[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

infromthecold

[Someone's wearing a jacket and gloves they're not winter grade but anything is really to heavy for this heat. He's on the steps of the HoA just outside the inclosed porch.]

There's still a few hows for the Christmas trees to decided to come to life and attack like those turkeys did. I've heard of Christmas in July Seems we got an Indian Summer in December instead.
[He pauses for a few seconds to collect his thoughts]

I've been seeing posts where people have been getting depressed about not being away from home and friends. I get what it's like to lose someone near the holidays. I just want to say you should celebrate a bit. It's OK to take the night off. We're stuck on one strange island but we shouldn't let how crasy the world is take he holidays away from us. I guess that's all.

[It's then that something large and pink col ides with Bucky's shoulder and explods in a wave of water.]

What the hell? Anyone know if NVs are waterproof?
[The feed cuts out]

renaissance_ninja

[Its only 19:10 two hours after evening sirens, but already Dirk was needing to take a rest and find shelter to catch his breath and take stock of his actions.

His NV showed him for a brief moment as he cleaned the gore from the shades, before panning around the street, left then right. The sound of beasts and other horrific monsters could be heard in the near distance and the mutilated bodies (or what was left of them) were scattered at Dirk's feet.]

Like looking for a needle in a hay stack my ass...

[Spitting onto the red tainted blade of his Katana before cleaning it off on a rag he pulled from his pocket.]

I'm looking for one needle, not a fucking crack house full of them.

[Dirk sighed and slipped his NV-shades back over his eyes once both it and his sword were clean. He'd been looking for a certain kind of monster, but managed to stumble onto every other kind and its mother.]

Has to be out here somewhere. Lets try this again.

[This was where the feed cut off.]

ofthursday

[The feed crackles on in the Darkness, the usual growls and other eerie noises of night at Siren's Port conspicuously absent in the area. It takes a moment for Castiel's image to become clear on the screen, almost melding out of the dark, expression smoothly neutral except for the faint hint of a smirk that looks completely out of place on his usually serious face.

His eyes are dark in the dim lighting, endless and like staring into an abyss, and even across the electronic feed the sense of wrongness is readily apparent.]

So I find myself here once more.

[His voice is soft, calm, almost uncaring, as if showing up in the Port again is a curiosity and nothing more. Then he smiles.]

It seems a good place to begin.

phazeandblood

( Cut for grey wall of text )

ella_of_frell

[ When the NV turns on, Ella isn't really paying attention to it - though her intention might have been to use it, that thought is derailed by the chatter of several others nearby. ]

No - no no, I don't need - Excuse, me could you please stop pushing baskets at me, I don't want your brochures. Really, I appreciate it but - [ They are totally not listening. ]

No, thank you that's kind of you but could you just ... take... these -- but I - [ Yea, Ella, keep trying to talk over the company representatives. With a clatter, she drops the NV, and it now shows a crooked image of Ella with her arms full of baskets from AGI and SERO both, looking a bit lost, frustrated, and confused. Yet she perseveres! ]

I'm just trying to say - this is really too much so - oh! [ Aaand the bundle of baskets in her arms abruptly topple over when she loses her grip, tumbling onto the floor, papers scattering everywhere. Those representatives? Totally off to harass another newcomer. Help her? That's silly. ]

Could you h- oh, no, of course not, yeah, no walk away, that's just great... thanks. No, thank you,I've got it, not that you were lifting a finger to help or anything...

[ Sighing, Ella kneels to gather up what was foisted into her arms, though she catches sight of the NV recording. ]

... Is it always this...chaotic?

[ Maybe she can give this stuff to someone else. What she really needed was warmer clothing. ]

rewritter

Is anyone trying the writing challenge? I'm curious.

[ and then, about ten minutes later, after he reads the news, an update in panicked handwriting. ]

not the red light contest I meant the november novel challenge

[ WHY ISN'T THERE A WAY TO DELETE NETWORK POSTS. ]

renaissance_ninja

[The normally well groomed Strider appears to be a little on the dirty side today, as he logs onto the network and broadcasts.

His hair is flawless (as always) but there is some dirt on his face and clothes, he seems to have just caught his breath too.]

Okay, so. Making this a public request to see if there is anyone who can lend a bro a hand. I'm looking for some scraps. Metal, wires, copper wiring, motherboards, anything from old useless computers would be great actually, it doesn't have to be in working order is just for a hobby of mine.

[Bending the truth a little there, but he's not up to no good or anything!]

Also, Vantas, if you're around I'd like you to get in touch with me, its about those loans we discussed.

[Text/Private Unhackable to Dave]
Hey bro, I know you're sorted as far as having a place to live goes, but I'd really like you to come scope a place out with me. Its an idea Vantas threw at me and I think its a good plan. I've spotted a building I could transform into something worthy of calling a home already, just need a hand with some details of the property.
Hit me up when you're free bro.

pranksterheir

jade?
dave?
where are you guys??
i'm in some city called siren's port in canada.
no clue how i ended up here.
is this the new session???
i couldn't have been asleep for two whole years, that's just crazy.
the last thing i remember was jade chasing jaspers and making me run into the wall after they both went through it...
btw, thanks a lot, jade, you totally ruined my birthday cake!
jk, i don't care about that, haha. there were tons of other ones...
but i could use a towel since i have cake all over me now.

