[The video feed is slightly unsteady and held slightly too close to Aidan's face, but occasional glimpses at the edge of the frame suggest he's in one of the media libraries. And also druuuunk.]

Okay, so a few things, TQ. One: [--he holds up a finger--] This place really needs a better night life. One sad space bar? Come on, we're mostly all creative adults. There's probably some music in here. [Which would explain why he's pawing around in a library.] Maybe if we all stopped feeling sorry for ourselves and lightened up a little, the whole seeing messages on walls and space ghosts wouldn't be such a big deal.

I mean weird is normal here. Like people who can read your mind and monsters on the comm. Isn't there a dinosaur or something in the garden? --Or like people come here and then they disappear and it's not even a big deal because apparently they just go back to where they came from or something? That's a good thing, right? [A beat. Awkward. The video feed is hanging at chin level before he realizes and rights it.]

So apparently we should just roll with it and get on with our lives. And two: [--he doesn't hold up a second finger. Pauses for a long couple of seconds.]

No, I guess that's it.

You know what? I really hate playing catchup. You're going along, minding your own business, think you're ready for just about anything--

[ Sheppard shakes his head. There's a dusting of five-o-clock shadow, a nasty nick to his jaw, a patterning of bruises that have had a chance to come up thoroughly over the last few days--but what can you do? If you shoot an already mad as houses elf in the leg, you sort of deserve whatever you get, and Nuada was comparatively gentle with him. Just don't ask him to move too much. ]

Get on with it, Sheppard. Alrighty, what was I saying? Wraith, right; washed out, grey skin, teeth that would make a SoCal dentist hysterical. Went by the name of Todd? Well, I should probably apologise for him. He's sort of-- [ Accurate words. What are those? ] --a pet, you know? He bites other people, growls at strangers, but you just didn't have the heart to put him down when you should have. Okay, maybe that's not exactly what I mean, but anyway. Sorry about that. It won't happen again.

Second thing; much more important. Since it turns out I'm down one technobabbling chatterbox right when I actually need him, I thought I'd do auditions for a replacement. No, not a replacement. I know you're going to listen to this one day, Rodney, and I'm going to get the silent treatment for all of thirty seconds. Not a replacement, then; a stand-in. Anyway, the winner gets to peek behind the curtain. [ He waves his lifeform scanner in the air where the video can see it. ] A basic understanding of sciencey stuff and obscure movie references is at the top of the list. Applicants should also enjoy long walks on the beach. There will be a quiz.

[ moz hasn't shown himself since his arrival; too busy doing other things to pay attention to the network, just like usual. not to mention, he's been pretending the heat means that he's back where he's supposed to be in the first place.

ohhh, the tropics. how he misses thee. ]

'There was nowhere to go but everywhere.' [ his tone is sing-songy, flamboyant, obviously a quotation. ] What he should've said, was everywhere but here. Not that i'm complaining about the heat - it's more like home then anything else around here has proven to be, once again, thus far. Even if it's a tad... cumbersome, it's most definitely manageable. And while i'm not dressed to impress, I certainly have the wardrobe to go with the ambiance.

And really- i'm just putting an all around notice out for all those people complaining about how we're being watched by something we just can't see. You should know that we're always being watched. Nothing's changed, you're just becoming more aware.

But despite all that, I never would've thought that i'd miss an extradition treaty so much. Even if i've seemingly returned to the tropics I so sadly thought i'd left- here I thought my Hawaiian shirts would lose their complete and utter rationality. One can only live vicariously through so many things however, and high temperatures and floral themed shirts can take a man just so far. Some country needs to work on a treaty with this place because for the first time in my life i'd go along with it somewhat happily.

[ SIGH. are you tired of his voice yet. ]

Everyone is supposed to keep on rolling under the stars but, you know, that particular image seems to have lost its appeal as of late.

I knew it.

