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

[abetterway]

[with a slight, knowing smile] It's complicated, then.

I'd...certainly appreciate it.

/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.

[lehnsherr]

[:| Smiles. He's just going to stick with text.]

Clearly I must.

[abetterway]

[she doesn't begrudge him the secrecy, and she can only imagine it galls him for her to know his name and not the other way round] It's a pleasure to meet you, Erik. So to speak.

My name is Joceyln Xavier.

[radars]

Shall I come find you? I'm not occupied with anything pressing, at the moment.

[radars]

Then I suppose I am to believe that your Charles wouldn't have done the same thing.

[abetterway]

...If it's not too much trouble. I'm not very far from the ship.

[lehnsherr]

Xavier.

[That's all he sends at first, the irony not lost on him. But eventually, he sends a second message through. Even he can't subdue his own curiosities.]

There's a reason they chose to use that collar on you.

[lehnsherr]

Him, I trust.

[Sort of.]

[radars]

By extension and implication, you don't trust me.

[abetterway]

[that's the second odd response, and it's not lost on her]

I didn't approve of their conduct. [a thin smile] Apparently, they don't appreciate interference.

Log? Action?

[radars]

Very well. I'll be coming from the Old City.

Action is good with me?

[abetterway]

[she flashes a grateful smile] I'll be waiting.

[lehnsherr]

What did you do?

[abetterway]

I tripped them up a bit.

[lehnsherr]

You've given me no reason to.

[radars]

My Dearest Erik:

Please come help this woman who has done nothing against you and who could probably use it, given that she has just awakened in an entirely alien environment. I ask you to think with your conscience, if you have one, or your heart, if you have any left.

All the best,
Charles

[lehnsherr]

[Now who's hiding things?]

I'm a mutant. Your turn.

[lehnsherr]

Hilarious.

[abetterway]

[she just stares at her device, for a moment] ...Well. What were the odds of that.

[she considers the words, for a moment; then, a quiet murmur] Let me see -

[a few bursts of static, and then]

[Erik]

Erik?

[locked]

[radars]

I thought so.

You can easily disguise your ability as superior strength. God knows you have the physique for it. Furthermore, I'm going out to meet her, and unless you'd like to put me at risk of an unknown possible mutant -- don't tell me you didn't see the collar -- you'll come along.

locked;

[lehnsherr]

[There's a pause, and he finally switches over to audio.]

A fellow mutant then.

[locked]

[lehnsherr]

You've made it perfectly clear that you're more than capable of defending yourself.

Locked > > you saw nothing

[abetterway]

[that draws another grin] Finally, graced with your voice. It's lovely, by the way.

[in a rather more serious tone] Yes, I'm a mutant. A telapath, specifically. My powers manifested when I was ten years old.