[OOC: Please let me know if you'd like me to drop the colored font!]

mediumdrip

[Blaine looks extremely pale when he makes this video. His hair isn't even gelled because he couldn't stand to look in the mirror long enough to do it.]

This... this is just the Core right? People are seeing things today aren't they? Because it's a holiday. The Core always has a weird sense of humor on holidays.

Right?

wingedcrown

[The voice that rings through on the communicator is authoritative, though Dani's anger shakes her voice and makes her sound less like a powerful figure from home and more like a really pissed off college student.]

The monster that's been causing problems in the Port has been destroyed. Its owner was someone in a black leather coat who was able to walk around in the Darkness with almost no trouble at all. If you see someone like that, I suggest you avoid them at all costs.

This isn't the last piece of trouble we'll have from this, I'm certain. If you go out in the Darkness, be careful. I'd suggest avoiding it altogether but if you want to go, then that's your choice.

And if you see the bastard, tell him he better hide himself a little better next time.

[As if she wasn't the one who got her ass kicked. And CLICK, there she goes.]

[ooc: part of the backlash follow up, the Heartless monster is officially dead, though there are some still around!]

bloodthirsts

[Seras' voice is on the edge of breathless, like she's recovering from some great exertion. She chose voice because she knows her appearance right now might be disturbing to some.]

The monster that's been attacking people was just here, it attacked me. I managed to drive it off, by the Stanford Subway station. [She pauses briefly.]

It can be hurt, maybe it's even wounded now. If we move quickly maybe we can catch it and stop it tonight once and for all, if any of you who can fight can reach here to help, please. Too many people have been hurt already.

rapturescreed

[Hello there, network. Been awhile, right? Raul is not in the office, he's at home. This may be a first.]

Hello, network. It's been some time since I've addressed everyone, and for that, you have my apologies. For those who have recently arrived in this city, my name is Raul Creed. I'm the general manager of Lion's Gate, a club in the upper-class district of the city, and I am also the head of the Newcomer Political Party, a group created for and by your fellow Newcomers. We operate out of the Newcomer Community Center, which I hope you have all been told about by the greeters, or perhaps have visited. Our center is here for all of your needs, and we also have a Newcomer Fund, which will help you with any expenses. It's a loan that we give out, and while we don't expect you to pay it back, all we ask is that once you are on your feet, consider giving some of your good fortune back, to help any other Newcomers who might be in the port.

[He gives a small, tight smile.] It's a much better deal then what you'll find by AGI, and I highly suggest going with the Fund rather then being indebted by them. If you have any questions concerning this, please let me know, my NV is always on, and I am always ready to answer any questions. We've had a few interesting talks on the network lately, and I can promise you, we are doing everything in our power to fix many of the problems you have aired. I can only ask that, rather then taking immediate action in a violent way, you work with us to make sure it can never happen again in the future.

[He leans back in his chair, a fluffy cat jumping onto the couch and curling up next to him.]

Not everything in this city is serious, though. I'm pleased to announce that the NPP will be holding a Halloween Masquerade, which seems to have become a tradition in this city. It's still up to debate on whether this party should be a costume party, or simply a masked ball, and if anyone has an opinion on this, please let us know. We plan to hold this on the 27th, which is a Saturday, and it will be held at the Newcomer Community Center, which I am assured will be decorated appropriately. [He chuckles.] We're also holding our annual pumpkin carving and costume contest at the center, for any of our younger Newcomers who might wish to attend. This will be on the 25th, for those who would like to come by.

Concerning the community center, we're also in need of a new assistant director, to help our directer, Ms. Vesper Lynd, with the work. It is a part time job, but it will take a lot of work, and we would really appreciate someone who has a lot of ideas for events at the center, groups to be made, or classes. You will also be required to sit through the monthly NPP meetings. We are looking for more people to join the NPP, as well, preferably people who have been here for more then six months, and who have the same ideals as the party; to bring about change in this city, for both Newcomers and citizens, and to change the system from the inside.

I believe that is it. Again, any questions or concerns, or even to inquire as to joining the community center or the Newcomer Political party can be directed to me. Thank you very much for your time and patience.

[And he ends the feed.]

[Private text to Vesper Lynd sent later]

I was wondering if you would be free this Saturday for dinner?

spaceydog

[The video switches on to show Jade trying to get a good view of her face, the camera shakes quite a bit as Jade tries to adjust her NV to show her face nicely, it's hard to tell from the NV's perspective if she can actually see her face clearly in it, she mumbles out random swear words, while she tries to adjust, she is obviously frustrated and tired - Siren's port is obviously the last place she wants to be right now.]

Fucking stupid piece of technology-

[She eventually settles her NV and finally does crack a small smile.]