[ hyde's got his sunglasses on, but even those don't conceal the suspicious squint he's sporting. when he speaks the tone is all excitement, words tumbling out in a rush. his hair still damp, and there’s the faint suggestion of smoke as he gestures. in the background someone’s moving around, though hyde doesn’t turn to watch. a shirt flies past his head and lands on the bed behind him. ]

This is a government experiment, isn't it?I knew it, I knew these existed, and no one ever believed it! I knew NASA was a front, exploration my ass, they're using space just for this mental shit, aren't they? Did you stick a tracking device up my ass when you tattooed me, huh? Huh?

[ there's a pause, the first stirrings of uncertainty, maybe fear. when hyde takes a pause, it’s the first time the person in the background becomes visible, finally fully dressed and tired of hunting for a blowdryer, to see who he happens to be talking to. she leans over his shoulder, eyes widening immediately and a loud gasp following ]

Oh my god, Steven! There’s people in there! [ her nose wrinkles a second later] And they’re so weird looking.

Wait your turn, Jackie! I’m trying to make a point. The future’s full of government stooges, whatever, we’ve got to document it. [ for all his obvious irritation, he doesn’t flinch away when she puts her hand on his shoulder, leans in close to look. ] Hey, who's in charge here? Is this transmitting? Hello? Why even give me this thing if you're not gonna answer me?

[ ooc | the blue font is jackie burkhart! ]

[First thing to note: Sam's got a killer hangover.

Second thing to note: he's still in the library, nursing his hangover with coffee and scanning through the network out of sheer desperation for something to find. Anything to pass the time, really. It's hours into his work that he finds something that might be familiar. Give him a few hours, a little irritation, and nothing remotely helpful in the remaining library aaaand -- ] 

Alright, so get this. 

There's a quote put up on a secondary sub-network, and I think it's from our friend with the red face.

[He scooches in his seat, looking over the words.]

"Such is the appearance of black birds." Now -- I can't put my exact finger on the chapters, but I remember in one of my Mythology courses, there uh -- it was a passage. From an old Greek text I read through during one of our big finals in my last year of undergrad. [A sound of frustration, some moosey grumbling about an Essay From Hell. Then he snaps his fingers, brow furrowed.] Pausanias. He, he wrote a big long piece detailing his firsthand point of view of Greece, way back when; I remember using it as a cited work for a few written works in classic greek literature.

[huff scoff first world college boy problems.]

Or -- it could not mean anything at all. Maybe if doesn't even have to do with the actual passage. Or maybe Mr. Smiles just likes to post from super ancient literature for kicks with no rhyme or reason. 

I don't know. Anybody got extended knowledge in old Greek literature? I don't exactly have the actual texts around to figure anything out, anyway. Don't know if any of you do, or if it even means anything at all. I can't find anything else besides this, but maybe someone who's better at surfing through the different places around here can do a better job than me dishing out more stuff hiding out.

But then there's more. Something about Scylla turning back?

[He'll just copy/paste the full message from the page.]

SUCH IS THE APPEARANCE OF THE BLACKBIRDS.
SCYLLA TURNED BACK; SHE DARED NOT TRUST HERSELF FAR OUT AT SEA.

And speaking of... this. Who's had firsthand experience with this Red Smiley, anyway? How'd those go? I know it hasn't been all that fun, but any kind of first-hand experience about the guy, I'd love to hear. If it's not too much trouble for you.

[Man, his head is killing him.

......................................................]

Or maybe something a little easier: anybody have any remedies for space hangovers?


((ooc: the first part totally just an ic shout out to the tumblr pages, but see if you can figure it out! characters can ICly figure it out too, if they can figure out all that technical mumbo jumbo and actually find the correct sub-networks and stuff. EDIT: there's more stuff, oops.))

[ Hannibal Lecter's calm blue eyes appear first, incredibly close to the camera, fixed and unblinking, at which point he retreats to a better distance. A smile is almost there, creasing the line of his mouth. ]

Good evening. My name is Doctor Fell, and it has the feel of an evening, don't you agree?

