[ 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....

[Now here is someone who's been absent throughout the mutiny mess, if the confused look on her face that appears briefly is of any indication. Gently combing through her wavy hair with a free hand, manicured fingers wiggling in and out, Sheryl lets out a soft sigh as she purses her lips to frown deeply.]

Well, well, well... if what I'm getting from hearsay is all true, then I'm so relieved to miss the disaster completely!

[She parts her mouth like she's about to say more. Angry rants at the people involved, massive scolding for dragging the rest of the Transports into their troubles and causing destruction, nicely-worded yet sharp insults at their direction. Instead, she slowly pushes the momentary look of anger aside, gaining her composure while she rubs her cheek and sits up straight, blue eyes locked on to anyone viewing this feed. Sheryl appears calm now, but she's nowhere near her boisterous self, not after learning what happened to Jesse (or what he did).

Still, she manages to sound happy enough. Only a little.]

Anyway, there's something I've been very curious about and I'm hoping to hear excellent answers from you. Now be good people and lend me your ears, all right? It'll only be for a moment.

[A faint smile morphs on her lips, but it lasts for a split second before she frowns, looking thoughtful. Cue the long pause.]

Have you ever wondered if you feel any differently after growing up in this war for so long? I'm not talking about emotions alone, but if you've changed completely after dealing with the Initiative, the UE, that irritating AI, these missions... everything. I've been here for almost a year now, and there were so many experiences I'd never thought I could possess. I wonder, does this mean I should feel older because of it? There's something to be said about war causing people to grow up so fast, after all...

[Like joining forces with a resistance to fight another country, using her own songs to drive the enemy soldiers literally down to their knees. The way she speaks contains genuine ruefulness to her tone, but it's not too long before she smiles once more.]

As of today, I'm officially eighteen, and yet I still feel like I'm seventeen.

[ First the Captain, Hubert, and now Cheria... ]

Has... anyone seen Cheria?

[ The reluctance can be heard in her voice. Sophie might be already accepting that one of her dearest friends left. If she were still her, she would know. Even if she were blind, she could easily take notice a person's presence by the sound of their footsteps, scent... and while wandering around the moon base, she couldn't pick up Cheria's presence anywhere.

But just in case, she wants to double check. ]

She ran a relief organization here and was a part of one back home too. She has very pretty pink hair and I usually see her put ribbons in them. She's always so friendly and caring. And she would always look out for me. She's like a mother to me.

[ More like she is your mother now, Sophie! There's a faint smile while she fondly talks about her. She has to keep herself from going on and on about her. ]

I think... she might have left... but can everyone keep an eye out for her, just in case? Thank you.

[ It goes by quickly, but her smile falters just seconds before she ends the video feed. ]

I've been doing some thinking, and I've realized I've taken a lot of photographs while I'm here. I'd like to organize them in some kind of scrapbook but I'm not really sure how to get started. After all, I'd hate for all these pictures to sit here and collect dust, so I might as well use them for something, right? [She moves the video to show the photographs that are scattered all over the floor of her room. It looks like she's making an attempt to organize them. She smiles sheepishly.] As you can see, I've got a lot of them to go through yet! So if anyone could help, I'd be really grateful.

[She pauses a moment.]

That reminds me, I'm running low on film for my camera. Does anyone know where I could find some more?

[The answer is probably missions. She doesn't realize the answer is probably missions.]

[Accidental Audio from a day or two ago wow how'd Pid screw up posting THIS?!]

( Probably very creatively... )

[Non-accidental Text, posted to the network a few seconds later]

Greetings, transports of Exsilium!

I, Pidonus Marasia, can finally bring my latest scheme-of-sorts to fruition! So come on in to the Marasia Lounge!

( For more information, check the rest of this post! )

[Text]

Good evening, fellow Transports.

Near the residence domes, anyone who reads this post unless I forgot someone will see a shimmering section of wall. That's the entrance to a kind of... Well I guess you'd call it a speakeasy I've assembled using a magic item I have.

I'm not really open yet, but I'll let people in so that they can be in an area with actual lights during the outage. Just don't try to sneak into the back rooms or anything.

