[ Somewhere out in the rain — rain, not snow! It's almost delightful after the months of snow — there's a beaming face staring down into a camera. He talks quickly, excitedly. ]

You've heard, surely you've heard, that we're going home. Or, well, I suppose some of you lot might opt to stay, but — I've a proposal!

If you haven't anything absolutely pressing at home, even if I've never properly spoken with you before, come with me! Come with me, I'm going to Cittàgazze. It's this — a hub of worlds, you see, you can get anywhere from there, it seems. Voluntarily! All it takes is finding the right window to lead you into the world you'd like to visit.

Why, you might come with me even if you do have business at home to attend! You could find home, take care of it, and then spend the rest of your time seeing how many pleasurable worlds one can attend in a single month. Hmm? We'll make a contest of it, a corkboard up in a central world for tallies.

[ WIDEST SMILE EVER. ]

Come with me. Rin, Marduk, Collette? All of you!

[The person on the screen strikes a surprisingly mundane figure. He's in his late 30's-- or his 40's, perhaps, as the beard hides some of the wrinkles.) Dark eyes and hair, the latter of which is beginning to recede; brown skin; simple clothing; kind eyes set amongst the lines and creases of approaching middle age.

This is Alberto Reyes. He is an average Texan, an ordinary father... and he wants to get the hell home already.]

I was under the impression that we weren't using the draft anymore. I don't remember signing up to participate in any [other] wars in outer space, either. [And yet he still sounds more or less collected. 'Berto cracks a tiny, slightly exasperated, smile.]

I have a wife; children at home. I can't simply leave them like this. As much as I sympathize, I won't be fighting here, and that is that.

[He hesitates. There's not really a reason for him to have been picked up for something this odd, is there? Ex-military reputation notwithstanding, there's nothing particularly stand-out about him. At least not anything that'd warrant being taken here. Unless...]

[Alberto sets down what he was holding-- a cane-- and starts rifling through his wallet. Finally, he pulls out what looks like a recent school photo and holds it up to the camera.] On the off chance that my son is here [because what else could it have been but his superhero son] please let him know that his father is looking for him. My name is Alberto, and my son is Jaime.

[He shouldn't ask for Bianca or Milagro, should he? That's impossible. At least, he hopes it is.]

Thank you.

[Berto reaches over to cut the feed.]

[Good morning, Exsilium, today your screens are being graced by three young ladies, one of whom looks like a perfectly boring human, while the other two very much don’t. They’re all smiling, though, and being filmed in a way that suggests they have help, and that the whole thing was pre-recorded.

Steph is the first to speak, giving the camera a little salute before she starts.]

Hi again, Exsilium, oldies and newbies alike. For those who don’t know us, I’m Steph Brown, and this is Feferi Peixes and Kanaya Maryam. [She gestures to each girl as she says their name, just so everyone knows who’s who.] And we all work with the DITR, which was the Department of Initiative-Transport Relations, but we’re here today to let everyone know that we’re moving towards focusing more on the Transport part of that. With the current situation the way it is, we thought our time and resources would be best spent helping out Transports in whatever ways we can, so me, Feferi and Kanaya are gonna let you know what that means.

[Which is her first bit done, so she turns her attention towards Feferi, ready for her to start talking.

Feferi straightens and her fins perk up, now that it's her turn to talk. ]

But first, before you can do anything else, you need to get set up here! You're going to need some supplies and if you're not a human, you're going to have to learn how to play it safe! That's where we come in. If you need help learning how to survive the winter weather, or just how to pass as human if you aren't already, we will hook you up with everything you need to know!

And through the generous donations of Transports, we have a stockpile of winter gear for anyone who needs it. Let one of us know what you need, and we'll make sure it gets to you. We have jackets, blanket, boots, mittens, hats, and lots more. It's cold out there so bundle up!

You are probably also going to need somewhere to stay...

[ She gives an expectant look back Steph's way. ]

And we can help with that, too. We don’t have any officially designated Transport housing, but if you need a place, we’ll help you find somewhere to rent and give you a hand setting up wherevere you want to go. Which does mean you’ll still need to be able to pay rent - we can’t do that for you, unfortunately - so we’ll also be helping anyone get themselves a job. I can’t promise it’ll be glamorous, especially if you don’t have any in-demand skills, but it’ll be enough to pay rent and keep food on the table while we’re all learning how to survive out here.

For those of you that are more interested in running missions...

[Steph gestures at Kanaya.

The glowing girl leans forward at this point. She's kept her black lips in a tight smile until now, a moment demanding she slightly reveal her fangs.]

If you do want to work for the Initiative’s cause and don’t know how, in response to popular demand the Department has allocated some of its staff to mission coordination. In accordance with recent standard operating procedure, the AI designs these missions, their locations and their times. We aren’t proposing strategic goals here; this is an offer of organizational assistance. On request, we’ll facilitate the recruitment of interested parties and the procurement of any necessary resources. The members of the department available for these purposes include myself and Mr. Gold.

[Steph looks back at the camera, and starts talking against to wrap things up.]

