[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 )

[Hello network, you might know this one: small framed with long, dark hair, violet eyes, perpetually clueless expression, dressed in a soft blue sweater, hair pulled back with long bangs free. Mahdi's voice is airy and nervous.]

Hey, um! It's me, Mahdi. I'm really sorry to do this when everyone else is making really good posts about important things, or going through really difficult things, but I just have some stuff I need to say and I think doing this is better than like, dropping off a dozen notes to individual people's inboxes. I kept putting it off, but there's probably never gonna be a good time.

[Mahdi pauses for a long moment, fussing with long strands of hair in nimble fingertips, frowning. The angel takes a deep, nervous breath.]

The thing is... I'm not a boy or a girl, I'm just me, sort of neither and both. I guess if I really thought about it, I'd say I'm a little bit more of a girl than a boy, but I'm still in between. Where I'm from, that's not as uncommon as it seems to be here. It's also - [Mahdi clears hir throat] like, it's not a big deal, because it's just an ordinary part of life. If someone realizes one day that they are a girl when they were a boy before, or they were a girl and now they are androgynous, or whatever, it's just a part of life. Like it's not any more interesting than someone picking a new style of dressing, or a new hobby. If that person changes their name, everyone does their best to learn it. It's all about just accepting people for who they are, whoever they are.

I know it's different for a lot of people and cultures. Even though genders other than male and female exist in many human cultures, and have throughout history, it seems some cultures are just as invested in the idea that there are only two. And that there are rules about how those two kinds of people should behave. I don't know anything about cultures other than human ones, I mean, aside from mine, though. So. Um. [A shrug, and Mahdi glances off-screen awkwardly.]

I don't mean to inconvenience anyone, or make it awkward, since I know this stuff might be confusing for a lot of people, and others will be like "why is that even worth saying anything about". But, I just wanted my friends - and future friends! [smiling] - to understand me a little better. So, in conclusion: [Ze points to hirself] not a girl. Not a boy. Just me.

If anyone has any questions, I'll try to answer them as much as I can. I'm gonna take a quick walk to the observatory and if you want to talk to me in person, we can do it there!

[A bright, if a little forced, smile.]

Thanks everyone!

[The video ends.]

[TEXT ADDENDUM]

IN terms of pronouns I prefer 'hir' instead of 'him or her' and 'ze' instead of 'he' or 'she'. If that's too hard to remember, just using my name or 'they and their' is acceptable. Please and thank you!


[OOC: just let me know if you'd like to do an action thread here or if I should open a log post!]

[ He doesn't actually really like text; he's not great with technology and there's bound to be some spelling/grammar errors, but right now he trusts typing more than his ability to keep a professional tone. So be it. ]

Hi.

First things first this isnt going to be a lecture. Tensions are high enough and Ive barely been here long enough to have the whole history down yet. (Working on it) Besides, you've already herd plenty of it. So this isnt about that.

[ Not overtly, anyway. He's trying to do the "subtlety" thing. He's not taking notes or anything. ]

I'm Doug by the way. Mostly I'm trying to figure everything out still, you know. That sort of thing. I'm a curious and openminded sort of person wich is why I have some questions:

1. Whats your favorite thing about being here?
2. And least favorite thing?
3. If you had to make up 1 rule what would it be?
4. Why's the coffee so bad & Are there vending machines (where)?

Thank you thats all.

[ He looks tired and slightly less chipper than usual, but that's basically the theme of the week, so no surprises there. Right to business, then! ]

Adrasteius is gone, which means I'll be taking over the Transport Clinic — which I guess can just be shortened to the Clinic, now. [ sigh. :c ] We've got people organizing supply runs, which is great, but we're always open to have a few more volunteered hands around. No training or previous experience required, promise, just let me know if you're interested.

Anyway, I hope everyone caught AI's announcement, about the revival technology getting left behind. Consider this a friendly reminder to try to avoid dying, alright? If there are any accidents, on missions or otherwise, I have a spell to resurrect the recently dead. Not that that means you should start getting reckless, because my supplies for it are limited. If anyone else has a similar ability, now would be a really, really good time to speak up about it.

[ He pauses here, starts to add a smile, and... rubs his hands over his face instead. He mumbles something that sort of sounds like don't even have a medical wing yet, and ends the feed. ]

[Mahdi is wearing his hair down, a rarity for him. He's dressed in a loose-fitting shirt, nothing too impressive, sitting in his room and smiling.]

