[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. ♥))

With the new year just a few days away, I was wondering what everyone's plans for the new year is?

Especially with regards to the ongoing situation with the United Earth.

And I understand that it's still a day early but... Happy New Year, everyone. I suppose that's one celebration we all must celebrate wherever we may be from.

[A few hours the transports start arriving in the new facility, someone interrupts the moving frenzy with this cheerful broadcast.]

I'm starting to think there's a lot these people don't tell us before we get ushered along to where they want us.

[Korra snorts, crossing her arms over her chest in a clear sign of agitation.]

Don't know if you guys knew this already, but that allowance they used to give us before? Not happening here. Looks like we're pretty much on our own for food and supplies. Anyone want to have a look around the area with me, see what we've got to work with here?

[She grumbles something like "could have told us this before we started moving, jerks".]

Oh yeah, if anyone needs to know how to keep warm in the snow, I can probably give a few tips, too.


(ooc: There is now an ooc post to sign up for the exploration!)

[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.

[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.

[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) )

Hello!

[when this video post starts, the focus is somewhere... around the top of her head. Colette's eyes widen as she notices that she's holding it too high, so the view suddenly jumps down (yep, she just over corrected). Nibbling on her lip a little, she tilts it higher again... perfect! Determined not to let the view vary she tries her best not to move it]

My name is Colette Brunel. I haven't talked to everyone like this yet, so... hello! It's really nice to meet you all.

I'm sorry to bother everyone like this, but I wanted to ask something. Even though we... don't live on Earth anymore [her gaze grows a mite somber as she talks about it] it still sounds like a very important world. A lot of people here come from Earth, and we're supposed to travel throughout Earth's history! I come from another world that is very different, so I would really like to learn more about Earth if I can.

And so... if anyone knows anything about Earth and has a little time to spare, I'd love to ask some questions! O-Or, if you would rather just tell me a few facts and not be asked any questions, that's okay too. Anything would be helpful.

[although, a thought strikes her] Ah! That doesn't mean that I don't want to talk to people if they're not from Earth. I'd like to hear about everyone's homes! They all sound really beautiful in their own way, and it would be nice to hear about many worlds.

[she pauses, and smiles sheepishly! She's not one to get shy, but she feels a little bad making requests like this when everyone is probably busy]

On Earth - my Earth, anyway, though I'm sure it's true on other ones too - today is celebrated as Remembrance Day or Armistice Day in much of Europe and North America. It marks the day World War One ended, and in remembrance of those who've served in the armed forces, particularly those who died on the battlefield in sacrifice of a cause.

I've been a soldier most of my life - at times an unconventional one, but it doesn't make the battles any less real. I've seen a lot of people die fighting.

And here we are, today, conscripts in the middle of another war. So take a moment and remember those you may have lost at home - people close to you, or people you never knew who were fighting for you all the same. And think about why you fight here. Or why you don't fight, if that's the case. Both are choices not to be made lightly.

A coupla days ago, someone tried to blame a missing grenade on a cat playing with it like a ball of yarn. I don't think I'm too far off questioning their sanity, am I?

[The answer is 'no'. He's more or less posting this to be a troll. He thinks by now everyone knows where that missing grenade is... or where it was used if it happened to be used.]

[The video snaps on showing an unusually contrite expression on Rosette's face. Or perhaps it's a bit more sheepish and nervous. EITHER WAY. It's not the normal bluster you may know her for.]

OKAY! So.

[A pause.]

There might have been a freak accident involving a zombie tearing open one of the walls in the shower room and those are completely closed off right now. I guess you can't get in at all, but I wouldn't try either.






...




[After some thought.]

We... probably need some mechanics. With space suits. before everyone stinks


((OOC: So yes, Rosette used a grenade inside a space station. TOTALLY FREAK ACCIDENT, and there is now a hand sized hole in the outer wall of the showers. AI has already locked the area down so there's no way to get to it from the inside to preserve the rest of the base from damage.))

[So. Evidently he used to be here....and then he left. And now he's back, and he's got a headache from trying to process the overlapping memories.

Also, he's kind of cold.

Luckily, he remembers how to use this tablet device thingy.]


[ video ]

Uhhh....Korra? Asami? Somebody remind me how to get home again?

Hello, everyone!

