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

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

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

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

hello,

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

[For lack of a better descriptor.]

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

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

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

[ solomon is in what looks to be a library, dimly-lit and obviously in need of a lot of work-- but he doesn't seem to mind. indeed, he's seated at a dusty table surrounded by books that, while in relative good condition, have still seen better days. he's apparently read most of them, because markers are visible sticking out of the pages, and the king himself is curled in his chair with another open on his lap.

he glances up, a little owl-eyed, offering a faintly distracted smile as he holds the book up. it's hard to see the title in the light, especially as he sets it back down on his lap. ]

I've been catching up with everything that's happened since I lived, and-- [ his smile brightens. ] My goodness, science developed by leaps and bounds, didn't it? I have to admit, I'm particularly interested right now in evolution and-- genetics and-- [ he glances back down at his book. ] --DNA. [ he glances back up again, fingers curling over the cover of the book. ] I think these books are mostly considered classics, though. They seem to have landmark papers and discoveries in them, but not a great deal that's newer. Does anyone know if I can find more information elsewhere..?

[ he reaches out, tapping the tablet. ] On this, perhaps? [ because while he knows god, he also knows that there is a process and a science behind what god does, what magic does, what everything is. he likes finally having a few answers, and the means to perhaps find more.

he starts to say something else-- then abruptly sneezes, sending dust into the air and looking a little sheepish. ] Oh dear. I think even my extraordinarily extensive library back home was cleaner than this one, and I had books stacked on the floor. [ he closes his book, coughing and waving more dust away as he rises. ] I know the focus has been on other areas, given the nature of this place, but Kevin, if you're listening, I don't suppose you know where I might find a broom..? I think you and Mr Nightray hoard the cleaning supplies..

[The video feed this morning has multiple purposes. Initially it was a simple test, to see if the illusion he'd cast broadcast to the network. It failed, instead, showing a young looking man sitting in the Observation Deck on the moon, face half obscured by his fan. But mostly, this is for information. His tone is arrogant and movements slow and measured.]

I wish to pose two queries to thee.

Firstly, I wish to know what of the enemy thou hast unearthed below. I hath read accounts of war and organization, accounts of those of less human appearance treated within the tenants of fear. Leaving aside such debates upon the validity and consequence of tampering with what hath passed in the mires of one's regret and defeat, tis a great number of conversations upon the future and past, but a dearth of those of the present. I assume such, that thine situation remains bleak, and that the project vile and untoward may have continued... But little of the new face of our enemy.

This world, which hath changed so wild and bitterly from the squalor and civilization it had boasted... do we still have a capable enemy who still strikes at our worlds afar? What sayeth the people below?

Tis true, to attack boldly is suicide. Tis true, spying without knowledge as a guard is suicide. However tis true, to jab wildly at the past at an enemy we dost not understand ... tis foolishness and absurdity. Tis possible we may not have a war that concerns us.

Corrections of this, these assumptions, art most welcome.

[He pauses, folding his fan to tap it at his chin.]

Secondly, tis thus: I desire to speak with one most practiced in the art or pedagogy of science. I hath researched soundly the foundational elements and request to employ an expert in 'chemistry' and 'genetics.'


(OOC NOTE: Rufus Barma is a ridiculous creature who speaks in deliberately archaic mannerisms! BUT, if OOCLY you'd like a plain English version, just mention it in the subject line!)

[Preaching is something Kevin can do blindfolded, but socializing is not by far his specialty. In fact, right now he wishes he was blindfolded. And yet he is braving the terrifying audience of strangers to deliver his very important invitation. It is that time of the year, after all.]

G-good morning, ladies and gentlemen. Please allow me to apologize for infringing on your time. However, I wonder if any of you would be interested in joining a little amateur choir? The city seems odd without proper Christmas carols, wouldn’t you agree? Fortunately, I have had the honor of directing a few church choirs in the past, and happened to find a place that seems just right. [He casts an uncertain glance over his shoulder, revealing a dark and creepy museum hall.] …As long as one refrain from feeding the penguins, I suppose. [He redirects his attention to the tablet with a self-conscious cough.] Perfect acoustics, I tell you!

Ah, and for those adventurous enough to give it a try, there will be cookies and hot cocoa after every rehearsal.

[Cookies and hot cocoa should not be viewed as a bribery for heaven. Not at all. Why, even the most prayerful can use a little nudge now and then.]

