Luministi

❧ Off-Season 1

2011-11-24T21:55:37Z

[Nathan paces in front of the many screens in Caligin's office, waiting for the remaining inhabitants to report to him. they'll note that none of the picture frames remain in the office. at all. once they all arrive, he immediately launches into his spiel. he doesn't seem to have the same vigor as he did when he first turned up to send the others home. in fact, he seems rather strained and tired but plows through everything anyway.]

By my calculations, his transmission was coming from this sector of nearby space. [he taps one of the screens, highlighting a cluster of a planets orbiting a sun about the same size and color as Earth's.] Thankfully, there aren't too many planets here in the Eta System--only five, and only four are habitable. [he points out which ones are, ignoring the one planet closest to the sun, Eta.] There are a couple neighboring solar systems around there that he might try to flee to, but chances are, uh, that he hasn't quite made it that far even if he has escaped from this particular system. No ships in this time period can possibly make a trip that quickly. The technology isn't advanced enough for such things.

[he pauses for a second, heading over to a printer which has been spitting out copies of the coordinates and other details about the planets in the Eta system. silence falls during that moment, but then he suddenly looks up as if he's forgotten something.] Oh! Uh, speaking of travel, everything should be all done with the transport I wanted to provide for you. So your, er, TARD-IS should be back together again and completely functional. [turns to the other group] And I've arranged for a vessel from one of your worlds to appear in the lower level's docking bay. The on-board AI is probably a bit confused about the change in venue, so insert this data and it'll get it up to speed about this galaxy. [holds a data chip out to Croix and Wash as he passes out the copies] And I have one for your ship as well if it needs it. [hands it off as he passes copies to Jamie, Xion, and the Doctor]

That should be it! The CATs should be able to work outside the lab, but do not, under any circumstances, lose them. They're my only means of contacting you--and you contacting each other and Ichijou here in the lab. And I'd advise not using them in public. The people in the Eta System... [sighs, shaking his head] Just trust me. I don't want you getting separated from each other in case the fans get too crazy. I think you've all seen the comments by now... [gestures to a stack of papers on Caligin's desk] All of you are galactic stars of varying degrees, especially to those in the Eta system. Their level of dedication can be...scary. So just be careful.

[he looks like he wants to take a seat, but settles for leaning against the desk] Ah, and one last thing! All of the planets should have atmosphere and gravity comparable to this station, so you won't have to worry about, you know, breathing. There are some space suits down in the docking bay if you want to bring one just in case. [though he doubts the guy in the armor has to worry about that]

Contact me if you need anything or get into trouble. Just...don't call to shoot the breeze or anything, though. I have a job to do too.

❧ Plot Details: Off-Season 1

TARDIS

Longsword

#off

this

Eta-60510 / Survivor

Uninhabited, but named for the one and only reality show that dared to try to live on there. That painfully short season effectively ended the longest running series on galactic television when all involved went there and died. A monument would have been erected in their honor in the tribal area, but...Eta government officials thought it best just to seal off the planet and name it after the ill-fated show.

Eta-90210 / Gaga Rah-Rah-Rah

Fashion central of the Eta system--and very experimental. (And we mean "experimental" in all senses of the art and science worlds.) Bodily mutation and modification as a fashion statement is common. (This includes even having swappable heads and limbs of organic and non-organic origins.)

Eta-00042 / Hyne-Savage

Most inhabited planet of the system, with 75% of its surface covered with tall, vast cities. Central hub of the Eta System and also the most in habited planet. The system seat of government is located here and still relies on Earth's government for things, but the Eta Central Government (or ECG for short) can largely do its own things so long as it stays in the rules from the Earth. Yeah for colony governments! Oh yes, that other 25% of the planet's land? Is dedicated to the daily mass explosions that sound off the start of a new day.

Eta-51212 / Fremercury

Largely used as a vacation planet. There are resorts and sparkling beaches, and deep, lush forests to get lost in. People occasionally go missing, but that's normal...isn't it? It might not--hey, look at the pretty musical statues! The planet also doubles as a memorial for all lost icons, both ancient and in recent times. It's a pretty, peaceful, and tranquil place... Really.

Eta-51411 / Jailhouse Rock

This prison planet is a desolate waste on the outside, but inside the rather ugly, uninviting buildings, the most dangerous criminals in the Eta system are taught how to play instruments and are thrown regular parties. The morale is surprisingly high considering that inmates will not be allowed to leave once they arrive...

luministi @ 2011-10-10T19:31:00

2011-10-10T08:31:41Z

[Hawk's made up his mind, but before going he's looking for the people he knows but hasn't spoken to yet. It'd be a shame to leave without saying goodbye, and maybe sharing a few more moments before they part.]

Day 15 | ~ World's End Umbrella ~

2011-10-08T23:43:21Z

[Like last time, Xion is searching out her friends. Anyone and everyone she talked to, all the people she met here -- She wants to meet with them, talk to them, find out if they're staying or leaving, say good-bye if it's the latter. Unlike last time, though, her spirits are higher. She can stay. She can stay and still be helpful, still search for the answers they've been looking for, stay and live, really live.

