MarinaNova Asylum

[ Today is a day where most would be at risk of oversleeping.The dome lies dark like in the dead of night. The sun hasn’t risen today, streetlights casting a dull yellow glow and occasionally flickering out into nothing, only to spark back to life a moment later. There is no electric flicker from the kiosk. The Wardens are still. The wardens are silent.

The dome isn’t silent. There is a rustling of leaves, a snapping of twigs. Claws, scraping against concrete. The inhuman screech of an animal in peril, an animal hunting, an animal hunted. A screech that promises sharp claws and sharper teeth and blood.

The dome isn’t still either. There is something moving, thick as a shadow, tangible as a chill down your spine. Something that doesn’t belong here, something that snuck in when no one was looking. A boogeyman under the bed. A ghost in the closet. A will o’ the wisp, blinking in and out of existence under the flickering streetlights. Whatever it is it’s moving, leaving a trail of cold, dead fear wherever it passes. Something dark. A shadow so pitch black that it blots out the very lights in your heart, dragging your fears out screaming and kicking, reducing even the strongest, toughest man to a blubbering baby.

Perhaps best to stay in bed today, Marina. ]

((OOC: Event information HERE. We ask the winners of the raffle to fill out a simple survey and then tag into the Vapor thread HERE! Happy mingling, Marinanites! ))

[There are multiple peg boards set up in Sector 0 today—some tall, some short, some on wheels, some long, some magenta with glitter! But what do they all have in common? They are covered in pictures with familiar faces.

Maybe the face is many years younger and surrounded by family or maybe it's a shot taken in Marina (version 1 or 2!). Maybe it was a time when no cameras were present and yet here is the evidence of that moment in all it's candid glory.

You could have grabbed that really embarrassing or incriminating one and thought you were safe only to find out there were three duplicates! Sweet, horrific, sad, casual, posed, past, or present—the wardens are good at variety, so enjoy!]

(OOC: Plotting post for sharing pictures people might find on the boards.)

[The camera clicks on and off sporadically, a loud and heavy thump heard along with a distinct yelling. The camera finally stayed on as Krieg could clearly be heard yelling as the view darted around his person. He was desperately searching for something on his person that he simply could not find, not paying a moments notice to the welcome information rolling across the visor. Someone however was paying close attention.]

(MarinaNova? What kind of name is that? I suppose if you're an AI with an underwater facility being clever is the last thing on your mind... But how did we get here? One moment we were fighting Jack, the next-)

My Flesh Rippers are GONE!

[As Krieg yelled this out he quickly looked down at the jumpsuit in rage and tore the chest portion off entirely, leaving bits of orange jumpsuit hanging on his arms but leaving his torso exposed.]

The blood may not be running, but AT LEAST MY PECS HAVE PECS.

(...Yeah, great... But do you see what this means? This place has no war, no violence, and no need for death OR killing. This is what we've been waiting for, a place where we can finally work to become normal again. Because of this place, we may finally react like a regular human being and make friends like we had before. So you will not harm anyone here, or my same promise applies even more so down here...)

[Krieg didn't like hearing that one bit. Not only is his Axe, guns, grenades, guns, and fire gone, but he lost his murder friends and could no longer kill anyone. If anyone was still paying attention to him he was very clearly mad and twitching.]

NOOOO!!! THINGS CAN NEVER BE NORMAL! My life is but a never ending pit of blood and bile forged from combat! Let the bullets scrape me clean and fill my soul with the pain of a thousand corpses! I drink the blood and rip the flesh because I! AM! A MONSTER! NOW AND FOREVER!

[Wanting nothing more than to beat someone to a pulp Krieg looked around, however even he knew that he had no power to fight here, and even if he did he did not wish the death that the voice inside promised so many times. So much like an angered child who didn't get what he wanted Krieg sat cross legged on the ground and started to punch the ground and his head interchangeably. For those who paid closer attention however, it looked a lot less like a temper tantrum, and more like a man who had just gotten the entire meaning of his life ripped out from beneath him.]

