Week 0, Day 1

Using this given book as a personal log.

Name: Garrus Vakarian
Rank: Turian Hierarchy Reaper Task Force Leader (as of this entry)

I’ve woken up in plenty of strange places after a night of shore leave, but this is new. Still trying to wrap my head around what’s going on. I’m putting my money on a simulation of some kind. Probably Reaper or Cerberus tech or a weird form of indoctrination. From what I remember, subjects tend to hear some sort of whispering. That’s not creepy at all.

At the risk of sounding like that freaking Prothean, the town’s culture, technology and architecture is primitive and human-centric. I doubt they have any kind of water purification or dextro food, so the environment is obviously not turian-friendly.

Gonna have a look around. Simulation or not, I’m hoping they’re friendly.

And that I can find someone or something familiar.

THIS WORLD SUCKS!!!

[For someone that's been forced to write in a diary for the past seven years, Luke's handwriting sure does look like cheagle scratch. It doesn't help that he's fed up and annoyed, which only serves to make his already crappy handwriting that much worse.]

I used to love the ocean, but I can't stand it any more! All we ever do is sail over here, get attacked by giant moths, sail over here, lose some crew members in a fog, sail over here, pick up some brats. It's so damn boring, and now we're going back to that stupid island we started out from again!? Even though everyone said we should get off of there as soon as possible?!

I hate this! I want something different to do!

[...just be glad this is written, and you don't actually have to hear his bratty ranting.]

"Haste, make haste without waste--
--If you race full of folly and take the wrong way, you'll find yourself a watery grave."

[It was a low voice that spoke up from between the pages that night, in a contemplative tone that carried the lilt of a childish melody. The few who had met the sailor in person would recognize dampened demeanor, not that he could ever be kept down for long. For everyone else-- the derp was finally speaking up. And he wasn't sharing any notes this time.

With a sigh he spoke up again, this time more pointedly:]

...how many here know how to remove curses?

[At first there's nothing before ( a doodle )

slowly starts to appear in the corner of the paper. Hector's not going to be winning any art contests, and it's clearly a thing that's from memory as there are slight hesitations here and there as it takes shape, but finally when it's done, the silence stretches, and at first...That seems to be it. That's the entry.

But only because he's really, really loathe to ask you lot a damn thing.]

Color me...Stupidly curious, but given what's going on at the moment, I don't suppose anyone's clapped their eyes on a bit of shine as looks like that, have they.

[Because considering what he's heard over this stupid journal, that is a distinct and worrisome possibility.]

[Winry sounds agitated.]

All right, so there's a fog coming, and something's in the fog. Is that right? That's what I thought I read from Mr. Dog's last letter to everyone.

What could be in the fog that could hurt us?

And what did he mean, cursed?

[The handwriting here is neat, smallish print.]

Good evening- my name is Ivan. I arrived on Isla Empieza a few days ago, but from what I've gathered, I may not be allowed to stay much longer. [Besides which he's running kind of low on funds.] With that in mind, are there any ships in port I could travel with? I don't have much money, but I'm willing to work, and I do have some experience at sea.

[It's not an ideal solution, but he has to do what he can in the meantime. And this next bit is a long shot, but...]

Incidentally, has anyone been looking for me? I suppose it's probably too much to hope, but- [hnngh he doesn't even know where he was going with that. of course it's too much to hope.]

Anyway, thank you for your help.
- Ivan

My, we seem to have quite a number of new faces around. This must all be a lot to swallow, but perhaps you might have room for one more little mystery?

[Jade sounds cheerful, and utterly unconcerned by the noise in the background. It sounds like thuds, clicking of insects and... are those screams?]

We found a library on the island called Manila. Sadly the, ah, owners are a touch reluctant to part with their books, but thanks to my dear crew-mates' negotiation skills, I did manage to get my hands on one copy.

[The shouts in the background grow more distinctive ("GET THEM OFF GET THEM OFF GET THEM OFF" "How are they getting bigger?!" "JADE, GET BACK HERE")]

This appears to be a genealogy of an old kingdom -- and judging by the volume of the book, it was a long-lived one at that. Most of the contents won't help us much without anything to cross-reference with, unfortunately, but there is one interesting bit at the very end.

[Jade clears his throat ("Get down!" "Yeeeooouch, c-cold!" "I'm sorry, I had to-- ACK!" "It's on my face") and reads out loud:]

"Ludovicus Marchineus Lockpost IV- Founder of the Tenstair Excavation Company, discovered the Heart of the Sea."