She's also searching for one person in particular. She has something to ask him -- to ask of him, to inform him of something, and she... Part of her is hopeful. Part of her is nervous. Another part of her... feels like she can't ask this of him. She shouldn't ask him to stay for her. She knows she's asking for Nathan, but that's what it feels like. She feels like she doesn't have the right to ask that of him. If he has something important to do at home, then she has no right at all. (If he has something important to do at home, and says no, then...) Xion takes a deep breath and lets it out. At the same time, she has to ask. She has to know. She has to find out for herself.

So, Luministi. How about one last conversation with Xion?]

✧ 05 ✧

2011-10-06T05:46:50Z

[Before taking up Nathan on his offer to send him home, Jamie heads back to his townhouse. There's a few things that were left behind that he needs to fetch, like his claymore. And maybe a few other small things that he's kept as mementos of his trip here. He doesn't know if they'll come with him or not, but he wants to try. However, once he steps through the door, he finds himself wandering through the different rooms, rather than immediately collecting his things. It's funny, he thinks. When he had come here, everything was unknown to him. The technology, the people - the man calling himself the Doctor, who didn't look a thing like the funny little man he had just said goodbye to on the moors of Scotland. None of it made any sense. And when the dreams had started, it had made everything even more strange. All those bits of a life he no longer remembered living...for a bit, he thought he was going mad.

He remembers it now, though. Or, well, most of it. Enough that he can recall his adventures with the Doctor easily. All the beasties they fought, all the times they had to live on their wits, and all the people he had come to meet as well. Ben and Polly, who thought of him a bit like a little brother that was always getting into trouble. Beautiful Victoria, who had broken his heart when she left. And clever Zoe, with her head for figures and an impulsive streak to rival his own. Zoe, who was now back home, like he was supposed to be, and without her memories too. What would happen to his memories, when he left? Would Sophie's socks survive the journey and help them stay put? Or would they slip away from him again, leaving him like he was before?

Standing in front of the viewscreen in his living room, he looks at it, or more accurately, through it. He's not really seeing it. Instead, he's thinking about Nathan's offer. The man needs help, and what does he have to go back to? A life on the run, captured or killed by the English? A life without the Doctor? Without realizing it, the CAT's flickered to life during his trip through the townhouse, and if anyone's actually watching, they might see the indecision on his face as he tries to figure out what to do - and when he finally does speak.]

Maybe it'd not be so bad, if I stayed here instead.

((OOC note: For reference, the thread with the Doctor is occurring last, chronologically.))

❧ Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood

2011-10-03T04:36:06Z

[Nothing much has changed in the interior of Dr. Caligin's office since Nathan gave everyone leave to make their decisions. Nathan is still there waiting by Lab #3. If they are returning from doing whatever around the spacestation, they'll notice that all of the photos on the wall have been removed and stacked neatly on the desk, along with all of Caligin's possessions that had been shoved into a desk drawer. (Of course, if one had never left the office, one would have seen him pulling all of the photos down.)]

If you have made your decision, please let me know now. And, uh, if you haven't for some reason and want to ask me something, I guess you can do that too.

So what have you decided?

[ooc: When your character is ready to leave, please write "Going home!" in the subject line of your comment and that will be your exit from the game for the season! And if your character is staying, please write "Staying in this universe!" in the subject line of your comment once you are done with your conversation with Nathan. (This will also be your "exit" from the game, but just in a different sense.)]

❧ The End is the Beginning is the End

2011-10-03T04:35:59Z

[After Xion succeeds in unlocking the door to Lab #3--and once Filippo leaves them all with an ominous warning (as well as taking his office scheme with him)--the door to Lab #3 opens to reveal...the interior of Lab #3, a silver, cylindrical room with a small observation room on the other side of the central cylinder chamber. The observation room is walled off with glass. But unlike the last time a number of residents saw this room, Dr. Caligin is not inside waiting for them. The room is quite empty, actually.

On the other side of the room, Nathan suddenly appears again, donning a dark suit. Like before, he sounds slightly strained, like he's exerting a great deal of energy to keep moving but is trying to keep that fact hidden. He greets them with a small smile before immediately heading over to pick up the picture frames that had fallen onto the ground.]

Sorry, I just need...hold on. [he takes a moment to finish picking them up, clutching the frames to his chest] Sorry about that. These are--never mind. [he adjusts his hold on them] Anyway, you found the lab! I had a feeling it was here, and boy, I'm glad you were able to find that key. Audrey had left it in my care when--oh, I need to get her once I get you home. She should be okay resting in the clinic for a while longer...

[he hurries over to the messy desk, carefully depositing the frames and hastily arranging them somewhat neatly. but then he looks up, a somewhat grave look in his tired, dark eyes] But there is a problem. I need to find Filippo Resarci. He's my only connection to finding the person ultimately responsible for everything you've gone through. If I don't find either of them, there's a possibility you will be pulled from your homes yet again. I know many of you wish to go home, but with Audrey in her current state, I can't risk using her again for the time being and... I guess what I'm trying to say is that I need someone to stay behind. It'll be temporary, and I promise I will get you home, just...not as soon as the others.

