text; video;

[searchforpeace]

[It's near three or four in the morning when this one comes in on the network. It's not elaborate.]

I believe it saw me but I'm not sure. Whatever it was, when I tried to get close to it... it made some noise. A chirp maybe? I didn't attempt to fight it; I wasn't armed in any way at the time.

[The video isn't until sometime in the afternoon the next day. The girl in the video is neatly dressed and put together. There's soft hints of sleeplessness around the eyes but she doesn't seem too bothered by it. Not right now at least.]

I'm sure several of you were privvy to the 'negotiations' thread. Forgive me, I haven't gone over the network as I had previously. I've... been avoiding it, to be honest.

[A vague bit of guilt rises on her features. She hated this number, hated this network, hated what it was doing to her life.
... But she didn't hate the people on here. They weren't asking for any of this any more than she was. They all deserved better.

She just jumps straight in after a moment of conflict.]

These entities, whatever they are, believe we are a mass of individuals unconnected. If this is what they are expecting then, uniting together might be some brief surprise to them.

[Her expression turns serious, guilt easing away. For the briefest of moments, she's almost regal in her air.]

I would like to organize a 'collective', if you will, among those among the numbered - those on this network. Through it we will be able to share information with one another as well as offering support in both physical and emotional senses.

I am not looking to play leader. I am not looking to craft troops. What I wish for is a collective gathering of people cooperating with each other and working for each other to stand against this invasion and to ultimately save each other as well.

[She pauses there and the feeling of a moment before evaporates like a mist. She smiles faintly and nods.]

I will be planning a gathering then for anyone who expresses interest at a currently undisclosed time in the future. Please contact me over the network, private messages or through my phone [here she gives her cellphone number without hesitation - she's tired of hiding].

Thank you.

Comments

[Video | TV]

[odd_jobs]

[Remote in hand, Tadashi is leaning, with elbows on knees towards the screen.]

Now, that's what I was looking for. Count me in, boss.

[He rubs his chin.] I've got a couple of ideas for organization, but they're probably best offline.

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

[The word 'boss' brings a look of mild amusement to Audrey's face.]

'Organizer' may be a better word for me. Yes, anything like that would best be brought up at this gathering then. If you would like to tell me before though, I would be glad to arrange a time and place privately.

Voice | Cellphone

[icy_heavens]

I get people not wanting to reveal too much and all, but we really do need something more organized.

[And about that earlier text . . .] I saw one of those the other day, too.

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

Did the one you saw do anything? Beyond run off when you noticed it, I mean.

Unfortunately I feel we've gone beyond a time where anonymity will do us much good, at least when it comes to our fellow numbered on the network.

[Video | Water Trough]

[destinedforrock]

Oh! A united front, is it? Forming a more real society, are we?

You can count me in, too!

Even if, bear in mind, I won't exactly be going anywhere anytime soon, but rest assured I will do my utmost to contribute.

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

[... Another horse. At first Audrey pauses but... well, at least the horse can talk, unlike the cat.]

Contribution is what matters most, I feel.

[Voice | Cell Phone]

[scramasax]

This is Anthony Janvier...

I'm for it - absolutely.

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

I've seen you on the network. Pardon me for not introducing myself before this. I've... been adjusting, you could say.

If you know of anyone else who may be interested, they are welcome as well. I have no intention of excluding those who wish to help.

text | IRC

[maxwells_silver_scythe]

"Negotiations?"

[Yeah he missed that.]

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

[Her expression darkens.]

When the statue exhibit first began, there was a URL to a forum there simply titled 'Let's Negotiate'. It wasn't so much a negotiation as it was a list of demands.

text; cell phone

[controlsdesire]

I might be interested.

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

[Audrey smiles faintly there.]

Might be is good enough. I will be in further contact with individuals when the meeting date is decided. May I know who I'm speaking to or a way to reach you in the future?

[text; ipad]

[amberhearted]

[ in response to her text at 3/4am. ]

"It"? Are you okay?

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

[A pause and then Audrey nods faintly, head bowed.]

I'm fine. It did nothing but look at me. I didn't try to approach it however.

( text | laptop. )

[jests]

That's a noble want and aim. Let's hope it has success.

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

I hope so. If it doesn't, I won't be disappointed. We have to try rather than simply hiding in fragments.

[Text]

[shiromadoushi]

[[Texting her phone, which of course means she now has his number as well, but she's seemed reasonable when he's chatted.]]

Sounds good.

Text; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

I'm very glad you approve. I'm no leader but I did enjoy the 'organizer' idea.

[Text]

[formermagicalgirl]

[Will be coming to Audrey's cell so she knows who it is.]

You have my support for any organization of this group that doesn't involve Casval Mass as a leader.

Also, I did see one of those things as well. I was with someone else at the time.

Text; Phone

[searchforpeace]

Did it try anything then? The one I saw simply ran away when I noticed it.

