WELCOME TO DREAMWIDTH, HERO...

[It is immediately clear that this is a different post- the video is a splitscreen with the left section showing Doctor Angelica Einsturzen and the right displaying the Major's smiling face. From what little can be seen of their surroundings, they're not in the same room. Both of them are glowing with anticipation. Their grins say that something bad is about to happen.]

Hello there, City! It's time to play a game!

[ Angelica's own smile is mild, sweet, and just a bit too full of sharp teeth.]

It's a game we're both very fond of, isn't it, Major? [ The smile grows at the edges. ] And we want to share it with all of you.

Quite right, Doctor! The game is called 'war.' My very favourite, as many of you know!

[The Major's thickly-accented voice is even more filled with crazed enthusiasm than usual. He holds up his hands, gloved fingers hooking at the air.]

The goal is quite simple, really. My good friend the Doctor and I are going to do our very best to kill one another as violently as possible. We want each and every one of you out there to play along!

But don't worry, we'll play by the rules. [ A little tilt of her head. ] After all, every game must have proper rules. Otherwise, it wouldn't be very fair, would it.

Goodness, no! Both war and games must have their objectives and the means to achieve them. That is how it must be for strategy and intellect to play their proper roles. So here it is:

[The Major gestures to himself and toward Angie on the other side of the screen.]

Ourselves, the players. Two slavering armies of monsters, the pieces! This City and its population: the chessboard, the territory to be fought over!

[His hands get folded under his chin now, and my his smile is nasty.]

You see, in chess it is often impossible for skilled players to checkmate one another. In that case, victory is determined by the point value of what has been captured or destroyed. So it will be for this City.

It is a bit crude of us, isn't it? Assigning arbitrary points to the lives of such valiant heroes. Reducing the death of a martyr to numbers on a score board, tallies to determine a victor.

[ And her smile goes sticky sweet. ]

But I do so love good sport.

Don't worry though! We made sure to weigh the worth of your lives as being far higher than that of ordinary civilians. You see, we appreciate how special and valuable you all are. That's why we made sure to include you in these festivities.

[The Major spreads his hands.]

So there it is. There's no point trying to sit this one out or hiding while it passes. This battle will not last just a single night- the violence shall continue until one player is defeated! We expect all of you to join in, with no one left out! All of you, fight your very hardest!

[And suddenly the City's evening is filled with the sounds of horrors unleashed.]

Game on!

I invite you to consider a scenario, my friends.

( cut for length )

ENCRYPTED TO BELLATRIX

I do believe it has been far too long since I had the pleasure of your company, my dear.

I have been thinking about monsters.

The question of what humanity there may be found in monsters has already been asked and discussed many times. Do they have a soul, are they capable of love, and other romantic notions. [The Major can be heard scoffing] My interest is focused on the other side of the coin: what depths a human being may sink to before they receive the label ‘monster.’

One hears it thrown about of course: ‘you monster! You fiend! You mad demon!” [Laughter] Such vicious rhetoric! But do the people who say that really mean someone is devoid of all humanity? That they lack the things which truly make a genuine human?

A claim like that carries great implications, you know. A brief look at the history of humanity shows that a great many of us have done things which might prompt some to cry ‘monster!’ Would it follow then, that a significant portion of humans on this Earth have never been human at all? Whatever would that mean for the concept of ‘human?’

These questions are of keen interest to me. And part of that interest is what you think on the matter.

Hello all of you. So this is the Import Network. It is very exciting to finally be speaking to you.

I am no one important, just one of your many fans around the world. Not the ones you are used to, of course. I have no interest in destroying the Porter or getting rid of you. In fact, I think you are all fascinating. I am glad that you are here, in this universe.

I wanted to ask how secure your community feels these days. To an outsider, it sometimes seems like you are always on the verge of destruction. Even if you cannot die permanently, one sometimes feels anxious for you. You have this and that crisis among you, and there are still those who fear and hate you in this world. Since the Porter was first activated, do you believe this City has ever truly been at peace?

[ooc: Major is testing the limits of his ‘Thousand’ alias since it’s worked so well thus far, and trawling the Network for information. This is his first time publicly posting from his anonymous proxy, but tech-savvy characters that have been tracking him thus far will be able to tell that this is the same proxy.]

[HEAVILY ENCRYPTED TO THE JOKER AND ONYX]

The situation with the so-called 'Cyber Key Shards' commands my attention. The talk of reward for recovery doubly so.