I hope that’s all clear, but feel free to toss any questions you might have our way, though I’ve just a couple more things to go over before we’re done. We’re offering our services to other Transport run organizations, including the clinic, so if you need help getting in touch with those organizations, or if you’re in one and need extra hands for whatever reason, all you have to do is ask.

[There’s an apologetic smile, a sort of I know this is long, we’re almost done expression.]

And as for anyone interested on working with the DITR, unfortunately we’re not taking on any more official employees right now, while we’re still working out the kinks after all the changes, but if you would like to help out, again, please get in touch so we can get in touch once we find our feet. Though do keep in mind this isn’t a paid job; while we will be working on gathering funds for our various projects, we don’t have a payroll and that’s not likely to change soon.

[Just, you know, in case people think offering to work for the DITR is a way to get a cushy job.]

That’s it from us, though. So now you can ask your questions, all three of us will be keeping an eye on this post, or you can contact one of us privately if you’d prefer. To the newbies, welcome to Exsilium, sorry about the weather, and remember that we’re here to help in any way we can.

[And with smiles from all three, the video ends.]


[[OOC: We know, we know, endgame and all that, but this was already mostly written and we wanted to get it up! Originally there were gonna be fancy pages and forms and stuff but... hopefully no one's holding it against us for not worrying about that anymore.

As for text color, Steph is black, Feferi is purple, and Kanaya is green.]]

[ the video's not all that well focused or held, mostly getting her shoulder and part of her face except for the moments she readjusts it back to focusing on her face temporarily. the light is dim, wherever she is, and between the blood drying on her and the way her voice keeps hitching as she stumbles over words, the unsteadiness of her hands holding the tablet, and the way her head tips back against the wall she's leaning against every so often as if she can't quite hold it up - she's not in great shape. ]

You know, someone should get to work on this machine's timing. Adjust it a little bit. Make it stop being a fucking piece of shit. Or taking people who don't want to be taken. Or - I don't know, what else is it up to lately? How long's it been.

[ breaking off. she's forgotten what she needed to say, is looking off at nothing in particular for a long moment. abruptly - ]

What's that story about the lady and the tiger? With the princess whose lover has to pick one of two doors as punishment, and one has a tiger and the other has a woman he'll have to marry. And she makes a gesture to tell him which one to pick, but the story doesn't tell you which one the door had behind it.

I guess a little closure's too much to ask for.

[ blood loss: good for clarity. ]

I could use a doctor.

[ ooc: charlie cutter & tempest get providing aid rights, but if you would rather action it up she'll be wandering around the area for part of the day and can be run into most anywhere just checking everything out. ]

Hey, I hope everyone's managing to stay warm enough. I know some of us are still back on the moon base as well; how are things up there?

[Asbel pauses unneccessarily, as if halfway expecting a response -- somehow, even though he's still recording -- before he continues at a calm, measured pace.]

Anyway, a couple of thoughts. The next wave of Transports won't be arriving until the eighth, right? I was thinking maybe we could set aside some extra space for them. In cabins and wherever else people have found to live. That way, they can move out of the facility as soon as they're ready without having to worry so much about where to go. As such, is there anyone who's still looking for a place to stay?

Also, there are a lot of organizations and small groups among us. If you've started or are part of one of these, whether it's official or not, do you think you could tell me a little bit about their purpose and who else is involved? I'm not much for making lists, but I'd like to at least try to keep track of them all.

And lastly... [At this point, his posture slackens, and he spreads his hands casually.] It's more of a personal question and doesn't have anything to do with the rest. Do you remember any hobbies or activities you really enjoyed when you were young? Everyone's been talking about resolutions, and there's something I'd like to do in the upcoming year.

Hello. Lowell here.

[Oh hey, it's that Initiative tech guy. The not-nice one. Well now he's not-nice and kind of gross looking too. Seriously, when did he last bathe? Be glad you aren't in the same room as him right now. Unfortunately, Vennett and Trish are. Pity them.]

Giving a note here. I found a way to make the Transporter run on a little less power than it had before. Which, given our situation here and however long this may last, is pretty important. However, it means now all new Transports will arrive on the 8th from this point on. And no, I don't know how to "make it stop bringing people in." I've tried. I've begged. I've prayed. It won't stop. Don't even ask, please.

[He scratches his head, and then rubs at his eye.]

Think that's about it. Vennett, you got anything to say?

[At that, Vennett squints at the screen, actually thinking about what to say this time, as the fallout from their original network posts had the rolling consequence of mutiny.]

Nah. Y'got questions on it, we'll field em. Got an hour or so a time.

[There's something different about Saul today.

He's seated in front of the camera, as usual, and he's in a suit, also as usual, but —

Oh, maybe it's the fact that Stephanie's leaning against his shoulders as he speaks, which takes away all possibility of him being his usual, businesslike self.

It might be that.]

Hey, everyone. As some of you've noticed, Jesse Pinkman went home a couple of weeks ago. Since there was some concern over the cookie situation last month, we — [With a brief nod upward, toward Steph — ] Figured that we'd harness some of the holiday spirit that's been goin' around and make sure this month's newbies are fed and clothed. Feferi will be taking care of handing out jackets and whatnot on the first, and Steph and I will be manning the cookie table alongside anyone else who decides to join us.

