[In light of recent events, we could all benefit from an episode bookend quote some encouraging words, right?]

Bruce Barton wrote, "Action and reaction, ebb and flow, trial and error, change - this is the rhythm of living. Out of our over-confidence, fear; out of our fear, clearer vision, fresh hope. And out of hope, progress."

Euphemia? May I have a word with you, please?

[Filtered to the Defense Force]

Hey guys… I have a proposition.

[Anyone working the DF dispatch right around noon will register an alarm. Someone's vitals are taking a nosedive. But before anyone can call it in, a video feed snaps on.]

( Cut for blood and evidence of torture )

((OOC: There will be one closed action thread for the Order crew and anyone they invite in to help rescue Cross - healers/others can offer their help over the network. Other people who want to show up at the church will find that Komui has blocked the entrances for their protection, but they can thread with Komui or each other. Please note that the church will be closed and off limits until further notice.

Network replies will need threadjacks since Cross is -- uh. Indisposed.))

[Hey sup Marina.

Today, Snowman is looking over all these raincoats and umbrellas that have been so helpfully laid out by their warden, or the warden's robots, or whatever. That's not important.

What is important is that all the raincoats.
are.
hideous.

She has gathered a bundle of coats in her hands and stands there for a minute looking at them one by one before tossing them aside with a disapproving scowl, or what can probably be surmised is a disapproving scowl by how furiously her eyes are slanted. Life with aliens that have weird faces made of carapace: an adventure in speculation by body language.

After spending another few seconds glaring angrily at this rude pile of coats, she finally looks back at the feed.]

I don't suppose there's a tailor around, is there? I don't want to get my coat wet and none of these others will do in the meantime.

[ There is a growl as the recording begins. ] God damn it. [ From that, and the sound of glass bits falling onto a hard surface, one might think this was made in error.

But no, this call was made with a purpose. ] Whoever the Hell decided that rooting around in my head was a good idea,— [ A crunch of something hard underfoot that snaps with the strain. ] —I'm here to tell you that you're dead wrong.

And if you don't stop... [ ...then you'll be dead and wrong.

He lets the threat hang in the air a moment before disconnecting. Needless to say, Neil did not appreciate the vision in the mirror just now. Or the other ones earlier in the day. The deepest recesses of his mind is a place others do not belong. ]

[ OOC: If you would like an action thread for the visions, I put up a plotting comment about it over here! ]

[The shelter is clearly equipped for a celebration to mark the changing of wardens. Everything is neat and tidy, with decorations and a generous food spread laid over the tables for the taking. There’s also the usual entertainment in the common areas – TVs, video games, movies. Maybe you can talk someone into an impromptu karaoke party. Why not? Sentience doesn’t mind.

There’s a party to be had, so get down with your bad self.



Need an invite? Aren’t quite sure what’s going on? Well, here’s a friendly neighbourhood Judith to explain it to you. The camera feed pans over a glammed up corner of the shelter’s common area before going back to her face. It’s clear she’s pleased by the set-up.]

If I had known this was planned, I would have made some special cupcakes.

[Are you wondering what goes into Judith’s special cupcakes? Keep wondering.]

I suppose after all the excitement from last night, it’s nice to have some fun and relax. I’m not sure it’s fair to have one party directly following another – but maybe I’ll get to make up for missed opportunities. [She wanted to kick a robot’s face in, okay.]



((OOC: Mingle post for Sentience’s party in the shelter! The shelter is decorated with streamers and there’s a feast spread! But only three types of ice cream, though. Create threads and tag amongst yourselves! It’s a celebration, anything goes. Backdated slightly to the early evening.

If you want to respond to Judith via video, feel free! There will be a thread for that right here! Notifs are turned off otherwise.))

[A strikingly beautiful young man appears in view and speaks After a small yawn, he speaks in a soft tone- there's barely something in that tone, that could be something to take caution in.]

My head is killing me... prison? Hah... it must be a bad dream.. because, I definitely don't belong in here...! No flaw in your system..? Surely you're mistaken!
Hah, really! I haven't done a thing! Do you see any blood on these hands? [Dietrich looks down at his hands, a soft smile painted on his face] Certainly not... You must have me confused for my so-called family.

I'm tired. And this.. it's annoying. This place isn't very comfortable at all.

I am obviously not alone, that much is sure! My... I must be surrounded by such very dangerous people if this is the case! Who wants to tell me their tall-tales since we're all playing this together. I do love a good story.

Good day, Marina. I hope those of you who were of assistance to Sentience last night are recovering well. [It goes without saying that if you need anything, consider her volunteered!]

