[The camera shows Lena fanning her face out in the sun. There's perspiration on her forehead and she's squinting, but then she turns the camera away to show the line in front of her. When she tilts it back to show her face again, she's wearing sunglasses, though there was no rustling sound as she got them out. And that was because she didn't, but some non-magical people might have been freaked out seeing sunglasses conjured out of thin air. She had turned in to face the building so the others in line wouldn't catch her doing it.]

This line is ridiculous, and it's like a hundred degrees out here. It better be worth it once I get inside.

[A trickle of sweat runs down from her temple and down her cheek. She quickly flicks it away, looking irritated.]

Anybody else in this line somewhere? How close are you to the front doors? And what are you most looking forward to inside?

[By the look of disgust on his face, it seems Raymond doesn't care much for comic books or sci-fi or whatever other assorted hobbies and interests might be in store at the convention today.]

Do you people have any idea how much time you're all wasting just standing around doing nothing?

[Then again, maybe the nerdery isn't what's bothering him at all.]

[No more suit, this time around for mae, although now that fancy tie is working as a fancy head band, bow at the side of her neck. She doesn't pay attention it, no more than she does to what's in her hand.

A calendar.] So I've been counting. A year and five months - a year and five months is how long I've been here. I've seen my friends return to their world, but I never went back on a trip. This last two months - they've been harder.

Everyone keeps leaving, eventually. I go through periods of five months before I get to see my brother for two days, and -

[She looks up.] I don't know. I'm opening a public debate. What do the rest of you think about forming friendships in this place, knowing that any day those friends might no longer be there?

[ He's been here all morning, backpack slung over one shoulder, his hands buried deep in the pouch of his sweater. He's leaning back up against a wall, tapping his foot nervously on the concrete. There's a half-finished coffee beside his sneaker and he's chewing on a felt tip pen.

Clearly someone is bored. ]

Does anyone want to keep me company? I have skittles. And water. Good Con etiquette means you have to be prepared. Nobody wants a repeat of Sodagate '11. [ Severely.] Nobody.

[video]
[Peter actually recorded this message on Monday, but he was too drunk and cranky to actually post it.

Now that he's done sulking, of course, and completely forgotten about this, the City decides to post it for him. Thanks a lot, City.]



Will somebody please tell Chekov, Sophie, and that little rat bastard Howl that I'm not speaking to them anymore? I would do it myself, but I'm not speaking to them anymore.

YOU EITHER, CHARLIE. Fed me to the fucking wolves, that's what you did.


In conclusion, I hate fucking all of you, and if you are ever turned into small children again, I will throw you in front of the bus myself. So fuck you.

[ Coulson is standing in line. He's wearing a suit as usual and he's looking as cool, calm and collected as usual.

— that is, if you ignore the smile that shows a considerable amount of enthusiasm. Enthusiasm far greater than he usually slips, and equal amounts of excitement. ]

And I heard they have action figures. And trading cards. Original, mint or near mint.

[ A shadow crosses over his face. ] I need to replace some of mine.



[ ooc; SO uhm i could not resist the chance to have Coulson betray how much of a fanboy he is? buuuut the thing is, I must write my thesis and also there's a BBQ and just generally, y'know, life so I might not be around much today? Tags will come, but they might not be immediate or fast ;; my apologies. ]

Why all wait for one what called bathroom? City have many bushes, are much leafy.

[video]
[The device flicks on, and you are treated to an unattractively close view of Korra's eyeball.]

What is this thing?

[BEEP SCREECH BLURP KURRF as she pushes all sorts of buttons, the video flickering on and off.]


[text]
detgjghbr532odjd

[guess who just turned on text mode]

[video]
[The video feed turns back on just in time to catch her scowling.

And then the device zooms through the air and lands against the wall with a CRACK! The video goes black.]

[audio]
[It crackles painfully, but you can still hear her.]
USELESS!




[Several hours and one shiny new device later]

[video]
[the screen flicks on and you get a normal view of a scowling Korra. She looks off camera.]
Let's try not to break any more complicated pieces of technology, okay?

Seriously, Bolin, what's the point of this?

Making nice with the locals! Who...aren't actually locals.

[She reluctantly turns back to the camera.]

Uh…hi. Network. Thing. Bolin tells me this is how most people talk to each other.

[she turns back to Bolin and hisses]

Who am I talking to?!

I told you, the local people.

How?

...just talk into the thing, all right?

[Grumbling, she returns to the camera.]

So yeah. My name is Korra, and I'm… [the word catches in her throat] I'm from Bolin's world. Nice to meet you, I guess.

Good job!

[There's a long, awkward pause as she tries to figure out what to do next. Then, mercifully, someone turns off the feed.]


[OOC: Green text is Bolin speaking. Action for Bolin, voice/video for everyone else!]

[Voice]

Okay, initially I came to this little event due to them saying that this is going to be a gathering of pretty much damn near everything under sun. I had initially thought that this was going to be interesting for the most part, especially if I could find some other people that have insights into several hobbies I've accquired over my years here. They said to be prepared for a line.