That said, the real purpose here is more of a Help Wanted situation. I need wait staff, barkeeps, and a cleaner or two. Inquire within, of course - the goal's to create a small place of at least a little happiness for ourselves, so... Well, yeah.

Those I've already talked to, if you could please drop by as well, that'd be nice. There's a few more plans to consider, I think.

[Action]

[And the shimmering gate is, indeed, open.

The room within is rather minimalistic, at least for now. The bar and tables look nice, at least, and there's a goodly amount of seating around. Across from the entrance and coat check (currently unstaffed), there's a bar, a Succubus wearing her usual outfit, and a sign saying "HELP WANTED!"

You could kibitz with Pidonus... Or ignore her and go talk with someone else who's chosen a bright room over a building stuck on just life support.]

Um. So does anyone have experience writing scripts? Or an interest in theater? Because I think I could use a few pointers...

[There's a slight pause before Asbel clarifies, and a muffled thump that might be a book closing.]

It's for the upcoming talent competition. The one at the end of the month? Some of us were thinking about putting a short play together for it.

( [Action: Hold Training Area | Also Open] )

[OOC Note: CR, if they wish, are welcome to assume that Asbel has already mentioned the talent competition to them and proposed the idea of putting together a group performance of some kind.]

[Text, Open]

What is a bard, to you in your world?

This is something that's worried me for a little while now. I've been thinking about it in my own world and circumstances, and... I still don't have an answer. Which worries me.

I want other's thoughts, that I might better understand what I think I am.

[Action, Around the town]

*At various bars, streets, and other areas, Pidonus can be found, lute in hand, playing a melody a few may have heard from the distance.

Someone here must have taught her this piece, at some point, for it's in English. And even the locals are stopping frequently to it's not-quite-rhythmic melodies and lyrics speaking of a world more like her own than where she was now.

More unusually, even for those who have heard Pidonus play before, this time, she is actively singing.

Perhaps you would care to join her?*

[ The feed turns on with Lucy sitting on the couch at her apartment, looking more cheerful. Her right arm is out of the sling, and she's even flexing it a little. ]

A while ago I was injured pretty badly from some weird ..person creature back. It was during the beach mission. I know a couple of you were concerned, so I thought I'd let you know this way - I've been given a clean bill of health. See? [ She flexes her arm again, moving it around. ]

It's a little stiff right now, but it's getting better. A lot better from ... from - [ She trails off at a bit of a racket outside, and gets to her feet, taking her device with her. And look, outside is Juvia's own stalker, Tank! Lucy doesn't appreciate his presence there. ]
( I apologize for everything this point on. )

[Nanami's sunburn has mostly healed and peeled away by now, but she still shows signs of having been out in way too much sun for way too long. For once she's speaking very politely, aware of both of the subject matter and the adults who might be watching.]

It's my birthday on the 8th.

[If the potential selfishness is broadcasting her birthday for the entire network has dawned on her at all, she doesn't show any signs of recognizing it. But, for a moment, her expression becomes closed off and drawn.]

I already had a birthday, technically - on a mission. It was a long time ago, but only a few weeks here. But we all know that doesn't count!

[She lifts up again, pointing her index finger at the camera.]

There's no way I'll let this opportunity go by! This is the most important event in my life! I can't possibly let it pass without the appreciation it deserves! That's where some of you come in!

You should all be planning to attend!

[Attend what? Attend where? She's doesn't...know. Details.]

More to follow!

[Okay, so things have been much better so far in July than last month. But Rise still looks a bit depressed as she sets up her tablet's camera and sits on the edge of her bed.

... She just sits there for a few seconds before letting out a long sigh.]

I'm worried about my roommate. She was sent on a mission a few days ago, and... with everything that's happened lately...

[She trails off and glances to the side, at a small pink plush fox on her bed. She got Nanami one, too... not the same kind, but another plush animal. A yellow one, even. She thought it might cheer her up a little bit.

Really, it's not just that she's worried. She's also kind of lonely without her in the apartment. But Nanami seemed so upset about the mission... it's hard for Rise not to be afraid something terrible might happen to her.]

Does anyone out there know Nanami Kiryuu? Did she mention how long she's supposed to be gone?

... I just hope she's okay...

