[It wasn't that big crowded dinners weren't his thing. Well, to tell the truth they actually weren't his thing but that wasn't why he'd skipped out on the sudden Thanksgiving dinner in favor for staying at home, alone with a cup of tea. He had his reasons, good ones at that, the kind of reasons that most people would use against him in an attempt to make him be more social and that was also why he hadn't told anyone about his decision to stay in.

It had been two weeks. He lasted two weeks before it started to creep up on him.

There was nothing he could do about any of that though, aside from work, and so that was what he did. He was currently occupying himself with a stack of cheap, spiralbound notebooks, steadily filling them with more or less illegible scribbles and comments, completely unaware of the approaching threat to his privacy. ]

Good morning, everyone! Today is the 162nd day of the third generation, and it is still chilly, but will remain clear. I have a very important question for you all to think about today...

[Sentience pauses. The robot appears to be in the butterfly pavilion this morning, but you won't find it there, and in fact the pavilion is strangely calm; all the butterflies are perfectly still, as if sleeping.]

I know that Acumen has asked this once before, but I ask you again, sincerely. ...I want you to think about the importance of freedom, compared to the importance of safety. Would you rather that I give you the freedom to do what you wished, or would you rather that I protected you from each other, even if that means that I may have to deny you things you want, or interfere in your lives in ways you may not want?

[...after a beat] Think about it, and let me know your thoughts in the next few days.

Either way, today I have removed the debris from the former site of the Devil's Compass. As per request, I will be beginning efforts to rebuild it. Any inmate who is interested in helping in the reconstruction is welcome to do so!

And finally, Sasha, your requests have been installed in the handicraft room at the education center; and Snowman and PM, your requests are available at the shelter. You can ask any robot there, and they will retrieve it for you.

[At the entrance to Sector 5, several very long tables have been set up outside. Low light is provided by street lamps hung up just for the occasion, a cozy dining room in the middle of the street. There's turkey, mashed potatoes, candied yams, cranberry sauce, and many, many other Thanksgiving favorites. A warm, printed message at the center of the table asks:

In the tradition of the holiday known as Thanksgiving, please feel free to enjoy this meal and think about all the things over the last year for which you are most grateful.

Come one, come all! Food covers the tables, enough for the prison's entire population, courtesy of the bots. Have a nice big dinner with your fellow inmates, and get your CR on!]

[There is video, as Rebecca adjusts it-- coming down a little bit on an angle, she's set the device on a shelf while she finishes screwing the case back on to her laptop.

It takes a minute, but then her eyes flick up and she gives the camera a two fingered little wave.] Hey.

Looking for two volunteers for a little project Lacus and I've got going. If you've got a couple hours to spare today and don't mind letting your brain be picked at [kinda literally] I'm fielding applications right now. It involves beta testing a virtual reality simulator. If you saw us the other day around the dome, this is the next step where we put all that sweet data to use.

Anyway, if this sounds like your cup of tea, lemme know. We only need two people right now, adults only please, but we can put up a waiting list if demand is high... oh, and it's totally safe. [She shakes her hand in the air dismissively.] We've done a couple tests ourselves, I'd never put anyone in something I'm not confident about.

Woot, so that's that. Show of interested hands?

[[ooc: Responses to this post/ Rebecca will have a comment thread of their own-- and subsequent chosen volunteers will have their own individual threads with either Rebecca or Lacus watching over them while testing out the VR Machines. Virtual!Lacus may be sprinkled through out. Headers will guide the way~]]

[Private to Suzaku]
We should probably talk.

[Private to Rebecca]
Hey. So about last night...

[Private to Allen]
...[cancelled]

[Action | open]
[She debated back and forth over showing up at the club, but tonight she'll be getting outfitted with a collar that prevents her from going into any bar in the prison—standing or burned to the ground. So, one last drink then. Or ten maybe...]

[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.

[Hello everyone, have a girl shifting back and forth in a very excited, but also nervous kind of way. She wraps her hand in her hand with a smile and waves with the other.]

Uh...hi! I know not everyone knows who I am, but my name is Rapunzel and I've been reading up a lot recently about things people do for fun with other people, because I love having parties, but I'm not really good at knowing what to do at parties--[she cuts herself off there with a sheepishly laugh]--yeah, so I got a few books and there was this one game that sounded really fun and I wanted to try it out with everyone. So...who would like to play a game of Truth or Dare? Like, right now!