[Switches over from voice to video, the scene being nothing but one absurdly long line leading up into The Center.]

They never said anything about a test of patience equating to Moses' stint in the desert. Anyone mind bringing me a water or something...I think I'm somewhere near a clothing store and the arcade. I think.

[Hercules is laughing heartily.]

You know, if this were thirty years ago, we would not be waiting in endless lines, but doing them!

[A pause, his expression sobers.]

...Just say no, kids. Tis not a good idea unless you are a god.

[ He's obtained a City Guide. He's established a mapwork of shortcuts in the City. He's done discreet explorations of the Underground. He's found an apartment topside - out of the way enough for privacy. But not so isolated that he's completely cut off. The past few days, he's maintained a pattern. Breakfast at a cafe downstairs at 9:00. A one-hour walk through the City Center. Two hours at the Library, pretend-poring over books. In Xanadu by 12:30, feeding the ducks. ]

[ His reasons are simple. One: if there's anyone from the Syndicate - from his world - here, they can contact him, directly or indirectly. Two: if he's under watch. his dull routine will either bore tails into complacency (and slip-ups), or make him seem so bland they'll eventually leave him alone. ]

[ However, too bland is equally suspicious. ]

[ So he breaks the routine in the most practical manner. ]

Um - hello? Is this thing on?

[ Rustles and fumbling. The feed snaps on to show Hei. Seated by a window. Smiling a touch nervously. ]

I think - I need a job. I don't exactly have my resume at hand. But - I have experience as a cook. Mostly Chinese and Japanese cuisine. I've waited tables and been a custodian a few times too. Oh! And a driver. I'm a little - um, hopeless with computers. But I have good references as an electronics handyman. For wiring and repairs on TVs and stuff. 

[ Just the awkwardest pause. ]

Guess that covers everything. [ Except knife-fighting, garroting, and stealth combat. And martial arts. And home-made and electronic bombs. And most forms of high-explosives. And disposing corpses. And a lucrative career in espionage. ] If you're interested, please feel free to get in touch. 

[ Innocent smile. ]


[OOC: Yeah, really. The assassin needs a job. Even stone-cold killers gotta eat. ]

[audio]

[It’s once again accidental audio, probably from the pocket of someone's work apron. Charlie is carrying a large tray piled high with food from the Jasmine Dragon, not that this is visible, but the sounds around her might at least tell she’s carrying something heavy. And the occasional food-related words are heard. She’s selling Jasmine Dragon-related wares to the masses. And pie jars. Of course there are pie jars. Someone else has drinks and Charlie’s making her way down the line very slowly, selling pie jars and food when there’s interest.]

I need change. Rapunzel? Toph? You guys have change for this guy?

[Rapunzel, whose hands happen to be full of trays of tea, shakes her head.] Sorry, Charlie! My hands are full and I don’t think my dress has pockets. Toph, you got anything?

[ Toph reaches into her pocket and comes up with a fistful of coins. ] You tell me. [ She shrugs and hands them to Charlie. ]

[Charlie balances the tray on her hip and looks over, picking a few coins out and dropping others into Toph's hand.] One of these days, we’ll figure out a system for you and the money.

[She hands the man's change over with a grin and wishes him a nice day before moving on.] This is too fun.

[ Toph grins. ] It's definitely profitable. What are all these people standing in line for, anyway?

No idea, Toph. I’ve heard several different things. Cooking equipment. Comic books. Famous authors. [Charlie hands over another pie jar, slipping money into her pocket. That’s when she bumps the device and pulls it out to check it. A sigh and she switches to video. She’s happy. She also looks a bit tired and might have the beginnings of a sunburn across her nose but she keeps smiling. Time to pretend to be a professional.] Hi, everyone. If you’re at the convention center and are hungry, let Toph, Rapunzel and myself know. We’ll find you.

[Rapunzel pokes her head into the video, hands still full, and she grins, nodding.]

Yep! Just look for the girls in the green aprons with the trays of tea!

[She takes a quick look at Charlie, who does indeed appear to be getting a sunburn.]

Charlie, maybe you should take a break...your face is getting sort of red...

[Charlie turns to look at Rapunzel, slightly confused before crossing her eyes slightly to look at her nose.] Ah, god damn it. [And then she cringes, looking at Rapunzel.] Don’t say those words. They’re bad for business.

[Her tray is nearly empty and she looks at Rapunzel.] Do you have space for these or should I just sit pretty somewhere and hope people come to me? I’m good with either.

[Rapunzel shakes her head, holding out her arms.]

Nope, I got these. Let me go take care of these trays, and then I’ll see if I can’t do something about your face. You just go relax, I’ll manage the line. I’ve never seen so many people standing around in one place like this...

[Charlie turns the video off. ]


[ ooc: Feel free to action up this post if you'd like, your Jasmine Dragon ladies are at your service! ]

Hey, does anyone know if there's a way to hold our spots in line if we leave? Like a pass or something?

I've been here for hours and I really don't want to miss anything after all this time, but...um...

I kind of need to pee.