[Without missing a beat, Steph adds:]

Might even see if I can get one of those big urns to put hot cocoa in, to help warm the newbies up, and us, if we're hanging around there for a while. Any chance you can help out with that, Ella?

[She gives the camera a bright smile, which is mostly for Ella's sake. Sorry about abusing your powers.]

What we're not gonna do is make a party of it. I know that kinda sucks, but we just don't have the space, so the plan is that everyone who wants to can bake a couple batches in their own ovens, then bring them to our place sometime on the thirty first. If you don't know the address already and you're planning to help out, I'll give it to you here. [But she's not - just giving it out on the network openly.] If you need ingredients, let me know; I went on a mission and made sure we had plenty of stuff so I can give you flour or sugar or choc chips. Same goes for the recipe. Annnnd if you need help getting cookies to us, speak up, and we'll work something out.

[For a second, it looks like she's about to wrap it up, but then something else occurs to her.]

Speaking of parties, I dunno if anyone's doing anything for New Year's Eve, but if they are, can everyone try to get the cookies to me before like - seven, so I can still go out. Thanks.

[At which point Saul looks up and over at her, feigning a pout.]

Sorry, so we can go out.

[And then he's all smiles.

Before the feed clicks off, he adds another "thanks," and away they go.]

( Then, a private text to Sonya from Steph, sent only moments later: )

Hi, I'm Kate Bishop, and I'm a superhero. [There's a pause before she goes on.] There's a chance that doesn't mean much to many of you. There may even be some of you questioning the legality of vigilantes, but I'm not the type that goes too far. There's a reason why we kind of prefer "superhero" over "vigilante" anyway. For those of you who do know them, I'm an Avenger. But that's meaningless here. And I'm not really here to ... brag, either.

[Her voice is warm either way. There's a reason why she's here.]

Back home, I've got a like-minded group that tends to go on missions like the ones here. I was hoping to form something like that. It won't be the same, but I've got a couple teammates and not the whole set. We'd do pretty well for ourselves, but we need a couple more helping hands. So that's why I'm here. Well, partly.

[There is a question she has about this whole alternate earth business, but she'll get to it. She really wants a cohesive unit working together, as that seems to be the best way to proceed forward.]

The other goal I'd like for our group is to mobilize and help people in need. I can do this myself, and I'm planning on it, but more hands at the deck might help out. We don't just need this in missions, and from what I've read, we don't know what's gonna come next. I know it's risky to put together a group like this with how people come and go, but I'm prepared to deal with that. Plus, I don't just back down from something. I'm kind of stubborn that way.

If you've already got something like this going and wouldn't mind a few more people, I'd love to chat with you. I'm an archer mostly, but I have other gifts. One member is a ... [a trickster? How does one even sell Loki?] ... well, I'm sure he's good at something. And the final is an alien with advanced knowledge of technology that he might share. He's also got bug DNA and is extremely flexible. [That last bit. She really had to add that last bit.] So let me know.

The other question is: in the annals of this world, have people of Earth found evidence that they existed? Back home, alternate Earths like this usually mean ... alternate versions of us, which can either be a good thing, or a very, very bad thing. I'm thinking bad, considering the state of things. I was just wondering.

[At eight-thirty in the morning the crisp voice of a young woman begins to drone.] So the holiday of Christmas is just around the corner. For those of you not in the know - of whom I'm sure there are many, I was such a one myself less than 2 years ago - Christmas is a winter festival, meaning its hallmarks are decoration in the red and green hues that are so rare in this desolate season. There is delicious food, and an exchange of gifts, and an overall pretense of universal goodwill. It is, as they say, the most wonderful time of the year.

That time of the year, Christmas Day, is the 25th of December. Celebrations often start earlier on Christmas Eve, or the 24th. If you're familiar with the calendar that governs timekeeping in Exsilium, you'll know that means we have less than a week left.

Now I happen to work with Vennett, the temporal programmer. There are two main things of public import I've learned from him. First, New York and Las Vegas are some of the most popular destinations for missions that procure physical goods and no other result. Second, encoding a unique destination is a non-neglegible drain on resources, especially when the goal of the mission is not related to the location.

If you intend to spend the holidays in Las Vegas, enjoying whatever entertainments it has to offer, I can't really stop you. On the other hand, I have a proposal for whoever else has Christmas shopping to do: We all go to New York, together. I've made this announcement early in the day hoping to organize an expedition this evening; if there are enough interested parties who consider this notice to be too short, a delay of a day or more is perfectly feasible. Either way, we meet in front of the Transporter at 6 o'clock.

And one more thing. Should you be repulsed by the location or perceived frivolity of this entire exercise, but still want to get out of here, for the sake of a [she says like it's a dirty word] 'vacation' or any other reason, why don't you consider the latest lovely selection of mission proposals? AI's new simulations are absolutely top-notch, and we've been getting excellent results already.

Alright, that's all for now. I hope everyone listening to this has a Merry Christmas when the day comes.

[ Roslyn is behind the camera again, face stern, Vennett & Lowell seated just behind her. She’s looking as calm and professional as she can, though traces of exhaustion are seeping through regardless of her best efforts. ]

I’m going to make this as brief as possible. We do not have laws governing the actions undertaken recently by people currently in custody. While hopefully there will shortly be a fuller code of conduct, we cannot apply it retroactively. I do not have the resources to keep anyone locked up indefinitely, nor can I provide a fair trial, and it would be morally suspect to do either in the current environment.