If you wish to go home, I've turned the life support back on in the town so you can go get your belongings. Well, I guess that goes for those who wish to stay, too. And I think I've finally got things reconfigured so the proper layout of the lab is back in place. [he looks at the lab door; a bit sheepishly] Er, with one exception, but I'll fix that later. You just need to go out these door and all the way down the hallway to the elevator. It'll bring you back to the observation deck and you can go back into town the normal way.

Just to warn you, though...I did encounter some problems in town, too. For some reason, certain things are still in town and around the spacestation, like this giant windmill and a temple. I don't exactly know why they're still there, but I think if you go home, they should go with you. I think. That's my theory, anyway...

But yes. [he shifts, wincing a bit] Um, I'll give you some time to think about things amongst yourselves. We have some time. Come back here once you're ready to go home or if you want to stay. I'll be waiting.

❧ Plot Details: The End is the Beginning is the End

can

Filippo discussed with Ichijou about

"Wind of Change"

break the right two objects in town

How were people able to communicate with others in the 4th wall?
Where's Proctor now?
Who was Proctor speaking to in this secret video?
Where's Filippo?
Where's the rest of the NPCs?
Who is the Man in Black?
Who is Nathan? And why does he have to find the Man in Black?
Why will people still be able to be brought to this universe even though an important component was destroyed?
How were things moved around so easily in the lab without anyone knowing it? (The same question can be applied to the maze and pretty much every event.)
Why are the time travelers and time-sensitives feeling a bit odd?
Why haven't the bits from everyone's homes disappeared?
Why is there a door that only appears once for people in Lab #4?
Why was Willis in pain after stepping on his photo?

you

What sort of things would you like to see next season? Like event-wise and things that'll happen to the characters?
Because of the summer-time nature of the game, we'll never be able to do anything Christmasy during the season. But I'm wondering...would you like to do a Christmastime 4th wall event? (I haven't quite decided if it'll belong in the game canon (like our previous 4th wall) or not.)
Would you like to do a special pre-season event in March? This one won't be a 4th wall and definitely will count towards game canon, and yes, you'll be able to participate in it no matter what decision you make for your character.

here

my own

the mod one

❧ Something To Talk About

2011-09-26T13:26:24Z

[the first thing people will hear when they arrive in the room with Croix and Wash is loud classical music from the same composer Caligin used to listen to (though that detail may only strike a few.) but the music is a small detail in this room. many will recognise the cold, forbidding room as one they've seen in secret transmissions sent to them via CAT. all lavishness has left it, however. none of the refinery remains except for individual pictures of each and every resident (past and current) left hanging on the wall opposite the collective of screens. all chairs--the two set in front of the screens and the one behind the desk--are empty.

the person of interest is sadly missing.

however, set in the corner of the room behind the desk is a door that stands out from the rest of the room, mostly because its decoration doesn't match the room. but it does with the other labs--and its name "LAB #3" can be seen. congratulations! the lab awaits you!

or does it? if anyone tries the door, they'll find that it's locked. at least this door has a doorknob, even though it doesn't turn.

but suddenly, the music cuts out and the screens flickering into life. the sneering face of the young man in charge of things looms across the many screens set alongside the office wall. there isn't much to see behind him, unfortunately; just a black, leather-like cushion. clearly, he's not entirely amused by this turn of events.]

So, I see you've all made it. [his lips twitch] I was promised quite the show, but overall, I'd have to give your performance a B-. None of you even died! Now that doesn't make good entertainment, now does it? We came close, though. How fitting two of you nearly died for a second time. And we did have some incidents of people disappearing for a time... No matter!

But oh, I can see from your faces that you just want to go home. "Boo hoo! I want to go home to mommy! I just want to see Insert-Loved-One-Or-Pet-Here again. Boo hoo hoo hoo..." [he pouts, wiping fake tears from his eyes. a split second later, his expression is cold and filled with contempt] I think not. You are far too valuable to be allowed to leave. Besides, an entire galaxy is enamored with you! And--[he lets out a little laugh]--you've all made me a lovely bunch of cash as well.

Now you must be wondering, "My goodness, why is he saying all of this?! Aren't the viewers going to hear and write in nasty comments and boycott the sponsors?" Well, the answer's fairly simple: the cameras don't always have to run. The moment you all entered the room, we ended "the season". Talk about a cliffhanger, eh? Mystery and intrigue, and ohh, you all are so damn fascinating! That trick with the things from your worlds coming here? So, so very surprising and we've had lots of requests to manufacture playsets of them, though I do feel that some won't be as marketable as others. No one would want to buy a stupid blue box, after all, unless you wanted one as a shed. But I have plans for you all.

[he leans forward, a smirk slowly spreading across his lips] Would you like to hear them? Or are you too busy trying to figure out how to open that door? Tell you what. Let's have a little chat--you and me. Who's first? Keep in mind I have a busy schedule, so I'll have to keep this brief. And if I tire of you, well, I have ways of quieting you. I'm not above cutting your air supply! And I can, too, if you keep me waiting. [but really, he's doing it for his own entertainment.]

