[It starts out as an insistent ping sent out to everyone's communication devices. Like a pop-up advert that just won't quit, interrupting and annoying. First accessed, the screen shows nothing but rolling code, streaming too quickly to be read. Then, suddenly, it cuts to a solid blue screen - then green, then yellow, then, lingering for a good five seconds, red.

Another sudden cut, but this time to a still image of a low, internal pond. A staircase follows, then a woman, then a tiger. The last remains still for a moment, then begins to move, the tiger turning its head to look towards the screen, then moves forward, padding closer and closer until the fur of its chest blacks the camera out.

Nothing, for two seconds, and then music begins to play, no accompanying image. Mangled and broken for a moment, but then it slowly comes together, playing through for at least a minute before it fades into silence.

The 'message' ends, with no further explanation, and all device functions return to normal.]

[Around ten minutes later, Josias posts a video onto the network. He looks a little bemused, but pleased - but the most noticeable part, probably, is the cable coming from behind his left ear, running down and off camera.]

Apologies for that interruption earlier. Just running a test - and as is the way with tests, there were a few errors. One of which was accessing the entire network when I meant for it to be contained, apparently. [He looks more amused about it than embarrassed or apologetic, though he's trying to keep it tamped down.] Anyway, nothing malicious or related to disembodied smiles, don't worry.

[He almost looks like he's about to simply tip his head slightly and then cut the feed, but then reconsiders.]

Though I suppose while I'm speaking I should follow the example of the other departments, and mention that Agriculture are always looking for staff. We work in the Oxygen Gardens, maintaining the plants and harvesting the fruit and vegetables. It's an important role, considering the gardens provide us with air to breathe, but also one very easy to pick up, if you feel you have no applicable skills elsewhere. [A smile.] Or if you simply like working with your hands.

Inquire within if interested, so on and so forth.

I have to say, as cavernous as this place is usually, having it even more devoid of people really exacerbates the effect. I'm glad to see you've all returned, or at least started returning, however these things work.

[Adopting a vaguely nonchalant tone to try and cover over the concern he'd started feeling for the absent people and for how alone he'd started feeling, but his brow is still pinched slightly. He glances away from the camera.]

I did my best to care for the animals in the oxygen gardens in everyone's absence, and I believe Dr. Ross was looking after a pack of dogs she found. Clearly whatever trips you went on didn't require animal companionship.

Is it too soon to ask if anyone knows what the hell happened? There was some talk of fog, but I didn't see any of that. [A pause.] Please tell me I didn't miss out on something interesting.

[For anyone familiar with Josias from his few months on the Tranquility already, you might notice some small differences in his appearance. His glasses are missing, again, and his hair is slightly mussed, left to fall over his forehead where previously it had been neatly combed to the sides. Altogether he looks far more casual, comfortable in his skin, leaning back from the device lazily as he starts speaking.]

Apologies for any inconvenience in putting out another request on this network, but I honestly wouldn't know where to start in a private capacity. Two things, and I'll try to be brief.

First off, I've been having some compatibility issues with the technology here that I'd like to resolve. Someone familiar with neuro-implants would be preferable, but I know that's likely asking too much, and I believe I know enough to cover that side of things anyway. I definitely don't know anywhere near enough about this tech to make any tries on my own. It'll be hardware and software, before anyone asks. I'll save the rest of the details for anyone whose interest is piqued enough by that.

Secondly, I'm assuming we have some chemists amongst our number? I'm hoping there's some way to create some sort of lightening agent - peroxide, I think that's the most common - from what we have here. [A pause, considering.] Unless someone has some already. I'd be happy either way.

In exchange I'm afraid I have little material goods to trade - unless a couple of suit jackets would be of use to anyone. [He looks off camera at the jackets in question, reaching over to smooth the arm of one out from where it had fallen folded over.] Two ties, as well, though I'd like to keep those. [He looks back to the camera, saying the next with the certainty and seriousness of someone who's said it before:] I'm offering my services instead. Negotiable to individuals and their preferences, of course.

[An easy smile.]

That's all. Thank you.

[Josias looks quite different to his first appearance. Paler, without his glasses, and there's blood smeared on his cheek. His speech is less stuttering and hesitant, but slower, as if sleepy.]

I appear to be in need of medical assistance. [He rubs a hand over his face, a little more blood left smeared on his forehead.] If someone could help me to the medbay, I'd appreciate it. My room is zero zero six, zero zero three. I've opened the door.

[[ooc: bones will be carting him to the medbay, but he'll be responding to others!]]

[The video clicks on to reveal a rather nervous looking young man, standing awkwardly and holding the camera at arm's length from himself. He coughs, straightens his glasses, adjusts his posture, and yet the suit he's wearing - very well-cut, truly - still manages to look completely ill-fitting on him, and once his attention is elsewhere, his shoulders begin to take on a slump again.]

I apologise greatly for interrupting the session, but I'm afraid I didn't accept any invitation to this game. That is-- what I mean is-- assuming I was sent one. [He looks suddenly quite alarmed at the prospect that he wasn't invited, speaking the next far too quickly.] If I stumbled in then I can only apologise further and hope to remove myself before I cause any more inconvenience.

[A beat, flustered, realising he'd had a slight panic there, trying to compose himself again.]

Only, well. [An attempt at a small smile. It looks uncomfortable on his face.] I apologise but I can't seem to find the exit codes. I'd be very thankful-- grateful, I mean, if someone could point me in the right direction.

[There's a very long pause, wherein he continues looking at the camera, as if he expects something to happen. Eventually he seems to suddenly realise it's not turning off, and gives another rather nervous cough.]

Yes, that's-- that's all. Thank you.

[And he presses the off button this time.]