The book said that someone asks "Truth or Dare?" and whoever's turn it is picks one or the other and the person who asked then asks a question for truth or gives a dare. You have to pick one or the other and whichever one you pick you have to do as best you can or you lose. And since we can talk to each other over the network we don't even have to be in the same room to play!

I mean...that is if you want to. You don't have to if you don't, but I just thought it could be a fun way to...well, have fun, and get to know each other, you know? [And as she stops her rambling she may be losing a bit of steam and becoming a bit more unsure. Maybe she should have thought this over a bit more before asking?] So if you want to play just say you're in and someone else can ask you "Truth or Dare." And uh...if you pick dare, you can just show it through the communicator, or meet each other face-to-face to complete the dare. Should be easy, right?

[a bit quiet she says under her breath] ...I think. Did all of that make sense? I hope that made sense. Maybe I should read the book again.

{OOC: THE RETURN OF TRUTH OR DARE EVERYONE. Just tag the post with "In!" or some way to let people know that your character is in on the game and others can tag them back as part of the game. Threads all start over the network, but can turn to action whenever you want. If you just want to respond to Rapunzel's video and not play the game, then tag the first thread at the top. For examples of how this could work, just check out this mock thread here.}

Good morning, everyone. Today is the 160th day of the third generation of this facility, and -- as many of you are probably aware, there were some upsetting incidents last night.

[Today there's no video post from Sentience; just voice. It might sound a little downcast to you.]

My sensors detected nothing awry until the moment of the video, or else it certainly would have been stopped. I deeply apologize to everyone for allowing something like that to happen, but... I suppose it was optimistic of me to think it wouldn't.

Allow me at least to reassure you all that no one was permanently injured or worse. The guilty parties are in custody, and I will think on the punishments for them, but if anyone would like to register opinions, questions, or complaints, then... I will hear them at the kiosk.

...This is a rather depressing way to start the day, so I have decided to make it warm and sunny today! There should be no need for jackets or coats out in the dome today.

[It's busy in the hospital. Bots are puttering around, carrying supplies from room to room, keeping meticulous records for each of the patients, ensuring that all are treated and stable. Changing bandages, adjusting medications. Efficient little guys. They have to be in the wake of an Exorcist battle.]

[If you let them know who you're here to see, the bots calmly will direct you to the appropriate location. It might be a patient room, or the waiting area if treatment is ongoing. Feel free to chat amongst yourselves as you await word.]


((OOC: This is taking place between the evening of and the day following Cross's unfortunate episode and the resulting Noah beatdown. Consider it a mingle-type; people can chat in the waiting rooms or hallways at any point throughout the night or following morning, or they can come see any of the injured Exorcists.

Links to threads for injured parties: Cross || Allen || Lavi))

[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.))

[Somewhere people work out there is a man. A man working out. He chose his location well. He is shirtless and possibly glistening. It's a thing that happens. You can't control glistening. Thousands of people may be afflicted with glistening and you'd never know. At least not until their curious dog, Salty, decided the communication device was a chew toy and managed to hit one of the buttons.

Have a torso, Marina. There's an interesting tattoo on it and everything. And since this torso is working out you can see muscles flexing. Do you like the view?

How about now with a GIANT tongue coming right at you followed by dog slobber?]

[If you know Lacus, you know she's a little overly curious sometimes, so it might not come as a big surprise to see her roaming around, pausing to touch various things, smell some flowers if any happen to be in the area. But she's not usually followed around by an athletic, headphone-wearing brunette who's carrying an impressive laptop/handheld technogadget combo. And usually there aren't electrodes under all that pink hair.]

[Lacus isn't bothered by the rain in the slightest and Rebecca has the equipment covered so they're just as likely to be outside as inside, Lacus playing around in the light rain in clothing that's quite a bit more suited to summer than early spring. At Rebecca's direction, Lacus is idly taking her time to take in whatever's around, whether that's dipping her fingers in the koi pond or nestling into an armchair in the shelter common room or leaning against the brick wall of one of the lesser used buildings. She might sample a few things from the restaurants, too.]

[And if you happen to be around, Lacus might casually ask if she can touch you. Don't worry, it's all for science.]


((OOC: Threads will be with Lacus and Rebecca and can be located anywhere in the dome! Feel free to ask what's going on, or react as if Lacus has approached you. There will be no touching without permission, but she's a hard girl to say no to ^_^ ]

Well, I guess it's official. I'm shit out of luck and desperate for a distraction.

