[Video, Sunday morning]

[anuglyman]

[The face on the network now is not a happy one. This beaky-nosed older gentleman, with his expensive suit and tie and his lightly feathered hair, looks rather coolly displeased. The background is that of the outside of the ship, since he’s apparently found his way out, though he hasn't gone very far yet.]

I’m not sure just who thought it was a good idea to be kidnapping people? But I can assure you, whoever you are, it was a very. Bad. Idea. You have kidnapped entirely the wrong person.

[When he smiles, just one corner of his mouth turning up, it doesn’t look particularly cheerful. It looks a little threatening, actually.]

Whoever is behind this, I have much more important things to do than dealing with you, but believe me, dearie, I will make the time if I have to. I’m assuming, whoever you are, you’re paying attention to things said on this device you left me, so I’m sure you can see this. Send me back where I came from... and I might decide not to make you sorry.

[And he waits, leaning back a little in the camera’s view, both hands resting on the grip of his cane. Somewhat impatiently, and fully expecting someone to say something back-- whether it’s a smart something... or a stupid something. He has places to be, and he’d rather not linger here longer than he has to.]

Comments

[anomaliiiiies]

Recovering from an apocalypse. We had a time shift and it fixed things to make it a little more comfortable here, or at least it was a nice side effect. Previously it was an even worse apocalyptic place. We barely had electricity and running water.

[anuglyman]

I've dealt with worse. Though I'll admit, I do find myself fond of some of the amenities of modern living.

[Like the fine suit and hot running water. Those are both very nice things. Everything else he manages just fine with magic, usually. Here, he's not sure how careful he needs to be.]

So time... changed somehow?

[That's the really interesting part, right there.]

[anomaliiiiies]

It did. We had problems before the shift. Things like limited supplies, limited electricity, jury rigged hot water supplies, and iffy housing. Not to mention being thought as as perfect candidates to be shot at.

But after the time shift, things got better.

[anuglyman]

[Rumple's a little skeptical. What could possibly change a whole world like that, all at once? A time shift?]

And what exactly was this "time shift" that changed everything for the better?

[anomaliiiiies]

I haven't determined its exact nature yet. I'm still working on what caused it, and what other effects it has had. I'm fairly confident I can find out the answer or answers.

[slight shrug]

[anuglyman]

[He looks a bit amused at all that, maybe a bit condescending.]

And just how to you intend to do all that? Some kind of magician, are you, dearie?

[anomaliiiiies]

Astrophysicist, actually. And do not use that tone of voice with me. I am not your dearie.

[anuglyman]

[His expression is now both amused and dismissive.]

Ah. A scientist. I wish you luck with that. Dearie.

[Nyah nyah, he's not going to do what you say.]

[anomaliiiiies]

[Now that's enough to tick her off, Mr. Rumplestiltskin.]

Oh, thank you for your kind words, sir, they are so very appreciated by this mere scientist. I'm sure your magic will work quite well.

[of course this was given in the sweetest tone possible.]

[anuglyman]

[It's tricky over a phone connection, maybe, but Rumple does manage a mocking little bow for her. Yeah, the sarcasm doesn't bother him one bit. Here, have some right back:]

You are quite welcome. Now, I have a lovely lady to wait for, so I believe I'll bid you farewell.