[The video is a little shaky when it first comes on before it's finally moved to display the user's face.]

Is it working...?

Um- hello! My name is Cheria Barnes, and I've been here for a few months now. I'd meant to do this sooner, but with everything that's happened... Well, it seems like as best a time as any now.

Back home on Ephinea I lead a relief organization to help with the aftereffects of war. We ran food drives, helped with building repairs, gave first aid-- pretty much anything people needed of us that we could help with, you know?

So... I was thinking that I could start something like that up here too. For people that can't fight but still want to help. I thought it would probably be a good way to get the people here to trust us again too... Anyway, if you'd be interested, please let me know!

Thank you.

[She bows, but it's a little lost in the view of the tablet.]

Um-- how did he say to turn it off again? [The feed is still live for a few minutes before she finally manages to turn it off.]

[ After finally being able to return to her own apartment and clean herself up, Anne tentatively begins to explore the outside more, now that the worst seems to be over. She's seeking out where the bombs dropped, partially out of morbid curiosity and partially out of a desire to help. She can't just stay at home.

It's nice to walk and talk, and these tablets are handy, so she attempts to use it properly for the first time, flipping on the video to address people at large. This face greets you, Exsilium, and it looks just as happy as in the picture! Same dress, even. She might get an unpleasant reaction from some natives soon because of it... ]

I can still scarcely believe what I have been told, and what I have seen with mine own eyes. This was once my home, but how can I call it so now when I look about and see nothing but disease, horror, and strangers who either suffer or condemn. My heart breaks, and I know not how to piece it back together in this wake.

There must be a sane and like-minded soul here who is willing to make sense to me. My name is Anne Boleyn, and I am most grateful for any assistance provided in this hour of need, and for suggestions on how I may assist. For your time and your consideration, you have my humbled thanks, and I continue to pray to Almighty God to bless you, and those most in need of His love and guidance in this dire time.

[ She leans back, lips twisting a moment in consideration, before continuing more softly. Anne isn't sure how to contact people privately using this. ]

And if I could hear word of Mister Clovis and the Lady Daenerys, I would breathe a sigh of great relief.

[Nanami's fever has spiked worse than anything. She sounds a little woozy.

She breathes in and rattles, then coughs.]

Listen. I've been thinking.

The people who disappear...

... How do we know they're not going to able to find them and follow them?

What's the difference? [Rattle.] No matter how you leave, what's stopping them from figuring out how to get to you?

[A long pause.]

Don't say anything about the hospital.

I know, already.

[As the feed powers on, a woman can be see watching the device. Once it becomes apparent that it's working as it should, a smile crosses her face. How nice that technology here works so smoothly!]

Ah, it seems this device operates quite easily. Très bien!

[Now that this is working, onto more important matters. Mitsuru's face becomes more serious, though still retaining a certain calmness about it.]

Greetings to those of you on the receiving end of this transmission. My name is Mitsuru Kirijo. As you may have gathered, I've only recently arrived in Exsilium.

[A pause comes from her end. The seriousness shifts into discomfort, accompanied with a small frown.]

I must admit, the bleakness of this city is something I am unaccustomed to. The rain when combined with the very atmosphere of the city is almost... suffocating. Are these conditions merely the result of war or are there other influences involved?

[Like plain and simple poverty? Being a rich kid makes you almost oblivious to the fact that not everyone lives the same life style as you do. The seriousness then quickly returns full force.]

On the topic of this war, is there documentation available of all the major battles, missions and other pertinent occurrences? Diving headfirst into an alliance with the Initiative while lacking valuable information might only be deemed foolish.

[Oh! That reminds her of one more foolish thing, namely using a weapon without knowing how it works!]

Ah, one final matter. When I had picked up this lipstick, I had not realized it would come to serve as a weapon. How does one go about using lipstick as a combat device? [She then speaks softer, as though mumbling to herself.] Throwing it would be most obvious but highly impractical, only permitting for a single shot...

[She contemplates the matter of the odd weapon and its uses a moment longer before giving up for now. All attention turns back to the tablet.]

Anyone who might answer any of the above inquires has my deepest gratitude. Thank you.

