[Several scientists, most of them recognizable, along with Bao, are seated around a table in what appears to be a conference room. Files rest in front of each scientist, most closed.]

[Anderson Miles closes his own and nods to Bao.] And now, if you can fill us in on the situation that's developing?

[She nods, getting to her feet.] On the surface--

[The door opens, cutting her off. Everyone looks at the new arrival, Dr. Regina Lyle.] I'm sorry to interrupt, but--

[The Chairman stands, looking more than just a little annoyed.] We're in our meeting. It can wait.

[Regina glances around, frowning, hesitating. Johnson finally speaks up, maybe taking pity on her, maybe trying to keep things moving.] I'm sure you have a reason for this. You've never interrupted before. [He accompanies that comment with a mild glance at the Chairman. Donna sits off to the side, smirking.]

[Regina nods.] It's the variance. It's back. And this time it's up to .07%, much stronger than last time.

[There are no more looks of superiority. Every scientist is thinking, and thinking as fast as they can. Bao stands in silence for a moment before giving a quick bow.] I think I am safe in saying that you would prefer me to return to my men? We can keep an eye on the possibility of war outside.

[The Chairman waves a hand dismissively. He looks distracted and stressed, more than usual.] Yes. Yes, go. Lyle, I need what you have. Meeting adjourned, turn off the recorder.

[Andrew Johnson reaches over and shuts off his PCD.]

[The PCD comes on, tilted at an odd angle. It shows several in a big office: Andrew Johnson, Donna Malkovich, Bao Ying, and Chairman Springsteen. There are others hanging around, but those are the four in the forefront.]

Andrew thumps his fist on the desk. “I will not go back! There’s too much to lose! Let them go back as they will, but—“

“Like we have any control over the Animus.” Donna’s voice is just as angry.

Bao shakes her head. “Can you not shield over the inner city? We can also invite in those who wish to stay, for a short time. I know you have been working on—“

“No.” The Chairman gets up from his chair and paces. “We’ve been trying to find a way, yes. But it hasn’t worked yet. We’re affected by the damned creatures the same as the Outsiders.”

“We will lose everything.” Andrew is seething. “And we still haven’t found—“

“No, we haven’t.” Donna cuts him off again. “But does it matter? If we can’t change something… Though now might be as good a time as any to see if we can hurt the Animus.”

Bao’s eyes go wide. “It will backfire. And again, me and mine will pay the price. Do not do this.”

The Chairman snorts. “That’s what you and yours are here for. If your predecessor hadn’t—“

“Do not even mention him.” Bao’s hand rests on her gun. “I know you’ve lied about him. They found his journal. It’s in the Outer City, not in the Waste. What else did you lie about, Springsteen? While you and your wife hide cozy in your house, drinking and isolated, safe from the damage you cause…”

Andrew has visibly calmed, and he places a hand on Bao’s shoulder. She glares at him but doesn’t shrug it off. “We’re not going to let him toss you to the Samaren Outsider. And now you don’t have to worry about him if we go back. One way or another, you’re safe.”

Bao looks away and doesn’t comment.

“Well. Now that that little temper tantrum is over.” Donna gives Bao a very wintery smile. “I would rather hurt and have repercussions than be sent home. I vote we use it.”

“Seconded.” The Chairman sits back down and looks over at Johnson.

“Against.” Andrew folds his arms.

“Against.” Bao’s hand hasn’t left her gun.

The Chairman glances off to the side, at Anderson Miles. “The deciding vote is yours.”

Miles frowns and swallows. “Against. We don’t know how much it will backfire, and it could hurt us more. If we go home, we can always fix our errors.”

“Cowards.” Springsteen glares at all except Donna. “Dismissed, then. We sit and wait, like the Outsiders have to, even when we have tools at our disposal. Enjoy—“

[The PCD times out.]



[[ooc: Mod decision - Upon use of the device, the five that volunteer get an impression of being swooped away and awareness of the Animus. The Animus cannot be seen, but there's a presence. And it is Not Amused, though it's a little surprised. Then there's a rush, and all five come back to themselves with MASSIVE headaches, horrible nausea, and dizziness. These five consist of: Squall/Leon, Nel Tu, Akito/Agito, Alucard, and Ulquiorra. Observers can join the log seperately: http://community.livejournal.com/adstrngndumlog/408051.html ]]

[There's a genial voice over the network. Those who have been here before will recognize it as belonging to Professor Andrew Johnson.]

