[This query brought to you by a pretty handful of missing puzzle pieces, not that you'd know, since Lenalee has no intent to justify or explain that imagery, nor to keep picking at scabs until they fester.]

We've already seen how the smallest change made can rewrite the entire history of this world. People are unborn, warheads are undropped... because we've cut out the circumstances which led to their happening.

How do you think that it might be the same for us? Transports come and go so often here and no one knows why. Whatever we do, we are always altering chances, there is no reason not to consider they could also be our own. That someone arrived on a day no longer existing may suddenly leave, or return by new circumstance, or forget they were ever here before.

It may be that we don't "go home", just. "Never arrive".

[ about ten minutes after broadcast, through careful squinting and experimentation, the feed is locked from Gilbert Nightray ]

It doesn't look like this winter's going to go away anytime soon, so I've got a question.

Any advice on how to keep a cold-blooded person warm aside from bundling her up layers upon layers of clothes until she sinks in the snow from the sheer weight of it? I think she'll have trouble moving after a while too.

She'll probably be okay but she got really cold in a winter-based amusement park attraction once. It's worrying. ( ´△｀)

[LOCKED from momo kisaragi;]
That aside the real reason I'm posting this is because I have no idea how to celebrate people's birthdays but my sister's is coming up next month (not that I'm not worried about you, friend).

She's never had a birthday party with friends before so I kind of want to get something together? Any advice would be nice and if anyone's friends with a MOMO KISARAGI, that's her. Her birthday's next month, so if anybody can drop by once it's planned or chip in...

I don't have a place yet either so ideas or offers on that would be nice. [He'd ask Flora or Kido if they could do it at their place but if it's planned right under her nose, even Momo would notice...]

Brrrr, hunting food down here is rather hard work!!! ｡゜(｀Д´)゜｡
When you're watching someone do it, it seems pretty easy, doesn't it... but when you try it yourself...
It's nice that we got a bunch of crops to harvest, but a guy's got to have some good jerky once in a while (*｡_｡)
I wasn't prepared at all for coming down here... hey, there's a lot of people in the same boat as I am, am I right??
Since we have so many stupendous warriors amongst our midst, it wouldn't hurt for us to share tips. At the very least, drawing up a map of where we're all staying would be useful if any of us need any help (or food lol) ( ﾉ^ω^)ﾉ
It wouldn't be good if any of us freeze to death from our own ineptitude (｀・ω・´) Maybe we could even put together a survival guidebook of sorts!
Well, well?? What do you think, everyone?

[He'll manage to answer some replies before all goes silent on his end for a few minutes or so.

...

Still on Kano's tablet and under his name, the entry gets a video tacked onto it. Some green hair can be seen but only for a moment as Kido turns the video on a certain idiot sitting in the snow, putting pressure on his leg. An irritated sigh is heard.]

Tch, I'll give a lesson: Don't let an idiot handle a gun. He's fine by the way. It's just a graze.

[She's still fretting anyway.] We came this far out looking for something like small game or whatever. We were trying to assess the resources of this place outside of getting in good with the villagers and doing mission runs...

Anyway, I guess what Kano says still holds. [Fumbling with the tablet, it points down at the snow.]

Hey, let me look at it... [The gentle voice gets cut off as she shuts off the video.]

[Kido is trying not to be agitated since a good leader shouldn't be but hey she's tired, things have sucked, the reports from the rescue mission really suck and yeah. So she finds some solace in her old role.

She taps her fingers against her leg, hair damp from one of those lovely short showers with a towel around her neck.]

Hey everyone. I've been thinking it'd be easier to figure out things if we were all together. You know, like a real meeting. What if we just pick a day and grab one of the VR rooms and try to figure this out. Everyone's been getting together the information they got from the rescue mission- [She frowns slightly. None of it sounded good.] -so we've got a better idea of what we're up against now.

[A beat.] I'm not in charge of everyone, but we need to be organized. [She gives a lopsided smile.] Some of you are better at it than others. If no one else will take up the lead, then I'll pick a day and spam everyone with it.

[She's kind of hoping someone else does though. Leading the Mekakushi Dan and leading a small army are pretty different things.]

I've seen a lot of you with good thoughts and ideas though so... let's keep this up.

[Alright... Now Kenjirou is drunk.]

Doesn't really matter where we are, does it?

