[There's a kid in ambient lighting grinning at you, Portians. He seems genuinely pleased, much like the last time you saw him. But today there are no marriage proposals written out in snow. There is a microphone, however. He taps it to make sure it's working properly, then grins again. Show time.]

Attention everyone! I'm Hanamura Yosuke, and this-

[Here he takes a second to pan the NV around and show off the interior of a building. The windows are boarded up at ground level, but bright and open, or so they would be in the daytime without the bars, on the upper area near the rafters. Yosuke's apartment was there once, but it's not obvious to anyone who didn't know the old layout. The Cat's Eye is back, gone from upscale bistro to a dark industrial cavern with an oddly located espresso machine, remnant of it's former days of glory.

But hey, it's still standing. And Yosuke is clearly proud of it.]

-Is the grand re-opening of the Cat's Eye. As you can see, our darkness proofing is ready and so is the bar. So anyone who vandalized it, your effort was wasted. Next time you'd better burn it down.

[Here he throws a wink, and then picks up the microphone again.]

And while we're on the subject of good news, there's something else. I'm not getting married to anyone. But there is a girl who makes me want to sing. It takes a few shots of vodka to feel okay about it, but I'm working on that. In the meantime, I'm all set. Like I said, the bar is ready!

Anyway, I saw this in a movie. So here goes.

[And yep, he takes a deep breath and starts to sing.]

chiefdefense

[Mia's relaxing on the couch at home, with a sleepy Doberman breaking the house rules and snuggling up beside her with his head on her lap. Entirely against the rules, certain parties will probably grumble but she'll change the throw rug vacuum the cushions on the couch before they turn it into Jake's bed for the night.]

Has anyone else got the feeling we've been missing something lately? I mean, usually there's an increase of new faces at the beginning of the month but there's been no sign of anyone this month.

[She pauses, appearing to think about something as her brows crease.]

Or last month, I guess.

[Her dog, Estragon, grunts and nuzzles into her lap a bit more. She idly plays with his ears as she keeps talking.]

I suppose it's kind of a long shot to ask around if anyone's looking for work. We're short staffed at Fey and Co. and I'm in pressing need of another attorney on the books. There's a certain long term commitment I'm going to be taking on in September which means I'll have to be cutting back on my case load. I just don't have any options that I know of in the Newcomer pool to entrust my cases to and as we're a legal practice specifically created to answer the needs of Newcomers where local law firms won't, I really would like to leave my clients with a fellow Newcomer.

[She sighs.]

Like I said, it's a long shot. Even if you've got no legal expertise, we have clerical positions and I'm interested in taking on an office manager too to look after things when I have to go on leave. Thanks in advance if anyone's able to help out.

graceful_cutter

[The feed comes in from somewhere in the city during the Darkness. But what comes in isn't a face at first-- it's the city's deteriorating facade in front of the user. And it's obvious that she is running. Her breath comes out in pants.

After a moment, she turns the camera around. she's masked, her blood-red eyes wide behind the lace that concealed her identity to some extent.]

They're... too fast!

[It's clear that Amy's enhanced speed has probably run out already. She's clearly running for her life and from what...?

Rotgut kittens. Packs of them. All running after her at top speed. This was not going to be pretty.]

Help!

[For once, she has raised her voice in a cry-- and the very moment she does, the communicator goes flying as some of the cats catch her leg. There's a glimpse of her pulling out Albion-- but that is all as the NV crashes to the ground and the feed turns static.]

pullsheavendown

[The video feed clicks on to show a face that hasn't appeared too often on the network lately, and it's not so surprising that he looks a little pensive, a little thoughtful. He pauses to collect his thoughts before speaking.]

So...it's my birthday today. Oh, I'm not telling people to get good wishes or presents or anything. But it's my fourth one in Siren's Port, and that means I've been here a little over three years now.

Maybe it doesn't sound that long to some people, but it does to me. Except it went by really fast, too. I guess that's just from looking back at everything, though. Because a lot of stuff happened.

I'm eighteen today. There were times I never thought I'd get this far. I'm definitely not the same person I was when I was pulled, but I guess everyone grows up. Still...I think I wouldn't be who I am now if it weren't for all the people I met in this world. Some are gone, some are still here...some I still miss.

