001 - [CONSOLE | VIDEO]

[badly_behaved_priest]

[Sanzo did not look... pleased to say the least. Hair in disarray, dark bruise blooming on one cheekbone, and dirt on his robes suggesting he might of fallen on the way to whatever console he sat at. The heavy breathing and sweat gave anyone viewing a decent guess as to how. More striking was how...on edge he was. Scared even? He was doing his best to hide it if he was, but there was a clear nervousness about him. He glanced back before he said anything, shoulders jumping like someone just out of view had said something.]

That earthquake- whatever you call it- a few minutes ago. Half an hour ago, I don't know. Not long ago.

[It was late evening at the earliest, what light there was outside fading fast. Despite his appearance and heavy breathing, Sanzo's voice was fairly even. Not that he sounded happy.]

I found that child, that something with the wide eyes and the thing with fucking up the power wherever it's at. Several times. It didn't do shit for some eight or nine times.

[He's either avoiding looking at the console or keeping an eye out for something. He looks to either side often.]

I managed to bind the thing. Screamed like hell and- pulled me somewhere, I think it had a hold on me more than the other way around. It was dark, I couldn't move or breathe. It was so fucking dark.

[Another look over his shoulder, gaze sharp, what could be seen of him, tense. His breathing was only barely easing, maybe it wasn't the run alone making it so ragged...]

There were lights still, small and distant. They were all people, I don't know how many. I could see the shapes of people in the lights and I was lit up too. You think you find the weirdest shit here and then- It made some sort of sound, or looked like it was, I haven't heard anything like it and- fuck- I don't know how to explain how that felt. Like it was trying to tear at me, but not physical or mental.

[Alarm flashed across his expression all of the sudden and he glanced down at a string of red beads around his left wrist, the soul gem it held hidden from view of the camera. He wiped a streak of sweat and dirt above the red dot on his forehead, seemingly relieved. Momentarily.]

With these soul gems in mind... Is there anything here that could attack someone's soul directly? Anyone have any idea what that creature was? It held me for seconds at most, it felt like a lot longer. A lot longer.

[Sanzo looked for a moment like he might cut the feed and leave but he suddenly stopped and glanced to the side with a barely audible "He's going to kill me."]

console; video

[peacefullywreathed]

[The audio comes on first, accompanied by a quiet curse. Then the video appears on Solomon leaning over his console. He's in his apartment, but he's wrapped in his coat and his breath is misting, and he's very pale, as if he's been in the cold for hours on end without having been properly attired. His eyes don't fix on anything, and the observant will notice old scars around them.]

I know there's a number of mechanically-inclined in the city. Our heating's just broken down.

[He hesitates.]

Earlier this morning, actually.

[It's mid-afternoon.]

I don't care if you're Foreigner or kedan, but I'll give you extra if you come now to fix it, and do so before Raine gets home.

[And don't mention the part where his fingers are dangerously blue. Or so he assumes they are, given that they're numb, hence the trouble finding the 'on' switch. She absolutely won't see this before work ends, right? Right?]

1. console: video

[generalginger]

[When the video feed begins, there is a redhead frowning at the screen.]

As far as planets go, this isn't the worst place I've been to. Though I suppose this hardly counts as a planet.

[The frown deepens, and it's obvious that he is struggling to wrap his head around the fact that he has found himself here on a turtle and it's difficult to grasp.]

However, there are some deep-seated issues in this city that should be addressed. How do you expect to have any sort of progress when this place is so divided? There is strength in unity, which all of you seem to fail to see. Instead of competing with one another for power, wealth, and resources, it would be much more logical for all of you to fall in line. Some who have power and autonomy do not always deserve it, and are too feeble-minded for it. Should they cast their support in favour of those who are fit to lead, there will no longer be chaos.

If you're honest with yourself, you can admit that it's what's best for any society.