[Billy drags a hand over his face and takes in a deep breath before muttering to himself for a moment.] My mom is going to kill me. No, she's going to ground me for all eternity and then let me die of boredom because she'll take away anything and everything fun. Goodbye, comic books. Goodbye, video games. Goodbye, TV. Goodbye, life. How I ended up in prison again... [He trails off, then speaks up in a normal tone.]

Well, I guess this good be worse, right? It can't be that bad of a prison if they let you use all sorts of things and don't confine you to a tiny cell... right? [He asks a little nervously.]

This is probably a real long shot but, uh, are there any Avengers here...? Or X-Men, maybe...? Or anyone who knows any of them really well? I have a... problem. Yeah. A problem. I mean, besides that I'm stuck in a jail I'm not entirely sure how I got to.

[ On the video screen: an expression-less gold-plated robot, who adjusts the focus of the video several times, fussily. ]

Hello. Hello, is this thing on? [ He taps it. ] All right. [ He straightens proudly. ] I am C-3PO, human-cyborg relations. I am a... recent arrival to this planet and only seek to be of assistance to the residents here. I am fluent in over six billion forms of communication and would be glad to assist in issues of protocol and diplomacy.

[ And then he sighs -- or at least, it sounds like a sigh, even though he doesn't have real lungs. ] Oh, what's the use? I'm sure I'll be in pieces before morning.

[ On that despairing note, he turns the video off. ]

Okay, really now.

[Michael here? He doesn't look at all happy. He's eaten everything in the welcome basket and now he's both bored and frustrated--not with being in prison, because it doesn't feel like a very huge deal, but with being out of food for the time being, and more importantly with the chain around his ankle. It's heavy and it sucks, trying to drag it around. That, and for some reason he can't use his brainwaves at all, not even the tiniest pulse of neural activity. Nothing.

The location and circumstance aren't the problem. It's being, for lack of a better word, human, and physically restrained.

And alone. Being alone is...unnerving. He doesn't like it, and he looks antsy because of it.]

If anyone can understand me, I'm looking for my siblings. Their names are Johann and Nena.

If you don't appreciate a foot shoved so far up your ass you choke on it, I recommend you start talking. Any one of you, and make it quick--no bullshit. I don't have all day.

[What will he do if he doesn't get his way? Given the way he's talking and the dangerous gleam in his eyes, he'll give you three guesses.]

[familiar face, anyone? she's a grumpy mcgrumpypants today oh nooo.]

I just woke up with what feels like the worst hangover ever, different clothes on, and chewing gum in my hair. Again. Once was way more than enough, and I didn't even fucking do anything last night! Even I just relax sometimes y'know, geez.

So, I need icecream and someone with superpowers. Now! I'm not getting any younger here, y'know.

[The message she received was all too strange. Is this a dream? Though she’s not entirely surprised she’s been caught and sent to prison. After everything she’s done… she’s technically a criminal right? She should accept her fate…

What she doesn’t notice are her restraints, or rather she underestimates them, causing her trip and her device to fall off and flip on. Her face shows an expression of slight pain, but she easily shakes it off as she stands up, picking her device up with her. Noticing it’s on, she does her best to force a smile. It looks genuine, but to anyone who knows her well enough, it’s easy to tell there’s a fake attribute to it.]

Ah, good morning everyone! I understand I have been brought here due to the crimes I’ve committed, but it seems we’re still allowed to communicate with one another, am I correct? I’m honestly so glad! [And that part is genuine. She rather doesn’t like being lonely.]

My name is Estellise, and it would be a pleasure to make all of your acquaintance. [Then a pause as she looks thoughtful…] Is there a library here or at least a place that sells books? If anyone could tell me, I would be so grateful!

All right! Marinians, I have an urgent request!

[Popping on screen, Yuuki's long hair is down, hands rising to sit comfortably on her hips as she clears her throat in order to speak into the screen.]

I need to know if there are any intelligent scientist-y individuals here within the dome that might have known me, or about me, upon my previous stay. It's really important! And, er... probably best if you know how to deal with chemical substances and things.

[Brows knitting as she reviews her words, searching for anything else she might need to say or have forgotten.]

Oh! [At once she raises a hand into the air.]

I promise to compensate you for your time. So step right up and help a cute girl today!

[Might as well add - ]

Real criminals with bad intentions need not apply. Believe me, I'll know. Thank you!

[And after a beat]

Shibuya-kun! I need you as well.

Good morning, Marina! [Have a very smiley pink haired girl on your video feed!] For anyone I haven’t met, I’m Lacus Clyne and I’m very glad to meet you.

It seems as though we’re all going to be in the shelter today, so we should make the best of things. I was thinking that we should get together and have a big winter banquet! Anyone who wants to help cook should please feel free to come to the kitchens and assist, and if not you should still come and enjoy the food with us.

Dinner will be served at 5 in the main cafeteria, and after that maybe we could have fun playing games and watching movies together. I hope everyone has a good day, and I hope to see everyone at the feast!

