→ text (a little bit forward dated)

[controlledvariable]

[The message today is in text, because she doesn't want anyone to hear how her voice shakes or see how exhausted she is.]

I know there's a lot going on right now, so I'll keep this quick.

Anyone who knew Ellie Linton, she's gone back to her own war, about ten days ago, so if you were worried about not having seen her around, that's why. Sorry for not contacting people privately, it was a little hard to keep up with who all she knew.

[And maybe there's part of her that just didn't want to deal with having the same conversation over and over again.

This is easier.]

For our new arrivals: my name's Steph, welcome to our temporary moon base, feel free to get in touch if there's anything I can help with. This is my tenth month since arriving, so I know a thing or two.

I also wouldn't mind some sparring partners. Or if anyone wants to learn how to fight, I know about twenty different martial arts styles and I'm happy to teach people to defend themselves. Anything to help keep busy.

That's it from me, have a nice day, everyone.

Comments

[crossbearing]

Here whenever you want to punch my face.

( She's sorry Ellie is gone, she's sorry Steph is hurting, but she suspects Steph will have heard and hear enough of that.

And it didn't really make hearing about Vic being gone any easier for all the apologies she got, either. )

private

[controlledvariable]

i'd rather not punch anyone's face, in all honesty

[Despite asking for sparring partners...

That's different from what Helena is offering, and she's growing tired of that kind of violence.]

private.

[crossbearing]

All right.

( And that's it. She's got no idea what to say, how to help, because all the anger in her feels like its blistered the rest away. Anger at herself, at the Initiative, at the United Earth, at God. )

You know where to find me.

private.

[controlledvariable]

i do, yeah.

thanks

[She understands, and she appreciates the effort.]

private.

[controlledvariable]

[maybe half an hour later, another text comes]

you're catholic, right?

[It's hard to miss the symbolism on the Huntress' costume]

private.

[crossbearing]

Yeah. I am.

Would you like to talk about it?

( Everything that's happening, faith, God?
She isn't sure what to believe any more, really. Hasn't been for a long time. Whether she believes too much or too little is up for debate. )

private.

[controlledvariable]

no it's okay, just

could you pray for her?

[She doesn't know what else to do.]

private.

[crossbearing]

Of course.

Is it Eleanor, or just Ellie?

( Not that it really matters, she's just curious. She prefers full names. )

private.

[controlledvariable]

just ellie

thank you, helena

private.

[crossbearing]

What about you?

private.

[controlledvariable]

[It actually takes her a second to realize what Helena is offering.]

it's okay. but thanks.

[Are prayers a finite resource? She's never been sure how to feel about religion, but if they are, she'd rather they go to Ellie.]

private.

[crossbearing]

( Too bad, she's getting prayers anyway. )

What's her world like?

private.

[controlledvariable]

normal, i guess. except australia was invaded. ellie and her friends have been fighting back but they're just kids

private.

[crossbearing]

Kids?

( Interesting thing to say about someone she was dating. )

They're stronger than people credit for.

private.

[controlledvariable]

you think i don't know that?

[if this was a conversation, her tone wouldn't be annoyed. She's too tired for that.]

that doesn't mean they should be sent into war zones

[Fucking New Zealand army.]

private.

[crossbearing]

I'm surprised you referred to your girlfriend as a kid.

It sounds like every single world is a mess.

private.

[controlledvariable]

i'm barely more than a kid

[it grates on her to admit that, but it's true, isn't it?]

i think humans are just fucked up

private.

[crossbearing]

True.

We have a way of making our children grow up too fast. You and Ellie included.

I'm sorry.

private.

[controlledvariable]

it's not your fault

usually it's men to blame

[Guess who's feeling really fucking bitter?]

private.

[crossbearing]

Doesn't mean I can't be sorry.

Yeah. Usually. They're used to taking what they want without any thought of the consequences.

( Purple solidarity is bitterness solidarity. )

private.

[controlledvariable]

[She's glad this is text; it means no one can hear her bitter laugh.]

no shit

private.

[crossbearing]

Thinking about someone in particular?

Re: private.

[controlledvariable]

guess so.

[crossbearing]

You talking about it or around it?

( She's tired, too. )

1/2

[controlledvariable]

i don't know