[ ooc: A little forward dated so that this is an early evening edition of class in keeping with Eric's hours. Treat this as a mingle. Notifs are off so if you want to speak with Eric directly tag into one of his threads. I'll make him available for chit chat after class and for a Q&A]

[ Eric steps up in front of the class. He’s dressed in a grey pinstriped suit and black shirt. The collar of the shirt is open at the neck. It’s something he’d wear for one of Nan’s PR campaigns, and truthfully this feels much like one of those, with one exception: he doesn’t intend to pander to anyone. He’d gotten the impression Spencer wanted the truth, and he intends to give it to these people as well. When he’d begun discussing vampire psychology with Spencer Reid a couple of weeks ago, he’d never expected it to turn into a class. The idea of it amused him, as did the idea that he could be honest about things rather than read a script and smile charmingly until someone yelled cut. He looked out to the crowd, picking out the faces he knew then put on that oh-so-charming smile.]

Some of you know me, but I’ll introduce myself for those that don’t. I’m Eric Northman. I run the Blood Shack here in the dome and I’m a thousand year old vampire. [ Never let it said that Eric doesn’t like to be dramatic. His fangs descend at the last bit and he grins, letting everyone get a good look at them. Seconds later the fangs are gone and the charming smile is back. ]

I’m here today because Mr. Reid requested that I talk a little bit about vampire psychology. Apparently this is a topic of discussion among the Defense Force. I’d like to set some misconceptions right. I suppose, first and foremost, I should acknowledge that the bulk of my knowledge deals with vampires in my world. I realize there are different types of vampires here in the dome and there is the possibility of the psychology, as well as “the rules” [ yes, he did use air quotes] varying. That being said, I’m going to jump right in.

I believe the most interesting question Mr. Reid and I discussed that day was whether vampires could be held to the same lawful standards as human, from a psychological point of view. The simple answer is yes. As you will be able to see in a demonstration I’ll conduct in a moment, I do not turn into a raving monster around blood. I do not lose control and I don’t slaughter willy nilly. [ There’s a smirk, a look of amusement. Sookie might’ve helped him with this lecture. Willy nilly was her contribution. ]

We discussed the idea that humans are cattle to vampires and just as a human would not be held responsible for the slaughter of a cow, we should not be held responsible for the slaughter of a human. While that idea isn’t entirely wrong, [ He pauses, as if considering his next comment ] many of you are cattle as far as many of us are concerned—that idea is flawed. I’ve actual experience with actual cattle from my days as a human and I’ve yet to see cattle redeem their entire races with one action as I’ve seen the occasional humans do. Humans are capable of much more than they generally accomplish. Cattle are not.

[ He looks directly out to the crowd. ] You are food, but a few of you have the ability to be so much more. Enough about you, on to more about vampires. [ He dismisses the subject with a wave of his hand. ] People forget that vampires were human once. I had a wife, I had children, I had parents and subjects and friends and enemies. [ So yes, for any of you wondering, he is a king, or was at one point] Because we were once human, we’re like humans in some ways. There are vampires who enjoy the arts, those that enjoy being social [ He’s thinking of Caroline here ] and those of us that enjoy mayhem and murder. Yes, being a vampire does allow you to get in touch with the mayhem and murder side of things. Blood is intoxicating in a way that alcohol wishes it could be. A flood of blood is enough to make one practically giddy and to be honest, I spent my younger days knee deep in it. However, I was fortunate to have a maker that instilled humanity in me and showed me the benefit of controlling my urges. Humans are brilliant inventors. The world has come a very long way since I was human, and I’d like to enjoy those advances. Controlling my urges allows me the ability to do just that. Are there days I’d still like to kill everyone in the room? [ A smirk, a glance about the crowd and a wink]

Of course.

In short, yes, we can control ourselves and yes, control generally comes with age, but there are some of us born with extraordinary control. I need approximately two pints of blood a day. Anything more is just gluttony.

All of that being said, vampires shouldn’t be governed by humans. In my world, we have the Authority of which I happen to be a Chancellor. We deal with vampires who get out of control, lay down a series of guidelines and provide a chain of authority for vampires. We’ve got the ‘muscle’ so to speak to enforce the guidelines. Humans simply don’t have that, nor do humans garner enough respect from the vampires to enforce anything. After all, you’d hardly take orders from your hamburger. [ By the grin on his face, it’s meant to be a joke. ]

Now, I did promise you a demonstration. Once that’s over I’ll open the floor for questions. Don’t bother asking how to kill me because I won’t answer those.