❧ Plot Details: Something To Talk About **Quick-time Event**

blast

all four objectives

Getting through the maze and reaching the upper level, and finding Lab #3.
Finding Audrey.
Finding information on the man in charge, aka the CEO, aka Filippo Resarci.
And last, finding Proctor.

this

look familiar to anyone

~~all~~

~~that I completely forgot to put in in the last post and kept forgetting to do like the genius I am~~

officially

Status of the Key:
FOUND!

❧ Life's An Adventure

2011-09-11T03:37:23Z

[surprisingly, a private text message is sent not to the device Nathan left behind but to all of the residents' CATs. it reads:]

Get to the nearest door and wait. When the alarm sounds, immediately go through the door and await the next signal.

[surely such a text is confusing, but the sender hopes those words are heeded. ten minutes after it's sent, all vidscreens in the town begin to flash red, and a wailing siren breaks the din. the only word that flashes on screen is:]

EVACUATE

[similarly, back in the spacestation, red flashing lights drop down from the ceiling and a constant, beeping alarm begins to ring. over this, a pleasant and feminine automated voice says:]

Please find the nearest exit and evacuate the station via escape pod. A distress signal has been sent to the closest galactic space authority. Those with small children are asked to--[but this message is interrupted with another]

Life support systems in sectors A through L are at 80%--65%--50%. Life support failure in sectors A through L is imminent. Warning, please evacuate sectors A through L immediately. Warning...

[the automated voice continues with warnings about those sectors--but oddly enough, nothing is wrong in the spacestation itself. no one is evacuating, and in fact, no one can be seen fleeing from the town. the only people who should be in the station are the residents, if they all heeded the text message's warning and went through their respective doors at the right time. all doors brought everyone back to the observation deck, near the first hallway that used to lead to the Mayor's house.

suddenly, Nathan's device begins to chime and an audio message from him begins to play. (oddly enough, the automated voice's warning messages soften, like the volume's been turned down.]

Oh good, you made it out safe! I didn't think that person would...[he trails off] Anyway! I've had a bit of help and I think I can finally get you out of there. I'm sorry though, but I can't get you back into town. I had to shut off life support there to distract those in charge, but I also managed to open up access to the lower level. I can't find the staircases, but the elevator should be working now, so you'll have to use that. This is your chance, everyone! Find the one responsible for this mess and find Lab #3. Contact me if you need me.

[the audio transmission ends. a moment later, there's a soft "ding" as the elevator set behind the Maintenance door in the nearby hallway opens, ready for occupants to board it.

shame it won't be a simple elevator ride.]

❧ Plot Details: Life's An Adventure **Quick-time Event**

text adventure

here

please

this

Objectives!

Objective #1 = Completed!
Objective #2 = Completed!
Objective #3 = Completed! (Also here and here.)
Objective #4 = Completed!

θ-8

2011-09-06T20:45:13Z

[after hours and hours of searching for Lab #3 and Audrey, the Doctor has still had no luck whatsoever. and it's getting a bit tiresome. as are the waking, living and breathing dreams that seem to be following him in his trek through room after room, after room. for someone who is accustomed to strange events and spatial anomalies of all kinds, the Doctor has grown quite annoyed with it. as well as with the memories he keeps running into. at first, he was torn between guilt and surprise to see his old friends, but...in the end, they've just made his hearts ache that much more. he's almost grateful for the spatial anomaly since he can keep running away from them and know they can't follow.

except for one, which isn't surprising considering who it is.

by now, he's reached Lab #1 and...well, frankly he's tired of running. also, he doesn't notice his CAT has been switched on. the Doctor is currently pacing back and forth, and every now and then, the concerned yet serious face of a ginger-haired woman a hand propped on her hip can be seen.]

Enough! Enough! You can't be here right now. I know you're not here and even if you were, you wouldn't be staring at me and not saying a single thing. [runs a hand through his hair in frustration] It's very disquieting, you know that? Well, you being quiet and not interrupting me once, I mean, even though I've called you a fake, a fraud and a figment of my possibly questionably somewhat sane imagination, but really, you keep coming and going! Currently, you're stuck in the former since you keep on following me no matter where I go and it's so damn typical of you, isn't it?

[she starts walking towards him, her expression unchanging, and despite himself, he starts moving backwards to keep away from her]

And I know this isn't you. [points at her] The Donna I knew is gone and has been gone for a long time now. [his hand falls to his side] And as much as I want for her to be here now--for all of them to be here--it can't ever be. Not any more. It's not safe to be with me. Even though you're not real, you should go before anything happens to--

[his back bumps against the door leading into the oxygen farm section of the lab and he hits a button for the door to open. the moment he steps inside and takes a short breath in, however, the dream version of his friend simply vanishes mid-step]

--you. [his eyes open wide and he darts back into the main lab]

Donna? [he waves a hand where she was. he starts to look around frantically now.] Donna!

Fourth Nail - Dream [Video]

2011-09-06T01:22:49Z

[We interrupt your normal day in Luministi for this accidental broadcast of Ichijou's dreams coming true. The locale is an impeccably clean room decorated with brilliant shades of golds, reds, and purples - his favorites. Of particular note, and probably the reason for the CAT broadcasting all of a sudden, is what Ichijou himself is doing, namely, tightly hugging a big guy in a suit while crying loudly.]