Who I am is not important. What is important is that I cannot personally acquire these shards, but you can. However, there are few shards and many who are seeking them. Already three are accounted for.

To defeat the competition, you will require support. Information, transport, funding. I can provide these things. In return, we will share the reward of these shards. And the power.

Reply quickly if you are interested. Time is short.

[Hello City, it’s your evening newscast. Blond and improbably handsome news anchor Bart Clinton is wrapping up the latest information on the anti-Vulcanus riots in the City and Boston, footage of burning buildings and cars repeating in the background interspersed with blurry phone-camera shots of Import heroes stemming the damage.]

[But what’s this? Suddenly they cut to a rotating helicopter shot of a burning building that’s not in the City or Boston... or in North America for that matter. It looks big, like an industrial complex complete with attached research and development structures. And man, that thing is really burning.]

This just in, a terrorist attack in Majr has left a recently-constructed StarkTech factory there ablaze. There is no word on casualties yet, but we have confirmed that most of the complex was empty at the time of the attack thanks to a surprise employee banquet thrown by Tony Stark himself. Still, the factory is completely aflame, and it seems likely the damage will be catastrophic.

[The video cuts to a shot of several Majr StarkTech employees standing in front of the flaming ruin of their recently-constructed workplace, looking simultaneously crushed and aware of how lucky they are not to have been inside]

Sources report that Majr authorities are already looking for a suspect, described as a loud American in a white suit, possibly an Import. There is no word yet on a possible motive for the attack, but experts have raised concerns about Majr’s internal stability in recent years.

We’ll bring you more on this story as it develops.

[One more shot of the flaming StarkTech factory, and then it’s time for commercials. Hey, did you know your love life is entirely dependent on using the right kind of razor to shave?]

Hahahaha! Well now, that was a lot of fun! It’s been far too long since this City really had to fight tooth-and-nail against a large opponent. I always love to see the heroes of this place spring into action when a suitable foe presents itself.

Tell me something, now. This City was attacked by many thousands of a trained and organized enemy. A very silly enemy to be sure, but an enemy that was fought in the streets and on the bridges for three days of chaos! Would this conflict then, be considered a war? Do you all now qualify as seasoned veterans? Perhaps you have all earned a campaign decoration for your valiant efforts!

[chuckle]

How do you all define what qualifies as a ‘war’ anyway? Or- here’s the thing that really interests me!- how many of you remarkable people would say that you have experienced war? So many people from so many different worlds with so many conflicts! I would absolutely love to hear your stories.

[ooc: the Major hasn't realized yet that he no longer has a secret bunker to return to once he's out of the asylum]

There is something oddly pleasant about a long, sleepless night. I do not mean being forced to stay awake by some peril like an enemy night raid or artillery barrage. I speak of those evenings when only nightmares await the closing of one's eyes and there is simply nothing for it but to sit awake, pour some tea, and await the dawn. The mind wanders in the most interesting ways on nights like this, I find. It is as though fatigue sharpens the brain, and a strange exhilaration is produced by the sensation of pushing the body beyond its need for rest. It's exciting in a way, to see the hours that most of the time belong only to sleep. Alone with the darkness, one can truly contemplate.

[sigh] 'I could be bounded in a nutshell, and count myself a king of infinite space, were it not that I have bad dreams.'

[sipping noise]

Well, as long as I am up, why don't we have a chat, hm? Tell me about your sleepless nights, my friends. What do you do on the nights when sleep is impossible? Do you seek a remedy? Count sheep, perhaps. [snicker] Or like me, do you sit and enjoy the tea and the darkness?


[PRIVATE TO BELLATRIX AND THE GOLDEN WITCH]

And hello to the two of you, most especially! Such an interesting pair of women, it is a real shame that we haven't been acquainted before now. I have observed the agreeably dramatic first impressions you both made on this little City, and I am impressed. I believe that we share certain common interests that we ought to advance together. I am not speaking about wealth or politics or any silly nonsense like that. I am talking about the deep passions I sense within the both of you, the passions that drive your lovely acts of destruction. The feelings people like us get when looking at a crowd of helpless innocent people and imagining what they would look like running and screaming and crying. Violence. Chaos. Conflict. The best things that life has to offer.

There are some people in this City who I think you would like to get in touch with, you see. Myself not least among them. I am called the Major, and I hold the key to this closed circle. If the thought of meeting and working with such people in order to produce a truly vast chorus of screams is appealing to you, then please do let me know at your convenience. Until then, my ladies.