In the spirit of new beginnings, it is a good time to offer the opportunity for anyone who wishes to clear their conscience. Beginning in a half-hour, we will be taking confessions at the church. Although Confessional is a traditionally Catholic practice, the church is not denominational and anyone should feel welcome to participate if they wish.

For anyone not aware, a confession is given in a booth in which you tell anything you wish to an anonymous priest. Your identity is also protected, and the priest is sworn never to reveal what is said within the confession. [And Lacus will be very angry him if he violates that promise, so you can take that to the bank.] It can be a very cleansing experience.

If you have any other questions about the church, I am happy to answer them. I hope everyone will enjoy the party this evening.

((OOC: Cross (worst priest ever, but still a priest!) will be taking confessions in this thread. Network replies to Lacus or action posts at the church are also welcome!))

[Off-network/action]

[Umi has been pacing and fiddling with the strange visor-phone for quite a while, fighting back the throbbing in her head, trying to keep her calm. It hasn't exactly been successful.]

Arrgh! Why you stupid-- Turn on! You and I need to have a long talk RIGHT now. I mean it!

[Shakes it and continues fiddling about until she finally sees it turn on.]

[The rest is VOICE:]

Finally! Honestly...if this thing was supposed to be helpful, it completely missed the mark.

[...ahem] All right! I don't know who's in charge around here, but I need to talk to you! Now! Seriously, what's with this crazy crime list? Disturbing the peace? Animal cruelty!? You've gotta be kidding me!! ...What I mean is, there's been a mistake!

[...] Hello??

[FRUSTRATED SIGH. She's figuring by now that she won't be getting a response. After a moment she adds, sounding both annoyed and worried:]

Hikaru, Fuu...are either of you here? Tell me you didn't get kidnapped by weirdo prison wardens too...!

[At this point she decides, SKROO DIS, and starts wandering, exploring the complex. Feel free to run into her!]

[Roy is out and about, walking through the park, and thinking of catching something to eat. But for now it's nice to just get some "sun" and be outdoors. He's been penned up inside planes and safehouses and doing Jason's bidding since they were at the resort, and it was a while before that in prison. It's nice to stretch his legs without worrying about getting attacked by supernatural monsters or wearing a restraint.]

Well, this has been an eventful morning.

Completely off-topic though, does anyone want to tell me about this Defense Force? Is it all Acumen-sponsored and all, or just a ragtag group of semi-superheroes? Inquiring minds want to know.

[Yes, he's already encountered the bots. And no, he doesn't care. In fact, he looks pretty cheerful.]


[private to Jason Todd]

So, Jaybird. I think there's a few things we need to talk about mano a mano, you know what I mean? Mostly because Kori is one of the topics, besides getting out and the bird population. Want to grab something to eat later?

[/private]


[OOC: I missed the kiss planning post due to being ill, so I'm opening this up for anyone who wants a whim kiss from Roy! He's actually pretty good at it, and he has nothing to lose and doesn't really care much. XD If you'd rather me tag a post of yours either on the comm or at the mingle, please leave a link in the OOC thread!]

[Kallen has settled into a pretty quiet life - almost normal. She's not quite at peace, with several million questions swirling in her head, but she's not sure who to trust with asking. So she remains silent, thinking of theories of what may have happened instead.

Today she's in the arcade, completely owning the shit out of the A.I. and yelling and in general being really, really competitive.]

No, no, no-- damn it! Lost again. All right, you think you can beat me? Think again stupid computer.

[Later she'll be shopping around - she's wanted a new light dress. She's thinking pink, actually, but in the end may go for a red sweater and some jeans. Girly things are so-- girly, after all. She thinks the robots around are just the usual - nothing strange here. Right?]

[ooc | Smooch away! Current CR, new CR, strangers. I don't even curr.]

[Lovely day for being in any open, common area of the dome, isn't it? Of course there is a chance of kissing bot, but it's always something in the underwater prison.]

(OOC: Check out the OOC post for details. Pucker up! Edit: Links for those with loading problems!)

[A video post engages and all that is immediately visible is Roy's face - and he looks somewhere between disgruntled and slightly amused, his red hair tousled and a little dirty, a wry smirk at the corner of his mouth.]

Okay, I get it. Roy's a jailbird. Again. Thanks universe, that's really funny.

[He sighs and shakes his head a little.]

