Second Chances: the Network

I can't say I've wrapped my head around all of this, but they say my kid back home isn't on his own - some "divergent reality" thing that honestly, went way over my head - and that there's a version of me still there, so... cool. We can work with that. So long as he's okay and my sister-in-law isn't going to be flipping out because I went and disappeared.

Anyway. Hello. I'm Ray Molina, and apparently my daughter has been here for a while, so some of you probably know her. Julie?

[ Yelena Belova ]
Am I doing this filter thing right? They said you've been looking after Julie since she got here, so... any favourite meals? You're owed dinner pretty much for life. And come over any time you want. I'll make sure you've got a key.

I seem to have acquired a pair of little red demon wings when I woke up this morning. Somehow, despite their size, I've managed to stay somewhat airborne when I try flying, but haven't really tried going for a long flight.

I feel like I need horns and a pitchfork to really pull the look together.

Getting plane shifted back to the 80s is a pretty good excuse for missing school today, right?

[Hawkins]
Saw the post on Steve. I guess I got back first I hope. Back in '87 I was just with him, or maybe some parallel version of him.

Dustin, you were right about the military jeeps. It got worse from there.

I’ll tell you guys the whole story in person. Or just what you want to know here, in case getting all the details could have weird time travel consequences.

The Liaison Officer tried to explained things but I am kinda freaked out right now. I was at a gas station and the next thing I know I'm here! And it's freezing outside. But the officer said I should post something so... okay?

My name's Diana, I'm 17, originally from Chance Harbor, Washington, which I can't find online anywhere. No searches or no maps nothing. So other than the being-15ish-years-in-the-future thing, there's that. Though, technology's really improved since 2012. Is this normal? Are we just here now and that's it?

Okay... No Grant, no Circle - but you were trying to clear your head anyway. You didn't cast anything to get here, you didn't cast reflexively when you got here. You're fine.... You just need to keep a lid on the dark. And try to keep calm. You can figure this out. Just hold it together.

[Una Chin-Riley and Christopher Pike]
The Liaison Officer gave me your names and said that you two would be keeping an eye on me. That's really nice of you - and I appreciate it - but I can look after myself; I don't want to impose. And it might be safer...

Since I'm sure we've all got cabin fever and are somewhat over the winter wonderland outside... not to mention Daine's post reminded me that there's probably a fair amount of birthdays we've probably missed celebrating..

How do folks feel about a community luau this weekend? Indoors and maybe with a bit of magic to set the tropical vibe.. Some cupcakes and music...

Hey, so, everyone who wished for snow and cold weather? I'm not magicking it anymore, thanks, I feel like we're good for a year or ten.

[Filtered AGAINST Chris and Una]
So...my parents are getting married. And I don't really know if there's anything special I'm supposed to be doing? I'm so truly, genuinely excited and happy for them but like...what's the traditional way to show that? And does tradition matter when two of you are from hundreds of years in the future and the other isn't even from this realm??

I assume gifts are a thing but is it just gifts for the wedding? Are engagement gifts a thing, too? Are engagement parties a thing? If Fig were here, she'd know what to

Suggestions, please! They're amazing people who took on a kid that isn't theirs and made her into theirs and I want them to know how appreciated and loved they are!

I know we have bigger problems and this is a random statement but

It's weird when you hear two people arguing (Jason and Yelena. It's Jason and Yelena) and they switch languages mid-sentence. Multiple times. And it's weirder when you can follow the argument.

Which brings me to my point and I know it's been asked before but I'm asking again:

Other than English, what languages do you speak? I'm only claiming fluency in 12. Yes, I realize that's a brag. But I blame Bruce.

Okay, what the hell? It was 1986 ten minutes ago and now a guy in a suit is telling me it's 2028? And this isn't even the same universe?

I mean... Okay that makes sense. No way you can get from Indiana to California that quickly- Unless you use portals or teleportation or wormholes but two would take an enormous amount of constant energy consumption and the other would probably spit you out in a different universe. Oh wait! I'm sorry. That's exactly what happened!

This is supposed to be theoretical but now it's science fact? Though given what we deal with... maybe I should have expected other weird science to be real, but I didn't think about it because we had enough to worry about.

Suit Guy says I forgot to introduce myself... Right. I'm Dustin. Uh, Dustin Henderson. And I'm from a small town in Indiana. I like science. DnD and- Isn't California supposed to be warmer than this?

[Private to Steve Harrington]
STEVE! You're here? What are you doing here?

They said something about me needing a guardian and then said your name. Dude, what is going on???

It's funny that no matter how many different calendars I learn about - lunar, solar, other planetary ones... something about the Terran calendar year turning over still feels like a new start.

And I/we've got some good news to share. Operation: Put a Ring on It was a success!

SHE SAID YES!

For some unknown reason, the gods have smiled and Una's agreed to marry me. With everything that's happened back home and here, felt right to seize the opportunity.

Una

No take backs.

Quentin & Adaine

Thanks again for all your help with this.

