Hey everyone.

First, if anyone here knew Ed Elric, he's left us for home. He was my lab partner and friend for the last few months, and I'm going to miss him.

Second: this cold isn't exactly the best environment for plant growth, but plants are an important food group for most of us. I've brought some spectrum lamps for plant growth back from Hydroponics on the base, along with some I built myself. There should be enough to power a small indoor agriculture operation for a while, and I'm working on more with my limited supplies.

Third: I'm also working on compact heaters if any of you ended up in unheated residences. The process is slow without supplies or collaborators, but if current progress holds, five should be ready within the week.

An entire war effort founded on the idea that you can change the past. [Gold sounds a bit amused at the thought. He can see the future- or could. Changing the past, however... well, that's completely out of the realm of possibility.] It's such a lovely notion, wouldn't you agree? The idea that by changing a few things, you can change the entire course of the future.

[He chuckles.] I wonder if it's occurred to them yet that for all their hard work and attention to detail, the future is not so easily bent into shape the way we'd like it to be. Some things simply have to transpire. Fate can't always be altered. 

But I could be wrong, and frankly, I am going to be thoroughly disappointed if I'm not. I don't like having my time wasted, especially not for someone else's folly. And I'm aware cynicism has no place in a war, especially one as desperate as this has become. [Because wow Jesse kinda spilled the beans on how phenomenally up Shit Creek we all are.]  Besides, some would say the impossible nature of a thing makes attempting to subvert it that much more enticing.

As far as cynical hand-wringing is concerned, I believe we're all nearly spent. And I'd like to think that spectacular introduction to the base I just received [seriously, zombies?] was meant to be a wake-up call for everyone. 

It's something to think about anyway. It's not as if we're lacking in time. 

[And with that thought-provoking boot up your ass, Gold's out.]

[Gently:] Good morning, Exsilium.

[It almost sounds like a reminder.

Saul's looking just as businesslike as he did in his last network post, this time broadcasting from the Observatory. Elbows on his knees, hands clasped in front of him, he leans in and addresses the camera with an expression that's a little too somber to pass for neutral:]

As of last night, Medusa's gone home.

[He hopes that's where she's gone, anyway. He's never sure what happens to people after they disappear.

After a moment, the look on his face softens.]

For the time being, I've assumed the role of Director of the Department of Initiative-Transport Relations. Medusa and I started this together back in May, when its purpose was to foster trust between us and the Initiative by way of hiring liaisons to make announcements on the Initiative's behalf. Friendly faces, right?

But it's clear to me now that there's no use for that in our current predicament, so the Department's getting a bit of a makeover.

( First of all... )

[There's a pause, then, as he runs a hand through his hair to move onto other business.]

( As far as supply runs are concerned... )

[And the feed cuts.]

[Saori sits by a window with her head leaning against the glass. There's some faint redness in her eyes. She sniff and brushes some hair out of her face before looking at the tablet.]

Sorry. I...got pulled out of here suddenly. It's hard to believe I've stayed there for six years and yet only a few days apparently passed. I'm sorry if I worried you, especially you Margulis, with my disappearance.  The room assignment hasn't changed yet, right?

I'm not going to lie, it was nice to see home again.  I just wish...I had a way to see my children. It'd be too cruel to have them be brought here but  if I knew they were safe, I can focus on things here better.

Um, also one more thing. I'd like to try something with the plant life here. I've been working on some of my other powers and I'm hoping it would help with growing plants here.

Why have we not returned to Exsilium? The danger is over, isn't it?

[Kili looks frustrated and tired. He's not used to being cooped up indoors like this, and no one can really blame a dwarf for not understanding radiation. and nuclear bombs.]

This place wasn't meant for living on. We can't even go outdoors! It doesn't feel like we're living anymore, merely... surviving.

And Kang, forgive me, but it seems it will be a while longer before I can continue with the blade my uncle forged you.

[The audio clicks on and starts almost immediately. The voice is calm and unhurried.]

Welcome, to the new people that've joined us. We're in more cramped quarters than we're used to, but we'll have to get along. Hopefully we'll be back on Earth sooner rather than later.

My name is Blaine and I plan on going on supply runs. There are the obvious things we need, like food and clothes, but any tools, building supplies, or other specifics that people need have to be written down. I'm offering, but can't promise, that I'll fulfill requests when I go back to the past for supplies in exchange for whatever you have to barter with.

