░ TWO. ▍VIDEO.

[selfimage]

[ if it's not obvious, it's definitely Loki. he's all dressed up in his armor and headpiece, and he's also wearing a peculiar mask. ]

A shame it isn't November yet. "Remember, remember the first of September" doesn't have the same cultural significance, does it? Let's just say it's more of throwing off the mask of anonymity.

[ with a sigh, he pulls up the mask, revealing his face. he looks theatrically put-out. the curious part really isn't his face, or the mask, but he's entirely surrounded in white, fluffy clouds and clear, blue sky as far as the eye can see. there's no horizon in sight, it's essentially the perfect blue backdrop that he's standing against. how he got there or where exactly he is could be anyone's guess. ]

Before I dive right into the meat and potatoes, I'd like to make a few things clear. Dabbling in truth was never really my strong point, but utilizing it is something else entirely—oh, and publicly, I'm well aware! Let's just say that I'm a sneaky good-for-nothing trickster, and everyone should keep an eye on me.

That's the disclaimer for you! See? No need for the bouts of warning that this message may accompany.

[ he shrugs up his shoulders, struts forward and poses before looking all too smugly satisfied with himself. ]

That said, down to biz. There's been a lot of talk. The kind of talk that really doesn’t go anywhere. Captain Holiday always keeps the guise of the matter-of-fact while being one of the most frustratingly vague people within these Nine Realms. I take it that it's already been noted. But with new techniques such as the compartmentalization of information—how much does anyone within the mortal government really know?

Hornets, terrorist attacks, space missions, and we all remember that pleasant paint ball incident where the prize was a date with the lovely Porter while everyone else participating succumbed to an untimely and unfortunate death-like experience. There were also the challenges in space that most likely would have ended in boom without intervention. Ah, and the time at that swear-in soiree where the wrong saunter to the wrong room at the wrong time left the crowd there feeling like they were on fire, but it's okay, they really weren't. Then there's that monotheist who went on a psychotic murder bender and ravaged the countryside to fix the so-called anomaly of us. [ a dismissive wave of his hand. ] Who may get off on good behavior soon, as a pleasant side note for all of us keeping track.

And the latest and greatest, the wide-scale opportune kidnapping of imPorts thrown into a death match with mechanical bears, etcetera. Complete with nullifier tech! Hm ... it's almost as if someone out there doesn't like us very much. Or the idea of us, and ideas can be powerful. Wasn't there that bit about interrogation within the borders of this country? We are in the middle of some kind of temperature-like war, aren't we? You could really carve up the tension with a dull blade.

Out of all these seemingly connected, or unconnected events, we're forced to conform to a universe synced up tech savvy Greek Fate program and a Porter that thinks it’s all in good funsies to muck with our abilities and pull us through several omniversal barriers, and all the while managing to constrain the powers of those who can find such methods of travel. Moral of the story? Don't ever pay full price for travel when you can do it for free. That's to say that my extra-dimensional abilities don't hold water. Nor did the other spectrum of mortal religion's. [ cough cough Lucifer cough cough. ]

Not saying that there aren't worlds worse than this, it's pretty much a grand walk in the park from every angle. But other possibilities out there—a-aa-aand the probability of another "bad end" is always sort of there, isn't it? I've been there, I've seen them, and they're none too pleasant.

[ possibility brought gifts and curses, but he'd still take freedom any day of the week over the small comfort of security. he likes it here, even all these mortal politics. ]

Holding information hostage gets old and can cause all kinds of trouble. Like dying trouble. No one likes dying trouble. So I'd like to propose some sharing is caring—conspiracies, experiences, theories, call it a free-for-all impromptu exercise. Keep it public, won't we? A little ol' request from this trickster. We don't want anyone running around in a hacking frenzy for information. Kiiiind of misses the point.

Oh, yes, to start us off! It’s a bit funny how only one Fate is mentioned syncing with the Porter. There’s three, isn’t there? At least myth dictates of them. Hm—sooooo … how many other references can we pick up on, hm? Who's ready for Greek bingo?

ETA.

[ he straightens his voice with a little er-mm. ]

Let's make that Greek and Roman, hm? I guess that ups the chances of a bingo, so Lachesis can be the "free space."

Comments

[selfequipped]

Drop the "H" from Nonah, and what do you get?

[Well, she might as well jump do it.

There is a pause:]

Which brings us to dropping Greek bingo, and hitting Roman bingo instead. The three Roman Fates.

[selfimage]

On the ball there, Kate Bishop.

I'm going to need more cards.

[ his expression twists a little bit and he looks a bit put-out. ]

I didn't even choose prizes yet.

video;

[larker]

[Holy crap that was long, so long that at points Gabriel may feel his eyes drooping, or be distracted by something walking past the coffee shop he seems to be living in. Don't be fooled though, he's hearing every single word.]

