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]

[She closes her eyes, for a moment, feeling his relief, his understanding, accepting it into her mind like salve on a wound.]

Thank you.

[There is that familiar yearning, that vain wish to reach into his past and protect him from it.

She cannot; she couldn't do it for any of the soldiers she attended. She couldn't do it for Gaby. She couldn't do it for Ada.

But she can reach up to her shoulder, and rest her hand on his.]

You are not alone.

[radars]

[ Neither are you, comes the pulse, the non-verbal idea in return. Neither are you.

He glances up to Erik, startled, somehow, that he's still here in the flesh. ]

Where to?

[ His voice feels raspy. ]

[lehnsherr]

The flop, I assume. Unless you have any better suggestions.

[He doesn't know just where this Charles is staying, yet alone whether he'd let Jocelyn stay there too. His own lodgings with Charles, away from the majority of the population here, isn't on the table. An alternate version of his friend or not, he doesn't do well with strangers.]

[abetterway]

[Jocelyn's nod is slow, as she focuses on Erik, on the outside world] Have you been there before?

[radars]

I have. I wasn't sure how safe it would be, but it -- has been. So far. Which is as good a reason as any to trust it.

[lehnsherr]

[He looks a little amused by the idea of being able to trust anything here. Least of all a building that's ultimately controlled by the natives.]

I'm sure they'll have space for you if you want to stay there.

[abetterway]

It would be a good opportunity for observation. [her expression is thoughtful, now, and sharp with determination] I want to know more about our situation.

[she looks back at Charles] I believe you're right - if we are needed here, we should act.

[she doesn't appreciate being taken from her own world, her own life, but she can hardly ignore people in need]