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]

[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.