I dunno if I'll have a fifth birthday here or not. No one ever knows how long we'll be here, right? It's not supposed to be home for any of us. We're newcomers. But it has been for me, for a while now. Whatever happens, whether I have another birthday here or not...I'm glad I had this one.

[He fiddles with the NV for a moment before ducking his head.]

I guess I just needed to say that.

thepull_mods

[ Exactly four hours after the end of Governor Townshed's funeral, every NV and cell phone in the city will crackle to life. At first the transmission considers of little more than static and garbled sound (almost like the rustling of pages being turned).

When it finally clears, a voice speaks, strong and clear. ]

Good evening to you, citizens and Newcomers alike. As it should be known to you all by this time, the late Governor Townshed is not longer with us in this world.

Unimaginative though he was, at the very least, we can say there was one thing he excelled at: maintaining the status quo.

Knowing this, it should also be no surprise to you the words I would share with you now.

[ The quality of his voice changes here, an intonation of things to come. ]

The bricks are fallen down.

The walls are cast asunder.

The streets are overturned,

The heavens reduced to ash.

When Darkness cedes its glory,

History comes full circle.

The roads betwixt and between

Shall yield the truth at last.

[ A brief pause follows before he continues, proud and almost scornful. ]

Take heed of what I say, Siren's Port. The End comes, and time waits for no man.

The truth shall make you free.

[ A burst of static follows, and the transmission finally cuts. ]

(( ooc: Meet, GW, everyone. He's hacked the Network to deliver this cryptic address. Feel free to respond! He might just answer back. ))

thepull_mods

Sunday, March 24th, 2013.

Weather Heavy winds and thunderstorms, a risk of hail. Highs of 10°C and low of 0°C. (50°F / 32°F)

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous

Morning sirens go off at 7:08 am, and evening sirens are at 7:29 pm.

( Horoscopes )

News & Advertisments

Chump Change For Siren’s Port as Townshed’s Cold Corpse is Turned Moneybag

The city is shocked (but none too eager to begin mourning) the loss of Governor Townshed, whose dead body finally turned up on the front step of The First Bank of Siren’s Port this morning, shortly after sirens. Security was startled to find his corpse lying face down on the steps as they opened up for the morning, and as they tried to drag his body upright, loose change began pouring out of the late governor’s mouth.

The full autopsy reports have not been released, but police have concluded that Townshed, who showed additional signs of being bound at the ankles and wrists and had been missing for nine days, may have been rapidly forcefed large quantities of coinage until he choked. The irony has not been lost on anyone working at City Hall, some who reacted with appropriate horror but mostly with grim disgust at the unknown killer’s spiteful sense of humor.

“Someone who didn’t like pay their taxes, obviously.” droned one city worker, when facing a round of brutal questioning by SPPD officers, who seem to have taken to street interrogations with frightening ease over the past week as Siren’s Port has fallen to the hands of police authority and corporate security networks heavily patrolling their respective downtown territories.

Townshed was voted into office two years ago as an unpopular choice for many, an 11th hour candidate whose lack of direct ties to either AGI or SERO won public favor as the race betwen Astrid Keelson and Henry Oberst drew to a tense corporate stalemate. Townshed was previously a taxman for the city for over 30 years, and treasury advisor to the late Governor Redgrave. Even his secretaries called him “overly fastidious, obsessed with little more than budget cuts and balancing-- completely unlikable as a person.” He leaves behind no living relations and his 6 yr old Schnauzer, Fowler.

A short memorial service and funeral procession, open to the public, will be held at Cinnigrad Cemetary at noon on Tuesday, March 26th. Government buildings and schools will be closed for the day.

----------------------------------------------
[ News Notification Thread]

therightchoice

[ The news are starting to freak Jesse out again. It reminds him of the woods, of the hunter, of Jesse turning an old man into a toy and leaving him to the monsters to fend for himself. ]

Can the police look into private messages of the Network? Is that even legal?

herausgesucht

Excuse me...hello.

[A young woman smiles into the camera, uncertain at first but growing more confident.]

