[Video]

[provenworth]

[Look who is finally back on the network? Why, its the lovable Turk, Elena, returning from her two week stint in the medical ward, looking much like how she went in. Her mouth is pulled into a strained grimace, staring into the camera.]

I'm afraid I've been out of communication for some time now and it looks like I've returned to quite a mess. If there is anybody left that hasn't fallen into some sort of coma, I would suggest that we get together to discuss the situation. There must be something that can be done to return these people to their senses.

Comments

[fifth_kazekage]

From what I have observed, people were often comatose when being experimented on.

A vivid sensation, such as pain, may disrupt their current state.

[provenworth]

Are you suggesting that these people are being experimented on? I don't see any doctors or scientists around.

If that is the case, we would first need to test out your hypothesis on one or two individuals. Then we will need to coordinate efforts to ensure we cover all floors of the tower.

[fifth_kazekage]

Yes. The sleeping period itself could be the experiment. Unless they are being affected mentally, somehow.

We will likely need to acquire more assistant for this endeavor. Is there a list of known affected individuals?

[provenworth]

How interesting. Has it been discovered how the sleep was induced or why only certain individuals were affected?

Agreed. And with a building this size, odds are we're going to need at least teams of two to ensure not a single room is missed.

No, I don't believe there is at this time and I wonder if it would be fruitless to create one. I suggest we try to assemble a good sized team to assist in the wake-up.

[midgarhorizon]

No. I was trying to make one but it appears they're all asleep or freaking out to reply.

[video]

[hundred_power]

Comas? [That's even more serious than he was thinking.]

Worry not, I'm moving the victims to safer places.

[video]

[provenworth]

Perhaps, but I'm not sure. They could be natural or, as I suspect, induced. Somehow.

Good idea. I got a suggestion on a potential way to wake them up. If you're near somebody, give them a hearty slap or pinch. Something to cause a vivid sensation that should, hopefully, bring them out of their sleep.

[video]

[midgarhorizon]

That isn't going to work, Elena. Already tried pretty much everything, even cold water.

[video]

[provenworth]

You mean they're not responding to anything? Odin's beard....just what happened to all these people?

[absolute_perception]

I am available should you require my assistance. I don't know yet what's causing people to fall into a coma, but I have seen a dream as if I was on the outside looking in and a part of it.

[Elian looks like he's in thought while he tries to figure out a solution. So far, he hasn't come up with anything.]

They seem healthy otherwise.

[provenworth]

Thank you, yes. The more help we can get, the better. For the time being, if you find any individuals in open spaces, please move them to a safer location. Gaia only knows when a monster will appear to make their lives more problematic. We have no set system in place yet, but eventually we want to check all floors.

[absolute_perception]

[There is a momentary pause. Being as small as he is, it would be difficult for him to move anyone.]

I'll do the best I can.

[He may not be able to carry anyone, he can defend them at the very least until help arrives.]

[provenworth]

Any help would be appreciated. But don't try to be a hero if the situation is too one-sided. Those of us who are not affected will be watching the communications closely, so just shout for help. Somebody will come to help.

video;

[midgarhorizon]

Elena, there's been no response from Tseng so I'm going to go look for him. Can you coordinate things? Get a list of people. Find out what they were doing. I don't want to get glued to the network here.

video;

[provenworth]

Tseng is here?

[She's visibly blanching, eyes widening fractionally. She must have really been out of the loop - she didn't even know he was in the facility. A small, quiet part of her was silently terrified.]

Good idea. Please contact me when you find him.

[Distraction, sweet distraction.]

I've already begun coordinating with a few others who reached out to me earlier. There is a theory that a vivid sensation, like a slap or pinch, might bring them around - but we're not entirely sure it will work. I'll gather all the information I can.

video;

[midgarhorizon]

It won't. Trust me. Already did it. We're either lookin' at something seriously wrong or they're in some sort of magic induced sleep.

Xion collapsed while we were takin' a long breakfast. We were waiting for Shion and suddenly she got real sleepy and just flopped over.

Rusty's in his room, I found him passed out with a shoe still on.

Yu was just outside his on the floor.

video;

[provenworth]

Damn. Maybe I was being a little too hopeful that it would actually work. Either way, we should at least get the people who are laying around to some sort of safety.

Do we know if there is any way to connect them - those who fell into this coma? I mean, did they all eat the same thing? Take a pill? What?

[moontothetide]

Um, hi. Non-coma patient here. I'd, um, totally be up for talking, if only because... [It's getting goddamn creepy seeing all these still, sleeping people around the place.] ...well, um, we have to do something. Right?

...most of what I'd have to say is bad but, um, I guess that's nothing new...

[provenworth]

Exactly. Its the least we can do for the individuals affected by...whatever is going on.

[Oh...kay.... An eyebrow is raising fractionally.]

What do you mean? About the things you'd have to say being "bad"?

[moontothetide]

Oh, um, n-no specific reason. Just that...well, um, everything I've tried, everything that would usually let me at least find a sleeping person...not working. But, um, I guess I could tell everyone what's not working. That way, th-they can focus on other stuff that might work.

S-Sorry. I-I don't think I'm being too clear. Kind of tired. [Kind of being afraid to go to sleep.]

[provenworth]

[Aaanndd Elena is looking confused, clearly not understanding just what the girl was talking about. Maybe it was just nerves that was making her talk jibberish.]

Its okay, just take a deep breath. As long as you're in your room, you're safe enough.

Can you explain to me a bit more what you mean? What have you tried to find those who have fallen sleeping that won't work?

text; anon

[denigrator]

Oh, I'm sure they'll revive sooner or later. I see no cause for concern.

text; not-anon

[provenworth]

Perhaps they will, but as for the lack of concern - I would disagree. The tower has some nasty creatures inside it and I would think that having people laying about, exposed to anything that comes their way, is cause for concern.

text; anon

[denigrator]

Well then, move any wayward bodies to the residential floors, easy enough! Nothing more to do. What's to discuss? If they die, they'll come back to life.

Individuals will do as they see fit with the affected, with no actual organization in place. It seems untutored individuals believe causing pain is actually effective when dealing with coma patients, which is amusing, I suppose.

text; anon

[provenworth]

That is only a temporary solution to the problem right now. What we need is to find out what has caused the people to fall over.

And what do you me that they'd come back to life?

Order will come with those unaffected shortly enough, I'm sure. And can you blame them for wanting to try all avenues to ensure that nothing is overlooked?