If you have something you need, send a text attachment of your list. Include your name, the items you need, and what time period I'm likely to find the items. Include descriptions if it's something you're not sure others would know about, just to be on the safe side. We don't have space to bring back unneeded items. Also include what you've got for exchange.

When I fulfill your request, I'll contact you to come pick it up. If I can't get what you asked for, I'll let you know so you can try yourself or get someone else to try.

That's all.

[The audio clicks off.]

[Saori clears her throat before she starts.]

Um, hello everyone. I have a small announcement. Because of the recent events, I'm putting the Uji tea house on hiatus so to speak. I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to operate under these current conditions. It's mostly due to lack of supplies. However, I'm still able to distribute rice if anyone wants. It'll be raw rice, but it's better than nothing. Name the type and amount and I can cover the rest.

In the meantime, I think I'll be doing a lot of supply run missions. I like having some solid earth underneath my feet and...it'll help me take my mind off of things. Thanks for listening.

 [It's after hours at the Uji tea house. Everyone else has gone home for the day but Saori and Mana stayed behind for one last cup of tea for the day. When the feed starts, she's looking out the window and let's out a sigh before looking at her tablet.]

I hate being a bearer of bad news and I'm sorry this comes late but....my roommate, Lee Chaolan, is no longer here.  It's been very difficult for both Margulis and I. It's seems lately we've lost a lot of people. Even...

[She chokes up for a second.]

Cedric is gone. It never gets easier even after this long. First Prospero and now here....I just wish I had a way of knowing they were okay.

[ A very eager young face pops into full view on the screen, the second the video comes on, and she doesn't hesitate getting right down to business. ]

So this is kind of a different question than usual, but...

Does anyone know how to get married, and where to do it? Thank you in advance!

[ If human movies and soap operas are any indication, getting married is like going on a date but also having a party at the same time, right? Yes, that must be accurate, but they were never quite clear on the specifics... ]

[Law's comm feed comes on with idle, nervous barking and whining behind it. Law can't be seen, but a scruffy looking dox with shaggy hair could be seen running from place to face, switching from its barking to nervous whining once it reached a certain point. Law could be heard speaking up, though in a droll and distracted voice.]

Go bother Pink-ya.

[The dog approached his voice, barking--before eventually whining and high-tailing it away. Eventually, Law grew tired of this and stood. He glanced towards the dog, who was right besides his communicator. He was shirtless, wearing a hoodie over his hat and shoulders. On his chest, there were rows of heart and vine-themed tattoos leading to his shoulders and back, unseen.

Law's eyes were giving the illusion that they were glowing a bright red. He held his unsheathed sword in his right hand, the blade warped and bending with visible, twisting murderous energy. In the next instant, this illusion came crashing down and Law looked perfectly normal. Suddenly, the dog barked cheerfully and rushed up to Law, licking at the hand that held his sword.

Picking up the comm, Law didn't realize it was on. He began dialing in a line to someone he knew.]

[Private; Audio]

Pink-ya. Take this damn dog somewhere.

[the shot opens on a fairly close-up view of Sanji's curious frown, his visible eyebrow raised and lips twisted around an unlit cigarette, but he quickly catches on and pulls it back to show more of him, a well-dressed man in a pinstriped vest lounging quietly wherever he is]

...huh, so it really does. Interesting. Anyway. [he raises a hand] Evening. There's a few questions the nice lady didn't answer for me, maybe the others hearing this can help me out. Quite frankly, I'm in need of three things. [he holds up his fingers as he counts them off] One, a good tailor who can set me up with a coat. Two, the locations of the best markets in town that actually have foods and spices, if there are any. Three, a place where I can buy some damn cigarettes. I'm going to be out in about three days' time.

[his demeanor changes abruptly, a stupid grin widening his face] ...oh, and if there are any beautiful ladies who would love to show a new guy around, maybe give him their personal tour of this shitty place? Please do speak up. The lovely woman who explained everything else to me didn't seem amenable to taking me around to all her favorite hot spots. If there are any – it really is kind of shitty out there. The name's Sanji. Black Leg Sanji.

[ 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. ]

[Saori looks a little tan thanks to that last mission. She waves and has a cheery smile on. Her not-so-little orange tabby kitten wiggles his way in so he gets some screen time too which makes her laugh.]