[A few minutes later]

I just learned that today is also Ritsuka’s birthday! To celebrate there will be a cake and some special desserts and decorations. [as many decorations as they can find without access to the store.] Everyone please, stop by to wish him a happy birthday!

***
((OOC Notes: Mingle post, open to all! Reply to Lacus by [video] or there are several action options: [cooking] any time before 5pm ICly, [dinner] a huge buffet of almost anything you could want, or [after dinner] for card games, board games, and movies throughout the cafeteria and nearby common rooms! Your character is in no way obligated to be at all of these, but they could be if you want~

Also! A link to Ritsuka’s birthday party will be added once it goes up. There will be cake and lots of special desserts and pretty decorations in one area of the cafeteria.

If anyone wants to intentionally or unintentionally sabotage the food, please contact me OOCly before you do so. Thanks and ENJOY!))

[Sakura is sitting on the edge of the bed and kicking her legs around a little before speaking] If you could have anything for Christmas, what would you ask for? [this is her sneaky way of trying to find out what to get everyone...] I think I'd ask for a new pair of knee guards. My old ones are really scratched up from all the times I've slipped on my AT.

...I'd also like to visit a zoo so I can see penguins and elephants again. [QUICKLY] I don't want them to be arrested though! I just want to see them. ...I'd like to see everyone from back home too. [her legs stop moving] And all the friends I made here. Like Ushiro-kun and Josak-san, and Lavi-san... [ashton nakama kaito teddie kamui kobato adachi fai lelouch everyone. but thoughts like these aren't what she wants right now, so Sakura pushes them away.]

[she moves a hand to her head and moves it forward, measuring her height.] It'd be nice if I could grow a little bit taller too! Taller than my brother. That way I get to call him shortie. [AND STEP ON HIM]

[private]

Syaoran-kun, are you busy? I'm really sorry if you are, but I just wanted to ask you something quickly!

Hey! Stop pushing, already. [the camera view is bouncing, but manages to show Komui being prodded by one of Acumen’s bots.] We were almost done! Just a few more adjustments.

[Gear is also being pushed, but mostly off screen] Come on, dude, we were right outside! It’s not like we were making a run to the rec center!

You’re standing in the way of scientific progress! This will not -- ow, stop that. I’m going, yeesh.

Dude, this bites. Hey--don’t poke the helmet!

It’s ridiculous is what it is -- hey, watch it! Stupid thing, who programmed you anyway? [Komui rubs at his rump, annoyed]

For real. [Gear’s glaring off in the direction of the bots, rubbing the sore spot on his back where it kept poking him] You’d think they would at least have let us turn it off.

[paaause] So... we fixed that power problem, didn’t we?

...Come on, bro, it only had enough power to last a few hours, right? [shrug. nothing too big just a foot or two.]

Well, yeah... before my adjustments... [ehehehe.... oops?] Well! There’s plenty of supplies in the shelter...

Wait. What? It can still be turned off right? [Ko, bro, you did not just say that.]

I think so! And anyway, if two feet of snow is fun, a little more would be extra fun! [who can argue with that?]

[The look on Gear’s face? They may have a problem. But he shakes it off with an uneasy laugh.] Yeah, right, it’ll turn off. It’s not like a few hours will overload it or anything. [He’s sounding a lot more confident than he is.]

((OOC: Komui’s dialogue is regular text, Gear’s dialogue is in green.

Snowed-in event is go! Starting tonight, massive amounts of heavy snow will be distributed everywhere, courtesy of Richie/Gear and Komui’s little snafoo. By the time the bots agree to let anyone out of the shelter, there’ll be between 8 and 10 feet of wet snow blocking you in. Enjoy, and don't forget to thank Komui and Gear for the lovely surprise~!))

[ It was an interesting sight, watching Fou scuttle around corners, body hunched over something clutched in her arms. She may have been kicked out of the shelter, but she was hardly going to take it standing down!

At least, she won't once she figures out a spot to bunk down for the night. :( ]

[Sector 5 sees a lot of people over the course of a day. Many live there in houses or apartment complexes; many come there to shop for food or clothing; many come there to relax and have a meal; some even come for the entertainments offered by the bowling alley, the ice rink, or the Devil's Compass.]

[Everyone who might have passed through Sector 5 today is invited to thread out a chance encounter here, or a date, or a gathering of friends. Just tell everyone where your character is and what they're doing, and go!]

[It took him a lot longer than it had before but it's done. And Gear sits back to happily stare at the little, oblonged robot beeping at him. The red light of the single camera flickers, almost like blinking.]

You know, as satisfying as it is to build things and know you did it right...when you're done, all you can ask yourself is: What next? And there's plenty of time to wonder around here. There is such thing as too much time, man.

[Is that some bitter-sweetness from one Gear? Maybe, but he has just the idea to fix this!]

So a question, everyone. What kind of things would you like to see in this place? Any machines Acumen hasn't built? Appliances that your world has that this place doesn't? Toys that would make this winter more fun? An automated snow-blower for your backyard? [He chuckles a little after the last part.]

[Super-genius with boredom, what madness may come of it?]

[The video opens to some frantic clinking. Komui's in the shelter kitchen, desperately fiddling with a coffee maker.]