It's been a while, hasn't it? It doesn't feel like it for me—I only remember being home for a few hours, and then I was here again. But unless the greeters have gotten really bored and started making fake calendars as well, it's been longer.

[She chuckles a little before her expression shifts to something a little more serious, a little more wistful.]

I didn't remember it, really. It was like a dream, and I have a lot of those already. I'm glad I remember now, though.

My name is Nina Fortner. If anyone remembers me from before, please come say hello. If not...it's nice to meet you again, Siren's Port.

watchmesoar

[A handsome man with no shirt and rather large white feathered angel wings appears on the screen. He flashes a matinee idol smile.]

Hello everyone.

I haven't been on the network much. I've been... not well... [He flashes his smile again, as if to distract from the words.] But, I want to learn more about this place and this... network.

So Siren's Port! My name is Warren. I'm a bit of a newcomer still, just looking to meet people and break some monotony, you know?

Please, introduce yourself. I'd like to meet you.

[Video ends.]

thepull_mods

Sunday, March 17th, 2013.

Weather Gentle morning drizzle, with a sunny afternoon . Highs of 12°C and low of 4°C. (54°F / 39°F)

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent

Morning sirens go off at 6:21 am, and evening sirens are at 6:18 pm.

( Horoscopes )

News & Advertisments
Chief of the Siren's Port Police Department Declares Martial Law

Treachery and tumultuous dealings are about at City Hall, as Townshed's disappearance is still largely unsolved. There is reportedly no ransom as of yet, and the current suspect is still Newcomer Sasuke Uchiha.

Though police are still asking for any available information on Uchiha, it seems they will have to do less asking in the future, as Chief Miller has currently called martial law into effect as of early this morning. The SPPD has assumed full authority over Government Voids and city infrastructures until further notice.

"With the city in its current state, we can't hope to wait till its chief executive or a follow up threat shows itself to take action. If there is any clue to his whereabouts, we need to know now." She was reported saying this afternoon, in a press conference.

They say there is no current plan for a reelection, as the Governor's death has not been confirmed.

"We ask that the newcomers become equally focused in trying to find Uchiha, because it's likely he's gone to ground among their ranks, and with previous tensions, hiding him will do no one any good." Said Miller, shortly after a local reporter asked about the Newcomer status of Uchiha and if that is effecting the current investigation.

Despite loud accusations from both SERO and AGI, here is no doubt from either the Chief or from any local authority that Uchiha is at fault due to his self incriminating NV post the day of the attack. This has lead to AGI and SERO accusing each other of paying off the newcomer, though, it seems, the law is ready to place full responsibility on Uchiha himself. This has been a recurring pattern for Newcomers who break the law, using their own channels of to be very open about their attacks on the people of Siren's Port and it's laws. M.A.N. leaders have been quick to voice their worry that the Newcomers may be organizing a full overthrow of the city government.

Because of this, the SPPD has announced that they are pulling the full recorded history of the Newcomer's Network, for use in the investigation.

This reporter, personally, hopes that not only Uchiha, but any other lawbreakers hidden by this forum will be caught.

- The Editor of the Newsfeed has published a personal apology to the astrologist, after discovering on friday morning that three copy editing interns were plotting his murder, arriving fifteen minutes late with poisoned Starbucks Coffee. Similar strange reports of conspiracy and betrayal have been surfacing throughout the weekend, with rumors of plenty of boardroom seat-shuffling in both AGI and SERO’s upper tiers of management.
----------------------------------------------
[ News Notification Thread]

thepull_mods

Thursday, March 14th, 2013.

Weather Gentle morning drizzle, with a sunny afternoon . Highs of 10°C and low of 4°C. (50°F / 39°F)

Current Moon Phase: Waxing Crescent

Morning sirens go off at 6:29 am, and evening sirens are at 6:13 pm.

Breaking News!

- Terrorist Newcomer Rampages At City Hall
A massive breach of City Hall’s purportedly airtight security this afternoon has left the city’s most prominent AGI and SERO lobbyists dead, City Hall with a substantial electrical fire in the executive wing, and Governor Townshed’s whereabouts completely unknown.