If everything keeps going as it is, the Agriculture Wing--[There might be an excited sing-song trill in the way she says Agriculture Wing.]--will soon be open, so I was just wondering if there was anyone who wanted to get together outside of it, just a little while before it does. It won't be anything like a party, though I would be happy to put some tea and cookies or the like together if anyone wanted them. It's really just to talk about all the things we might or could want to do there, and maybe just to talk about about plants in general. Oh, and some fungi, too!

[Correct classification is important!]

But absolutely anyone would be welcome, even if you don't know as much about the subject, and, if anyone has any ideas or suggestions about anything at all, please feel free to contribute!

For that matter, though, seeing as how we'll have only so much space, it might be a good idea to take stock of the fruits, vegetables, herbs, and other plants people might want or need? It's a free area, of course, but if there are higher demands for certain things, it might be a good idea to keep some kind of record. That way, anyone who wants to do work there will know what others might want or need, if that's what they would like to do. It would also help in terms of supplies and organisation, since different plants have different needs, and while a lot of species can be quite versatile and hardy, and their needs very multi-purpose, some things can be very limiting and specific, and it wouldn't be very productive to stock up on things that might not be used terribly often if there are better alternatives. For example, flowers of the viol--[Flora no. By the grace of some deity or other she manages to catch herself, in time.]

Ah, I'm sorry, I probably shouldn't get carried away. [She looks apologetic, if only mildly because EXCITE THIS GON BE SO GREAT U GAIZ!!

Ahem, though.]

So, what would you all like to see?

[ 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. ]

[Johnny has a song for you, Exsilium. The video pops on to him with his brand-new acoustic guitar in hand, and starts to play a little tune for everyone. His playing is good, his gravelly voice pleasant, even if the song's a little sombre. Fitting as he looks a little sombre himself. When he's done, he shrugs slightly at the camera.]

Been a coupla' weeks since I had a guitar, so I felt like sharin'. It ain't my old one, but it'll do. Sounds pretty good, though.

Anyway. Just wanted to let folks know that I'm gonna be runnin' some missions for awhile to go pick some stuff up. Whatever it is we might need. I'm gonna be hittin' up the USA in the later twentieth century, so if I can get it there, I'll bring it home for ya. Even if it's somethin' small or stupid or whatever. Whatever'll make ya happy. Just name it.

I'm pretty much goin' out by myself, and only comin' back to drop stuff off. So I should be back every day or every other day. Ya shouldn't have to wait long for whatever ya need, then. But let me know before tomorrow mornin', or just leave me a message. I'll get back to ya.

[Feel free to ask now, leave him a message, or catch him over the week in between his trips.]

Okay first off, before y'all start yelling at me, I been assured that we got plenty of supplies for this and I ain't cutting into our rations. Everybody's been doing a good job going on missions and bringing us stuff, so thanks for that. You guys are awesome.

So most of you know what I'm gonna say next: it's almost time to bake cookies. New guys, the deal is that we usually do this every month. It's a little something to help new arrivals feel better about being stuck here. We get together, we bake cookies, and then we pass 'em out on the first of the month and talk for a while with anybody who's got questions or needs a shoulder to cry on or whatever. It's just a nice thing we try to do.

Last month sucked but we're picking it back up again now, so anybody who wants to help out, we'll be having ourselves a little Halloween party in the cafeteria and baking all night. It's fun. You don't gotta be no master chef or nothing, I'll help you out.

And speaking of that, too - I heard some people ain't been eating right 'cause they don't know how to cook. That's messed up, yo. Don't stay quiet about something like that, okay. Ask for help. Nobody wants you starving and getting sick up here. If you can't cook for yourself, just come and find me. I'll make you something. You won't be bothering me 'cause I'm bored outta my mind anyway. I'm in 144 right now, so you can stop by or leave a message. Jesse Pinkman. It says right there on your screen.

Aight, I'm done.

[Feel lucky, Elliot's roommates. He's finally taking his complaining to the full network! =D

He's standing in one of the rooms, specifically his, but he doubts anyone can tell.]

I've had as much of this nonsense as I can stand! How are these ever supposed to be livable conditions?! The last place was bad enough, but I doubt any amount of possible improvements could ever make this place even come close to that! YOU DON'T EVEN HAVE REAL BEDS HERE!

[To make his point, he turns to focus on the shot on one of the bunk beds before going back to himself.]

Is there even a point in trying to do anything with this place?! The Initiative has made it more than obvious that their response to a real problem is to run like cowards!

Hello.