Hello everyone,

My name is Flora, for those that might not know. It's nice to meet you. [Yeah her posts are tagged as such, but propriety etc etc] I know that there is a lot going on right now, so, if anyone needs anything--fruits, veggies, or other things--we could work out an...exchange perhaps? [She suddenly looks mildly uncomfortable, almost wincing at the word "exchange" in particular, but then she is smiling again, with gentle sincerity] If you don't have anything to offer, please don't worry about it, just try to pay it forward to someone else that might need help, if you can.

Secondly, Christmas is coming up, and other holidays too, it seems? We don't have them where I'm from, and while Christmas, at least, means the world to someone I know, I'm still learning about it, I suppose.

There is something I have been wondering, though?

[Flora's eyes sharpen with intellectual curiosity, and as she cradles her chin between her thumb and forefinger, it's obvious that the next words she's about to utter have been given the utmost, perhaps even reverent, consideration.]

Could someone please tell me more about Santa Claus? He sounds like a really powerful man with his Christmas magic.

[is she joking is she not we just don't know]

Thank you.

[Anyway, she cuts the feed.]

[ when the feed flicks on, it’s to the simple image of a sharply dressed man adjusting his glasses upon the bridge of his nose. or rather, it’s the lens glare that strikes the view first, a flash of blue that obscures the friendly(?) way he eyes the viewer, the practiced way he smiles. ]

My apologies. [ the tone, too, is terribly kept, composed and precise. ] If I may, I kindly request that you lend me your brief attention for but a few minutes of your time.

First, allow me to introduce myself: I am Munakata Reishi. You will have to forgive me, I’m afraid, as my recent arrival will mean my lines of inquiry will run along the road of repetition.

[ it’s formality and ease in idle, clear-cut motions; he laces his fingers together and rests them neatly on the table set before him. his smile hasn’t moved. ]

There is, I understand, a . . . certain freedom to living in the time before we are called to action. Training is -- was mandatory, was it not? I don't suppose all of you have been keeping up with your weekly regimen during this temporary state of confusion.

But I digress.

Let me cut straight to the chase, then.

Certain concerns come to mind. Minimal organization though we may have, I admit I’m rather lost. [ there’s a breath of laughter, possibly meant to curb the tension… not to create it. ] With so many people in a state of little to no enforcement, is it safe there on Earth, I wonder?

. . . And what kind of activities, pray tell, have you found to be the most beneficial use of your undoubtedly limitless spare time?

( PRIVATE; TO SARUHIKO FUSHIMI: )

Yodelehee yodelehee yodele hee hoooooo~!

[ It's a cozy tableau: Xerxes Break is sprawled sideways on a plush, overstuffed sofa, drinking hot chocolate out of a teacup. Seated beside him is a "woman of a certain age," once beautiful in her day, probably, and even now could be called "handsome." She is primly and respectably dressed, unlike the gaggle of young ladies (and a few men) clustered around the form of one (1) Gilbert Nightray, backed up against a wall, red-faced and cringing. While Break looks entirely at ease in this situation, Gilbert can only be described as scandalized. The sweater he’s wearing with the giant reindeer on it probably doesn’t help. ]

Has anybody ever been to Switzerland? Lovely place, excellent fondue, and the singing!

[ Break yodels some more. He has a high, breathy voice, and difficulty keeping a tune even at the best of times, so this is a particularly vicious form of vocal villainy. His handsome companion giggles into her cup, whilst Gilbert ducks his head and holds his ears. ]

The Swiss also make terribly good clothing for clambering up mountains, of which they seem to have a great many.

[ "Advanced nano-engineering" is what the Mammut retailer had told him, making their technical clothing light, automatically formfitting (one size really does fit all), impervious to the elements, and able to keep the wearer's body comfortably warm, even in the most extreme, frigid temperatures. ]

Anyway, I've got a few of these left over, with which I might be persuaded to part.

[ He produces a small bundle, hardly larger than a deck of cards, and gives it a shake. It puffs out into a snow suit with an attached hood and gloves, clearly a wonder of late 27th century technology. Unfortunately, late 27th century fashion was to emulate 1980's ski wear. ]

With that in mind, I have some information that might be interesting to those of you who haven't yet found suitable accommodation. My esteemed hostess [ a nod to the respectable lady seated beside him ] has been telling me about an enormous castle, half-buried under the snow. In addition to housing a number of works of art, it was also once used as a hotel, apparently. Thus it occurs to me that, with a bit of, ah, sprucing up, it might serve as a place for us Transports to stay, without having to impose on anybody's hospitality.

