ᴏᴏ1 ( ᴠɪᴅᴇᴏ ) | ᴏʟᴅ ʜᴀʙɪᴛs.

[insubordination]

[ time spent in this . . . chaotic landscape of shifting dimensions and new worlds has been something of a hit the ground running experience for roy. he's located a select few people he's found somewhat competent, and he's also located (more importantly) the people from his world that he trusts. specifically, alphonse and riza. edward, it seems, has been taken back to amestris.

hopefully.

but to those who haven't met roy mustang, you are suddenly faced with an image of a relatively young man in his late-twenties/early-thirties, with messy-ish black hair and piercing eyes. he looks like someone who knows what he's doing, to a certain extent. certainly comfortable with the notion of a bunch of strangers listening to him speak, at any rate. and when he speaks, to those that are familiar -- he's definitely military. from his posture and his commanding tone.

that being said, he definitely looks somewhat less-than-put-together, for someone with military experience.

roy is a work in progress. ]

I hope you've all enjoyed the . . . festivities. [ roy, for one, has not enjoyed feeling like big brother has been watching his every move and being told to stay in a room due to some arbitrary lockdown, but he supposes the party has been nice. or something. whatever. ] But I'm afraid I'd like to address something slightly less charming and more pragmatic than celebration.

Since being in the -- employ of the deity who brought us along on this adventure, I've noticed that there seems to be a lack of structure among those of us who are here, for better or for worse, against our will. Many of us have abilities that have been stripped from us without our consent or knowledge [ and while roy has his tone level and calm, as if speaking about the weather, it's fairly obvious that this is a bitter sticking point, for him ] and while I'm certain many of us are capable of living life without said luxuries, I'm certain many others have difficulty. Regardless of what camp you're in, you're definitely not alone.

That being said, when I first arrived here, I came at a time of relative crisis. From what I've been told, there's not much of a structure for coping with said crisis, particularly with our current residents, and the population seems to be rather young. [ WHY ARE THERE SO MANY TEENAGERS ] I'd like to speak with those here, particularly those who have been a part of this journey for some time, on the formation of said structure. Particularly with those with experiences or talents that could lend to said cause of a response team of sorts, or even those who want to have a more forward-minded effort toward understanding our fellow man on this bizarre journey we've all found ourselves on.

[ here, roy pauses, and he gives a somewhat sheepish smile. ]

I don't really expect so much information for free, so, by example: my name is Roy Mustang, Brigadier General of the Amestrian Military. Central Branch. State Alchemist. Currently on assignment in the Ishval region, to headline the reconstruction effort. None of that will carry much weight with most of you, but to make an extraordinarily long story short, I recently took part in an attempt to save the world, with a surprising amount of success. I'm particularly good at organization and delegation, but fail spectacularly at micromanaging. I also enjoy a good game of chess, and entertaining company.

[ pause. ]

And for the naturally suspicious, I'm certain Alphonse Elric will speak highly of me.

[ go bother the teenager for references if you need them, thanks. ]

ooc: this is dated before the communication issues!! we're good. :)

Comments

( video )

[reckoner]

[ A new exercise to utilize the visual capacities of the signet -- he hasn't much bothered before this. But the nature of his granted powers make it easy enough.

aside: seriously why so many teenagers ]

Do three months qualify? Though I doubt the utility of my ability...

[ Qri-given, in any case. ]

My experience might be useful.

[ No other option, at this point, but utility. Forward-minded, indeed. Push toward departure. ]

Gaelio Bauduin, of the Seven Stars. Specialist Major of Gjallarhorn's Inspection Division, then adviser to Rustal Elion, Commander of the Arianrhod Fleet. Currently...

[ suppressing a revolution? matter-of-fact thus far, he trails off, glancing blankly away. ]

Irrelevant.

