[Video | Open//Filtered]]
28 January 2012 at 06:52 pm
[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/ ))
[Video | Action | Filtered from Aidan] Forward dated to sometime after dark
27 January 2012 at 01:05 am
[Sometime after sun down, once Helix has successfully planted his little gift and escaped Axel. Helix decides it's high time to get the show on the road. The red head is probably still looking for him, so he's in a nondescript area for this. He's got a small window of time, best get the actual threat out before they find his little bomb. So Marina, you're greeted with the familiar blue visage.]

Greetings Marina. I have a public service announcement. [He seems serious yet very nonchalant.]

If I were you, I'd stay a good... [Pause to consider.] 200 feet--give or take--away from the Defense Force Headquarters. Unless you want to end up in tiny chunks splattered all over the sector.

There is currently a bomb hidden within and set to go off at midnight. [Which is only a few hours from now.]

You can thank me later for the heads up.

Have a nice day--Night--Whatever.

[A small, Wiley sort of smile before the feed shuts off. And he's making a point to move to a new location, just in case he can be traced like one would a cell phone call. He'll have to keep moving unless he ditches his headset, he's thought about it, but decides not to for one reason or another. He doesn't want to be caught too easily, but he doesn't really care if he is. It's not like there's any real threat or that he'll talk anyway.]
[Action | Mythology Class]
24 January 2012 at 01:49 pm
[It's Day 151 in Marina, and for Kurama and the inmates who've chosen to sample the Mythology course, it's the first day of class. The door to the classroom is open a little early, to give students plenty of time to find a seat and get comfortable, or to speak with the instructor before class if so inclined. The chairs have been arranged in a circle to allow for free flow of discussion. This class session is a meet-and-greet, not a lecture. Kurama stands off to one side so that his presence will hopefully not have too much impact on where the students sit, and he can readily be engaged in private conversation.

Once all of the students have arrived, Kurama takes a seat in the circle between two of them and offers the group a welcoming smile.]


Thank you for coming. I hope you've all had the opportunity to go over the course description and to hear the plans for today's session. As a quick reminder, this is the Mythology course, so if you were expecting something else, check your schedule, though I do encourage you to stay. You might have some fun. [His tone is on the comfortable edge of teasing, meant to help put the students at ease. First days can be nerve-wracking, he knows.]

Today, I'd like us all to get to know each other. We'll go around the circle and share names--there's no need for any honorifics or titles here, unless you prefer to use them--and if you have a folktale or legend you'd like to share from your world, please do. I'll get us started. My name is Kurama. That also happens to be the name of a mountain outside of Kyoto, Japan. There is an old story that claims the mountain is home to the ruler of the tengu, a powerful type of youkai, or demon, who are sometimes worshiped as gods. He is believed to have taught one of Japan's greatest warriors the art of swordsmanship more than eight hundred years ago.

[Kurama keeps his telling of the tengu of the mountain with which he shares his name brief. He wants his students to have plenty of time to share stories of their own, and after entertaining questions, moves the discussion around the circle.

After class, students are welcome to linger to chat with each other, or to bring any questions to Kurama they'd like to have answered before they leave.]


***

OOC Information. Please read before tagging! )
[MINGLE / Open to ALL] Snowball Fight in Sector 4!
11 January 2012 at 07:35 pm
[ 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 --- )
 
[Mail Post | Day 148 | holy cow sorry for the lateness]
09 January 2012 at 11:52 am
    LETTER RECIPIENTS
  • Alucard: a letter from Orihime.

    MASS MAILERS
  • To Kurama, Francis York Morgan, MOMO, Roxas, Kanda, Yuuki Kuran, Miwako Sakurada, Ranka Fujioka*, Sanji, Vanessa Nightray, His Honor the Wayward Vagabond: a small package from Frank Lee.

[Despite how convenient it was to have everyone in the same place, it's good to stretch her legs again and get out and about. The damp doesn't bother her at all, nor does the chill, really. She's snug and comfortable in her winter ensemble, after all.]

[Then again, life feels truly, wholly good for once. She could be wading through a few feet of snow and still be in a good mood as she delivers her precious cargo~]

[Click here for pen pal signups. Mail submissions for Day 149 go here!]

[*Ranka Fuhioka was dropped but delivery is being attempted anyway]
[action/voice | open]
07 January 2012 at 07:22 pm
[Well, here she was in Sector 5. She planned on trying one flavor a day just like Gear had suggested, but that was easier said than done when there were so many to choose from in the first place! Her eyes drifted from flavor to flavor as she bit her lip in concentration; she was only going to get one shot at this, after all. One self-imposed shot, but a shot nonetheless.

