WELCOME TO DREAMWIDTH, HERO...

[The video clicks on to Xanatos, standing in front of the MAC. One thing of note is that he's wearing a tuxedo. Nice job plucking him right from after his wedding porter, gosh. He's obviously irritated for MULTIPLE reasons.]

Once again, Lachesis shows just how she is a master of bad timing.

[grump grump grump. He waves his hand in the air, gesturing towards the general direction of the Porter Building as he talks. The observant can note that he has a wedding ring on his left hand now.]

I've scanned the comms enough to grasp what's going on and that the Porter dumped some of us in an alternate reality again. I just want specifics about what's happening and roll call from certain people.

[Private to Nepeta]
[his tone softens slightly as he flips this to private.]

Roll call includes you. Are you okay?

[aka please don't be in New Vesuvius, please don't be in New Vesuvius...]

[Fortunately, the people not in Metricog can still use their communicators (neener neener neener). Unfortunately, explanation for their disappearance, what explanation.]

I thought the building sounded quieter than normal. Turns out that it's because most of the people living here are gone.

Does anyone know where about...oh, I'd say half the population of the MAC has vanished to?

[Xanatos sounds a bit out of his element. He's used to answers, and so far he can't find any-a fact that annoys him to no end.]

[When the voice clicks on, it picks up midway through a news broadcast.]

--why the mysterious castle has shown up, but it has certainly taken its toll on the area. The grass and trees around the castle have withered, and joggers have complained about horrible smells and 'heebie jeebies'. However the castle got here, it's obvious that it won't be going anywhere. Residents are urged to stay away from the castle and remain cautious if going near the park.

In other news, time for our Pet of the Week segment! We go live to our branch of the Humane Society, where Bart Clinton will introduce you all to Ruffles, the Christmas puppy.

[Thankfully, the news gets clicked off before you have to suffer through Ruffles. After a slight pause, Xanatos starts to talk, chuckling slightly.]

Castles mysteriously appearing in the middle of the city. Now this is interesting. If anybody wants to explore the castle or figure out how it got here, keep me informed. I know it's magic-it has to be. The only questions now are why, what kind, and who?

[Xanatos sounds royally pissed when he starts up the comm-it's a first for him, sounding this annoyed on the network. Also, his voice sounds...odd. Definitely louder than usual, for one. The kind of loud where you're at a rock concert and can barely hear yourself think.]

Circumstances beyond my control have forced my hand. Don't see this as me giving into Vulcanus and their demands. This is only a measure to stay alive.

[There is a very definite reason that this is not video, and that is because the skin is missing from half his face. Whoopsie. There's a little pause before he speaks again because arrrgh he absolutely hates not being in control.]

I was arrested back home, for receiving stolen goods. I've served my time-if Brooklyn were still here, you coud ask him about it. As he isn't, I suppose you'll have to take me at my word. I've learned my lesson-I haven't done anything like that ever since I was released, including here. I'll be willing to answer more specific questions from law enforcement if needed and if it has a purpose greater than simply being nosy.

[You can just hear the irritation in his voice.]

Well. That should do it. [A pause] And, as a slight courtesy, if you want to respond to this then please use text. My hearing should be returning soon, but I don't know how fast it will happen.

I'm taking advantage of the fact that the entire United Kingdom hasn't banned us yet and doing something that I've always planned to do here: visit Scotland. I'll still be checking email and taking orders while in Scotland-this isn't a complete vacation for me. Still, better to visit now while we're still welcome, hmm?

That being said, Xanatos Enterprises is always hiring. While we do hire native citizens, I always make a point to put imports on the top of my to-review list.

[There's a pause like he's about to finish, before he adds:]

And by the way, if any magic users could reply here, I'd like to make you an offer.

[Private to Bruce Banner]

You're coming with me, I hope you know. Pack your bags, you're going to Scotland.

[The video clicks on to a slightly shabby looking warehouse. There's a plastic banner that says 'Xanatos Enterprises' hung up where the sign should be.]

After two weeks of constant meetings, paperwork and phone calls, I'm proud to say that Xanatos Enterprises is up and running. Granted, the business is small and I can only afford to hire one or two people at the moment, but we've got nowhere to go but up.

[He smiles, and looks back at the building...and frowns at the plastic banner.]

The first order of business, obviously, is to find a new sign. Anyway, I'm in the market to hire people. I'm looking for a secretary or personal assistant. Aside from that, I've got funds in the budget to hire one or two people to work in design, construction or research and development.

As for what Xanatos Enterprises can do? We plan to make strides in robotics and security. While most of our work will be in research and development, Xanatos Enterprises will be open to design and build personal commissions, prices and details negotiable.

[A nonchalant smile.]

If you want an interview or a commission, contact me here and we'll set something up.