[ If you walk the halls of the Education Center, particularly the one leading to one of the art rooms, one will detect first the light scent of tobacco. Should one look inside, they'll see the winged and haloed lady working on a painting -- sketches scattered on one table (with some fluttered to the floor), containers for primer and medium on another, along with brushes and palette knives haphazardly put in jars and tubes of paint.

The vent hums as the painter quietly works. Occasionally she flicks the ashes of her cigarette into a nearby ashtray -- if she remembers to do so; if not then the ashes fall to the ground.

When she's not painting, she leans by the window to look outside and maybe nibble on a cracker or drink from a water bottle. She might look like someone better left to their thoughts, but she'll greet anyone who passes by the room with a smile and a wave and might just pull them into a chat. ]
 

LETTER RECIPIENTS

• Sanji: a letter from Miwako Sakurada.

[While PM normally doesn't mind the idea of kissing, feelings and problems tend to get in the way of seeing the bots as an amusing and not entirely destructive aspect of prison life.]

[Though she knows it's really no one's fault but her own. PM isn't going to resort to violence against the little robots, or start avoiding others. they did grant her horribly guilty wish, after all. Still, she's going to be careful to make sure they don't enter the post office so that people will not feel the need to avoid it.]

((OOC: PM is available either for smooches or just general threading! She doesn't have lips but she can totally still kiss, ok.))

[Click here for pen pal signups. Mail submissions for Day 155 go here!]

[Helix starts his bot enforced routine today. That means the kid is dragging his sorry cute ass wherever in the dome that the bots want him to go. He's got work, chores and the like. He'll also be stopping by the coffee shop or wherever they take him for breakfast, lunch and dinner. He can be caught in between there or will gladly stop what he's doing to chat just to be rebellious and not do work.

Unfortunately for him there's mistletoe bots EVERYWHERE he's destined to go and he can't very well out run them with a ball and chain attached to his ankle.]

((ooc: Not soHappy Smooching!! I'll make a separate thread on this post for any of you that signed up but would rather me tag you, so you can park links to your thread on the mingle or your posts for me to follow! Otherwise, hop on in!))

[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!)

[Anew's in a corner of the library with a bunch of books spread out in front of her. Totally normal, right? Except that she's practically hyperventilating.]

[If you get a peek at what she's reading, you might see a few strange images that have sort of a theme. Her eyes are as wide as they can possibly be as she reads what is apparently a book about someone named May Cutler.]

Oh my goodness -- this is impossible!

[Video | Filtered from the Dylandys]

[Sorry Dylandy brothers but she's not trying to upset Lyle! And they can [action] if you want to!]

I -- I think I need some help. I didn't know being a wife was so... [she presses a hand to her mouth as if she's feeling ill, which given her expression is entirely plausible.]

I don't even own any pearls!

[Ever since he talked to Estellise, he tried to contact Naoya. He already thought up an excuse for it, just asking him to look over his current programming homework. Yes, there was some concerns, but he’d like to know if Naoya’s okay.

Especially after Naoya’s last public broadcast, with such a morbid but interesting question...

No answers after a few hours. Okay, maybe he’s tired. And the next day, today right now, there’s still no response. Which raise some alarms in his mind, his teacher is usually prompt about it. But a part of him suspect the real reason why, but he’s selfishly hope otherwise.]

Hey, guys? Have you seen Naoya anywhere? I [‘want to know if he’s still here’] want to ask him something.

[He had time to control himself. It’s normal for him to hide his worries behind a casual, sometime curious, mask. If it’s really just him here from their world...well, he’s used to living by himself. And he has friends here.]

Tall guy, white hair and red eyes, normally wears a matrix haori and a pair of geta. How did he get around with them, a lot of practice? So if anyone knows, let me know. [But he’s still hopeful, if he can be selfish about it.]

...Of course, I suspected the reason why, but...mind helping me confirm it? [His voice slips a bit, before it’s cheery and casual again.] Even if you don't, thanks for listening!

[Some time after his broadcast, Atsuro left the shelter to walk around with his haro, until he ends up at the arcade. He stare at the place, before walking inside. A game or two might be good for distracting him.

If anyone’s at the arcade, Atsuro would be playing some games. His haro is always nearby, if anyone overheard his insults.]

[In Jeanne's absence, Inara has taken over responsibility for the scheduled spa day. She's made over the public baths in an attempt to give it a tropical theme. There's fruit on tables, a sort of fruity punch. She's got some fake palm trees set up and there's a mix of 'tropical' music that includes some Bob Marley playing.

There are stations for pedicures, manicures, massages, soaking baths, facials, body wraps and the like. Inara will be happy to give massages upon request. Mingle, relax and enjoy the spa day.]

[WELL YOU GONE AND DONE IT NOW MARINA. Zinda's all business in this feed, her usual charming smile nowhere to be found. hint: it's because she's tired and a teeny bit hungover.]

For any of ya that might have been worried, the bomb threat inside the Defense Force has been located and disabled [....If you can call that being disabled.] , and we have a suspect in custody. The threat has been dealt with, and we can all resume back to business as usual.

Anyone with questions can direct 'em to the usual parties, or, y'know, you could just ask me. [She salutes- and the feed cuts off, just for a minute. It flashes back on as an after thought, and this time she looks more playful.]

And if you wanna be my new best friend, I could really use some grits when I get back to the shelter. And eggs, and some bacon maybe.

[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/ ))

[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.]

[ 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 --- )
 

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]

( After some panic... )

[ The voice that comes out of the network is shaky and the most confused. ]

I can-- I can deal with the Whats and the Whys later, but what I want to know is how: How did this Acumen get me out of Grie?

