outer_divide | [Video] | Wednesday night

[Usually by this time of night, Thor is back from his daily work with the Authorities, trying to wrangle wraiths. Since he can fly, and fly quickly, he always tries to be home for dinner with Loki, even if he doesn't stay.

Tonight, though, he's putting a message up on the network, one which flickers randomly between color and sepia-toned, and occasionally goes fuzzy enough to static over his words. What can be seen of him between the poor connection is obviously wan and tired, more so than probably anyone but Loki and Tony has ever seen him, and even a bit like he's been beaten on. It's hard to make out the background, but someone with sharp eyes might recognize where they were decontaminated after the time travel shenanigans, or at least someplace like it.]

Ah, hello, everyone. I have good news! And I-- fzzt-- slightly bad news. The good news is, the wraiths, at least fzzt, appear to be confined within the plague shields. It was a terrible fight. I would not recommend-- fzzt-- attempt it.

The rather bad news, however, is I-- fzzt-- those shields, as well. So... I am in this decontamination facility for-- fzzt-- until the good healers release me as fit for interacting with the rest of-- fzzt.

... I am sorry I missed dinner, Loki.

[Then static overtakes the message entirely. He'll be back, it just might take him a few minutes.]

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Why not?

[She has her suspicions what the answer is already, really. But hey, why not talk it out.]

I am much more a man of action than of fzzt!

[The static fades out his face for a beat, but the sheepish smile is still there when it comes back.]

I find myself easily bored and-- fzzt-- such as that. A slightly more casual event, perhaps, but not-- fzzt-- one has to be calm and polite and wear uncomfortable clothing.

[Even though there are some words missing here and there, she can pretty much make out the gist.]

I know what you mean. I was considered a hero of my Emperor's army, so at times I would be called upon to attend such formal events. My duties mostly consisted of standing around, looking nice and being subtly shown off. It was never very entertaining for me personally.

That does sound very-- fzzt--

[At least given his sympathetic expression, it's easy to guess he's agreeing with her, there.]

--had to do more than merely look nice, I fear. I had to-- fzzt-- and speak with dignitaries, and-- fzzt-- offend anyone, if I was lucky.

Well, at least you were getting practice for when you would be king. And hopefully anything a prince would say wouldn't offend somebody as much.

[Thor is far from 'offensive' but he's also very straightforward. Admirable and understandable in a warrior, but she's met enough diplomats she can imagine where a problem might occur.]

At times my rank did, and does, indeed allow me to-- fzzt-- when otherwise there might be offense. Just as I imagine your game-- fzzt-- speak more bluntly than those of the court, as well.

I don't think I quite caught that last part. What's causing your device to do that, anyway?

I believe it is-- fzzt-- with the shields on this place. They seem to be fairly-- fzzt-- and besides, it is the only explanation I can-- fzzt-- this is not as far from Poseidon as I have been-- fzzt-- and had it still function properly.

It's not on purpose, is it? Their shields. Preventing you from being able to fully communicate.

I do not-- fzzt-- seems merely because they are strong against the plague and-- fzzt-- beyond them. They do not seem sinister in nature, here.

[Nevermind that Thor is generally trusting and a bit gullible. He still thinks they're all right. Just annoying.]

[Mulan is slightly less trusting, herself. But she does have faith in his judgement.

More or less.]

Well even though you're in good hands - like I said, hopefully you will not have to stay there too long.

Forty-eight hours.

[He heaves an all-too-visible sigh, that time. No static at all.]

It will be horrible, but I will survive it. I look forward to-- fzzt!

[And the channel is out for a good minute, this time. Oops.]