[Open | Video]
The name's Kitty Pryde for those who don't know me. I'm the current leader of the Defense Force. It's a group that works on ensuring the public safety whether that's from each other or our robot overlords. [Not to mention putting an end to this whole prison thing. She figures it's no secret from the wardens, but it still feels a little too brazen to be that specific in the public announcement.]

We're accepting new members in combat, investigations, and dispatch. There's an interview process if you're interested. I'll make up answers if you make up questions.

[Private | Defense Force | Video]
Seems like we've lost some people recently. We may have more joining our ranks soon. Until then, Data, I want you to lead Sector 5. Hopefully, we'll have more for you to lead soon. My team will back you up until then.

I want to talk to members of Sector 0 and 4's teams to see who to appoint as leader or temporary leader. [Spoiler alert: she is not picking you, Sougo.]

If anyone else has anything to report I'm listening.

[Open | Action]
[Find Kitty at the Defense Force headquarters today or maybe even heading into a certain bar she once burned down, The Devil's Compass.]

(OOC: DF Roster)

[ As mentioned by the wardens yesterday, Eric is hosting a costume party. The Blood Shack is lit by candles for the evening (he remembers the last party he had being interrupted by a power outage) and a small buffet of sorts has been erected. It furnishes mostly hors d'oeuvre and finer foods, things that Caroline picked out as Eric hasn't a clue about human food.

There is blood on tap (naturally) as well as a full bar. Eric has made certain to include water, sodas, tea and various non-alcoholic drinks.

The jukebox is playing a variety of music, but patrons are always invited to pick out their own music. The dance floor has a disco ball and there's the ever present 'dancing' pole on stage if someone gets brave. Tables are scattered about as are sofas and chairs so that people have a choice where they sit.

Enjoy yourself, mix, mingle and admire everyone's costume and everyone is required to have a costume in order to be here. ]

[ooc: I've turned off replies so if you want Eric's attention please tag his thread. Mingle here, have fun and be merry? Everyone is invited, including and especially newbies. ]

[ Haruka has an advantage over the other new arrivals - she's had the good fortune to encounter someone she knows from home. Someone she knows very well, in fact. And whom she's apparently abandoned here for the past three months.

Not that Michiru blames her. They've spoken about the asylum, and even started moving Haruka into Michiru's apartment. (Naiad the Eevee doesn't seem to mind.) But Haruka can't shake her uneasiness. If she'd had to sit here, stewing, away from everything she knows....

Well, she'd probably bear it better than she thinks. So this walk was supposed to clear her head.

Yet here she stands outside a jewelry shop in Sector 4, pondering the wares. In her new slacks and jacket, she looks like a man who's been here forever - unless anybody looks down to notice the new-arrival anklet poking out of her cuff. She's also temporarily taken off her communicator - yeah, she knows she needs it, but wow is it gonna take some getting used to.

And wow, random passerby, is this "gentleman" absorbed in his perusal of the shop window. You could probably cut glass with that stare. ]

[[ooc: Test drive thread used as "canon" with Michiru-mun's approval! Come bother the sappy girlfriend newcomer.]]

Hello? [Chloe pauses, lifting a hand to the communicator to check it for a second. It reminds her of the communicator Oliver gave her when she first joined the team full time. It's only been a few months or so since then but it felt like a lifetime ago. Of course, everything is different now and she doesn't belong with the team anymore. She belongs in a prison.]

I guess this is working. [Her voice is monotone, her expression blank. She has just arrived and she already accepts why she is there. If helping Davis isn't enough wrong, she is guilty of plenty of other things. She doesn't feel sorry for herself for being in this position, but she is ashamed of all she's done. Not because she doesn't believe in the reasons behind the wrong she did but now she knows it was all for nothing. She was stubborn, she should have listened to the others and maybe the price she is paying by being locked up in here is nothing compared to what is happening out there to them now. If they are still there at all.] I just wanted to test the equipment.

[The video fades to black]

[Audio]

I'm Chloe Sullivan.

