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!))

Hey! Stop pushing, already. [the camera view is bouncing, but manages to show Komui being prodded by one of Acumen’s bots.] We were almost done! Just a few more adjustments.

[Gear is also being pushed, but mostly off screen] Come on, dude, we were right outside! It’s not like we were making a run to the rec center!

You’re standing in the way of scientific progress! This will not -- ow, stop that. I’m going, yeesh.

Dude, this bites. Hey--don’t poke the helmet!

It’s ridiculous is what it is -- hey, watch it! Stupid thing, who programmed you anyway? [Komui rubs at his rump, annoyed]

For real. [Gear’s glaring off in the direction of the bots, rubbing the sore spot on his back where it kept poking him] You’d think they would at least have let us turn it off.

[paaause] So... we fixed that power problem, didn’t we?

...Come on, bro, it only had enough power to last a few hours, right? [shrug. nothing too big just a foot or two.]

Well, yeah... before my adjustments... [ehehehe.... oops?] Well! There’s plenty of supplies in the shelter...

Wait. What? It can still be turned off right? [Ko, bro, you did not just say that.]

I think so! And anyway, if two feet of snow is fun, a little more would be extra fun! [who can argue with that?]

[The look on Gear’s face? They may have a problem. But he shakes it off with an uneasy laugh.] Yeah, right, it’ll turn off. It’s not like a few hours will overload it or anything. [He’s sounding a lot more confident than he is.]

((OOC: Komui’s dialogue is regular text, Gear’s dialogue is in green.

Snowed-in event is go! Starting tonight, massive amounts of heavy snow will be distributed everywhere, courtesy of Richie/Gear and Komui’s little snafoo. By the time the bots agree to let anyone out of the shelter, there’ll be between 8 and 10 feet of wet snow blocking you in. Enjoy, and don't forget to thank Komui and Gear for the lovely surprise~!))

[ Surprised to see him again, Marina? You should be. That makes at least two of you, as many things are a surprise to Guilford at the moment, starting with the fact that it was far too cold. He is utterly unprepared, dressed in a simple long-sleeve button-up shirt and slacks, and he is all but shivering as a robot looms behind him; between him and one of the Shelter entrances.

Also, he appears to have... sunglasses on? What's up with that?

Someone is unhappy about a lot of these facts, not least of which being the greeting he had just finished reading on the device he was now using to address all of you. ]

Someone explain to me why this infernal contraption will not stand aside and allow me passage to the underground quarters. [ His teeth are on the verge of chattering, but one can't tell because of how tense he has his jaw set. Yeah, he's just a little mad at the moment. Can you blame him? ] I was led to believe that there would be available rooms, and I would like to have the moment to evaluate my... situation. [ If one looks closer at the hands as he has his arms folded over his chest, clinging to himself for warmth, one can see the tip of a welcoming pamphlet clutched in tense fingers. ] Precisely how long will this "annual cleaning routine" last?

[ In a low tone, he wonders aloud as he gives the robot another sidelong glance. ] —and why is it so bloody cold?

(OOC: Please ignore lack of sunglasses in most icons, but assume they are present for the next several IC dayweeks!)
(ETA #2: For those of you reading at home, I had to retcon the "Nunnally as Empress" parts, so please keep that in mind when reading these threads. She would be referred to as "Ambassador" instead, and any awkwardness resulting from the former title should be discarded. Thank you!)

[Upon waking, Tsuna has the brief wondering of where he is, and then has the feeling that something is... different. He doesn't feel different, so it takes him a few sleepy moments to will himself to sit up and try to figure it out. He looks at his hands, at the rest of his body, touches his face. Nope, everything is the same (thank goodness). So what..? Turning, his eyes roam to the rest of the room and what's there makes him pause.

Or, to be more specific, what isn't there makes him pause. His room is bare except for the normal furniture and such that was in all of the rooms of the shelters. It's like back when he'd first arrived; everything feels... empty, almost unlived in with no personal belongings in it. Tsuna walks around inspecting, noticing that his gloves are there, his pill box, and his ring is securely on a chain around his neck as usual, but that's it as for more personal objects. Where did all of his stuff disappear to? Like the things he'd gotten here and not initially brought with him?

He fumbles with the communicator, switching it onto video. A rather ruffled looking Tsuna gazes into the recorder with wide brown eyes, an innocently confused expression on his face]

Hey, everyone? Can someone explain to me why... well, this might sound weird but... None of my stuff is here anymore. D-Did... Acumen take them or something? I-I didn't do anything wrong did I..?