[ He settles down on his chair on the other side of the counter, set up as it is to look like the view of an office, irregardless of the fact that he's recording in one of the kitchens. It's just about possible to see the corner of one of the big freezers in the background. ]

I must come before you today in the wake of such dreadful circumstances as we witnessed several days ago. I hope your injuries are healing well, externally, at least. [ His head inclines, as though in deep thought. ] But in such cases, not all of the harm done is visible. If any one of you would like to discuss your experience - or any other experiences - with a qualified psychiatrist, you need only contact me to schedule a private consultation.

For those who do not, I recommend a solution of ammonia or a paste of baking soda, with which to remove the bloodstains from your clothes.

Finally, I should dearly like to speak to a Murphy Pendleton about his books, and if anyone should happen to know where there might be a ready source of fresh meat, eggs, or milk, I daresay it would guarantee you an invitation to dinner.

[ for optimal viewing pleasure, please see the following and allow to run in the background as you enjoy this recording. though the only thing currently in the feed is an angled shot of the treetops in the gardens, this is not an accidental video. there's rustling in the background, like something's moving fast through the leaves coming closer, and it is moving.

a couple seconds later, myfanwy comes flying overhead, a small black shape on her back. it might not be terribly difficult to discern what it is, but don't worry if you miss it, because the pteranodon makes a screech and a sharp turn, sending the shape tumbling off her back towards the device.

river rolls over the feed when she hits the ground, dressed in her tq crew uniform with the legs cut into shorts, hair tied up in a messy bun and hands covered with fingerless black gloves that hardly fit her at all. sky-diving experts or anyone with military training might notice her roll is perfectly controlled to minimise damage, and when she comes back into view, her eyes are wide with adrenaline but she doesn't seem particularly bothered by her fall. ]

Test five. Flight successful. Notes: need to meet higher altitude, consider construction of a harness; ask permission first. No hard turns.

[ she looks away for a second and blinks. ]

I skinned my knees.

[ oops? that's all she says before cutting off the feed. a second later, she attaches a text message. ]

needed:

• driving goggles ( 1 )
• cowboy hat ( 2 )
• chocolate ( dark pref. )
• colors ( blue unnecessary )
• tour guide

accepting applications for the last. list name, ident, and qualifications below. willing to trade goods and services.

[ namely: simon's services and stolen goods. double oops? river's permission post is, as always, right yonder with all the necessary warnings and what have you! ]

( two idiots walk into a bar -- or not. it's really just danny and han sitting together with a couple bottles of empty beers and a deck of cards between them. it seems kind of depressing, if you think about it.

danny is the first to wave at the camera, an amused smile on his lips. )

Well, this has been interesting, but I thing we need to change things up a bit.

( han looks at the camera and back at Danny, a wry expression on his face. )

We could be playing sabaac, but there isn't much to work with.

( but, han's a gambling man, even as he cuts the cards and deals between the two of them.)

These names are terrible for card suits, by the way.

( funny how danny knows what a sabaac is. fucking star wars comics, man, and fuck han solo for actually existing. )

I don't know, I think they're kind of appropriate. I mean - this is a heart, isn't it?

( he shows one of the cards in his hands - a three of hearts - before throwing it away and replacing it with another from the remaining deck. you would think that he'd try to be quiet about the cards he's been holding, but he doesn't seem too bothered. )

Not enough people if it's just the two of us.

( as if han has a clue. he deals it out, holding up the jack of spades: )

What the hell is a "Jack" supposed to be?

( and he sort of has a point. he throws it in, calling a bluff or something or the other, or maybe han just doesn't know what he's doing. it's hard to tell.)

I'd say we hold a poker night. Then they'd say that they're poker champions and that poker has no place on this ship. Or that poker ruins friendships and that we should be making friendships with cards.

( he might be projecting some bitterness. maybe.)

( danny just blinks at the jack of spades lost in the pile. man, what a waste. )

From what I remember? Someone just went and called it that for no reason. It's supposed to be 'Knave', but they confuse it with the 'King'. I could be wrong, though.

( he shrugs. people are dumb. )

Maybe if you ask nicely, they'll stop by. Maybe they'll even show you what they've got.