I've learned a lot since I arrived here a year ago. Most of all, I learned that people are more than just a sum of their good and bad deeds, People are much more complicated than I ever understood at first. So I want to thank everyone for being patient with me - or uh, not, as the case may be - because it's been a chance for me to learn. Thanks.

Have you learned anything really surprising while you've been here? I'd like to know.

...On the note of anniversaries, um, I'd like to go out dancing? Somewhere with really upbeat electronic music, that's my favorite. Sort of as a personal celebration for making it this far. Maybe I'll have a dinner or something too, if I can think of something nice to make. Would anyone like to come with me? Dancing, not to dinner. Dinner's still in planning stages. I'll need a buddy, or um, a bodyguard, because I'm so small. It's not good for me to go crowded places on my own. I'd feel more comfortable if I had someone big and tough by my side! Or just tough. Pretty much anyone's tougher than me.

[As if to prove him right, a small black kitten crawls up his arm and begins chewing on his hair.]

Truffle! How many times have I told you, I'm not your mama! You don't need to groom me!

_{( 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?

Do you know, I've been here for a year now. Oh, how the time flies, or whatever other cliches you might like! But then with all of this time flying, I'll get straight to business and stop wasting it.

I'd like to suggest a celebration. I personally will be celebrating a year here, but I'm certain we can find a good handful of other causes, if you're in need of one to allow yourself a little food, drink, and dancing!

Ah, let's see… we might celebrate that the Initiative has finally come to its senses and realized the value of a therapeutic trip to the beach. Yes? Lovely, that one. I'm sorry to any of our new arrivals who've missed it! Or if you're not a fan, for some reason, of sun, water, and half-naked people, then maybe we might celebrate a favorite holiday from home. Calendars between here and our collective homes hardly match up, so it shouldn't be any trouble at all if it isn't the right time of year for it. Or if you're of a grimmer persuasion, perhaps we might simply celebrate the fact that, despite the United Earth's occasional brutal efforts, most of us are still alive.

So then. What do you think? Shall it have a theme? I've already done a masquerade in Versailles, it would be unsightly to do a repeat performance. I don't suppose there are any suggestions? Food requests may be delivered to Adrasteius, who I'm quite certain won't mind at all managing the banquet again. He's very agreeable like that.

[He thought he could handle this situation on his own, somehow. He thought he would sort it out eventually, that it wouldn't matter to anyone but him -- these were creatures designed for his torment, meant to make him suffer. Their harsh murmurs tear at him more deeply and specifically than anyone else; unlike the others, he feels their burning claws slice into his back, their eyes boring into him. The demons curl around his ankles like unwanted cats; they settle in the chinks of his armor and hiss, their whispers as corrosive as acid. They don't tell him anything he hasn't heard before, which is partly why he's taken so long to say anything. He feels sure that the problem was contained--confined, even, to Koltira alone.

But recent posts on the network suggest that this is not the case.

Koltira stands in the center of his lake, on his platform of ice. Byfrost is stuck into the platform beside him, its blade completely invisible beneath the thick, writhing mass of miasma that envelops it.]

I apologize. If you have heard cruel whispers recently, or seen the shadows emerge from the dark and give chase, then I am to blame. They are demons meant for me, released by the evolution of my runeblade.

[He pauses a moment before continuing. His usually inscrutable expression is pained: his eyes are half-closed, his lips are thin, and his long eyebrows are drawn together in frustration. He hates that he has to do this, but there's no other choice.]

I cannot defeat them. They are reaching out from their own plane of existence, a realm of shadows.

[Another pause. He's getting there. It's happening.]

I ... I am powerless to enter this place. But if any of you are willing, I can send you to it. You could clear them away.

[His fingers close into a clenched fist over his chest. He exhales.]

Please.

[Mahdi is once again in the kitchen, wearing his red apron and looking particularly flour-dusted and frazzled. He seems slightly wobbly - probably hasn't slept.]

Hey everyone! I made a bunch cookies and I'm just about to drop them to the clinic.

[He sweeps the tablet over to look at each plate of cookies as he describes them:]

Lemon shortbread will give you calm, safe feelings.

Chocolate espresso shortbread will make you feel more cheerful and energized - plus there's coffee in it! [tiny cheer:] Yay coffee!

Um, these are semi-magical cookies, I guess you could say. The effects will vary by person but I'd say... hmmm, the effects last a few hours, half a day at most.

If anyone else is feeling bad or weird, this should help. I've made several dozen, so if you're near the clinic please stop by and take some. Also, um, be careful with your soul. It's actually pretty important. If someone tries to talk you into giving it up, don't listen to them. Just sayin'.

[Mahdi turns the tablet back around to record himself, and smiles brightly.]