[ He pauses, frowning. Somewhere off camera, a baritone voice is pleading about something regarding sin and God and exciting underwear. ]

….which is, alas, all too easy to wear out. [ He leans over the back of the sofa calling: ] I think that's quite enough, Mister Cecil~!

(ooc: Break, Gilbert, Kevin, and others have found temporary shelter in a cathouse bordello. Responses will be from some assortment of the above. Actionspam and threadjacking welcome.)

[ when the feed begins, the figure in it is a young man, probably early twenties, with blond hair and green eyes. his clothing seems very archaic and very expensive, so he was probably a person of some means before he was brought here.

he offers a small, serene smile, though his gaze is obviously curious. ] I still find it amazing that one can speak across great distances with a device like this. [ his smile warms. ] Hello. I have a question for you all, if you have a few moments to answer. I've met some very interesting people in the few days that I've been here, but I have to wonder.. in all your worlds, are angelic and demonic beings a constant?

[ he fiddles a little with a ring on his index finger, turning it back and forth absently. ]

If so, how do people generally regard them? Do you have personal experience? [ a brief pause, lashes lowering sheepishly. ] I only ask out of curiousity. Perhaps to compare to my own world.

[ he reaches to end the feed, then offers a startled glance, eyes widening. ] Oh! My apologies. My name is Solomon, by the way. For reference, for those familiar with earth, I'm from the kingdom of Israel, though I'm given to understand that I lived a very, very long time even before most of you. [ he draws his hand back, tapping his mouth thoughtfully. ] .. Yes, I think that's it this time. [ ends the feed for real! ]

[The video snaps on showing an unusually contrite expression on Rosette's face. Or perhaps it's a bit more sheepish and nervous. EITHER WAY. It's not the normal bluster you may know her for.]

OKAY! So.

[A pause.]

There might have been a freak accident involving a zombie tearing open one of the walls in the shower room and those are completely closed off right now. I guess you can't get in at all, but I wouldn't try either.






...




[After some thought.]

We... probably need some mechanics. With space suits. before everyone stinks


((OOC: So yes, Rosette used a grenade inside a space station. TOTALLY FREAK ACCIDENT, and there is now a hand sized hole in the outer wall of the showers. AI has already locked the area down so there's no way to get to it from the inside to preserve the rest of the base from damage.))

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

So, uh. I'm pretty sure that a bunch of people know that kid Stanley. He's a really lucky asshole, because he up and freaking disappeared. Went to take a piss and never came back. Just poofed. Great for him, sure.

But he sorta left me with...something. That he'd brought here.

[underneath peter's voice, which is pretty soft and even considering what he's saying, there's what sounds an awful lot like the sound of muffled sniffling.]

Which was big of him and all and fine for right this second, but this is not an ideal long-term arrangement. So if anybody wants to help out with that, it'd be great. I'm in the cafeteria, we can talk.

[anyone who comes to the cafeteria will find peter there with peace, who has cried herself out for the moment and is sucking on peter's hair and falling asleep on his shoulder while he walks her around and rubs her back, singing little snatches of songs in some foreign language. getting to this point was obviously a feat; parts of his hair and the shoulder of his shirt are soaked with toddler tears and snot and his ever-present leather jacket is draped over a chair to save it from the babypocalypse. he doesn't seem that fussed, though, for a seventeen year old boy left with someone else's small child. surprisingly good with kids, this one.

ooc: tempest is going to end up with the baby, but everyone is welcome to fuss or help out.]

[It's been quite some time since Connor has posted to the network. Besides his busy schedule keeping him from using the tablet more casually, he's been wary of leaving messages 'out in the open', so to speak. Who knows what scheming Initiative members and Templars might be watching?

But desperate times do call for desperate measures. He chooses the video option even though he still thinks there's something decidedly off-putting, maybe even dangerous, about recording your face on these window machines.

His hood is up and the background suggests he's on another roof.]

Are you all so concerned about your possessions that you would overlook murder?

[Someone's furious. Someone's beyond furious. (The United Earth and the Initiative might as well be made up of a bunch of Charles Lee's right about now.) There's a good bit of venom in his voice and at times he simply yells, half at the tablet, half at the city around him.

Needless to say, this wasn't what he was expecting to return to when he came back from his recent Outlands trip.]

