001 | video

[percolates]

Who: Ciri and you!
Broadcast: Fleetwide video.
Action: On the Marsiva! Feel free to tap her on the shoulder and say hi.
When: Nooooow, a little bit after her arrival.

[video]

[For someone who looks like she stepped out of some medieval era, Ciri doesn't seem too alarmed by all the space and technology. It's easy enough for her to figure out how to broadcast, and she peers into the camera for a moment before speaking.]

So, two questions: where can I get a sword, and how exactly are my abilities dampened, here? [Because the first thing she tried to do was teleport back to Skellige, only for a whole lot of nothing to happen. Maybe if she didn't have enemies to demolish she'd actually feel some relief about the fact that what makes her a target for so many people is gone.] I can't be the only one. Someone must be very skilled to figure out how to keep that much control over us.

And... one more thing. I don't suppose any of my companions have found themselves here. [She frowns, brow creasing with worry. It's unlikely. She knows how sudden world-hopping works... or doesn't work. Still, she must try.] Geralt? Yennefer? Triss?

Comments

[redactions]

Just like that. No idea what happened — haven't seen him since. We're told they get sent home.

[ Count all the ways he doesn't believe this BS. ]

[percolates]

[Yeah, her face says about that much.]

Tossed aside like an old rag doll, you mean.

[redactions]

Probably. We don't know the truth.

[percolates]

Is that going to be a reoccurring theme?

[redactions]

Yes. Unfortunately.

[percolates]

[She had a feeling. Doesn't stop her from heaving a big sigh, though.]

Great. I'm going to end up pacing trenches in this place before I get moved into a smaller ship. And then what happens?

[redactions]

Wait it out, I s'pose. I've been here seven months. I realise that's not encouraging.

[percolates]

It's all right.

[If she can't leave, then maybe it means the Wild Hunt can't get to her. The silver lining in all of this, maybe.]

What's something amazing that you've seen?

[redactions]

Oh —

[ The question is abrupt after the serious nature of their conversation, and it takes a few beats, ]

The stars are always beautiful.

[percolates]

[It's a distraction so that she doesn't focus on what she's missing. She'd only just found Geralt again--the thought of being away for half a year, a year, makes her heart ache.]

Were you fond of them before?

[redactions]

More like couldn't see 'em all the time. I come from a city, there was always too much light pollution to really make out the sky.

[percolates]

Then to be amongst them must be wondrous indeed. [Even she's having a hard time peeling herself away from the windows.]

[redactions]

They're different every time you look out, so that's somethin' at least.

[percolates]

Does it keep you busy enough?

[Noting the differences. She's already worried about going stir crazy.]

[redactions]

Yeah. There's always somethin' to do, and the increased population means least you ain't short of people to talk to, either.

[percolates]

That's good. I don't do well with confined spaces and nothing to do.

[redactions]

Welcome to the Fleet, at any rate. If you like cards, my associates and I have a game on occasion.

[percolates]

Thank you, James. I'll probably take you up on that.

I do warn you that you're likely to lose.

[Ciri you don't even know what kind of card game.]

[redactions]

[ A very put-upon sigh. ]

Yeah, I figured.

[percolates]

Oh? How's that?

[He's totally humoring her and she knows it.]

[redactions]

I always lose at cards. Must be a gift.

[percolates]

Perhaps you should try knitting instead. Do they not have yarn on your ship?

[redactions]

Not a knitting kinda guy, trust me. I've been told I make a mean steak.

[percolates]

People here? [Please tell her there is steak and not just processed food.]

[redactions]

Yeah. Depends on your ship's kitchen facilities. Most of us buy food when the Fleet stops and stock up.