[Oh hey, it's that Old Initiative tech guy again. He's … not quite looking as grumpy as he usually does, but something's obviously on his mind. He takes a few deep breaths, and then speaks up.]

… Alright. I'm…

[Lowell seems to have a bit of an internal struggle here, trying to find the right words, maybe?]

I've come to terms with it. I'm looking for five to seven Transports who are hardware-savvy. I'm going to have a week long tutorial on how to use the Transporter, just in case…

You know.

Anyway, might take a week, might take less than that. I know there's a few self-proclaimed geniuses out there. So… here's your opportunity.

[And then with very little ceremony, Lowell shuts off the video feed.]

Um.

[The video feed kicks on at some ungodly hour during the night and finds Isaac- or, more accurately, the faint outline of Isaac. The world around him is dark, but for what it's worth, he seems to be outside. In the snow.

The first thing you'd probably notice is that he isn't dressed for it at all. Isaac is actually pretty much wearing a t-shirt, fabric pajama pants, and has no shoes or socks to speak of. He's drenched, shivering something awful, and seems to be rather in the middle of nowhere.]

I could use a little help. [His teeth chatter as he speaks. Not fun.] Is anyone awake? I just kind of... woke up here a few minutes ago. So, uh- a jacket or a way home would be nice.


[[ooc: Isaac's weapon is sort of in the process of leveling up and as a result, he's sleepwalkin'. Anyone is welcome to find him! c:]]

[The video begins with nothing but the sight of a clear, blue sky, framed on one edge with the rust-colored leaves of an oak tree in the fall - yes, leaves, autumn leaves.

Wherever Kaworu's tablet is resting, its camera is pointed upward at an angle, away from himself and the rest of his surroundings. After a few seconds, the soft rustle of leaves is broken by the sound of his calm, even voice.]

Hello, everyone. It's been a while. Are you staying warm down there?

[From the sound of his voice, he's smiling as he asks. But he says no more, and after another short pause, piano music begins to play.

It goes on for about five minutes, and when it's over, he speaks again.]

I'm going back to Earth tomorrow. Permanently, this time.

I haven't seen many of you in quite some time. I've been preoccupied, you could say. Please let me know if you have some time to spare for me.

[with that, the camera jitters and moves, and Kaworu's smiling face enters the frame.]

Thanks for listening.

( ⇉ additional private transmission to shinji ikari. )

((OOC: I will be posting an open log at some point this week. You're welcome to arrange to meet him here, or simply bump into him tomorrow! I would love to close out on all of the amazing CR Kaworu has had over the past year, no matter how old it may be, so please don't hesitate. You have all been awesome. ♥))

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

[a pause.]

( LOTS OF TALKING )

[ when the feed clicks on, marduk is in what appears to be a ruined building near the edge of town. there's snow on the floor and holes in the walls, but he's not wearing a single scrap of winter clothing. more importantly, he doesn't look especially pleased to be doing this. ]

Recently, one of the locals here went missing. Don't ask me what his name was, I'm not the one who gives a shit. I'm just here to solve the mystery.

He's missing because he's dead, and he's dead because I killed him.

[ he pauses here. it looks like it's for dramatic effect, but really he's just trying to figure out how to end the announcement. ]

Most of you would call that murder, wouldn't you? Can't remember if you all figured out what to do about that, but-- if you want retribution, you can come and get it.

[ good enough. the video ends there. ]

[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...]

[ it had been a just one night since oz's departure and alice had more or less kept quiet. after spending a night searching fruitlessly, she spent the rest of the dark hours sulking with (1) gilbert nightray until they eventually fall asleep, buried in the sheets like sad children who have lost the dearest thing they held at night.

in the morning alice wakes up and her first instinct is to cry, but the second is something more violent... and of course she goes with that instead.

THERE'S A LOUD BANG. something appears to have fallen and shattered, although it's hard to say when things are happening off-screen. and before anyone can attempt to understand what just happened, they get an earful from one angry looking young girl shouting into the tablet. she never did care for this thing, but at least she knows now that someone will be able to hear her. ]

THEY TOOK OZ AWAY! I WON'T FORGIVE THEM. [ her head's clear but it's hard to stop yelling when you're so upset. if someone could hear her, feel threatened by her,

help her

then she might actually have time to think and calm down. ] How dare they take him away without my permission? Don't they know its the master's job to take care of their servant? How am I suppose to do that when he's not here? Huh? SOMEONE GIVE HIM BACK! NOW! I'm waiting!

[ don't be fooled by her tough exterior, she's gonna burst into tears any minute now.

oh. there you go. the tears roll down. ]

This is all your fault, idiot! [ blames the ne..twork... ] Bring him back... useless! Useless....

