[ completely unaware of what's going on with sentience at the moment, angel flips on the feed after searching the compound for someone who appears to be missing, scent and all. only one way to be sure... ]

Has anyone seen or spoken to Faith Lehane recently?

[Lovely day for being in any open, common area of the dome, isn't it? Of course there is a chance of kissing bot, but it's always something in the underwater prison.]

(OOC: Check out the OOC post for details. Pucker up! Edit: Links for those with loading problems!)

[Someone is not a happy Yomi! Her crimes are bewildering and hurtful and false, she's stuck with a cold, lumbering weight tied to her ankle - and her cell phone is missing. Her gaze darts every which way, back taut with apprehension and every muscle coiled for a blow... not that one lands. Not unless you count the robots bustling around her, trying to ferry her to chores.

It's an illusion. A Category A, or an echoer, or-- or something. She's not going to let it affect her, cutting through the fallacies and the impossibilities, keeping her voice and her head cool.

She only fumbles briefly with the communicator before tapping it on, transmitting.]

Director? Noriyuki? ... It's Yomi. Something's happened, I think I'm caught in some sort of illusion or web. Kagura's gone and so is my weapon.

[When there's no answer, she fidgets with it a little.]

... Director? Takahata? [Yomi's voice takes on a sharp note, cracking like a whip.] SDCD, come in!


((OOC: Preemptive warnings of slowness, am overseas and partly computerless at the moment.))

[ Panic has long passed into curiosity for Kaylee and her new predicament. Sure she's been kidnapped, but: ]

This Acumen feller said something about a beach. With-- real sand and all? Don't think my heart could take it, bein' kidnapped and then lied to about a beach.

[ And curiouser... ]

Hope it's all right I don't have a swimming outfit...

[ She had felt it. She had wanted to speak with him, after his troubling public question, wondering where it had stemmed from. Luck had not been on her side, until trying to reach him through the communicator had proven to be in vain: Naoya is gone.

The day is like one where everything seems to have fallen through at the same time. In passing by the Defense Force Headquarters, she learned that two members, two of those she had considered dear -- Alucard and Zelda -- have gone as well.

Since there was no science class to attend, no baseball practice, she decides to distract herself at the Devil's Compass, even if it was not her scheduled day of work. She could cook at the Shelter, or even at home but being "at work" felt more distracting somehow.

With her recipe notebook open on the counter, she absentmindedly tries to follow a new recipe. From time to time, she pops out of the kitchen, to sweep the floor and dust surfaces off -- if anyone comes in, they will be greeted with a smile. Life goes on, after all... ]


(( OOC: Old faces, new faces, everyone's welcome! Sasha might not be able to mix alcoholic drinks, but as per usual, she'll be more than glad to feed people X3~ Threadjacks are welcome ))
 

[Here's York, hanging out in the Defense Force HQ wearing a black tailored suit with a bright red shirt. Never mind that he's pretending that he can play his incredibly fancy electric guitar--he has an Important Message, which will just have to be gently serenaded by his idle, random string plucking. So basically you have a gently smug FBI agent speaking to the tune of the flat, muted "not hooked up to an amp" noise associated with electric guitars.]

Hello.

I've decided that we need to establish an investigative branch for the Force. With any luck, we won't need to solve any murder mysteries, but... well, I'd rather be safe than sorry.

So far, it's just me and Zach--FBI training, and all. If you aren't a Defense Force member, you'll have to join first, of course. Experience is preferred, but we might be able to give you some training. [Yes, you too can receive the finely-honed crime-solving skills of an imaginary friend and a man who tells his fortune with his coffee.]

[Welcome to the Devil's Compass, it's Poker Night.

The record player might be playing something jazzy in the background, there's (plenty of) smoke wafting in the air and the taps are just waiting to be... tapped. For those who quit the game or didn't come to play in the first place, the pool table and dart board are free. But why wouldn't you come to play poker on Poker Night? Scared of all... the big bad cheats?]

Hey there, good morning.

[Have the smiling face of a smiling boy.]

If you’re new to Marina, welcome. My name is Ryoji Mochizuki; I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.

[What will he say next! This:]

I’m sorry, but for anyone who knew -- hrk!

[The door behind him closes quietly enough.. on the tail end of his scarf. Ryoji, in trying to walk forward, is abruptly yanked back, scrambling for balance. It’s a moment before he tugs his scarf loose and is able to open the door to free himself.]

