(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

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. ]

[axiomed]

[ Nine months. That's fairly long. Erik could have been here for months and Charles would have never known -- he stops himself there. ]

Does it feel long?

[reconstitution]

Sometimes. [ He pauses, considering his words before continuing. ] It's not a long time for me, but it's-- more good than bad?

[axiomed]

[ He can't help the gentle smile. ]

Yes. Sometimes, it can be.

[reconstitution]

In my case, I guess it is. Not in a rush to leave.

[axiomed]

[ He pauses. ]

Where would you like to go?

[reconstitution]

[ Not a question he was expecting, which may show by the confusion on his face. ]

I don't know.

[ Anywhere but back to HYDRA. ]

[axiomed]

Have you ever considered trying to go to another world?

[ He knows that is possible. It's not something Charles would ever consider, but he wouldn't deter people from finding happiness elsewhere. ]

[reconstitution]

I haven't given it much thought. Not much point in it outside of the fleet.

[ He pauses. ]

This is my first time in a place like this. [ You know, getting space-kidnapped. ]

[axiomed]

This is my third.

[ You can tell how thrilled he is. ]

This is certainly one of the nicer welcomes I've had though.

[reconstitution]

I've heard some aren't so hospitable. But don't let that fool you. The Atroma do as much harm as they do good.

[axiomed]

Oh, I don't doubt it.

[ He has a healthy streak of cynicism there. ]

But Erik said that murder isn't a regular part of life here and for that, I'm grateful.

[reconstitution]

So far, no.

[axiomed]

Hence, my high regard of this place so far.