It's the Solstice and I know it isn't as big of a deal in this world but I know some people celebrate and I'd certainly like to.

Would anyone be up for a beach gathering? We can have a bonfire to symbolize the sun and it's a good season for letting go of darkness and burdens so if you'd like to bring something to burn or just write down something you'd like to move on from and burn we can do that. A lot of your modern christmas carols have pagan roots so it might be fun to play some of those but otherwise, general party atmosphere might be fun! It's also common to have a large feast with lots of spices and herbs and we can make that happen over a good fire, too.

And I bet if I look really, really adorable at him, I can talk Chris into Christmas cake.

Anyone interested? I'm probably going to go out there at some point anyway, the Solstice is a good time to be in nature and it's not too cold here to really enjoy it, but I'd love the company and a proper party would be even better!

So, Lila mentioned this on National Cookie Day and lots of folks have been talking about cooking and baking - would we want to do a holiday potluck / cookie / whatever exchange? open to everyone, no cooking required.


Also, I've managed to build & juryrig some sleighs into sand sleds, so at the stables will be doing sleigh rides on the beach through new years. If you want to see me drive a sleigh with a team of horses - and maybe be dressed like Santa.

[Adaine & Quentin]

Alright, team. When are you free this week. There's some jewelry shopping I need your help with.

[Una]

That dress you wore to the art show - any chance I can convince you to wear it again on a date some time?

Anyone ever done Secret Santa here before? Looks like it could be fun.

[Filter: Vamp fam]

Since we went away last year, are we staying here this Christmas? I want to put up a big tree and invite people around for a proper party.

In case anyone doesn't have plans today, feel free to drop by our apartment (509). We'll have food throughout the afternoon and evening. There will of course, be turkey (which has been brined since earlier this week) and all the fixings including plenty of vegetarian options and three types of stuffing because I might be an overachiever. And multiple pies since my response to the apple vs pumpkin vs pecan debate is all of the above.

Come for as long as you want or just for a doggie bag.

[Starfleet + Chris & Una's Friends & Family]

All of you are obviously invited and welcome to bring friends/guests. There's no way we're going to run out of food

[SpaceFantasy]

In case I/we don't say it enough, Adaine, I'm so grateful you're in our lives and part of our family here.

[Quentin]

After the holiday, I may need your assistance with something.

Craziest thing yesterday. I tried to set a world record for the longest air guitar. Not the largest. That would require the entire city. But the longest. I just couldn't stop. I don't think I set anything, but I certainly tried.

[Alex and Luke]
I got one of our original tees. The ones that dissolve when they get wet.

We've come a very long way. I'm glad you're on this ride with me.
[end]

[Alexis, Julie, and Enid]
I want to do something special for Adaine, to make her feel special just because, but also for reasons. I don't mind being cheesy, but I want it to not be too cheesy, and I need help.

I got her a locket that looks like a book that holds four pictures. I put in a picture of her and Fig and one of her and Pike and Una. Would it be too presumptuous to put in a picture of her and me?
[end]

I always forget how into Christmas this country is, but it's kind of charming.

[Filtered to the entire network, sans Albus Potter]
So, hello. Most of you don't know me, but I'm Ginny, Albus' mum. His dad and I are going to throw him a birthday party this Sunday, starting at 6 pm at The Bit & Barrel (address here). It will be in the downstairs lounge, so just come in and go down the stairs on your right to find us.

His birthday is the 19th, but this was the only time I could guarantee the space, so Sunday it is.

Gifts are encouraged, but not required. I think Al just wants people to come and enjoy themselves. It's not a surprise party, he knows one is happening, but not the fine details, so please avoid telling him anything. We'll manage to get him there on time.

And if you are seeing this and don't know Al, myself, or Harry (that's his dad), that's okay. You are welcome, too. Use this as an opportunity to get to know your fellow residents.

( Potter family filter )

( Filtered to Harry Potter )

[ filtered; friends & family ]

Chris didn't really get the longer chance that I did to try and let everything sit for a little while. I went back home to live more of our lives and got back on the 6th here. Not long to be gone but enough to worry some. I might not have had a say in it but I am sorry for the worry I caused.

Whatever that feather was that I found later, I didn't expect to find my away-mission armor in my closet later. I think my heart wanted a better way of protecting me and mine should something like last month happen again.

Really not a fan or this place making Una disappear a day after I came back. Talk about taking the cake for bad timing.


Sorry to those I worried with my abrupt disappearance.

I thought I should maybe let people know Chris went missing yesterday. His stuff all still seems to be here and he knows better than to take off without letting Una or me know so we assume he's coming back but that doesn't always work or maybe it does and I don't know and it still seemed smart to let people know just in case he's gone a while.

Now that Hardison's secured the network, I have a request.

IF you are safe to do so: Record-Record-Record.

Audio, video—anything you can. Start compiling everything you've seen, heard, or documented since the beginning and send it to me. I'm starting to put together a timeline, and all of it will help. We call this the "discovery phase".

The Liaison Office may have let us down, but that doesn't mean we can't go after the people behind this.