(no subject)

[beathach]

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.

Comments

video;;

[reconstitution]

You've been brought here by beings called the Atroma. Their motives are unclear, under the guise of a 'reality tv show'. The Fleet-- the ships just outside of the Marsiva-- come into orbit of a planet or station ever four weeks on average.

Re: video;;

[axiomed]

I'm still surprised that reality is something people enjoy watching? I always assumed television was used as a getaway.

[ He's from the seventies. What is reality TV. ]

video;;

[reconstitution]

[ How the fuck should he know? He was a HYDRA agent for 70 years. They didn't exactly keep up with the Kardashians. ]

Clearly, we are not the targeted audience. There are no signs of these potential viewers wherever we happen to stop. No one has heard of it.

Re: video;;

[axiomed]

[ Huh. ]

Well, that's less surprising. Do we know if they even exist?

video;;

[reconstitution]

They make broadcasts, sometimes. Diamond and... Beau, I think his name is. They're the face for the Atroma. The 'hosts'.

Re: video;;

[axiomed]

Just two?

[ Charles would have figured there were more people involved. But perhaps they like to limit their interactions. ]

How hospitable of them, to drag us around and provide little else.

video;;

[reconstitution]

I doubt it is the two of them. They do not seem to have much power themselves.

[ There are always more people. ]

They're not directing this.

Re: video;;

[axiomed]

Hm. That's a change from the usual benevolent overlords I'm used to. It seems almost . . . nice.

[reconstitution]

Their generosity is conditional. They do what they feel will get good ratings.

[ ... ] However the fuck they measure that.

[axiomed]

Probably measured by how much emotional anguish that can be inflicted on others.

[reconstitution]

Unsurprising.

[axiomed]

[ Still. Charles feels this is . . . less intense than Kyriakos or the library. ]

How long have you been here?

[reconstitution]

Nine months.

[ It feels like an eternity, but also the blink of an eye. ]

[beathach]

[a little dryly] Their motives are always unclear.

. . . do you know what system we're now? Does it even have a name?

[sorry, you get the nerd questions]

[reconstitution]

I'm not sure. Sorry. We're on a polluted moon.

[ Very disappointing information, I know. ]

[beathach]

Ah - that's alright, I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask.

But mm, I've been told about the moon.

[reconstitution]

Not the best stop. [ .... ] Not the worst. More barren than other places. Interesting culture.

Not much for perishable supplies. Utility tools and weapons are abundant.

[beathach]

[he tilts his head. Ah, he's efficient]

That's good to know. You've been down there, then?

[reconstitution]

I have. The air isn't breathable for most.

[beathach]

Ah - someone mentioned having to wear masks.

[reconstitution]

Correct.

[beathach]

Mm . . .

Ah - I'm sorry, I didn't ask for your name. I'm being a little rude, questioning you before introductions and all.

[reconstitution]

It's Winter.

[beathach]

It's nice to meet you, Winter, circumstances aside.

[reconstitution]

Likewise.