[Zero is currently camped out in the shooting range of the defense force. Between it and the stables, he didn't go home last night. The news he'd been given leaving him devastated, angry and confused-he'd needed some time alone to just absorb everything.

So many questions remain that need answers, but he was ready to face everything again and get them. First he has some questions for everyone in the facility. Pausing as the paper target flutters to the ground from his clean shot, Zero addresses the facility.]

You know how occasionally people will just fall asleep and have new memories added to their old ones? Sometimes it seems like you went home. Sometimes it is like you just fell asleep. Either way, you're left with two sets of memories. One from here and one from home.

Has anyone ever requested for any of the AI's to do it to them?

[The gap between them is problematic, but he's not sure what he wants to do about it. Does he really want to experience all that? The timeline he'd worked out so far with Yuuki had been helpful, but does he want more than that? Would they even allow it?]

( [Private to Yuuki] )

Hello? Helloooo~?

[The video feed flickers to life and begins with a shot of two dainty little feet. The camera moves slowly higher up, deliberately so, past pale and long legs, the supple curve of her hips, until finally Catherine stops, zooming out to show her cleavage and plush baby pink lips to the screen.

She pouts as the camera shakes just a little bit, blurring the image. To any man in the dome, or even woman really, taken or not, everything about her should seem very irresistible whether she's your type or not.]

Vincent? It's Catherine~ Come on, this isn't the time to be playing hide-and-seek with me. Besides--

[Suddenly her tongue snakes out and her voice lowers, the seductive tone increasing.]

I thought you'd already had enough fooling around last night.

[On any other day, Aidan would be in full-on Welcome Wagon mode right about now. That's not the case today and his usual sunny demeanor is nowhere to be seen, replaced by something a lot more subdued. Upon closer inspection, one would notice that it's not just his mood that has taken a blow - his face and neck are bruised, his lip still healing from a recent split and bandages are peeking out of the sleeves of his hoodie, hands wrapped tightly in stark white.

The worst can't be seen, but he's not making much of an effort to hide what is visible. This is video. He's not hiding.]

So... 's that time again, huh? New people comin' in? Guess I should say welcome or somethin', tell you this ain't such a bad place. [Pause. He can't really get into it.]

I've been thinkin' about somethin'... you know how people say it's important to make a good first impression? I guess that's somethin' we do here too, huh... bunch o' strangers, shoved together in a fishbowl. Criminals, if you believe it... an' still we make an effort to be all nice an' polite. An' sure, all of us ain't bad but... [Not finishing that sentence.]

What do you think, Marina? Can you trust first impressions as much here as you could at home?


Locked to Saya

... [Cancelled.]


Locked to Haine

Hey. We need t' talk.

[Touma was feeling reflective today. Ryo was gone. He'd noticed the lack of their friend around the house, and went to investigate his room, finding it empty. He was pretty sure Seiji and Nasuti had noticed as well, but he'd been sort of avoiding them for a bit to collect his own thoughts and feelings on it before mentioning it to them, or at least discussing it with them.

It was an odd bittersweet feeling, really. Sad that he couldn't see his friend, but not so sad because Ryo wasn't stuck in the prison anymore. So confusing.

He'd buried himself in some books on penal systems from various worlds in the back corner of the library.]

earlier.
[ he hasn't been to the Devil's Compass before. when he first arrived in Marina, he was too busy settling in to pay much attention to it. then it burned down, and it wasn't really an option anymore. he hadn't really thought much about it since then--until this evening, that is. he wants a drink (more than one, actually), and he's been told that this is the most convenient place for it. it's been a while since he's been to an actual bar. in fact, he can probably count on one hand the number of times he's gone drinking in public. it's much easier just to buy beer and bring it home. but that isn't an option here, so down the stairs and into the bar it is.

Soubi is never very inclined to smiling, so his bad mood probably isn't immediately obvious. but 'bad mood' is putting it lightly. he's more down on himself than he's been in weeks--and that's saying something for a man who is almost constantly self-depreciating. typically he paints when he feels like this, but he couldn't even think about painting earlier. so of course, alcohol is the logical next step. ]

later.
[ an hour or two has passed already, and Soubi's been thinking as much as drinking--which is precisely what he hadn't wanted to do, but he has anyway. even drunk--because he is drunk by now, there's no doubt about it, that was the point--he can't stop thinking about the last argument he had, or how he doesn't deserve this or that. lips drawn and head tilted down, he nurses the dark beer he's had in hand for the last half-hour, wherein he's been doing much more thinking than drinking. he's a quiet drunk, thankfully, and doesn't seem much different than he normally is while he's just sitting there silently. but a little conversation is likely to reveal a bit of a change. he's contemplating getting up, though, leaving, going...somewhere, anywhere, but not back to the room he's been staying in. he can't go back there. he's not strong enough to actually face his problems. ]

