outer_divide | [Video] Week 52: Saturday Morning

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[Video] Week 52: Saturday Morning

[A pleasant backdrop of green fields and sunlight can't mask the concern that's pursed Pepper's lips and given her expression, always attentive, an added layer of sharp attention.]

Does anyone have information about what's going on with the sky? Has there been another attack?

I can't seem to raise Tony, so any information would be appreciated.

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Your grumpy guardian angel [For so, apparently, and with a bit of dry humour, has Pepper named Rumple] said that it looked like one of the mountains had collapsed. We have no view of that here, obviously, but do you have any records of old mining complexes or military complexes in the area?

No mining complexes - I gather the area isn't very mineral-rich - but there's been mention of a few subterranean storehouses and research facilities. Not much in the way of precise locations, but I'd be surprised if no one built into the mountains. It would be easier than keeping something on our level from flooding.

I've been doing some sifting through the restricted archives - I can see if there are some more precise records from the war in there. I don't know how much good it would do in the short term - between your trip and the group off hunting those monsters, there aren't that many adventurous sorts left in the city.

...run that part about the group hunting monsters past me again.

[Pepper has a sudden theory, and by her expression it's not one she likes very much.]

Who went, do you know? And what kind of monsters?

The monsters that attacked the market.

[It's a little subdued. She still isn't quite over that whole dying and resurrecting thing.]

I don't know everyone who went - Mr. Lyall's original broadcast was public, but as far as I can tell, the majority of the planning wasn't.

[Pepper's expression softens at the subdued tone, but she offers her sympathy in the form of not drawing attention to it.]

I'll see if I can raise the professor, then. I'm not surprised about the off-comm planning, really -- he's from an era where distance communication definitely didn't include videoconferences.

It's a bit alien to me, too, but...you'd think someone should have checked in by now. To let us know what happened, or to ask for backup.

[All these people going off adventuring without any contact. It's almost like being home again.]

I... think I have something coming through from someone on-site. Sandman?

[The up-lilt on the name makes the question clear -- is this actually a real person? Has Belle heard of him?]

It's a little strange. If I can make it out properly, I'll let you know what I learn.

Edited 2014-01-12 18:41 (UTC)

I've never heard of him.

[She looks a little apologetic. The people from the ship tend to scatter a bit, but someone should probably keep an eye on them.]

But thank you. If I hear anything concrete here, I'll pass it along.

I think I've got it.

[And Pepper looks anything but happy to be sharing this news as her feed comes back in again, shoulders square and face set.]

The group found a nest of those bone monsters and detonated a bomb to get rid of it. Sandman and Commander Skywalker are safe, but five others are trapped. And... Indrani is dead. I don't know if you've ever met her.

[Belle looks stricken at the news.]

I - she came with me, when I went to the west. With her dog. I didn't even know she'd gone--

Has anyone organized rescue efforts? Why didn't they tell us people were injured?

I don't know why Commander Skywalker hasn't checked in, but Sandman seems to have a difficult time with the communicators.

Maybe the commander's jumped straight to the authorities? But no, no mention of rescue efforts. Sandman... isn't sure of the trapped are trapped or have died as well. I--

[Pepper looks away for a long moment, pauses the feed, and when she comes back she's aggressively composed.]

If they've all died, they'll reappear in the pods over the next couple days. There's no guarantee that they'll wake up again soon, but... there's that much. If you or someone else wanted to check.

I'll check. And I'll rattle a few cages, in case there isn't rescue underway.

[The latter of which will, ultimately, be reported as futile - scorched earth may well be more likely than rescue.]

Thank you.

[Pepper's tone is quiet but genuinely grateful.]

I'll let you know if I hear anything else. Would you be willing to return the favour?

If I hear any news, you'll be the first to know.

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