Multiverse of Madness

A little poll...if you could live forever at a price, would you?

Terribly cliché question, I'm aware, but I've been picking up my penthouse since that earthquake and I could use some entertainment.

[ Deleted ] Or a distraction. Everyone I try to get close to here disappears back through that damn portal. I should have been more prepared for this.

[Encrypted: John, Yelena, Valentina]

I found something, going in to check it out. Underneath the foundation of one of the residences destroyed. It's a research archives. Extensive. Looks to be Hydra.

Not sure what I should be looking for. It's a lot.

Dunno if anyone's seen Clark's post, but I'm organizing a search and rescue op. Any help would be appreciated, even unofficially, since the silence from the Powers-That-Be seem to indicate this won't be an Avengers Matter.

[Secret Squad]

We're mobilizing out of the Lighthouse. I know we've only been training for a short while, but this is what it's all for.

[Team Science/Mainframe]

Any ideas what we might be walking into?

A whip…no idea how that fit in an egg, but plenty of ideas what I’ll use it for.

A mystery jigsaw puzzle...it came in a plastic bag but I have nothing better to do so - why not? Smells a little funky.

I got a button. It doesn't say not to press it and I really want to press it but I'm not sure if I'm willing to risk it. Should I do it?

I currently hate everything, so there are cookies in the kitchen. (Sorry to step on your turf, Cath)

( Cut for )

( a stupid amount of cookies )

Welcome to December, everyone. The month of a whole lot of seasonal holidays, but in America, mostly Christmas. I'm going to be running a Secret Santa - a gift exchange where you sign up and get assigned someone to anonymously buy a $20 to $50 present for.

I'm trying to strike a balance between a longer sign up period to allow for people unexpectedly coming and going and a longer shopping period to allow for getting things delivered so sign ups will close on Friday, 10th December. If anyone disappears after that I'll link up their gifter and giftee. (Or step in myself if it's really last minute.)

There's a sign up sheet outside my office or you can email me the same information (remember to put Secret Santa in the subject line so I can find it easily). Once you have your name next Friday, if you need some help let me know and I'll ask them to give some hints. Otherwise feel free to be a little bit sneaky short of breaking into apartments or hacking their social media or anything like that.

Liar, liar, pants on fire. 🔥🔥🔥

You weren't subtle. Or not nearly as subtle as you'd probably like to think.

Where's a guy gotta go to get a decent canelé around here?

Hiring anyone who could help fix my kitchen island while I wait for the new one to come in a few weeks from now. Prior skills dealing with marble would be a bonus, and it'll be paid, of course.

( I decided to try renting out my apartment in Manhattan to balance my domestic losses in the recent market crash, and let's just say my tenants went a little crazy... )

Let me make one thing abundantly clear. I have no problem with teenagers. I can see that this rumor is getting out of hand so I'm going to put a stop to it now.

This all started when two teenagers working portal security decided to take off with a 24 hour notice, and while we're not shorthanded now, we were at the time. Mind you, this was weeks ago. Then, when I asked for people to sign up for portal security, I asked for those 21+. Of course I was hit with a lot of attitude and I keep hearing these things about myself from people I don't hardly know that are outrageously untrue.

There are a lot of teenagers here who are looking to do good and to help. I'm sure they have plenty of experience and have been through a lot but at the end of the day, they're still kids. I enlisted in the military when I was 17 years old. My first deployment came when I was 18 years old and I saw unimaginable death and destruction. I know what that does to a person's mind. I know what it's like trying to deal with that at such a young age. I don't regret my career but I do regret not being able to be a kid a little longer because whether you all like it or not, 18? 19? You're still a kid. A young adult, but a kid. There's no rush to go out there and be a hero and put yourself through that.

I know how hard it is when you see these people you look up to doing these things. My brother was killed when I was 14 years old. His helicopter was shot down over Afghanistan. From then on, all I wanted to do and all I worked toward was to be a soldier and maybe I felt like I needed to avenge him, I don't know. But I wanted to be like him and I wanted to be able to make him proud. I understand that feeling more than anyone but I am also telling you that it's not worth the trauma and the pain.

So to reiterate, I don't hate kids or teenagers, not by a long shot but I understand being in that position and I know what it's like and I'm telling you as someone who has lived that life, take these first few years of adulthood and try to enjoy them and for the love of God, let your brain finish developing.

I don't care if you don't like me, I'm not here to make friends. I'm here to do a job. But if you're going to hate me, at least hate me for the things that I actually am.

