[It's been a while since Hubert as been on the network, namely because the last time he was... well. He sort of made a complete fool of himself. Granted it was under a curse (which he seems to have avoided this time around) but still...

He's hoping desperately that it's either been forgotten or people just don't care enough to bring it up.

Especially since he's now on the network looking rather dour, and with good reason. He's covered in mud.

Whatever happened, it happened at work, as the carnival can be seen in the background of his video. And he's near the petting zoo, evident by the sounds of animals near by.]

I'm sorry to bother you this evening, Vatheon, but would some one be willing to bring me a change of clothes? I'd rather not walk home covered in filth, and I'd appreciate any help I could get.

And no, I'd rather not talk about it...

[Hello, Vatheon! And welcome to another week and another curse!

And who is that on the network but none other than Hubert Ozwell, that slightly pretentious, glasses-wearing dual wielder that... really probably isn't that well known because even as a part of the Defense Force he tends to keep to himself and doesn't have a lot of friends.

But something seems different this morning. His normal military uniform has been given a color and design upgrade, resembling something more... starfish-y? And red. Lots of red. Well, truly, it's closer to something you might find in a sentai series, because that's basically what he is.]

Beach Brigade, this is Red! Come in, Beach Brigade!

[He doesn't seem to be aware that he's broadcasting in video right now, though, because when he doesn't get an answer he shakes the SFC violently, as if that's going to make it work. Unfortunately all it does is make it shut off.

For a time his SFC is silent and dark, but eventually it does return. He's a little calmer, but still irked about whatever it is that's going on.]

I must inform you all that there is a terrible danger afoot! The dread Queen Emeraude has escaped from the Undersea Prison and I, Sunscreen Ranger Red, must find her and return her to her cell at once! But I've been separated from my team! Who here in this bubble is brave enough to be granted temporary Ranger-ship under my command and help me bring this evil witch to justice once more?!

[Is he... ?

Yup.

He's posing. Dramatically.]

Th-this is ridiculous... ! How can I be expected to work in this condition?! I--

[oops.

sneezing.

a lot.]

... I don't even have the energy to be angry at the coral, as cold as I am.

[sniffle]

Does anyone have any hot tea I could have... ?

( someone seems a little more thoughtful than usual...
he looks down at the sfc in his hand for a few moments before lowering it, knowing that it's recording... he's standing near the coral, in the meantime -- )

People just come and go at the drop of a hat, don't they. Both the stupid ones and comrades alike, it doesn't matter. And it's not like they have any say in it either, it's like we're all just waiting for our damn turns to take a stab at the odds of leaving.

( his grip tightens around the communicator, which you can actually hear... )

So, tell me. How many of you have had your comrades come and go, then come and go again? Personally I'm getting pretty sick of it. What's the point in showing up again if you're just going to leave. Just leave them where they are so we don't have to deal with it in the first place, I say.

For those of you who knew her, Cheria Barnes has returned home. Pascal and I are the only ones left from our world now...

[There's a good, lengthy pause as Hubert debates on saying more, but whatever he's thinking just happens to be a pile of negative things and upset-driven notions that he feels like he shouldn't bother sharing.]

If anyone has a burning need to bother me I'll be at work at my usual post.

[And that's the end of the broadcast, but true to his word he can be found in the amusement park, if anyone actually does go looking for him.]

Residents of Vatheon, if I could have your attention for a moment please.

While I was up at the island today during the kite flying event, a companion and myself stumbled across a disturbing sight. I'll try to spare gory details and disgusting images, but what I'm about to say is not for the weak of stomach regardless, so I apologize in advance for it.

It appears as if some one has killed and taken apart a deer, and left it strung up in one of the trees.

This event likely happened several days ago from the condition the remains were in.

[Hubert pauses her, and pushes his glasses up.]

Now, even as a member of the Defense Force, this is not something I can really do anything about since the deed is done and the action wasn't taken against a resident, but I do encourage anyone who comes across anything else strange like this to at least report it to some one on the Defense Force. I hope we can prevent any more... startling discoveries such as this one in the future.

Thank you for your time.

//Filter: Defense Force//

I was taking a guess, but I don't suppose we can do anything to people who kill animals on the island, can we? Or at least to people who leave such a mess for innocent passerby to stumble upon.

I understand the basic premise behind... Valentine's Day.

[Hubert sounds a little awkward, uncertain and even a little nervous as he speaks.]

But I wasn't here last year, and we don't have a holiday like this in Strahta. Would anyone be willing to give me a little more information behind it? What's common for ah... not... "couples" but perhaps two close friends... ?

[Short, sweet and... mostly to the point. Mostly.]

This is becoming ridiculous! I seem to have fallen victim to a switch of items yet again. I'm getting rather tired of this nonsense...

[As irritated as Hubert is, he's not quite as furious as he was last time because there's something else that concerns him. This doesn't quite seem like it did with the accidental gift exchange.

He takes a breath and stops speaking, but only to pick up a small pistol and hold it in front of his screen.]

This is what I found on my nightstand this morning, after which I found my dual blades to be missing from their usual place. There was no box this time. And this... gun...

[He pulls the trigger, but there's only a 'click'.]

Has no discernible ammunition, similar to my own weaponry. I don't think this is a case of misinformed locals, but I am at a loss as to what else could be going on.

Any input on the situation would be helpful and appreciated. Thank you.