009 ↔ video

[5055034455]

[There's something different about Saul today.

He's seated in front of the camera, as usual, and he's in a suit, also as usual, but —

Oh, maybe it's the fact that Stephanie's leaning against his shoulders as he speaks, which takes away all possibility of him being his usual, businesslike self.

It might be that.]

Hey, everyone. As some of you've noticed, Jesse Pinkman went home a couple of weeks ago. Since there was some concern over the cookie situation last month, we — [With a brief nod upward, toward Steph — ] Figured that we'd harness some of the holiday spirit that's been goin' around and make sure this month's newbies are fed and clothed. Feferi will be taking care of handing out jackets and whatnot on the first, and Steph and I will be manning the cookie table alongside anyone else who decides to join us.

[Without missing a beat, Steph adds:]

Might even see if I can get one of those big urns to put hot cocoa in, to help warm the newbies up, and us, if we're hanging around there for a while. Any chance you can help out with that, Ella?

[She gives the camera a bright smile, which is mostly for Ella's sake. Sorry about abusing your powers.]

What we're not gonna do is make a party of it. I know that kinda sucks, but we just don't have the space, so the plan is that everyone who wants to can bake a couple batches in their own ovens, then bring them to our place sometime on the thirty first. If you don't know the address already and you're planning to help out, I'll give it to you here. [But she's not - just giving it out on the network openly.] If you need ingredients, let me know; I went on a mission and made sure we had plenty of stuff so I can give you flour or sugar or choc chips. Same goes for the recipe. Annnnd if you need help getting cookies to us, speak up, and we'll work something out.

[For a second, it looks like she's about to wrap it up, but then something else occurs to her.]

Speaking of parties, I dunno if anyone's doing anything for New Year's Eve, but if they are, can everyone try to get the cookies to me before like - seven, so I can still go out. Thanks.

[At which point Saul looks up and over at her, feigning a pout.]

Sorry, so we can go out.

[And then he's all smiles.

Before the feed clicks off, he adds another "thanks," and away they go.]

[Then, a private text to Sonya from Steph, sent only moments later:] sonya, i know you're smart enough to put two and two together, but please don't say anything to anyone else. it's not something that needs to be spread around.

Comments

[5055034455]

[Oh, Raiden.

The look doesn't go unnoticed, but whatever anxiety Saul is feeling doesn't register in his expression.

TOPIC SHIFT!!!]

Any interest in helping out? Is our resident security expert perchance also a baker?

[highfrequency]

[Raiden watches Saul's face, trying to notice any uncomfortable shifting. But whatever he actually knows about reading expressions was picked up through military service. Sherlock Holmes he is not.]

Nope.

[He taps a clawed hand against his rubbery throat.]

Can't eat with this frame.

[5055034455]

Ah, that's a shame. Wouldn't mind if you hung around to do your security thing, though. Never know who might show up, hm?

[Trying not to look unnerved by said clawed hand.

Failing.]

[highfrequency]

[He notices this and keeps his claws in frame a moment longer, silently relishing that unnerved look. His hand drops back to his side when he realizes someone else's fear is thrilling him.

Saul is an ally! For the most part.

Raiden's expression becomes one of concern, more for himself than for Saul or Jesse.]

Yeah...

I'm always patrolling when the new recruits show up. So I'll be there.

Barring me getting deployed, anyway.

[5055034455]

[For the most part...

Saul notices the look on Raiden's face and tilts his head, suddenly all curiosity.]

Are missions not something you're keen on doing?

[highfrequency]

Hm?

No. Deployment is part of the job.

Can't exactly be part of a military and not expect deployment.

[5055034455]

Then what's with the face?

[highfrequency]

My....face?

[He reaches up and rubs his jaw, looking genuinely perplexed.]

You mean the jaw or....?

[5055034455]

No, no. You made a face a few seconds ago. Your expression — you looked worried.

[highfrequency]

Oh...

Just thinking, I guess.

[About the blood on his mind.]

There's been a lot going on lately.

[5055034455]

Ah. Yeah, I know how that goes. You're down here on Earth, right? How're you faring?

[highfrequency]

Been shuttling back and forth.

[Literally]

Still not used to it but the view of the planet from up there? It's ....beyond words...

When I see it it reminds me what I'm fighting for.

[5055034455]

[Saul knows how that goes, too. It makes him grin a little wryly, expression almost dreamy.]

There's this famous picture that an astronaut took from the moon during one of the Apollo missions. It's called "Earthrise" — like a picture of a sunrise, except with the moon stretched out where Earth's horizon would be, and this blurry blue and green dot in place of the sun. The first time I saw it, I thought it was fake. I thought, y'know, there's no way that's all there is. All we are. But — nope. The first time I saw it from the base, it looked the same. Clearer, but... the same. Tiny. Insignificant. Like there's no way anything lives there, let alone billions and billions of breathing, walking, thinking people. And yet.

[He shrugs.]

Perspective is one hell of a thing, huh?

[highfrequency]

Mm.

[Wistfully]

You don't see any borders from space, either. No nations. No war...

Just a whole lotta blue....

[You can practically see some sort of war speech readying itself at the tip of his tongue but, mercifully, it passes.]

[5055034455]

[Which just earns an equally wistful sigh from Saul.]

Yeah.

[He wonders if Raiden would like John Lennon.]