[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.']

[Kili is pink cheeked and grinning, practically bursting with excitement as he greets the network.]

Fili, I found a forge!

It needs...um...a lot of help. [He turns the screen to the forge, which has clearly been abandoned for some time, half buried in snow and ice and burnt out rafters, before turning it back to himself.] But I've asked around and no one's claimed it. It's just been sitting here. Can't believe we didn't see it earlier!

And for everyone else -- this is going to be a bit of a project. Any help you could offer would be great. We'll give you a discount on your first purchase with us! [Yes, Kili did just wink. Clearly he's in a good mood.] Trust me, once you have seen dwarvish metalwork, you won't want anything else. Very high quality, and Fi and I have been doing this since we were old enough to work a bellows. The sooner we get this running, the sooner we can start making anything you need -- weapons, tools, jewelry, even.

[The video feed shakes, and it seems like Kili's done some kind of little dance of excitement.] Fi, get over here!

[ allumette's still on the moon base, looking a bit different to those who might know her regular dress. then again, if she's sewn something for you, you might know her like this very well. kneeling before her spinning wheel, she gives a little wave and smile to the camera. ]

Fellow transports, hello.

I've heard many a request for winter items as we return to Earth--as I am skilled in weaving and many other types of clothes-making, I offer my services to whomever should need it. We have many materials here. However, if we are short, I will have to ask that you find it.

I can be found on the moon base.

[ surly; ]

To be frank, a desert girl like myself could not survive well in winter. I would freeze to death even with warm clothes.

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.]

So how does death really work here? [It's a strange question to even be asking, but--]

I heard others died before. Here. Like dead dead. [Not that she's thinking about it, but the girl has predilections for. Well at least the reasons she has in the past aren't exactly here.]

Oh-- also anyone got any cigarettes for trade. I'd say I'd kill for some, but you know... [She wiggles her fingers before shutting the feed off.]

[He's so bored, he can't take it anymore. Asking for trouble, maybe, but there's all kinds of excitement he's missing with the new arrivals, and he's not used to missing out on it. He keeps the video feed off, unlike usual, because both his cell and he himself are a mess. His voice is only slightly hoarse, recovering from a first week in custody that was spent screaming.]

So what's the deal with all you new guys? Usually I do this in person but I'm, uh, a little tied up right now. Anyway, lemme hear it. Where you from? Whatcha usually get up to? How you feeling about being in this skanky shithole up on the moon?

Hope the rest of you guys didn't leave 'em starving.

[ 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!

Remember when I asked if anyone could cut hair? Well now that everyone has stopped being a little shit, I'd like to get my hair cut and dyed.

Anyone want to join? Bring booze.

[Lea's voice is quiet, strained. Anyone who knows him can tell there's something really wrong that he's trying not to let show--that's why this is audio only.]

So I have a question. Whenever we get back to earth and all... would, ah... would anyone be interested in making a memorial of some sort? I mean I know that the people who come and go here aren't necessarily dead, but. Well, enough of them don't come back that it kinda seems that way.

I just think it'd be kinda nice to have something to remember them by.

Memories are all some people have, after all.

['Sup fellow moon people. Here's a face you've never seen on the network before, though some of you have seen the kid around by now.

Stanley is a teenager, about 16, with blond hair hanging in his face because he hasn't had it cut since at least June. In spite of that, a bit of his startled eyes still show through. His voice catches a little, and he's out of breath. There's an unusual urgency to his tone, for those who are familiar with him.

And while he's kept his mouth shut through the mutiny, now he seems to have something to say. In spite of how insignificant the question seems when he poses it, there's a barely restrained edge of panic to his entire being. Something is most likely up here.]

I-uh. I'm looking for the lost and found. But it's not-it's not on the map. Little help?

(OoC: That recently announced world change came with a few significant other changes. Namely, to the former Exsiles. Including smuggled children. For those that knew about Peace this will be an easy puzzle to solve. She's gone, guys. Never existed at all, officially.)

[Sonya appears on the screen without her usual preambles or cheerful introductions. Her manner is very, very controlled. The casual Bronx vowels that occasionally creep into her speech are gone. The profanities are gone. Every once in a while, she glances down; this is a prepared statement.]

Earlier today, Jesse Pinkman snuck into one of the prisoner cells under false pretenses. He’d been friends with one of the mutineers before all of this happened, so he claimed to merely want to visit.

While he was in there, he mutilated this prisoner in spirit and soul. He ripped from her her ability, her inborn gift, to cast spells. He tore away from her something as vital to her as eyesight or touch might be for you. And did he did this to defend someone? To stop an attack or a threatened attack? No: he did it to punish her. To make her suffer. And then he said to her that this is how things are running now.

