Welcome to the Network! ;video

[truthchanges]

[ The camera opens onto a somewhat cluttered office. It didn't seem like it was cleaned often, if at all, with several cabinets only half closed, notices and sticky notes pinned about the wall, the window letting in the city lights from outside through shifted, broken blinds. The NSO building was a nice place, but some people had issues with tidyness. And Aya Hosada, the bespectacled woman smiling at the camera, was probably the worst case of it. Hey, she did used to be a programmer. She was used to this.

On her desk was her holokeyboard, a coffee thermos... three of them, actually, strewn papers, and several small, cute statues of anthropomorphized animals. This was basically home for her, though she supposed she could present it better. Ah well. ]

Greetings, everyone! If you're new around here, my name is Aya Hosada, Director of Personnel and Resident Liaison for the Neo Sapien Organization. And this is the Neo Sapien Network! It's a new feature we're going to be putting out from here on, programmed by yours truly~!

[ She's pretty proud of it, giving a wink at the camera before sipping her coffee. ]

Here's how it works; it's essentially a city-wide semi-private intranet. The NSO catalogs nothing, nor do we attach any software for tacking or conservation of data without user consent. It's basically the ultimate "safe" internet for people who don't particularly trust communications networks run by other companies. [ They knew the one she meant. ]

You can do test posts, voice posts, video posts, holo posts, you name it! Think of it like a social media service with, like, actual free speech. Try it out!

Let's see... [ Aya adjusts her glasses, taking another sip of her coffee and going over some other notes ]

Alright, a big special thanks to everyone who attended the fundraising gala. I know they can be a bit of a... hard pill to swallow, sometimes, but it's really important we keep up impressions! And look, Dr. Annan didn't get into a fist-fight this time with some rich heckler! Be sure to congratulate him when you see him next~! [ Aya giggled, winking again ]

Also, NSO efforts to restore power in the Parish were successful, and the shelter directors there send their regards. I won't name names, or call anyone out on a public post like this, but you know who you are when I say thank you, from the deepest place in my heart. You're the good we work for in this world, in action. Again, thank you...

... Although, I do fear I have to report that Yakashbah's stunt in Arcadia has lead to a lot of arrests and spiked security. Please be careful out there, okay?

[ Aya let out a heavy sigh, her expression drooping for a moment before picking up another sheet of pepper, pepping up once she saw what it was. ]

Oh! Also, the roommate assignments for this year are out, so be sure to check the roster postings at the nearest terminal to know who your new roomie is! The roommate program is Dr. Annan's way of helping us all socialize a little more, in an otherwise kinda hostile world, so hopefully you manage to make a new friend! Let's see, who did everyone get... [ She sips her coffee, going over the list until her eyes go wide and she spits out a bit of her drink, immediately reaching for a terminal beside her. ]

Um! Dr. Annan! This is Ms. Hosada, and I just saw the roommate roster, and I noticed my name was on it despite explicitly not volunteering [ said through her teeth ] Could you please explain?!

[ There was a long silence on the other end, leaving Aya looking progressively more nervous until Dr. Annan's familiar chuckled came through over the voice channel, before calmly saying...

"Your congratulations, Ms. Hosada, are graciously accepted. Thank you."

Aya's hand slowly drew back and she slumped in her desk some. ]

Oh boy... Welcome to the network, everyone.

[ Another dramatic sigh from Aya before she reached to shut the video off. ]

OOC: Welcome to the game! The network and log comms are now both open to be freely posted in, but feel free to use this post as a network mingle if you like! There will be a sub-header for threads specifically for Aya, if you want them, but otherwise feel free to make your own top level comments and respond to others!

Comments

threads for Aya

[truthchanges]

[ have at her ]

text;

[fonewearl]

This explains why you wanted to see dad's tablet last week.

[That was to make sure it was properly set up for all of this stuff, probably. ...and then the tablet was returned to her instead of taken to HQ or put away with the rest of Dorian's other stuff, so it appears that Mirys is expected to make use of it—and this new network—now.