[ All of it's meaningless here, but it seems to matter to this guy. ]

( video )

[insubordination]

[ literally none of those words make any sense but THAT'S. FINE. that's the point of this exercise, after all -- to get to know thy neighbor, in these times. and to get a list together of the people who can be trusted and relied upon to do things when they're all underneath lockdown.

the 'irrelevant' comment earns a laugh, though: ]

I don't think life experience could ever be irrelevant. What you've been through or accomplished in your world could undoubtedly prove to be useful here, regardless of how outlandish it sounds.

[ THAT being said: ]

Commander of the Arianrhod Fleet? [ roy does his best with the pronunciation, and it actually comes out fairly close. ] Fellow military, then. Career?

video

[testified]

Roy Mustang, I am pleased to meet you, even if it's under such... odd circumstances.

[ This whole telepathy video thing, she means. ]

You seem like a kind and trustworthy man. As for me, my name is Celica, a priestess from Novis Priory. I don't have much to offer in terms of information, seeing as I'm only a recent arrival... but those who I have met so far have been helpful beyond measure.

If you're organizing a more structured form of aid, I'd be very much interested in assisting you.

[ She has leadership experience! But that goes unsaid. ]

video

[insubordination]

[ another young person. it never really seems fair, that young people are thrust into these positions of apparent power. though she hasn't said so, she obviously responded to the post lured to something. what roy was asking for. skills. a priestess, in a priory . . . interesting. ]

You flatter me, Miss Celica. I'm thankful for the offer, and the compliment.

[ kind AND trustworthy. how sweet. ]

Is Novis the god that you worship, in the priory? Or goddess? -- being? [ curious! but before she can answer, roy continues, slightly apologetic: ] I'm afraid I'm not much of a person of faith, nor are many of the people at home that I tend to associate with, so a pre-emptive apology for any ignorance that I have is likely in order.

voice / intermittent video... he's trying

[zinit]

Alright, let's try this--

[An image flickers of Qilby sitting by a window, stroking his ridiculous beard in thought. It's clear this guy isn't 'rather young' by any stretch of the imagination, nor is he from any particular Earth-like military; instead, he has a kind of world-weary calm about him. Perhaps the giant hat, though, is some sort of status symbol? Who knows. --And then the video leaves, but the voice continues.]

[He laughs sheepishly - and it's on again for a split-second, showing that he has his temples cradled in his fingers - then it's off again.] Pardon me; I haven't gotten used to this yet.

My people weren't particularly warlike, but we were certainly a civilization that lasted... And I'm proud to say I led us through our proudest period. I've been with this coven for a much, much shorter time [the joke is that he's millennia old], but hopefully I'll have some experience to contribute here as well.

But enough of that - my name is Qilby, of the Eliatrope people. It's a pleasure, Roy Mustang.

video (it's ok qilby)

[insubordination]

[ roy can sympathize, with the trouble. he forced riza to practice this connection for an hour before he broadcast it. it wouldn't do to look caught off guard when he's asking for trust. though qilby does earn half a laugh, at the admittance. roy's video, however, stays steady.

my people, a leader. interesting. ]

Maybe that's the secret to a lasting civilization; peace. [ one, hopefully, that amestris will see soon. and roy pushes the hair out of his eyes with half a sigh. ] Thank you, for sharing, I appreciate the information -- if only to get a gauge on how diverse this collection of people seem to be.

[ different worlds, different cultures, different languages . . . it's really a wondrous thing, or it would be, if they weren't trapped here. ]

The pleasure is mine. Did you have a title, Qilby? Other than leader of your people.

[ roy sounds curious, rather than asking what qilby wants to be referred to. all the information is pretty amazing. ]

Video

[teratias]

[What Waver heard was a lot of...well, beating around the bush about intentions. And that puts him in mind of too many academics for him to be comfortable with. So when he replies with a video, there's no doubting the scowl that's on his face.]

You're talking around what you want to do instead of flat out outlining a plan, which it's pretty clear you have on some level. Even an inkling of hierarchies, which is fine for an island that needs further development, but you're going to have to adapt to in infinite permutations with this world hopping.

