[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.

Hey, has anyone seen the quest on the board about going down to ...uh, Deepground? Anyone thinking of taking that up? I kind of want to chart the caverns around here, so... I'd like to go if you do.

[The fact there might be treasure down there has nothing to do with it, of course.]

::Whereas the last two posts made to the network have clearly been accidental, this one is quite deliberate. Although Nicholas feels positively ridiculous speaking to a mirror, the fact remains that it seems to be the easiest method of contacting multiple people at once. Which should increase his chances of reaching either a government official, or someone who can get him in contact with such.::

Although I lack familiarity with the local laws, I feel it is worth mentioning that, according to the penal code where I'm from, kidnapping and false imprisonment is considered illegal. Barring any mitigating factors -of which there are few- those responsible for this are looking at some very hefty consequences as soon as I return home.

Especially as I am a police officer.

In fact, it's entirely possible this could be considered a declaration of war.

For those of you who are not complicit with this ill-thought scheme, has anyone figured out how to leave without becoming a co-conspirator? I would rather like to return home as soon as possible. I left a considerable amount of paperwork behind that needs to be completed soon.

::Yeah, he is just about as fun as a barrel of monkeys, isn't he?::

[Well. Do you remember England's little warning? Good. Because here's the real thing. On your screen. If you're familiar with German WWII-uniforms, this one may not be a stranger: Germany's wearing the uniform of a Wehrmachts-/SS-Geeneral as usual. Complete with matching cap. The insignas are different, but those are hard to make out anyway, The Iron Cross he wears is much more prominent.

The nation casts a stern look at the screen before finally speaking, his voice cold and oddly controlled. Yes, He's bottling up a decent amount of rage right now. You don't want to be the one receiving it.]

Fine. I hope you all enjoyed England's little display. Of course he forgot to mention a few things:

We follow the orders given to us by our boss. Who isn't here. Without these orders neither my brother nor myself have any reason to act against any of the local residents.

[He pauses for a moment, then tilts his head back a little. Then continues in German.]

Brother. If you are here as well and see this: We need to talk.

[And he switches back to English.]

England...

[Beat.]

You're history.