Good thing she's more-comfortable with online interactions than she is with in-person ones.]

[thezekeinator]

If you need to escape, you can always drop by my room, Aya! Seems like it'll be quite comfortable!

[Some things will never change. Such as Zeke addressing her so informally. Or flirting.]

[carvedintostone]

Brilliant work, Aya! Not that we would expect anything less!

Text;

[nephtunium]

Oh, it looks real good, Ms. Aya! Good job.

[She's curious after that reaction, though, and looks...

Huh. Aaaaalrighty then. At least Ms. Aya's nice! Although, Nephenee, as the handout calls her, can't help internally wincing at that mess.]

Well, ain't sure how ya got on here, but looks like we're rooming together. Need help moving anything?

[She's not nervous about suddenly having a roomie what are you talking about? But she's going to try to be helpful!]

[crusaderess]

u left urself open for that one hosada.

[ayoungman]

okay.
so you SAY this is a completely safe new intranet server right?
but who's to say that we can trust something just because you put your word to it?
i mean, the network established by douman zaibatsu claims very little information gathering save for ads and we all know how truthful their word is...

Video

[defencive]

Wait, if Dr. Annan didn't get in a fight, and I didn't get in a fight, did we really get through that whole party without punching anyone?

[She's on video entirely so she can roll her eyes for emphasis.]

I don't know if I'm proud or disappointed.

[fibrillate]

next time i'll be sure to stop chatting up our favorite great dane so she can make it a real party.
does that sound like a deal?

Voice

[mammal_robot]

I punched a lot of people in my mind. Does that count?

Re: Video

[lightnovelexperiences]

Proud. Definitely proud.

Neither of us punched first. That's a victory against the Zaibatsu.

[ashencoyote]

well, i trust this more than i trust anything else, so let me just leave this message for everyone to see:

for the last time, if you're trying to find out if i have something, just be direct. don't give me euphemisms or epithets, just tell me what the fuck it is. i'm the guy who digs around in other people's garbage looking for it, what do i care what you're getting? what high ground does the lord of the trash have?

none. i have none.

if you're too embarrassed by whatever it is you're looking for, find a proxy who doesn't give a shit.

[gimmecandy]

Calling yourself a lord isn't very pious, you know.

[fibrillate]

hello everyone!
my name's leviathan, you can call me levi, and i've been with NSO for... 25%? of my life now. something like that.
i know i'm absolutely not one of the older guard here, but if there are any new people around on the network, or faces i haven't had the chance to see yet, don't be afraid to say hi!
and if you only just joined up, welcome to the best organization you'll probably ever be a part of.

jack-o, i know we're rooming, so i'll do my best not to disrupt anything for you, okay?
let me know if it's a problem as soon as you know.

[gimmecandy]

the candy stash is free reign for roomies!

But please do be courteous and not take too much.

Text

[mammal_robot]

Hello NSO members!

I've had my staff going over this network and as far as we can tell, this network actually is as secure as Ms. Hosada claims it is.

I'm not going to lie, I am quite pleased about getting in with this organization. Their fight-- YOUR fight -- lines up all too well with my own, and their resources far outstrip Tesladyne's.

Speaking of which, for anyone with a background in the sciences, Tesladyne is hiring, AND we offer internships! If you have projects that other people have laughed at for being too unfeasible, we may be able to help you as well.

Sorry, I won't go into a whole sales pitch in here, but you can contact me privately if you want to learn more.

Sincerely,
Atomic Robo

PS: Zeke, feel free to claim as much of the space as you like. I probably won't actually be in our room much at all, as I don't eat or sleep and have my own office in the Middle Ward.

[People call Atomic Robo "old man" sometimes. One of the reasons is that he writes his texts like he was writing a letter.]

Private and secured forever, text, username Triskelion

[lightnovelexperiences]

I would be interested in testing the limits of my talent, and continuing our previous discussion, more frankly.

As secure as this is, I was wondering if there would be a preferred location for us to meet?

Video

[lightnovelexperiences]

[She appears to be livestreaming from a table in Arcadia, her fennec tail wagging. She's also dressed appropriately.]

