(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

[ action ]

[axiomed]

[ He looks around, curiously. ]

I will say this. It is definitely a change of scenery.

[beathach]

That's one way to look at it. [he also looks around, then blows out a sigh and rubs at the side of his neck] At least this time, our memories are intact.

[axiomed]

There were instances in the library where that happened. But our powers are also intact.

I don't know if that means they're smarter than they look or they have nothing to fear.

[beathach]

I'm going to assume both until something or someone says otherwise.

Video

[grandstanding]

[Erik was in a cafeteria on the moon when their broadcast appears. He had just finished his very overpriced, sincerely underwhelming salad. It was hardly worth it, but he was sick of protein gels and wanted to eat something else. So he was in the process of scrolling through his communicator and then-- he sees this. Nearly dropping the thing on his plate in shock, he grabs hold of it again and opens up a video response.]

--You're here.

[Yes well done, Erik, that's enlightening for all parties. Give him a moment to get over his surprise.]

[video]

[forsometimenow]

Congratulations- the two of you are the newest members of a space reality show.

[axiomed]

[ He sighs. ]

I can't sense much beyond the metal. There is something there, but I can't pinpoint it.

[axiomed]

[ Charles stares for a bit, torn between relief and surprise. ]

Erik. How -- What are you doing here?

voice

[experiencepoints]

[... ... Huh. Okay. She never really spoke to either of them, but she recognizes their faces- She recognizes most faces that had been at the castle, with how long she spent there. Still, she can't exactly turn on the video in her current state, so.]

Hey. This might sound weird, but does the name "Takshaka" mean anything to you two?

[beathach]

I'm assuming you can't tell what that "something" is, either. [he doesn't sound surprised, just exasperated]

Re: [video]

[axiomed]

[ He takes a few seconds to parse that. ]

And what precisely is a space reality show?

[axiomed]

[ There's a pause as his eyes glaze over before shaking his head. ]

Not accurately enough.

[axiomed]

[ There's a deliberate pause at that. ]

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

[beathach]

[yes thank you Erik that was very useful. Hank finds himself staring too, then his brows furrow]

Yes, well - hello, Erik. Where exactly is "here"?

[video]

[forsometimenow]

OK. Long version: you've been kidnapped by some entity calling themselves Atroma, and you're being filmed and broadcast to an audience for entertainment.

[grandstanding]

[The feeling's mutual. As Erik's more adjusted to the situation, he recovers faster, though he can still feel the relief and tension vibrating through his bones.]

The same thing as you, only-- I've been here for a while now.

[grandstanding]

[Both of them at once... of all the things he wasn't expecting today, this ranks up there. Erik recovers himself, getting to the point.]

You're in space. More specifically, you're on a ship called the Marsiva, part of the Drift Fleet.

[beathach]

[a pause, while Hank mutters "space reality show" under his breath like it's the weirdest thing he's ever heard]

That's a new one.

[experiencepoints]

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.

Re: [video]

[axiomed]

[ That sounds completely unbelievable - which is why it's probably true. ]

What kind of entertainment?

[forsometimenow]

Yeah. I didn't quite want to believe it when I was first told what was going on.

[axiomed]

[ He's quiet. He gets that time can be different. ]

How long?

[video]

[forsometimenow]

You've got me- but apparently their audience enjoys watching us go about our everyday lives.

[axiomed]

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

Re: [video]

[axiomed]

From the sound of it, this is not . . . a new concept.

[ The future is a strange place. Stranger than he remembers anyway. ]