[Whatever alcohol Kenjirou had kept throughout his time in Exsilium and accumulated during missions has been officially depleted. It's been a rough couple of months, and they're only getting rougher. Still, there was one constant that allowed him to keep going. Now that she's gone, it really has become too much to bear. Honestly, a dark part of him wishes she hadn't come in the first place so he wouldn't have to deal with what seems (and Kenjirou fully expects to be) the death of a family member for the third time. His judgment has been a little compromised by the stress, so clearly, the only rational course of action is to make an ass out of himself on the network.]

's not like the scenery down there was breathtaking, either. And even if we get enough supplies to make it through, even if... [give him a second] ...Even if we return things to the way they were, what's the endgame? Don't really care about whatever war this is part of. Nothing but trouble...

I... ugh.

Class is... cancelled. Indefinet--... Indifi--... Forever.

( there's a slight sound of rustling after the feed clicks on, as oz makes himself more comfortable on a seat in the observatory. why he's there late at night — night by circadian rhythms, anyway, simulated nights on the moon — is anyone's guess, or maybe it's obvious enough. in any case, when he speaks up a moment later, he sounds to be in a good enough mood. )

What's your favorite story? Scary ones are probably best for late at night, but what I really want to hear about are everyone's favorites. For instance, something about a princess and a dragon, or maybe a mystery with a twist ending, or something out of history....ah, if you make it up or adapt it from a book, that's fine too! Or even if it's a real one that's happened to someone you know, ( and a light laugh ) — don't worry, I don't tell anyone!

But it's rude to ask without giving my own preference, right? I can start with mine, if anyone wants.

( he'll tell people about holy knight. all about it!!!! don't ask him about it. )

[ 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.

[ Backdated to August SEPTEMBER (I can months) 4th / Visible to everyone but Rosette and Mary ]

[Chrono had very seriously considered doing this through video or audio, but in the end, he opts for the more cowardly way—he's less likely to give himself away when voices and faces aren't involved. So he hides behind the benefits of emotionless text, and pretends it's a question of curiosity and not terrible selfishness.]

I've heard talk about death not existing here. Or, at least, that the Initiative can bring people back to life. But so far, it's all just been talk.

I need to know for sure. Is there anyone here who's died and been brought back, or knows someone who has? I know something like this might be unpleasant to talk about. [Understatement, hah...] But, if you could... I'd really like to speak with you.

It's important.

( 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? )

Um, hello! [ The video starts with Ayano sitting somewhere, which looks like the wall of an old house. It’s hard to tell because most of the city kind of looks the same.

And there’s a cat sniffing her, but Ayano is ignoring him. ]

I guess I should introduce myself…my name is Ayano. Tateyama Ayano. Nice to meet you! [ She’s really cheery, yep.]

I just got here and I guess I had a lady telling me what is going on but…I think I zoned out? And then there were all these people and I just kept walking and now…now…

[ She looks around, the cheery expression changing slowly into an embarrassed one. ]

I’m kind of lost!? Everything looks the same here. I’m a bit dumb for this kind of thing. [ She never stopped smiling, by the way. And she’ll probably call herself dumb a lot. ]

So if someone could tell me where the rooms are…or where the place with all the people is, I would be very thankful! In your debt, even! I’m a great cook, I’m sure I could repay you with food…if you have food. Now I’m getting a big hungry.

[ Right on cue, her stomach growls. ]

Anyway hi! I hope we all get along.

[ She’s going to get along with everyone whether they do or not anyway. And that’s it. The video ends with her cooing at the cat and lifting it ]

[Have a very annoyed and awkward looking teen. He's still trying to act as proud as possible, but it's not easy given the circumstances. Seeing as his roommates are being TOTALLY unreasonable.]

Someone here must offer instruction in specialized subjects, right? Specifically, in... [He frowns obstinately for a few seconds.] ...cleaning. This wasn't my idea, all right?!

[And with that lovely ending, he cuts off the feed.]


[ooc: I do have a main chores teacher discussed already, but feel free to make fun of him or offer other life lessons that rich kids miss?]

[ backdated to earlier in the day before the ship crash ]

( locked ⇢ text )


[ video; ]

[ The video feed comes on, and if her surroundings look familiar to a few Transports, it is because she is currently sitting in NORA cafe, treating herself to a milkshake as she munches on a piece of candy. ]

Hi! I was wondering if anyone who knows Barnaby Brooks Jr. has seen him lately, or if they know he is for sure gone? I haven't heard from him lately, nor seen him...