[Her expression turns slightly curious as she sits back in her desk chair now.]

I'm afraid I haven't kept tabs on him as well as I ought to have. He seemed... well, a bit creepy from our one conversation. That has been a mistake on my part. What has he been doing?

video | private {iphone}

[ursoreckless]

[he knows that face although he had seen her dressed up more often than not. Shou thinks things over for a moment or two and then decides to make this a bit private.]

Don't those parents let you sleep?

video | private {phone}

[searchforpeace]

[Oh! There's a familiar voice.]

I thought I had seen you on the network.

[Her smile is light.]

Shouldn't I be asking about yours? Is your mother still enthusiastic about your marriage prospects?

[Video]

[italktofish]

OUTRAGEOUS! That's a GRAND idea!

[So. Excited.]

You can count me in!

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

[Well he seems enthusiastic. That's a good thing.]

Of course. Anyone who wishes to help is welcome. May I have a name to contact you by, if possible? You're welcome to send it to my phone if you're uncomfortable revealing yourself via the network.

[Text: Computer]

[spideyfanone]

Support in the emotional sense? Yeesh. But I've heard ideas that suck more, I guess.

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

Some people may need such, particularly as these events or whatever they may be we're all recalling continue coming. Those that don't or don't wish to offer such support don't need to. I would ask that you don't mock those who do need that support however.

text; PC

[reapsthewind]

Well, since you're not making the mistake of trying to lead an army like the last jackass... I'm in.

Text; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

[Last jackass, eh? She has a feeling she knows who. What has he been doing when she hasn't been watching him?]

I don't intend to form an army. If those who can fight wish to do so when the time calls for it, they may. I won't force anyone to do so however.

voice | cellphone

[reckless_fire]

Count me in.

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

[There's a voice she recognizes as well. Audrey smiles gently.]

Thank you. I'm glad to have your support.

[ video; cellphone ]

[secondcomingof]

[ This face. This face forever. ]

Well, I'm sure this won't go to hell like last time.

[ ...Casval, that's not helpful. Stop being unhelpful. And angry that all of these people are defriending you on Facebook. ]

Video; Laptop

[searchforpeace]

If it does, it will be with the knowledge that we at least attempted to do something. Something that wasn't strictly fighting as well.

[iaijutsu]

I'd like to be part of this.

Text;

[searchforpeace]

I'm glad to hear that. Who am I speaking to? If you're not comfortable saying as much over the network, you're welcome to use my personal phone number.

( text )

[argents]

[ A simple text, late: ]

I said I'd help you.

[ Then another, after something of a pause: ]

What did you see?

text; laptop

[searchforpeace]

The creature itself, I'm not sure. It appeared to be covered entirely with hair. It made a few noises but almost as soon as I saw it, it ran away.

[The next text comes a good bit later, likely hours later. It's simple because she couldn't think of anything else to say.]

Thank you. I'm sorry.

text;

[hollowleg]

as much as I want to just ignore all of this, i can't, can I? I mean, people are going to die if we don't do something. I read those "negotiations". I'm not a fighter or anything but I can't just sit around and be "pruned"

text;

[searchforpeace]

I'm no fighter either. You're exactly right though. I've tried to ignore this myself and it hasn't worked out well. And if that's the case, our only other option is to stand and fight as best we can.

text

[kingside]

I would be glad to join this collective and assist where I can.

text

[searchforpeace]

I appreciate the support.

video; iPhone - whoops |D

[earnedmystripes]

Mm, we'll do better working together than on our own. Count me in.

video; laptop

[searchforpeace]

I believe so as well. Particularly now that those invading seem to think we are only individuals and not a group.

text

[entertainaplanb]

I wouldn't be much good in a fight, but I'll definitely help with information, as I have it.

Re: text

[searchforpeace]

Information is always needed. I had hoped this sort of grouping may lead to shared information for the common good.

[voice]

[elfstoned]

Aaron Strider here. A colleague and I operate a clinic south of the Dead District that specializes in uninsured cases. We are both among the numbered, and the clinic is available to any who cannot afford other medical care, or who, for whatever reason, would rather not see an ordinary practitioner.

My name and location are, if not common knowledge, easy enough to find on the network.

[voice]

[searchforpeace]

Mr. Strider. I have noticed you on the network, though I wasn't exactly sure about your clinic. I appreciate the offer of help.

text

[unfearing]

Elizabeth Bishop. I believe firmly in the necessity of organization and open information sharing within our ranks here. I would like to assist however I can.

Text;

[searchforpeace]

I'm glad others do as well then. Any help is welcomed. That is certainly the aim of this idea anyhow, to help.

[Video | Webcam]

[soulsborderline]

[Meanwhile, Asuka continues not paying attention to what anyone actually has to say on this network. Instead, she just squints at the network video.]

Don't I know you from school?