[He does know Al though so...Waver'll share a little of himself.]

Al's been nice since I met him. Waver Velvet, alchemist, but not your world's alchemy.

Video

[insubordination]

[ there's a slight arching of his eyebrows at the totally true accusation, but he doesn't seem offended by it. ]

Al tends to be nice to almost everyone who meets him, it's one of his best and worst qualities. [ Aaphonse elric should be protected at all costs, tbh ] As for the rest -- it would be foolish to put forward a plan without having all of the information, or listening to anyone else's ideas, or assume that I have any real authority or knowledge in knowing what I'm doing in putting forward said plan.

[ mildly enough, though roy tilts his head slightly, to get a better view of this waver velvet. ]

If you want to hear what I think should happen, then I'll happily tell you, but I'd be a little more interested in hearing what makes your alchemy different from my own.

(Video)

[spaceforged]

Well, anyone Alphonse will speak highly of I’m willing to give a shot.

[He likes the Elrics. They’re smart, capable, and clearly have some training in a military capacity. He adjusts the signet signal to make sure it’s clear and nods.]

And since you offered up your identification I’ll give mine. I’m Shirogane Takashi just call me Shiro, former Garrison Pilot turned Black Paladin of Voltron. To explain it, on my world we reached space faring capability. But the larger Universe has had that knowledge for over ten thousand years. Bit of a surprise but my team and I have been assisting the universe as we can. I’m the only one of that team here. Aside from being a pilot I’m not bad with diplomatic relations or combat if it comes to that. Hopefully it won’t but looking more likely than I’d like.

Anyway, I’ve been with the Coven since our first world hop. I came in shortly after their last fight with a fanatical alien race bent on destroying another one. There has been a fairly loose structure of command and ideas here. It has fallen somewhat since we arrived in Shehui. I agree we need some sort of response team to deal with any kind of crisis that comes up. Possibly one with a rotation of personnel to suit whatever we’re up against at any given time.

We’ll see who comes to the party after you put out the sign. What do you need to be brought up to speed on?

(Video)

[insubordination]

[ more military. quite a few here, now that roy has tossed out the feelers to ask. shiro seems to have control over a small, elite force, which is . . . comforting, really. the more leadership material in this place, the better, particularly when so many of the people here seem to be inexperienced at best.

there's a slight upward twitch of his lips. ]

Edward and Alphonse Elric were my . . . charges [ which is a delicate term for what they actually were ] for a period of time. Specifically, I was Edward's supervising officer. I'm certain Alphonse has a better opinion of me than his elder brother.

[ not that it matters much, at the moment. edward is no longer here. ]

Both of them have given me a rundown of what to expect while stuck here, but I want to know what people here are trained in rapid crisis response, medical capacity in the face of sudden injury, and military training -- or, failing that, weaponry and close combat. An available listing of those people, trustworthy people, that the less-abled population can get into contact with in the event of an emergency is essential.

[ roy pauses ]

Obviously, I'm newer than most. Information on who to speak to would be appreciated, or where to go in the effort to obtain more information. Who is generally in charge when these events happen, and is there a system in place for when that person is unable to lead? Standard affair, to begin with. The hardline structure can come later once we know where to begin.

voice

[gimmecandy]

State alchemist... -A youthful tone speaks the words, slowly, as if trying to process what they actually mean. There's a pause before she speaks again, a much deeper tone this time.-

Government sponsored magicians, applications in the manipulation of material elements. Applications in public works, construction, research, support, defense, assassination. Are you human?

voice

[insubordination]

[ impressive. nearly correct, though assassination is a strong word. genocide is likely more suiting to the task, particularly when the program was created, and especially as applied to roy. the military employs subterfuge on occasion, and definitely implanted tipping points around the world, when bradley was in charge.

lior springs to mind, for one. ]

Partially correct.