[Hi guys, look who it is after a month of being mia! That's right, it's Mitsuru and still appearing slightly green from her adventures in food poisoning land!]

I had never truly grasped how talented those specializing in the cooking industry were. To think incorrectly preparing food could result in such severe repercussions as to incapacitate me for several days...

[SIGH. All that wasted time...]

Having this occur so shortly after an illness greatly hindered my own productiveness during the prior month. I intend to make up for lost time by inquiring if anyone would be willing to instruct me in the fundamentals of cooking. Books, while helpful, prove far more effective when coupled with a physical teacher. I currently lack any means of repayment, however I can offer my own teaching services in a variety of fields in return.

[She then says something in a far softer voice, as though more to herself than anything.]

I never dreamed I would lack monetary funds.

[A teeny smile accompanied by a chuckle comes right before the feed ends.]

[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.

[His voice is calm as he poses this question. It's a voice that wants to encourage discussion but not necessarily a heated debate.]

What is it that the United Earth wants from the Initiative that keeps us alive? That last curbstomping we received doesn't leave much room for debate about our chances.

Is it the tech? Are we a propaganda tool? An experiment?

Throw some ideas out there.

[And then the feed ends.]


[[OOC: Threadjumping and jacking are encouraged in this post! Blaine wants allllll the ideas.]]

 [It's late in the evening when Saori starts the audio feed. At first it sounds like someone is fumbling around  for a second before there's the sound of a throat being cleared.]

Oh, sorry about that. This is Saori and I apologize if I got some of you worried. Mana and I are okay.

[The kitten meows as if on cue to confirm their status. She sighs since she hates being the bearer of bad news.]

Two things I need to announce. The Uji tea house has suffered a major setback and will need to be rebuilt from the ground up. The second issue is, during the attack, I overexerted myself and I'm now paying the price for it. I've lost my vision for now. I still need a few more days to recover completely though so there's no need to worry about it being permanent.

If you work at Uji or are a regular, could you please let me know if you're alright? I'm sorry I couldn't contact any of you sooner. 

[A glowing erne swoops into the city and, with a flash of light, materializes into a man. Loki walks through the streets, allowing his aura of power to waft over the people around him. That aura says "You stand in the presence of a god". He summons his communicator with a gesture and the device floats before him as it turns on a video feed. Yes, folks, Loki is hamming it up today.]

A friend perishes, a world dies, and now this land is beset by plague. These last few weeks have not been kind.

[He frowns.]

As my brother is no longer among us I feel the burden falls upon me to appear in this time of turmoil. I offer you a cure. With but one touch of my hand I can cleanse the disease from thy body.

[As he says this, he lifts a hand glowing with a pale green light]

A miracle cure, one might say. And who better to bring a miracle than a god?

Should you have need of my power then see me. I will linger as long as I am needed.

[ooc: More on this here]

voice;

[Haruto hasn't been on the network much, recently, but he can't keep silent today, of all days.]

Has anyone ever heard of National Doughnut Day? It came up in the library, but I've never heard of it. And I'm very fond of doughnuts.

Speaking of, I've been going to one bakery, near the Transport apartments. Is there anywhere else to try?

( and action for roommates, cut for length )

I doubt the Initiative would appreciate me discussing this, especially when we have new people arriving here. However, I believe it’s only fair this should be said. 

Last month has not been kind to any us. The United Earth overwhelmed us and we lost an entire world to them. It also showed us there are some cases where they can’t revive us.Tragically, we lost Adam Jensen during the mission. I send my condolences to anyone who was close to him.

If it’s alright, I thought about getting a shrine constructed for both him and that world but I wanted to know if those who were close to him were okay with that. Perhaps it could help in bring some closure.You’re welcome to message me privately and anonymously. 

[Unusually for this network user, the transmission is purely Audio. A great deal of transports will of course recognize the voice as belonging to Kanaya Maryam. Strangers will hear a fifteen-year-old female, naturally rather mature and composed, doing her best to sound even more so. She speaks crisply and briskly with no mercy, like the distinctions between American and British English are to be stalked into a dark alley and shot in the back of the skull.]

