[ Today, Guilford is taking a break from his work, and to further take his mind off of the events of the day-before-last. He can be found:

1) In the morning at Dani's, the coffee shop, enjoying a cup of black tea and some biscuits. The booth is empty, and there is only one cup, but surely he can't be expected to read and enjoy breakfast in peace when the establishment is so popular amongst the other inmates, now can he?

2) Spending mid-day in the library, perusing the shelves while he hopes something catches his eye. Fiction is the order of the day, and perhaps he should expand his reading now that he has the opportunity to peruse selections from multiple worlds so easily.

3) Finishing off the evening with a quiet drink at the tavern. The Devil's Compass might have had a number of occupants earlier in the day thanks to the other man's call, but it doesn't seem like a lot of individuals stuck around. Which suits Guilford just fine as he sits at a table, nursing some bourbon on the rocks. In an uncharacteristic sight, his glasses are off and resting on the table, and even his hair has been let down. His expression is far from being relaxed. ]

[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!)

[Cloud's a patient man. More importantly, he's a stoic man, and though he's better about showing emotion these days, his cues are still subtle, and still rare compared to most people's. Ergo, he must be more than a little annoyed to let all of Marina see his impatience. The signs are small, but many. Arms crossed over his chest, mouth drawn into the tiniest of frowns beneath glowing blue eyes, and eyebrows drawn together in either consternation or aggravation, he definitely has a problem with something. The giant sword sheathed at his back does nothing to soften the picture, and when he speaks, that hint of tension in his arms carries into his voice.]

You know, I had a CO once who probably would have fed us to the Midgar Zolom if we were late for duty. [Hint, hint, nudge nudge, Dean.]

[ When the video entry starts, there's a girl who is staring right into it with a look of mixed curiosity and confusion. Having gone through her welcome message she had a basic understanding of what sort of predicament she was in, but clearly this device was strange to her. She tapped the device lightly as if to see what would happen.

Then, with a very faint sigh, she shifts a bit to sit more comfortably. It was off screen but the sound of the chain at her ankle rattled in the process. ]

I don't remember just how it is I arrived here. The last thing I recall was being outside at home. But now...

[ There was a pause while she brushed loose strands of blue hair away from her face. ]

It had spoke of imprisonment; Of being brought here to pay for one's crimes.

[ A very faint tone of amusement could be detected in her tone, but it lacked humor. Her manner of speaking was different that what was to be expected of someone of her apparent age. ] I suppose it isn't something to be surprised about. While I don't understand how this all came to be I can't say I am undeserving of being held accountable for my actions.

[Video: Open to all]
Good evening, Marina. As you all have no doubt heard, there has been a threat to the Defense Force Headquarters. We are well aware of the situation and have already taken steps to ensure safety. It would be most helpful for everyone to remain calm.

Additionally, please do not cross the established perimeter surrounding the headquarters. [Which is easily spotted with the bright crime-scene like tape, and posted guards.]

We are available to answer any questions you have.


[Filtered to Defense Force]
Hello, Defense Force members. [A somewhat more official, yet still friendly, tone.] Suzaku would like to thank everyone for their adherence to his instructions. Those who are guarding the perimeter, please be vigilant about not allowing anyone through. Patrol members are instructed to report any concerning activity over official filters right away.

Anyone with abilities that allow them to withstand an explosion safely, please contact myself or Suzaku to volunteer for searches within or in the immediate area of HQ. Anyone else who feels they can assist in any way, please respond immediately.

As far as punishment for the perpetrator, it is still under consideration.

Please continue to assure the inmates that things are under control. The goal of this threat was panic, and we cannot allow that to occur. Remaining in close contact is essential, and please remember to use the official filters.

((OOC: I'm on my way out but I wanted to get this up! Lacus will answer tags when I get back, BUT Suzaku may also respond and/or people can discuss among themselves. o/ ))

[ voice | To Seiji & Ryo... open to Nasuti if she wants in ]

Alright, so I'm in. You happy now? [His voice sounds a bit amused, though, despite his wording.] Do I have to like introduce myself to the rest of the Force or something?