Sonshiro "Sonny" Durante(62) and Aileen Eberhardt(46), longstanding rival corporate affiliates, were scheduled to meet with Governor Townshed for a casual dinner appointment to discuss issues of city economic policy.

According to an injured survivor on the scene, the Governor’s personal secretary Hilde Geurande, while they were waiting outside his office, bickering with one another, “a homicidal maniac showed up out of nowhere, whipped out his NV and a fistful of lightning, then- BAM! Hit both Sonny and Eileen. Everything went dark except for the sparks- I woke up spattered in blood, and by then security had finally responded and took him down. We had to evacuate because my paperwork caught fire, and no one’s seen the governor since!”

His actions were caught self-recorded on NV, sent to the news media by an anonymous source. Camera footage has not been released, but many are speculating if this plot was an inside job, and pending investigations may reveal traitors to the city government working in the building.

Although Null Security officers quickly apprehended the suspect on site at City Hall, and police have identified him as newcomer Sasuke Uchiha, they allegedly passed off the suspect in transit through sector 2 when stopped by an armed patrol of SERO Security. Chief Miller, too outraged to appear on camera, has had both officers fired and arrested, and is presently in “hard negotiations” with the head of SERO’s Security Division, who denies the reported hand off and claims they are not holding or protecting the suspect. SERO’s public relations have assured the nightly news that they will do “everything in their power to assist the SPPD locating this dangerous lunatic.”

Police are frantically searching for any records of the newcomer, who arrived in Port some time last year. Anyone with further information on his whereabouts is urged to come forward. St. Matthew has placed a bounty of 2 million on his head, Dead or Alive. Newcomers with networked connections to the suspect at the Tower Apartments and Newcomer Community Center will likely be called in for questioning.

As of evening sirens, Governor Townshed is still reported missing. Under the city codes set down in 1947, if the elected governor is missing or unresponsive for over 48 hours, the Police Chief may declared the city under a state of Martial Law.

News & Advetisments
- The Dog’s Breakfast Pub will be serving up a Bloody Ceasar on the house all day tomorrow, to anyone who can carry a quick conversation with the bartender in Latin. They’ll also be serving up ½ price Irish Draft Beer & Whiskey all weekend for St. Patrick’s Day, with live music all day Sunday.

- The Newsfeed’s Horoscope Writer has submitted to the editor this morning, pleading with him to remind the city to Beware the Ides of March. The warning goes to print with the caveat that if she is incorrect, this Sunday will be the last publication of her astrological drivel.

[OOC Et Tu, Brute? Mini Event The Core must be feeling like you all need a refresher on Roman History. Tomorrow, March 15th, all denizens of Siren’s Port will find themselves consumed by either one of two effects:

1) Hypervigilance & Paranoia of Betrayal - Everything! Everywhere! Is out to get you! From your bus coming late, to your best buddy giving you shady looks every time you turn your back, this day has it out for you, man!

2) The irrepressible compulsion to behave treacherously toward someone you normally are faithful to. Maybe it’s your partner, your best friend, your favorite client or customer. Maybe it’s your boss, or even your kid. Whatever it is, the urge is to Carpe Diem and take what you deserve while you can! They’ll forgive you.... right?]
----------------------------------------------
[ News Notification Thread]

bondsoflove

[Blood. Shouting. The crackling of electricity, sparks falling in showers, illuminating sharp silhouettes, flashbulb moments of action. Fire, someone shouts. Bang, and a blast of light. Bang. Blackness.

Blue flickering light and a pale, blood-spattered face. The mouth splits into a dangerous, manic grin.]

Two down, Warsman.

[Suddenly, the light goes out. Sasuke's head whips over his shoulder, his eyes widening in shock.

The feed dies.]

[[OOC: Please feel free to respond! Sasuke's probably not going to answer you just yet, but dead messages and earlier-in-the-day action logs, reactions, etc are all welcome. ♥]]

empetre

[A few hours after sirens sound there's a sudden clatter coming from the NVs, and the image from this transition is, well. It's spinning a little, and there's a rather large amount of noise from the other end. Noise that sounds suspiciously like birds chirping, mice squeaking, and cats hissing.

