looks like some sort of digital camera... ] Mine is a little unconventional. Are there any others who are in the same boat?

Oh, I'm curious about that as well... I wonder how ordinary items like these are considered weapons? [ Naegi holds up his own, revealing a megaphone. ] How are they powered? We weren't given chargers... But I'm glad that there's options like these.

[ He's personally relieved for that. He wouldn't know how to react if someone asked him to pick a lethal weapon all of a sudden. ]

By the way, we’ve been separated from a couple of our friends… If anyone has seen others who have this insignia— [ momentarily holding this symbol out ] Please do let us know, we'd would really appreciate it…

A-And there’s one last thing! I’ve accidentally lost one of my shoes, so if anyone at the Housing building happens to see a red shoe… Well, I’d appreciate that getting returned as well. Th, thank you! And I’m sorry for the trouble.

[ The last request is rather embarrassing, so Naegi can clearly be seen flushing at his own clumsiness. With the broadcast serving its purpose though, Kirigiri turns away and starts walking off, presumably heading off ahead to look for Naegi's lost shoe: "Naegi-kun, you're hopeless." (... HA, HA.) But when he notices her going off ahead, he gets quickly frustrated: "Ah! W-Wait, Kirigiri-san!" So he trails after her, propping the device with him to wait for responses.

OOC | conservator & arbitrator will be combo replying. As for the red shoe, I'll be rolling a dice later on regarding who will find it! Just let me know if your character is willing to help, and I'll add them to the RNG list. Whoever finds Naegi's shoe will receive a nice reward. I'm not telling what it is yet. c: ]

_{( Remy’s hanging out in what passes for one of the classier taverns, leaning back in a wooden chair as his hair falls over his eyes. He’s eyeing the communicator a little devilishly, and, as ever, he’s shuffling a deck of cards. And though the process is constant, he eventually pulls out exactly the card he meant to: the Ace of Diamonds. )}

Diamonds are called Coins, sometimes. If it was gonna be an element, it’d be Earth. Has ta do with the physical, your body an’ your wealth. People who do work like that, too—merchants, traders.

Sometimes it jus’ means you’re an achiever. Y’like gettin’ things done.

_{( He nods, solemnly, before replacing the card in the deck and continuing with his shuffling. He pulls out the Ace of Clubs, next. )}

Clubs’re different. Called Wands, in the old days. They’re Fire, willpower. People who do hard work, wit’ their hands. If you’re someone who likes destruction, that’s your suit. But that’s no so bad. The world needs breakin’ down an’ buldin’ up.

_{( Another nod, another tilt of his head. The next card is the Ace of Hearts. )}

Hearts’re special, some people think. Used ta be called Cups. They gotta do with Water, with emotion. People who do things spir’tually.

Hearts’re socializers. They like other people, more than things.

_{( He kisses the card lightly before shuffling it back in, pulling out the last. The Ace of Spades. )}

Now, Spades. Also called Swords, sometimes. They’re Air, freedom. But wit’ that comes unpredictability. If you’re a Spade, y’like havin’ authority. But that comes wit’ responsibility, an’ consequences.

Spades’re explorers. They like the unknown, seekin’ out what they might be ‘fraid of o’ what might bring ‘em joy.

_{( That card goes back into the deck, too. Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. Remy smiles at the communicator once more. )}

So, here’s a question. Which’re you?

( 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? )

Yo, hey. This is Jesse Pinkman, for you guys that ain't met me yet.

[And for those who do know him and saw him down in the catacombs: he's looking infinitely better now. Bathed and trimmed his facial hair and everything, no longer appearing like he's at death's door.]

I know people are still sick and we got a lotta rebuilding to do, so I totally get it if nobody shows. But if you been here a while, you know we do this thing were we get together at the end of each month to make cookies for the new guys who show up on the 1st. You know, set up a tent and feed the hungry and answer questions and whatever. Even with it being a shit month, I don't think it'd be fair to let those guys down. So I'm gonna be out there, and you're, um, welcome to come and help bake and give stuff out, too.

I'll be baking all day on the 30th, the door'll be open and you can just drop in. Unit 409.

Hope everybody's doing okay.



(( No baking log again this month because what is time, so handwaving that, 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. ))

[Sango doesn't waste much time once she gets the feed on.]

A few things.

First... I would like to have some sparring partners and some teachers. While I'm good with my own weapons, it's pretty clear that they're not advanced enough to take on the UE's technology. If someone would be able to show me how to use something more effective, maybe some sort of gun, I'd be grateful and would do something in return. I think other people have already offered, but I'm also open to instructing in swordsmanship and related combat things.

Second, I wanted to say thank you to those of you who have been concerned or helped me out lately, both in arriving here and in... well, recent events. It means a lot.

Third. [She hesitates, wondering how to phrase this.] Say that someone from your world, who's... from later in time, tells you something bad happens in your future. You don't trust the person who says it, but they don't exactly have a good reason to lie about it at this point. What...

[Where is she even going with this? Sango stops abruptly and her frown is nearly palpable on the feed.]

You know what, never mind. Just sparring partners and teachers and thank-yous are all, I guess.

[the feed flickers on to show Charles in a neatly-pressed suit, looking about as professional as he always does]

Hello, everyone. Normally I wouldn't make this sort of open broadcast, but, ah - I need some information, and I thought asking the widest base possible might be the best course of action.

My name is Charles Ofdensen, I'm a recent arrival to the Initiative, and I've been doing a little field work for them, the past few days. I've run up against something unfamiliar, and I was hoping some of you might be able to tell me what a symbol means.

[he holds up a paper with this drawn on it]

Any information you have would be quite appreciated. Thank you for your time.

[ the name attached to this account, and thus with all applicable comments within this entry, reads Haruka Takahashi, as usual.
for those of you just joining us at home, some info. ]

If you're only interested in useful posts, you can skip the rest of this. I'm only out to waste the time of those who want it wasted, today.
For anyone else, color me curious.

Water, Wind, Light, Flame, Earth, or Darkness.

Pick one, please.

To clarify, "light" doesn't mean good and "darkness" doesn't mean evil, or bad. Or vice versa; there's no moral alignment to any of them.
And I didn't "skip heart", so don't bother bringing that up.

[ tetchy. ]

A scorpion needs to cross a raging river but fears drowning. As he wonders what to do, a frog approaches. The scorpion asks, "Please, will you carry me across the river on your back?"

The frog replies fearfully, "No! You'll sting me!"

The scorpion promises he won't because if he did the frog would sink and he would drown. So the frog agrees and takes the scorpion across the river on his back. As they cross the deepest part of the river at the midway point the scorpion suddenly stings the frog with its tail.

The frog writhes in agony as the poison slowly paralyzes him. He screams, "What have you done? Why would you sting me after you told me you wouldn't?"

And the scorpion replies, "It's my nature." Both of them drown in the river.

[A pause.]

What do you make of it?

[ Sokka's in his room in his apartment, looking into the camera with a serious expression. ]

I need someone to teach me how to use, ah, what are they called? A gun?

Yeah. Thanks in advance.

I'm sorry to interrupt the, ah... that is, this isn't about any of — you know, the recent...

[ well this is a terrible start. A pause, an audible breath out, and he starts again. ]

I'm going to need... a programmer, I think. Anyone good with systems. That sort of thing.

[ LONG PAUSE. ]

Possibly Sollux. [ oh god kill him now. ]