Heyhey, Jessica Michaels here. I rent a table here in Arcadia every week to run a little dungeoncrawl, a little Galaxy's Fate, some indie hippie stuff. I'm looking for some new players for my ongoing campaign in the Six Crowns campaign setting.

Read, a hell of a lot like The Hobbit except it's you guys instead of 10 dwarves, a wizard and a larcenous potato.

Anyone interested?

Video

[defencive]

You just said a whole lot of words I'm going to have to search on the public networks. Is there anything in there I should go through a proxy for first?

text

[sea_salty]

I hope this network is, you know, secure.

[fibrillate]

i'm guessing it's as secure as anything can get.
if aya says it's safe, i trust her. she hasn't led me wrong yet.

[thezekeinator]

EVERYONE LISTEN UP I, ZEKE VON CHAOS, will use this network -- but for typing I need something that makes me stand out! Here are some options:

I am the mighty Zeke von Chaos!

I am the mighty Zeke von Chaos!

I am the mighty Zeke von Chaos!

I am the mighty Zeke von Chaos!

[fibrillate]

didn't they pass a law in the 80s preventing people from using impact font for anything but memes?

text

[carvedintostone]

Hello, everyone!

I'm Lora Collins, and I work in security for the NSO. It's a pleasure to be able to speak with more of you! I've come here from England. Before that, I worked as a mercenary in Europe, and have some experience in that sort of thing. If you'd like to spar, or need some training in self defense, I would be happy to oblige.

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask. I'm getting used to things on this side of the pond, still. I'd love to catch a show, read a good book, or anything else if you have a good recommendation.

This should be exciting!

[crusaderess]

try to sound less like a nerd, newbie.

video

[rubricatus]

Yes, please don't forget to congratulate Dr. Annan for his success at the gala — nor to thank Ms. Hosada for all the hard work she has put into making this a reality. A reminder she conspicuously failed to give herself, I notice.

Having said that, it would seem some manner of introduction is in order. [ His bantering smile fades some, but it doesn't wholly disappear. There's an easiness to his manner that might be surprising, given his appearance... Or maybe not, since the videofeed doesn't make it clear just how large he is compared to an average person. The advantages of speaking from his own office. ] Though I have worked alongside the NSO for a number of years now, there are a great many people a part of it who I have not had the pleasure of meeting for myself. That is, I suppose, one more benefit of this semi-private intranet: the meeting of minds and passing of dialogue between those who might otherwise never see the opportunity to speak.

I am Dr. Magnus Sohrab. Though I have a great deal else to my name, those of you who do know me may well know me best for the occasional workshops I've given at the NSO's request. [ Here, his head bows in a respectful nod. ] They concern the use of meditative techniques as a tool to master and control Meta-human abilities. If you've never attended before, it would be my privilege to see you the next time one is scheduled. It's but a small investment of your time, and I believe the return is worthwhile.

In any case, [ he says, head lifting again, ] as Ms. Hosada said, the mood has been tense these last few days. Be aware of your surroundings, and pay mind to your safety — particularly the young and reckless among you.

[ There's a smile as Magnus says so, small and fond, but his voice remains serious to the end. ]

Voice

[mammal_robot]

I didn't realize we were both doctors, though I would imagine not in the same fields.

[They had a lot in common, it seemed. The same age, educated, and neither of them would ever be able to blend in to a crowd.]

Theoretical physics and Zorth Interactions. You?

text

[friendofdorothy]

Is there anything a foreigner should know about this city that isn't obvious? Things that seem like common sense to natives but might not be, if you were an immigrant and not particularly quick on the uptake?

And thank you for restoring the power. God knows the city wasn't going to do it until people were feral with desperation.

Re: text

[gimmecandy]

Don't go into the NSO HQ sub-levels below the parking structures at night.

THEYRE HAUNTED~~~~~

text

[jediparkour]

Wait, you guys were the ones that fixed the power??