[Nasuti doesn't waste time upon her arrival. She knew posting to this so-called 'network' down here was the only way she was going to make any progress in getting acquainted here, especially if this was for as long as they say.

Nasuti submits her posts to the network in a formal manner. She props her device up on a desk, and sits back in a chair with her hands on her laps and her back straight, shoulders square. It's clear she's new to the area, as this habit will most likely not last long.

She knew better than to contemplate any sort of designs for breaking out of this place. Even if it were fool-proof, she lacked the man-power for such a thing.

No. If Nasuti's learned anything over the years, it was not to panic.]

So. It looks like I'm stuck down here like the rest of you. [Whoever 'the rest of you' may be...]

I don't even know where to begin, I--[Distracted, she looks up, and gazes at the tropical scenery above her.]

.....

I guess I should give them props for at least attempting a serene surrounding.

[She looks back to the camera.]

It's an interesting experiment, isn't it? [She brings a finger to her chin and looks up in thought.] People that most would think are in essence 'good' are brought into this society, living among some ruthless and I imagine violent criminals. Will the members of this community, much like Japan, insist on monotony and see to it that the criminals act within the laws set forth? Or will the 'good' - or should I say, 'lesser evil' of its citizens fall to temptation and indulge in vice rather than virtue?

[Nasuti looks back to the screen. She seems more eager about this scenario than one would expect.] Can we tell who is the lesser of evil here? Will people congregate towards those who best match their own morality? Is there someone out there watching us as all of this transpires?

[Nasuti giggles a bit, and smiles.] I'm Nasuti Yagyu, twenty years old. I was born in France, but I've lived in Japan for the past several years. I suppose I'm guilty...of...[Nasuti thinks on this a bit, and mutters below her breath.] ...well a few things I can think of, off the top of my head, but...I wonder if they found out..? Well! Enough of that! In spite of it all, this place seems safe enough. Is it advised against for a young woman to wander the streets alone here?

Hello. [She didn't sleep much last night. The announcement could wait, but she doesn't think it's going to get easier, so sue pushes ahead. She wants to be strong for his sake. To make him proud of the way she's handling his business in his absence and so that Suzaku and Nunnally won't have to worry about her too. She can be there for them instead.]

I regret to tell you all Lelouch vi Britannia has left Marina.

I will be taking over all his administrative duties at the school. Literature and Philosophy classes will be put on hold until a replacement can be found. If anyone is interested in teaching one or both classes or taking up teaching cooking, art or any other subjects we don't currently offer, please contact me. Thank you for your time.

[ Yes, this guy's finally making a post after harassing you all. A very pretty woman appears on the screen, rather frantic-looking; but she's not quiet for long until- ]

Haaaaruhiiiii!!!!

Haruhi, Haruhi, are you here? Answer me if you are! I love you! I promise I didn't neglect you as a child - I hope you don't think that!

Missing person alert! I am looking for a girl named Haruhi Fujioka. She has short dark hair in the cutest pixie cut and big magic brown eyes and probably is dressed like a tomboy. She's about 5'2", Japanese, from Bunkyou-ku, Tokyo! She's fifteen years old and was born on February 4th; she's an Aquarius, her bloodtype is O, and her favorite foods are sushi and strawberries!

If you've seen her here, please let me know! My name is Ranka Fujioka and it is your civil duty to reconnect a child with her parent! Repent for your criminal ways and help me find my daughter!

[ He is about to turn off the communicator, when another idea strikes him... His tone is very ominous and much more- manly. ]

And in case there is some repulsive, over-grown cockroach here by the name of Tamaki Suou-- No doubt you're here for some sex crime, molesting poor innocent girls who don't know any better... If I find out you did anything to my daughter, you won't live to regret it.

[See Zinda Blake. See Zinda Blake looking very hungover, rubbing at her temples. ]

Jiminy Cricket, I feel worse than a wet washcloth that's been rung through a meat grinder.

Must have been some party last night, huh?

[Throughout the day, you can find Zinda in her favorite places- The Defense Force HQ, the club, or the bar. Yeah, she visits both. What are you gonna do about it?

Either way, she has no idea she's been gone. Dare you clue her in?]