( the camera gets a shot of his nice smile from that. is he conning you? he's conning you. though, to be fair, he's more like challenging the audience to prove han wrong and prove him right. )

( don't pull that move on him, he invented that mood. han throws his cards down, face down. )

Oh, please join us for poker night. We'd love to have you. In fact, bring friends, bring beer and bring something we can play you under the table for.

( that was supposed to be sarcasm. but there is one thing that sarcasm cannot hide:)

We're at the bar, come find us. If you bring a Jedi, we'll take your money and then throw you out. If you are Jedi, you're not invited.

( and they're out. )


( OOC: there will be log for this. soon. hold the phone. THERE'S A LOG. )

[ neal takes a long time to prepare for this broadcast, even more than his usual. he's in the devore ( largely relegated to 'look, don't wear' by now ) for extra confidence. the usual fedora is off, though, the better to expose his new scar. there's an almost mocking edge to his charm, an aggressive tilt to his smile because the best way to handle your issues is pretend they're nonexistent.

he takes a moment to fuss with the cuffs before speaking, just to torment certain people ( cambridge ) more. ]

I know the representative from the great state of Montana already made his monthly PSA, but I thought I'd follow his good example for once and add my two cents.

[ his smile drops, eyes finally matching his mouth in full. ]

I wouldn't edge out of civilized territory if you like the idea of leaving the ship ever again, because the best option out in the wilds is agreeing to extend your stay as long as you're wanted. That's the shining light in the distance, and it comes at cost.

[ giving that a bit of a weighted pause, neal raises a hand as if to brush away the truly pretentious bullshit he just laid down and in an instant his smile is back, bright as if it never left. ]

Now that I've done my civic duty, I also wanted to mention I have a still and a reputation for being a deeply superficial person when it comes to my taste in aesthetics.

[ to wit: 'i make good shit'. the warhol shout out's for you, josh. ]

I'm in the market for... just about anything, really. Stories seem to be the currency of the day-- [ sup, madge-- ] So try one of those, if you want. The worst thing I can say is 'try the bar, their alcohol is free'.

[ his smile falters a little at the mention of the bar, but it's quick enough to go unnoticed. ]

I'd slip in a warning about the Kardashian menace, but reliable authorities tell me it's not as funny as I think it is. [ his expression clearly says: and look, i still think it's hilarious. ] But one PSA really is all I have in me, so...

[ with a little half bow he stole off robb stark, he's out. ]



( ooc | for the scar think roughly like peter's in five years gone, albeit more obviously new and raw. )

[Takeshi has had a lot on his mind, lately. Some days, he wants to run to his most precious people and hug them and tell them how much he loves them--some days, he wants to call them names only good little boys call the people who raise them do. But then there are some days where he gets scared: his dad at home loves him, takes care of him, supports him. He says Takeshi is his kid. Takeshi believes him. But now he's in space with these new... he wants to call them parents. They feel like parents--the good kind, he thinks, anyway. He's mostly just used to the kind that let him down. 

Do they like him back? Like a son? Do they even want a son? Is he being bad, having so many people he wants like this? What if--they go away, when he tells them all this? He's scared of being alone again. He doesn't want them to go away. So... he asks Reaper for a favor, and once the message is encrypted good and proper, he asks the community a few things.

Grown ups tend to know things like this, right...?]

[ENCRYPTED // LOCKED FROM HEATHER AND NETHERLANDS (sorry guys)]

I... There's one, two [he counts them off just in case y'all need that visual] people I like a lot on the ship that... I mean, I like everybody, but these two are special! Heder and Mr. Ned--he works in the garden--they take good care of me and give me food and give me baths and they're nice to me, 'cept when I'm doing things that aren't good to do. But that's 'cuz they protect me! They're not my real mom and dad--but should I... if--should I call them that? Will they still like me if I do? I don't want them to think I'm being bad. I want them to keep being like my parents... I wanna call them that...

What if they don't like me no more?

'Cuz before, I didn't have good parents. And then I found my new dad at home--he's the best and strongest!

