[The man on screen looks irritated. He's obviously holding the mirror at a haphazard angle, because there's only a brief shot of his face before it turns to face a building that looks to be in the marketplace. There's nothing for a second, and then the man promptly collapses the building. Hope that wasn't too important. He lets the collapse film for a few more moments, before it focuses back on him. Clearly, he doesn't care much about being caught doing it.]

No. [And with that, the feed appears to be done.

Someone's not happy.]

[Simultaneously, all of the city's mirrors activate. At the same time, billboards, video screens, and all of the city's television-equivalent do the same. Each shows the same view of an attractive chocolina with raven-black feathers standing at a podium. There is a live audience, obviously press, though they're keeping a respectful silence.

She smiles politely]

For those who aren't already familiar with me through my successful corporation and public service, my name is Yakisha. Through Emergency Measure 203, just passed in Parliament hours ago, I have been elected interim Speaker until the current crisis has passed and there is an opportunity for a full election. I thank you all for your faith in me, and I promise to do my best to guide the city through this difficult time.

[She brushes long fingernails through her feathery hair and then grips the podium, sadness flooding her features.]

No one was more saddened to see Lorriswarkin pass than I am. Though he and I differed on many issues, I have nothing but the greatest of respect for him, and my heart goes out to his grieving family and friends. He held the city together through the worst disaster our world has experienced, and I can only hope to live up to his legacy.

I would like to take this opportunity to reassure the public that there is no clear confirmation that Lorriswarkin died of Catarrhalic Fever, though all appropriate quarantine measures have been taken. If this is evidence of a new outbreak, it will be contained.

Also, any rumours of a connection between the arrival of an influx of Outsiders from other worlds, and the recent attack, are unsubstantiated and should not be repeated. [Smile] It was the vision of the previous Speaker that the Outsider program was the best hope for our world, and that should be respected. Nevertheless, security is our highest priority, as is determining whether there are any Outsiders who constitute a threat.

[At this moment, all player characters may notice that a gold ball of light has appeared in the air, bobbing just behind and above them.]

For the moment, we have determined that Outsiders will be monitored to ensure their health and security. If an Outsider engages in antisocial behaviour, we will be able to respond quickly, while those who prove themselves will more quickly be able to join the ranks as true citizens of Darstone. The spell is unobtrusive and I ask all citizens to assist our newcomers with reasonable requests. You Outsiders are, of course, welcome and we wish you to integrate as quickly as possible.

Inquiries will be forwarded to my public relations office for response. I thank you all again for your cooperation and faith. Together, we will get through this.

[OOC Note: Yakisha will respond to some (though possibly not all) replies to this post. Feel free to threadjack as well and have discussions in a forum style.

The ball of light cannot be touched or damaged physically. If you try to touch it, your fingers just pass through it. Attempting to contain the ball would be more effective - for example, placing it withing a magical containment field of some kind. However, it will cause crippling pain! Quests are going up momentarily relating to the event, and we're more than happy to accommodate attempts to learn about and/or remove the ball]

So. Not all of you know me. In fact I think that most of you don't. [Her voice is brisk; if the Speaker's death or what she's about to say is affecting her, she's not showing it.] I'm Police Chief A'aladash Kadra, one of the dreaded locals, and the reason you get my charming face instead of Xiuh is because today's news is under my jurisdiction.

We've received reports-- or rather I've received reports-- that there's a force moving on Darstone. They'll be here, at the outside, in a few days. We have some city defense forces, and the police, but I thought I'd give you all an opportunity to live up to your purpose here instead of just being dead weight.

[Oh, is she betraying her mixed feelings on the newcomers? Whoops. Usually she tries to play at being more political than that. She really must be stressed.]

So who wants to volunteer to play city defense with me? I'm not going to egg sit you, so if you can't hold your own, don't bother applying.

... Thank you.

[There's a rather obvious sniffle, and a deep breath. She's sobering herself up for this, knowing fullwell she doesn't want to say it.]

I... He...

[She clears her throat] Tomorrow all the stores and official buildings of Darstone will be closed in order to honor Lorris, the late Speaker. As citizens, you are all invited to his funeral tomorrow at noon, if you would so wish.

[She cuts off the feed there. Xiuh doesn't want to start crying over the network. She has to be strong damn it.]

Um, hello everyone.

For those of you who don't know me, I'm Xiuhtonal, the Public Relations manager here. But that's not really why I'm talking to all of you now.

[She fidgets slightly, obviously nervous about something.] It's actually about Lorris, the current Speaker. He... Seems to have gotten a little bit sick. I'm sure it's not the fever! But still, there is cause to worry... He's currently in quarantine at the hospital, so please keep him in your thoughts everyone. Or your prayers, if you do that sort of thing.

Um. Yes. That is all. Thank you for listening!

[Everyone's mirrors glow at once, and the Speaker's kindly bearded face appears, just as it did when they first arrived. He beams, eyes twinkling with pleasure]

It's taken us a while to tabulate the results, but I'm here to announce the winner of the Scavenger Hunt. The winner will receive a thousand dollars - quite a prize!

[He clears his throat dramatically]

And the winner is...

[He raises his hand, and from somewhere the sound of a drum roll begins to rumble]

The Disciple!

Congratulations, dear. You can come to the government offices to claim your prize.

[OOC: Feel free to keep backtagging, of course!]