Video: 003 Re-awakening

[did_i_say_percy]

[When the video switches on, Armand appears dressed, his shirt collar and shoulders are visible, and leaning with his back against a wall inside the Ship.]

I cannot say I'm surprised to be here.

Do any of the people I knew remember me? It's Armand. [He lifts a hand into view and waves, fingers waggling.] Uh, St. Just [pronounced san jyoost], if you don't know me.

What's the weather like? If it's not freezing, I don't mind walking a reasonable distance. Unless the wildlife has gotten faster. [He doesn't seem too certain about that last, but he knows that not everyone out on their own gets eaten.]

At the moment, I'm by the pods still, but I don't plan on staying here. This Ship makes me feel uneasy.

Is there anything else I should know before leaving here?

Comments

[professorwolf]

Mr. St. Just?

[Lyall is looking in surprise at that familiar but long-vanished face.]

Of course I remember you. It's been quite a long time! And, ah, quite a bit has changed, actually... we managed to completely rewrite the timeline at one point, so things are quite different from what you recall.

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand beams when he recognizes Lyall.]

Professor Lyall, I am glad to see you!

Rewrite the timeline? I hope that means something nice happened, for once, although it seems we're still here.

[professorwolf]

Well, the Outer Authorities are no longer our enemies, and we have proper plumbing and electricity now-- but there are other, more subtle dangers, and we are living a bit further from the ship, most of us.

[He considers the sun and the hour, and after a beat offers,]

Would you like me to come collect you and show you about? I have a motorbike that can seat two.

[did_i_say_percy]

I don't want to cause trouble, but I admit I'm a little afraid of walking down that road alone on foot.

[He shifts a little, and scratches his head.] Would it take long for you to come here?

[professorwolf]

An hour, not much more, if I ride quickly. It will be easier, I think, having a guide, and easier to answer questions in person.

[He certainly doesn't sound like he minds, at least, and his smile is reassuring.]

[did_i_say_percy]

[The smile does relax Armand some.]

I can meet you out at the, uh, hatch. I may have even more questions than I did before.

[professorwolf]

Very good. I'll see you shortly-- try not to fret too much in the meantime, I promise it isn't too confusing.

[He offers one more smile, then disconnects to hurry his way out to the ship. It does take a little more than an hour, but he pulls up the mountain trail with the noisy motor on the dirtbike-like motorcycle heralding his arrival.]

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand stands up and waves, hesitating a long moment to see if the noisy vehicle quiets down any before approaching.]

I heard you coming from quite a distance down the road, professor. An hour? Is that to the bigger city? Kaylee called it Poseidon.

[professorwolf]

Yes, to Poseidon. The Old City is really more of a military base these days, and very few people stay there. I don't actually believe anyone from the ship is living there anymore-- I was I think the last.

[He sets the bike on its stand-- it does, indeed, quiet down when he kills the motor-- and comes over with a smile and an offered handshake in greeting.]

It's good to see you again, Mr. St. Just.

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand shakes Lyall's hand, but then he scoots closer and gives the man a quick hug. He drops back quickly, not really waiting for a reaction, as if he knew it would awkward but he just couldn't help himself.]

I suppose if you hadn't offered to get me they would have told me how to get to Poseidon. But I am just as glad not to have to talk to them in person today.

What do you think of this city? Quickly, because I know we should go there, but--has Kaylee changed her name since she married? She thought Poseidon had many more conveniences. I'm not used to those, but I wonder where it leaves someone who doesn't-does not take to them as easily.

[professorwolf]

[The hug takes the gentleman by surprise, and he responds with a pat on the back that he hopes isn't too awkward. He hasn't been hugged... well, in a very long time. Not by someone who wasn't a child, and even then, it was rare.

The questions, though, make him chuckle.]

Miss Frye is now Mrs. Skywalker, yes. And Poseidon does have more amenities, but I promise you they aren't too difficult to manage for people such as us. They're even largely avoidable, if you really find you don't like them.

[He turns back to the bike, motioning for Armand to follow.]

We'll walk down the mountain, since it's a bumpy ride otherwise, and we can speak more of it.

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand is tickled by any response. The more reserved the other person is, the happier Armand is at small responses. He wants to melt the stiff English-ness (as he thinks of it) of any and all.]

She's so sweet. I hope we don't have to be formal, but I don't know her husband much. [If at all.] I'll have to remember. Madame Skywalker. What a funny sort of name, but they're space-sailing people aren't they?

[Armand doesn't quite trust the bike to behave and stay quiet, but he follows Lyall just the same.]

You look well enough, professor. It's such a relief to see people I know.

[professorwolf]

They do seem to be. Far beyond our time, either of us.

[It does stay quiet, though, as Lyall doesn't start up the motor again, he just nudges the stand up and wheels it quietly down the path, slowly and far enough over for Armand to walk alongside him.]

There will probably be others. Some people come and go quickly, but most of us linger. Were you here for the great jump in time? I can't recall just when you vanished from among us.

Video

[wrench_and_ruffles]

[Kaylee's smiles are as bright as ever.]

Armand! Good to have ya up and around again. It's summer now, so it's plenty warm out.

Video

[did_i_say_percy]

[Armand smiles back.]

Great news about the weather!

I am so very glad that you're still around. How are you and yours?

Video

[wrench_and_ruffles]

Makes goin' back an' forth between here and Poseidon way nicer.

There's been some ups and downs, but specifically with me and mine things are pretty shiny.

Video

[did_i_say_percy]

Poseidon? Are people living somewhere else then? Professor Lyall mentioned something about rewriting the timeline, but he hasn't explained more than that yet.

I keep saying it, but I am so happy to see people I know, and to know that you're well.

Video

[wrench_and_ruffles]

Yeah, after everythin' got discombobulated turned out most of the population was further south. There's a quarantine not far from here, so the Old City's mostly the Authorities. They're on our side now.

[And oh boy was that a shock]

Poseidon's a lot less wrecked than things were before. Oh, and me 'n' Luke got married.

Video

[did_i_say_percy]

Oh. Well, more people means a more active and-and liveable city, right?

[His eyes widen, but his smile doesn't go away. As far as he was concerned, Kaylee and Luke were acting like they married before. But it was a reason for congratulations and celebration.]

I'm sorry I missed the event. You both must be... [Not happy again.] delighted. I don't even know what to say! If Luke doesn't mind, I think I need to give you a hug when I see you in person.

Re: Video

[wrench_and_ruffles]

Yeah, Poseidon's a lot nicer than how things were. Been a bit of trouble with the locals recently, but overall things're better off.

[Except for all the never existed dome people... that troubled her sometimes.]

Thanks. Luke won't mind friendly hugs, don't worry.

[He married the wrong woman if he did.]

Video

[did_i_say_percy]

It's more like a city you're used to living in? I wonder how I'll fit in there. I don't know much about machines and lights or fighting.

[He lifted his chin.] Then consider it a promise. When next we meet.

Re: Video

[wrench_and_ruffles]

Well, I'm used to livin' on a spaceship.

[Though not terribly recently]

We can all help ya figure it out. After hugs.

Video

[did_i_say_percy]

You realize that I still can't quite picture that except to think of this ship, and frankly, I'm not very fond of it in here.

But your kind offer of help finding my way in world is always accepted. I will not turn away good advice or kind friends.

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[wrench_and_ruffles]

That's the important part. That's how we get by on Serenity. She's real homey and the crew's like family.

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[did_i_say_percy]

Since family is what I miss the most, something like it is a real treasure. [When one can find it.]