-- ah, heh. Sorry.

As I was saying, Senpa – Mitsuru Kirijo and Yukari Takeba aren’t here anymore. [He’s still a little flushed from the exertion, and the announcement causes his gaze to drop a little.] I’m sorry if they were friends of yours, but I think they’re happier being back home.

Well, [one last smile.] I hope everyone has a good day.

So, we're starting with the psychological torture first? Different. Cute, even. I wasn't even sure you bothered with that down here.

[calm, confident, with only a slight quirk of an eyebrow to show for her exasperation. going to Hell, getting arrested -- such a drag, right? and she's certainly not hoarse and red-eyed from crying. she made damn sure of that before even touching the camera. even if she has no idea what's going on, she can still save face.

if her smile's a little on edge, you'll have to forgive her, but she's expecting this cosy little place to disappear in a puff of black smoke any second now.]

Well then, if we're to communicate, then I suppose introductions are in order. You can call me Bela. And yourselves? [thin-lipped smile.] Come on, I'm guessing the idea is that we all bond over our damned souls now, yeah? Then after we've swapped all friendship bracelets, we can start flaying each other alive. If we're lucky, it might even be fun by that point.

[Nasuti appears to be settled back into the Trooper's home. Her expression doesn't give any indication of their being cramped at all, but perhaps that was the hidden blessing of being stuck in the shelter for several days.]

There are a few things I've noticed. Forgive me if these are redundant, I'm still somewhat new, though I guess not as new as some of you who have just recently arrived.

On a lighter note, is there any sort of reading-slash-book club? I noticed several of you, the new-comers and more veteran members both, have a particular fondness for the library.

Would anyone be up for something along those lines if one is not already established? If there is one, who organizes it?

On a more serious note--well, serious unless you consider the irony of the question--

Have any of you been convicted for 'abduction' or 'kidnapping' on your list of crimes?

[ someone's clicking on the communicator at this point. she's already been shunted off to breakfast and there are these bot things watching her and she's very much firmly in the do not want camp. the ball and chain thing on her ankle is again do not want. it's heavy.

so, one redheaded witch is turning on the video feed, trying to figure out where she is and why. ]

Okay I-I've just got a couple of uh... questions... [ as she glances at one of the bots... they are starting to creep her out like the buffybot did. ] One: why do I have a... prison ball chained to my ankle. Two: ...Why am I here... where am I would be a good start, too. This thing is... vague. And three: uh... are Buffy Summers or Xander Harris here? I'd really like to-

-Hey, I'm not doing anything! [ what?! the bot was staring. and considering how it acted when she tried to get away the first time, she's trying to play calm and nice... but it's really worrying her. ]

So uh, if anyone can answer that for me, I'd really appreciate it.

[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!

[Today is quieter around the shelter -- and there's less food. It's getting kind of cramped in here, isn't it? And boring. There are plenty of games and entertainments left over from the party, but everyone is gathered together and... finding things to do.]

[So what are you doing?]

Hey. [Always weird starting these.] So, the Devil's Compass has a pool table now if anyone is interested. There's a dart board too, [Thinking] and we still have drinks. It's the only place outside of the club you can get alcohol.

Sasha is here tonight too, so we've got pizzas, quiche, and pie. ["Pie" might have come out slightly sighed.] So, stop in. [Should he say bye? Awkward pause. Click.]

(OOC: It's a mingle! If you want to reply directly to the video you can. Please use Sam's comment, because I'm turning off comments!)

[Apparently, Kurama had no difficulty whatsoever in locating a place to stay after the Shelter's evacuation. He looks quite comfortable, seated behind a desk in what appears to be a modest study area. He has in fact claimed a small residence in Sector Four for his own, chosen for its proximity to the parks. Personal touches can already be seen in the several tropical and flowering plants he has growing on the windowsill. The space is otherwise largely empty. Kurama may be efficient, but even he can't furnish a home to his personal standards in less than a day. The purpose for his transmission has nothing to do with the move, however, and he quickly gets to the point, his hands folded on the desk in front of him, his expression calm and reassuringly confident. This is someone who most certainly does not suffer from either shyness or hubris.]