Now, this could mean anything at this point, but it does make you wonder, doesn't it? Why does the record end with this particular entry, and what is "the Heart of the Sea"...? Perhaps you are even thinking of the same thing I am.

[("Colbat, use Confuse Ray!" "Get your ugly bat away from me!" "Stop complaining and run!" "Sheba, now!") There is a sound of paper rustling in the wind, then running footsteps and shrieks coming closer.]

Ah, looks like my crew is ready to depart. Until next time~!

[Keeping record of any new island they came across was a pretty smart idea. However, the place left him quite miserable really, but you won't hear any complaints here, nooope completely out of his element so the least he could do to keep himself occupied was jot down some notes by the fireside.]

My crew and I were blown to a southern island labeled on the map as Manilla. I only say that since so far we haven't found any other signs of life to say otherwise. What we have found so far is sand, more sand, some rocks of varying sizes and more sand. Some of the larger stone platforms seem to have been dug out underneath and provide mild shade during the daytime, but there are some reptilian creatures that make their home under there.

[There's a brief pause as he looks out to their destination, the large building still some distance away and shadowed against the evening sky, then back to the book.]

This is likely to change. There is some large structure toward the center of the island, hopefully the walls to some city. If we find out anything more, it will be when we arrive there.

--Archie

Great thing about us being close to a new moon, in spite of my strength being mostly gone, is this heat isn't so unbearable! Seriously, fur plus hot sun reflecting off of the water equals one dead wolf, figuratively speaking. -It seems someone's becoming more confident about being open with her identity.-

So how are the rest of us in the Southern Seas holding up in this heat, huh? You'd think with the autumn season nearing, it'd be a little cooler... With heat like this, a Leviathan is the least of our worries.

... Well, in my opinion, anyways...

... Actually, now that I'm thinking about it, unless the Leviathan strikes about two weeks from now, I won't be able to fight it at all...


Oh well! My crew is pretty awesome, so I'm not worried! Just... really really hot.

[It was hot and still in the south. Uncomfortably so, and the suggestion of monsters lurking in the depths had Piers on a reasonable level of alert. He had no doubt of his own abilities, but he was concerned about how well his crew would be able to work together in a crisis. They all got along well enough, but no one knew much about the others' talents and skills.

That, and the young lad that they had taken aboard with them, Leo, had vanished from the Alcyone's decks.

It was disconcerting, but it was probably a way of life here. He would need to get used to it, but there were many more things that he needed to get used to.

As did they all.

Thus, he started writing again.]

II.

I've noticed through the network that there are many of us here who are unfamiliar with the basics of handling ourselves at sea. I'll note a few things here, although they should be common knowledge.

1- Secure a food source. Pack rations, make sure not to forget to properly store them. Some of you may have different facilities on your ships. If so, do not be afraid. It will take a little time to get used to the differences, but the tools are not dangerous in and of themselves unless you misuse them.

Fruit and salt are important. Do not forget that.

2- While salt is necessary, you shouldn't attempt to drink the seawater. It will dehydrate you, which is the last thing you need. Take care in storing fresh supplies. You don't want them compromised.

Keep in mind: Water that is too pure cannot hold life. Anyone with a connection to the element should know this before they try to help.

3- Collect the proper tools. The maps may not be trustworthy, so gather a compass and a spyglass to observe the world. Get yoursef some paper and a way to make notes for yourself.

4- If you don't know how to fight, prepare to learn a little. If the Dog is correct, then you may need it in the future

5- Make sure you know something about emergency medical situations. Even minor injuries can be dangerous if they're not properly cared for. If you don't have someone on your ship, make sure you can contact someone.

Having a healer is much better, but not everyone has that luck.

6- Most importantly:

Do Not Argue With The Dog.

Note:

I would like to propose an idea that may be useful to everyone in the future. We have all set out in different directions, and the maps we were provided with do not give many details about the islands themselves. If anyone is willing, I would like to gather a collection of what everyone observes on these islands. Information about the Climate, Geography, and People are especially needed, because we need to have an idea of what we're in for.

I will also suggest that we communicate with eachother about how long it takes to travel from one island to the next, with Empieza as a reference to start with.

This is a large undertaking, but it may prove useful.

C. I know you do not agree with me, but this is something I will not back away from. We may disagree and I do not ask that you understand. Just know that this is not something to keep a secret from everyone.

Your's Truly.

Piers.

[There's no preamble to this voice message. Those that know Robin know her voice. Those that do not are welcome to get to know her one on one.]