[ mildly enough ]

Magic isn't real, in Amestris. I'm a scientist, I don't pull rabbits out of hats. [ which about sums up what roy thinks of these powers being granted all over the place, but here we are. ] I'm also not much of an assassin, I don't think I would have the patience or the aptitude for quiet to pull it off, or the moral flexibility.

[ in actuality, explosions are way easier than sneaking about, 9/10. but out of all the theories, the last question is what gives roy pause. ]

-- are many people not human, here?

[ he's seen the dragon and all, but. ]

video

[allconsumed]

[Velvet typically wouldn't have the patience to watch through his entire spiel. Not for lack of attention span – she's just not thrilled with the idea of getting too deeply involved in the type of thing that he's suggesting. To her knowledge there's been one other publicly broadcasted attempt to get everyone in the coven organized, and she ignored it for the most part.

She also doesn't like showing herself over the network, but in this case, she wants to put herself on equal footing with him. His tone, body language and delivery remind her of Artorius – which earn him negative points from her based in bias, but charisma isn't an inherently good or bad thing. One thing that's different:]

If you're going to give any more speeches, get to the point up front. I bet you bored the kids.

[Sardonic, but not hostile. There are a lot of kids in the coven and it's noticeable. She gets why he introduced himself and offered those details, but to Velvet, they're cheap words. There's one claim to her that stands out, and she wants to examine it in her own way.]

… Not that it matters, probably. I'm Velvet. I've been with coven for four months, but you can get your information from someone else. What I'm interested in is this surprisingly successful time you had trying to save the world.

video

[insubordination]

[ honestly, it's something of a surprise that that detail (casually thrown out there, but purposefully laid) missed the attention of so many people. either something that extraordinary and ridiculous is commonplace here, or people genuinely miss the trees in lieu of the forest.

this young woman, though, did not miss it. hm. ]

My country was underneath the thumb of a dictator. The military was infiltrated, from top to bottom, with individuals who were willing to sacrifice Amestris in the name of power and the so-called greater good. A group of us elected to stop it.

[ not offering specific details. broad, generalized. not bringing up the homunculi or father or edward and alphonse's role in it. protective of them to the last. but enough to get the general idea: it's a surprise because it wasn't supposed to work out in their favor, and it did. ]

I imagine any of us that were involved in bringing down the Fuhrer would say they were lucky to be alive, let alone succeed, in saving Amestris.

video

[witchwithoutacause]

[ This actually sounds kind of important - so Amanda focuses enough to not zone out. Organization and blah blah blah isn't her style and yet... sometimes when you organize you don't become The Man, you just get to stick it to The Man more effectively.

So, stay on the outskirts, join in when it's a good idea. ]

Hey, uh, roomie.

[ That part's still weird. Don't room teenage girls with grown men come on guys. ]

Okay, so 'structure' isn't really exactly my thing, I just kinda like to do my own thing but you seem okay enough that I'll believe you helped save the... your... whatever world. As a fellow world saver, that's always a good thing.

[ Just an opportunity to talk herself up mostly. ]

Anyways, I can't help you with much unless we're somewhere that won't shoot me down for flying around and you need eyes in the sky, but y'know, if shit goes down I'm not gonna bail on everyone either.

video

[insubordination]

[ fellow world saver, huh. there's a slight laugh, at that (and at the whole 'roomie' thing because, welp), before he takes what amanda says into consideration. ]

I wouldn't underestimate the power of eyes in the sky. [ hawkeye has saved his life more than once by being his eyes elsewhere, after all. ] That's a skill worth having, especially if we're in another position of search and rescue.

[ there's a pause. ]

The people who brought us here granted you the ability to fly?

[ WHY DIDN'T HE GET A COOL POWER LIKE THAT ]

voice

[allbroea]

[ jusis is familiar with magic, to some extent, but telepathy is not on that list. he's still getting his bearings with it, so he responds in voice alone after he's heard the brigadier general out. he's not technically military, and he doesn't really have any desire to be military, but he's more than familiar with them at this point, and starts politely. ]

I've only arrived recently, and I would consider myself young, but my name is Jusis Albarea, and I am a member of Class VII from Thors Military Academy. I've been in attendance just short of one year, but we have tackled several crises in that time, including terrorist threats to destabilize the Empire.

