So, um. This is weird.

[Deep thoughts. And things everyone most likely knows by now. That's not why she's here, broadcasting herself to the city, but she can't quite keep it from leaving the tip of her tongue.]

I'm Bliss. I'm from Texas. I'm a senior in High School, I do beauty pageants for my mom, I do Roller Derby behind her back - there's this guy I really like, and I'm pretty sure he likes me too - boring, right? I'm really, really boring. I hear about wars on the news, and I see the soldiers around when they're on leave, but... I really think I was the wrong choice here.

[She glances down at her hands, running the pad of her thumb over the opposite thumbnail. This is coming out all wrong.]

Not like I don't wanna help. I do. Apparently I'm also really strong here, so there's probably something I can do. I'm just a bit - [Scared.] - lost, I guess. Other than helping with all the flood damage, I dunno where to start? I guess that's what I'm trying to say. But meeting people's as good a start as any, so - hi.

[With a nervous, fluttery laugh, she leaves her broadcast at that. Not a great first impression, but not a disaster either.]

[ The Doctor's taking a day off, so he's at home when he makes this video. More exactly, in the workshop of Thor 103, so there's a great deal of clutter behind him but if people pay attention they might make out that most of it seem to be toys, both complete and not.

He hardly ever takes full days off, but today he has a mission, and it's very important. Also very awesome, if you ask him, so he smiles at the camera and waves enthusiastically. ]

Hello, Travellers!

I've been making things. More specifically, I've been making toys. More toys than Alice and Clem can use, and they're sort of starting to pile up. So I figured I'd give some away. I was thinking I'd make a stall for it on the street, but I'll let you lot get first dibs because I love you so much.

[ He winks, and fiddles with the screen so he can turn it in another direction. There's a train track on the floor, along with a toy train chugging along. Beside the train tracks are loads of cars, planes, helicopters and animals, some made of wood and some metal or plastic. There's also a few Frisbees, blocks with carvings of letters or numbers or symbols to build with and, speaking of building, he has plenty of buildings and vehicles that are half built, with the pieces to finish. Do it yourself, and all that.

Then the screen comes back to him, and he holds out a rat made from fabric. ]

Also some things that could double as pet toys.

And that's not all of it either. So! Come on by and have a look. Thor 103. I'm here all day.

[ He reaches to turn it off, but stops. ]

Oh, and I can take requests! And I also repair toys, as long as they're not ruined beyond recognition, or possibly even in that case. I don't know. Never tried it, actually. I'd be willing to give it a go.

Or you could always just come by for tea and biscuits and company. I don't mind either way.

[ And finally he turns the recording off. ]

[Sam hasn't posted on the network in awhile -- a month and a half, to be precise -- mostly because he's been busy. He's moved, he's working a lot, he's been dealing with his own... particular brand of issues.

But Asgard is having difficulty. Odin is in a coma and while Sam might hate the annoying pretentious prick, that's most definitely not a good sign. And while before Sam couldn't rationalize in his head that the end of this world meant the end of others -- now, it's a possibility, something he can't ignore.

He wants to stay here. He wants to stay, badly.

To do that, Sam needs to reach out and touch base on his resources.]

Hi, Asgard.

[He makes this speech too often, but it's gotten him a lot of good friends out of the deal. Information is pretty priceless, after all.]

I'm Sam Winchester. Some of you might've been given my guide to the gods upon arrival, so -- if you have any questions concerning this world, the powers you've been given, or what's happened here so far, you can ask me.

[He pauses.]

I usually don't ask for things in return, but -- how are the state of your worlds, at home, before you came here? Good, bad? Spectacularly awful? On the brink of collapse or the height of prosperity? I'm just... wondering.

[Another pause.]

-- thanks.

( [Filtered to list Kate Beckett, Jo Harvelle, Dean Winchester, Castiel, Buffy Summers, Merlin, and Morgana Pendragon // Private // Unhackable] )

( [Filtered to Thor // Private // Unhackable] )

[Of course the thing that came from their world is the first monsters he ever encountered. Of. Course. A curly haired teenage boy with a put out look on his face and a wrench in hand waves on the screen.]

Normally I'd do some long talk about hey, I'm so and so and this is what I have to say. I'll make this quick because I'm a bit. [He angles his bracelet to the storm spirits outside the window racing down the street. One can catch a glimpse of the specialized web of wooden plates he's putting together as fast as he can.]