[ ooc; backdated to day 169. feel free to meet up with him 'earlier' or 'later' or at any point in between--whatever fits best! ]

[Piper was actually rather fascinated with the whole place. It was something like nothing she'd seen before, really. At least, not outside of a sci-fi movie. She was busy wandering and exploring, taking in her surroundings. Part of it was to find out more, part of it was to find a way home, part of it was to learn about people around her. She was nervous, definitely, but she was doing her best not to let it show. She even had her hands in her pockets for now. She didn't want to accidentally freeze anyone, or blow them up. This kind of situation was pretty awkward, so, she was definitely nervous enough that her powers might just go off a little funny.

Still, she was scared. Deep down, she was very, very scared. Her sisters would try to find her, right? They'd know that the double sent to replace her was fake. They had to. Well, maybe not Paige so much, but Leo would know. She clenched her hands tightly into fists, still in her pockets. They had to. But, would they know what to do? She didn't even know what to do, yet. And there was no Book of Shadows for her to look at and figure it out. Though, she was wondering if this was even magical or demonic in nature to even be in the Book of Shadows. As it was, her initial calls for Leo hadn't worked. He hadn't heard her. And, on her second try at calling for help, Paige hadn't heard her either.]

I'm screwed... aren't I? [She finally pulled one hand out of her pocket and rubbed her face. She wasn't going to cry. She wouldn't let herself. Not, yet, anyway.] No. I'm not. I'm going to get home. Things will be fine. I just have to remember that. They'll find me. They always do.

[She took a deep breath, picked her head up, and stalked over to where she saw this 'kiosk' labeled on the map. It was time to ask some questions.]

=====

This is on, right? Oh... there it goes.

Alright, listen up. I haven't got all day, so I want answers. I can't seem to call my husband or my sister, so I need to know what's going on with this place. And now. A nightclub doesn't run itself, you know.

So. First things first. I get that we're in some prison under the sea. Right. [As weird as that was, really... she waved it off with a roll of her eyes.] What's important here is that I find out how I can... pay for these 'crimes' or whatever this is all about so I can serve my sentence and go home. I've got friends in strong places with the law, so don't make me start dropping names. [Though, she was kind of reluctant to ask Daryl yet again to help her out of what was looking to be a little supernatural, and Cole was... well, that was an awkward situation right there.]

Who's in charge? And who do I talk to here about a trial and proper representation? I want at least a hearing, got it?

[The feed clicks on to the sound of a voice all but dripping in smugness. It belongs to someone who, apparently, has found no shortage of amusement with his current situation.]

Ahh, how scary! Trial? Conviction? How could someone like me, who's never done anything wrong in his whole life, be convicted of any kind of crime? [He chuckles quietly -– okay, maybe 'never done anything wrong' is a bit of an exaggeration.] And calling me “inmate”? So rude. I do have a name!

Really, though... what an interesting situation. To be pulled away from home so suddenly like that; it's disconcerting to say the least. But what's the use in lingering on what's already done, hm? There must be so much more to this place than this little.. ah, welcome lets on.

I'd like to know more. About everything. About all of you, whoever you are. There must be a lot of fascinating people here if this is indeed some kind of prison.. [He's getting more and more excited as he continues.] So many terrible people who've done so many terrible, terrible things. I wonder, do you feel bad about any of it, now that you've obviously been caught? Or do you still think you're just an innocent victim caught up in someone else's mess? I'd really like to know what you think~! [He starts to laugh, but cuts out a second or two later.]

[ quinn stares at the pamphlet for a moment, skimming the pages, then tosses it aside like it was a piece of trash she'd picked up by mistake. ]

If this is some sort of freshman hazing, I've seen better. [ like how the football team used to trap artie in the porta-potties. ] I've done better. [ things she'd rather not think about; that's not her anymore. ] I'm not impressed, and I'm not joining whatever sorority you're trying to recruit for. My answer's no, so you can let me out now.

I've got orientation in an hour and if I miss, I won't hesitate to turn you and everyone else involved in this to campus police.

[ ♚ Video || Voice? ]

[ Maybe it wouldn't come to much surprise where Sheryl chose to keep her cell phone. Considering that Sheryl's cellphone was currently resting between her breasts ... all the viewer will see is complete darkness. However, the lovely Sheryl's voice can be heard and very clear as day.