Still, it wasn't like she could stay here forever. It was cold, after all! Even with her coat on she still knew that much. Maybe she could ask the network...]


Hey, I want to ask all of you something! If you met someone who never had ice cream before, what flavor would you tell them to try first? I'm just curious.

[Asking for help straight out? Never. That request was still punctuated by a muffled sneeze into a handkerchief, however.]
[MINGLE(S)]
06 January 2012 at 08:41 pm
[Closed Mingle – Sanguinala Feast]
[The noontime feast was held in the house that would soon find itself under construction—tools and materials had been hastily dragged outside, as they'd been stored within for safe keeping during the shelter lock-down and, fortunately, for the snow-in. In their place, the two commisars from the Imperium of Mankind hastily cleaned and decorated the place with swaths of gold and red, while in the Shelter, Felicia and Sasha oversaw the preparation of the meal.]

[The feast itself is comprised of fusion dishes: the Imperium's cooking sense with ingredients readily available to them in the kitchens and stores. It's certainly adequate enough for themselves and their small handful of guests--a few fellow humans whom they had invited to join them.]

[And after it draws to a close, Cain will promptly suggest they all go to the Devil's Compass.]


[Open Mingle at the Bar, mid to late afternoon]

[Come and PARTY. Or just happen to come by and be swept into the party. Or resist being swept and grumble about them being annoying. YOUR CALL.]



((OOC: If you aren't sure your character is invited, check here or contact us. Otherwise, feel free to have threads that have nothing to do with the feast but take place at the bar here! Newbies are welcome to the bar. ♥))

((Please specify if you are at the [bar] or the [feast] in the subject line!))
[Video]
03 January 2012 at 11:03 am
[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?
[action]
18 December 2011 at 05:00 pm
[If you feel like wandering into the Shelter kitchens for a midnight snack, you’ll get a bit of a surprise: there are small tea lights scattered around on counters and floors, lending the dark room a soft, warm glow, and, just beyond the doorway, there’s a techpriest seated on the floor with her legs tucked underneath her. Her head is bowed towards the room’s interior, her hands are clasped in front of her face, and she’s softly reciting a prayer. A dish of incense burning close by is lending the kitchen (and even the hallway outside) a powerfully bitter scent.]

[How long has it been since she’s blessed the kitchens? Far too long, in her opinion. And with the Sanguinala approaching quickly, purifying the equipment she’d use to cook the holy meal was of paramount importance.]
[ video | action --> shelter common room ]
16 December 2011 at 02:19 pm
[ Oz slammed his fork down, effectively blocking Break's bid for his cake. ] I'm surprised at how calm everyone is. They've hardly protested at all about getting kicked out of their house. [ mm... cake. ] Do you think they're just being quiet?

[ Break, rather put out by the effective block to his cake-pilfering ways, elects instead to snag a piece of the chocolate torte sitting at the edge of the table, keeping Oz's elbow company. Let it never be said that he wasn't exceedingly spry for his old age. ] Mmm, you're right! I haven't heard a single peep out of them. All like little mice, hiding away. Why do you wonder that is?

Maybe we should ask them. Of course, we'll have to make sure they're telling the truth.

[ Another pop of cake into his mouth, chew, swallow. ] But what if they don't wish to tell the truth?

Then we'll have to dare them into giving it up. [ Oz sips at his tea before turning to the network device sitting on the edge of the table. ] Wouldn't you agree? [ yep, they've been talking to the dome this whole time. ]

[ From Break's shoulder, a clacking voice pipes up. ] Truth or dare! Bet they're too scared for dares!

[ So, who is up for a little game of truth and dare, hmmm? ]


((ooc: tags will come from both Break and/or Oz. Feel free to thread jack in reaction to whatever truths (or dares) the others might come up with. Green font = Oz, Blue font = Break, Purple font = Emily))
[voice/ video & action] open!
14 December 2011 at 12:54 am
[So they're being herded into the Shelter, no getting around that. But just when you get "more" access to your limited freedom, it gets cut down even further. But at least the ball and chain are gone. That's the good thing... if only Shaun hadn't disappeared too. It's unnerving and also kind of lonely.

Solo. She can do this. Nothing new.

With really only three possessions, she's taking a tour around the Shelter to map out the place a little. Her headphones around her neck (because she hasn't rigged the device to play her music for her just yet,) singing out her playlist at max volume, she's got her laptop under one arm and her snowboard under the other. Totally normal--annnnd she's watching where she swings it... most of the time.

Feel free to run into her in the kitchen or common room, or anywhere in between as she tries to open a package of twinkies with her front teeth.]



