[The voice on the network may not technically be shouting, but there's a distinctly hard edge to the words that easily translates into 'Oh my god I can't even believe this right now.']

Oi! Anyone using fire to deal with this nonsense had better knock it right off! I don't care if your fire's made of magic, Harry Potter, it's still probably burning up oxygen when you use it to light these bastards up-- and I don't know if you've noticed, but we're in bloody space.

[There's a beat, a sharp intake of breath as Charlie wills himself to not flip the nearest table. Finally, in a low steely tone:] We need oxygen for other things. Like, oh, breathing. Figure out a different way of doing things.

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.

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.

[ And here appears the face of an elf, one with short and dark hair scattered with braids, tattoos swirling across her face and around her large, almost insect-like green eyes. Her smile is awkward, only half there as aware as she is that it's a poor time to smile. ]

Hello there. This is Merrill again, um. I suppose it has been some time, but then I haven't had anything worth saying. And then I did, perhaps, but it didn't seem a good time. Is it ever a good time? Well, near half a million people have been destroyed despite our best efforts. That doesn't seem like a good time.

I am sorry. Especially to those who were from there. So sorry.

But I cannot put off this question any longer. My curiosity has gotten the best of me, and maybe a distraction would not be out of place for a short amount of time. [ She clears her throat and taps a fingertip to her lower lip, near pouting. ] I suppose a joke or story would be better in that case, but there I go again with my poor sense of timing.

In any case, does anyone here know of the Chimera Project? [ The petite elf holds up a small booklet, or thick leaflet, however you choose to see it. The title is clear as day. It's stained with something, though... ] I regret to say that...ale spilled all over it in the drastic move, sorry about the appearance. But I would like to hear if any Transports or even Initiative employees know of this.

( private; Fenris )

[ ooc; Sorry I might be slow on tagging back some threads until I hear more about the pamphlet thingy. Will get to them ASAP! ]

Hey, does anyone know where I can get some supplies and survival gear? I'm thinking of heading out of the city for a little bit to get my bearings and see what's out there.

[please enjoy about 45 seconds of silent film: small wildflowers, shrugs, and grass...some creeping vines up a dead tree trunk. it's only a little shaky, because this is being filmed in his hands, but hey.

once it's done, there's just follow-up text:]

The plants around here are getting healthier :)
I take it a good sign.

[private text to: ADRASTEIUS]

Everything looks a lot better here, and I'm pretty sure it's mostly thanks to you!
I found an interesting book today about where certain kinds of plants can grow. And I might have some ideas because of it...

Pow! Powpowpowpow! Pow!

[From the way it sounds and the echo, someone's in the training hold at the moment. And by himself for that matter.]

Let's go, formation alpha!

[And sounding like they're having a pretend fight with... something.]

Justice will prevail at the hands of the Sunscreen Rangers! For tonight, we will dine on seafood!

[The sounds of scuffling can be heard as gunshots are shot off and the sound of a blade is swung through the air.]

Pow, powpowpowpowpow, POW! Sunscreen Ranger! RED!

[And the feed abruptly ends.]

[Action: All around town today, Elmer will be handing out posters! He's hanging them wherever he can find a dry enough place, or is bugging shop workers to hang them in their windows or booths, and he's even just handing them to passersby. What is it? Check out Elmer's amazing graphic design skills with this poster he's made in whatever their tablet's version of MS Paint is. It's for the talent competition he's promoting, and he'll hand you one with a big grin.]

Be there or be square! It's guaranteed to put a smile on your face!

[Text: Yeah sorry but you're all getting this poster thing emailed to you too. Expect an attachment to this text. He's obnoxious like that. He has a question to go with it as well.]

I know some Transports out there are business owners as well! Anyone care to be a sponsor? (´･ω･`)

[The feed turns on to Gin, Seles and Yoruichi’s apartment, where the statue of Gin is just hanging out in their living room. Yoruichi is out of sight behind the camera, for some reason, filming the statue.]

[After a few moments, the feed swings over to a slightly different angle as Yoruichi takes a few steps to one side. Then she walks clear across the room, still keeping the statue the focus of the broadcast. Strangely enough, the terrible, knowing grin seems to be fixed on the camera, no matter where in the room she stands.]

