Second Chances: the Network

[ filtered; Dads, Natasha, and Eugene ]

People are getting hurt. I can't leave if people are getting hurt.

I wish James was

I won't leave.

(ooc: pretend this was posted in early morning hours of Oct. 15. I'm just putting it up while I've got a minute amid renovation stuff!)

If you go out at night, don't go alone. Two guys and one girl were waiting about halfway between the pub and the building tonight on my way back from work. I don't know if the goal was just to scare me, or steal my stuff, or something worse, but they clearly had thought this through. Unclear if it's got anything to do with all the other odd stuff, but after Mal's experience at the pub, I've got to wonder.

One of the blokes has a mean right hook. If my magic was working properly, I would have hexed him before he got close enough to make contact.

[Filtered to Al and Harry]
Sorry for the too-early wake-up call, Al. But I thought you'd rather hear it from me directly than on here. Are you still doing okay?

This place is starting to feel like home. I know that I haven't been here very long, but it does. I never thought I'd be able to say that

[Rumi]

오늘 밤에 외출하고 싶니?

Cafeteria talk today at school was about Halloween costumes. I said I was thinking about being Freddy Mercury, and one of the kids asked who that was.

I feel outraged and old. More outraged, I think. How do they not know Queen? I get it if one of us from a different universe doesn't know, but from here, when I know I've seen their albums on both vinyl and CD? Inconceivable.

[Rapunzel]

I know you've been feeling down lately and understandably so. I was thinking we get out for a bit? If you'd like that. We could take a walk, get some lunch? Grab your dads and do something with them? Whatever might make you feel better, you tell me.

If you are into drinks or games, you should come see me at my new place of work — The Bit & Barrel. Can't say I've ever been a barkeep for money before, but I know my way around a pint. Apparently the customers like my accent — except the bloke who swore it was fake and was hexed for his trouble.

Filtered to Albus
I'm working most Sundays because they're busy and need the hands, but I managed to get the next one off. Think we're due a proper roast, yeah? Cheer you up a bit since Ned has gone.

OOC: The Bit & Barrel doesn't exist. I made it up! It's loosely based on this San Francisco bar and one I went to about a decade ago. The general idea is an English pub on one floor, and a second bar and several rooms with all kinds of arcade games in the basement. The lower floor is definitely loud/sensory overload. The first is a normal pub-style establishment. Use as it suits for yourselves/your characters. Address and other info will be on the reference sheet in due course!

Have you seen the Pickleball signs around? I'd like to participate. Anyone want to join me? I hear it is a lot of fun.

You know, sometimes I think there's some kind of intelligence behind whatever goes on here, because... you know, I didn't get aged down. Which is a good move, I'm not complaining here. But... it's just suspicious.

Thank Sol I'm not a child. That would be... awkward.

I'd have to hide my wings again, they were ugly.

With the sudden influx of newcomers, I find myself a little homesick. Would you all mind introducing yourselves and telling me a bit about where you've come from? I'll go first.

My name is Elphaba and I came here from a land called Oz, along with my best friend Glinda. Oz is rather small by comparison to this world, but we have a singular large city in the middle of our provinces called the Emerald City where, yes, everything is green.

[FILTER TO THOSE NOT DE-AGED]

I never know what to do in these situations when I'm not affected as the others are, but I wish to help. Is there anything else needed done or are we at a point of simply waiting?

Does anyone else have this weird feeling today? I'm never this jumpy. I don't know, maybe I'm just imagining it. It's fine. It'll probably go away soon.

What is everyone doing on the fine summer day? Give me something else to think about.

[Family (Aside from Rapunzel)]

Is that okay to use now? Should I change it? It's probably fine. But what if it's not?

I think we're just about set for the birthday bash? Dinner is planned, decorations have been bought, we have the lantern things. She'll like it all, right? I think all that's left is to set up the Snuggly Duckling and put all our work into action. Thank you all again for your help. I couldn't have done it without you.

[Rapunzel]

Are you busy tomorrow, say, around lunchtime?

I like strawberries as much as the next person, but there are just some things that absolutely should not be strawberry flavored. This especially includes bacon.

[Rapunzel's People]

Hey there, its me again. You're all thrilled to hear from me again, I know. But its for an incredibly good reason.

As I'm sure you're all well aware, Rapunzel's birthday is coming up here and I think we need to make the celebration a collaborative event. A real shebang! So, let's talk party ideas.

I might be taking the easy way here, but we gotta make the lanterns. Don't worry, I have plenty more.

You all have been here with her for a good while though. Are there traditions you've had since she's been here?

[Rapunzel]

If I'm remembering correctly, you have a birthday coming up. There something you wanna do for it? You name it.

While I will admit I did pull off the whole anti-princess look well... this eyeliner will not come off.

Someone help a guy out?

[Rapunzel]

Not sure if I ever mentioned this before and I honestly lost track of what day it even was but today just so happens to be my birthday. Now, I'm not looking for a fuss here, but I was wondering if you might wanna do something with me for it. I have zero ideas, mind you, my birthday is usually just another day of the week to me.

We could get dinner or something though, maybe? Cake.

I am also open to suggestion.

Somebody come and eat all this pie I have left over.

I regret every single carb loaded plate I baked and ate yesterday.

I have to admit, this place keeps even me on my toes.

I was thinking about Maximus the other day, so I'm not sure if this is to make me feel better or what, but I feel like I should thank the magic powers out there anyway.

I just have one small, teeny tiny, unimportant complaint...

I have no idea how to ride this thing.


Who's offering lessons?

I'd just like everyone to know that I've officially replicated enough tiny dinosaur models for two armies. Which means there can be battles, if anyone's interested in passing the time with a friendly match. Winner takes the helm.

(Kidding, Captain Pike. Definitely kidding.)

Okay but hear me out: SO18 puts on a show IN SPACE. Captain Pike sir, any idea if we could get instruments??

I am curious, do any of you have any holidays that seem specific to where you come from? Ones that aren't shared with/by this place.

As an example, where I come from there is a First Contact holiday which is when Earth was approached by the Vulcans because the humans had achieved warp-capable technology.

[ filtered; Christopher Pike ]

Kirk and I went drinking the last time. We should do the same.

First there was the whole princess dress thing and now flowers are literally popping up under my feet.

When do I get my pretty tiara to complete the look?

[Rapunzel]

Is this happening to you too or just me? Either way I somehow feel like flower crowns are in order. But you gotta show me how to make one.