I have heard that there are those who would call themselves demons living among us.

[Fenris' expression is one of casual disdain. It is clear that he does not think highly of you demon-types.]

Even those whom I once believed to be reasonable. Show yourself, should you have the courage.

[He doesn't have a weapon to beat you all down with, but he'd at least like to know who to keep an eye on. What makes him think people will be honest? Well.

Better to ask, right?]

[Yomi’s been up for a little while now, pushing back breakfast for the sake of making it to the athletic centre at first light. She’s all smiles for the feed, hands tucked behind her back, but it’s obvious from the faint flush high up on her cheeks that she’s already loosened her muscles – and, okay, maybe the especially observant can spot the dummy she beat a little too hard.

Accidents happen, but now she’s bored with single combat and practicing her forms.]

So who’s up for a quick spar? [Just that, still all smiles and warm voiced, as innocent and unassuming as possible, with the pan of the feed making it obvious where she is.]

[At the entrance to Sector 5, several very long tables have been set up outside. Low light is provided by street lamps hung up just for the occasion, a cozy dining room in the middle of the street. There's turkey, mashed potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce, and many, many other Thanksgiving favorites. A warm, printed message at the center of the table asks:

In the tradition of the holiday known as Thanksgiving, please feel free to enjoy this meal and think about all the things over the last year for which you are most grateful.

Come one, come all! Food covers the tables, enough for the prison's entire population, courtesy of the bots. Have a nice big dinner with your fellow inmates, and get your CR on!]

[A young man with dark hair and eyes stares into the feed. A smirk begins to creep across his lips, he almost feels like laughing. What is N.O.W.H.E.R.E going to try next? Sure, he heard the whole spiel about who he is and why he has a ball and chain attached to his ankle but he's not buying into it. This is likely N.O.W.H.E.R.E's way of punishing him for his acts of defiance. His guess is they weren't able to get out of him what they wanted, so now they were trying to scare him into working for them.]

Is this the best you can do, Templar? Do you think you'll be able to retrain your weapon into what you want me to be? It didn't work the first time and it's not going to work this time either.

[Superboy is convinced this is another one of N.O.W.H.E.R.E's virtual reality tests. Due to his powers being dampened, his sense of perception is off kilter and while this feels more real than the previous tests he was put through, it doesn't feel normal either.]

I'm tired of playing along with your little games. Do yourself a favor , skip this crap, and try to finish the job. Because I am coming for you and you should know by now that any prison, real or imaginary is not going to stop me from getting to you.

[ After waking up, it takes Elena a few breathless, panicked moments of trying to pull off the source of that sudden and disturbing communiqué and barely processing what Sentience is telling her. The communicator hits the ground and switches on to voice.

(She's not sure where she is. Someone took her? There's a chill to the air. She's surrounded by metal and concrete. This isn't - doesn't seem like Klaus. Because the voice said - what did it say?)

Inmates? Thanksgiving? - no, that's not possible. Neither is the weight attached to her ankle, which she touches lightly for an astounded moment and then gives a testing tug to pull off, to no avail.

Her breath is heavy and shakes slightly; that's all the network hears for a moment.

Okay. She can figure this out. Resolved and confused, she grabs for the device she had tossed to the floor. ] Hello? Is anyone-? ... Damon? [ His name is soft, and the last syllable trembles. Where is he? She can't be here alone.

That's when she notices the welcome basket. She sets the device aside in favor of rummaging through it for something, anything, her fingers eventually slipping over and clutching the pamphlet. There's a map, and she skims the words, processing them much like she processed Sentience's. Getting outside to see how real this is seems like good a plan as any.

It's a good several minutes before Elena's on the network again, and now she's on video and outside the ice rink. ]

This doesn't make sense. [ Her lips twist slightly; there is uncertain fear in her eyes, but determination too. Is this some really bad trip of her conscience? ] How is any of this even possible? Please, I- if anyone can answer me...

My friends, my fam- [ Her voice catches in her throat. ] Is Jeremy here? Jeremy Gilbert? ... or... Klaus? [ Please no. ] Ric? Stefan? [ She pauses. The silence is not comforting. ] Anyone.

[Suddenly there is video! And now there isn't. Oh, but now it's back! Give him a break, he's a carpenter, not an A/V geek.]

Hey, so did anyone know that prison came with headgear? I was not aware of that. I kind of feel like I should be one of those really pretentious rock stars who can't be bothered with a microphone. Also, kind of awkward to have this thing over one eye when you only have one eye.

Right, so... I was with some people. And there was a giant hole where a town used to be. Buff? Wil? ...I'll even take Andrew. Are you on this thing?

(OOC: He has an eyepatch over one eye even though not every icon confirms this!)