If they're trying to match or beat my Broward County kill score with murder attempts in this place, then I got bad news for them. Oh wait, never mind, not something I should brag on.

Where's my bingo card? Random fact. Back home those three were hanging around, even after Greek myth bit the dust. Someone asked me why, once, and I told them not to ask me, I just worked there.

VIDEO FOREVER HE WANTS TO SEE GABRIEL'S FACE ALL THE TIME.

[selfimage]

You know, somehow I feel that you have a little snippet of "why" in your head, even if you chose not to disclose it.

[ there's a cheeky grin. ]

Next latte's on me if you spill. Promise not to laugh, absolutely promise.

vidya

[brushoff]

Guy Fawkes is rolling over in his grave. [ because Dorian is putting on his metaphorical hipster glasses and being obscenely British. ]

Anyway, Greek bingo...coincidence or not, Lieutenant Aisha Ananke's name certainly can't go amiss. Never talked to the woman myself and I certainly can't judge when it comes to odd names, but it's interesting.

[selfimage]

Guy Fawkes is probably already on his stomach.

[ he raises you a hipster mustache. ]

Hm, can't help but wonder about that surname in a place like this, can we? This is starting to get awfully fishy. You know what they say about coincidences.

[heralding]

What do you mean by a possibility of a "bad end," unless you are referring to the Fates' tendencies to cut things short if things don't go as planned?

[selfimage]

Sort of. Let's say that some dimensions seem to have ... [ he's waving his hand back and forth like he's looking for the right word. ... a shorter span of life. Not necessarily Fate's doing exactly, unless they're as moody as Atropos seemed to be with the last one. More by design.

Though in an infinite amount of possibilities, is that really so surprising?

audio

[performance]

[ The comm reads "Robin." ]

Mythology bingo? Don't mind if I do.

Nona, Decima, Morta — the Roman names for the Fates. Which brings us toooo... [ mimes a drumroll ] Nonah, De Chima, and Maurtia Falls. Three out of five of the Porter cities.

all audio all the time.

[selfimage]

[ birdy birdy birdy. ]

So I've heard. And what of the other two? Somehow I've a feeling that this is turning into more than coincidence. Three is the magic number.

video.

[glowsferatu]

That it took you this long to conclude most of this is how I know no one's really listening. One can only state these things so many times.

Clotho was another Porter, controlled by Vulcanus--which, there you go, Roman god of the smith--in a universe under their own control. A taste of what they planned for the world the City resided in. She wasn't manic like Lachesis, simply bound.

Atropos was a dark god who swallowed the City whole and destroyed the planet in its entirety. The first among us to arrive in Heropa did so to escape from her. But still she called the others her sisters.

video.

[selfequipped]

He didn't "take this long," he's making sure the information is available to everyone.

But of course, you had to leap to the most condescending conclusion.

[fingerbang]

I see everyone else has tackled the nomenclature.

[selfimage]

[ he sounds a little amused. ]

Most likely because it's the easier part to swallow.

voice.

[motherfucked]

Oookay, ignoring that you sound like a supervillain for a minute—

Lacheis is the name of the old teleporter thing. The one that was, uh, sentient. [ She's new, so she's just trying to get this straight. But she actually is interested. ] And you think it's some, I dunno, mythological conspiracy.

voice.

[selfequipped]

Well, he is Loki.

text

[lyingheart]

Speaking on experiences here, or just getting down to the details of what we've heard, or seen, or witnessed?

I'll admit, all the Roman/Greek associations only make sense after extensive review of the mythology and cultures... which I'm not through yet, or seeing what others point out when they are familiar with these things.

[ remembers the Titans; what a fascinating, completely unhelpful series of myths to be unearthed on all of those, too. ]

video > text.

[selfimage]

All of the above.

There are some things that have—well—omniversal impact of resonation rather than simply speaking through a single world. That's the part that makes things interesting.

NOT HERE.

[altercate]

[ just observing, for the moment. god loki why do your outfits keep getting weirder derek is so affronted. ]

[selfimage]

[ he can't help it if he looks good in everything he puts on. ]

[inmyothertights]

When did you-

No, you know what? Nevermind.

[selfimage]

[ how does he know exactly what you're talking about? ]

Up, up and away.

text;

[infomodder]

I named one of my dogs after an author. My dog is not an author.

[Which is his way of saying it might mean absolutely nothing, these similarities based on names. They're just names, come on, they don't rhyme with anything sinister.]

video > text.

[selfimage]

Ah, and an apple isn't an orange either.

I'm Loki, and I'll always be Loki—I wouldn't really see it fit to name one after me. Some things resonate louder than others. Let's just say that the coincidence of the idea of the author doesn't need to be the author, themselves to hold water.

ALSO NOT HERE BUT

[nestingdevil]

[Definitely keeping an eye on this one.]

[Also what the shit is that mask.]

