tushanshu | Entries tagged with † jack frost

[The name on the post is Erskine's. Nothing out of the ordinary about that. Usually he makes video posts, so the text-only this morning is a little strange, but not any stranger than the contents of the message itself:]

if ne1 needsme 4 now plleese contact ANTON.I AM TEMP INDISSPOSED

I HOOPE WHOIEVR DID TGIS IS HAVINGA GOOD LAFF

[You really don't want to know how long it took him to get that typed out.]

highprofilerichkid

[It's been a while since Tony's made a public broadcast on the network. He doesn't look harried or frustrated now: this time he has good news. His eyes are gleaming with excitement, and he seems very pleased with himself.]

I've got an announcement for anybody who's interested in technology and engineering - kedan and foreigners. I've been working with the College to put together a community space in the Sky Sector. Sort of like a... library, for practical engineering. It'll have cutting-edge equipment, all kinds of tools, tons of space to mess around in, and even some basic supplies for anyone to use.

Tech's developing really fast in Keeliai, and it'll develop even faster if we collaborate and pool our knowledge and resources. This will be a place where we can do that. Where everyone can learn at their own pace, on their own schedule, and work on the projects they're interested in. With the situation with Tu Vishan and the Chihuelans... I think it's important for everyone to have a chance to contribute.

So, it's open to anyone. It's free to use for anyone at the College and students get first dibs, but if you're not enrolled here and you still want to get in on it, there's just a monthly membership fee to cover operating costs. I'll do my best to keep plenty of membership slots available. [He grins.] It's a lot cheaper than buying all your own equipment. Also, for people who want a private workspace, there's going to be some that you can rent by the month.

There'll be a bunch of classes, too. The advanced courses have a small fee, plus some money for supplies, but the basic courses will be free for students and members. I'll even be running some free courses open to the public. [Not something that will earn the College any money directly, but it'll be good for community goodwill, and encourage donations and new members.]

Just clean up after yourself, take care of the tools, and replace the supplies you use. And sign up for things early: there may be waiting lists for classes and workspaces. [He'd hate to turn people away, since that's sort of against the principle of the whole thing, but, sadly, his time and resources are not infinite.]

I'll be working full-time, maintaining the equipment and teaching a lot of the classes. When I'm not busy with those, I'll be available to help people one-on-one. I'm also looking for a couple people who can be around to watch things when I'm not there, so we can keep the doors open twenty-four-seven.

[And now that he's covered the basics, his expression turns a little more serious.]

Technology in Keeliai shouldn't just be used for profit or politics: it should be used to make everyone's lives better. We should be sharing with each other and learning from each other and building new things, not just fighting over what we have. That's what this is all about.

If you're looking to make a profit, you're better off at SI. [A case of pot meet kettle if there ever was one, but Tony's not above taking a few well-earned digs at his former company. Anyway, he's always been in favor of technology for the greater good: it's just the "not-for-profit" aspect that's new to him.] Most of the stuff we work on in the classes will be for the College and other public institutions. And anything that gets made here, the patent [not a concept with a direct translation into kedanese, but the translation magic will convey the gist of it] belongs to the College. That's not to cheat anyone out of their inventions or anything like that - it's so that everyone can use and build on any advances we make.

This will be a place for foreigners and kedan to work together to make Keeliai a better place for everyone. If you want to be a part of that... You know where to find me. [He grins again, and ends the feed.]

avianesque

[What can be seen of his face beneath the shadow of his hood is his mouth and the dim impressions of his nose and eyes. One hand remains planted on a surface off-screen, and the other clutches at the cloak he wears, securing it just below his chin. Far from threatening, he looks scared, ready to bolt at any moment. Awkward. Distrustful.

He's soft-spoken, contributing to the overall aura of fear that he gives off.]

My father told me I should stay home. He said he dreamed I met the Corsi on my Migration, and worried that I wouldn't come home again. They aren't real, the Corsi; they're great, deformed creatures with black feathers and burning red eyes. They're the monsters in the shadows who eat small children and tempt men and women to spiritual corruption and mortal peril. Humans call them 'Devils'. Bogeymen.

Hau - his name. He has always had strange dreams, and no one really pays them much mind. He once dreamed the sky was falling, like the story of Chicken Little. You know that story? It's a parable for us. The lesson depends on the listener: know what you're talking about, or, alternatively, don't listen to the advice of madmen.