That's all!

[But the look fades into something more troubled and he seems to be looking at something in the distance. He absently fiddles with a wisp of his hair, pushing it into his mouth briefly as he thinks.] Forgetting something... oh!

Ashraf, I need to talk to you when you have a sec. If you're at the clinic I'll just stop in.

[Someone still doesn't know how privacy filters work.]


[OOC: Mahdi is responding to the shadow demons. His cookies could be a potential way to avoid the feelings of negativity they bring.]

I don't suppose there are many hobbits here. Or any for that matter.

[ He still hates this tab… let thing; technology, what… is that? Either way, he's seated somewhere that's quaint and small and unassuming – his bedroom perhaps? - and there, he's staring down at the tiny camera, fingers fiddling at the hard backing of the device. ]

We're hardly a thing to notice, unless you're looking down, far down, but there isn't much sense in watching one's feet while going. Quite a few of you know that well, hm? [ He hasn't been bumped into as much lately, but that first day in the courtyard… – You guys know who you are.

Clears his throat now, lips pursing, then twisting, then flattening through a shuffle of expressions that border on excessive. At least he's seated and his hands are busy rapping, otherwise he'd have straightened his neck scarf, vest and jacket twice as of now. ] I meant to ask… – I believe a mistake's been made with my being brought here, for hobbits are not well-suited for… whatever business this is. We know gardening and eating and smoking the finest… – [ A pause. Right. The topic is making a wide arching turn to the left and he really ought to bring it back. So. Ahem. ] … But I've noticed there's a, ah, variety of… types here. I've never been quite as well informed when following the relations of you bigger folk, so…………… how is everyone making along? Are – ah, I suppose it would be we – … are we all amongst agreeable company?

[ aka do dwarves hate elves or elves hate men or men hate everyone here too? Because being bffs and singing kumbaya in horrid surroundings sounds so much better. ]

[This is the breathless voice of someone in panic.]

Does anyone know how to get chewing gum out of hair?! It's kind of an emergency...!!

Please help me. I don't want to cut it!

[ action for roommates / anyone who wants to stop by room 905 ]
[Bolin has been holed up in his room, recovering from his injuries and working on this little stunt for Pabu. Pop by for a visit?]

[ video ]
[For anyone who's seen Bolin since he fell victim to Adam's rampage on the 21st, the teenager is looking...better. Not great, but no longer at death's door. He's doing his best impression of chipper.]

Wow, yeah, so that whole thing was kind of......terrible. Talk about your terrible awful no good very bad day. [The fake cheer fades, just a bit.] I'm really sorry, Elmer. And anyone else whose world that was. And....just...everybody.

SO I FIGURE WE COULD ALL USE A LITTLE CHEERING UP. [Smile for long enough and the smile becomes real, right? That's how Bolin's gotten through life.] Which is why I present to you the one, the only, the AMAZING Pabu --

( cut for sfw images )

[Mahdi addresses the screen dressed in a red apron with his name embroidered on one side: a perhaps-obviously handmade gift from a friend. The apron and his face and bare arms are smudged with flour and a few streaks of chocolate.]

Um, does anyone want cookies? I made cookies.

[Around this time you may notice that pretty much every inch of the kitchen counter is covered with foil-wrapped paper plates.]

I made a few dozen.

And a pie. Maybe two pies.

Baking is how I vent stress sometimes, I guess, um...

I guarantee these cookies will make everyone feel a bit better! So let me know if you'd like a plate, I can drop it off with you. I'll probably be leaving some at the clinic too.


[OOC: Mahdi's cookies will, miraculously, give one a lingering sense of warmth and affection for a short time, due to his powers of emotional projection.]

That's it?!

[His voice bursts out, practically yelling, angry to cover any sadness or shame that might be there. He's bubbling over, still restless from the failed battle for Elmer's world. And anger needs direction, so he's throwing it outward.]

We're just going to leave that world like that?! Destroyed and broken and desecrated?! We have to go back! Bring all the people here! We can save them, or go back in time and stop it all from happening, or something! Why are we just sitting here?!

I hope that everyone will make the best of their new housing arrangements. The meeting of two personalities is like the mixing of chemicals: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.

[soft piano music begins.]

Of course, "home" is not a place, but people. Seeing the face of a loved one brings you home. Likewise, the presence of an enemy brings you back to the conflict you have with him, regardless of your physical location.

[he pauses, letting the piano fill in the empty, unstated spaces around his words.]

...No matter who else may come, I'm fortunate to have that good part of my home here with me.