I'm not sure I'm understanding. You guys are upset about being stuck here, but then when we get a great many of you home, you're upset? Don't you all want to get home too? Talk to me. We're trying to do what we can. But if you keep changing your minds... Well, there's really not much we can do to redirect the process, since we can't figure out how to target and send specific people home. But we could stop everything and try to figure out directing.

[The video feed reveals another simple white room with an office chair. The feed still has some static, but is much clearer. People can be heard talking quietly in the background and the focus is adjusted from time to time before Professor Johnson comes into view. He takes a seat in the chair and folds his hands together, lowering his head in thought before looking back up and speaking directly into the feed. His voice is quiet and he glances around from time to time.]

Good afternoon, everyone. My name is Professor Andrew Johnson, a member of the Unified Universe Project and current head of section C, analysis and observation. I apologize for my latest entry, I had underestimated the filters placed on the devices. However, with the help of some colleagues--

[A man in his twenties leans in front of the camera and gives a grin and a wave while others grumble in the background.]

Hey guys, do you remember me? It's Greg. I wish I could have gotten back to--

Greg, you dumbass, get off the camera. The Professor is trying to talk.

Yeah, who knows how much time we have to do this.

[Greg is yanked out of view and Professor Johnson chuckles quietly.]

Yes, I am not alone. There are others who have been helping me with this.

[He pauses and gives a small sigh, reaching up to adjust his glasses.]

I suppose some answers are in order. The Unified Universe Project... our goal was to uncover the answers of the universe. The creation of our world, Earth, as well as discovering the other worlds and universes that exist. But the situation that has occurred, the world that has been created from our mistake... for not realizing such a thing could have occurred, that is our mistake as well. But even more so is the lack of communication and assistance that has occurred, something I cannot forgive.

We were lied to, led to believe everyone outside of our complex was being treated and cared for. We understood conditions were rough but certainly not untreated. There have been many people who have questioned the reports given to us and attempt to leave the complex themselves to find out information or at least attempt to contact anyone on the outside. Those who tried to leave the complex... I have not seen them since. And as you can tell, attempting to contact anyone outside has been difficult.

...But I suppose the next question is what we are doing. Steps to rectify this situation have been taken, though progress is slow, with completion of identifying worlds around 24%. Consider the situation as thus; an undetermined amount of jigsaw puzzles have been thrown together into a large pile. Some puzzles may only have ten pieces, others may have thousands. The task at hand is to identify how many puzzles--or worlds--there are, then piece them back together.

However, there are other factors that have impeded our progress, the Animus mainly. We have determined they are not native to this created world, but we have been able to isolate their original source, or as the growing belief may be, sources. It is quite possible they are multiple spirits from a spread of worlds that have been compressed into one form, though that is only speculation. But their ability to alter reality has been quite destructive and while we have tried to contact them, they are stubborn. We have not yet determined what they want.

You may be wondering why I am doing this. It is because I believe the truth of the situation should be known even if action cannot be taken yet. There are others who also believe the same. While I cannot promise any immediate action, we are looking for ways to provide supplies. Food, medical equipment, portable generators, anything that may be needed.

[The is a sudden flurry of noise and activity in the background. Professor Johnson quickly stands up.]

I cannot speak any longer. I am afraid I am unable to reply, but we will do what we can to assist all of you. Do not lose hope. Even if we are quiet, you have allies in here.

[The feed cuts out.]

[The PCD turns on to a blurry picture filled with static. A man in his 50s and wearing glasses can be seen trying to adjust the clarity of the feed, looking over his shoulder every now and then. There is a white wall behind him. Nothing else can be seen. Finally, he gives up and begins speaking, the static interfering with his words.]

Can-- -- hear me? My -- Professor And-- --Son. I am a scientist of the Uni-- --Verse --ject.

[The static gets worse and while he can be seen, none of his words come through. He pauses and begins to fiddle with the device again.]

--erous. But something happened that-- this should have never b--

--trying to-- we are also stu-- they are hi--

I can-- speak for long. I will try to fin-- a se-- chan-- -- --- -- stions you may have.

...This shou-- -- -- -- I am sorry.

[The feed cuts out.]