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]

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.

[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.

/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?

[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.