[ The video feed switches on to show a large number of stuffed animals lined up neatly across Sophie's bed. A stuffed rabbit sits on top of the pillow, further away from the rest. Those who were around during for Separation Awareness Day in February may recognize that these plushies came from the festival in February. Sophie can't be seen on screen, but she can be heard speaking. There might even be a quick glimpse of her long pigtails swaying around. ]

When my best friend Lara was sick, she couldn't get out of bed. I didn't want her to feel lonely when I left her house, so I brought her lots and lots of dolls. That way, she'd never feel lonely again. It made her really happy.

I was thinking... since I have lots of dolls left over from the festival a few months ago, I want to give them away to people who need the company or something to cheer them up.

Kaneis already took the dragon, Allen has the chicken, and I have the rabbit. Hmm. Kaneis named his Flarey, I think. [ ...Or was it Flamey? ] Allen and I named our dolls in memory of Tiger Festival. [ Their pet rabbit, Tiger Festival. Or more like only Sophie herself decided on that name. ]

So, if anyone wants one, come to Unit 103. If you can't come, let me know. I'll bring the dolls to you.

[ And finally, Sophie shows herself on screen, waving goodbye and ends the feed. ]

[Rise's been here for nearly three months now, and has yet to post anything on the network. It's just... so hard to keep herself perky and happy like she's used to being in public appearances.

But today, that doesn't seem to matter. Sure, she has some friends here, but she feels so alone sometimes... and tomorrow is...

... Well, whatever. Rise looks into the camera and manages a smile.]

Hey, everyone!

[Wow, this is awkward after everything that's happened.]

... Sorry I never introduced myself. I've been here since March, but... it's just been so crazy.

[Her smile drops completely as she speaks. How can she keep smiling when she's thinking about that disaster with that Elmer person's world...?]

... I guess I just... wanted to let everyone know I was here. All the "transports", I mean. All we really have is each other in this place, y'know?

[This was a bad idea. Horrible timing. But she goes with it anyway, forcing a friendly smile again.]

I guess I just wanna say I'm here if anyone needs a friend.

[She tries not to think about all the friends she's already lost here. So many people just going back home, and yet she's still here...

... But she also has new friends that are still around. And her job at the café. It's not all terrible. It just might feel that way for a while, after everything...

Suddenly, she gives a quiet chuckle.]

Sorry. I'm not really my usual self today.

Come see me at NORA Café sometime! I'll be much better company there!

[The video ends with a much more genuine smile. Sad as this place can be, Rise's strong. She can bounce back, even if it does take a while.]

[Here sits Junko, a girl with conflicted feelings. A girl with things to say! ]

（ ；´Д｀） this is terrible, isn't it? the worst! i was doing something very important, you know? kidnapping is against my schools rules! absolutely, kidnapping junko enoshima is against the rules!

upupu i have to do this and that, it's very important. i'm absolutely despairing. i might cry!

... not really! upupupu. hello! did i make an entrance? were you completely captivated? it's to be expected of hopes peaks super high school level fashion girl! ヾ(･ω･*)ﾉ it's very nice to meet you all, please treat me kindly! oh, isn't it strange to introduce yourself to lots of strangers? it feels like my first day of high school all over again!

upupupupu ~ ✩! let's try our best to get along! if not, i'll definitely kill you!

.... just kidding! (ó㉨ò) would you like to see the great joker junko?

[A slow switch to video. The tablet is bigger than her cellphone from home. Junko waves with a smile. Today she is quirky fashion idol Junko Enoshima: nothing more nothing less. ]

You know, I've never seen a war up close before. Not a real war, anyway. The fashion world is really cut throat though! Kidnapping is really Hollywood, don't you think? It's definitely scary. You know, I think it might even be scarier than home.

[She pauses. ]

... You know, all of that text was a lie. I'm very glad to be out of school. From one scary place to the next, I think my luck is super duper bad. Super duper extremely bad, even. The worst, most despairing luck ever.

[Her shoulders sag.] I wonder if any of my classmates escaped too? Maybe that's a silly wish. Hope is really futile, huh?