[The speaker motions skyward with his free hand, indicating - well. The sky falling. It becomes a dismissive gesture, the hand flapping in a soft, fluid motion before falling back to its resting place.]

Anyhow, he's an old man and he's growing feeble, and I remember thinking he just wanted his youngest son to stay with him. That isn't a bad thing, to want your family to care for you. To miss them. And I would have: I would care for my father when he grows sick, and I'll miss him when he dies. He knows that is what is in my heart. But he's much too old to entertain fears of Bogeymen.

I'm sure he thought it was a terrible omen, to dream of them while his youngest child prepares to leave with no destination in mind. I shouldn't have fought so bitterly with him. It's hard to fight new fears, to console against the unimaginable.

[After a long pause, he tries to continue with some humor in his voice, but he clearly can't manage to summon it up.]

Maybe if my father had told me he dreamed about the taste of beer, I would have stayed home. Maybe if he told me I would be required to wear this - [He extricates his Soul Gem, in its silver-winged setting, from beneath his cloak to display it to the camera.] - I would have gone to the Kai instead.

Maybe I would not have ended up here.

[And quieter now, he adds with a note of bitter regret:]

I wish I had listened.

edgeoftheknife

[Erskine's on the network for the first time since before the fire. He's clearly on the console in the Hotel at the moment, looking tired as usual, although not quite as bad as before.]

Why don't skeletons fight each other?

[Why yes, this is the set up for a terrible joke.

Feel free to poke him in person if you're in the Hotel.]

seismometrics

[There's a Toph on the screen resting her feet up on the desk, grinning and looking . . . well, smug. Definitely pleased with herself.]

[And . . . older?]

[Must be the light, right? Her bangs seem longer, though. Heavier. Even more prone to falling across her eyes. And her face just has a slightly different weight to it that's hard to explain.]

[Grin is completely the same, though. Some things just don't change.]

Hey, I'm back!

I guess technically I never left, and most of you didn't know I was gone in the first place. [Her grin widens.] Whatever. I feel like I'm back, and that's the point.

If you're wondering [(And yes, she hopes you are.)], basically I did the whole "go home through the Dreaming" thing where you don't really go home, but you get to live out what happens in your world just like you're there. Pretty good stuff. Found out a few things.

Basic rundown:

The war? We kicked butt. Stopped the Fire Lord, saved the world from looming destruction, all of that. I started up a school for metalbending. Started with just a few students, but now it's really taking off. Have to expand the place when I've got the time and the money.

Everything's in a lot better place now, even if it's still pretty much a mess, so can concentrate a lot better on this place. [Can that grin get any wider?] Plus I've got the metalbending to back things up.

[And yes, she'd love to show it off -- how did you guess?]

((ooc: Toph has officially been canon updated to the beginning of The Rift and is feeling a lot better. Age is now approximately 15.))

unetrustworthy

[The young girl had waited for some time. Watching. Listening. She noticed a certain trend among her fellow foreigners--one that she had yet to become a part of. And as the weeks past and she still had yet to join their ranks...]

[She didn't even bother attempting a smile as she turned the camera on.]

A lot of people have been talking about those letters.

But...what do you think it means if you didn't get one?

[It was almost a rhetorical question at this point; she might not have known for certain, but she could wager a guess.]

thaumatophage

[A teenage girl with a cat-eared headband on is squinting at the camera. When she speaks, she does so with an Australian accent.] Well. Well well well well well.

Well.

Hi. [She shakes her head and the bells on her headband jingle.] No chance of sending out a distress signal, eh? Not that I think this place is bad or anything. I just, uh...I got Stuff to take care of, back home. At least I don't have amnesia this time, right? Heh heh heh... [The laughter is nervous, and trails off. She looks concerned for a moment before turning a thousand-watt smile to the camera again.]

Also, I only have like four Tim Tams in my bag and that is a grave effing injustice.

wintershepherd

[ Jack's taking some time out of his evening to address something that's drawing rather close. As fun as participating in the Mystery Games has been, he feels like someone should maybe point out the elephant on the turtle. He's seated at one of the consoles in the Welcome Center, the recognizable backdrop visible behind him. ]

Sooo... that super-formal Justicar lady sounded like she means business. Is there like-- I don't know, a plan or something? Has anyone even attempted to let the Chihuelans know that someone's coming? Wait, are we even picking sides in that?