The armageddon that occurred in the world of Elmer C. Albatross isn't the only one that's ever occurred in paradox space, you know. Just ask Asuka Langley Soryu or Rei Ayanami or Shinji Ikari. Any of them can tell you that the end of a world is always at least as ugly a thing as what happened on May Twenty-First. Anyone who escaped the planet Alternia before the meteors struck can reiterate the sentiments that Exsilium is a far better alternative to no planet at all. For many of us, Exsilium is our home now and we'll fight literally to the ends of an Earth for its sake.

I know not all of you feel that sort of debt to the Initiative. You do want to go home, this isn't your war, it's their fault. That's really too bad. Because if we let the United Earth have their way and don't develop Initiative in both senses of the word, we're all going to be post-apocalyptic refugees before long. We come from dozens of worlds. Would you like to take arms with the Initiative to fight against the reckoning, or watch each one meet the same fate Elmer's world did?

[An open question, Exsilium.]

[Saori's rubbing her temples as the feed starts. She's sitting down on one of her bar stools in the Uji tea shop. No one else is in at the moment, given how early in the morning it was.]

[Exsilium might not be expecting to see a smiling face on their network so soon after the battle, but that's what you get with this guy being among your ranks. He gives the camera a little wave.]

Hello! Is everyone recovering from the battle? It's good that the Initiative can resurrect people, don't you think? Otherwise that would have turned out rather badly.

Anyway, I wanted to say thanks to the people who tried to come to the rescue of my world. If we've not met, I'm Elmer C. Albatross, the person who was sent back. After what happened, it might be hard to think about this positively. But there's a few things we can take to heart! Like the fact that people can be ressurrected, or that while one world may have been taken over, it probably wasn't your world, and you might still be able to return to your own someday!

As for mine, well... Not much can be done about that, now. I suppose Exsilium is my home, now. The friends I was travelling with are like me, so they'll survive no matter what. I just hope someday things will return to normal there, so the survivors can find reasons to smile again! You're all still here, fellow transports, so I hope you continue to smile on as well!

[text]
Sorry for the sudden announcement but my tea house, Uji, is now up and running. Please stop by if you have the time!

I'm always looking for hired help and don't forget I have that spicy meal challenge!


[video; private to Lee Chaolan]

Lee, have you seen Margulis since we came back from the mission? He was supposed to show for my tea house's opening but I never saw him. He's not the type to flake out and he would've messaged me if he couldn't make it.

 [The video feed starts with Saori and there's a building behind her. She waves.]

Hello everyone, my name is Saori. I've been meaning to do this for some time, but many things forced me to put it on the back burner until now.

Before I was brought here, I was in another world outside of my own. While I was there, I managed to build a tea house and now I can finally do the same here. I still haven't decided on a name yet, but I'd like to hire help once I finish up on some last minute details. If you're interested, please contact me. I'll be needing both wait and kitchen help.

Oh and as an extra bonus, I thought up a great challenge. Think you can handle the heat? I'll have a spicy meal special. If you can eat the entire meal, it's free. What do you think?

I still don't get what the point of birthdays are. They're just another year gone by. They're just like any other day.

I've noticed the trend towards asking our fellow transports philosophical questions on this network. While I can't say I particularly see the appeal, there is something about which I am curious of others' opinions.

Namely - how would you define a home?

If it's not something you'd wish to talk about, there's no point in answering; similarly, I don't mind answering, myself, for the curious - it's only polite when asking, after all.

( before anyone bothers with either of those points. homes aren't something he's thought about in years, really, fairly certain of the fact that he doesn't have one anymore; but after eight months or more in exsilium...he's starting to, a little bit. )

[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.

I don't know who here was so tasteless as to deliver these cards this morning, but at this point, it doesn't particularly matter. If anyone else feels the urge to indulge in a juvenile "celebration" of an ancient holiday, I would suggest limiting to those you're personally familiar with.

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

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

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

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

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

Do you believe in fairies?

[Saori blinks at first when the feed starts and then sits up. She's sitting up on the rooftop of the housing units.]

Somehow, I’m not exactly surprised I got pulled into a different world. I just never thought I would be brought from one world to a completely new one. Hmm, I don’t suppose anyone here has heard about an island called Prospero or even the power of a Persona, would they? Well, it was worth a shot I suppose. My name is Saori, by the way. Hold on a sec. 

[She notices a name on the board she recognizes. At first her face brightens up but it falls.]

So Tenjou was here...damnit and I thought I could finally see him again after so long.

[ooc: I have a CR permissions post now. Please comment in the post if you'd like her to remember your character.]