video || 1

[charring]

[There's a face peering at the device, frowning. Nose wrinkled, frustration in her eyes and a quickness to her tone. A hint of a short temper and a slight sense of worry. An urgency found only in the voice of people used to being on the run. She fights to keep her expression neutral, aiming for boredom. It comes off as impatience and annoyance.

She's outside, blue sky behind her and the sound of water nearby. The hum of a breeze just in the background.]

I want answers. I don't know where I am or how I got here. Last thing I remember, I was on a bus to Alaska.

[No, she wasn't. She was on her way to New Mexico but who knew if the Shop was listening or not. Better to be dishonest and safe than honest and dead.]

What happened? Who brought me here and why? The sooner I find out, the better. [A pause as she looks around, trying to gain some information as she does so. A sign of where she is or a way out.]

I really, really can't be here. It's important that I continue my trip.

[And there's fumbling with the device before it stops recording.]

Comments

[plaidsamurai]

Those are questions we'd all like to know the answer to. What's yer name, darlin'?

[charring]

Well, that's peachy. [Charlie, put your sarcasm away. It's not the time for it. She answers his question without much hesitation. Just some uncertainty and a mild frown at him.]

Bobbi.

[plaidsamurai]

Bobbi. I'm Logan.

All of us pretty much just... woke up here. Seems we're from a lotta different places, times, universes. Naturally, we've all been tryin'a find out way outta this science experiment since we got here. So far, no luck, kid.

You'll probably notice the cameras. They're watchin' us an' keepin' us here.

Sorry you had to find yer way here.

[charring]

[What. What? Hold on. What?!]

Are you aware of how insane that sounds?

[But she did notice the cameras.] Who's 'they'? This isn't some Shop shit, is it?

[plaidsamurai]

Shop? Dunno what that is. We've seen 'em a few times. Guys in lab coats. Other 'an that we really don't have any clues as to who 'they' are.

[magnets]

If you're lookin' for answers, ya came to the wrong place. Not so much with the big fans of explanations around here.

Where you headed?

[charring]

Alaska. [Flattest tone ever.] I like the cold.

And that's fucking lame that no one can give me answers.

[Somehow, this rules out the Shop. Mainly because they like to brag. And flaunt. And fuck up. And flaunt some more. They were stupid. Are stupid.]

[magnets]

[ Jesse seems undeterred, just shrugs a shoulder. ] Hey, you came to the right place if ya want cold. Freezing my goddamn tits off in this place.

But you're tellin' me. Then again, it ain't like kidnapping was ever. You know. Fair.

[charring]

Cold's never bothered me. [If Jesse were within a foot of Charlie, he'd notice it was just warmer around her.]

I'm Bobbi.

[No, she's really not, but the lie slides out easily enough that it's hopefully plausible.]

[gloryisbullshit]

Oh, shit, well if it's important, we'll getcha home in a jiff.

[charring]

Liar. [It's not even said in any rude way. Her tone is calm. Even. Really, it was more "grass is green, sky is blue" in tone.] I was already told a bit about wherever the fuck I am.

[gloryisbullshit]

Mama, why would I lie to you? Whattayou think I am?

[charring]

Don't know. Don't know you. Who are you?

[video]

[facilitated]

Wait, what?

[ Look, she's not snooping or anything, it's just that there isn't much to do other than listen to the conversations over the network. But she heard something - she's sure she heard her say 'Shop' and it might be nothing, but she's asking anyway. ]

Did you say 'The Shop'?

[video]

[charring]

[Wary. Just a tiny bit wary and also intrigued.] I might have.

[video]

[facilitated]

[ She'll see your wary and raise you a 'completely and utterly fixated'. Laura's never heard another mention of the crazy government sect that dear old Dad seemed to be so terrified of. ]

Seriously, I'm not kidding. Did you or didn't you? It's- it's important.

[video]

[charring]

Yeah, I have. [What's that in her voice? A boatload of anger? Yep. It's valid.]

Who're you?

video

[hung_garian]

Think you can consider your trip postponed, sweetcheeks.

Re: video

[charring]

[Charlie sighs, closing her eyes for a moment before looking at the device on her wrist.]

So I've learned.

Re: video

[hung_garian]

If it's any consolation, this place is way more fun than Alaska. We had a moose. Lost it, sure, but we got rhinos instead, so...

[A shrug, as if that sentence was supposed to mean anything to anyone.]

Re: video

[charring]

A...hold on what? You had a rhino? Did it escape from a local zoo or something?

[ Audio ]

[goodluckkobra]

Lotta things are important. You gotta keep your head down, though. He's here and he's angry.

[ Audio ]

[charring]

[What the fuck is this shit?]

Who's 'he'? This is the first I've heard of there being a 'he' I have to look out for.

[ Audio ]

[goodluckkobra]

Better off not knowin'. Just find some cover.

[ Audio ]

[charring]

Find some...[Hear that? She might have just facepalmed.] Okay. Whatever you say.


Who are you, anyway?