I believe there is a solution to this, one that several others agree with, including Lowell Orwin and Vennett here with me, both of whom were held hostage by these people and have a fair amount of insight into their mindset. However, given that you will all have to live with it as well, I’m going to bring this solution to general consensus.

Under this arrangement, as a first part all current prisoners will be released into the custody of someone who will agree to monitor their actions and ensure that they are not able to plan anything further. These parole officers will either be volunteers from the general population or police officers if necessary, and all will be very carefully vetted. If it is necessary we will ask them to submit to a brief telepathic scan.

The second part of this arrangement would be undertaking a set amount of missions under the supervision of Orwin and Vennett with the goal of putting forth effort into our return to Earth. I am assured that they will be doing real work that will benefit us all.

This is the solution that I and others hope will work best for everyone involved, as well as free up resources to continue working towards getting off of this base and setting up an actual system of leadership.

While Jesse Pinkman was not a member of this, as he has given back all powers taken he would be released under the same conditions.

This is being presented to you all as, essentially, a poll. That is the first option. The second option is ‘other’, and if that is your answer I must insist you provide a fully thought through and careful plan that does not simply consist of ‘strand them somewhere’ or ‘airlock them’. Should enough support be shown for a provided 'other' plan over parole, it will be considered as an option. 

Thank you all for your time. I hope this will be resolved very shortly.

[ And cut. ]


[ ooc: this is an ic poll of the population! you may vote once with each character you have in game. roslyn and others are available for question answering and so forth. ]

[ Feferi is just so excited to be on camera today, just so excited. Anyone who's been there might recognize the background as DITR's makeshift office. She needed somewhere to prop her tablet up, as both her hands are holding a binder, face down at the moment. ]

While everyone is talking about laws and councils and punishments and all that, I have been thinking about something else: we don't have any really good way of sharing information we find on missions! There is the network, yes, but who wants to go back through every single network post to find out what happened? Plus, if someone withholds information, it's really hard to blame them, since there's no good way to share it.

So the idea I had was this!

[ She holds up the binder. In glittery sparkle pen, the cover reads MISSION LOG and she flips it open to show off the inside. ]

A mission log book! ( OOC cut for length )

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.

"Nous protégeons ceux qui ne peuvent pas se protéger."

We protect those who cannot protect themselves. [ her voice is stronger for the translation that had followed and as she continues talking, allison's tone remains even (though it's not hard to pick up the passion behind it). ]

That's the code I took on back home. The circumstances were completely different, of course, but I've been thinking a lot about it lately. Maybe things here aren't quite as dissimilar as I'd thought. [ there's a pause as she takes in a deep breath. there's a lot of doubts in her mind about everything, but she doesn't want any of them to be heard. ]

I know it might be too soon to start talking about some kind of official protective force - we're still in the process of deciding on a code, or a council, or something else entirely - but.

But even if it's unofficial, I want to do something. I don't know if it will help, but a lot happened this past month and I just want to make sure that no one feels unsafe or scared again.

If you're interested, come talk to me. Even if it's for something as simple as maybe learning to protect yourself in a bad situation.

[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) )

[ Dick’s sitting in a nondescript corner of what’s probably the cafeteria, facing the screen at a front and center angle that could almost pass for a little rehearsed. He’s tired and drawn, posture curled in and oddly small. He has a hand in his hair, awkward and unsettled. If he's been practicing this, it's not showing much. ]

I, um. Hey.

I just wanted to say I’m turning myself in now. As one of the guys who brought down the systems and took over the base. [ Specificity is important. His eyes aren't on the tablet anymore, but he's still speaking. ]

-Which I know I could’ve done couple of days ago. But I didn’t because I thought maybe... [ a faint, rushed breath out. ] –maybe I could still fix it. And maybe it’d just be easier if I didn’t say anything. [ For the people in jail. And the people on the outside. ]

...But it wouldn’t be. That would just be me letting somebody else take the whole rap for something a lot of people already know I had a hand in. And then not speaking up is on them too. So it has to be this way. [ He’s thinking about you, Kate. 8( ] ( cut for long-winded rambling + an addendum )

[ When the video clicks on Roslyn looks a little tired but primarily determinedly mad, someone who's been running on coffee and protein bars for too long and is in no mood for anyone's games. Her voice is brisk, no nonsense and cuttingly sharp. ]

As of this moment, all identified mutineers are in the custody of the police. Should anyone wish to provide help with guard duty it will be appreciated. Visits to them will be allowed only under supervision. Should anyone attempt to injure them, that person will find themselves in cuffs faster than they can blink.

My patience with having to repeat myself on this matter is wearing thin.

[ Her tone softens a little, almost an appeal. ]

While there will be consequences for their actions, we have enough war and bloodshed on our doorstep without killing each other. Nothing will be gained and much could be lost. We do not execute people, and I will not tolerate it as a suggestion.