I am very much looking forward to my first Thanksgiving here in New York. Some of my people have decided to adopt the holiday, and are making Thanksgiving feasts of their own. Others are not so quick to pick up on the holidays of other cultures. I imagine once they try the feast, they will be more willing to join in on the festivities.

I, myself, am looking forward to trying the different cuisines of this world. I should like to have pumpkin pie. It sounds marvelous. We don't have such a thing on Asgard.

Anyone have a used coat they no longer want? Don't really care about the style. Just warm.

[John]
Do we have any plans for Thanksgiving? I saw some posts here talking about it... some big gathering?

[Yelena]
How is Fannie? I've been worried about the good girl. Considering eating a whole bunch and hibernating myself.

Well, I can't say I've ever heard "a different version of you that you don't remember was here before" when I came back to Earth, but I won't say I'm totally surprised either. That's the multiverse for you.

For those of you I know - hi again. For those, I don't - Carol Danvers, nice to meet you. Anything I should know about what my ~other self~ was up to around here?

Does someone have a recommendation for a local Veterinarian?

Normally I wouldn't post something so personal. Not that others have respected my privacy much. But this morning I found this in a frame by my bed.

My parents, Elihas and Catherine Starr. It was so long ago. I've never even seen this photograph before.

I've had to suffer their loss alone for so long, being the only one to remember or miss them at all. That my father's legacy has been so tarnished, his life work discredited. They were good and loving parents and I wanted to share that. I just want other people to know.

I guess I just wish I had more to remember them by.

( [John] )

Who put up a Christmas tree in the hallway already? I almost ruined my Louboutins stepping on a glass bulb.

[ Ava, John Walker ]
Ignore that.
It's my favorite holiday, I was just running out of things to complain about.

Anyway, I need to speak to you both in private. Now.

Interdimensional travel to another universe in which many of the recent events which shaped your state of mind have not come to pass is thrilling at best and terrifying at worst. The majority of the time it's simply confusing. I think to bring up current events with whoever I happen to be standing next to in line at the local coffee shop, or sitting beside at the pub, and then I have to remember that things are different here. it is a lot to wrap ones head around, I assure you.

Thankfully, there are a lot of distractions. I am kept busy with the needs of my people, and working hand in hand with my brother. When I'm not busy with royal matters and/or diplomatic ones, I have found solace in Midgardian entertainment. If anyone has any recommendations on what I should... what is the phrase? "Binge watch" next... let me know.

If I had a dime for every time a man couldn't take a hint, I would've tripled my family fortune by now. (General statement after my latest venture into the city, no offense to anyone here.)

[ Yelena, John Walker, Hope, Dr. Pym ]
I'm throwing Ava a little surprise birthday party at my penthouse in Upper Manhattan {Encrypted Address} at 6pm this evening. You're all more than welcome to attend!

Do you want a delivery of tamales at a neutral spot? I saw you weren't a fan of the facility so I can have them delivered or whatever, but they are done. The tamales are not lacking in spice.

I know it's later than I said it would be but I've finally got a sign-up form for Portal Security. Even if you are already taking shifts, please fill out the form anyway. This will make it easier on everyone when it comes to scheduling and sudden changes. Please remember that this is a paid position. I'll talk further with those who sign up later on.

Thanks,

Capt. John Walker

Been recovering on the couch since last week. Plenty of time to get more knitting done. Finally managed to make things that look like things.

So here is what I have to offer. Trade only. No money accepted.

1. pumpkin coasters sold
2. halloween finger puppets sold
3. idk but cute willing to split the set- ghost sold, witch and spider pending.

[John, Yelena, Valentina]
I made something for you three too. No need to offer on the above.

Halloween isn't even here yet and Christmas movies are already playing...Can we just at least have a minute for spooky season?..and then there's dia de los muertos and

I am not ready for Christmas. Slow your roll there, Hallmark.

[Ray]
Think I can steal you for lab shenanigans for a bit?

( Cut for Uncharacteristic Swearing )

To those who lost someone in the latest batch, I'm so sorry. I can't even imagine.

( More Language (this time about the Stock Market!) )

Need recommendations or recipes. Have approximately 99.5 apples. Not sure what to do with them all.

[John]
Got a break? There's something I want to talk to you about.

[Valentina]
How long are you going to be out tonight?

[Yelena]
I got a toy for Fanny. It's a lizard. Stuffed one. Less gross.

I don't think I even remember the last time I was this nervous about singing in front of people. Singing's easy, I know I can sing, the question is whether I can write. Anyone is welcome to come to that super hipster bar on Washington to make sure I don't drink too much beforehand or run away or throw up or anything.