[ kelly only addresses the communication device after she's made sure it's not a bomb or rigged to send a signal to someone else or some sort of covenant communication device that's liable to go off in her face. this involves dropping it several times, even after she finally turns the damn thing on. up, down, up, down, up -- she looks frustrated, which for a spartan means she's very angry. she's trying to channel that anger into getting things done, finding out information, and generally being productive, but it's difficult when her entire body is slow and all of her senses are incredibly dulled. she feels blind, deaf, numb, and deathly slow and she does not like it at all. ]

I need to speak with whoever is in charge here. [ her voice is hard, maybe a little cold, as though she's trying her hardest to keep herself under control. ] They need to learn a lesson: if they want someone's cooperation, drugging and stripping them isn't the way to gather favor. [ she's being horribly affected by the power dampeners and it's throwing her off. ]

I don't appreciate being drugged or kidnapped [ even if that's happened to her before ] and I won't stay here. You can keep your play at prison for someone else.

[ for those watching along at home, kelly does appear human, but she's extremely muscular, looking closer to a lifelong body-builder than an actual normal person. and she's twitchy if this is anything to go by. she pauses for just a moment, hesitant to add on one more thing to her list of complaints. ]

And someone has my-- [ a pause as she debates how to address that. ] --clothes.

[ Considering the nature of the group, it's unsurprising that it is being held in The Blood Shack. There is a sign on the door announcing that the bar is closed for therapy adding that if you're here for the 'Struggling with my humanity of the lack thereof' therapy session, please come in and make yourself at home. Someone (not Eric) has made over the bar so that it looks a great deal like an AA room rather than a bar. The tables are arranged into a square shape (yes, the way you used to sit in school). The bar is open, but the alcoholic beverages have been locked up. The blood taps are available and there's a selection of bottled blood sitting on top of the bar. It is clearly self serve. There's also a selection of pastries on the bar for those that like a little nibble with their blood. Next to this is a large fishbowl filled with folded slips of paper. There's a small sign next to it that urges each participant to take a question from the fishbowl, help yourself to some refreshment and have a seat.

On their folded slips of paper, participants will find such questions:

Were you ever human? If so, when was that? What are you now?
How do you define 'humanity'?
What is your opinion of humans? Why? How did you develop this opinion?
Discuss the relationships you currently have with humans.
What is the most important factor in maintaining your humanity? Do you feel it's important to maintain?
Has there been a change in your humanity, for the better or worse? What prompted that?
Discuss some of the advantages and disadvantages of humanity.

Just in case anyone has any doubt that we're here for business and not pleasure, the jukebox has been locked down as well.]

ooc:as with other posts, don't feel limited by these questions. Feel free to add your own and assume these are just some of the questions in the fishbowl. Mingle, make new threads, interrupt threads and enjoy! Note that your character does not have to be non-human to be here! Humans struggle with their humanity sometimes too!

[Anyone brought to this group will find that there are tables set up around the perimeter of the room, one with snacks and drinks, some even with art supplies on them, while the chairs are all pushed into a circle in the middle. There is a projector set up to one side and it flashes images every so often onto the wall. Images of children, adults, the elderly with the young--some of them more formal, posed, others candid as the brief moments of life they were. Some of these images might even be familiar to certain inmates. It shouldn't be hard for them to pick out their own families after all.

In the center of the circle of chairs is a table with a large bowl of treats, wrapped candies of various sorts. Hard candies, caramels, chocolates, taffy. Beside the bowl is a set of cards with instructions written on the back of them.

"Select a card and read the question aloud to the group. Whoever answers the question gets to choose a reward from the bowl and then select the next card. Continue until all of the cards have been viewed or the bowl is empty. More than one person can answer--the first to respond gets to select the next card. If no one volunteers, the card picker gets to select a person."

The cards themselves have a variety of questions and tasks, but they all have a very similar theme.]