[ a pause to consider his phrasing. ]

Before I arrived here, we were engaged in a campaign to end a civil war by liberating the royal family and the capital. My experience doubtlessly pales compared to your own, but this is exactly the kind of situation our instructors trained us for, and I feel it would be remiss if I didn't offer my assistance.

voice

[insubordination]

[ 'empires' aren't really his jam, and talk of civil wars to liberate royal families leaves him slightly skeptical in terms of what the ends may be. but that isn't his world, and not every form of government may be tyrannical. perhaps the royal family, in this instance, isn't terrible.

still, a volunteer is a volunteer, and one with experience, at that. ]

Do you have a specific rank, Jusis, that you want to be referred to? Or do you prefer your name?

[ rank and order tends to be easier, when it comes to fellow soldiers, though roy honestly doesn't give a damn if anyone calls him brigadier general in this world. the elrics definitely don't. and judging from the fact that he introduced himself by name, and not title -- roy can assume the answer.

anyway: ]

Experience is experience, so I wouldn't compare yourself one way or another to what I've accomplished. It sounds as if you've had enough conflict to last a lifetime. How old are you?

[video]

[osuni]

[Okuni's definitely amused -- even if there's no brigadier general equivalent back in her world, she can clearly tell he's a soldier of some rank (maybe something akin to a samurai) and isn't this whole post exactly what a oh so noble samurai would say? She's sure Sakichi would try something like this, except less elegantly and more to the point.

She hasn't been around long enough to see if anyone else had tried to organize their merry group of magicians, but she's surprised it didn't happen sooner.]

Is this your way of saying you'd like to be the leader of whatever sort of response group forms? [He didn't say, but Okuni always assumes that every authoritative person is authoritative for a Reason.] It's all well and good if everyone has the best of intentions, but there's little point if there's no real direction involved.

[EVERYONE IS A DO-GOODER, but like, is there someone who will be the captain of these teenager do-gooders]

[video]

[insubordination]

[ the question earns half a smile. ]

I have plenty of experience in leading in my own world, but I'm nowhere near knowledgeable on the circumstances of the people here, or the pattern of worlds, to take up the mantle. My goal for the time being is to tap the base, so to speak, and see who is here, what they offer in terms of immediate services, and whether we can organize into something less disjointed.

[ he pauses. ]

I don't think any leader should be appointed, necessarily -- not without a lot of consideration. I'm sure there are plenty of leaders in the community already without me volunteering to do it.

[ roy, after all, is relatively new. he's here to listen, for now. and if something comes up in the future where he's needed, he won't say no, if it's necessary. ]

video.

[witchhooded]

[ oh this is fancy. when jade's "recording" starts, she's trying to tame her unruly mass of hair, as if this will help her look at all more official. she's still a teenage girl with dog ears and eye glasses as big as her face. then again, he did not the population tended toward people her age, so maybe mr. state alchemist is expecting this? ]

Hi! I'm Jade Harley. Alphonse is one of my roommates. [ she stole his bed!

anyway. ] I don't have a fancy title. My grandson and I were leading one of the gathering groups back on the hub, I am not sure if that kind of thing will be organized again however... I've only been here three months and I do feel more than a little confused myself. Hmmm... For example, I did not have any clue about the Elto bones when I arrived and I doubt newer people like yourself do as well... I was wondering if it might be worth it to put together something like a welcoming committee myself, so that everyone can get more information when they arrive. We could even make brochures, hehe.

[ ...that's probably not something you should giggle at, but eh. that's out there now. ] I guess in conclusion what I am saying is that I would like to help. Like I said, I do not have much experience and I am just Jade, but I was taught to use guns from a young age and I am not much different at all from Qri, I think. If there is ever a time that I can use my powers, I am more than sure I will be useful. At the moment they are... pretty limited, heh.