Green Breeze reminds me somewhat of Green Bitt, though it's decidedly less peopled, and more mountainous. However, that wasn't always the case. Has anyone mentioned that there are ruins everywhere on this island? Not just scrolls. Buildings and arches and mosaics line the mountainside. They wrap around it in one continuous terrace, though at sea level it looks like many. The wind can be quite harsh as you move to higher altitudes. I'm wondering if any of you brave Shepherds would be willing to chance the weather in the name of scientific exploration? I'd need a team of three to four, most likely, including myself, and the expedition may take a couple of days. We'd need to scout the forest as well- the one with all the wind chimes, yes. There may be something significant in there, and it would be a shame to miss it simply because the location is creepy.

I'd like to consult with anyone skilled in mapmaking or navigation. I would like to devise a way to document the location of this island, in case other archaeologists or I would wish to return and continue the work I've begun.

Luffy, Sanji, Usopp, Brook, and everyone else in my crew, we are doing well. Let's keep in touch, hm?

If this were the Atlantic it be the tail end of hurricane season. Not really sure if something like that hit us or not Saturday. I can take a bit of danger as much as the next sailor but I think could have done without the Captain's hysterical laughter when he wasn't barking orders.

Well according to Sunday's weather report the crew I'm with will very likely get to see if Dog's telling the truth about what what the Navy thinks of the lot of us.

[The Doctor's script is slow and deliberate, like he's waiting on something unpleasant to finish that he just can't rush. He's got a question that's more idle curiosity than anything pressing, but one he'd like answered. After all, he's got to wait on the glue to dry on his little project, and may as well see if anyone might have any bright ideas.

Because being at sea is fairly boring. And there is a distinct lack of music, so may as well fill it with idle chatter.]

So, life on a ship. Dreadfully boring when there's nothing going on yes? Yes.

Well, I've gotten a bit bored and I could use some suggestions on ways to entertain myself between projects. And I thought that...well...perhaps some of you fine people might have some ideas, preferably nonviolent or lethal ones, on how that could happen.

Suggestions appreciated.


Regards,
The Doctor

Well. I feared the travel time would get dull, but yesterday turned out to be both educating and entertaining. It is so wonderful to see everyone having fun together! ♥

[Yes, Jade has been listening to all the journal posts. It has been very amusing.]

On a slightly more serious note, there is something I wanted to bring up. I doubt I'm the only one wondering about the logistics of our arrival here, which is why I'd like to ask... Have any of your respective worlds achieved this kind of large-scale transportation, whether through natural phenomena or technological advances? Anything that could allow a person to travel immense distances in an instance, or even transit between dimensions?

...And while I'm on the topic, I would be interested in any experiences with time displacement as well. It's not every day you get to compare notes with so many different scientific backgrounds.

That will be all for now. Carry on with your little pirate games, children~

I have a question for everyone here.

We're supposed to go sailing, but how does someone willingly go on a ship with so many different people, when doing so could put the people in your crew at risk? How do you live so closely with that many other people when just being near them could be dangerous for them?

[ The penmanship looks really old-fashioned, but still perfectly legible. It's clear this person hasn't seen anything written in a long time, but thankfully, writing is like riding a bicycle. It's not something anyone forgets how to do. There's SOME voices in the background, but it's distant and muffled. Whoever is writing this went to great lengths to avoid others. ]

Um... my name is Elize Lutus. I-It's nice to meet you all!

[ She sounds awfully shy, but it sounds like she likes the idea of talking to people this way too. ]

I have a question... My spirit artes definitely feel weaker here, even though I have Teepo... D-does anyone else feel like something is... off about their abilities?

[ Frankly she's just worried something might have happened to Teepo, but - it's probably something good to learn too since her spirit artes are definitely something she wouldn't want to lose in a situation like this. ]

[Archie hadn't bothered with the journal since he first arrived here. Yes it was a book he did not own and therefore should not have had with him, but last time he looked it was blank. He would have probably forgot about it completely until it fell out of his stuff if it wasn't for the fact that the little blond girl he was just talking to had pulled hers out. She said she was going to look for her friends and then turned to the journal. Curious he pulled out his own.]

Well this is strange, isn't it?

[There's actually some fascination in watching letters appear on the blank pages even as he's turning them. He's... not as smooth as he'd like to think he is though in trying to glance at what the girl is writing, as he thinks he found the page she was on.]

.... I'm sorry for bothering you again, but, can everyone else see this?

[He holds the book open for her to see the writing completely unaware that "everyone" is listening as well.]