[ He runs a hand through his white hair, causing it to spike and settle. At least he looks better in the face of the oppressive outside heat, and less like he's about to melt. ]

Like I'm not in any way favouring the "immediate execution" thing, but if we're not going to stop this group that's coming, then we should be trying to help the others. Doing nothing seems like we're... almost as bad as they are.

wolfstrike

[Yuri doesn't use the consoles very often, but his face appears on a video message today.]

Hey, this is Yuri.

Everyone in Brave Vesperia meet me in the hotel lobby tomorrow morning. We're going to do something about this fire cleanup.

Oh, and if anyone else wants to help, I'm okay with that too.

See you there.

[And with that, it's done. He's not exactly one to mince words after all.]

purered

Text

Monday 8/3
Winds are high today. Most are keeping their laundry in so their unmentionables don't get blown away. Heat continues with little respite.

Tuesday 8/4
A smattering of showers in the morning. Cleared by the afternoon which was muggier than usual. Humidity cleared up by the evening. Winds continue, strong and erratic.

Wednesday 8/5
Weather remains hot, dry and windy. Nothing of note.

Thursday 8/6
I forgot to keep a log of this day. Something came up. Apologies.

Friday 8/7
Nearly lost my spectacles when the wind changed directions. Very heavy winds, many stalls closed early for the day when merchandise kept blowing around.

Saturday 8/8
Woke up with a spider on my face. I put her back in my pot of lavender, poor thing. Winds a bit less strong, but the heat remains nigh unbearable.

Sunday 8/9
Small showers in the afternoon. A lot of flora has wilted in this heat, so hopefully those give it some respite.

Monday 8/10
Many people working in agriculture are concerned about how long this drought is going to last. Heat remains constant.

Tuesday 8/11
Strong winds felled a number of trees. Fog in the evening.

Wednesday 8/12
Fog continued throughout the morning and cleared in the early afternoon. Hot, muggy and windy.

Thursday 8/13
Hot and windy - damage from fallen trees and debris in the wood sector, albeit minor.

Friday 8/14
Dry heat continues through the day and well into the night. Very unpleasant.

Saturday 8/15
Heavy and erratic winds made laundry a bit difficult. If someone happens to locate the vest that got away from me, I'd be most grateful.

Sunday 8/16
It feels like it's getting hotter, although the temperatures have only really ranged from 36c - 40c through the past two weeks and nothing has changed.

I doubt it needs to be said, but please do your best to conserve water.

[Video]

Continuing with garden tips from last time, here are some more rather helpful hints.

To restrict an aggressive plant from taking over your garden, keep it in the pot with the bottom cut out when you plant it. That will make the roots grow straight down rather than cause it to invade the space of your other plants.
To keep animals from eating your root bulbs, stake netting over your flower bed. Come growing season, cut holes in it for the flowers to grow, and you'll never lose your tulips to hungry deer again.
Compost takes about two weeks to integrate and stabilize in the soil. Do keep this in mind before planting.
If you have trouble with insects, natural repellents are garlic, onions, chives and chrysanthemums. Plant these in your garden and you'll have little need for pesticides which are, incidentally, very bad for bees and other pollinating insects.

....

I have been told that some levity would be appreciated in these posts. In light of the approaching trouble, I agree with the sentiment. So... yes. These are some jokes I've collected around town.

[He clears his throat and shuffles through his planner for his notes.]

What is the most musical part of a turkey?

...The drumsticks.

Why was the broom late for work?

...He overswept.

Which bird has the worst manners?

...The mockingbird.

Well, I hope that brightened your day a bit. Thank you, and have a lovely day.

[ooc: These two are still to blame.]

Current Mood: accomplished
Current Location: The Welcome Center
Current Music: Mozart's Symphony no. 40

akito

[ console video ]

[ Akito appears on the screen looking somewhat tired but very enthusiastic. A large messenger bag is secured over a feathered shoulder - apparently today is another 'I feel like wings instead of arms' day - and he gestures toward it with a feathered appendage. ]

I'll be dropping off a useful item to all of the Foreigners today! Any questions can be directed to me via my usual method of contact!

If I overlook anyone whatever is leftover will be given to the Welcome Center by early evening!