[Later: voice/video]

I kinda guessed there wasn't going to be any sort of internet here, but it's still a strange disconnect. No cute kitten videos, no news updates.

[Total disconnect from a world she used to live in, the information she used to soak up... well, she's managed before.] I gotta find a movie to watch...

Oh, and hey Yuta! I uh, [here-- shaky camera work, she turns it to her snowboard propped against the wall of her chosen Shelter room] got my board!

Kinda bad timing though, yeah? I'll show you how to board though when we get out, like I promised. [and camera off!]
[video | ACTION MINGLE @ DEVIL'S COMPASS!]
09 December 2011 at 08:19 pm
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!)
[video | open]
07 December 2011 at 10:14 pm
[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!]
01. [Video]
05 December 2011 at 08:49 pm
[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?
Fight Club! [Video]
02 December 2011 at 04:42 pm
Good evening, citizens of Marina! We do hope you're enjoying the cold just as much as we are! Since we know you likely don't have anything better to do, why don't you come on down to the Fight Club? Why, we have hot cocoa and other delightful, tasty treats for you while we get this show on the road! The fights will be starting within the hour, so come on down and get the good seats while they're available! [They laugh before they cut the feed.]

((OOC: Fight Club, round 2! Please wait until Kathrine (Ava-mun) posts up the fight threads + the mingling thread before posting!))
[Mail Post | Day 143]
02 December 2011 at 07:00 pm
    LETTER RECIPIENTS
  • Alucard: a letter from Orihime Inoue.
  • Roxas: a letter from Kitty Pryde (the younger).

    PACKAGE RECIPIENTS
  • Lyle Dylandy: a package from Orihime Inoue.
  • Sasha: a package from Buffy Summers.

    DEAD HELD LETTER OFFICE
  • Jennifer Shibuya: a letter from MOMO.

[Even if it weren't for the hubbub around the impending Shelter cleaning, PM is having a hard time settling back into her normal routine. It's not that delivering mail is any less satisfying than it was before she gained new memories, but despite her best efforts, the mail lady/queen's thoughts wander to heavier problems universes away.]

[Still, one thing grounds her. Jennifer's disappearance is disappointing enough that she pauses and sighs outside the Shibuya residence, but she hopes for a hasty return. After all, it's not as though Jennifer is really gone. She tucks the letter away safely and plans on getting MOMO a new penpal in the meantime.]

[Click here for pen pal signups. Mail submissions for Day 144 go here!]
[action]
18 November 2011 at 01:39 pm
[D is a dark shadow against the backdrop of snow, hair and clothing partially concealing his pale features. He is leaning against a wall in Sector Five, watching the inmates who venture outside into the snow for errands or play. In spite of his relaxed posture, there is an aloof air to him, as though he does not consider himself as belonging to the rest of the prison population. Rather than seem proud, however, he seems lonely, as if he holds himself apart not because he thinks of himself as better than the others, but because of some fault inherent to his nature. In his world, it is a rare dhampir who is accepted into society. Even one so famous as D is often reviled and rejected for the simple reason that a vampire's blood flows through his veins.]
Video || Open action @the shelter kitchen
14 November 2011 at 08:15 pm
[Rogue is standing in the kitchen again. This time she's mixing things up in a bowl. She looks happy again.]

Since it's so cold out, I thought maybe I'd do breakfast again. I got cheese grits, bacon and warm cornbread today. There's also hot cider 'cause there's not a better way to start out a snowy day far as I'm concerned. There's plenty for everybody and don't be scared of the grits. They're good. There's coffee if you don't want the hot cider too.
[Action]
11 November 2011 at 08:25 pm
[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.]
[Video]
09 November 2011 at 07:49 pm
[It's the first time D has made a video transmission, and so it's the first time some of the individuals who know of him will have the opportunity to see what he looks like. At least, that's what the situation seems to be at first, but it doesn't take a genius to notice after the first second or two that the tall man sitting with his back against a wall has his broadbrimmed hat tipped forward to shade his face and seems to be asleep. Who's making the transmission, then? For the first few seconds, there's no voice, and no sign of anyone but the pale-skinned dhampir.]

Ah! Finally!

[The voice is coarse, sounding utterly foreign when compared to the almost lordly figure D cuts, and it seems to be coming from off to the side. The image shifts, leaving the resting figure of D off-center as the camera is focused on a hand--a hand that happens to have a face on its palm.]

I was hoping the big guy might actually nod off long enough for me to get a word in edgewise. Hello, Marina! [Yes, there is a sentient parasite in D's hand, and yes, it is bored.]

[ooc: Hiatus still in effect, so I will probably lag, but I'm trying to at least get out enough to meet activity for all of mine.]