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

[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.

[abetterway]

[she arches an eyebrow at that, but she doesn't press] If he accepts, I wouldn't mind trying. What does he do, precisely?

[mildly] Is that who they were? [she hadn't intended to admit the encounter in public, but - Shepard was right, and anyway, it might be to her advantage] They're very aggressive, aren't they.

[radars]

To be honest -- I don't know, really.

[ He kills Nazis? He goes around making friends with the wrong Charles? ]</small Very. I've ... heard that the collar is a very unpleasant experience. We'll try to get it off of you as soon as possible.

[abetterway]

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

I'd...certainly appreciate it.

[radars]

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

[abetterway]

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

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.

/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.

[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.

[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.

[lehnsherr]

What did you do?

[abetterway]

I tripped them up a bit.

[radars]

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

[lehnsherr]

Him, I trust.

[Sort of.]

[radars]

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

[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]

Hilarious.

[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.