Murakami!! I knew it...! I knew you'd come for me!

But sir, I-

After that day I thought I'd never see you again. [He buries his face into the other man's chest, giving off muffled sobs. His companion reluctantly wraps an arm around his back and starts rubbing it in wide circular motions.] I've missed you so much, Murakami...

Boss, could you take off the pin that's on your jacket? It's grinding into me.

Pin? Ah...

[Ichijou pulls away and checks the CAT, noticing that it's been turned on. He wipes his face with his sleeve and addresses his audience.]

Everyone, I would like to introduce you to my dear friend and loyal guard, Murakami. He can be a little reckless and violent at times, but I can assure you that none of you have anything to worry about.

[With a sinister smile:] Except you, Mister Rider.

[audio]

2011-09-01T06:00:27Z

There's been another message. I'd like to play it for everyone, but- it seems like the doors are a bit of a maze now. If you think you can come over to my house, that'll work well, but otherwise let me know and I'll try to send it through.

❧ Everybody's Looking For Something

2011-08-31T06:59:27Z

[Nathan's device has been busy lately, and today is of no exception. it turns itself on and displays a text message on the screen that reads: URGENT! Get to a private location in the next five minutes and be ready to broadcast this message to everyone on a private channel! I repeat, this is URGENT! and the very second the five minutes end, an audio message begins to play. Nathan's voice is slightly staticky and he sounds very rushed]

Someone knows I've been in the system trying to return things to how they were there, but they haven't caught me yet. Hah! Bastard thinks he can cut me off, huh? Well! I don't think he'll like that I've just managed to open up the entire upper level and locked him out at the same time!

[he lets out a loud sigh of relief] I don't know how long it'll last, but take the time now to get moving! I sent along a little something in two parts--er, not my fault, exactly but it should still work--that should help you keep your heads. I cannot stress enough how important that is! You have to fight off the--

[but it's right then that the transmission is interrupted and cut. things suddenly change all over the spacestation and in town. how long will it be before anyone notices?]

❧ Plot Supplement Details: Everybody's Looking For Something

last Activity Check

voicemail

◌ 025 ◌ Did you ever see the one where...

2011-08-29T06:06:36Z

[The video starts up with Fuu sitting on a shady bench in the park. She twirls a mechanical pencil idly in one hand and looks up at the sky with a slightly bored look on her face. She then looks down into the CAT.]

Please pardon me, but I've become a bit nostalgic and thought I might ask a question.

Does anyone else rather miss television? I suppose some of you don't have it... If you are curious perhaps you could come visit with me and I will tell you about it. And if you did have it, would you like to come and chat with me about it? I'd love to hear about programs on other planets!

[Fuu being Fuu, this is just her way of saying she wants to talk some ideas out with people~ (for all that she honestly is curious about television on alien worlds!) But the certainty that they are being observed makes her wary. >.>]

♜ 3

2011-08-25T23:26:43Z

[on his way back to the spacestation, the big windmill slowly churning just behind the mansion, something lying on the ground catches Washington's attention. normally, he would have ignored such a thing--after all, paper hadn't been used in the production of newspapers and the like for centuries back where and when he's from--if it weren't for a single word printed in bold lettering.]

"UNSC"? What is--[he falls silent when the paper unfolds as he picks it up, revealing the full headline.]...oh.

[many thoughts swim through his head as he reads the front article, and then again, disbelieving what he's read. the more he reads of it, the less happy he becomes for several reasons. most of all, he wants to know how anyone could possibly know.]

[after tucking the questionable newspaper under his arm, Wash switches on his CAT]

Could someone meet me outside the Mayor's home? I need...[trails off for a second, considering his words]...something verified.

[and on that slightly ominous note, he shuts his CAT off]

[Audio]

2011-08-24T06:19:27Z

[Mu sounds something less than at-ease when he turns on the feed.]

I'd like everyone to stop by my home sometime this afternoon. I've received a message from one of our....benefactors, and I feel it's important enough that everyone should see it.

❧ Dreams Don't Turn to Dust

2011-08-23T23:15:44Z

[the device Nathan left behind finally turns on with a text message on the screen that reads: "Please make sure you're in a quiet, private area in the next five minutes and be prepared to broadcast this message to your friends on a private channel." once the five minutes pass, an audio message begins, Nathan's voice clear and far less strained than it was previously.]

Thanks to your preliminary investigations I've been able to crack into some of the laboratory's systems and should...[he sounds distracted]...be able to have them open in a moment now that I'm fully connected. Now just...know that I'm not entirely sure what doors I'm opening. I'm working with an outdated schematic and even with knowing there's some funny business going on with the--[there's a faint sound of a key being hit and he lets out a victorious little "hah!"] There we go! I'm hoping these will open up some of the labs--at least in theory anyway. I can't see what I've unlocked, but I don't think I've been lucky enough to hit upon Lab #3. No one is that--

[he stops speaking suddenly, and a split-second later, the flurry of keys can be heard. after a moment, he finally starts to speak again, the typing of keys continuing] I--I don't believe it, but--why doesn't she respond?! What's--okay, I'm patching this through. Whoever has this, press record to save this video on the device, all right? Going in three--two--one--

[once he's done counting down, the device lights up with a somewhat grainy video of a now familiar minimalist room with expensive furniture. only this time, there's only one occupant in the room moving about somewhat aimlessly. he's talking on what appears to be a small headset resting in his ear and from his voice, he should be recognizable as the young man Proctor has argued with in the past]

--es sir, we're starting in just a few minutes. [he sits in a chair facing the multitude of screens on the wall, then stands, swivelling his chair a bit before he sits again and stretches, propping his feet up on the empty one next to his. he seems quite pleased with this arrangement] Oh, that? No, no, no...I have something far more interesting planned. Call it...a stroke of genius. They're going to love this far more than the other stunt we had planned.

