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

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.

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.

So far, no.

Hence, my high regard of this place so far.

We do get to see interesting places.

Other planets, correct?

[ He won't lie - the idea of looking at alien cultures and worlds sounds like an unexpected gift. ]

Hopefully, it won't be too much trouble for me to travel around. I'm curious to see what kind of diverse life forms exist on other planets.

The Atroma are accommodating, at least.

Mostly other planets, yes. There was a month where everyone was on board the Marsiva, too.

[ It was nice, but at the same time, it was like an apology for the terrible shit that happened at night. ]

Were there any planets you personally liked or enjoyed?

The first I went to. It was just a small town on a dust-covered moon.

[ He shrugs. To anyone else, it may not have been very special. It was his first real taste of freedom. ]

[ Gently. ]

What made it so special?

It's complicated.

[ And a very long-winded explanation. Maybe later, Charles. ]

Would you like to tell me sometime?

Maybe sometime.

[ He smiles. ]

I'd like that.

[ The silence lingers while he takes a moment to think before he looks back to the camera. ]

I'm on the Heron. If the need arises.

[ That's Erik's ship. Convenient! ]

What about the urge or the want?

I'm not your handler.

[ That . . . is an odd statement, incongruous with what he said. ]

Why would you be?

[ His way of saying you can do what you want, Charles. God. He..really doesn't have a good answer for that one. Winter opens his mouth to speak, but closes it again. ]

You're welcome to visit..

[ He smiles, bemused. ]

Well. So long as I'm welcome, I'll have to pay a visit.

[ He nods curtly. ]

Charles Xavier. [ lol bye. ]

That is my name.

I don't think I caught yours?

Winter.

It is a pleasure to meet you, Winter.

Likewise.