[ Should anyone venture by the Beach, they might spot a lady in her 20's, long black hair and white wings whipped by the wind, faintly glowing halo floating on top of her head. She clutches her denim jacket to her person with one hand, welcome basket held in the other as she makes her way towards Sector 5. ]

[Today is quieter around the shelter -- and there's less food. It's getting kind of cramped in here, isn't it? And boring. There are plenty of games and entertainments left over from the party, but everyone is gathered together and... finding things to do.]

[So what are you doing?]

Good morning, Marina! [Have a very smiley pink haired girl on your video feed!] For anyone I haven’t met, I’m Lacus Clyne and I’m very glad to meet you.

It seems as though we’re all going to be in the shelter today, so we should make the best of things. I was thinking that we should get together and have a big winter banquet! Anyone who wants to help cook should please feel free to come to the kitchens and assist, and if not you should still come and enjoy the food with us.

Dinner will be served at 5 in the main cafeteria, and after that maybe we could have fun playing games and watching movies together. I hope everyone has a good day, and I hope to see everyone at the feast!

[A few minutes later]

I just learned that today is also Ritsuka’s birthday! To celebrate there will be a cake and some special desserts and decorations. [as many decorations as they can find without access to the store.] Everyone please, stop by to wish him a happy birthday!

***
((OOC Notes: Mingle post, open to all! Reply to Lacus by [video] or there are several action options: [cooking] any time before 5pm ICly, [dinner] a huge buffet of almost anything you could want, or [after dinner] for card games, board games, and movies throughout the cafeteria and nearby common rooms! Your character is in no way obligated to be at all of these, but they could be if you want~

Also! A link to Ritsuka’s birthday party will be added once it goes up. There will be cake and lots of special desserts and pretty decorations in one area of the cafeteria.

If anyone wants to intentionally or unintentionally sabotage the food, please contact me OOCly before you do so. Thanks and ENJOY!))

[...quietly]

I have been giving a great deal of thought to the incident a few weeks ago, and your -- opinions on what happened. I think I have decided that I cannot excuse what the Engineers do in the name of entertainment. It feels like -- an abuse of their power.

[after a beat]

I understand that it's unlikely that most of you would be willing to help me. But -- is there anybody here who would be willing to act... as...

[another pause. almost embarrassed]

...my bodyguard?

[ Those accustomed to a busy, if not hectic schedule such as Principal Lee should be kept occupied, lest their evil start showing. Ominously dark auras are unsightly and not pleasing to the Master and so he must find himself something to do and to share to keep said crazy evil in check. ]

Good day to you, Marina. If some of you may recall the last time I have addressed the network, I have spoken of culinary applications of flowers.

I have personally undertaken experiments since then and today, for those still interested, I would like to share the recipe I am following. [ And modified. ]

For those who would like to join me in passing time, please head to the Shelter Kitchen -- [ in such-such floor ] and I will be more than glad to share what I know.

Thank you very much for your time.


(( OOC: Threadjacking/mingling is welcome! ))
 

[In one of the common rooms]

[Due to everyone being forced into the shelter today, Akito can be found in one of the common rooms. He hasn't been in the shelter for awhile, so he's humming to himself and feeling somewhat nostalgic, remember the time a few months ago when he arrived here.

He's sitting up on one of the lounges, swinging his feet back and forth. Next to him, his other is napping, head resting on the light's shoulder. Agito is really fucking tired, so he's allowed himself to doze off even though his pride normally wouldn't let him.

Akito doesn't mind though. He's content to stay here and look around, watching everyone go through. He's open to talking as well. It's the best way to pass what could be a boring day, after all!]


[Lurking around the place]

[The original, on the other hand, is exceedingly annoyed at being forced inside. He's not in the mood to talk to people, so being forced into a situation where he might have to is really not cool.

Lind's lurking around in the hallways and lesser used rooms, hoping to avoid people. Obviously this means he should be bothered]



((OOC: Both sides are open and you can reply to either or both! Just let me know in the header who you're tagging. This is an all-day post, as well, so anytime you want to tag is good))

Yesterday's Halloween was much better than any I've had at home. Everyone looked so cute as children, or with their new ears. [laughs - mockingly? it's your guess] That should happen more often.

[and here's something new. she links her hands together and smiles sweetly into the camera] For all the new arrivals, welcome! My name is Road Kamelot. You're stuck here and you won't be able to get out unless Acumen loses you, but I'm sure you'll find something to occupy your time. And if you don't, I have a suggestion.

I'm planning on having a tea party at my house, you can't miss it - it's one of the nicest in Sector 5 - and I'd like to invite everyone! That is, everyone I like and who isn't a stick in the mud. There'll be plenty of tea and cakes of course, enough for everyone who wants to show up. Just tell me now if you'd like to, okay? That way I can start getting ready. It'll be in two days. I hope to see you there!~

[pause] I don't think I got your name but - I'd like to talk to the pretty man in charge of that guild of his - what was it - Brave Vesperia! [SHE'S GOT A JOB FOR YOU 8D]

[ooc: once again D.Gray-man cast is free to hijack and warn people that Road is evil or something, if they like. Defense force people please ping me first over here thanks!]

[Snow is cold, which means its time to bundle up. Yuta's at the clothing store in Sector Five, wearing a winter hat and scanning shelves and aisles for gloves and scarves too. Hopefully he could keep warm to avoid freezing his fingers. He switches on the video feed and blinks curiously before speaking.]

I was wondering, who's the youngest in Marina? I want to play in the snow but I don't think the adults will want to.