Busy. We're going to have to improvise because we don't have the right metal to make weapons to take the storm spirits out. [He fits rings into place and locks more wooden plates into his contraption. It's not going to hold wind spirits for long but it's better than nothing.] There's probably a variety of ways to slow them down.

Anything conductive is not going to be the best idea. Unless you like feeling like you're in a microwave.

[He picks up the edge of his trap and shakes it.] Uh, anyway. They might look like people and you think you can reason with them. Dude, don't waste your breath and steer clear of the horse shaped ones.

But, lot of you are going to fight them so. Stick to wood and anything that won't conduct well and don't, don't let them touch you.

Gotta go, but if you got questions there's at least two of us who can answer on here. Post away!

[The Tony that greets the network with a sly smirk, one that doesn't quite reach his eyes, isn't the same man that left Asgard a few days ago. Noticeably, he has a hair cut and a few new bruises.. He's also dressed in a way that is not suspicious at all.]

So did anyone actually explain to the gods that it's very rude to send someone home just so they could watch their mansion get blown up? Oh, and don't forget the terrorist who kidnapped my girlfriend. It's just not kosher. You could at least warn a guy. I've got a heart condition, you know.

I'm assuming that these trips back to our worlds are a common occurrence then?

[At least he knows for certain that he didn't actually die in that wormhole. But it isn't as comforting of an idea as Tony originally thought it would be.]

I'm also assuming I haven't missed much. At least it looks like you guys didn't trash the place again--you can't honestly expect me to believe it was an earthquake last time.

OOC: Thanks for the patience while I took care of family things! I'll be replying to these ASAP.

[She's standing outside the Welcome Hall to Freyr and it looks like she's shaking a little. Her arms are wrapped around herself but she doesn't look as bad as the last time she came back.]

Easier to find your feet the second time 'round. The world's still too harsh but it doesn't burn.

[ Contary to popular belief, not all of her reminders are sudsy faux pas at raising morale by glossing over the near-imminent end of days with errant chore routines and rehearsed domesticity for the sake of her team, but swapping one apocalypse for another version of the Armageddeon was enough to induce internal hemorrhaging on both accounts (granted, if a certain Assassin hadn't already beat them to the punch). Ascended Fridge Horror was an eternal trope in her line of business.

But Stillman remains composed in her attempt to infuse some vestige of credibility into her message. Professionalism didn't cut slack for even post-mortem workaholics. ]

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Lucy. I'm a ... researcher. In light of everything that's occurred recently, I believe it's high time that I become acquainted with you all, if only to extend my support in our shared endeavors. I'll do what I can to help.

That being said: would anyone like self-defense lessons? I realize it's not that much to offer, but if anyone needs a sparring partner, I'm capable of handling firearms, blades, blunt weapons, and hand-to-hand combat. I wouldn't be against polishing my technique with your assistance, either. Payment isn't necessary, but I do have a preference for fixed appointments. Let me know if you're interested and we'll hammer out the rest of the details together. [ There's a nearly pedestrian, lilting pause as she invokes the real intent behind using the network system to contact the general public in the first place. ]

I understand that, for better or worse, we were chosen and forcibly brought to Asgard. But the extenuating reasons behind that decision — whether it's by chance or through ulterior motives — are completely beyond me. I take it some people have had quite a long stay here, and others, like myself, have only recently arrived, but it seems we all share an equal opportunity to leave. The thing is? It isn't on our terms. Only random selection at any given time of day.

I'm open to all possible theories you might have concerning any Traveler's sudden departure, however.

And while I'm at it, is there anyone out there who's returned to Asgard from their original world on more than one occassion? If so, I'd like to ask a few general questions about the experiences in each iteration. Nothing major. [ A beat. ]

Thank you for your time. I genuinely appreciate it.

[When the audio turns on, it catches the tail-end of a yawn, and a muttered, "Oh, goodness!"

Then there's a pause, as if the speaker is sluggishly trying to determine if they should even bother saying anything...but tenacity wins out in the end.]

So I know it's awfully late, and I should be asleep. I would like to be asleep, honestly! But I've been busy all day, and wouldn't you know it, my brain decided to think every thought it could the moment my head touched the pillow! Hoo hoo, there clearly aren't enough hours in the day, are there? But I'm getting a little sidetracked. I wanted to ask something.