[his tone shifts slightly; it's less cocky and more on the casually sinister side] After all, once they figured out how to turn the life supports back on, then they'd know what to do every time after that--and besides, they'd die relatively around the same time, and we can't afford that break in the programming. Oh sure, it'd cause a certain amount of distress and sorrow amongst those still alive to see their friends die, but it'd be short-lived! [he gestures with one hand absently] These days, the people want to see the suffering and the struggle and the bickering--and get their money's worth while they're at it, so it's got to be one hell of a show each and every time. People live for that type of real-life painful drama, the sick bastards. So I'm going to give them what they want--and I think you'll be more than pleased.

[he nods, pausing for a second to listen to someone else on the other line] No, I don't need his approval. That's always been more of a...formality. He likes to think he's in control of such things. [another pause and sets a data pad on the arm of his chair, a smirk on his lips] No. Not anymore.

[the video ends just as the young man taps something into a data pad. the screen of the device goes black and Nathan doesn't come back on]

❧ Plot Details: Dreams Don't Turn to Dust

will

this heads-up

Places he opened up:

Lab #1. This is the a multi-purpose room meant for the study of various plants in space as they grow multitudes of produce for consumption (partially by the lab inhabitants but mainly for the town--hence all the fresh produce!)and is also a vast oxygen farm (though this is only a small part of it in the picture).
Lab #2. This is your standard futuristic chemistry (extremely, in this case) lab, which houses countless different instruments and chemicals (though the chemicals are wisely stored in ways that they are completely safe and won't react in a bad way if the station was hit by any meteors, asteroids, etc). Oddly, some of these chemicals are meant for the use in preservatives.
Lab #4. Essentially, this is a computer lab. But there are several computer terminals where the screens appear in front of you within that particular terminal. (Ignore the watermark >.>. Also, this was developed because a good deal of the scientists working in the lab liked to pace while they thought, so the screens will move with you as you walk in that area.) Unfortunately, the computers systems are down. Might have to do with rooms being shuffled around and such in the spacestation.
Various rooms in the first hallway. In the hallway leading from the Mayor's house to the observation deck, all the rooms there have opened, and...they're all pretty plain. There are a number of different conference rooms in various states of messiness (mainly with discarded camera equipment and stuff, chairs and tables shoved to the side, etc), the the room where Proctor met Caligin and the others before Nathan rescued them--aka, the break room. A couple games are in here, like the 20th century version of a hockey table and a foosball table, though these seem to be recent additions since they weren't in the video. Also, there is still a very faint red-brown tint on the ground thanks Iussus' wound. Also, there are a couple lavatories, and one door....well. This one door is special. It's labeled "Maintenance", but upon opening it, it reveals the double doors of an elevator--and the doors open with a pleasant ping. Go in it and you'll there aren't too many levels--though to be fair, the levels are HUGE and tall. There are four levels. The main floor (which is the current one), a sub-level and a maintenance level below that, and a second floor above the main. The elevator doesn't work, unfortunately, for a similar reason the computers in Lab #4 won't hook up to any of their information centers.

anything

[lets suspense build]

✧ 04 ✧

2011-08-20T09:09:35Z

[In the park is what must be another piece of someone's home - at least, to Jamie's thinking. He's managed to stumble across what appears to be part of some strange room. A large, hexagonal console sits in the middle of a small clearing, partially hidden by some trees. There's a white wall behind it, covered in roundels, and a coat rack standing off to one side, although it appears to be rather coat free at the moment.

The console itself has a lot of wee knobs and switches and some sort of panels on it - at least, from what he can see - and a cylindrical column in the center of the thing looks almost as if it could move up and down if it wanted. He stares at it for a moment before flipping on the CAT.]

Hey, I think I found one of those bits from someone's world. Does anyone know whose it is?

[Something about that console draws him closer, however, and he winds up walking over and reaching out a curious finger to poke at one of those switches. He mutters to himself, not realizing the CAT is picking that up too.]

And why does it look so familiar?

Day 14 | ~ Dearly Beloved ~

2011-08-15T15:17:01Z

[When the video feed turns on, it shows Xion standing in a room that is nondescript and white. There are no decorations, nothing displaying personality, and there isn't a single person who would think that it's a girl's bedroom. It'd be easy to assume that she's somewhere in the space station, not in her town home, if Luministi itself wasn't directly visible.

The CAT must be sitting on a table, because Xion can be seen in front of a window with her back to the camera. After a moment, she speaks, still not showing her face.]