All systems should be restored. The base should now be fully operational again and you can return to your daily lives, if that is what you wish. Alternatively, you can consider what was said on both sides and determine if what we are doing is truly enough, or if we have become complacent.

[ Just saying. Small out. ]

( an array of private texts )

[ ooc: all mutineers can now be considered to be locked up in empty rooms in the West Wing for the immediate future! I will keep all arrested mutineers updated as further consequence type developments occur, feel free to let me know if you have preferences that we could maybe work out. log for mutineer & visitor shenanigans can be found here. ]

Hey, this is Ella. Ella Ellis, for those new to our happy moon base. Don't take it for granted, boys a girls, because then zombies come around.

[ And nobody wants the zombies to come back, alright? ]

When was the last time I used this thing? I think I've been in some sort of funk lately, buried in med kits and people getting hurt. I totally need some fresh air-

Oh, wait.

[ At least she sounds like she's on a good mood? ]

But anyway, I'm Ella. I already said that like, twice already, but you know, new people tend to have short attention spans. I guess you could consider me your...local God or something. You need something, you ask for it and I do my thing and I get it for you. Nice and easy, unless it's something like a space ship, then you better not hold your breath.

[ A moment of silence, because this might take some time for some people to process. ]

Yes, I can make most things out of whatever available matter I can find, no I can't get you out of this place, yes I can heal you if you're ridiculously badly hurt, but if you go the infirmary you don't even need to ask. No, I don't hear when people pray, that would be really weird. Yes, I'm serious about this and no, I'm not a religious nut, I'm not religious at all. I hope some of you can appreciate the irony in that. Yes, I also have other equally ridiculous powers, no I'm not telling you.

So...let me know if you need anything.

I just gotta say, a moon zombie encounter was exactly what I wanted for my birthday. You guys sure know how to make a person feel right at home.

But seriously, what the hell was up with that and can we nix that from the schedule in the future? If there are other zany, undead surprises lurking around here, it'd be great if you could give a head's up ahead of time.

( THE SETTING: the setting isn't exciting. I mean, it's the clinic and it looks extremely clean and well organised, but that's probably more a relief to any observers than exciting. Donny is himself, dressed in his scrubs, sleeves of the long shirt he wears underneath rolled up so that the tattoos and metal bands around his forearms are visible. He'd look sort of badass if he didn't also look a little bit green.

Fortunately he is surrounded by attractive people and first aid kits! YEAH. AWESOME. Ella is on his right, Flora as his left, although they're positioned on one side of the camera. Almost like they are keeping room for something. )

Um, h-hey. I'm-- I'm Donny, I um, I help in the-- the c-clinic? With-- supplies, and coordinating uh, stuff. ( There's a long pause, and he glances to Flora, fumbling with his words for a second before he can put something together. ) Um, just-- we just wanted to announce that we have um, m-made first aid k-kits for all the Transports. I think-- some of you p-picked them up at the m-meeting? 

( he's making a conscious effort not to fidget, but he looks so uncomfortable, and there's a reason he doesn't... do video posts. This time he's chewing his lip, glancing at Ella for a second before his gaze drops and his fingers curl towards his palms. )

If you haven't g-got one yet, if you c-could um, please come by the c-clinic. It'd b-be-- be good to get um, everyone checked off the list b-before the day n-new Transports arrive. And-- yep.

( Oh what's that? Donny seems to look horrified for a second, before Stephanie steps on camera, holding a first aid kit and modelling its contents the way you might see a car or a fridge or another fantastic prize modelled on a quiz show. Stephanie, please.

She even has a suitable 'game show model' smile, though it turns into a sheepish grin about a third of the way into her little demonstration.

With that ruined, she steps up so she's closer to the camera, putting an arm around Donny's shoulders as she addresses their audience. Donny would like the ground to swallow him up and it shows. ]

Sorry, they dared me to do it. [No they didn't.] Hey, everyone, I'm Steph, and I'm here to help you learn how to use these handy little things, if you'd like. Well, there are a few other people who can teach you as well, but I'm the cutest.

[Donny is looking horrified still (THIS IS A SERIOUS ANNOUNCEMENT), but Steph is all smiles.]

Anyway, most of this stuff is pretty simple, but if you'd like to learn your way around basic first aid, there are some classes you can sign up for, either by replying here, or coming down to the clinic whenever you're free. [a beat, to let that sink in, then:] That's it from me, have a good one, guys.

[And with a little salute, and a pat to Donny's arm, she moves off screen. There's sort of... trepidation and concern in how he looks to the others, now, waiting for them to chip in. ]

Ella is trying to smile next to Donny. She’s been slightly under the weather -a lot, actually- but hearing him make an effort and kind off flail at it does wonders for her mood. Maybe she’s a bit of a bad friend. Sighing, she takes a step forth as she holds a kit up. ]

It’s free, of course, and we will replenish it whenever you need. It has a bunch of useful stuff, both for treating whatever little nuisance you might have and prevent something serious to get even more serious before you can get help. [ A beat. ] And of course, you should totally come to the Infirmary if you really need to. Having a kit will solve some problems, but here’s where we make sure you get better.

