The portal sometimes does that, brings things in with us.

[Like Pokemon, for instance.]

I knew someone that used to go to the portal, she's not here anymore but I don't think there's anything stopping us from getting close if you really want to.

[Ed doesn't, clearly.]

You got phones where you're from, or just letters? I'm afraid I can't be much help on the communicator thing, some of them are a little advanced for my knowledge.