Back where I'm from, and not too long ago really, I was very stubborn about believing only what I could see and investigate for myself. I still am, actually, but a bit more willing to give some leeway, and it's something I've been trying to work on while I'm here. But it got me thinking tonight - what sorts of things exist in other places might I find hard to believe? Not just home or Asgard, but in all the everywhere elses'! Or the ones represented here at least.

I guess I'm putting forth a challenge, then? I'd like as many of you as possible to tell me something about your homes that others may think strange! And maybe, if you feel up to it, you can try convincing me in its realness?

 So! I've heard quite the chatter about these bracelets since my arrival here. Seems quite a few people have misplaced them and suffered some rather unfortunate consequences---Though if I'm being honest, I'd have to say it's gone and piqued my interest more than anything, and all the buzz has got me wondering just what it is these bracelets do.

Now, I know that  they allow us to communicate over long distances and such, and that if one loses theirs they lose their personality along with it. Though there are a few things I'm not really clear on. I mean, what would happen if two people were to switch bracelets? Would they both lose personality? Or perhaps they'd switch personalities entirely--imagine what the implications would be!

Now, I'd really like to try it out myself, but before I do: Has such a thing been done in the past? And if not, would anyone be willing to give it a go? It might yield some interesting results.

[You're in luck today, Asgard. The King of Jerkasses is feeling less trollish at the moment and more idly curious.]

Tell me, how many of you come from worlds where what you would call "magic" exists? And are there any treasures or artefacts that are capable of creating miracles that would otherwise be impossible according to the natural laws of your world?

 So I'm curious--how many of you are stuck here without the love of your life?

I'm sure you miss them a lot if you're in that position, so how are you dealing with it?

[He lets out a long, overdramatic sigh.]

...I'm personally going crazy over here! 

[The video feed this time around turns on to a slightly frustrated looking Nine. He's in his house in Heimdall, but there's the sound of two other voices coming from somewhere nearby. Like the other room, maybe?]

Right, so. While they're too busy arguin' over what t'do and what not, figured I'd give a little public service announcement to everyone still stuck here.

[He shifts a bit, fiddling with the positioning of his bracelet, and there's the slightest sound of buzzing from his sonic as he tries to recall the video memory inside of it and... presto! A slightly hazy still-capture from a video he'd sent to himself should be projecting across this strange network of sorts. It's of a building, run down and derelict, falling apart due to natural weathering, animals. But most importantly, it's obvious it's a hospital of some sorts.] Found this just a bit into the wilderness the other day. Some sort'f hospital, by the looks of it. Mostly human in origin, just going by th'general build of't.

[The picture fades, and Nine is back in main focus.]

The other Doctors'n I have been debating most the night, figuring out what t'do with it. Considering how much the Gods like t'meddle and mess with us, don't really figure this is gonna be some easy in and out with two or three people. So, we're plannin' an expedition th'day after next.

Shouldn't be too dangerous, just a few dozen people, split between the three'f us, each explorin' as much as possible. That being said, the three'f us - Doctors Nine, Ten, and Eleven, that'd be me, skinny with ties, and bow-legs'n chin - are gonna split up, lead th'three groups. Not sure which one'll be goin' where, yet, but we're takin' sign-ups for anyone interested.

[Pssst. Choose Nine. He's the sanest.]


[ooc: This is the IC planning post for the Quarantine Event! The expedition will be taking place on April 20th-21st (Day 70), and a mod will be putting up a log for it around that time as well!

The Doctors will each be leading a team, since the three of them can't seem to agree on how to lead a gaggle of explorers as one giant group! So feel free to pick a Doctor, or let the Doctors argue among themselves over who wants your character with them on this grand adventure!]

Ah!

[ and the woman that greets the network smiles. sure, she is pleasant, but ugh, she gave up with the maid a little too soon and walked away. ...partly forgot how the bracelet worked and had to figure it out herself. IT WAS HARD, MAN. technology. ]

Salute. I am new to this holy city, and I have questions I hope can be answered. The serving girl I was greeted by is strange — not very good with answers, either. Does she greet us all? You'd think she would do better at her job, then. [ OFF TRACK. she shakes her head. ] Lo dimentichi. What I want to know is the gods of Asgard. I know one, mine — Freya, but what others rule?

Most importantly, — [ and here, she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. the only finger to bend, though, is her ring finger. depending on your attention detail, you may notice scarring on that very finger, too. ] What do we do for entertainment here?