[ She glances at Flora. While Ella can talk for hours, this is a joint effort, so she’ll bite her tongue. For now. ] [She appreciates the self-restraint, Ella. Donny looks at her and she flashes him a warm and encouraging smile. She’s really proud of him for doing this and taking initiative. When Stephanie makes her display, Flora tries to look stern, at least for Donny’s sake, but it’s clear she’s trying very hard not to laugh. She manages it. Somehow. Barely. Boy, does she ever love working here, sometimes. By the time it’s her turn to speak, though, she smoothly takes her cue and is quite composed, if still smiling.]

If for some reason you’re unable to pick up a kit, arrangements can be made to have them delivered to you. We’re here to help, so just let us know, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

( Thanks, ladies. BUT BEFORE THEY WRAP THIS UP, Donny kind of shakes himself out of his state of I HATE PUBLIC SPEAKING to add, )

We're-- we're t-trying to uh, make sure we have all our b-bases covered for um, Transports that aren't human. C-cause-- I guess m-most of our knowledge and equipment is human... human f-focused. And-- yeah, any help p-preparing would be great. We have some other staff who aren't human, if you'd uh, f-feel-- feel m-more comfortable talking to them. Galadriel and-- there's also blood d-donations and-- Yeah. You c-can um, always ask us for m-more details and stuff. Thank you.

( Oh God can they turn off the feed now please turn off the feed-- thank God, Flora bounds forward and turns off the device. )


( OOC: Responses will come from Donny and various other clinic folks!
You also don't have to play out your character receiving a first aid kit! These losers will try to make sure every transport has one ASAP, delivering if they must. THEY WILL HUNT YOU DOWN TO GIVE YOU YOUR FIRST AID KIT. But, you know. Politely. )

So, uh. I'm pretty sure that a bunch of people know that kid Stanley. He's a really lucky asshole, because he up and freaking disappeared. Went to take a piss and never came back. Just poofed. Great for him, sure.

But he sorta left me with...something. That he'd brought here.

[underneath peter's voice, which is pretty soft and even considering what he's saying, there's what sounds an awful lot like the sound of muffled sniffling.]

Which was big of him and all and fine for right this second, but this is not an ideal long-term arrangement. So if anybody wants to help out with that, it'd be great. I'm in the cafeteria, we can talk.

[anyone who comes to the cafeteria will find peter there with peace, who has cried herself out for the moment and is sucking on peter's hair and falling asleep on his shoulder while he walks her around and rubs her back, singing little snatches of songs in some foreign language. getting to this point was obviously a feat; parts of his hair and the shoulder of his shirt are soaked with toddler tears and snot and his ever-present leather jacket is draped over a chair to save it from the babypocalypse. he doesn't seem that fussed, though, for a seventeen year old boy left with someone else's small child. surprisingly good with kids, this one.

ooc: tempest is going to end up with the baby, but everyone is welcome to fuss or help 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.]

I'm back.

[ Ella's voice is soft, almost faint. A lot more calm than she usually sounds, that's for sure.

She doesn't want to do this, but when has anything she wanted mattered anyway? ]

Not sure if my absence was noticed, anyway, but I'm back. It's been six months back home, but only a few days here. A little disconcerting, but at least I didn't pop into an empty moon base. That would've sucked.

Anyway...I'm back. Did I miss something? I'm a bit tired, inter-dimensional jet lag is a thing, let me tell you.

But as usual, I'm open to people needing things. I have been helping with supplies so I guess right now we're relatively well on that front, but if anyone needs clothes, I can make those too. Or, I don't know, shoes or gloves although I think those count as clothes too?

[ She snorts, but everything is kind of dull, like she's not really trying to sound cheery. Which she isn't. She's still intense though, somehow. ]

And the people that I talked last about stuff, it's all ready. Yes, Rodimus, even your strange Energon stuff, I made like a barrell of the thing and it was not simple. You guys just drop by and grab them or tell me where you want me to meet you to pass it over.

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.

Once, a really long time ago, I made a guide for new people coming to Exsilium, but I think it's a little out of date. It still says we're on Earth.

[ She's sitting in one of the hallways around the base, and purposefully points the camera out a nearby window to look at the moon's surface with her, then back to her face. ]

Definitely not Earth. So I think it's time to update it! [ She holds up some paper with notes scribbled on it, though it's mostly illegible. ] Look, I have all this to add! But I could still use more, and there is some specific information I am looking for right now.

One is that we have so many more transport-run services now, and I want to make sure new people know all about those. Like DITR didn't exist at the time! So if you are part of a group like this, could you tell me who you are, what you do, and how to contact the group?

And two is that I don't have anyone to help answer questions anymore! I don't mind answering questions, but I think it'd be great to have some help, and to help spread the word. And help write, if you really want to! Who wants to volunteer?

[ ooc: Anyone who wants to help write, I'll be putting up a Google Doc later, to help with coordinating edits and additions! ]

Hello.

[On screen is a pleasant looking young woman with short blonde hair and red eyes that might be dimly glowing, or is that a trick of the light? Something about the way she's speaking - in a clear English accent - has the air of someone who's practiced this speech beforehand.]

My name is Seras Victoria, it's my first time addressing the network here so nice to meet you all.

I'd like to talk about another particular issue of resources on the moon, though this resource is er... a little different from the others.