I know the basic drill about jail and all, and I got the gist of the rules from the pamphlet and stuff. This place is even one heck of a lot better than the last hole I was in, but I still got a few questions. For example, official rules are one thing. What about the unofficial ones? Anyone want to fill me in on the taboos and all that before I run into them the hard way? Knowing my luck, first thing I'd do is piss off the resident big bad and get my butt beaten in again.

Anyone want to help a guy out?

[A pause, and he looks a bit rueful.]

And uh, yeah, as a side note, I know this is pretty freaking unlikely considering where I am and probably why, but are there any ways I could get a call to the outside world? Or home or whatever? I mean, it's not like I'm in a third world country this time, don't I get a phone call?

[ Inmates of Marina, the dude in this video feed--the one with the long blond hair and circular glasses sitting halfway down his nose--does not look pleased. Not pleased at all. ]

Ritsuka. You're here, aren't you?

[ and then--and this part hurts, it's embarrassing, because he should just know, but their bond isn't quite strong enough for that yet-- ]

Tell me where to find you.

[ He doesn't seem too concerned with anyone or anything else, but the post is public. He hasn't taken the time to learn how to filter yet; there are far more important matters at hand. ]

[ ooc; action is only open to Ritsuka, but video is for everyone! ]

[ Panic has long passed into curiosity for Kaylee and her new predicament. Sure she's been kidnapped, but: ]

This Acumen feller said something about a beach. With-- real sand and all? Don't think my heart could take it, bein' kidnapped and then lied to about a beach.

[ And curiouser... ]

Hope it's all right I don't have a swimming outfit...

[ tired sound, followed by a "mrf" ]

Always manage t'forget how loud it is on newbie days. [ sound of rustling pages; mildly ] Someday I'll learn to turn the damn communicator off.

[ Sarah Jane might have made a bad impression with all her shouting in her first post, but this time she's determined to attract positive attention. She's smiling, bright and enthusiastic. ]

Do you know what we need here? A newspaper. The network doesn't have everything, after all. Wouldn't it be nice to know the news? We could do classifieds and advertising too! Whatever people are interested in. It could be like a club or a class.

Is anyone interested? Don't worry if you've never written for a paper before, I can teach you. I used to work for a newsmagazine at home. Journalism is my calling.

Oh, and we'd want photographers and copy editors and the like, too. If you want to help, we'll find you a place. So don't hesitate to get involved!

[ With another bright smile, she turns the recording off. ]

[Ryoji’s putting the finishing touches on the table settings when he hears Lightning Eater’s familiar, fussed whine. He’s made an effort to clean the flat that hasn’t gone beyond the kitchen and living room, the bedroom doors closed but the apartment windows opened. Dressed smartly, button-town blouse crisp and neat, with Orihime’s black scarf on rather than his usual yellow – it’s no more effort than any other date they’ve had, but he’s extra fidgety for the night.

Letting his neurotic dog serve as a premeditated doorbell, he goes to open the door.]

[Oh, look, she lives after all!]

Marina—that is the people of Marina—I was wondering if anyone else had flowers in your room when you returned there after the facility-wide cleaning. [She thought everyone had gotten flowers and it was just a nice touch from Acumen, but then no one else had mentioned it, so now she's curious.]

Ah, that's all I think. [You may now continue your regularly scheduled lives.]


(OOC: I should probably mention, that you did not. No flowers for you!)

[ Neil is dressed warmly and waiting with a cup of tea by the kitchen window. It faces the street so that he can see his guest for the day as she approaches. He's been worried about her since they have had to put off their talk for a few days, now. The man can only imagine how turbulent things must seem now for Euphie, with her brother gone, but he'll of course do anything he can to help; even if that something is just to lend an ear.

Before she can knock, he's already opening the door for her arrival, Haro peeking out from behind his feet. ]

Hey there, good morning.

[Have the smiling face of a smiling boy.]

If you’re new to Marina, welcome. My name is Ryoji Mochizuki; I’d be happy to answer any questions you might have.

[What will he say next! This:]

I’m sorry, but for anyone who knew -- hrk!

[The door behind him closes quietly enough.. on the tail end of his scarf. Ryoji, in trying to walk forward, is abruptly yanked back, scrambling for balance. It’s a moment before he tugs his scarf loose and is able to open the door to free himself.]

-- ah, heh. Sorry.

As I was saying, Senpa – Mitsuru Kirijo and Yukari Takeba aren’t here anymore. [He’s still a little flushed from the exertion, and the announcement causes his gaze to drop a little.] I’m sorry if they were friends of yours, but I think they’re happier being back home.

Well, [one last smile.] I hope everyone has a good day.