Anyone know how to get this thing working? It's broken or something. [ -- it isn't. And yes, he knows there's a coffee shop, but it's not the same. Also, it's entirely possible that he hasn't slept in two days.] Lenalee told me to take down my coffee Komurin and --

[and he can't even finish that sentence. Why's he crying over coffee? Anyone who knows him at all will probably guess what's going on: Lenalee's vanished. Again.]

Bastard! Bastard!

Hey, hold on! Just a little peek, please?

[Atsuro smile, not bothered by the insults, as he speaks without looking away from the Haro.]

So anyone missing a...Haro, I think? If they are, can I ask if I can look at him? If there’s no one, I guess I can take it under my wing! [♪]

Dumb kidnapper! Dumb kidnapper! [It flies around his head.]

Hey, I’m not one!

(ooc: Finally got it up. If anyone’s curious, got permission for it~)

[There's some static at first and then audio, buzzing and krisssssssking with a familiar voice that does not sound quite the same.]

--me, h-how does this contraption wor--[and then there is video and a familiar face is looking with concern and confusion at the screen.]

Oh! [Blink. Surprise. A hand reaches up self-conscious to move a displaced strand of hair--almost as it used to tucking it behind something.]

Hello? Excuse me, I-I am not sure if this is working, but I do believe I'm lost. And I...I don't know how I got here. Am--Am I dead? Because this would be a rather awkward afterlife, indeed.

[Because heaven didn't involve being trapped in a body that wasn't hers last that she knew.]

Even if I... If that is so...this a mistake. Please. If anyone from the Order is here, I need help. Something is very wrong with me.

{OOC: Alma is suffering from memory loss! And has completely forgotten she is Alma. The memory of his past life are not all there, so she'll also been confused about that as she hides out inside the convenient store.}

[A bit before "sunset," a softly smiling Lacus appears in the video.]

Good evening, Marina. Thanks to an inmate request, tonight we are going to observe a lovely meteor shower in the night sky using the star projector. I have arranged viewing areas on the beach with some light refreshments. However, you should be able to see the meteors from anywhere in the dome.

If anyone would like to see star patterns or other sky-scenes from their own worlds, please don't hesitate to contact me. If you have photos or descriptions I can make a program for the projector quite easily.

I hope everyone has a pleasant evening.

( And about a half-hour after dark... )

Upon entering Sector 4, the very large tent that stands framed by the beach is quickly noticeable. Closer, one can see colors dancing upon the white sheets, like opalesque spires under the moving onyx sky. As you enter one of the wings of the tents, grass give way to wooden flooring, and chains of white blossoms and gold ribbons line the sides. The open dance floor in the center bids one to look up to whimsical white-gold lamps, balls of light dancing in seas of violet, blue, green and pink organza. The fabrics fall down pillars adorned with leaves and flowers. Tables set in white and gold with jewel toned flowers sit at the four wings surrounding the dance floor.

... but it is far too early to take a seat. Smile and greet your fellow attendee, take the hand of a friend, and dance to the music.



There are large tables with finger foods and punch (not spiked -- save it for the after-party!), and very little space near the walls (sorry, wallflowers! You won't get away so easily. ♥ )  After a large number of people are gathered together, Jeanne stands up on the small stage set to the side of the dance floor and taps on the microphone to get everyone's attention...



OOC STUFF
+ Info post / thread index (please read this first!)
+ Jeanne's greeting speech!
+ Prom King and Queen announcement. (Spoiler: It's Euphie and Kanda.)

[ it was the press of the communicator against french sunburn which eventually peeled lenalee off the pavement. for a hot-faced, embarrassing second, she thought that she must have collapsed with the shock of the image that was lingering, thick as blood, at the forefront of her mind

Kanda, bright and mint-sharp

but Lenalee, through a mix of secret cynicism and experience, feels the excitation dwindle down her throat and freeze. this is not France and Kanda is not here, and all she sees is the warrant for her own arrest and not the faces of friends. worry, fury... extensive pamphlet browsing.

tautly: ] I already don't like this place's timing, and I doubt I'm going to warm to much else.

[ softly: ] I've got things to repay, and I've gone through thicker things than water.

[Have a grown man in a crooked white beret, in the middle of a full-on crying tantrum complete with buckets of tears, wailing, and a runny nose. Good morning, Marina!]

Where is she?! Oh Lenalee, you can't be gone again!!! [All those exclamation points? totally audible.] But I just got back here! This -- this isn't fair!!

[And then he collapses face-first onto the already-soaked sheets of her bed, no end to his hysterics in sight.]


(( OOC: I know technically Lenalee was dropped just before 4th wall, but I talked to Reme and she said it would be okay for Lenalee to just be a little under the weather and not vanish until "today". /wibblyface ))

Someone moved my things! Those are very sensitive experiments and they aren't ready for distribution yet!

[Remember the dream event? Yeah, that was Sam and Dean moving her things. Sorry about that. Well, not really sorry...]

I'm not angry. [She's clearly very angry.] Just announce your guilt and I'll deal with you accordingly.