Some of you may be aware that werewolves aren't the only supernatural creatures living among you. Some of us are vampires.

[She won't name any names, respecting the privacy of those who would rather not publically announce what they are.]

I'm asking if anyone here would be willing to volunteer to donate blood specifically for the vampire population. There would be no biting involved Jan and it would never more than once a week, depending on how many people volunteer.

[Seras smiles hopefully.]

I know it's possible that we could make a supply run to a hospital or blood bank somewhere using the transport system but I'd rather not take it from where it might damage lives. We could do with getting the medical equipment to collect and store the blood however. Bags and a fridge for example. If anyone with medical knowledge could help that would be appreciated.

To any other vampires out there, I know a couple of you but if you'd like to contact me, privately if you wish, to have access to whatever we manage to organise, please do.

[Added on later to the post]

Erm, when I said once a week, it would really be a month. My mistake.

[The last time Saul was seen on the network, he was about to choke out a member of the Initiative.

He's calmed down since then.

In fact, the look with which he greets the network is positively cheerful, thought not so much that it takes away from the businesslike atmosphere he's trying to cultivate with this post — he's got work to do, damn it, so he's in the most official-looking room he could find, seated in front of the camera with folded hands. Suit: check, tie: check, pocket square: check.]

This isn't how the story goes, but: good morning, Moon.

For those of you who don't know me, the name's Saul Goodman. I work for the Department of Initiative-Transport Relations with the lovely Queen Medusalith Amaquelin-Boltagon — [He pauses to smirk. What a mouthful, right?] — and a whole slew of other equally lovely folks. We're here to help you in matters concerning Initiative-Transport goings on. Now, here I'd usually take the opportunity to ask you all to lay whatever questions you might have on me, but because things are so crazy right now, the best answer I can give to any question will probably be a confident "I don't know."

We'll update you as we're updated.

Anyway, I'm coming to you today with a request. Lots of people are gearing up to go on supply runs, which is great. Go team. If those of you who've gone on runs already or plan to go could check in with me here and let me know what it is you're bringing back, that'd be super helpful. I'll make a list that everyone can refer back to, so no one has to double-up on fetching supplies that might not be necessary.

[So he might be a little bit worried about the lack of resurrection technology. That might be a thing. He just doesn't want anyone taking unnecessary risks for the sake of DVDs or... or whatever.]

Thanks.

Our medical clinic needs help now more than ever. We've already had calls for medics and trainees, and I'm glad we have so many volunteers. But I'm leading a secondary project to help the clinic, and I was hoping to ask for assistance as well. If you've been looking to help but you're too squeamish to handle medical duties, this might be your chance.

Jaime Reyes and I are working on increasing our available power supply because our sensitive medical equipment can't be allowed to shut down when the transporter pad is running. Jaime's collecting generators and parts from the past, so please talk to him if you're willing to do that. But I'm working on an eventual long term solution.

I propose that we instal solar grids at the poles of the moon, where there is constant access to solar energy. We need to reinforce whatever is already there, but I don't think we're harvesting as much as we could be---so that means we need more panels. And I'll need additional hands to collect and configure them. So if you'd like to learn some simple engineering, with the chance to learn more later, I'll gladly train you. And if you'd like to collect space suits for the eventual installation, that would help as well.

Thank you.

[So this hasn't been a traumatic last few days at all. Still Sky assumes it's better to at least find something to do than sit around and think about how she isn't home. Or about how people were just killed on earth. What she's supposed to do? She doesn't know. She amusingly assumes to herself that at least no one will need her to cook any books here.]

Ugh, hi. I'm Skyler. [Because while only a handful here are associated with her husband, she would rather leave him out of this.]

I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to do. [And this is already starting to sound like an AA introduction or something.] I'm a mom back home. It's the one thing I'm really good at.

[It's not entirely true, but she doesn't really know what else to say, and who needs an accountant in space?]

I like to write, and I don't really have powers. Or know how to fight. Well. [She doesn't want to think about the fight with the kitchen knife, so instead she just breathes and nods.]

I'm not sure what I could really do here, but I'm good with children. I have two of my own, and I'd like to help if I can.

Hi, this is Donny Casey. This is mostly about coordinating some of the ideas that have come up lately.

Ashraf and I are working on trying to getting a clinic functioning, inventory lists and everything like that. Probably figuring out a steady roster for collecting supplies to make sure we can keep up with demand and never get to low, maybe build up stores for emergencies and everything. When things go bad here they tend to go really, really bad so having a maximum capacity clinic that's really well stocked is really critical. If you have any suggestions or ideas they'd be really appreciated.

The better prepared we are with the basics, the more time and energy we'll have to focus on saving Exsilium. I think having all the basic stuff sorted out up here and having what we need on hand will make working out the details and tactics for helping Exsilium, and it means that if anyone disappears then the system can keep going because everyone knows how it works?
If anyone has any ideas about the best way to do this, I'd really appreciate any help. I know a few people have posted ideas since we got here about different areas to focus on, so it would be worth meeting up or something? It could be worth brainstorming.

I also have metal manipulation magic so if anyone needs help reinforcing things or anything like that, anything construction-wise, I'd be glad to help.

