Video

[abetterway]

[the image flickers into focus to reveal a woman from the waist up, staring into the device with a calm intensity belied only by the fingers tugging continually at her collar; she appears to be in her thirties, the dark hair that spills over her shoulders only slightly softening sharp, angular features]

Hello. From what I've gathered, I've awoken on an alien world. [a moment's pause; she's accepted it, it would be counterproductive to dig in her heels, but it's still an absurd thing to say] What I can't seem to discern is how and why.

I have my suspicions, but I suspect they're narrow in focus. I must admit, this is all a bit outside my expertise. [a sudden, wry smile] I suppose I do like to broaden my horizons.

[the smile fades as she leans forward] I'm asking for any information you've gained, and what you intend to do with it. If you don't believe this to be a safe venue, I'm more than happy to meet in person.

Comments

[femshep]

[It's always so amusing when people have no idea how things work.]

Unfortunately, nothing's that simple.

People are going to want a name and a motive at least before they'll give you any kind of information in return.

[abetterway]

[another smile, thin and wan] I'd assume so, yes, but I wasn't going to offer such things upfront. They're benign enough, but lord knows, anything can be used against you.

[femshep]

[...She says that, and yet fully expected everyone else to just--]

Let's pretend for a second that you didn't just contradict yourself. What reason do the rest of us have to tell you a damn thing?

[abetterway]

[her mouth tightens, the only hint of aggravation] I'd offer such information on an individual basis, not to the - network as a whole. There seem to be filters available.

[finally, she yanks her hand away from the collar, rubbing her temples] But you're right, I'm not being fair. I - can't say I've ever been abducted before.

[femshep]

[She eyes this woman for a minute, then concedes, just a little. After all, she's right--they're all in a new situation here. It takes some time to adjust.]

I wouldn't worry about your name. If they brought you here to start with, the odds are next to none that you'd be telling them anything they don't already know.

[A beat.]

I'm Shepard. Guess you could say I'm the friendly half of the welcome wagon.

[abetterway]

[she pushes her hand through her hair as she smiles again, just slightly] True enough.

[and what are the odds, really, of anyone else taken recognising her name?]

Jocelyn Xavier. It's - well, I can't say it's been a pleasure thus far, but that's hardly your fault.

[femshep]

[She echoes:] Xavier. [Shepard almost sounds amused, and definitely sounds intrigued.

But back to business.] Near the center of a city, there's... a hub, I guess you could call it. Food, shelter, even a little trading. Unless you've got somewhere else to be, I'd check it out.

[abetterway]

[her brow furrows at that] Yes. [but now isn't the time to probe further]

I don't appear to have any other appointments, no. [then, more seriously] Thank you.

[femshep]

Don't thank me yet. You don't know what you're in for.

[abetterway]

[with a sharp smile, her hand drifts back down to her collar] I think I have some idea.

[radars]

We would have been there to greet you, but it's impossible to predict which pods will open at any given time. Or, at least, it's impossible with our current understanding of the wreck.

[abetterway]

That might have been for the best, to be honest with you. I was...rather distressed. [she still is - she feels trapped inside her own head - but she has it under control]

What have you managed to discover about it? It's... [she shakes her head, smiling despite herself] It's like nothing I've ever seen.

[radars]

To be honest, I don't know. What seems of more pressing concern is the potential for war between the -- then, it might not be best to spring that on you right away.

Have you a place to stay?

[abetterway]

[her smile twists, then, into something weary and bitter] A war. I should have guessed.

I - no, I suppose I don't, unless the ship has stable amenities.

[radars]

Isn't there always some sort of war?

-- I don't know. I do know there's a place to stay, in town, that doesn't charge. Of course, the amenities are dingy, to say the least, and there's no privacy to speak of.

[abetterway]

People are always fighting over something.

[with a slight nod] I've endured worse conditions. My one real concern is accessibility.

[radars]

Accessibility... to what?

[abetterway]

[with a wry smile] To anything.

[her hands drop, and she wheels herself backwards in one swift motion, revealing her wheelchair]

The ship was kind enough to supply me with my chair, but I foresee some difficulties.

[radars]

Ah, I see.

I think... well, I think you have a difficult time ahead of you. This place isn't designed for ... accessibility.

[abetterway]

Few places are, I've found. I'm sure I'll manage.

What would you say this place is designed for? Is the ship native to this world?

[radars]

No. Alien, crashed. One of two, evidently, but the other's in the domed city, and might as well be a few planets over for all the good that does us.

If you need help, I might -- I could ask Erik, if that chair is metal.

[abetterway]

That complicates things. [finally, she pulls her fingers away from the collar, to steeple her hands on her lap] The dome has proved impenetrable, then.

...Erik is good with metal? [there's a wry sort of wistfulness to her smile]

I don't suppose he could do anything about this blasted collar.

[radars]

Very good, as it happens, though not as good as--... not that it matters.

Is it -- the collar, I mean -- one from the authorities? They're removable, but it requires three people and a bit of coordination.

/slides in here

[lehnsherr]

If you're quite done offering my services to complete strangers.

[abetterway]

[friendly grin is go] You must be Erik, then.