This is...the longest I've ever really been away from home.

[He sounds depressed about it, but then he hurriedly adds; ] And I'll be fine, I just -

[Lapsing back.]

I just...miss home.

[A pause, like maybe he shouldn't even say what he was planning to.]

...so...is there anything that - anyone can suggest I do...or...something?

[For once, Koltira isn't using the video function. Instead, there's just his voice, echoing and soft and toneless.]

Ashraf Salib has returned home.

[There's a stretch of silence. He isn't the only one in recent memory--the boy he met, Jack Frost, and Ashraf's friend, the monk--they're gone, too. Koltira hadn't known them nearly as long or as well as Ashraf, but he hadn't missed their disappearances, either.

Still, finding Ashraf gone was a punch to the gut. Despite their rocky first meeting, Ashraf eventually became one of the few people to fully and unconditionally accept Koltira for who--and what--he was. The priest's devotion to his beliefs, his essential goodness, his willingness to learn, his warmth ... these traits were uniquely his own, of course, but they also reminded Koltira of someone else he knew and cared for. Liadrin. A woman just as perfect in her faith as Ashraf, and just as determined to see the good rather than the bad.

She was gone from him, too, though, and had been for a long time.]

I suppose I should be happy for him.

[Another period of silence, and then the feed ends.]

[ in a rare turn of events, you get one dean winchester on the network today. for those who know him, he's looking more thoughtful than usual-- though there's still something close to a smirk on his face. ]

If there's one thing the Initiative's pretty good at, it's gettin' a bunch of people here. I mean, our numbers have quadrupled or something since I got here, and sure there've been some ups and downs in our dandy population, but it's still peaking. [ he has a point with this, bear with him… ]

So that makes me wonder, how many of you weren't yanked straight from your beds back home? Meanin', you were in an entirely different world before Exsilium decided it was its turn? I know there were some of you 'round before, but what about from the new bunch? Or anyone who's left.

Also, if you've ever taken an otherworld-ly tour and gone home after, that counts as well.

So let's hear it! All you aliens and mutants or whatever gotta have a few things to tell, right?

[ because in the movies it's you guys who get to do that kinda stuff. or something. but have a smile if that'll hopefully help you with the whole show and tell thing. ]


( filtered to sam and cas  )

( backdated to around april 2nd )

... There we are. I do believe it's-- ah, it is working.

[ The feed snaps to a young woman bedecked in fine blue armor and clothes, holding the tablet at arm's length. Someone's finally gotten to learn how to use the tablet better, it seems. She clears her throat, and stands a little straighter before resting her free hand on the hilt of a sword. ]

Forgive the impromptu greeting, but it is a matter I must address: if anyone has heard word of a man called Chrom, or his Shepherds appearing in this wave of, ah, "newcomers," please inform me with all haste. I would not be able to offer much in gratitude at this point in time, but rest assured I will repay that debt.

[ Pause. It looks like she's gonna end it there, but feels that just might not be enough. And then: ]

Right, my name is Lucina. I am also offering, if anyone is willing or interested, a training session come this Thursday. I believe it would do some of us good to relieve some tension.

[ Have a nod before she stiffly yet abruptly cuts the feed. Hope she did this right? ]

[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.

[Saori is once again up on the rooftop while she's making the post. ]

I've been here for a while, but I couldn't help notice this just recently. This place doesn't really have a good tea house. Before I arrived here, I ran one such establishment and I would love to run another one. Still, I can' t do this all by myself. I'm curious if there's anyone  who would be interested in this idea. I realize the selection would be limited due to our current situation, but it's better than nothing. 

[private filtered to Margulis]
Well, I got a lot of time on my hands. I know you're still up for that sparring match so name your time and I'll be there.

Hey everyone!

[Someone has given Mahdi a purple balloon. It keeps bobbing when he gesticulates excitedly, because it's tied to his wrist. From the looks of it, he's been partying hard. Receiving sweets and presents. Generally enjoying the air of festivity around the city. This is the kind of thing he lives for, and he's spent a majority of the festival simply people-watching.]

I really love the timing of this festival! It's like everyone's celebrating my birthday, they're even giving me gifts. Complete strangers, how cool is that? And I heard there's fireworks.

Who's going to watch them with me?

[ Here's an unusually solemn new face. Ashraf looks a little shorter, a little more gangly, and with less wear and tear. He's traded out his swank priest robes for a nice tan dress-looking ensamble, too. After some initial juggling he stares straight into the camera, takes a breath, and speaks very carefully. ]

I understand that… some of you will recognize me. To those that don't, or have forgotten me, my name is Ashraf Salib, an acolyte. [ A pause, and there's a rustle of paper as he glances down at something in his hands. A note? ] …That is to say, I am a healer. Please make use of that, if you need it.