[hey, it's Flynn! and it's time for Flynn's I miss my dog hour]

[he's already had breakfast, done his jogging, gone through his practice forms, and now he's ended up in the pet cafe, again, playing with one of the puppies. it has been kind of a depressing day so far, so he came here to cheer himself up, but wouldn't you know it? it's just got him thinking about different melancholy things]

[and he just can't help himself but turn on the communicator]

It feels like a lot of people here have adopted animals. I see them out and about all the time. ...How many of you have pets back home?


((ooc: If you want to have caught him earlier in his routine, that's fine too!))

[Anyone working the DF dispatch right around noon will register an alarm. Someone's vitals are taking a nosedive. But before anyone can call it in, a video feed snaps on.]

( Cut for blood and evidence of torture )

((OOC: There will be one closed action thread for the Order crew and anyone they invite in to help rescue Cross - healers/others can offer their help over the network. Other people who want to show up at the church will find that Komui has blocked the entrances for their protection, but they can thread with Komui or each other. Please note that the church will be closed and off limits until further notice.

Network replies will need threadjacks since Cross is -- uh. Indisposed.))

[ a real short 'n' simple question from a grease-covered engine monkey with what looks like an ugly beast of a contraption forming up in her immediate background: ]

Ain't any chance there's anyone with a spare plasma cutter on hand, is there? Guess I could make do with a cutting torch...

[ wipe, and there goes another smudge of black onto her cheek. ]

If you could let Kaylee Frye know, that's me-- and Dean, stop scowlin'! I know you're already gettin' your temper up but it ain't even finished yet and you can't judge 'til it's done!

[ it's your friendly neighborhood Bookman! and he has something to tell you all, now that he's more or less awake. ]

So, I guess I should assume everybody who was in the English class last time around has completely slacked off. Except munchkin. [ wry ] Man, you all are lucky Gramps isn't around.

Here's the plan, folks. Days ending in two and seven, from five p.m. to six, I'll be teaching a basic English class, starting on day 162. Yuuki, you've got no excuse now. [ he is so winking ] And for people who were bored in the basic class, I'm adding an advanced class on days ending in five and nine, from three t'four p.m. That's going to start on day 165.

If it's all right with Euphie, of course. [ looks ready to turn this off, then remembers: ]

Oh, an' bring pencils and paper. Curse words get taught in the advanced class. [ GRIN /click! ]

[The shelter is clearly equipped for a celebration to mark the changing of wardens. Everything is neat and tidy, with decorations and a generous food spread laid over the tables for the taking. There’s also the usual entertainment in the common areas – TVs, video games, movies. Maybe you can talk someone into an impromptu karaoke party. Why not? Sentience doesn’t mind.

There’s a party to be had, so get down with your bad self.



Need an invite? Aren’t quite sure what’s going on? Well, here’s a friendly neighbourhood Judith to explain it to you. The camera feed pans over a glammed up corner of the shelter’s common area before going back to her face. It’s clear she’s pleased by the set-up.]

If I had known this was planned, I would have made some special cupcakes.

[Are you wondering what goes into Judith’s special cupcakes? Keep wondering.]

I suppose after all the excitement from last night, it’s nice to have some fun and relax. I’m not sure it’s fair to have one party directly following another – but maybe I’ll get to make up for missed opportunities. [She wanted to kick a robot’s face in, okay.]



((OOC: Mingle post for Sentience’s party in the shelter! The shelter is decorated with streamers and there’s a feast spread! But only three types of ice cream, though. Create threads and tag amongst yourselves! It’s a celebration, anything goes. Backdated slightly to the early evening.

If you want to respond to Judith via video, feel free! There will be a thread for that right here! Notifs are turned off otherwise.))

[The communicator crackles to life and a voice can be heard, soft at first as the headset is adjusted into place.] I’ve never seen the Eloquois Ocean before. [He sighs and it’s a moment before he speaks again, louder this time, though it's evident he's still fiddling with the device.] Let's see if this works, then.

I suppose there’s no use denying the claims. I certainly am guilty of, what, impersonation, assault, breaking and entering? Though animal cruelty seems a bit extreme. And murder..?

Perhaps the basket should be considered encouragement. And seeing as there’s not been a threat of execution… Tell me, is there anyone I can speak to in regards to my sentence?


[A pause.] Well, I’m in a right mess this time. If anyone happens to be listening.. well. What have I stumbled into exactly?

[ So, there's crying.

It's not particularly bad or hysterical, but it's clearly coming from someone young. The video isn't position particularly well, because Luca has no idea what the communicator even is or how it's supposed to be used.

Instead he's apparently been smacking it against something in frustration, causing into to cut out and then start again every few seconds. There's a young face, red hair, and tears. ]

Brother!

--ther, where are you? I can't get th'--

--an' it's heavy!

