outer_divide

[The viewer is greeted with a pair of huge, gold-rimmed eyes peering at them from behind a longish snout that is currently sniffing delicately at the screen. A moment later a young boy with blue eyes and shaggy blond hair desperately in need of a trim leans down over the golden-eyed creature, an almost identical expression of curiousity on his face.]

I think I've got this thing working. Guess we'll find out, huh?
[The boy clears his throat self-consciously before continuing.]

If anyone else is listening... Um. Hi. My name's Jake Chambers, and this is Oy--say hi, Oy.

[The strange, gold-eyed creature again sniffs at the screen before barking out.] I! Oy!

[The boy giggles and shakes his head.] Smartass.

[Oy grins--there's no other word for it.] Ass!

[Jake smiles again, but it quickly fades.] Is anyone else out there? I...um...I'm guessing this isn't the Clearing, after all, 'cause if it is, then somebody really needs to come up with a better name. [Another short laugh, slightly tinged with hysteria.] Anyway. If this isn't the Clearing, then could someone please tell me where we wound up this time? [He pauses, chewing thoughtfully at his lower lip for a moment before adding] I woke up on a--a spaceship, I think. I can see what looks like a village down at the foot of the mountain. Is there anybody down there?

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[He shakes his head.] No ma'am, I never heard of either place, sorry. But judging by the people I've talked to already, just about everybody here's from a different world.

I've gotten that impression as well.

You and your...companion, you're here on your own?

Yeah, as far as I know. If any of my ka-tet were here, I think one of 'em would've answered me.

I guess you're in the same boat, huh?

Yes. I'm also on my own. But I've been that way before.

[Pointedly.] How old are you?

[He has to think about that a moment.]

I'm not really sure. I was eleven when I left New York, but I'm not really sure how long I've been gone. I guess I could be twelve by now.

[She stifles a sigh through her teeth, ending up making a sound like a huff of frustration. Eleven or twelve is not too young to not be able make one's way alone - she's seen it before in her homelands, unfortunately. But it is still very young, at least a few years of shy of what could respectably be called a soldier.]

It sounds like you're no stranger to travel, Jake, but. I don't think you should be out here by yourself.

[He's a little amused at that] Well, I didn't have a whole lot of choice, but if it makes you feel better, I think someone's coming out to meet me.

[Another kid his age, but he sees no reason to mention that.]

[Bluntly:] Good.

I take it after that you'll be going to the village?

Yes ma'am, I think that's the plan.

There's a chance we may meet again later then, I suppose. Take care of yourself until then.

[Because she's allowed to worry, but damn if she's going to appoint herself caretaker for some kid unless she has to.]

My name is Mulan, by the way. And you really don't have to call me "ma'am".

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