driftfleet | (no subject)

Who: two nerds and you
Broadcast: fleetwide
Action: Marsiva
When: now!

[ The audio comes on sharply, but everything is still dark as two people discuss their situation.]

Is that the camera? Can you get it to work?

I - think so? Here, push this --

I am pushing it, Hank. I thought you knew about these from that show you keep watching. Space Trek?

It's Star Trek and that isn't exactly - you know, the same thing as this.

Right. . . . Wait, I think I see something on the side.

[ And the video flickers on, the red light glowing softly. It focuses on two men. One in a wheelchair and the other right next to him, peering curiously at the camera before they step back satisfied. ]

Well, that’s over and done with. Hello to anyone who might be out there. My name is Charles Xavier and this is Hank McCoy. Apparently we’ve been kidnapped again, by an unknown force again for some mysterious reason.

[muttered:] Again. [and louder] So if anyone would be kind enough to explain exactly what's going on, we'd appreciate it. You have our thanks in advance.

But do keep it pertinent.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ There's a deliberate pause at that. ]

I am familiar with the team. At least, vaguely. I take it you're from Kyriakos?

Good.

Yeah, this is Nightingale. I can't exactly turn on the video right now, but... It's me.

Most importantly: I've been here for over half a year, this is not a game, do not mention any Echoes specifically while you're here.

Not that I was going to, but . . . why?

We're supposedly on TV, being broadcast throughout the galaxy. There are, supposedly, billions if not trillions of viewers.

The thoughts of the ninety-six of us at the castle gave the Echoes that much power. Do you want to risk seeing what happens if they get the power of that many people thinking about them?

Honestly, I had hoped they weren't around anymore.

[ A foolish hope, but one he nurtures. ]

There's none here. But we can't test if thoughts here don't give them power there, so... Don't risk it?

[That's clearly what he meant, right?]

[ Yes. Clearly. ]

That suits me just fine.

Other than that, I've got sort of a guide here for the new people, if you're interested.

I certainly wouldn't mind one. I'm sure Hank would appreciate it as well.

Okay, I'm not messing around enough to send this twice, so you two are going to have to share.

[There's shuffling sounds, and eventually, Charles' communicator will buzz with a document.]

Thank you.

[ Time to briefly skim the info dump. ]

No problem. Just let me know if you have any questions.

I will. But I think we should be fine.

[ Erik's been here for a month - he'll fill in the gaps. ]

Yeah.

There's been a few from the castle who aren't here now- Magpie and Lark, from my team. Opal from Henwen and Blade from Epona are here, too. And there's a few others who... They're the same people as people from the castle, but they don't remember being there.

[ Hm. That was odd, but probably not that unsettling. Anyone who has avoided being in the library was better off, easily. ]

That's probably for the best, isn't it?

It's a little frustrating, honestly.

I can imagine.

[ But being forgotten doesn't bother him as much as knowing someone escaped to a better reality. ]

Yeah.

... Any other questions?

[ He shakes his head. ]

No. Thank you for all your help, Nightingale.

No problem. I'll see you around.