[ Finally the headset is dropped, abandoned as Luca starts at the ball and chain attached to his foot once again. ]

[ ooc; herp, what is being able to read and know electronics, so the headset thing is kind of...awkward. oops! ]

[A strikingly beautiful young man appears in view and speaks After a small yawn, he speaks in a soft tone- there's barely something in that tone, that could be something to take caution in.]

My head is killing me... prison? Hah... it must be a bad dream.. because, I definitely don't belong in here...! No flaw in your system..? Surely you're mistaken!
Hah, really! I haven't done a thing! Do you see any blood on these hands? [Dietrich looks down at his hands, a soft smile painted on his face] Certainly not... You must have me confused for my so-called family.

I'm tired. And this.. it's annoying. This place isn't very comfortable at all.

I am obviously not alone, that much is sure! My... I must be surrounded by such very dangerous people if this is the case! Who wants to tell me their tall-tales since we're all playing this together. I do love a good story.

Okay... so, I'm pretty sure this works? Or else I will be talking to myself which is kinda dumb.

[Flynn is kind of yelling at the network. Not exaggeratedly so, but he's really loud as he speaks. Forgive the grandpa with no experience at all with this kind of technology.]

So... not that I complain not being back at home, and I'm pretty sure I'd have gotten a way worse deal about these crimes if I had been found by the kingdom, but. You know, I happen to like knowing what's going on. Weird, I know. But indulge me a little.

I know that these- [He motions at the device he's holding] weird things do a lot of useful little things and I stopped trying to understand how they worked a while ago.

I know I'm, supposedly, in some kind of prison as well. Fair's fair, you caught me, it's how these things go. Not personal, I know.

But how did I ever get here? Where's the girl that was with me? How can I even breathe if I'm under the ocean? And be honest guy's, is this the frog's fault?

[Off-network/action]

[Umi has been pacing and fiddling with the strange visor-phone for quite a while, fighting back the throbbing in her head, trying to keep her calm. It hasn't exactly been successful.]

Arrgh! Why you stupid-- Turn on! You and I need to have a long talk RIGHT now. I mean it!

[Shakes it and continues fiddling about until she finally sees it turn on.]

[The rest is VOICE:]

Finally! Honestly...if this thing was supposed to be helpful, it completely missed the mark.

[...ahem] All right! I don't know who's in charge around here, but I need to talk to you! Now! Seriously, what's with this crazy crime list? Disturbing the peace? Animal cruelty!? You've gotta be kidding me!! ...What I mean is, there's been a mistake!

[...] Hello??

[FRUSTRATED SIGH. She's figuring by now that she won't be getting a response. After a moment she adds, sounding both annoyed and worried:]

Hikaru, Fuu...are either of you here? Tell me you didn't get kidnapped by weirdo prison wardens too...!

[At this point she decides, SKROO DIS, and starts wandering, exploring the complex. Feel free to run into her!]

Alright, I'm stumped, and it's pretty hard to stump me. I get that I'm in prison and there's apparently no escape. If you crack the glass, all the water pours in and even if you manage to get out, the 168.327 times normal gravity will crush you flat. Clever. But this really doesn't look like a prison. I mean, what prison hands out gift baskets? Not exactly the most intimidating first gesture.

So my big question to my fellow "inmates" is: what exactly is going on here? How did they snatch me up and hold a trial that I don't even remember? I doubt they really care about justice, but why lie about me getting a trial?

[A sigh. This is really getting him nowhere.]

The point is that I'd appreciate information besides the info in the pamphlet. Thanks.

[Here, Marina inmates. Have a flat, serious but good-looking face in your screens. With eyes closed, the man with aquamarine blue strands of hair looks rather calm.]

I require of your assistance about a way out of this underwater prison. Any sort of information and important details will be appreciated.

[Yes Marina. Only serious business. What did you expect? He opens his eyes and looks at the screen with determination. And with that, the feed ends.]

Good morning. [A distinguished looking gentleman has learned how to turn on his communicator, and he is looking quite comfortable, considering the fact that he’s just learned he has been locked up for life in a prison he’s never heard of.]

I do hate to be a bother to my new warden, guards, and fellow inmates, but as you might fathom, I have some questions. Might you indulge a poor old man with a few answers? [Have his best, winning smile, Marina!]

[[Open to participants at the end of Round One!]]


[You wake up suddenly, and you're not where you were. But looking around, you find you're in... your own room. Your own bed. It's dark and quiet, late at night, and any friends and roommates you might have are there with you, still sleeping, or just waking up.]

[But something is wrong.]


((OOC: This mingle will function the same as the last mingle. Sentience will make a "prompt" comment for each new development, and then you respond to them and thread amongst each other. In this mingle you start out separated, so you are also welcome to use your communicators to video or voice chat with each other in response to each prompt comment. But you are only capable of speaking to other people who are in this mingle; you cannot hear, speak to, or communicate with anyone who isn't taking part in the event. So don't tag any other action or network posts on the community if you're in the event!))