exsilium | [ 1 ] video + action option, mouseover translation;

[Oh hey, another video recording by some hapless new(-ish) Transport. The picture focuses quickly on the chin, neck, and upper chest of a man. That the shot lingers there, with only the stranger's breathing and the light patter of nearby rain for audio, is almost certainly evidence that he's not only hapless, he's technologically clueless.

After a few long moments, the silence is broken.]

Eedeh- Veedehoh. [He's determined to sort out this word. He goes on mumble to himself in a not-especially-common language:] Oh nahò:ten kén:ton?

[The tablet is finally held out away from him and there's the rest of the guy, clad in white and blue robes. His outfit is complete with a pointed hood that would easily cover half his face were his head not tilted back. Connor continues to size up the tablet, his eyebrows fixed low over his eyes - a hint of anger, or perhaps it's just suspicion, in an expression otherwise shaped by uncertainty and confusion.

The instructions on how to use this device have only been so much help. Much like the rest of the information given since his arrival, he finds himself forced to try and piece together understanding around too many words he's not once heard in his life. But he does get that this thing is meant for communication, supposedly with the other "Transports". With the other prisoners.

His frown firmly in place, he finally addresses the tablet - in English:]

Hello. Does anyone hear me? [When waiting expectantly doesn't yield a reply, his lip curls. Is he supposed to say more?]

I should not be here. I cannot help with this war. A man of great importance is in danger where I am from. I must get back. Should he be slain in my absence, the consequences will be unthinkable.

[Not the first time he's said this... and probably not the last, either. It's aggravating to have to repeat himself again and again, to be met with so many blank stares, answers of "there's no way out", and now a flexible window pane machine that seem to be ignoring him, but he feels it's necessary to continue repeating this particular message. It may only take one person who understands and knows of some well-guarded secret to help him escape this place. But that thought gives him pause.]

If there is a man named Thomas Hickey here, I would know where I might find him. [Hm.] Or a man who calls himself Charles Lee. I am interested in his whereabouts, as well.

[Is this machine even working? He's probably spent the last few minutes talking to himself. What a waste of time this is proving to be. But what's this button here do-]

[Action Option - City]
[Should anyone be wandering the rooftops, they just might run into the man wearing those distinct white and blue robes... and no small number of weapons. The robes and weapons practically cover him in equal parts.

From a distance, his hooded figure might even look vaguely similar to another white-robed, weapon-collecting, rooftop-frequenting Transport. You'd think they had some kind of club thing going on.

Fair warning, though: Connor's time in Exsilium thus far has been dedicated to searching for a way out, gathering information, and (begrudgingly) getting to know the lay of the city and some of the land around it. As such, he has yet to visit his assigned apartment... and he's yet to see a bar of soap here. At least there's all the rain he's been skulking around in?]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

... But he is a bear.

You'll find lots of non-humans here. We've got elves, aliens, and other kinds of people who may not be from Earth.

[His face is perfectly blank for a minute. Elves and aliens.]

But do you believe these... other kinds of people would be similarly affected by this place... as a person from... Earth... would be?

[That was his concern about the bear being a bear. Just because a bear lost memories doesn't necessarily mean a man would, right? Honestly, he has no idea about anything anymore. Talking bear from China, other kinds of people, other worlds, spirit in his tomahawk... He thinks he feels the start of a headache coming on.]

[ She looks a touch more thoughtful now. ]

I do. It's not our home and for many of us not something we're familiar with, no matter how strange our homes may be.

And being told your this world's only hope to end a war so many are uncertain of... [ It's a recipe for disaster, maybe. ]

I suppose.

[He frowns and looks away from the tablet.]

It is a lot to take in.

It is. [ There's sympathy laced in her tone. ]

You said you were looking for someone named Charles Lee? [ Did she hear that right? ]

[His full attention is right back on the screen.]

Yes, I am. Have you met a man with that name here?

[ There's a mixture of confusion and surprise on her face. ]

No. [ He doesn't mean... ] Are you talking about the General Charles Lee?

[Blink.]

If there is another Charles Lee, I am not aware of him.

Might be just a name confusion? Charles and Lee are common names.

[ Why does she doubt that, though? ]

[He really can't help himself here.]

I would pity any man who shared his name.

[ Let us never talk about how he has places named for him. ]

I don't think he's here. I haven't seen a name like that pop up on the network. [ And she's sure she'd recognize the face from history books if he did show up. ]

[Yes, probably best never to mention that.

But Connor fails to hide his disappointment and frustration at this news.]

He may yet be here... in hiding, perhaps. Or he may show up later. A man he is closely acquainted with is already here.

Not a friend of yours, is he? [ It's obvious and she's pretty damn curious to know how he knows General Charles Lee, but she has to refrain from being obvious herself. ]

No. [Understatement.]

What year is [ was?? ] it for you? Back home.

It is 1776 for me. What year were you... taken from?

2011. [ Fuck you sliding comic timelines. ]

[Another from the future.]

I see.

[In a way. He's been trying not to think too much about all these time differences.]

Forgive me... I have gone on all this time and not introduced myself. My name is Connor.

No apologies needed. It's nice to meet you, Connor. [ A beat. ] Sorry it's nothing but bad or confusing news.

I'm Kate.

[He smiles wanly before repeating her words back to her.] No apologies needed. I am sure things will come to make sense in time. [But the bad news will probably remain bad and he's very much aware of that.]

It is a pleasure, Kate.

Same... in spite of the circumstances.

I take it they are unfavorable to you, as well.

I'm not sure if I could say that-- but not quite favorable either.

It seems it is that way for many here.

video

gevurah - 2013-01-26 15:47 (UTC) - Expand

skennen - 2013-01-27 07:18 (UTC) - Expand

gevurah - 2013-01-27 09:31 (UTC) - Expand

skennen - 2013-02-05 04:51 (UTC) - Expand