Will he be mad if I had more than, than--just him as a papa? Will he be mad if I had more? Can I have two dads and a mom, even if I had real parents before?

[This is all just so confusing. He's not sure what to do. He re-counts off on his fingers, adding the other 'parents' in his life, frowning. There's his dead dad and his mom-who-didn't-like-him and her mean boyfriend--but he doesn't count, right? And then there's Kaze and now...]

I think I have too many moms and dads... I think that's okay... I don't know. What do you think? What should I do...?

...

I just don't want them to leave if I say.

I understand that there have been injuries and losses throughout the ship during the last few days. I'll make this brief. Security reports Tyke's injury, but I'd like to hear reports from the other departments: their injured, dead, and with time a list of items stolen or destroyed in the firefight, if it's come to that. Communications was below most of the fighting, so we got off light. Medbay - Jenna - you make it through alright?

Damage has been done to the kitchens on the upper decks. Since there's no specific department that deals with that, and it's likely to remain that way, I'm looking for a group of civilian volunteers to clear them up. It's not a glamorous job, but I'm pretty sure Security is too busy to deal with it. Despite all this, we'll be jumping in a little under two weeks. It's important everyone is accounted for before then.

I want to reassure everyone that Security has all the pirates contained. [ He's not sure about it himself, but he says it with conviction. There's a pause, and finally he opens his mouth to say more. Before he can his expression darkens, and then he settles on something else, something simple, eloquent, and brimming with uncertainty: ] God help them.


[ This is dated yesterday, plot wise. And no, there's not a mention of communication's bungle in here. ]

[ When the feed comes on, Jo's leaning over the counter of a bar. Wichita's bar, Space Babylon, if anyone recognizes it from that alone. ]

Just to send out a heads up, but I'm gonna take over management of the bar for a few weeks. Same hours, same everything, I'll just be your one and only.

[ Have a very proud, 'I suddenly have all the power' kind of smiles. ]

Name's Jo, if you're interested. And before you start asking, no. I don't know where Wichita is. She just told me to take over and I did. [ they have that kind of agreement. ]

Though if anyone's got some free time and would like to hang around and bounce, it would be much appreciated. As much as I wanna run this place entirely on my own...thanks, but no thanks. And yeah. That's it.

[ And Jo gives a sort of wave/salute/what have you as she cuts the feed back off again. ]


[[ ooc: and here's the open bar log for anyone who wants to come by and hang out with jo, or throw up an open tag or anything. Jo will probably be hanging around, chatting it up with any and everyone. Free alcohol, guys, how can you say no. ]]

[ From the doom and gloom of everyone's existence around here, rolls a voice that's... well okay, not very doom and gloom-y but give him a second. He'll get there. ]

Like one, that on a lonesome road
Doth walk in fear and dread,
And having once turned round walks on,
And turns no more his head;
Because he knows, a frightful fiend
Doth close behind him tread.
[ aaaand... a moment of silence. or appreciation. or both. both is good. whichever you'd prefer, because moz just needs a moment to enjoy. or quite possibly brag about this font of information in his brain. now, let's continue. ]

I'm just curious -- no one's actually shot an albatross around here, right? For fun or sport or just to see what might happen if you did, because i'm starting to hope that one of you showed up with some dice. Just, y'know, in case. And by 'in case' I mean every single day. Because those dice might just come in handy when any other frightful friends show up, and that's when i'll be there to remind you.

[ sigh, can you hear him shaking his head? ] I've begun to realize that you'll never run out of stories to tell because of this place, you'll only run out willing ears. The considerable lack of people - [ to use as underground sources ] - to play a game of parcheesi with is starting to become more of a disappointment than I ever thought it could be. What am I supposed to do with my sunday nights now? And if one of you tries to tell me to pick up Go Fish, i'll have you know that I'm only willing to sink so low.

And i've already sunk to the levels of bottom of the barrel three dollar cabernet, which is like licking the floor of a subway tunnel. [ .... er. ] Not that i've ever done that before.

[ well..... ] I might have paid someone else to do it.

