Video

[mysterioisthetruth]

Another day dawns. Another year has begun.

A fresh start! Let us put all of the dark past behind us and move forward into a brighter future.

[Beck is in full motivational speech mode again. It's still his official job, although the speeches are not usually directed across the public network but at more private functions. Today, he feels the new beginning warrants it and he's feeling optimistic. He gestures to punctuate his words as he continues.]

We have so much to look forward to. The world has been saved. Heroes have played their part and will continue to do so to keep this world protected. Benefactors have been generous. Deals have been made.

But most of all...

[And then here comes the shameless self promotion.]

My grand spectacular will soon be going into production and rehearsals. There are positions that are still needing to be filled by any talented people out there. You do not want to miss being part of the event of the decade - no, the century! We're going to start off with a bang!

[He then sends an under construction list of performers, crew and vacancies.]

[Video]

[lonered]

[So, Keith looks... harried. He's holding it together, but he's also very clearly tense. Now, Keith isn't exactly Mr. Carefree Happy-go-lucky at the best of times, but there is an added seriousness in his expression, even more intensity in the gaze that he fixes on the camera.

And, maybe most telling, he looks worried.]

Shiro is missing.

[He can't say gone. He can't. Not again. Even if he has been told how this place works, knows full well that people come and go. He knows that rationally, but rationality has never really been the ruling concept where Shiro is involved.]

I can't find him anywhere. I can't get him on the comms. He was next to me in bed last night, and then he wasn't. I didn't hear him get out of bed. He just vanished.

[He takes a breath. His voice is mostly level still, threatening to fracture at the edges.]

I know the Porters do things, but...

[He trails off and shakes his head, like he doesn't want to finish. Now, when it turns out that Shiro's port out was very temporary Keith will briefly wonder if he overreacted a bit, but since that hasn't happened yet, he thinks he's being very restrained. Nothing is on fire and he hasn't threatened anyone in the government yet. That's personal growth.]

There has to be someway to know for sure. To do something.

[His frustration bleeds through on the last word, down to the clenched fists that he forces open to reach out and turn off the video.]