You know, I think you missed a few crimes. You also appear to have missed that I've already been tried and sentenced by an authority that, though it pains me to admit it, is in a better position to serve as my judge, jury and executioner than whomever you might be. Does parole mean nothing to you? How is it justice to remove me from my family and friends and leave them vulnerable with a replacement unwilling to live as all youkai must be prepared to live if they and those dear to them are to survive? I am willing to forgive the kidnapping. I am even willing to forgive the seals, uncomfortable as they are. I am not willing to forgive your placing my mother in jeopardy.

[ooc: First, Kurama does not recall his time here during Fourth Wall. Second, I am still on hiatus, so replies will be slow. Please be patient. Thank you.]

[Sup, Marina! Tonight, you get another child. One who is seething. She's been seething all day, and the constant posts haven't helped. She's not privy to admitting her embarrassment over the situation; instead, she's kept inside all day, carefully monitoring things. Will you recognize Mitsuru? Her voice is much younger, but her gaze is very much the same.]

Good evening - given the situation, I'll keep this brief.

[She closes her eyes, letting out a frustrated sigh before she continues.] Has anyone yet had the effects of... these circumstances dissipate? I'd like to imagine this is only a temporary situation, though... it is rather difficult to tell with such a wide range of people affected.

[She's trying hard not to grit her teeth. Composure is necessary, but sometimes difficult in the body of a child. Which is only serving to drive her more crazy. There's another sigh, before.] You all have my thanks in advance.

[The first thing to be seen on the camera is a wall on which a small rainbow can be seen. Typically, this wouldn't be anything remarkable, but once the camera moves to show Tamaki it might become clear why he feels the need to show everyone - his skin is sparkling in quite an abnormal fashion. The typical reaction would probably be to panic, but Tamaki has decided to look on the bright side of the situation so he's showing off his new skin.]

Look, look everyone! Isn't it marvelous? While it seems that some of you have gone through some more unfortunate changes, I have been gifted with even greater beauty than I had already possessed. It almost seems unfair that I would be granted such a wonderful gift when there are so many of you who are being forced to suffer from such... regrettable side effects. [What caused these side effects, he's not entirely sure. But he has his suspicions that this wasn't actually just a gift from the heavens.] Ah, I wonder what other gifts I may have been graced with? It seems that my skin has also become harder, perhaps this means that I have also been given super strength!

[And that's where he will end the feed to go test out the possibility of super strength.]

[The video feed clicks on to a small, black-hired Japanese boy looking very perturbed with his situation looking at the camera. He has a now over-sized shirt clutched around him like a blanket.]

... does anyone know where I can find a store that has kid's clothing? [He voice then drops to a barely distinct mumble.] I'm Kamui. I think that candy did something to me.

[Then he reaches out and turns the feed off.]

Yeah, I'm not buying into the whole "inmate" thing, no matter what this stupid computer says. I'm not a criminal and I'm willing to bet there are a ton of people here that this things's wrongly accused, too.

[ yukari's muttering to herself, wandering around one of the hallways and seemingly completely wrapped up in whatever it is she's doing. which ... is getting lost. at least it's not that dark any more; darkness is a yukari's worst enemy, don't you know? she could be down by the cafeteria, or the library, but she'll basically be wandering around all day, so feel free to have your characters bump into her at any time in any place because her insatiable curiosity is going to drag her around everywhere. especially the shopping area. ]

Hey, so—What's the deal with this "Sentience" thing, huh? What kind of mistakes did it make? [ there's a pause as she leaps out of the path of one of the bots, a curious expression on her face. ] Ugh, and what's with all the robots? This place doesn't function like any prison I've ever heard of. This seems more like... I dunno, some kind of weird vacation facility or something. Seriously, what kind of prison has a dance club?


( ooc: oh my god this is so, so so so so so so late. i got hit with a monstrous sinus infection literally the DAY after i ooc intro'd that knocked me flat on my ass, and since then i've just been laying around being pathetic. but now that i feel a lot better, let's do this thing!!! *w*9 )

[ Good morning Marina~!

Were you sleeping alone last night? Well now you have company!

Were you sleeping with someone? Well, you're still sleeping with someone, but maybe you'd like to give it a look-see, before you get too comfortable.

Are you sure this is your room? You might want to check though -- who knows if you're using the same design of lampshade or if your bed really is set up against the wall...

Whether you are in your own room or not, one thing's for certain, you're in for a surprise this morning! ]


(( OOC: Many pardons for the late, but here be your Morning After Prank all-purpose post! Do your threads here if you are so inclined, or make your network freak-out posts~ Have fun!