[A little later, video to the Defense Force]

Um... hi. I'm Touma Hashiba. I was just approved as a member today. Nice to meet everyone. [Have a quick and maybe socially awkward wave.] I'm not really good at introductions, so um... I guess just ask questions.

[VIDEO | Closed to Nasuti]

Hey, uh... Nasuti? You busy?

[It had actually taken him all day to come around to actually doing this...]

=====

[ACTION | Open prior to Nasuti's arrival]

[So he was standing there a little ways off from the ice cream place... yes, ice cream. So what it if was cold. He looked like he was waiting for someone. Looking around, up, down, scuffling his feet. Care to bother him?]

[ Wandering around the snowy park? There are two things to look out for: (1) don't trip over the bright orange ropes that close off a large open area, (2) take cover and watch for a stray snowball, and (3) ... you know, you might want to join in for this is a Snowball Fight.

Only guidelines: no weapons, no head shots, no stuffing snow down someone's mouth, collar or anywhere else uncomfortable. Play to your heart's content! Spoiler: there's no winner.

Warm drinks and snacks are served in a nearby tent (ah, thank goodness for space heaters!), while towels and blankets are also available. You might want to take advantage of the snow as well -- make snowmen, snow angels, your own sculpture as you wind down~ ]

( --- OOC Guidelines; PLEASE READ --- )
 

[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?]

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!))

[For a moment, there's nothing but white noise. Cloud's not good at prepared speaking. He'd rather just say things as they need to be said, and otherwise keep his silence. He feels like he needs to say something, now, though, so he finally speaks up.]

Thanks. For letting me stay with you while the shelter was being cleaned. I owe you one.

[ooc: Closed to everyone Cloud stayed with last game day.]

[The Doctor has something on his mind, Marina, and it's something that he doesn't want to keep to himself. Is it important? Who knows? The Doctor could write a thesis on the significance of toothpicks if the mood struck him. What is important is that the Doctor is in the mood to share, so on goes the communicator, and he's off, following the latest tangent to get stuck in his enormous Time Lord brain.]

Spring cleaning! Well, all right, winter cleaning. It's a brilliant idea, seasonal cleaning. Spend a day or two picking up all of those odd jobs you left off doing until you can't ignore them anymore. I never do spring cleaning, or winter cleaning, or cleaning in any other season you might think of. Too domestic. I'm rubbish at domestics. Besides, have you ever tried to clean a time ship that's bigger on the inside from top to bottom? It's next to impossible. You'll forever be missing rooms that she's moved about and getting lost in the archived sections and distracted by stuff.

[Believe it or not, he actually did stop to breathe once during the entire speech, but only once. Respiratory bypass systems: they're dead useful when you don't want to stop talking long enough to top off your oxygen supply.]

[Nasuti appears on the video wearing an over-sized letter jacket.]

So, which of you boys am I drafting into taking me shopping?

Try not to hurt each other in your rush to volunteer, now. There will be future opportunities. [This is said a bit facetiously, with a wink.]

Because you guys wouldn't actually expect me to wander around this big, foreign city by myself, riiight?

[Nasuti doesn't waste time upon her arrival. She knew posting to this so-called 'network' down here was the only way she was going to make any progress in getting acquainted here, especially if this was for as long as they say.

Nasuti submits her posts to the network in a formal manner. She props her device up on a desk, and sits back in a chair with her hands on her laps and her back straight, shoulders square. It's clear she's new to the area, as this habit will most likely not last long.

She knew better than to contemplate any sort of designs for breaking out of this place. Even if it were fool-proof, she lacked the man-power for such a thing.

No. If Nasuti's learned anything over the years, it was not to panic.]

So. It looks like I'm stuck down here like the rest of you. [Whoever 'the rest of you' may be...]

I don't even know where to begin, I--[Distracted, she looks up, and gazes at the tropical scenery above her.]

.....