[Finally, she speaks, her voice faintly disgruntled.]

No matter where you stand in the room, that thing looks like it’s watching you.

[She flips the device around, her expression matching her voice.]

You guys saw it too, right? I know I’m not crazy.

[Chloe--long time no see, network-- is settled down in a dimly lit bit of local architecture. At least it looks that way at first glance; Initiative buildings are usually a touch more pristine, and one hell of a lot more futuristic.]

Evening lads and ladies. Given the way things've been going lately between our sort and the locals, there's no doubt that finding what we need to get by isn't exactly an easy venture. Then again, when everything around here is coated in a couple hundred years of grit, it wasn't all that easy to begin with. [A small, thoughtful little beat. Drummed out on a table too low to see.] Or worth it for that matter.

Which is why after a lengthy hiatus, I'm pleased to announce that my item retrieval service is back up and running-- with a few minor adjustments.

[The camera shifts, dipping slightly as whoever’s holding the tablet shifts their hands. The cameraman in question hisses at her, clearly trying and failing to be discreet:] Oi, your retrieval service?

Well it was mine first. The next time you wind up in an alien future before the rest of us you can go start your own bloody business.

Fine, alright. Go on then. [And the camera shifts up again, less steady than before.]

--Right. So as I was saying. For those of you that need something-- anything-- found or picked up or even gently borrowed from a few bygone eras, Frazer and Cutter's Acquisitions and Fine Antiques is here to manage it for you. For a few nominal fees of course, and with much less glaring than what you’ll find around here.

Trust me, with the sort of luck the Initiative’s been having, you’ll want a pair of professionals on your side.


**Charlie Cutter is in red and the pair of them are more than happy to respond to any incoming inquiries or requests!

[The video opens up with a longer-haired Lisbeth, her red-head roots showing because what does a woman have to do around here for some black hair dye? She seems distracted as she clicks around on her computer to the side. Soon, she's biting the cuticle of her thumb.]

If you could take on a project that has the potential to lead to some kind of public attention - attention on you - would you do it?

I, the elegant and glamorous Dist, the Rose have arrived here from my home planet, to grace this savage place with my presence.

[He sits back in his chair. It's not as comfy at the one back home. He'd have to remedy that.]

Though I am a genius, and my work is unparalleled, I do have a small question for you. How many of you are not entirely ignorant about technology? How many have constructed something with their own hands?

Additionally, where might one find the gardens?

Mmm, don't be shy, now.

Um... Um... Okay! IT'S TIME FOR A POLL!

Which of y'all are not humans?

And which of y'all who are humans are the... the shoot everybody up, bust all the doors down, take no prisoners... critter-barbecuin' variety?!

[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.]

[ allison's decided to record this from the rooftop of one of the slightly shorter and less damaged buildings because why not; especially when the air is crisp and cold and helpful in clearing a troubled head. she's brushing back a stray piece of hair when she turns on the video, before using both hands to steady the tablet currently balanced on her knees. though she looks calm, there definitely seems to be a heaviness in her posture — like she's only just taken a moment to relax and let the good and bad of the situation sink in. the latter, it seems, is what's troubling her today. ]

Hi. [ a half-smile ]

I haven't been here too long, so I'm not so good at this. But how do you even begin to stop thinking and worrying about everything back home? Or at least about people. Family.

[ because the realization had been that her dad's alone now. or he's with gerard, which might actually be worse. she knows he's capable of taking care of himself, but she also hadn't exactly left at the best of times either. her tone turns more inquisitive, more determined as her brain tries to grasp at ideas of what she could do. ]

I know trying to be sent back is trouble, but if there's ways to let us travel, shouldn't there be some way for us to leave something? A note, a memento, or something to let people know we're okay.

[ if she could, she's sure he'd find it. she knows it'd probably make things too easy, but a girl can dream, can't she? the silence begins to stretch on too long and allison figures it's time to buck up and at least stop broadcasting her sullenness, so she just adds: ]

Thanks. [ and a shake of her head before the feed's switched off. ]


[ ooc: oops forgot to add that feel free to also find her outside! ]

[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.]