ETA: I have used the reveal table as a handy Thread Index. I'll update this as the event rolls along [last updated: 22 October, 12:40 p.m. EST] ))
 

[VOICE.]
Tell me, how often do people disappear? Have the numbers shown any increase over time?

[ACTION.]
[Asch has been pacing back and forth going for a walk in Sector 6 for the better part of a half hour, regarding strangers in silence and eying bots warily as they pass him by. On the one hand, he'd like nothing better than to give them (the bots) a piece of his mind, while on the other he realizes the futility of the situation. Better stuck in a cage with room to move than to be stuck in a cage and weighted to the spot.]

[Looks like he's doing absolutely nothing? Well, that's not entirely the case. He's been watching for who goes in and out of the training hall and waiting for a time when the building's largely vacant. After all, what he's about to attempt is pretty stupid dangerous.]

[OOC: Open to all. And maybe slightly backdated to afternoon/early evening?]

[Kallen's just sitting in a chair, dressed in a bathrobe. Her hair is still a little damp from her morning shower, but it's clear she's just been lounging around lazily for a while]

It's been two weeks, now. It's strange... it really feels like a lot longer. I'm wondering if anyone else feels the same way.

[She's so used to fast-paced action, strategies, and fighting. Or being held captive. Either way, she's feeling restless. And with a sigh, she finally gets up from her chair, looking a little tsun.]

I guess I should...go ahead and get ready.

[For her laundry date?!]

Not like I need to do much for-- Ack!

[The tie around her waist, however, gets caught on the armrest, unraveling and allowing her robe to fall open. There's a stretch of smooth, pale skin - from the center of her chest diagonaling down to thigh. It's only a glimpse, though, before she quickly closes her robe once more, blushing bright.]

I'll see you later, Gino!

[ANGRILY SHUTS OFF THE VIDEO AS IF IT WERE SOMEHOW HIS FAULT]

[Tieria was leaving the library, having selected some books for the next economics class to go over and get some suggestions for Lyle on where to go next. He had some in a bag over his shoulder, and had one in his hands, looking through the pages as he walked. Don't worry, he'd notice someone walking by. He wasn't completely absorbed like that. His first goal was the convenience store, and then back to the apartment, so he turned that way and adjusted the bag on his shoulder before continuing.]

{OOC: Anyone can catch him either in the library before the post, on the way to the store, at the store, or on the way to his apartment. Just let me know which it is on the subject line.}

-- thing on? [There’s a boy on the screen, both confused and very annoyed. Must be a new guy.] Pretty nice for a prison if they’re giving away free, weird toys to their prisoners.

Hey! Anyone listening? How can I get in touch with the guy in charge about my place here? Not that I’m surprised to find myself in prison, but they could’ve at least put me inside the right one.

[...Okay, now that's new. If not, then something other inmates haven't heard in a while.]

Unless his royal highness did something... [Muttering to himself before it turns into grumbles.] …even if I doubt that.

Hey, anyone seen a girl with short red hair and a big, round guy that answers to Faylen and Faylon? If you two are here, you guys better let me know! [A bit of concern can be heard and seen from him. That first, dealing with this stupid chain and ball later.]

[There is no image to accompany the message, but the voice that comes over the communicator is quiet, almost placid in its smooth, monotone delivery. The age of the speaker is difficult to place. The tenor and resonance of the voice are easily those of a young man, but he speaks with such gravity and composure that he could just as easily be much older.]

As interesting as the provided pamphlet was, I would prefer to hear an explanation firsthand. On whose authority does Acumen act? There are matters to which I must attend in my own world, and unless my so-called replacement is willing to fight, then more innocents will fall to a vampire's cruelty, and their deaths will be on the heads of those who prevented me from fullfilling my contract.

[The dome seems to have settled into a content lull after prom and not even Ryoji is immune - but curled up in the doorway of an empty bedroom, he turns on a feed regardless. He's looking a little more relaxed than normal, but his expression is thoughtful instead of filled with cheer.]

A person told me once - [believable, right?] - about these monsters he used to fight, but he didn't call them monsters. I don't believe he hated them at all, even though he had reason to. He thought was a kindness, to end their lives before they could gain enough self-awareness to realise they've been murdering people.

I never understood why he thought that death was the only right answer.

[There's your daily dose of cryptic, Marina. Complete with a side order of curious lies.

And for those not interested in that, he adds - ]

I hope everyone had fun at the promenade. It's always nice to make happy memories like that.