[ bold statement, but hey. space powers, merging with a god. homestuck things. ]

video.

[insubordination]

[ one of alphonse's roommates . . . roy makes a note of her name, to run by alphonse later. an easy way to check and see if someone is trustworthy. again, another teenager, adn one that's been trained in guns? and isn't that different from qri? and has . . . dog ears.

great. ]

Thank you, Jade. [ ahem ] I think a welcome committee outside of the typical welcome that people get would be a good idea, to give them an authentic idea of what we're all getting into. Would you be willing to organize a list of names or people who could put together an information packet of sorts about the nature of our arrangement here?

[ delegating tasks is what roy does best. ]

And you said you were trained in guns? Do you have any of them with you?

video

[bulletbiter]

[ Julius is... in a garden. A young man whose features bear marks of sleeplessness, but his grey eyes are alert otherwise. There's nothing quite out of the ordinary about him, except that there's no visible signet on his neck. ]

There was a directory made some time back, I believe. Though I know not where it is now.

[ A pause, before: ]

Do you intend to step up as a leader?

video

[insubordination]

[ the lack of signet doesn't escape roy's notice, and he seems to . . . consider it for half a second before answering the question. ]

I'll step up if necessary, but there are surely more individuals better qualified, with more knowledge of the population, that would be suited for the task.

[ roy won't shirk responsibility, but he also doesn't want to overstep his boundaries as an outsider. ]

I have my own skills to add to a collective pool, just as everyone else. That's a discussion that should involve everyone.

audio;

[drizzle]

[A tired sigh.]

Hah! I'm surprised Jay hasn't spoken to you yet. Usually, he would've been the first to poke you since he is the unofficial leader.

[Then again, she is noticing the usual veterans haven't responded to this call just yet. By what Nike was able to sense through her natural telepathic abilities. There really is no sense of the usual energy patterns in none of these conversations.]

Kinda sucks I have to be the one to do all the talking. Since I'm only a helper to Jay and all. I try to avoid anything to do with political talks or defensive strategies. [Since she has no interest in it or doing violent acts, but does usually help out in other ways.] Well, with that said, hi I'm Nike. I'm in charge of the fishing group back at the coven while keeping information on sign ups up to date. Jay and I made a list of responsibilities to give the coven when we were back at the floating island. If you know anything about that. I can help in talking about the list if you like. We made up a system for people with natural skills -- be it by acquiring them through their world or through Qri magic -- can help those without any of the talent to get food and other supplies too. I do believe we even had a group of weapon and fighting instructors too. Don't quote me on that.

I'll try my best to answer any questions you may have about the situation. I've been here ever since the first world. [She'd add not to bother asking her personal questions, but knew better to voice it. The other guy gives her a rebel feel, like he'll do the opposite asked of him.]

audio;

[insubordination]

[ nike. a name that's come up multiple times, along with jay. good. he digests all of that, and in a brief moment (because, again, most of these people are a group of kids just trying to make it through), responds: ]

Nike, thank you. Your name has come up multiple times, in addition to Jay's. I have plans to contact him to ask what my role can be in all of this, and to offer any assistance necessary in planning next steps.

[ he pauses ]

I'd love to hear more about the lists, and what responsibilities you've already delegated if you have the time.

( video )

[pigii]

[ all of that was way too wordy for ruby to follow completely, but there's at least one thing that sticks out to her! it's in roy's self-introduction - he had told her that he was a soldier, but he seems to have said some other things... ]

Did you have different powers back at home, Roy-san?

[ she's definitely less weepy than last time! at least there's that. ]

( video )

[insubordination]

[ ah, good, a not crying girl. ]

Yes, I did. [ somewhat begrudgingly, because THEY WOULD BE USEFUL, honestly. ] I was able to use alchemy, at home, but that doesn't seem to be working very well here.

[ there's a pause ]

What about you, Miss Ruby? Do you have any gifts that were left at home?