Hi!! Well the greeters give me the entire load down about where I am and stuff. But I wanted get know other people who are stuck in this city as well? My name is Jade and it's very difficult to explain where I come from. But I think what's more important is getting to know other people especially with this situation where in.

So, anyway its nice to meet you all!!

triptoprofiling

[The man you see in front of you has seen better days. From the splotches of dirt all over his grey suit to the dark circles underneath his eyes accentuated by his pale complexion. A thought passed by his mind about freshening up a little more but splashing his face with water was all he could muster for the moment. It was hard to think about proper formalities when you are suddenly pulled away into some remote city island in Canada. An "alternate universe" at that. How could he possibly wrap his mind around it? Easy. He didn't. At least not for the moment.

Only the dim lights of his "new" lodging and the LCD light from the NV are the only things illuminating Norman. There's an old clunky dresser behind him that looks like it's about to bite the dust with just one touch alongside a metal chair whose seat is bent so forward it's impossible to sit on without your ass sliding straight off.]

They really weren't kiddin' about this...

[He pauses, taking a short breath.]

I'm Norman Jayden with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. To some-most of you that won't mean anything. I'm not trying to pull rank here. Just trying to make sense out of all of this. Now I already heard the explanation on how I got pulled here a dozen times already. It's...a little weird but I don't got much of a choice on the matter. What I don't understand is why everyone and their mothers are running for the hills when the sirens go on. I haven't gotten a single explanation as to wha-

[And without missing a beat a loud, blood curdling cry can be heard from the outside followed by a bang!

He looks behind him then back at the camera.]

On second thought...I think I might have answered my own question.

[A small mouse that is hardly visible to the video feed climbs up onto the dresser but it accidentally knocks over the one screw holding the entire the together. A large crash can be heard with the dresser falling into pieces.]

Shit. How the hell am-

[The video ends there.]

renaissance_ninja

[Dirk hadn't been in the port all that long, a few hours at the most. He'd gathered as much information as he could from where he could 'till now. Now he was wandering around the tower apartments.

The view from his NV was the view he himself was seeing, it wasn't until he passed a cracked and mirrored sheet of plastic in one of the door frames, that the first view of the boy was sent across the network feed.

Pointed shades, pale skin and sea swept alabaster hair.

The young male turned his head around, touching his neck- as if inspecting it before he moved on.

With a flicker of movement too fast to fully see, the boy was on the roof section of the apartments, giving those watching the network a wonderful view of the city skyline.]

From one shit hole to another... Sky risers and a body of water... A home away from home.

phazeandblood

WHOEVER THE FUCK IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS BULLSHIT BETTER PRAY I NEVER GET MY HANDS ON THEM.
THIS IS NOT FUCKING FUNNY.
THIS IS LESS FUNNY THAN THAT CANDY CORN BULLSHIT STUNT GOD DAMMIT.
I JUST KEEP GETTING REMINDED OVER AND OVER WHY THE ENTIRE UNIVERSE SEEMS TO BE HELLBENT ON MAKING MY LIFE AS MISERABLE AS POSSIBLE IN WHATEVER CRAZY WAYS THEY CAN MANAGE.

...

SCATTY, I NEED YOU TO COME TO MY APARTMENT AS SOON AS FUCKING POSSIBLE.

bosomist

[A tired, resentful voice: ]

Claude Faustus has left Siren's Port. My condolences to anyone else who was ... acquainted with him.

[Did he have friends? Hannah hasn't the faintest idea. She is tired. She is a little hurt but most of all she is going to be busy. ]

It seems moot to advertise it this way, but he often kept to himself. I suppose this is the only avenue available for anyone who knew him to know.

[She hesitates. ]

It always seems just as moot to allocate a single broadcast to the departure of one man. Such is the way of things, sometimes.

[Another awkward, heavy pause and then Hannah cuts the feed. ]

ofthursday

[Hello people, it's Castiel; it might not be all that tough to tell by the creepy intense staring, despite the change of body. She doesn't seem bothered by this whole thing in the slightest, for reasons about to become clear.]

It seems this change of physical appearance is greatly distressing for many. I don't understand. It is likely only temporary, and what is of such great import of the sex of the body you possess?

[The angel is a bastion of sensitivity, but she is genderless and has no particular preference for vessel. She doesn't understand how at all how big a deal this is for most people.]

ex_prodigism243

[ Hello Network, today you're greeted by a bespectacled teen in summer clothes who looks pretty unfazed about finding himself in Siren's port. There's a sniper rifle casually slung over his shoulder and he's obviously moving, but his hand is steady enough that it doesn't turn the feed shaky at all.]

Hello everyone, I'm Yukio Okumura and I've been here before— which was a year ago, I believe. I remember everything about this place and I was told then that the Core likes to send people back home and then bring them back here again, but well. It was a difficult concept to grasp then. Not anymore now, I suppose. Does it happen often? And to those it happened to as well, did you remember Siren's Port when you returned home? That's all I wanted to ask.

[ He pauses, about to cut to feed, before he remembers and adds: ]

Oh, and just like before, I offer my services as an exorcist and my medical knowledge to anyone who needs it.