Though today --- she doesn't sound very happy. ]

How dare you! Do you know who I am?! I am Sheryl Nome!

[ Other voices were in the background. All sounding confused and shocked:

"What happened?!"

"That girl just slapped the blonde for some reason."

Meanwile, Sheryl was ignoring them all. ]

Did you believe you can grope Sheryl Nome and get away with it, Pervert?!

Wai--wait a minute! It's all a misunderstanding! It was an accident! I swear!

[ Sorry, Gino. She doesn't seem to be listening to a word you're saying. ]

I hope you know that that doesn't come for free. I hope you are ready to pay ...

H-huh?

[ ♚ Action ]

[ Those who are in the area will find a blushing and clearly angry Sheryl crossing her arms over her *~hopes and dreams~* protectively.

Another odd thing about this sight is that ... she is wearing a wedding dress.

You are very welcome to try and break the fight up --- if that is where this is going. With Sheryl's stubbornness, those brave souls who want to try are free to do so! --- at their own risk. ]

[ His head hurt, he couldn't get up. Well actually, that was lie - he could, he just didn't want to. The device was propped up on what looked to be a bed and behind the messy head of red hair, there was the view of a blanket pulled up, blocking off the rest of the room.

Using the weight of his arms to sit up, he addresses the feed with a face full of guilt and it almost appeared as if he were on the verge of tears, but he wasn't crying. He didn't really feel in the mood to do something like this, but the fact that he'd awoken only to be reminded of what transpired the other day, this wasn't something he could just easily toss aside.]

…Everyone that I… [ pauses and looks away a moment before forcing himself to finish] …that I worried…I'm sorry. I didn't mean to cause trouble like that. I never meant to say those things and act like that… [ he couldn't bring himself to say anymore so instead pulls the blankets over his head and he reaches out a hand from the blanket, shutting off the feed abruptly.]

[Her head’s pounding, but not even the headache or the branches in her hair can take away the cheer her memories brought her.]

I did it! I really did it. Kero-chan and Yue-san are safe now! And so is Tomoyo-chan and Syaoran-kun and, and everyone in the city.

I’m sorry for disappearing! I must have worried some people, but it’s okay! Even though I’m not at home, I helped everyone! I don’t have to fight Eriol-kun any longer or put anyone else in danger. [she takes a deep breath and smiles] Everything will surely be alright now.

[The feed turns on to the sound of someone snorting and then taking a deep breath. That is your only warning before the scream echoes and quite possibly leaves your ears ringing, if not out right deafens you. Whoops.]

VOOOII!

[He lets the scream echo for a moment before snorting again. His tone carries the sneer perfectly.]

Let's assume for a moment I'm willing to play along with this bag of unparalleled bullshit. So.

[A pause.]

Who else got themselves caught in this fucking mess? Because regardless of whether I'm guilty or not of what-the-fuck-ever nonsense this overeager computer insists I'm guilty of, I can name a good deal of idiots more deserving to be stuck here. And if I'm here and they're not, I'm calling bullshit on the concept of Justice as a whole.

[SNORT]

I was in the middle of something fucking important, goddamnit.

[And then the feed dies.]


[ACTION]

[Should your character investigate the scream, they might end up locating Squalo in the graveyard, perched atop a tombstone, with his gift basket on the ground by its side. Squalo himself is eating pretzels and browsing the network. Like a Boss troll.]

[Some greasy fool in latex-looking overalls is trying to stare into the lens-portion of the communicator and not doing a good job because he is extremely walleyed and holy crap look at this dude.]

Hmm.

[He fiddles with the buttons on the thing on his ear, and the video feed phases in and out a few times. Visuals fade back in after a few more moments of him dicking around.]

Are we tuned in?

[Pause.]
[Then weird lopsided smiling.]

Hi there~

Am I the only one around?
The brochure says there's a "baseball" team, but I'm not so sure how old the brochure is, so. Sometimes you find old relics in weird places.

[The "brochure" is in a wadded-up ball behind him on the floor, so it's safe to assume he didn't do much reading.]

Could someone maybe set me straight, if anyone is around? I think I got a little turned around. Maybe sometime last night.
[Sure.]
And I need to get home.
[Right.]
Or I'm never going to hear the end of it.
[Whatever.]

I'd make some joke about how they finally caught up with me but I'm usually on the right side of the law so this doesn't really make a whole lotta sense.