I ain't exactly proud of how I handled stuff when I got here, but I gave it a lotta thought, and I think I've got everythin' figured out now.

[Toji takes on an important sounding tone.]

We're basically on our own here, living by ourselves, makin' our own food, doin' our own cleaning, payin' for our own stuff, right? So that basically makes us adults. Or at least we're bein' treated like it. And if we're bein' treated this way, we gotta live up to it. I got a job washin' dishes at a place, and I've been takin' a bunch of other odd jobs too. I can't act like a spoiled kid forever, so from now on I'm gonna pull my own weight around here.

So if anyone sees me mopin' around like a sadsack again, smack some sense into me!

[No video. Getting to be a habit with him these days, but really... who wants to see him looking like he does right now? Thank him later. If he sounded bad before, he sounds much worse now. The way someone would sound when they've spent a week vomiting. That's why he keeps the message relatively short and sweet.]

I tested the, um... the verstatsi. The U.E.'s drug.

In case the obvious needed stating: don't try it.

Full report coming once I can get my ass outta bed, but I can tell you it's about half-opiate, half-synthetic. The comedown's a total bitch and I ain't just talking like regular use. I mean like one shot and you're gonna need another fix in a few hours unless you like spending the next few days worshiping the porcelain god. Seriously, I'm a professional and this stuff... is bad. I don't think we got a lotta samples around here but take my word for it and don't mess around with it. I done H. This is worse than H. Way worse.

So that's your little P.S.A. and don't roll your eyes 'cause this ain't some D.A.R.E. bullshit, yo. I'm serious.

[His first post is voice.]

Say, to all you magic-users! I'm curious. How did you learn your art? I suppose this applies to anyone with an "unnatural" ability as well.

[The second is a text post under his name, posted an hour after the above.]

I have a puzzle for you, Exsilium. But that's not fun enough, is it? Let's make it a game! I'll pay the first three people who solve it 10✥... no, up to 50✥! The first one gets a special prize! Isn't that exciting? (⌒▽⌒)☆

[Attached to this post is this diagram.]

Now, here is the situation! There are three houses. Each house needs electricity, gas, and water. The goal is to connect the houses to their utilities by drawing lines. It's easy, right? Very easy!

But there's a catch! None of the lines can intersect. But even with the handicap, it's a simple puzzle. I'm sure you can all crack it in no time!

Respond with your answers. Be sure to lock them, so there won't be any cheating~ 1✥ will buy you a hint.

I look forward to rewarding the winner!!

[ Who hasn't made a network post in a while? This guy. It's been a rough few weeks, but he seems to be back in form now, if the grin he flashes the feed is any indication. ]

Guess it's time I made things official. [ He turns the tablet around as he speaks, showing a less fancy version of this. There's a fair amount of activity going on, with drinks being served and orders being taken, but the noise level isn't too bad. ] We've been up and runnin' for a while, but this here is the NORA cafe. We do meals, coffee, tea, milkshakes, and cocktails for all the adults out there. Figured this place could do with some livening up.

[ With a laugh, Snow faces the camera towards himself again. ]

Consider this our grand opening. If anyone wants a job, drop by and I'll find a spot for you. Just make sure you're old enough if you wanna work the bar. [ SEE HE CAN BE RESPONSIBLE SOMETIMES. ] We've got a stage, so I'm lookin' for people good at entertainment, too. Let me know if you're interested.

[ ooc; Here is a WIP info page/list of employees, based off responses to the OOC plotting post. If you're interested or want something changed (or if I got something wrong, which isn't unlikely), we either can thread something out here ICly, or drop a comment there and it can be handwaved. c: ]

[An audio post begins, and for a few seconds it's just the sound of the rain. Then, a piano begins to play. Those familiar with classical music would recognize it as French Suite No. 4, a well-known work by German composer J.S. Bach.

The music goes on for about fifteen minutes. It's a piece with a sense of introversion to it - even as the music turns complicated and speedy in some areas, it maintains a restrained elegance. Emotional, without being passionate.

When it finally ends, there are another few seconds of rainfall before Kaworu speaks.]

The demands of human relationships are overwhelming when you consider just how much love a heart needs to survive.

But, conversely, a heart can give an infinite amount of love in turn. The world is less scary if you simply remember this.