[ handset audio ]

Everyone should have an updated portable communication device now! For everyone familiar with cell phones, it's more similar to an older model cellular than a radio - much more portable! The sound quality is improved, and text features are available! Supplies were too limited to add video or camera capabilities, but hopefully the next upgrade will be a closer rival to the consoles!

There is a charger and an instruction manual with each phone - a paper version in the original package, and a digital text file inside the phone itself. If anyone has any trouble just leave me a message!

Thanks to everyone who helped with this project! Especially Professor Callaghan, Krei, and Tony!

[ phone audio ]

Congratulations on your new device! It runs on a different channel than the previous handsets and is more secure, though it isn't immune to hacking attempts! We'll try to continue updating the OS encryption to keep unwanted eyes and ears out, but nothing is more secure than in-person communication.

If you have a highly sensitive message to sent to someone, please consider using Gazelle Delivery!

asoothingvoice

[Frazzled isn't quite the right word. She went from being in the middle of an attack on the hospital to suddenly being in the middle of a street in a downright peaceful looking part of Metal that doesn't look like it's been recently struck by Malicant, and has changed quite a bit. Not to mention the piece of jewlery she found on her, which she's keeping stuffed in a pocket for now.

Trying to ask the kedan doesn't really get her many answers; they're mixed, with a few kedan who recognized her from her work with the hospital focusing on the fact she's back- since when was she gone, but she isn't sure she wants an immediate answer to that, with all the differences- to some being downright rude or avoiding the question completely, which isn't that much of a surprise, if a frustrating one.

She ends up slipping into a cafe, finding a console- checking the network doesn't do much more than confuse her further, finally leading her to turning on the video herself:]

What in the world have I missed?

unetrustworthy

[Over the last few days, Midii had watched as more and more individuals mentioned Dreams. She had dismissed her own at first--it wouldn't have been the first time her mind had tampered with the possibilities of events past, present, and/or future--until a particular detail was brought to her attention. Something she hadn't remembered at first, until others mentioned seeing something similar.]

[The yellow jewel in that preteen girl's hand. Or, more specifically, the yellow soul gem.]

[Combined with the knowledge of recent Turtle-wide events, and a theory was beginning to form in her mind. Granted, it fell into line with her previous track of thinking...but it also didn't refute anything. Yet.]

These Dreams...

[A pause. She didn't think she needed to elaborate. By now, anybody paying attention would know.]

The Hatchling Turtles had the power to influence our dreams. I remember. They'd visited us that way in the past. Asti, too.

Is there any chance one of them is doing this? Like the Vision we all saw, only in our sleep.

irishthor

Does... Anyone feel... better, recently?

[Shay is sitting at one of the consoles in the cafés around the city, a mug of tea in front of him, spoon in hand as he gently stirrs it, staring pensively at the console.]

I mean... not in a sickness kind of way, just... all-round... better? Fitter, more... alive? I really don't know how to describe it...

[A pause, a sip of tea.]

Oh, and a wee side-note... Dreams. They're... important here, right?

coattailsofdoom

[On the consoles an image of a very unhappy young man appears.]

I don't know who is responsible for this, but I tire of these interruptions. Whatever sick and twisted game you're trying to play, it's not going to work on me!

I demand to know what's really going on. And spare me with any more talk of giant turtles and soul magic, I'm done with these lies. I want to know who is in charge here and what you want. I have a tournament to get back to and a duel to win! So I suggest you cut the crap right now and show yourself!

[Someone obviously didn't take his introductory explanation too well.]

sadisticmoose

[The feed flickers on, there doesn't seem to be any confusion as to how this device operates, showing a man who looks as though he's been pushed through a mental glass window and several hedges. He licks his lips before opening his mouth to speak.]

Hi... [He pauses, clearing his throat.] My name is... Vincent Moore. You've probably guessed that I'm new here. Well, kinda, anyway. I've been... told I might need a job, so... I'm an engineer and mechanic by trade, if that's something... people need.

[His voice is accented, Australian, a bit slow, hesitant.]

I s'pose I could do some consulting, eh? Dunno if that's a thing you need. I- [He rubs a hand over the back of his head, frowning.] I don't exactly have a CV, but... I'm good with robotics, primarily, but I can probably build anything from bridges to scaffolding.

[A slight smile, there. Ruefully, almost embarrassed. He then sighs.]

I'm bloody crap at these. [And reaching for the switch.]