If anyone was close to Crystalia, Sweet Pea, Guinevere or Margaery Tyrell, it looks like they've all gone home. I kept looking for them in case there was an administrative error with the Initiative after everything or in case they just needed some time to themselves but it looks like they're really gone.

I'm really sorry.


( After Kang's response, he edits the post to add: )
special medical note:
For non-humans in particular, if you require specific medical care or there are differences in how your body functions from humans then it would be great if you could come by and talk to us so we know how to treat you. With the resurrection tech being down it's even more important that we get everyone the best medical care possible.

Even if you're human but have allergies or anything like that, get in touch so we can make sure our records are accurate.

What's up, Exsilium?

[ ... ]

We! We're totally up, get it?

[ A nervous laugh. Ella pls. ]

I swear it sounded better in my head. Anyway! Welcome, newbies! I'm Ella, Ella Ellis and yeah that's my name. For those that don't know yet, I'm the person that gets you whatever you want, no matter what. Unless it's like, really complex. Or alive. Or a hydrospanner. I mean, seriously Han, the damn thing has exploded like ten times in my face already. Sure you don't want a battery powered screwdriver?

[ Not that she can really do one of those without the risk of explosion either. ]

But yeah- you need something, you ask me. I'm still not charging for this, so hey, better make good use of it. And yet I didn't want to talk about this, or at least not only this. I keep getting sidetracked.

So for the ones that were around on August, I hosted a pretty kickass party, right? September wasn't so good for parties because we were too busy, er, you know. Plus we got bombed and not in the fun way. And now we're on the Moon, which is kinda cool, but you know what's cooler?

[ Imaginary drum-roll! ]

VR Rooms! I've been messing with them, and I have decided I can totally host a party inside of one of those. Make a nice, big house, with an even nicer, bigger back yard, maybe put some grills, some games, a pool, make it something more afternoon-evening to let everyone relax for a little bit. And something like a college party in the evening, although all I know about keggers and the like comes from movies so some help would be appreciated.

[ Obligatory pause to breathe. ]

But yeah, it's totally happening, sometime soon in a close VR room to your Moon base. Probably on the last week of the month, but you've been notified! I'm now open for ideas and suggestions. Just like the last time, food and whatever will be handled by yours truly, and the music will most likely be handled by Claudia, I guess. So if there's any real party planner among us, you might want to step up and give a hand.

This totally trivial message ends here.

[Han Solo]

I actually have a working hydrospeanner, but I need you to look at it to make sure it actually does what is supposed to do. This is the first time I've created something I don't have in my world, so.

[Lisbeth Salander]

The tobacco is ready, if you still want it.

[It's been a long time since he's had to think about this. Peter hasn't been an astronaut in years, and at some point he just became so used to space that he didn't even think about how to adapt to all the changes anymore.

So here he is: one very tired looking man, with a chipped mug full of coffee, and a well-worn uniform, because he's got to do something and space is his thing and somebody's got to do something to help, and the person to do something has always been him.]

So, to start this whole thing off, I guess I'd better introduce myself. My name is Peter Quill. I'm the Star-Lord, and the leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy. I don't expect you to have heard of us around here, what with all the many wonderful alternate universe options available. But we're very much around, and we're going do whatever we can to get some of this mess fixed up.

[Swear to god Gamora and Adam you had better not dare contradict him on that.]

Before I was the Star-Lord, though, I used to be an astronaut. Our space base was a little bit fancier than this, when I was around, but it was pretty much the same set-up, so I figured I would offer up some advice on how to deal with living in a place like this.

First, you might have noticed the moon doesn't abide by Earth hours anymore. Really try to make yourself keep to them anyway, because otherwise you're going to be in for a really rough ride and we'll probably run out of coffee way before the week's out. Repair guys, if we could maybe get something running to simulate a natural cycle, that would help a lot.

[Not that he even notices it anymore. One reason for all that coffee: he's been so many places that his system is probably fucked for good.]

You might have noticed that this place is technically really small. You may start to feel a little bit cramped, or start sleeping a lot, or start getting really paranoid that your roommate might be stealing your stuff or trying to kill you in your sleep. That's called cabin fever, and if you think you have it, try to get the hell out of here and take some kind of mission that gets you back on Earth, because you're doing nobody any favors trying to tough it out or pretend it's not happening. Especially since we're all going to be here for the foreseeable future.

[He can't really pretend he's happy about that, either, but at least he's used to having no privacy and living in close quarters with other people by now. Even people he kind of hated! It's amazing what you can get used to.]

Oh, and all that freeze-dried food is going to get really old, really fast. I'm not kidding. That crap is awful. Trust me, you will get sick of it so fast you won't even believe it was possible. So whoever ends up being responsible for restocking supplies, I beg you to try to get anything that lasts that's not that.

[Pause, for a dramatic sip of coffee.]

If you've got anything else you're worried about, feel free to come ask me about it. I'll be around.

Adam, Gamora- we're going to try to set up base in the first convenient reclaimed space there is, so until then we're gonna have to operate out of someone's bedroom. And so help me Gamora, if you left behind that coffee pot, it's on you to replace it. I don't care if it might not even work, it's the principle of the thing.

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

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

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

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