( Action for 705 )

[As Open Action before the post gets made, a rainbow drinker can be seen clattering about half the shops of the city at a breakneck pace - on the streets, this is literal, a blur of supernatural running so fast her clothes are practically dry. She's buying things. A fold-up hexagonal playpen. Blankets. Food, none of it cooked or complex. You usually don't see her carrying too many of these objects at once because she's rushing in and out of the apartment to set them aside. Inside the stores she maintains a more normal pace, though she flickers like a morse code technician out of nervousness.]

[This relatively short video shows nothing of Kanaya except for her voice and softly glowing hands. She's holding a gray sphere about the size of a soccer ball, covered in smaller versions of the orange horns all the trolls possess.]



The restoration of the troll race will take place at four o'clock today in Unit 705. I thought you should be informed if you're a member of our species or care about it at all.

( Homestuck text under the cut )

( Filtered text for Kido and Kano )

( Action for people who show up to 705 )

[Disgruntled and serious looking as ever, Kido appears flips on the video. May as well. She's sitting up on the couch, hood up, but she seems to be in a pretty good mood. How can she not be? She's back in her body.]

Never thought I'd miss my body so much. [Well, anyway.] Oi, anyone in the Mekakushi Dan! Report in. And I'm counting you if you want to be in it and just haven't joined yet, so this is for you, too. We need to assign your numbers. First come, first service, I guess. Kinda hard to keep track otherwise.

Ah, yeah, how did welcoming the newbies and the Initiative's mission go? How are you feeling? That's all I need to know.

[She scratches her head. Business done, she slouches more into the couch, tablet sliding in her lap. Just some leftover messages for people. She switches the video off and goes to text only for that.]

Sayaka, I uploaded some music for you. [Have a download link featuring copious amounts of Radiohead, Oasis and pretty much any bands you can find here as well as indie Japanese artists.] Tell me if you like it. I'm thinking I'm going to practice singing and maybe try taking up guitar. ...Ah, anyone who wants the music can take it though.

Ringo? I'm up for that...girls' night or whatever whenever you are. What do you do on one anyway?

Oz, when you're free I'll teach you how to cook so let me know.

[She tries to remember what other things she was thinking about... Oh yeah.]

Oh yeah, two things. I remember hearing about that holiday with the bunny that hides eggs. It's sometime in spring, right?

Other thing is I need some new recipes to try. Don't really care what kinds. There must be some foods you guys like a lot and want to tell someone about. If it's something you like, I'll make it for you in exchange.

[Elliot seems annoyed. This really isn't surprising for anyone that knows him.

Those people are probably also not shocked that he seems to have forgotten the thing he read about filtering this to specific people.

Or the fact that a kitten has walked along the edge of the furniture behind him and is curiously staring over his shoulder.

Nope, he's got too much on his mind for any of that!]

OZ VESSALIUS? WHERE ARE YOU?!

[Good evening, Exsilium! Sheryl may have been stuck in this dystopian city for approximately two months now, but it's the first time she's officially made a network feed for the masses. And what better way to show off the device's capabilities by doing what she does best?

There's a soft intake of breath, slow and steady, then she begins with a calm, dulcet rendition of "Aimo". The song is relatively short and peaceful, but her voice retains all the intensity and passion, enough to show that it's sung by a woman with well-trained vocal chords.]

( Aimo aimo... )

[Shortly, the feed switches to video, revealing a pink-haired woman lying down on her stomach in bed, all smiles as she swings her feet back and forth from behind, also propping her chin in the palm of her left hand.]

To tell you the truth, this isn't really my song. I heard it once back when I was trapped as a child in here and at that time, a young girl with a kind heart sung it to me. I didn't realize it then, but that girl would someday become my best friend.

[She pauses, tucking her pink strands behind her ear with her free hand, then grins.]

Ranka, I don't think you ever told me about that song before! I'm interested in hearing about its origins. And as for the rest of you—

[Her grin soon morphs into a confident smirk as she pokes at the camera. Guess what? The singer has something planned in her sleeve, judging from the slight glimmer in her blue eyes.]

Tomorrow, I'll be making pot-au-feu, a delicious French stew which I expect everyone to try at least once. You'll be missing out if you don't, so I won't take no for an answer. Consider this an invitation from Sheryl Nome.

[ she almost made this anonymous, but in the end concluded she could figure out a way to ask what she wanted without incriminating herself. ]

I have two questions for everyone.