Good evening. My name is Kurama, and I hope you will spare me a moment of your time while I make a brief announcement. For those who may be interested, I will be offering a course in the mythologies of Earth at the Education Center in Sector 2. Class will be held in Room 7 from nine until ten in the morning on days ending in one and five. Students are welcome to join the course at any time. Please bring any materials you may require to keep notes. All other materials will be provided to you as needed. I ask that anyone who wishes to contribute to the subject matter of the course contact me to discuss the particulars.

The first class would ordinarily be held tomorrow, but, in light of Acumen's cleaning activities, has been postponed until Day 151. Until then, I am happy to entertain any questions you might have.

Thank you for your time.

[ooc: For anyone who wants to look at the "official" course catalog entry, it's here. Sorry I didn't post the link sooner!]

[Incubator hadn't been made aware of this place before, so he decides to approach the situation with caution. Instead of joining the chorus on the communicator, the small fuzzy creature listened for a while as he examined his welcome basket. Then he paused, trying to psychically search for local magical girls, only to find that his telepathy was greatly limited. It was enough to make a decision or two about his immediate predicament, even if he would have to perform more tests too discern the extent of his new limitations.]

[Eventually, he abandons his basket on the walkway and climbs the nearest tall building with a set of deft jumps. He contorts his body so his paw can reach the communicator. Time for the first test--who can hear him?]

[Voice]

[QB speaks with a rather cute and upbeat voice, sounding almost like it might belong to a child--an effect ruined by his mature word choices. He doesn't address anyone in particular; he appears to be thinking out loud.] Of course there hasn't been a mistake. When every action is a crime, every person is a criminal.

This prison appears to be the result of an advanced culture lacking the ability to consider moral relativism. None of you should feel so alarmed by the accusations. What may have been acceptable on your world doesn't match the legal acceptability of this advanced artificial intelligence.

Committing crimes does not automatically make you a "bad person" by your standards, because your standards were never considered or applied to begin with.

[The device is certainly beyond anything Yuuki is used to working with, but its instructions on how to use it is clear. She appears on screen. A brown, chocolate smudge decorates the side of a pretty, porcelain cheek near her mouth on the right. A few wrappers litter the ground at her feet, along side the familiar welcome basket. She’s beautiful, almost doll like, despite the mar. An ageless appearance though she clearly appears young, even within her early teens, But it’s an appearance different from that of an ordinary person, and sets her apart, too. Her eyes are wide, a deep, liquid brown and innocent (as though still fill of life), though not amused. Full, pink lips thin as she frowns with a look of disapproval into the screen.

She isn’t happy.

Cloaked in a white school uniform, her brows knit, expression firm as a normally warm gaze stares hard into the camera of the device. Atop her left arm is a black arm band, with a curious red crest. It matches the silver necklace, barely visible around her slender neck. She pulls the black band up, readjusting it and brushing her long waves of rich, mahogany hair over her shoulder.

Back straight, polite, though resolute and unwilling to be dismissed or ignored, she opens her mouth to speak. It’s clear she’s impatient, her annoyance a spasm of irritation that crosses her face, but shadowed by an underlying urgency.]

I haven’t done anything worthy of being arrested again. If this is a joke, it isn’t funny. I want to know the truth.

[Because the crimes listed are nothing short of ridiculous, charges more absurd than anything sensible, regardless of any validity to them. They’re a reflection of the truth twisted out of context. Although, she’s painfully aware the hunters don’t need real reasons to take one of her own kind into custody. They’re the only group outside of another pureblood who would possibly have the ability to pull off something this elaborate. Still, she has a job to do.]

Where’s the Association President? There are too many important things going on for us to be going through this all over again! Humans could get hurt. I want to talk to him immediately.

[ BOOM, goes the front door as Dean saunters in, pizza boxes piled high in his hands and a six pack of soda dangling from his fingers. ]

Sam! Cas?

Supper time!

[ yeah, fun times ahead. Oh boy! ]

((ooc: ETA: Anyone who wants to run into Dean running around the dome (mostly around Sector 5 and hoarding all the candy is free to do so. He's affected by super happiness today!))

[Well, it doesn't take him long to figure out how to work this. He doesn't know where he is, but this place can't be good. He needs allies, and quickly.]

Excuse me, but could someone tell me where I am? I don't know what's going on.

I need to get back home. My aunt and uncle will be very angry at me if I'm not there before curfew.

[Of course, he could care less about their curfew, but it's a bother he'll deal with for a few more years.]

Is there a police officer around?

[[ooc; Memory loss Naoya! He's about seven.]]

[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.}