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... [ She's a little startled, before she shakes her head with a smile. It's Charles; why would she expect anything different? ] I would really, really like that.

Splendid.

[ He rubs his chin lightly. He's not sure how much else he should say. This is a new form of communication for him and he can't tell whether he's coming off too strongly for a conversation that's best done face to face. ]

I heard I'll be assigned a ship soon. Perhaps you'd like to continue our conversation in more private quarters?

Yes! I would love that.

[ And now she's worrying about coming on too strong, especially when she's already swinging between giddy and something a little more depressing. ]

I'm on the Vanquish right now, but I can keep an ear out for when the shuffle happens? I promised Hank I would show him the library, so I can definitely make time for you, too.

[ That might be a tease. ]

Certainly. I need to visit Erik as well.

[ Though he suspects the minute he's shuffled off, Erik will come find him. ]

We have a library?

Erik? I'm not sure if I've met him yet.

[ Still, at least she can handle the other question. ]

Yes, there's one on the Iskaulit. I haven't had the chance to go yet, if only because I might never leave.

What is the Iskaulit?

[ He doesn't recall hearing that name. ]

From what I've seen, it's sort of a hang-on ship that has all sorts of things made by us on it. There's a few bars, and a gym, but a library, too.

[ That would explain what Kara meant by keeping herself occupied. That comes to some relief. Also the existence of a bar, yes good. ]

It makes sense to have some way to entertain the masses.

[ Charles, no. ]

Exactly. I'm not sure how long it's been around, but I've had a look over there. It's incredible.

[ Charles yes. ]

I can't wait. I was worried that being trapped on a ship would drive me a little insane.

[ CHARLES. ]

There's plenty to keep us entertained even with the ship. We land on a station at least once a month and there's always something interesting going on.

Oh, yes. I heard we're near some polluted moon?

[ He's not sure how well he can navigate new planets with his chair, but that will hardly stop him. ]

Yes, a poisoned one. We're trying to figure out a way to help - well, I am - but until then it's been good for potions supplies.

[ He nods, absorbing that. ]

I'll have to see what they have.

Make sure you've got a mask. They're very into war games, too, so I would be careful. Just... Take care of yourself, when you go.

[ There's something very familiar about being nagged by someone younger. ]

I will, not to worry.

Good. Okay, if, um, if you need anything, you can message me, okay? Or if I'm nearby, feel free to - [ She touches her temple with a smile. ] I'm used to it.

[ That offer is still startling. Charles could count on his fingers the number of people who would be all right with that. ]

I won't forget.

[ To her, it just came as part of being friends with Charles. She would never ask for him to shut off a part of himself, just like he would never ask her to do the same. ]

Good. I'll - maybe message you when everyone's moved?

I look forward to it.

[ And he does. He's curious to know more about her - and maybe help her if he can. It's never easy to deal with a living reminder of what you've left behind, but Charles also knows it can get better. ]

Okay, um. [ And then, softly; ] Bye for now, Charles.

Until next time, Hermione Granger.