[ooc: The Major is sleepless thanks to Ysera's revenge for the nightmare scheme. For reference, Coalition recruiting post is here.]

[The Major is sitting in his plush command chair, sipping tea, and of course smiling like a psychopath.]

It is so sad to see a great warrior fall in a manner that does not do justice to their courage. When someone who would defy all odds and brave any danger is undone by a sneak act of treachery, it is a tragedy unworthy of their stature. But that is simply the way war is, isn't it? Mercy and chivalry become nothing but myths upon the blood-drenched mud of the battlefield. The commander poisoned in his sleep by a traitor had no more or less of a chance of survival than did his hundreds of subordinates, blown to screaming shreds by artillery fire without ever having a chance to fire their weapons or look their enemy in the eye. Yes... war is a deep and burning hell, which does not spare the mighty and the cowardly alike.

Still, these are terrifying developments! To think that anyone, simply anyone at all, could be made an angel or demon or martyr without their closest friends and family being any the wiser... it sends shivers into my bones! Imagine it: one of these poor people could get the order today: "Go stand right where everyone can see you and blow your brains out!" And not a thing could be done to stop it.

Hahahahahhaa, oh yes, that would truly be a glorious power to wield. One could accomplish anything with it, simply anything at all.

But enough of that! [The Major takes a final sip of tea, then sets aside the cup and stands up.] Whether or not her demise was worthy of her fire and spirit, I will still do the honor of saluting my fallen enemy. [He throws his right arm up and out in the Party salute] Auf wiedersehn, Commissioner Maza! May you be returned to us soon so that we may all once again enjoy your courage and devotion! If not, may you go to Valhalla with the other heroes like you, where we shall one day meet again!


PRIVATE TO ALASTAIR

I have excellent news for you. You are about to be a hero to the City! Hahaha, you are going to hack into this communication and reveal crucial coded information regarding the number of ImPorts who are now operating against their former comrades. The number is... oh, let us say thirty-five percent of the entire ImPort population, twisted and perverted and no longer themselves. I think that should be believable enough while still throwing the idiots into a flurry of panic! Yes, I can hardly wait.


PRIVATE TO SLADE/SERAFINA/SULLIVAN/JAN VALENTINE/SCHRODINGER/EINSTURZEN/THE MASTER

We have now entered the final phase, my friends. We stand upon the brink of the doorway through which lies the land where all our wildest and deepest dreams shall become reality! I now require volunteers for participation in a capture mission of the utmost importance, to take place within the next week. The target of this mission is rated 'Alpha-plus' in value and in threat. Failure is not only not an option, it is unthinkable! It can not even be considered. For it is in acquiring this individual that we will achieve total victory.

[COALITION FILTER + SAMUEL SULLIVAN + ANY OTHER COLLABORATOR VOLUNTEERS I FORGOT]

[The video shows the Major sitting in the shadows with his legs crossed and arms folded. Even with his face indistinct, it's obvious that he is entirely too pleased with himself]

Distinguished colleagues and valued allies. It is my pleasure to announce the beginning of an exciting new endeavor. 'Operation Skorzeny' will impart an exciting new perspective to our dear enemies. Our perspective. [giggling] Imagine it, if instead of having to contest with such fine individuals, you were instead able to work and fight alongside them. Or to make them serve you! Or to take your revenge however you wished, with your hated foes like a doll in your hands or a pet at your feet.

Does this sound interesting to you, my friends? Does this vision make your pulse quicken? I know it sends me giddy with excitement! But I am afraid the Operation depends on materials of the most sensitive nature, and there is only so much I can divulge right now. If you want to know more, then you are just going to have to sign up and join me on my offensive! I can promise you that it is going to be like nothing else you have experienced so far! It is going to be fun.


[FILTERED TO MASTER + ALPHA]

Ah, Master, I do believe I can hear those magnificent drums of yours, throbbing through my very veins! That infectious beat, driving us all forward, over the brink to the great cataclysm! Ahahahhaha, oh, it's going to be good, it's going to be so good! All their information, their wealth, their power, shall be ours. We shall own and control them, mind, body, soul. We shall take everything they have defended and built and fought for in this City and tear it down using their very own hands. And then the very Earth itself will be made to tremble!

All assets are in place, all tools are in hand, and all weapons are primed. Operations are scheduled to begin on the 6th. Ensure that all is in readiness, my dear friends, for our moment of glory!