1) Are there people here who have more than human abilities that can affect other people's minds? And if so, are any of them willing to help others train in resistance of mental interference?

2) How many people here have no experience fighting?

Oh actually 3 questions, I guess. I wouldn't mind finding a few people to spar with, if anyone else is looking. I used to do martial arts as a hobby, so I'm not entirely inexperienced.

[ ooc: if anyone wants to log out / action sparring encounters just let me know! ]

[Hooray, Jesse is finally awake and home after his half-week holiday with hookers and meth. This of course means he's looking extra groggy, red around the eyes, and not exactly the most cheerful. Which makes the following message a little dissonant:]

Hey, so... - Hey, hi, I'm Jesse. If you're new.

Anyway, um, I know I talked to a few of you earlier about maybe some baking lessons? I was thinking probably, since in a couple weeks we'll have a whole 'nother shipment of new guys, we'll practice making cookies for 'em.

Some of you saw me this last time, right? I had like this whole setup with a tent? I was thinking we could do that again, but bigger this time. Or if you don't wanna be out in the cold all day, we could set up in the lobby downstairs, like right when people come in to find their units? I dunno. I'm just thinking out loud.

Anybody into that, though? Like on the 28th or something we get together and make some cookies? Assuming nobody bombs us or anything.

[As the tablet turns on, a young woman can be seen eyeing it curiously. It's worth noting both the fact that there are a lot of water droplets on the screen and the fact that she's fairly wet herself. Someone's clearly been wandering around in the rain.

Upon seeing that this weird device seems to be working, Lacie smiles.]

Hmm, now I wonder if this really works. The capacity to communicate with so many people all at a single time and not even in person, it sounds like a child's fantasy.

[The softest chuckle escapes her at that.]

Yet being trapped within the dreams of a child sounds entertaining enough. Indulging it can hardly hurt.

[Suddenly the drizzle turns into a downpour and the smile on her face widens while her eyes close shut. Then the background on the tablet appears to spin. Lacie seems to be twirling around in the rain.]

Though one would expect rain in a fantasy to be warm rather than cold as ice. An unexpected turn of events, hmm?

[And yet, she doesn't appear the least bit bothered by this. The sensation of feeling the rain is so amazing that it elicits laughter from her. As the laughter ends, she opens her eyes and smiles at the tablet once more.]

My name is Lacie and I've a question to ask of you all: is a miracle still a miracle even if others are damned by it?

[It's not like she doesn't know the answer herself, but hearing the thoughts of others always proved entertaining. And on that fun if cryptic note, she turns off the device.]

<sub>[The device is easy enough to use. It's not unlike the stuff from back home, so it doesn't take her long to get comfortable with it. The post goes up without a hitch.

She'd easily prefer video--this feels a little impersonal, but it's better this way for now. She's still not quite well.]</sub>

Hello, everyone. My name is Flora. I'm really very sorry if this message isn't...well, it's normally supposed to be, I guess. I'm a little out of it. I can't say I've had to make introductions like this before, but it's nice to meet you, nonetheless. :) This is still just a lot to take in, and what's happened to the Earth itself. I still can't believe it. This planet was once so beautiful.

I don't expect much, but there's no harm in asking. If anyone's heard of or met one of the Winx, would you please let me know? I would very much appreciate it.

Lastly, I have a question for anyone willing to answer it. Thank you, in advance.

Do you believe in fairies?

[ With Rika being reluctant, the transmission is silent at first. She has to remind herself that there are others like her that have a dead end fate. It's not like home, not like when her own parents refused to take her words seriously.

When she speaks up, her tiny voice is carried across the feed. She sounds sullen and tired. ]

After this war is won, if everyone is returned to their respective worlds, what will happen to those who don't have a future back home? If we were a corpse in the ground, is that what we'd return to being? [ In Rika's case, there aren't many futures left for her. She believes she might as well be dead already. ]

Or is that a question that has yet to be answered with complete certainty? I'm sorry if it has been asked before, but I would like to know.

...If there's a small chance, even a one percent chance that I can reunite with the people most precious to me in this world, then... I think I would prefer to stay here and wait for them.

[ It hasn't happened for her yet, but there's still a little bit of hope in her. And, she's beginning to feel awkward about bringing this sort of subject up. ] ...I'm sorry again if I've said anything strange.