I've been instructed to tell this network that any children that are unsure of where to go or what to do may come to the clinic for care. There are a lot of people who are currently their wrong ages, I think? Well — you will find safe haven at the clinic.

[ YES HE DID IT, HE WAS PROFESSIONAL AND EVERYTHING. He looks a little nervously relieved as he hurries to kill the feed again.

Then a few minutes later (it takes him a while to figure this thing out ok), some ( private messages! )

[Koltira just doesn't know what happened. One minute he was sitting down, taking a break, peeling an apple--and then, suddenly, abruptly, he was here. He had not even heard someone mutter a spell, though he could see Merriel practicing on the lawns just beyond the temple's terrace. Perhaps something had gone astray. Something had definitely gone awry.

He's in some kind of woods, that much is clear, but he has no sense of them as he does in Quel'thalas. The trees feel foreign, damaged, sick. The dark sky roils with clouds, and the wind is a sharp, cold bite on his neck. He takes a few steps in one direction, then a few in another, and then he finally notices the other Koltira's tablet--blinking and murmuring on the ground. Koltira picks it up, presses some buttons.

The video eventually clicks on. The face it shows the network is familiar, but still markedly different than what anyone might remember of Koltira Deathweaver. His skin is healthy, sanguine tone; fair and free of cracks. An easy smile (albeit somewhat bemused) marks his handsome features, and while his eyes are still blue, they lack the cold fire of undeath. This is the blue of summer morning, warm and inviting.

His armor is something else, too. The video shows part of it--it's polished plate, pale blue and worked with ornate gold filigree. He has a broadsword strapped to his back, and the jeweled hilt mimics a stylized set of phoenix wings. A far cry from the dreadplate, from the ominous Byfrost.

When he speaks, his voice is friendly and smooth, lacking any of the guttural scratch it suffered from in undeath. Because, of course, this is Koltira before all of that.]

I have to say, this is the strangest scrying device I've ever seen. If it even is that; I suppose I could very well be talking to myself. But it does seem like something is transmitting.

[he shrugs. Well, anyway.]

If anyone can hear me on this, could you let me know? My name is Koltira, by the way. I'm usually guarding the temple An'owyn, but I think my friend Merriel may have tried a teleportation spell on me and gotten it a bit wrong.

[He beams, winningly.]

I'm sure it will all sort itself out eventually! But, in the meantime, I need to find my way out of these dreadful woods. Any help would be most appreciated.

[ooc: PRETEND HIS EYES ARE BLUE in these icons ...

ALSO LIZ TOLD ME TO POST THIS. SO I DID.]

[Good morning, transports! Mahdi is still in his matched pajamas in lavender flannel, printed with a design of bright blue and purple owls. A glimpse of silver jewelry can be seen beneath the pajamas' unruly folds. His long, dark hair is loose and bed-tangled, a rare glimpse of it not pulled back. He looks a bit nervous and confused, and points to an adorable mini snowman on his nightstand.]

Um, someone was in my room?

Maybe it was Santa? I'm a little bit fuzzy on the Santa thing. I'm not sure I've been good enough to warrant a visit from such a big celebrity.

Anyway, it's a really cute snowperson. I think I'll name hir Snowball.

So thanks, I guess.

[Mahdi sucks in a deep breath. He doesn't mean to be rude...] But please don't come in my room when I'm sleeping, okay?!

[Well he’s put off fiddling with this tablet thing for long enough... time to figure this all out. He goes through the tutorial... twice... but still ends up getting onto the network before he means to, so... this starts with some shuffling around, retreating footsteps and eventually an oddly accented voice coming from a little ways away: ]

I'm... Dammit. [Then the footsteps quickly returning and the sound of the tablet being picked up and moved around, voice slightly surprised: ] You're going? Don't do th--

[The sound goes dead as he accidentally flips it first to text... before finally he appears on screen, blinking, eye flickering over to note that the tablet's still on and still recording. Takes a quick breath to collect his thoughts again, grabbing the cigarette hanging at the edge of his lip just before it falls]

Uh... [...right] So'm I understanding right that not all of you have military training? Or even know how to fight? [...] Can I ask who's idea that one was... [Cause it's a bad one 8'| Pauses a moment to light his cigarette with a match, taking a long pull on it and holding it out for the camera] Also uh, if anyone could point me towards more of these, I'd appreciate it, you know?