[FILTERED TO CAPTAIN + JAN VALENTINE + SCHRODINGER]

Soldiers. Would any of you be so very good as to explain to me why all mein records have been replaced with images of cats? I am looking at you at this moment, Warrant Officer Schrodinger!

[The sound of a news broadcast covering the fighting on the West Coast can be heard in the background. The Major is enjoying watching people's suffering on television]

Did you know that the American Civil War was the absolute bloodiest conflict in America's entire history? Considering the infernos of the World Wars, the horrors of Vietnam, and all the other battles this marvelously warlike country has participated in during its history... that is quite a title to have. Perhaps Americans perform especially well on the battlefield when it comes to killing their fellow citizens. I wonder if this conflict will grow to be equally as impressive? It doesn't seem likely right now, but one can always hope.

It is my pleasure to take my place with you once more on the ringside seats, my friends, as we prepare to hurl ourselves into the arena with the rest of the combatants. My greatest thanks to my rescuers for their courage and daring, and to my former hosts for their hospitality. Rest assured, now that I have my freedom, all outstanding debts shall be paid in full.

PRIVATE TO THE COALITION

It has been far too long, my friends! Let us discuss our mutual business. Tell me what the news is. How are all of you progressing towards your lofty goals?

PRIVATE TO JAN VALENTINE, THE CAPTAIN, AND SCHRODINGER

The West Coast is once again in flames, and this time it is not of our doing. It is impossible for us to sit on the sidelines while these events unfold. I am in the process of arranging transport separately from the official channels for those of you who wish to volunteer for deployment. I will not make this mission an order; you may follow your own feelings on this matter. [laughter] Now, we are hardly suited for any humanitarian endeavors, so once we are in position we shall content ourselves with doing what we do best! The objective is to use this soft-hearted evacuation as an opportunity to do as much damage to the enemy as possible. I shall coordinate the operation from here.

It is possible that you may encounter 'heroes' who fail to respect the fact that we are fighting on their side. Do not let them stand in your way any more than you would an insect!

[At a little before 11PM on Friday evening, the soft whir of airship engines can be heard in the background, as well as giggling. Unsettling, creepy giggling quickly growing into full-fledged maniacal laughter]

This is it! This is the night!

[And suddenly the engines really kick in, their whir becoming a dull roar, and anyone who looks up at the City’s skies right now will be able to see the Deus Ex Machina II descending from the clouds above the City’s center, looming over it like a thunderhead.]

( Time for some evil gloating )

And now, you beautiful, long-awaited storm! Break loose! Operation Gotterdammerung: begin!

[59:50, 59:49, 59:48, 59:47...]

[ooc: will tag once back from dinner!]

[A happy, contented sigh] How did Shakespeare put it? 'The labor we delight in physics pain.' To work and struggle and fight for one's own goals, no matter how arduous and painful the task may be, can be such a deeply joyful and satisfying feeling. But that is the part which is truly fascinating, isn't it? The thing that is important, that is worthy of study- the goal, the cause, the purpose that animates creatures to whatever battles dominate their lives! There is such a grand variety of these calls to battle, a variety which never ceases to thrill me.

Please, humor my curiosity for a moment, my friends. There are so many strong fighters here, you see. So many great warriors. But what do you fight for? Survival? Profit? Power? Hatred? Revenge? Pleasure? Loved ones? Laws? Lofty principles? Grand ideals? The defense of the innocent? A country? A god?

Or are there any out there among you who are willing to fight, compelled to fight for no cause at all, who require no ends to justify your means? To fight for the sake of fighting, now that is truly rare. Those are the ones you need to watch out for, you know. Those are the ones who are capable of anything.

PRIVATE TO CHRONOS

Hello there, Chronos! It has been quite some time, hasn't it? I do hope that your research and work has been proceeding well!


PRIVATE TO NORMAN OSBORN

Herr Osborn, I believe that I will be taking my airship back shortly. I hope that you and your company have had a good time poking about with it!

My friends, this amusing incident commands my attention. As you are no doubt aware, I have experienced a... significant loss of certain crucial recollections as a result of my encounter with Lieutenant Aldo Raine. I wish to rectify this loss. Through any available means.

So which of you can tell me something about this 'Blue?' Or about any other mentally talented individuals who might be able to affect the memory?

I would be most grateful for any assistance in this matter. It is of the greatest personal importance to me.