[ooc: obviously I am not writing a song for her but think singer-songwriter genre a la hera or bic runga]

My apologies to anyone in the lobby this morning. I did not realize that Fannie brought in the half-dead lizard until it scuttled across the hardwood. I heard shrieks, but I was busy cleaning the floor.

I will try to keep her away from the wildlife in future.

Just my luck. One of the few new friends I started to make is gone. Maybe I am just meant to be alone.

I think I'm getting [a little bit better.] Race to finish a scarf before the first snow.

[John]
When do you have a break from securing the almighty portal?

[Valentina]
What do you know about masquerades?

[Hope & Pym]
Can I stop by the lab? Won't drop anything this time, promise.

I have the feeling that something is... wrong but I do not yet know what.

[Torunn]
A house is ready for you. Is there anything more you desire?

[Midgard friends]
How does one purchase a vehicle?

[Loki]
Something is not... sitting well with me. I was wondering if there was some... magic we could configure to ensure that my daughter's home is more protected?

From Ghoulies and Ghosties
And Long-Leggedy Beasties
And Things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord, deliver us...

[Sharon]

And speaking of Things that go bump in the night...

Welcome back, Powerbroker. 🙃

[ooc: posted on Sam's little-used Instagram and then embedded in a network post, so characters do not need to be following him to see this]

I finally have my Data Pad back, thank you, Cath, for delivering it (and the cookies). I'm staying in Medical in the Avengers Facility for a few more days for observation. It's a long story. As soon as Martha clears me, I'll head back to New Asgard to recover.

Early Friday morning I disappeared from my bed. I spent time in the other timeline, and was then spit back through the portal. It's been a very, very long time. I'm very, very glad to be back.

I've gotten a lot of questions over the last couple of days about what happened to me while I was gone. Here's a timeline of what I think happened.

( [cut for length: public post] )

Let me know if you have any questions. I'll do my best to answer them.

I am leaving for a few days.

Do not come after me.

Hey. If you don't already know, I'm currently down in Louisiana with my sister and the boys. When they came through the portal the versions of them that were here now disappeared, so we have a bunch of things we need to deal with since we have a house and a business there.

( Discussion of mental health )

I'm not sure exactly when I'll be back, but I don't see it being more than a week or maybe two at a stretch. If you need anything that shouldn't wait, text me. At the very least I can do referrals.

Hear me out. Custard and ice cream.

Celebrations are in order, I think. It has been six weeks, and my cast comes off on Monday! Who will celebrate with me?

So, a little something I like to do from time to time is to check in on the local happenings in the City. Imagine my surprise when I came across a couple of familiar faces in the local media coverage, who apparently were caught up in a bit of a hubbub at a climate change rally a week ago today!

( Spoiler Alert! It's Ava and Karli. )

Really admire the global-conscious spirit, ladies. 😉

[SharShar]

How's Madripoor?

Happy birthday, Five and Klaus! (And to Luther, Vanya, Allison, and Diego, wherever they are in the multiverse!)

There's a bunch of cupcakes in the kitchen—feel free to help yourselves! I found out my limit is five. (learn from my mistakes, maybe? hahaha)

The worst part of all this is that it is technically better than what I left. Really undercuts the desire to complain. Anyway is there anything technically stopping me from moving away, or are we required to stay in this vicinity? Because I doubt I'm missing out on much or that my presence specifically is needed for whatever you all have going on. For one, I don't care about baseball or lost and returned billionaires.

[Walker]
I may have a gift for you. Promise I didn't steal it.

[Hope]
Got a bit of an odd request. If you aren't busy.

( $$ OOC Reward: Val's got access to her bank account $$ )

How much would I have to bribe pay someone to get my own private bathroom?
The whole 3rd floor of the facility doesn't need to wait on my hair and makeup routine, trust me.

[Yelena]
Cute dog! I'm right across the hall.
I have your first check and an assignment.

[Dylan]
I missed the game, but Team Danvers winning means I'm officially $40 richer.
And it's going right in the bank.

[[OOC: Yelena's September Bonus Reward]]

My dog! My dog is here! She was waiting for me in my room when I got back tonight.

Did someone see her come through the portal? Security?

... I have been informed that I need a hobby. And swords dont count.


[Frigga & Loki]
Would it be easier for you if I chose to stay elsewhere?

[Kid Loki]
Are you settled well? Do you need anything?


[Thor & Torunn]
Thank you.

No one told me we were naming our equipment and I'm concerned I'm doing this all wrong.

I need ideas. And no crazy abbreviations without Tony here