( fuzzy drama funny drama drama drama fuuuck (ps not an ic cut) )

[Lily's still nervous, even after discovering that she's free of that underground facility. Not only does she not know what happened to her fellow test subjects, but it's a big change, and there will still be fighting. Will she accidentally hurt someone? She hopes not. She flips on the video feed. There are two things worth noting about the young girl's features. The first is that her eyes are yellow. Perhaps the most notable, however, is the metal collar around her neck. It doesn't look like jewelry.]

I just have a question for everyone. What do you do to relax when you're scared or upset?

[She doesn't want to mention the extent of her problems, but she shouldn't lie either. So she just won't say anything if she's not comfortable talking about it, or she'll change the subject. That usually works for her.]

This place is very different than what I'm used to, so I'd really appreciate any suggestions. Oh! And I'm also looking for flowers. The place I lived in didn't have any, and I've always wanted to smell real flowers. Thank you for your time.

[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]

Ladies, gentlemen, a question: what do you look for in a significant other?

[he's grinning something fierce, like he's a host of a dating show or something. don't answer him, he's just going to use what you'll tell him against you when it suits him :c]

Looks, property, good with their hands, an excellent cook? Willing to die for you on missions? Takes a bath every week? I'm curious, this sort of thing isn't spoken about in my time!

[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!))

[ dean isn't looking particularly friendly today. no smirky smiles laced with suggestive amusement rest on his face. in fact, he looks beyond tired; sleepless nights are written all over his features, the hard planes of his face even harder than normal.

when shit hits the fan not once, but twice, you don't look your best. ]

Stay away from Castiel. You know, nerdy guy in a trench coat, blue tie… angel of the Lord. He's not himself, and he's dangerous.

If you see him, contact me immediately, okay? Name's Dean Winchester, for those who don't know. Lem'me be clear; don't approach him, just-- don't.

[ he pauses then, green eyes falling from the screen as he gathers his thoughts. ]

And for those who knew him, Sam Winchester is gone.

[ click. ]

[With the video set up nice and neatly so she's shown sitting properly at her desk, Seles doesn't waste any time getting to the point.]

For those of you more informed in the workings of this city, I have a question! Is there a form I can fill out to request the removal of a roommate?

I believe there's a point where so much time dealing with an issue is enough to file an official complaint. They'll do something about this, won't they? [They better...! She's just been thinking on this the past two weeks and wondering how to approach it, if her huffy expression doesn't share that enough.]

...That is all, so thank you in advanced.

[You've probably seen this kid running around for the last two weeks, shrieking excitedly when he notices you're a human being (or fish person, or troll, or whatever; he's pretty excitable). But it's only now he attacks the network, all smiles and cheer.]

Holy SCHMAO, you guys, I've never seen so many humans! This is amazing! Where I'm from-- well, my name is Finn, first off! Finn the Human, from the land of Ooo! I'm basically a knight there, it's pretty great. I fight evil and stuff with my brother! But I'm the last human being ever, and I've never seen any others before-- but here you all are! Which is awesome!  We should all get together and talk about human stuff. What do you eat? Do you like bacon pancakes? What about--

[Oh wait no he had a message here. Finn takes a breath and adds:]

Anyway, uh-- I know things are kind of bumslops right now, but, uh, you gotta just keep your chin up! Sometimes being a hero means nobody likes you very much, or they think you're wrong, or even making mistakes. But as long as you're trying to do the right thing, you're all right!

Oh, and-- if anybody needs lessons in being a hero, I'm totally free. I've got, like, a billion years experience in it.

[Shortly after Rin's post a video feed opens on the network, apparently being made from the same location she was in, since the camera doesn't show the person making the video, rather the camera is on Rin in the distance, who doesn't appear to be aware she's being watched.]

Hello? Ah, this thing on? Yeah, it is - good!

[A definite male voice, cheerful but sounding just that bit sly.]

I'm afraid ya' may have just seen my student tryin' to skive off of her lessons by startin' up a few conversations with most of you in the middle of a training session. She's a real lazy, ungrateful type, y'know? So try not to enable 'er by respondin'.

[There's a slight pause, before the voice sighs to itself lightheartedly.]

Kids these days, huh?

[Suddenly the camera feed rapidly closes in on Rin, though the video feed shuts off just before it gets her.]

[Good morning, Exsilium! Rin Asano is cold, wet, hungry and irate this rainy Monday morning. Read on to find out why!

