12th ♪ video ♪ jan. 6 (morning)

[couragemantra.livejournal.com]

[ Kurt is sitting at the kitchen table, cup of coffee and his breakfast, half a grapefruit, visible in front of him. There's a copy of the newspaper folded up in one hand, and he's frowning with great uncertainty into the video feed as he puts it down. ]

Pretty grim news these days, if you ask me. Somehow it doesn't seem right doing nothing. I don't want to get swept up in madness, and as much as I hate it...

[ He looks for a moment at the ceiling and gives a huff of a sigh before practically grimacing as he starts to speak again. ] I need a new partner. I tried earlier on but then I stopped after the whole... Gamzee incident. I'm decent with a sword and all right with knives and willing to use whatever other less conventional Weapons are out there. I realize there are better trained Meisters who have more of an idea of what the hell they're doing but if there's anyone willing to try out a mission or two with me, contact me. It's not like I have zero experience, either, just so you know. My previous Weapon and I downed our fair share of kishin eggs...

[ Another deep breath. He's trying not to let it show too much, but Kurt is really nervous about this. He's tired of getting hurt, but maybe if he starts small for once... At least half of the time when he got hurt in the past it was because he was trying to help in too big of a way. Start small. Easier missions. But even easy missions have a certain amount of risk. You just never know, do you?

Kurt shakes his head and tears his eyes away from the video feed before turning it off, but not before one final: ] Thanks.

January 6, 2010 - Wednesday

[pedo_sun]

Death City Times


EUROPE THREATENS TO CLOSE DOORS ON SHIBUSEN

After the recent attack in Liechtenstein, the European Union today released a report on a meeting by union representatives and leaders to consider closing Europe’s doors on Shibusen.

“It’s only something that we should consider,” European Union spokesperson Michael Madd said in a press conference. “Nothing is final yet. The European Union’s priority is the safety of the civilians, not engaging in war.”

“The enemy only wants Shibusen,” an angry civilian from Lucerne said in a quick interview. His home was destroyed in the Lucerne incident, killing his wife and two young children. “Being around them is more dangerous than kishin eggs!”

Another civilian has taken the side of Shibusen. “They’re trying to do their jobs. It won’t help them or us any if we stop supporting them. Through these tough times, all the more, we should work together to win the war.”

Both sentiments are shared in other places. In a number of countries in Europe, foremost of which is the Netherlands and Belgium, cities are isolating Shibusen bases and withdrawing support as the identified targets of these attacks, much to the consternation of some civilians who refuse to leave the areas.


MADNESS SPREADS: EUROPE, NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA WORST AFFECTED

An ongoing survey of the state of Madness in the world by Shibusen’s Investigative Department has released preliminary results to encourage governments to practice constant vigilance against Madness-induced criminal and kishin egg activity.

“We can minimize risk by being careful,” Sid Barret, SID’s head technician said in an interview yesterday. “We don’t need this survey to tell that the world’s affected by Madness, but now we are finding out how much.”

Madness-related incidents in North America has risen by 57% from last year, while incidents in South America has risen by 68%. Europe at 140% is hardest hit owing to the recent activity of Black Clowns in the area and the black balls exuding Madness in various countries.

The Czech Republic is currently in a state of emergency after several incidents of kishin egg invasions occured in the past week.


MISSING PERSONS IN JORDAN MONTANNA REACHES TEN

In what is feared to be the work of either a serial criminal or kishin eggs, ten people have been listed as missing in the area of Jordan, Montanna. A further seven people missing are feared related to the case.

Montanna police are hopeful that the perpetrators are related to criminal syndicates, but promises to call on Shibusen assistance to deal with the situation.

---

[Hmm things are starting to turn a bit hairy again. Is the increase in worldwide madness wavelength levels the reason why people are starting to lose missions, when it was a lot easier before?

The sun doesn't have anything else to say for today. Temperatures will be 50/36F (10C/2C).]


[We do have a bunch of reminders, though! Here is activity check for last month. Remember to comment on the HMD meme, too. The December app cycle is just around the corner. Why not try volunteering for the intro log to help welcome our new players? Beta-reading assignments have been sent out. It's not too late to volunteer since there will still be new reserves coming in up until the application cut-off date. And lastly, we have a Secret Santa meme again for this year's holidays. Participate, make a fellow player happy, maybe even make a friend--profit??]

005; video; January 5, late after noon

[blue_wayfinder]

[The amount of people being sent home recently made her wonder...]

Do people who are returned by BREW always forget everything that happened here when they go back?

I know people sometimes remember things when they’re brought back to this world, but if they aren’t...[She looks away for a moment.] ...if BREW doesn’t bring them back, do they really forget everything? [Will she forget too if she’s sent back? Or when this war is over and she goes home?]

And does anyone know what happens to our things? I know they disappear when we do... [But where does it all go?]