( Possible Questions )
{OOC: Mingle! These questions are not the only ones. Feel free to come up with more. Also the candy in the bowl is spiked just like the pastries and coffee, so the more characters eat...you get the picture.}

[ another day, another tox lecture. piter is his usual self today, observant and enigmatic; though he may not particularly enjoy all that tox entails, he quite likes speaking, and his voice has its usual resonant, melodious cadence as he speaks. ]

( ❝my heart aches, and a drowsy numbness pains/my sense, as though of hemlock I had drunk❞ )

(( ooc: apologies for the delay; irl classes resuming really kicked me in the pants!! ; n; in any case: tox is held in an open lecture format, so feel free to mingle, even if your character has never attended before; everyone is welcome! piter also tends to pop into mingle threads himself, curious jerk that he is. q&a is here, piter has a thread here, and there's more information on the class here. ))

[Sam Winchester is a tall man under any circumstances, but he might seem just a little extra tall while he's standing for the lecture and everyone else is seated. It's probably less imposing since he is wearing plaid though. It's hard to be imposing in plaid.]

( Demons : Crossroads Deals )

[Today's adventure is less of a fiesta and more of a siesta.]

[Namely, one thoroughly-exhausted Zatanna can be found at the Library. Pouring over texts as if she were in danger of failing MarinaNova 101. The journals are old. The writing in them mostly by hand. She has a notebook of her own off to one side, filled with scribbles and diagrams and anything else she could think of. Most of them magic, though there were a few other symbols drawn in there as well. Such as distinctive "R"s, and lightning bolts and other insignias of her friends. Her and home.]

[If one is fortunate enough to catch her before noon, she might even still be conscious. Either mindlessly doodling or browsing one of the shelves. Otherwise...any passer-bys will find the fourteen year old passed out over the texts.]

[ This guy's lips are drawing funny lines and curves which paint him a picture of NOT HAPPY.

Jumpsuits aren't his thing, unless he's wearing one for porno filming purposes in which case he'll be taking them off anyway. He could be bothered by many other things like, the day being two-hundred-and-thirty-freaking-one, or that there's a floating rock in the "sky", or that the dome looks completely different.

But no.

Gabriel lets out a huff, brings his hands up, then down heavily, shaking his head. ]

This?

This. Sucks.

[ He shrugs as a server bot handed him some sweet and spicy skewered thing and he takes a big chomp out of the thing. ]

'Least the food's still free, and it still tastes like it'll shut your innards down at any time.

[ He finishes off the meats on the skewer with a smack of his lips, and managing a bit of levity -- ]

So! When did the renovations happen?


(( OOC: Gabriel from Supernatural, with memories from his previous stay in the old dome X3;; Hello~ ))

[There is a very tall, pale, blonde man on the screen. He's wearing dark clothes and his blonde hair is slicked back. He gives the camera a charming smile. ]

I understand we're to be inundated with visitors today. I also understand that a sudden arrival here can be a disconcerting and that often requires a drink. I invite everyone to come have a drink at the Blood Shack in sector four. We've got a wide variety of drinks, both ordinary and unusual.

Come spend your day with us at the Blood Shack. We'd be delighted to have you.

[ The video clicks off.

Those that decide to take Eric up on his invitation, will find the Blood Shack up and running. During the day, a few bots can be found doing some of the mundane things like delivering drinks to tables, but during the evening Eric will be behind the bar and the presence of bots is reduced. The bar itself is dimly lit with small tables and booths places about. There's a dance floor and a stage with a pole at one end. The other end of the stage is occupied by what can only be called a throne, which Eric occupies when Spike is behind the bar. There is also a jukebox that customers can play. ]

[ooc: feel free to use this as an open mingle. I've turned off comments so if you want to speak directly to Eric, comment there.]

[The old man on the screen looks dangerously calm for having just arrived in an undersea prison. Saetan has taken the time to find an elegant, old fashioned looking suit before switching on his communicator. Not only that but he has actually arranged himself in the library, and looks as at home and in control of the situation as if he were in his study. He does not look like a frightened new prisoner, which is entirely the point. He's not someone who is used to being powerless and being held captive is not about to make him change his attitude. When he does speak his voice is like thin ice, dark and cold with something deadly lurking underneath.]

I’d like to speak to someone in authority, immediately. I heard your clever little announcement, and you obviously know who I am. Prisoner or not you should respect me enough to speak to me face to face. I’m going to find where you’ve taken my Jewels eventually, and it would be in your best interest to resolve all of this before I do.