[Derek's going to pause here a moment, mess with the video a bit so it goes off then on again as he figures out how it works. Then he smirks, shakes his head.] And I'm supposed to believe we're under the ocean? Honestly? I gotta say I feel like I'm being pranked... no matter how elaborate all this is.

[Hiling is resting up at the hospital today. Her surgery went well and she's already anxious to leave, but she'll be good and stay a while. She loves visitors.

The screen shows Hiling in her bed with bandages wrapped around her chest. She's looking a little less... flat today, and she's just so happy about it, she has to tell everyone.]

Sentience is the best! Guess what? I just got a boob job! See how nice? They're perfect. I can't wait to get these bandages off.

[The video feed turns on significantly more gracefully than the first time she tried this; if nothing else, that should be enough of a sign that she remembers. Arianna looks pretty disoriented despite her usual polished appearance.]

It's warm. I suppose I must have lost some time, then. It was winter...what happened? I thought Acumen was the warden...

[She puts a hand to her head, wincing as over a year's worth of memories continue bouncing around. Something important...something time sensitive. What was it?]

If anyone has seen an elf with silver markings, a gnome, or a man with a lightning bolt on his chest, please let me know. I think it's important.

[Luke already privately had his freak out, and had a frantic read through of the brochure. He's all caught up, and once he's figured out the communicator (THREE BUTTONS ARE KINDA HARD OK) he's right up on the network]

This is the worst. I'm not even really sure where I am! I mean, one second I'm walking up some stairs to go do something really, really important, and then I'm here. I'm really worried about everyone. I'm pretty worried about myself, too. I don't even have my sword.

[he looks through the welcoming basket, and idly snacks on something]

I'm going to go talk to that robot in charge. I don't know if it'll do anything, but it must be worth something.

[It's entirely possible to run into him, too. He's just on a street corner, sitting on a window sill for a shop in sector 5]

[ a small bit of static, but it isn't too long before a man's face slides into view-- perplexed, and somewhat amused. the feed turns sideways, upways, upside down; all before the man grins and gives a low, appreciative whistle before he mutters in a quiet voice. ]

Niiice comlink tech we have here. New Republic model?

[ a beat of contemplation, looking at the welcome message before sighing. slight frown as he shrugs, taking another survey of the area before turning back to the feed. ]

Well, another prison. Why is it that everywhere I end up, I get thrown into one cell or another? I guess I should be happy that this is a step up from a force cage, but for some reason I'm not. Basket's a nice touch, though. Quaint.

Uh. Am I supposed to introduce myself? S'Atton, if anyone out there actually, y'know, cares. If this comlink actually works and if anyone can see this.

[ another.... thoughtful pause. he bites his lower lip for a moment, spacing out for another before stretching and cracking his neck. ]

Guess I should look for Surik. Or anyone, really.

[ he fiddles around with the communicator a little longer, murmuring a final "or maybe a deck of cards" before the feed shuts off with a click. ]

[Here, have a very peeved Caroline. She doesn't like being kidnapped. At all. Been there, done that but at least she's not in a cage or some sunlight tortue dungeon, and she's not being shot at. Her voice is deceptively sweet as it is firm but her frown speaks volumes as well.] Look, Klaus. I'm grateful for the whole saving my life thing but... I never said I was ready to go 'see the world' or anything.

And no matter what you think, kidnapping is not romantic. [She's wrinkling her nose] Not even when it's to some underwater hotel.

[It was early. Way too early. The kind of early that should've been illegal.]

[Ironic, given her current predicament.]

[Then again, she hadn't really been able to sleep anyway. Nothing was wrong; just a rare, but no less annoying bout of insomnia. Leftover adrenaline from everything that had happened the last few days. Oh, she'd managed to claim a few hours here and there...but by the time 7 a.m. hit, Zatanna had declared the night to be lost. A glance over at her roommate showed he was still sleeping; not wanting to disturb him, she quickly slipped out of bed and grabbed the nearest pair of workout clothes she could find in the dim, morning light: black shorts, and a matching sleeveless top.]

[The gym was nearly empty when she arrived, which suited her just fine. She was on a mission, determined to work whatever it was out of her system. What she might've lacked in actual hand-to-hand combat, the 14-year-old more than made up for in stamina and endurance. And the treadmill was calling her name.]

[For a brief time, it was just her and the machine. A pair of rented headphones blasted workout music directly into her ears, drowning out the rest of the world. No thinking about being trapped. No thinking about the fate of her powers, to be decided in just a few days' time. No thinking, period.]

[Only the sound of her heart pumping in time to the beat.]