And underneath all of that is a timid, quiet voice of a very distressed pony.]

O-oh please don't fight that- no, I'm sorry, Mr. Robbin, I haven't seen your new nest yet, but I can't right now- please don't attack the mice! They're all lovely animals and I'm sure they didn't mean to take your f- Miss Cat! You spit out that little fieldmouse right now!

[Finally, with some more squeaking and chirping and a few grumpy meows the chaos seems to settle down a bit, and after a moment there's the sound of hooves settling on the floor and wings fluttering before the image is fixed, the NV set upright and a slightly harried Fluttershy in full view.]

I'm- I'm so sorry if any of the animals bothered any of you, I've never had so much of a problem keeping any of them in one place. Cats and mice never fight when they come to visit, back home. [She shifts a little, wings fluttering out a bit before lifting her into the air giving more room for what's most definitely a stray, slightly ratty looking cat to wind between her legs, purring up a storm.] If anypony knows where these poor animals tend to spend the night, I'd like to try and help them. I... I never really had the time to last time I was here.

[ooc: sorry for the late responses guys! new job mixed with rl ate my face]

thepull_mods

Sunday, March 10th, 2013.

Weather Gentle morning drizzle, with a sunny afternoon . Highs of 12°C and low of 4°C. (54°F / 39°F) Although a moving storm predicts heavier rains by midweek, Monday and Tuesday should be bright, cloudless and mild. By the weekend, you’ll be donning spring jackets and leaving the winter coats at home.

Current Moon Phase: New Moon

Morning sirens go off at 6:37 am, and evening sirens are at 6:07 pm.

( Horoscopes )

News
- A freshman SPU Journalism student has been slain by multiple puncture wounds and left to the darkness. Her death is receiving media attention after rumors surfaced she was publishing a controversial editorial article for the university’s quarterly publication, criticising Governor Townshed’s new laws, which imposes stricter penalties on tax filing evasion in the working class, while ignoring the biggest offenders of dodging contribution to the public treasury: AGI & SERO Billionaires.

-An exciting Hockey match between the Pucanneers & Industrial Destroyers takes to the ice Monday Night at Grant Stadium. An off-the-rink feud between goalkeepers promises to turn into an exciting brawl at some point during the sporting event- people seem more excited about their heated rivalry over a barely-legal AGI idol starlette than the outcome of the game.

- The Darwinist Society, devoted to tracking the habits of darkness creatures, have announced that it’s mating season for rotgut cougars- as if you couldn’t already tell from the racket under your porch every night this week. While this all-female species of darkness feline is in heat, many housecat toms will escape to meet with them, and have been known to destroy household darkness proofing- please prevent a new crop of rotgut kittens, and ensure the safety of your cat! Caregood Pound is offering free cat neutering & spraying this month, in order to curb the growing population of monstrous darkness cats.
----------------------------------------------
[ News Notification Thread]

antinouswild

[Enjolras knows that he has been barred from public speaking by AGI, but he can't find anything that specifically excludes him from using the network. As long as he doesn't mention AGI he should be safe. He's avoided it until now. But the situation is getting desperate.

He looks on edge, and like he hasn't slept in days. The video starts with him looking over his shoulder, then at the camera.]

Citizens of Siren's Port.

Please excuse the message, but I am in need of assistance. A friend, someone close to me, is missing. If you have any information about him, please contact me. He is of middle height and average weight, brown hair and brown eyes, and would be French in nationality. He answers to the name of Grantaire.

He... he has a fondness for drink and may be in bars or possibly even drunk. No matter, he has been a good friend to me, and I am concerned for him. With everything that happens after dark here I have reason to fear the worst.

Please, if there is any information, contact me here.

Thank you for listening.

inthejunk

[Dawn is barely even trying to tickle the sky awake, but that doesn't seem to be squashing the enthusiasm of that annoying kid who either delivers or abuses pastries for a living -it's difficult to tell at times. There he is, with the usual shit eating customer service grin, hair rustling in the chilly breeze and full of fat, half-melted snowflakes. They don't seem to be bothering him at all.]