In a voice of pure seethe:]

You know we have some absolutely crazy people running around here? Not on medicine or anything or kept track of, no, well just running around.

Well you know who the very worst of them is? His name’s Gin Ichimaru, he’s this snaky, venomous, pallid, scrawny guy with white hair, and he’s a public menace, I’m not even kidding.

He’s a public menace! [Restated for emphasis.] That’s why you should come down to the hold, right now, and you should come and find him and – OHHH MY GOD AHHH –

[The splashing of footsteps as Rin books it, heard only briefly before she mashes the “mute” button on her communicator.]

[The feed comes on to one of the sectioned-off areas of the temporary housing area, more specifically to a cot carefully made and covered with a plastic sheet. Atop the sheer is a collection of plants in various containers, mostly stereotypical pots made of plastic plastic or unglazed ceramic, though there's at least two or three deep cereal bowls for smaller plants and a paint bucket barely in frame. These are very clearly mostly tomato plants, from the small red shapes spotting them here and there.

Finally, a slight redhead enters the frame, fidgeting with her coat nervously.]

Um, hello! My name is Tsubomi Hanasaki--I'm new. It's nice to meet you all! I'm here to talk about plants!

[She lifts the closest pot with any reddening tomatoes, leaning closer to properly show it to the feed.] I've been growing some vegetables. Mostly tomatoes, and I'm waiting on some carrots. Anyway, after some trial and error, I think I've figured out how to grow tomatoes indoors, if anyone wants a plant! There are... a lot here... [She gestures to the pots on the cot.] They need a couple of lamps and some water, and all I ask in return is letting me look at it sometimes! You can keep all the tomatoes, and everything. So if you want to come to the Hold and pick one up, ask around for me! Or I can come to you! I have about twenty, but I'm planting new ones every day, and as soon as they've taken root I'd be happy to give them away. [The power of magic, to get these plants started!]

[She looks uncertain for a moment, and then takes a deep, visible breath.]

Thank you for your time!

[She bows, and goes to turn the video off, only for it to go tumbling from whatever she had it perched on with a rough clatter. Tsubomi's concerned expression fills the feed just before it turns off.]

[Action is open to other people in temp housing or anyone who wants to come by and pick up a plant!]

[The screen turns on to show a young man clad in a cape and suit. He gives a friendly smile.]

Good eve--

[A loud explosion comes from a neighboring room. The smile instantly fades away to a disgruntled look as he sighs.]

Let's try this again. Good evenin--

[Another explosion. He sets the tablet in his lap and sets one of his cheeks in his hand, his other drumming on the tablet in irritation.]

You know, it might have actually been quieter in the courtyard than it is here. [He sighs.] Might as well get to the point, since I can't seem to even get out the pleasantries. If anybody from the Vongola or allied families are here, please let me know. And if you could, get me out of this gymnasi--

[And then there's a really loud explosion. The room shakes a little.]

You know, I've half a mind to go and tell whoever is doing that that training is not the equivalent of trying to destroy the structure you're currently inside.

[Oh, wait. Did he talk about the Mafia over public network? Damnit. Bad habit from his late tutor. Oh well, not much to be done for it now.]

That aside-- I wouldn't suppose someone would be looking for a roommate, in case none of my friends are here? I can't say I'm much good at cooking, but I could help with other chores, at least. ... and paperwork, I guess, if you need someone to slap signatures all over for some reason. It wouldn't have to be a permanent arrangement, just until I'm able to afford my own place. Or until housing in the apartments opens up, I suppose.

... whoever was making explosions just now sure did get quiet, didn't they? [He looks thoughtfully toward the wall.] Hopefully they didn't blow themselves up. Bombers have a tendency to do that in my experience. [And then back at the tablet. He nods.] Thank you for your time. [And then he cuts the feed.]

[Filtered from Seles]

[A rare video feed from Kaneis comes on, partly because one of his roommates had to turn on the tablet. It becomes quickly apparently why- it seems his hands and locks of his hair are tangled up with strips of brightly colored leopard print duct tape. Someone attempted to do home repairs when they knew absolutely nothing about home repair. The background shows one giant hole in the wall about six inches in diameter, just to give you an idea. Allen is next to him, trying to get some of the duct tape off]

Okay okay- I'll ask! Just get me outta this stuff!

[He gives a huff and looks at the camera. He looks rather disgruntled]

Say, does anyone out there know where a person can get a couch? Ours kinda...got wrecked the other day and we can't fix it.

Oh and, stuff to seal up holes in the wall? That'd be good too.

Thanks in- [And then he YELLS "OW" as Allen his roommate pulls a piece out of his hair not so gently]

ALLEN! THAT WAS MY HAIR!