But that's not the point. There's only so much boredom one man can stand. Only so many times you can play three-card-monte with yourself before you start getting it on the money. And the payout on that's not so big, if you catch my drift.

[ The feed starts with an orange tabby yawning into it until Carolyn shoos him away, brushing some of the cat hair off her lap as she adjust the screen. She's in her room today, the tomcat who helped start the video settling against her side. Judging by the orange tail sticking out from her other side, there's another cat in with her. ]

Tranquility. For those of you who don't know me, I'm Carolyn Fry. I do what I can to try to teach what I can about living in space and the flight crew, and I'll get to that, but I'm hoping some of you might be able to give some advice of your own first.

[ She pauses, looking distinctly uncomfortable. ]

How do you tell if a cat is pregnant? And how do you stop them from... trying to reproduce? Doctor Tam, maybe?

[ Pets are so out of her league it isn't even funny. Shaking her head, she takes a breath and then continues. ]

Anyway. The flight crew is always looking for more members. If you don't have any experience working with spacecraft, we'll teach you. As of right now, a great deal of what we do is maintenance. Anyone who's interested can talk to me or one of the other members about it.

In addition, I know a lot of you are new to space or to more modern technology in general. I have a series of videos that may help. They include the ship's official evacuation procedures, how to stay healthy and safe, and some of what we know about this universe in general. There will be a live review of all of these, but for anyone who can't make it or would like to review on their own time, the videos can be found in the link I'm attaching.

[ That is, here. ]

In addition to this jump's review, I'd also like to know what you'd like to learn about. It doesn't necessarily have to be about space specifically. If you speak up, I'll see what I can do.

[ For the entirety of the invasion of Iraq, Brad has been wishing for just one mission, one legit recon mission that makes use of his skills and talents. He didn't get one then — but the days since his arrival, he's run through the entire range of his skills. He's done basic reconnaissance, he's stayed out of everyone's way and watched, he's appropriated food, weapons and ammunitions beyond what he'd found in the locker.

Person would have a fucking field day with this, but Brad's conclusions are still tentative. Time to reach out to the local populace: ]

Brad Colbert, Sgt. of the US Marine Corps. My social security number is none of your fucking business, I don't care what the Geneva Conventions say. Any devil dogs aboard?

[ And after a moment's consideration, he adds: ] So. Space?

I've been here long enough now to say that this... [ a pause, for emphasis. ] hypothetical spaceship has a devastating shortage of acceptable wine. There's barely even any unacceptable wine, and I believe that, above all else, this can not be tolerated.

I will find a way to fix this problem, so help me, before I have to really find a way to evacuate myself from the premises.

[There's a burst of binary coming from a source outside the device - John did, in fact, spend the last couple of hours setting this up on the laptop that came with him.]

01000011011000010111010001101000011001010111001001101001011011100110010100101100001000000110100101100110001000000111100101101111011101010010011101110010011001010010000001101000011001010111001001100101001011000010000001101100011001010111010000100000011011010110010100100000011010110110111001101111011101110010111000100000010010010010011101101101001000000110111001101111011101000010000001100101011101100110010101101110001000000110011101101111011010010110111001100111001000000111010001101111001000000110010001101001011100110110001101110101011100110111001100100000011010000110111101110111001000000110110001101111011011100110011100100000011010010111010000100000011101000110111101101111011010110010000001101101011001010010000001110100011011110010000001100011011011110110010001100101001000000111010001101000011010010111001100101110

01001001001000000110010001101111011011100010011101110100001000000110101101101110011011110111011100100000011101110110100001111001001000000100100100100000011001010111011001100101011011100010000001100010011011110111010001101000011001010111001000101110

[The repeated ones and zeroes end. Finally. Thank god.]

If I ask a few questions, how many answers would I get? Questions like who's been here the longest, or is there a discernable population on board? How many people are on this ship?

Where is the food coming from? The water? How is the gravity functioning?

Answers?

[Yeah, apologies for the binary on audio are not forthcoming.]


[ooc: if your character for whatever reason can understand binary, they're welcome to know what that was all about!]