[ calling all shifty sorts. she needs to make frands with thieves and hookers asap. ]

No. [ It's a rather firm way to begin the feed, but Pepper's voice is pretty calm despite the fact she's just been "released" and has reluctantly walked herself all the way to Freya's Welcome Hall. In heels. All she wants to do is sit down, take them off, and try to figure out what she's going to do because this is definitely not working for her. The image is tilted sideways and giving a rather clear view of her legs and the skirt she's wearing--the bracelet's on and around her wrist. ] No. This is just, it's weird. You don't understand. I need to, there are things I should be doing. I can't be here.

[ She's speaking to one of the natives she's encountered in front of the house, and she's being equally ignored. Not unusual for her, really. She just keeps talking. ]

I'm gone for five minutes, and there's always some...problem I have to deal with. I've been here for, I don't know- [ The view changes when she lifts her arm to check the watch there. Not that it's working, but it's a habit; she'll take what she can get at this point. Her face is visible then: just a little flushed, hair less than perfect from the long walk. ] -half a day? I can't even imagine what he's doing without me at this point. Not that I want to, but—

[ There's a sigh in her voice, obviously frustrated with the lack of information and the strange technology she's been handed. Tony could have it figured out faster than she could, not that she couldn't find her way around a cell phone or her computer, but there's no Tony to be found. It makes Pepper nervous. She crosses her arms, and with the position of her hand, there's a nice rotated view of her chest. ]

Please. I'm asking you. Nicely, in fact. [ She's using her patented "Mr Stark" voice now. ] Who am I supposed to talk to if I want a direct answer? [ A tap of her fingers, and the feed ends there without much care to the fact it had been on in the first place. ]

[Flynn sounds irritated, first and foremost, accent clipping his syllables as he drops them, but there's unease in his voice, if you listen. There's a lot of unease.]

What, really, were cell phones too high tech for the Eventide? Or was that a bit over budget, you know, on top of all the kidnapping and what not? Is this thing even real?

[Tapping can be heard on the gemstone of the bracelet-- Flynn is clearly unimpressed, or at least trying very hard to act like it.]

Really, if this is the best my mind can come up with in my last few seconds, color me unimpressed. I had more faith in myself than this.

[Oh, hey, Asgard. Remember this girl? She may look eeriely similar to the one whose skull blew into a million pieces earlier in the day. Though, thankfully, her head seems to be fully functional and intact this time around.

You really wouldn't think she had any sort of traumatizing, life-threatening experience at all. She appears to just be sitting outside in Odin district, enjoying the late afternoon, perhaps during a rare dry spell, though one couldn't precisely tell which district it was unless asked or they happen to come across her. Once again the bracelet appears to be perched on some sort of surface; maybe a crate or something she dragged over. Rose herself seems to just be sitting on a bench, a body brush in one hand and what appears to be a washcloth in the other.

And why? Simply to care for her beautiful pony, it seems. It's docile enough to stay still as she runs the brush through its coat, particularly over several blotchy, pinkish spots on the otherwise unblemished hide.

After a moment, she turns to the camera. Smiles, like the entirety of Asgard didn't witness her death only that morning.]

I hear soap and cold water are effective measures in reducing the discolorations bloodstains bring. Do any of you think such attempts would prove fruitful on horsehide, or shall I open the forum to other propositions?

Also, suggestions as to where I may shelter this fine equine specimen would be appreciated. As convenient as it is, I don't imagine I can leave her tied to a post outside the Odin house until the remainder of my days within the confines of this city have been spent.

[You should never cage a wild animal, especially not one like Kagura. Patience isn’t something he’s known for. Agitated like trapped wolf, Kagura is less than polite when he turns on the device. His whole posture seems to emanate annoyance and aggression. Shoulders are hunched, tension clearly vibrating through that frame. Teeth are bared. He's gearing up for a battle and he's ready to take down whoever dares to oppose him.]

Izumo!

[The word is growled between gritted teeth as those amber eyes glare at whoever is watching. Messy red hair partially obscures one of his eyes. He’s not happy that much is clear.]

Where’s my wench?

[He raises his chin and sniffs the air and almost instantly a scowl reaches his face.]

All of these smelly wenches!

[He turns to look once again at the screen, seeming even angrier than before.]

Where the hell is she?!

She’s mine! You’d better not touch her!

I will tear through anyone who stands in my way. Even the gods will become my prey!

[Another growl and the feed cuts off abruptly.]