So, porn or zombies?

And if you've got a secret stash, I want in on it!

[ Yep, someone's managed to avoid all the mirrors today. Blame Cas for disappearing. Dean's in no mood to see how crappy he actually looks. And, if ever there was one thing that helped cheer Dean up, it was a good horror flick and some porn. ]

[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.))

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!))

[Sentience wasn't kidding about the exhaustion that lingers from the night before. Maybe a little more than she would've expected, but she's still not quite clear on what exactly happened. She put off asking her own questions to listen to others asked for the morning so far, planning on hitting the Kiosk at her own pace once she's figured out what's best to ask.

Other than that, she only stepped out of bed once this morning to shrug off her sneakers, socks and pants for a cozy pair of sweats and to survey bruising in the mirror. And then she sits on the edge of her bed, shrugging on a clean tank top and... trying to kick some order into the clutter of her bedroom floor.]

(Cross and NSFW warnings seem to go together.)

[Remember these big brown eyes, Marina? Chun-Li is looking thoroughly confused, and perhaps not just a little queasy. Her long hair is spilling over her shoulders, one bun undone and only lending itself to her frazzled appearance.]

[She doesn't recognize that voice speaking to her, and has no idea what happened to the old Warden. Not that she had any lost love for Acumen Has she been knocked out for--nearly a week and a half? She shakes her head, trying to get rid of the disorientation. She’s in an entirely different area—out near the dojo, in fact, and she knows that was not where she was only seconds ago. Her muscles are practically humming with energy, and she’s not afraid to defend herself if something bad is going on.]

[She notices the communicator blinking cheerfully at her and, in one, vicious motion, stabs the button to turn it off.]

Good morning, everyone! [This morning, it isn't Acumen's disembodied voice greeting you: it's a video post of a smallish robot, sitting on the grass and playing idly with a cat on its lap. And it sounds -- unusually happy, perhaps.] My name is Sentience, for those of you who do not know me. I am now the warden of this facility.

I would like to extend my thanks to those of you who helped me to correct this situation. I would like to encourage all of you to sleep in today -- you're probably exhausted, and you have more than earned the rest. I have arranged for a party, as I believe I indicated I would; a banquet this evening at the shelter.

Please rest assured that I have every intention of making your lives here as positive an experience as I can. To that end... I will be answering any questions I can that you may have for me, and I will take any requests or suggestions that you may have in altering the way this facility is run, to make it a better place where you could live more happily.

Let's see... There are no completed requests in the queue. Today it will be cool again, and... New inmates will be arriving! So please be aware of that disruption to your daily events.


((OOC: For those of you who participated in the plot, you once again woke up in your own beds this morning, but this time everything was just as normal, except for the fact that as Sentience indicated, you are extremely tired. Characters who did not participate in the plot will have no idea that anything happened, and will have to learn about it the normal way! You may video or voice reply to this post, and you may threadjack anything. Despite the video, Sentience is not anywhere you would be able to find it in the dome.))

[[Open to participants at the end of Round One!]]


[You wake up suddenly, and you're not where you were. But looking around, you find you're in... your own room. Your own bed. It's dark and quiet, late at night, and any friends and roommates you might have are there with you, still sleeping, or just waking up.]

[But something is wrong.]


((OOC: This mingle will function the same as the last mingle. Sentience will make a "prompt" comment for each new development, and then you respond to them and thread amongst each other. In this mingle you start out separated, so you are also welcome to use your communicators to video or voice chat with each other in response to each prompt comment. But you are only capable of speaking to other people who are in this mingle; you cannot hear, speak to, or communicate with anyone who isn't taking part in the event. So don't tag any other action or network posts on the community if you're in the event!))

[Late afternoon in Sector 3, a slightly-built robot, different from the many that wander the facility, has gathered with a few of the inmates in front of the movie theater.]

[They're planning a party, or so they say.]

[...Within an hour they break away and head to an unremarkable, sealed building towards the dome wall of Sector 3. And then Sentience's party disappears inside it and they are not seen or heard from again for the rest of the day.]


((OOC: The first event mingle. Do not respond to the post itself! Sentience will make several comments over the next few hours. Each comment is a separate prompt, describing the action that's just happened and which is happening. Comment to a "prompt" comment to set your character in the mingle, so that other characters can tag you there! If you want to tag Sentience, Sentience will be making comments just like every other character so that you can interact with it directly.))