My intelligence tells me that you are capable in finding metals, and, as I understand it, have quite the talent for it. I should like to inquire about your services, and, should your labors prove to be fruitful, offer my technological advances to your cause. I too grow weary and SICK of being on this filthy, claustrophobic rock and wish off of it. I believe that the two of us could be powerful allies, should you agree to these terms.

Shall we meet and discuss these terms more in person?

[ It is only after much cajoling and pushing that Derek does this, the audio curt and straight to the point: ] Thank you.

[ there's a burst of static before the audio, then almost silence -- but listening closely reveals the sounds of traffic and a deep muffled voice, sounding indistinct and harsh. then: ]

But I don't have any more money!

Because I just spent it all on groceries! The ones I'm carrying! You're really not very good at this.

Well no, I don't use credit cards.

Look, can I please just go? I don't have anything you want, and the popsicles are going to melt straight through the bag, and I'm sure you have plenty of other people to mug, so I'd appreciate it if -- wait -- don't --

[ the audio cuts off. ]

I thought it would be good to catalog the video I made about the Dark Hour. It's possible that other people might need it one day.

Anyone is free to use it. That way ... if we're not able to act, at least someone else will know how to.

So here it is.

Post made 12-09-24 by Souji Seta.
VIDEO: DARK HOUR

Thanks everyone for helping. I was thinking that there should be other things that we could do to stop this. If anyone else has ideas, I'm always open to them. Please contact me if you need to.

Thanks ... again. I appreciate it. Everyone does.

[It's audio only, and at first only a quick, panicked-sounding breathing and a few thudding sounds. There's a pause, then a quiet sound of pain and a low gasp. He fumbles with his phone, then speaks in a stilted, tense voice]

Can-- ngh... Fuck... Can som-someone.. help me, please. I-I've been shot.

Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.

[It's Jim Moriarty, folks! He's broadcasting live and in person with a just-slightly-wicked smile on his face.]

So it seems that a number of you are dressing up like bad guys and trying to be naughty. How thrilling it must be. There's just one problem... YOU'RE DOING IT WRONG!

[In an instant he's perfectly cheerful again.]

... Never fear, your Uncle Moriarty is here to help! Stop kicking puppies, stabbing random people, and stealing lunch money. Now repeat after me: Pointless violence is pointless. It's unsatisfying, it accomplishes nothing, and it's pathetic to watch. It's obvious you can't think up anything remotely clever or profitable on your own so I've done it for you!

Congratulations, you've all just been promoted to temporary freelance mercenaries and I've personally made sure that there's more than enough interesting and challenging work to go around! Price lists and contact information for each job are currently being distributed all over town, ask around and I'm sure you'll get your hands on one sooner or later!

Remember kiddies: Crime does pay, but organized crime pays much better! And if I catch anyone causing trouble just for its own sake, then you'll get to find out for yourself what happens when don't listen to your Uncle!


[ooc: Want to become a contact person? A bodyguard? Be responsible for getting the payments into the right hands? You're hired! Sorry, no freelance mercenaries will get to handle any substantial amounts of cash and won't be able to interact directly with the Boss. As for the contract work, it's more like a glorified scavenger hunt than anything else but with better bragging rights. Hitting a certain detective with a paintball gun is on the list. Reverse-pickpocketing is there too, if you can get certain harmless trinkets into the pockets of challengng targets without them realizing it. They all use criminal-type skills and range from ingenious to silly, but none of them could really get you (or Moriarty!) in serious trouble. You can get good money by hunting down the caches of weapons and drugs for him though!]

[By the way, do a good job and it will look good on your criminal resume later if you're looking for that kind of work... ]

[The camera shows pitch blackness, lit only by the faint glow of the screen on the smartphone itself, vaguely illuminating the Doctor's face and making his cheeckbones stand out even more.]

Is this thing still working?

What happened to all the lights?

[Welcome to a power outage that will last until the morning of the 8th!]