It's weird... Isn't it? Pieces of our worlds are starting to show up in town... And here I thought once we destroyed those two objects, we'd be going home. [But... Where would she go? She tries not to think about it.

Xion shakes her head, then turns to look at her CAT.] Lately, I've been wondering... What's waiting for everyone back home? What are you wanting to go back to? More importantly... Who are you wanting to go back to? [Because everyone's got somebody, Xion thinks. How can they not?] I realized, not too long ago, that even though I have so many friends here that are so important to me... I don't know much about them. Not really. So... I want to know.

[Well. In the meantime...] I want to search for Lab #3. The sooner we find it, the better. I think that, since there are doors from the space station to our houses, maybe somewhere in town there's a door that secretly leads to that place. Maybe in the mansion, since we haven't really had a chance to explore it yet. Does anyone wanna look with me?

❥ 001

2011-08-15T03:02:13Z

[There's a slightly green boy squatting just at the edge of the lake, giving it a very suspicious look. He warily dips a hand in the water before scooping up a bit to examine. Not seeing anything immediately wrong, he takes a few more handfuls and splashes himself with them, not paying much attention to the fact that he's still fully dressed.] Where am I? This is too big to be the pond...

((OoC: Not going to type out the lisp, but he does have one, just to mention.))

Ӿ 05 Ӿ

2011-08-14T04:39:22Z

[There is a new location in the forest. Just barely visible from the path is what looks like four curving, metallic pillars that join at one focal point, with a beautiful, extravagant bell hanging there. Of course, if you happen to be curious and move closer, you'll see that it's actually some sort of open-air shrine. It's circular, and the floor is made of a strange mixture of stone and metal. In the center, atop a short ring of steps, stands a large statue of two singing women and a... poofycreaturething floating between them.

You'd also happen to see Croix, standing before the statue, expression completely unreadable.

Well. Such a serious person obviously needs to be bothered, right~?]

❧ Wind of Change

2011-08-11T07:51:03Z

[things around town and within the open areas of the spacestation have been quiet lately. very quiet. the townspeople continue to go about their routines and most sites of past destruction have all been repaired to how they were before the destructive forces of the residents got their hands on them. all except for the stone and Neptune sundials. some effort has been made to repair them, but like Humpty after his terrible fall, they can't be put back together again, not completely. Neptune is bent, warped, and missing pieces like his fingers and trident whereas the reconstructed stone sundial in the park looks like a child's feeble attempt to put together a broken vase. (the spacestation hasn't been touched, however, so all wrappers and stuff remain how it they have been left unless one of the residents has taken it upon themselves to clean.)

eventually, the somewhat idyllic peace is broken--at least for those in the spacestation--by an automated voice with a somewhat friendly tone. many will recognize this voice sounding almost exactly like Verita. unfortunately, those inside the town will not hear this announcement:]

Greetings and thank you for visiting the site of the Luminsiti Research Labs! Every day at Luministi, we strive to find the best solution and method so anyone struck with the grief and pain of losing a loved one may finally find some peace. Many advances have been made in recent years thanks to donations and funding from people like you. Currently, we are in the process of researching a live test, and once we have gathered enough data, we will release our--hopefully!--successful findings to you and eventually the public. Please wait here in the observation deck for the next available lab assistant for your free tour of our facilities.

[and as soon as the automated message ends, the young man from this video appears suddenly right where Lab #3 should be. there is nothing wholly special about his appearance; aside from the fact that he just appeared out of thin air, he looks like a regular young man with brown hair in his very early twenties, except his dark eyes... something about them seems off. that's not the only thing, though. a pained look immediately crosses his features, his hand shooting out to brace himself against the wall. his body flickers for a second, going translucent before it solidifies again]

No...! Damnit, I should've known... [his fist clenches] They shouldn't still be here.

[he closes his eyes, falling silent. his brow furrows, jaw clenching after a moment, then he turns suddenly to face anyone who happens to be there. as he starts to talk, his voice strained and struggling to remain calm, his free hand fumbles for something in his pocket] Hey, it's taking a great deal of effort to even be here right now, but you gotta listen to me. You can call me Nathan. I'm a friend of Audrey's. You were supposed to be home by now and I can take a couple guesses why you aren't. Everything in this place has been changed around. It must have happened after she helped you guys out. Unfortunately, someone's sudden fascination with feng shui and kidnapping my friends has made my job of getting you all outta here even more difficult than it already was.

[a small beeping noise sounds from the device he now holds in his hand. it looks similar to a CAT, and every scan and inspection will say that it is a CAT, but it's something more. he glances down at it, muttering a soft, "...Shit," under his breath] Always running out of time in this damn place... I'm going to do what I can to open up this place up, but I can't visit for long. You've got to understand that I cannot be found here. If I am--[he closes his mouth, waving an impatient hand as he flickers again]--just trust me, I can't be! When I've caught him, I'll explain everything, but for now my priority is getting you home, not telling you stories. In the meantime, you have to continue on as you have so far. Play along with what the this place throws you and above all, you need to stay calm and safe. It's very important that none of you allow your emotions to get the better of you.