[selfimage]

[ you just like his great face. neener neener neener neener neener. ]

voice

[runningstart]

Theorizing and talking about stuff is great, it's definitely done a lot. Gotten peace treaties signed, probably...gotten someone hired somewhere or something. But I think if we ever want information for real, we need to start going out there and looking for it. There's a whole planet full of people who've lived here there entire lives we should be talking to.

[selfimage]

This goes beyond just the realm and universe itself—but all findings are welcome and appreciated. Active contributions and all.

Now, which place of inquiry would you like to start?

video

[valr]

[+1 grumpy valkyrie smoking a cigarette.]

Having fun?

[selfimage]

[ like that is not her constant state of being. ]

Someone has to solve this mystery.

private | video 1/3 REDO

[corviform]

What is with the mask?

[ JUDGING FIRST!! ]

private | video 2/3

[corviform]

[ Anyway, he listens in, albeit a touch impatiently since Loki's only going on about things he already knows. ]

Greek and Roman mythology are similar, aren't they?

What are you planning now?

video.

[ex_question191]

Is it just me, or do you really like the sound of your own voice.

[ not that he didn't listen. he's even skimmed some of the follow-up conversations. but holy shit, dude, that was a serious monologue. ]

[selfimage]

Did you catch all that, or were you just waiting to announce the teal deer? That's as Cliff Notes as I get.

video;

[parallels]

You know, longer prose doesn't necessarily mean a better story.

[She snorts a little before continuing more serious and direct.]

So. Here. Greek history and myth. How does it all fit together so far. Show me what you've got.

[selfimage]

Usually non-fiction doesn't do prose very well. [ he sounds a little dubious, but slightly amused. ] But there are some interesting draws—like Lachesis, for example.

video;

[throneinmyside]

I agree with you about how we should share information. I'm sure most of us could have something to contribute and it would benefit everyone in the end. I too am concerned with what I have heard of this conflict, it's troubling to say the least.

I wish I had something to contribute but I must admit I'm still finding my way around for the time being. But I hope we will be able to work together in the future, Loki.

[selfimage]

Then let's start with the basics, shall we? Is there anything you've noticed upon your arrival?

1/?

[incendere]

(First of all, that mask. Are you like a terrorist or do you just have a bad fashion sense?)

[incendere]

(Ah, so just a bad fashion sense, okay. OR MAYBE NOT WHAT DOES "REMEMBER, REMEMBER, THE FIRST OF NOVEMBER" MEAN)

video

[heartboxer]

[ Armstrong can't really ignore the music blasting through speakers the size of his torso without sound earplugs. It's time to face the music.... except he knows next to nothing about Greek mythology. So just enjoy ignorant babble, Loki! ]

You are right that they aren't as forthcoming about some of these things as they could be, but the world seems pleasant enough and I can't exactly begin to reason with siding with people who are attempting to kill us or the countries we're warring with, who would probably use us as leverage if we were to go over there peacefully. [ I mean, he gets the idea that the opposition isn't in the wrong, but they aren't exactly friendly to imPorts either. ]

[selfimage]

[ he's down with this. next time, there will be pamphlets. ]

Oh, I'm not exactly sure that we aren't already being used as leverage. Mortal politics do get curious when it comes to advantages and disadvantages. You could say that something interesting fell in their lap, and who wouldn't take advantage of something like that?

There are two sides in every war.

voice;

[enigmaestro]

When you reshuffle a deck of cards, how aggressively would you bet on pulling a face card first?

[selfimage]

Queen of hearts.

[ not because he put them up his sleeve and he's a downright dirty cheater, of course. ]

[voice]

[shutupandgetintheanimus]

Whoa. They've done all that? [Must have been before he arrived...]

Jesus, I didn't think they would actively try to kill us. What else do you know about these guys?

[selfimage]

It would depend on which guys you're talking about. That was a bit of a sweeping generalization in the Cliff Notes version.

[hackitude]

So. Have you actually learned anything new, or is this just your way of helping get everyone up to speed?

[Skye already knows the answer, she can read the responses. But it's polite to pretend like you aren't stalking other people's conversations.]

[selfimage]

A little from column A, a little from column B. [ he waves his hand lazily. ] Moreso as a reminder--you never know what's out there in terms of information. We don't want anyone left out.

video;

[immuno]

Good to see everyone scrambling to point out the obvious. Just what are you hoping to gain here? And don't sell me the same line about transparency that you gave everyone else.

[selfimage]

[ there are a few answers to that--because there's always something to gain. one of the answers he wasn't exactly willing to part with just yet. ]

Is there something on my face that says I'm always up to something?

[ there kind of is. there's a shrug of his shoulders and then he starts again, because he kind of does. ]

The wider variety of those imPorts that are aware, the less likely they are to let things ... slide, if that's the case.

[ the harder the revolution. ]