[ ...

she clears her throat. ]

So this... is akin to a linkshell, is it? In a way. It doesn't seem to be very good at letting the other side speak until I've done, and that could be disastrous. The point being--it seems most can hear me, if they choose.

Like many, I was called here to help fight a war, and so my physical and magical abilities were called on. In light of our depleted and nonexisting stores, I offer my craftmanship and gathering ability, as well. Back on Hydaelyn, I've learned the beginning stages of all kinds of work--weaving light fabric is where I'm most talented at, but I've known to alchemize grimoires and make leather boots.

Gear shouldn't be overlooked when accepting a mission. I've lost a fight or two because my armor was worn and unbefitting my new abilities.

Which brings me to another point!

Should you need something restored, I should be able to do so. I've repaired most of my equipment for a while now--be it weapons or armor.

The hurdle to all of this--should I need to make something new, I would need the materials to do so. I can make cloth, thread, leather and other simplicities on my own, but finding plants and animal hide and ore to do that... that's another road altogether. I'll make whatever you'd like--as long as I'm given the materials to make them with, or at least a location to where I may find them.

[ as the transmission begins, it remains only in voice. ]

…why won’t this device work? It couldn’t be… is it broken? [ there is a tinge of horror in his voice as he says those words. while gaius is usually a very confident person, his demeanor changes dramatically when it comes to using machines like this. ]

It should be just like the GHS... I just have to remember Rowen's instructions and I should be fine. So why isn't it working? [ of course, it actually is working, and transmitting every word he says. it suddenly shifts to video, as it becomes clear that gaius is pushing buttons rather randomly, trying to get his tablet to work. unfortunately, he has no idea how to tell whether it's working or not. ]

This is why I dislike things like this. Meetings should be face to face. There are important things that can only be communicated through direct conversation.

[ of course, he's merely whining to himself as he continues to struggle with the device, his expression slowly growing more and more annoyed. ]

Enough! If this thing refuses to cooperate, then so be it! I will not be reduced to the mere pawn of a machine. [ he seems to have finally given up... before he suddenly pushes another button. miraculously enough, he actually manages to turn it off. ]

–omeone...

[a beat, a breath heavily drawn and shakily exhaled. sentences are punctuated with overlong breaks.]

Help me understand. Not one person I have spoken to recalls this mission...But she is still gone. [breath.] Physis is. Others, perhaps? I don't know. No one has any recollection...

[Muggle devices, particularly technologically complicated ones, are not among the items on Tonks' "things I'm good with" list. In fact, if she cared to keep a "things I need a lot of work on" list, they'd be near the top. Unfortunately, such a list isn't in existence, and now that she's stuck with one, that too will have to be put on the back burner.

Luckily (or ~magically~), she gets part of it to work after an embarrassingly long time fiddling with it. That part includes the video function… sort of. Her face appears, but it's sideways and angled as if she's not quite sure how it goes. Oh well, one step at a time.]

Huh, so that's how it works. Wonder if I can get it to do that again next time.

Right, anyway! So this place-- future of England and the like? Not sure I'm fond of the changes they've made to it. Can't say I've seen much more depressing outside of a few very particular instances. It's not something I'd want to aspire to meet.

[She chews on her lip, idly musing to herself.] What I wanted to ask was where we get a decent drink. I could go for a good butterbeer about now, though I don't s'pose many of you'd know what that is...

[Tonks makes a face as she runs some possibilities over in her mind before finally settling on one.] I'd also fancy a bit of exploring. None o' that "she sells this" stuff... something more fun. Or just a place to eat if that's too much to ask. Conversation's good for this, too. Nothing specific, idle chatter's all.

[The camera catches a grin of hers before she moves to shut it off. Predictably, she knocks it off its perch, and it captures a yelled expletive before shutting off completely.]

[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.

[In 304, a nun in an ash stained provincial dress and a half elf from the Times of Yore are crowded around a tablet propped up at the table. By the expressions ranging from serious to annoyed, some sort of argument has just taken place between the two of them.

Rosette is the one to address the network, as if proving a point in the simple asking.]

So! Hypothetically, if someone were going on a mission and needed to blend into the turn of the millennium, average working class crowd... what would you wear?

[Somebody's looking grumpy today, and it's not even morning this time.]

Okay so I need some help [Yes, she's admitting it, don't get too excited.] and this is supposed to be the best way to get people listening.