I guess I should give them props for at least attempting a serene surrounding.

[She looks back to the camera.]

It's an interesting experiment, isn't it? [She brings a finger to her chin and looks up in thought.] People that most would think are in essence 'good' are brought into this society, living among some ruthless and I imagine violent criminals. Will the members of this community, much like Japan, insist on monotony and see to it that the criminals act within the laws set forth? Or will the 'good' - or should I say, 'lesser evil' of its citizens fall to temptation and indulge in vice rather than virtue?

[Nasuti looks back to the screen. She seems more eager about this scenario than one would expect.] Can we tell who is the lesser of evil here? Will people congregate towards those who best match their own morality? Is there someone out there watching us as all of this transpires?

[Nasuti giggles a bit, and smiles.] I'm Nasuti Yagyu, twenty years old. I was born in France, but I've lived in Japan for the past several years. I suppose I'm guilty...of...[Nasuti thinks on this a bit, and mutters below her breath.] ...well a few things I can think of, off the top of my head, but...I wonder if they found out..? Well! Enough of that! In spite of it all, this place seems safe enough. Is it advised against for a young woman to wander the streets alone here?

Well, now that things have settled down~

I wanted to thank those of you who helped me out during the time when I was returned to my younger form. I didn't remember any of you at the time, which was why I was confused. But thank-you for trying despite that~

[Her tail is wagging away happily. Oh, she supposes she should add, since that the newbies have just arrived...] And yes, for those of you who are new, I am a wolf~ Not everyone here looks human~! [Playful Ammy is playful and happy]

[ This lady is dressed warmly, hood of her heavy green cloak pulled down to her shoulders, white knitted scarf around her neck. In a jovial but determined voice, she calls out -- ]

Touma Hashiba.

I am hereby calling you out on plans we have made over the last baseball match -- that on the day of the first snowfall, we shall have a snowball fight.

Where would you like for us to duel?


(( OOC Please Read : This post is so very open to all! I would like to draw your attention to the ooc plotting thread in the case your character wants to join in, and the fight will be postponed for better organization on another day. If you feel like handwaving your character voicing their interest, please respond to the ooc thread, or leave an ooc tag here. ))
 

[The Doctor's been behaving himself for a change (more or less), and as the day wanes, can be found seated in the library, pouring over a stack of books. A tower of about eleven books is on his left, and two more stacks totaling twenty-four books in all are arranged to his right. The latter set of volumes constitutes the reading that he's finished in the past hour, the smaller stack being the books he still plans to complete before leaving for the night.]

[Cloud's in the training hall, going through a few exercises with a training sword. He's compensating for the lightness of the weapon, but no one would know it simply from looking at him. Whatever awkwardness is evident in him in social situations is gone here. He knows precisely where the practice weapon is at all times, his movements smooth, confident and controlled.]

[Snow is cold, which means its time to bundle up. Yuta's at the clothing store in Sector Five, wearing a winter hat and scanning shelves and aisles for gloves and scarves too. Hopefully he could keep warm to avoid freezing his fingers. He switches on the video feed and blinks curiously before speaking.]

I was wondering, who's the youngest in Marina? I want to play in the snow but I don't think the adults will want to.

--- [ Closed to Suzaku | DF HQ ] ---

[ It was something that Ryo and his friends had long thought about -- even longer for him, as he had to quell the little touches of doubt that had been hounding him, ever since the Armors had been destroyed. Questions answered themselves as he had gone through the days -- Rekka was still with him; and if its fire is still alive then it might as well serve its purpose.

He steps through the doors of the Defense Force Headquarters to look for one Suzaku Kururugi. ]

-- um. Good afternoon...


--- [ Open | Sector 6 ] ---

[ Ryo took to practicing his forms with his preferred practice blade in the dojo. It's not that it's "his", but it was the one he was most comfortable with, and made sure it's the one he uses for class and for whenever strikes his fancy. Battling invisible opponents had their limitations, so he keeps an eye and ear out for anyone else who might pass by and join him. ]