((OOC: Also open to action in the hotel.))

gistful

I regret to inform those who knew her that Lady Alayne Stone appears to have left the city.

purered

[He taps the screen gently, and there's a bit of a shake to the camera. But congratulations! Klaus can operate bio mechanical machinery! And you get a nice view of a rather... imposing and somewhat bewildered face.]

Is it working...? Ah, yes, there's the little light. Marvelous.

[He clears his throat and leans away from the camera, sitting upright. His posture is impeccable, and his gaze stern. Or maybe that's just his face.]

Good... [He glances to the time in the corner of the screen.] ...evening, everyone. I am Klaus Reinherz, the Executive Director of Libra. As I'm sure you've fathomed, I'm a new arrival to this city. Much of the situation has been adequately explained by the gentleman who found me. [He neglects to mention he was discovered unconscious on a pumpkin.]

I do have a number of points I'm a little hazy on – namely these baby turtles... turtlings...? Apologies, I'm unsure of the correct terminology. And perhaps if there are any electrical outlets I can use to charge my phone? Also this.

[He holds up his right arm, undoes the buttons on his shirt cuffs, and rolls up his sleeves, revealing a silver cuff set with what appears to be a rectangular piece of carnelian.]

I don't recall purchasing any jewelry and the only information my benefactor gave me on the matter was that if I take it off, I would expire. You can imagine my reluctance to test this, though I think he's... ah... what's the phrase...? ...yanking my chain?

My final inquiry is on the matter of local customs and culture. There seems to be some latent tension with the locals and, as you can imagine, I would not want to cause undue offense and add to the troubles. Details on practices that are commonly considered polite or taboo would be most welcome.

I do appreciate any assistance or information offered, and I am more than happy to return any favour in kind.

Thank you, and good evening.

Current Mood: grateful
Current Location: The Welcome Center
Current Music: Vivaldi's Summer

risingwinds

[By now, Ven's used to worldhopping, and after his last experience with the Star Shard, it's hardly a surprise to have crash landed in a brand new world. The sheer size of his new surroundings took him off guard, but it's kinda exciting to wind up somewhere so huge, so bustling, and so different.

Fortunately, he's adaptable, and he's picked up the basics of the console after that little crash course. Still, when the feed clicks on, he leans in for a moment, making sure the machine's recording. A few seconds later, he steps back and greets viewers with a bright smile and a wave.]

Whew! Okay, I think I got it working now, so if anyone's watching, I'm Ventus! But you can call me Ven.

[He chuckles. That came off a bit sillier than he intended. Ah well.]

This technology's something else! I mean, I've seen some pretty cool things in Deep Space, but it was all stuff like laser guns, low gravity chambers, escape pods... Nothing that'd let you talk to other people like this.

[At least, not that he knows of. Then again, he was kinda busy at the time.

But now he's getting carried away, so he sheepishly rubs his neck.]

Er, anyway, I've got an idea of what's going on now, and I wanna do whatever I can to help! But first, I've just got a quick question... Has anyone heard of the Unversed?

backwordscompatible

[A few days after this conversation took place, Zatanna chose to make a rare public appearance on the radio network. She would have used the public consoles, if the subject wasn't too delicate for certain ears:]

Okay, so...I have an idea.

[~~Fair warning, at this moment, it was a fairly terrible plan. And almost certainly won't work. Unless it does~~.]

Remember that Vision we all had a couple of days ago? [Rhetorical question. Of course they did.] Well, it got me thinking. What if Tu Vishan really is still alive, only...trapped? Buried within his own mind so deep that he wasn't able to reach out to us until we went looking for him.

So let's look. Magically, I mean.

Basically, what I'm trying to say is that...if you have any magical abilities whatsoever, would you be down to try something with me? It's not too dangerous. Probably.

Tu Shanshu

[console | text/action] morning of 11/7

[VIDEO]

001 - Video

[console | video/action]

Video 002: Update

[video]

video;

28 ❄ ( VIDEO; CONSOLE )

Console - Video [Backdated to August 10]

Console | Subject: Weather | RE: Strong winds, consistent heat

video | handset audio x2 | optional action

video; console cafe

Video

7th Kill ~ Console/Video

[Console | Video]

v.moore@moosedev.tetravaal.local-01:~$ cd videos/01 ~ VIDEO - CONSOLE

[CONSOLE] video;

[Console: Video] | [Subject: Arrival, RE: KVR, Libra]

01 - video / console;

[radio]

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