[Acting comes easy. She probably seems a little nuts, and that's fine. It's easy to explain home. It's easy to claim trauma too. Being on video is tiring, though; keeping her expression in check, keeping her voice completely miserable -- it's all completely fake. She sighs, the only genuine thing about this broadcast.

The despair she feels is not even an impressive kind. It's unexpected and spontaneous, but it's low quality and lackluster. Behind her, out of sight, sits Monobear, immobile and useless for now. Her figure head, reduced to a plush toy with a broken on switch. She forces a smile. ]

Let's be friends, I meant that part.

[And with that, she ends the video. ]

[ A very cheerful woman with an SLR camera hanging from her neck. ]

How's everyone doing with the housing shuffle? Do you like your new roommates? This is a great opportunity to meet new people and have exciting relationships! This sounds like a perfect time to have a picture taken, doesn't it?

If anyone wants a commemorative photo of you and your new friends, drop a message here or visit me at Unit 508 [finger snap and point!] especially if you're a cute girl.

My Sakura! Mister GuyBad! You're not exempt from this. You better be ready when I'm done with this message. Chan-Kuroh, Chan-Shiro, be nice to your new roommates, okay?

[ And she's done. ]

I bet a bunch of people are glad that's over! Me too.

[A laugh.]

Still, I wanted to ask - how many people were glad for what happened? I mean, for whatever reason it might have been. I thought it would be nice to hear some people who weren't miserable! It's always good to know there are people out there who are happy with the way things are going. There are probably plenty more people who didn't like it at all. I didn't either, but... At least it was only five days, I guess, even if it seemed longer.

( Private Encryption//Not too heavily encrypted but why would you bother? )

[Locked AWAY from Seles Wilder, Sophie, Lloyd Irving and Pidonus]

[The name that appears on the register seems to be "Kaneis". Though for anyone who knows him? He doesn't sound normal. Instead, have a girl's voice that sounds really lazy, blunt and way too casual considering the conversation topic coming through]

Hey, does anyone know what happens to dead people once they get sent away from here? Do they go somewhere else or just back to being dead? I kinda like to know...for my own reasons.

Thanks.

[a beat. Oh wait]

Oh yeah- don't worry! This isn't Ino, she's not dead- well, as far as I know. I'm just in her body until the Initiative sorts stuff out.

Hope I didn't worry anyone! ♥

[ BOOBS.

Oh wait, give him a second to adjust the camera until you get a good look of this hot chick lounging on a couch that's obviously Adam's; can of beer in one hand and trailing smoke from a lit cigarette in an ashtray on the table.

He's wearing skivvies. Yeah. If you care enough to look, the video is tagged Adam Jensen, and he tried to filter this from the original owner of this body but fuck, encrypting stuff sure is a hell of a lot harder if you don't have your hacking augmentation anymore and are really fucking drunk to boot.

As should become obvious in a second. ]

What's up. Are we all enjoying the newest clusterfuck sponsored by the Initiative?

[ Yeah he's slurring. So much for wanting to stop drinking but wow he hasn't properly gotten drunk in what feels like years. ]

Anyway. Today's a special day aaand this is why I need some professional help. [ No, not that kind of help. ] Lady help. Y'see I'm pretty tight with the original owner of this bombshell but I think she could kinda use a makeover. I mean fuck, look, her assets are pretty perfect already -- [ To emphasize his point, he poses a little awkwardly! Have another intended closeup of boobs as he leans forward, lifting them a bit with his hands, then he turns around briefly and you get a closeup of DAT ASS. ] Lots of tits and ass and wow her legs go on forever. So uuh, my point was... [ Flops down on couch again. Bounce. ]

I wanna do something about her wardrobe, and her hair, and her face. I mean, not too much, that'll look fake, but you know she usually runs around in this -- [ SWEEPING DRUNK GESTURE ] bulk of armor and everyone thinks she's a robot and I'm like why are you hiding that booty? So yeah, she's gotta see how nice she can look. At this point I probably spend more time grooming myself than she does and that's saying something.

[ Pause. Blink. So what was he--oh right. ]

So basically, 'm looking for a girl who got some time on her hands and a sense for aesthetics. Or two. Or three. I don't care.

[ He reaches for both the can of beer and the cigarette and wow, Samus sure is gonna be surprised! ]