The Initiative have made it very clear that not only do they intend to relocate us, but they mean to leave their own people behind to die. The excuse I have heard is that they have not the power to save them.

A bold-faced lie if ever there was one.

( Idealism never killed anyone oh wait- )

[It's early Wednesday morning when a new video message turns up on the network. The nun seems to have none of her usual energy and the bags under her eyes are fairly pronounced. Flynn and Fluffy have likely put up with her pacing almost incessantly since dinner time last night, and even now she fidgets in her seat, fingers playing with an ornamental looking watch hanging at her neck.]

Has anyone seen Chrono? Short, grumpy, purple hair. He's usually with me.

... He might have been in some kind of fight, so I'll take anything. Or anyone to help me look.

Right. Who lives in unit - [hold on a sec] 301? [PAGING PEETA MELLARK AND SOUJI SETA ahem] I've been staying at another place for a while, but I believe it's time I finally move in. Hope that's all right. I won't take up much space.

[And that's all there is to it. OR IS IT!!!!]

( ATTEMPT AT FILTERING THE REMAINDER OF THIS POST FROM JULES GRUMLEY AND EMILIA GORSKI IS GO )

I have a request. It might be a little strange, but I'm absolutely sure this place has seen much, much strangers things. So. [Shouldn't be a big deal. She clears her throat.]

Is there any of you who can help with memories? As in help someone gain back memories. Therapy, super powers [she can't believe she said that], I don't really care. As long as it isn't detrimental to anyone involved. I'm a bit desperate.

[ Good morning, Exsilium, did you miss the regal? Regina is wearing a blouse of purple silk and a black pencil skirt. Where does she gets her clothes is a mystery, it almost seems like magic, does it not? ]

Well my time here has certainly proved to be exiting so far.

[ the words are almost physically dipped in sarcasm but what can you do. ]

To the newly arrivals I can only wish a quick adjustment to this --- colorful city of ours. To the ones who have been here for quite some time, I would ask two questions. The first, where do crops grow, if at all? Are there any lands here fitting for such? I know that the weather is hardly favorable yet the question remains.

[ she can grow apples either way since magic but the attention would be unwelcome. ]

the second, are there any official records of the history of the city and the war? for those of us who wish for some extensive reading?

[Here's the voice of a possibly familiar British gent. Some may know him as a Transport from the past, others may recognise the iconic charm, while plenty may well just think he sounds like a total dick. All would be correct. Whatever your thought, he's back, masterfully managing a tone of smug disinterest as he addresses the community as a whole.]

Looks like the Initiative are still up to their usual tricks. Can't really blame them for wanting me back. [He is perfect, after all.

A beat, thoughtful, as if he's considering his words, briefly wondering on whether to use this opportunity to chase up on facts and information only to settle with a conceited:]

Miss me?

Hello, Exsilium. I've got some questions for you. If you'd rather answer any of those questions more privately, we can encrypt our communications a little more securely. Now, the questions.

I've read every single document they gave us. The history, the explanation of our situation, the everything. Now, can you tell me what isn't covered by this material? What're our Initiative friends like? And what're our foes like? I can already surmise a bit from the review of recent events I've managed to get.

Now for some more philosophical questions. What does freedom mean to you? What would you do for it? Would you be willing to die fighting for the right to self-autonomy? I can provide my own answer: I've sacrificed my life and my humanity. Sometimes you have to cut off your leg to escape. How far would you go?

Okay, those were some heavy questions. Let's end things off with something lighter. What're your favorite pleasures? I'd have to say that my top favorite's thinking about puzzles and interesting questions like those. Bonus points if I can work out answers. Second favorite's reading. My third favorite can be surmised from the fact that I'm posting this from some stranger's bed. I've other hobbies as well, but those're the main ones.

I'll be awaiting your answers to those questions.
~~~Spicy Kiss~~~

[Well, this is certainly a very shaky view of Kevin’s old fashioned dress shoes. And hey, now what seems like a thumb has blocked the camera. ]

…Hm? Oh! Is it working?

[He shakes the tablet, apparently under the impression that kinetic energy might help it function a little better. The sad truth is that it doesn't.]

Ah, I-I hope so. Hm, sir? Madam? My name is Kevin Cecil, and it recently came to my attention that now I can…heal minor afflictions and illnesses of different natures. If I can be of any assistance, do not hesitate to contact me. I’m currently at…Oh dear Lord, is that St Paul’s?!