I'm from the Parish, and it's appreciated, even if no one says so out loud. It was getting pretty miserable without it. It's good to know that someone remembers that we're still down here.

[crusaderess]

trust me, if someone was saying it out loud, its probably a pr move.

text

[windblownrose]

We very much appreciate the fix to our poor power grid! I was running low on batteries for the holiday lights.

Do please let those unnamed saviors know that I will spot them a drink if they happen by Enyart's this week. Unlike Arcadia, I can assure you the local security is nonexistent.

[burndownforwhat]

hey, speaking of keeping the lights on, I know winter's here and the facilities are usually in good shape, but just in case any of you run into problems with your windows, pipes, heaters, whatever, lemme know and I'll be happy to stop by and take a look it.

before you say anything about filing a work request for it, yeah, okay, technically? but look I'm not gonna make anyone wait around. fill out the form but just drop me a line too and I can get to it faster than they can process the right paperwork.

same offer is open for anyone not living in the NSO dorms. hell, you don't even have to worry about paying me either. just feed me and we'll call it even!



oh right! I'm Yang. it's good to meet y'all. always nice to see a lot of faces around here, both old and new, so I'm hoping we'll get along great!

[ username: XL-thermic ]

text;

[fonewearl]

[Mirys's username is, well, Mirys. She didn't care enough to make up something else, and the other username that she already does use elsewhere, she's trying to avoid having directly associated with herself, so there was no way she was using that here.]

hey Yang, what about microwaves

pretty sure mine's starting to be a fuck

or is that something I'm gonna need to ask around about

Text; Username: Fe_maiden

[nephtunium]

[It takes a bit for Marigold to get past her shyness to post to this brand new network, but post she does finally. Just don't expect it to be a video...baby steps!

Also, if anyone knows chemistry/science...her username is read as Iron_maiden. She miiiight be a bit of a dork.]

Hi everyone! Hope I do this right, been awhile since I used anything like this.

[She's..not very talkative online except in like...very certain forums.]

First off, congratulations to Dr. Annan, and a big thank you to Ms. Aya. Both of them have been working really hard, and I reckon we should make sure to appreciate that.

I'm Nephenee Vertegrez. [No, not giving her legal first, folks might laugh.] Been with the NSO for a few years now, but just moved into the housing shortly after that blackout ended. I do a lot of stuff around here but I generally help the NSO with security and repairing metal stuff and smithing, since my power's all about metal working. If you ask the DZ, though, I do a bunch of odd jobs like guarding and cooking and stuff as a freelancer. If you ever need anything made or fixed I'll do my best.

I'm a little shy, but I'm trying to get better, and I'd like to get to know people better and meet more people, and sure'd like to get some training or sparring or gym buddies, maybe running buddies too. I usually use metal poles to fight with for melee stuff, but I know guns too, and a good amount of krav maga. When I'm not doing that I like to do a little gardening and play some video games too. Really like BBR - that's Boogie Boogie Revolt if ya don't know - and the Water Sigil games. [She's a glutton for punishment via hard games, what can we say?]

Hope this isn't too long, but I look forward to getting to know people. Please ask me anything you want, too. Hope everyone has a good day!

~Nephenee V.

[fibrillate]

oh, hey, you're finally in the dorms!
that's even more of an excuse for us to hang out
you should come over sometime, we can just hang out and play video games together and it'll be a nice, chill thing :)
maybe you can be the person to finally win me over on Water Sigil!
i'm not sure if my heart can take the threat of permadeath

text

[ayoungman]

wow, this place is pretty much beaming with nso members, huh?
not going to just drop my general information here because that would be stupid.
but if you know me you probably know who i am just by seeing me type, so hey there fellow browser nerds! :)

just wanted to drop a casual thanks for all your guys' hard work.
as much as i don't trust this network i do think what you're doing is good stuff.
i mean, as much as i'm pretty much grounded forever at the moment since my dad found out about me being in arcadia during the incident, it's better than being dead under some rubble as i probably would've been if you guys weren't around to help.

so yeah, thanks!
you're all doing super good work out there despite what everyone says!