Attention, everyone. I'm Hanamura Yosuke. Hello to anyone who is new. There's good news this morning! Due to the weather, the scones from yesterday couldn't be sold at the Funtom bakery. I've had to come up with ways to use them, so I thought I would share.

[It's probably not a good idea to leave a somewhat resentful teenager to his own devices in a place of business. Or so one would believe, given what follows.]

If you grind them up like cat litter, they unstick snow-stuck cars. They can also be used as paper weights, and nut crackers. Some of the children on the playground have used them for stick ball! Really, the uses are endless. So please take them away before someone tries to eat one and breaks a tooth again.

[That slightly sarcastic and generally mean spirited bit of "advertisement" aside, the kid suddenly grows serious.]

Ah...there is one more use for them that I came up with. Since I didn't have anyone to ask for a blessing, I think the direct route will have to do.

[And there, behind him in the snow as he turns and pans the camera out, is one last (and equally unfirtunate) demonstration. There's something written out, huge and painstakingly, all in blueberry scone. There's even a heart made of sprinkled dried cranberry around it, which has bloomed up like rose petals with the moisture of the snow:]

MARRY ME NILL

edge_of_nothing

> Hello?
> How is everyone today?
> What is: good?

> ...???
> Trying to end things with a period?
> Full Stop function: not working?
> Out of order???

[There was a delay as the NV tried to fix things himself. He even tried taking his case to ~~his master~~ Xemnas, but all of the questions led to a near manual shut-down experience.

The messages come back.]

> Julian cannot fix this?
> Override: Not Available???

> someone help me? pls?
> no?

thepull_mods

Sunday, March 3rd, 2013.

Weather Partly sunny in the morning, with stagnant cloud cover by mid-afternoon. Highs of 8°C and low of 0°C. (46°F / 32°F) Forecast for the next week is cold and a bit dreary, overcast for several days in a row. By the end of the week, things begin to look a bit warmer, and signs of early spring bloom around the island.

Current Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous

Morning sirens go off at 7:52 am, and evening sirens are at 6:56 pm.

( Horoscopes )

’Jeopardizer’ NV Virus Leaves Network-Users Scratching Their Heads!

A new NetVice virus, coincidentally unleashed over the island’s digital networks the weekend before monday’s anticipated release of SERO’s new Y-Fone 6.0 model, has surfaced in full force.

SPU’s information technology center is calling the virus ‘The Jeopardizer’, and it appears to be yet another prank by clever hackers.

The file is transmitted by either accepting a NetVice audio call from the number ‘4-500-2439’ or listening to a voice mail pre-recorded message, although the only sound upon picking up is the popular game show theme.

Every text message sent from an infected NV will be rephrased in the form of a question.

SERO’s electronics and communications development team has been bragging that their next generation Y-Fones already have a pre-installed patch to override this virus, but that the patch is not compatible with earlier models or non-SERO brand phones, leading many to suspect that the entire thing is a last minute marketing scheme.
----------------------------------------------
[ News Notification Thread]

chosenbynyx

[A heavily tattooed young woman shows up on the NV's with a wave from the baseball diamond. Her hair looks a bit messy and her eyes a little puffy and red from having cried before arriving.]

Uh, hi! I'm Zoey Redbird and I'll spare you all the "Oh my god, where am I? How do I get home?" demands and speeches and stuff. I've actually been here before but I doubt anyone here remembers me, huh? I'm actually kind of beat so I'm probably gonna head over to the Tower Apartments soon.

Just one thing. The Sanguinarian Society is still around right? Because I still kinda need them in order to stay alive. A lot of time might have passed here since I was last around but it's hardly been like... a month for me.

kissthegrell

What do we have here?

Hello, Siren's Port.

I don't know you yet, but it seems you know me. Will tells me I've been here before. Well, isn't that just deadly? I don't remember it at all. Maybe I've suffered some kind of tragic memory loss, like I fell off a horse and onto the ground, the brambles ripping my dress and... Then, my Will, dressed in a poet's shirt and tight pants finds me and...

AH-AH... HOW ROMANTIC...

[Grell swoons dramatically, disappearing from the shot. Then, he re-appears.]

Well, whatever happened, I'm here.

Tell me more stories about ME!