[Transmission end!]

[The feed turns on to see Joshua, casually leaning up against a wall, looking like he was deep in thought. He had a lot of information to read and process, after all. But still, he was still curious about some things that he couldn't simply read up on.]

Show of hands, Exsilium. I’m taking a little poll -- how long have you been here? [A beat, as he thinks.] And these disappearances from this world...how often--

[ breaking bothered voice interrupting the feed, and supposedly from some quickly rescinding distance given the steady increase in Offended™ volume - ] The hell-- What are you doing here?!

Neku? [ another voice, less bothered and more confused, chimes up behind him suddenly, wondering what he’s suddenly angry about. not that he ever needs a reason-- ] Who is--

[There was just a little bit of surprise on Joshua’s face as he looks up at Neku, but it’s only momentary, because he’s smirking in the next second.] The same reason that you two are here, I suppose. And why wouldn’t they want my help? You of all people know how useful I could be.

[Casually...not mentioning that he was talking to the network. Sorry Neku, he’s still an ass.]

Not that! I mean why are you helping them!? I have no freaking clue how this turned into our problem, but if it turns out it's 'cause you wanted to be here--

[ HE'S NOT.. as abhorrent about helping a whole town of people as he seems to be, but he's also under the impression he's only being cranky toward the asshole he thinks is at fault rn. ]

Neku, hold on!

[ now shiki’s jumping in again, because she knows this could go on for a while if she doesn’t. it’s not even that she thinks neku is right or wrong -- it’s just that this is kind of embarrassing.

not that she can blame him for being angry at joshua, but... ] The tablet... he was recording.

Oh, so I was. [Though Joshua doesn’t look too sorry about it, tbh. And there’s that trademark giggle of his that everyone pretty much hates.] In all the excitement, I must’ve forgotten.

[ ?! ] Wha-- Seriously!? Rrgh, shut it down!! [ fml 3kwhatever

the feed probably shifts to the lovely ghetto ceiling or whatever that blur is with a lot of thumping noises in the audio before abruptly cutting out. ]

((ooc: gray for Joshua, blue for Neku, and pink for Shiki!))

[HELLO EXSILIUM IT IS A WONDERFUL DAY. Absolute shame you can’t see it because the only thing visible on the screen is a close up of a tortoise’s butt slowly wiggling across the screen as Clyde plods along. You’re welcome. However, sound still works and you can clearly hear a British man (Sherlock) speaking.]

--don’t quite feel like drawing it out today.

[So, dear Exsilium, even though you can’t see it (and be thankful you can’t), a rather scantily clad lady of the night is straddling Sherlock with a riding crop clenched between her teeth since she’s using her hands to unhook the bra she’s wearing before tossing it aside just as the sound of someone else entering the room occurs.]

Sherlock are you -

[Unfortunately, it’s tossed aside just as the door opens and Joan enters the room. Also unfortunately for Joan, the bra smacks her right in the face.

Clearly this lady of the night has very good aim.

Cue the silence, ladies and gentlemen. Oh, and have some wiggling Clyde butt as well.]

...Really? Really?

Hello, Watson. Care to join us?

[There’s a considerably frosty silence that occurs until there’s sounds of someone picking up their clothes.]

I’ll come back next time, unless you feel like paying extra.

[The sound of heels clicking against the hardwood clatter past, but not before pausing, and there’s a partial image of a manicured hand plucking a very lacey bra that’s hanging from Joan’s crooked finger visible between the gaps the tortoise butt is leaving as he makes his way across the communicator. HOOKER OUT.]

I mean, really I shouldn’t be surprised anymore but that was not what I expected when you gave me a duplicate of your house key -

[There’s the sound of a chair being shifted as he shuffles back to where he’s got his lockpick so he can free himself.]

I’m sure you’ve noticed the people’s less than enthusiastic response to us here following that incident last month. I believe sex workers are the key to rebuilding positive relations.

I’m going to stop you right there because I am not having this conversation with you. In fact, I’m just going to leave.

[Whether or not this conversation is going to continue doesn’t matter as by this point, Clyde has made his journey over the screen and kicks the communicator to the ground. You can now see Joan standing in front of Sherlock while he sits handcuffed to a chair, shirtless. Both of them turn to look at the source of the noise and Joan shuffles over to check it out.]

Sherlock -- !

[There’s a look of horror on her face as she realises what just happened and then the feed cuts out.]

[ooc: red is Sherlock, blue is Joan and black is the hooker. Sherlock and Joan will both be replying to the posts, unless you’d just like a specific one! Just wait for Sherlock to pick his handcuffs.]