[he closes his eyes for a second again and finally, slowly, pushes away from the wall and fights to keep himself from wobbling] I'm going to leave this here. Don't worry; it can't be traced. But don't hold onto it for too long. Keep passing it amongst yourselves and keep it hidden. Just because it can't be traced doesn't mean they can't see it once it leaves this precise location. You'll need it so I can pass you information and...other things when I can't be here, so you can't just leave it in this spot. I absolutely need this in someone's possession at all times.

[he drops to his knees suddenly, but plays it off as something he meant to do as he purposefully sets the device on the ground.] But please, since I can only do so much, I need everyone to search for Audrey and Lab #3 for me. Though I fear the worst... [he starts to flicker again, and he lets out a sigh as he fully disappears this time.]

[just as he does, the locked and bloodied door at the very end of the observation deck clicks and slowly slides open.]

❧ Plot Details: Wind of Change

voicemail feature

was

here

03 [Video]

2011-08-06T11:22:52Z

[The video shows Hawk in the kitchen of the townhouse he's in, a variety of vegetables set out, some paper packages of ham and salami next to them on the bench.]

Ah… everything seems a bit quiet lately, doesn't it? We could probably use some kind of get together. Fuu, Xion, would you be up for working out how to make pizzas?

Third Nail - Lull [Video]

2011-08-05T11:09:09Z

[Ichijou seems to be enjoying the relative peace right now, as he can currently be seen over the network relaxing in his townhome, contentedly filing his nails. Unfortunately this means that everything he says is accompanied by the annoying background noise of his fingernails scratching against a little metal file. Nearby on a table (but not too nearby, so as not to risk getting nail filings on it) sits a small plate holding a partially eaten piece of cake with a roughly half-full cup of coffee next to that.]

So, did everyone accomplish what they wanted? Since I'm not blind I noticed that several of you seem to have succeeded in wrecking some structures around town, but aside from various girls apparently going missing I haven't heard much news - hardly even a whisper, actually. Most of the town seems to be in a rather sour mood all of a sudden, which I suppose could have to do with most of their landmarks being destroyed by a bunch of rambunctious outsiders.

[The filing ceases for a moment as he lets out a tiny nervous laugh, but as the obnoxious scraping sound picks up again he seems genuinely calm - apparently doing nails is pretty therapeutic.]

If I remember correctly, the purpose of that little errand was to gain access to the Mayor's residence. I would have checked on my own, but after the incident with the curtain...

-Ah! That reminds me, I had been so upset afterward that I completely neglected to thank those who had been with me at the time. While the outcome seemed to be unavoidable, I have to at least express my gratitude for your patience and-- presumably --for taking care of me when I fainted. I must also apologize for any inconvenience I may have caused.

✩★ [01: audio]

2011-07-29T18:26:38Z

[The CAT clicks on--for a moment, there is the sound of rustling, and then a distinct click of something being set down.]

So this thing is used to broadcast to other people? ...huh. Could be useful.

[The voice is young, but when Riku addresses the CAT properly, there's no shortage of self-assuredness there.]

So this place is called Luministi, right? What sort of a place is it? And why am I here, anyways? If this is Maleficent's idea of a joke...

Anybody out there?

...Better yet, has anybody out there heard of a girl named Kairi? I've been looking for her.

❧ A New Frontier

2011-07-25T05:21:19Z

[the moment both the Neptune sundial and the stone sundial are destroyed, many things happen at once. the townspeople suddenly stop partying and depart for their homes/places of business while all the decorations from the festival suddenly disappear. another thing that disappears is the shield preventing people from heading up to the Mayor's house. it reappears in the exact condition it was in before. the roadway up to it is nice and clear, as are the rest of the rooms in the house. nothing has changed since the last time people were allowed in, except this time, everyone can proceed directly to the room where they previously had their confrontation with Caligin. from there, they only need to proceed through the only other door in the room, leading out into a hallway that will be familiar to those from last season, as well as to those who've seen the video the left curtain crew found. sadly, the doors are all locked and will not open under any means no matter how hard anyone tries.

however, keep going down the hall, and it will open up to a vast observation deck, with monitors on one wall, and the ghost of a logo (which faintly reads "Luministi Research Labs") on the opposite wall. through the vast glass windows, everyone can see the beautiful stars of the Large Magellanic Cloud beyond. the monitors show different areas of town--and if anyone has a keen eye, they'll notice they're connected to the cameras put up all around town. continue around to the left of the observation deck and you'll find doors leading to Lab #1, Lab #2, and Lab #4, but where Lab #3 should be, there is no door; just a gap as though Labs #2 and 4 have big rooms. look closely and someone just might find a trace of the blood that had been spilt there...

but the spacestation, for the most part, is empty. here and there, there are spare parts and broken bits of cameras identical to the ones in town, as well as tools to fix and repair them and other cables and cords in many coiled piles. there are even discarded food wrappers for preserved foods that definitely aren't found in town with expiration dates that say "12/546 SSC" lying scattered around temporary card tables and disposable plates and paper napkins.

seems someone vacated in a hurry... but as the residents will soon discover, the town drew in a few more people just before hell broke loose in the town.]

❧ Plot Details: A New Frontier

are

video

The Chrysalis

the note

can

has