Anybody here good at meditating? You know, all the peace and tranquility and inner focus mumbo jumbo. I kinda need some tips, 'cause the "relax and let your mind be free" thing? Not really working for me.

[Sorry, Tenzin. There's just too many thoughts going on in here.]

There's something else. I'm looking for another air element user to spar with. [Maybe she'll get lucky and everything will just click for her when she's under pressure again.] Any takers?

Oooooooookay people, after much work and coordination efforts and the fact I can't get anything done ever, I have finally managed to get everything I need in order to throw a proper kickass party. Wide spaces, music, drinks, food, dark corners, lights. The works.

[ A beat. ]

And yes, anyone can come. But because of that I've written down four simple rules you are all expected to follow:


1. You start acting like a stupid drunk, I kick you out.
2. I see anything besides and smokes in your hands, I kick you out.
3. You start a fight, I kick you two (or three) out.
4. I see you trying to take advantage of a drunk teen...well, you know how it goes.

[ Does she make awesome lists or what? ]

Now! We need to decide on a date. This weekend is kind of taken by that Open House thing, so next week? I guess the best way to welcome the newbs is with a party anwyay. For ourselves. So maybe we'll meet them with a hangover! Please measure yourselves.

So! If you are remotely interested in coming, let me know here, so I know if this is going to be an all out party or something more like three people playing Strip Jenga.

Come on, talk to me people.

[Private to Tony Stark and Oliver Queen]

Congratulations, you two have been chosen to give me a hand making sure the adults play nice. I don't think anything is going to happen, but can you please please please at least pretend to keep an eye on things?

[Private to Stanley Lucerne]

Hors d'oeuvres.

[ She actually says it moderately well. ]

Assuming you're going to come.

[Private to Donny Casey]

You're totally coming.

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!

[At first the video feed doesn't show who's making the post, instead it's focused on a remarkably well crafted stone statue that some people might recognize as Gin Ichimaru, just standing on the spot. After a few seconds(given to allow everyone to admire it, of course) the person recording walks closer to the statue, then turns his tablet around, focusing the camera on both himself(it's Gin, what a surprise) and his stone lookalike which he now has his arm around it's shoulders, and grins that godawful grin of his at anyone watching.]

I came into some extra money this month so decided to treat myself.

Whaddya all think?

[For roommates, it's just back up against a wall facing the rest of the apartment. No matter where you walk, it's visible out of the corner of your eye, unless you turn your back towards it.

But it's still there.

Watching.]

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!))

_{( 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?

[This video is short, concise, simple and to the point...]

I know this is kinda out there, but...

[He sighs as he glances away from the camera.]

What're good names for a cat?

[And as if to enunciate the point, there's a tiny meow heard before he is able to shut the video function off.]

[Virus smiles at the camera, sitting straight, both hands in front of him as he raises his brows.]

I must admit I was a little surprised to end up somewhere like this, however I think it’s interesting. Being brought to another world, given a weapon, an allowance, and a place to live in return for helping this group out sounds like something out of a game, doesn't it?

Tell me, what is the general feeling of this? I’m curious. Does everyone just go along, or is there some reluctance to listen to our hospitable employers? Because in the end isn't that all we are?

Employees to serve a purpose.

How rude of me. I am Virus; I can’t expect you to answer my questions without giving an introduction in return. I look forward to hearing your answers.

[The screen clicks on to a super close up of Pabu's face. The little fire ferret sniffs the screen, then turns a few circles and plots down right on top of it.

Fire ferret butt. Just the way to start your day.]

What do you think, Pabu? I'm not losing my gorgeous figure, am I? [Bolin hmms and hawws.] Of course not.

[a moment of hesitation] Still, maybe you should eat the last biscuit.

[Pabu chitters and jumps off the device to go gobble the last of the biscuits, and you can finally see Bolin. He's standing in front of the mirror in his room, posing and making muscles and oh, yeah, only in his underwear.

Left arm muscles? Looking good. Right arm muscles? Oh yeah, baby. He turns around so he can see how his glutes are doing in the mirror, and that is when he notices the tablet on his bed.

On.

Recording.

He covers his crotch and turns bright, bright red. Oh no oh no oh no oh no.]

PABU! WHAT DID YOU -- [Off-screen, the fire ferret is no help whatsoever. Traitor. Bolin's panicked and frozen and it takes longer than it should for him to think of grabbing a pillow and covering the device.]