001 | Audio | Day 147

[whiskeyslinger]

[Ellen doesn't have time to figure out the video function on this thing. Her voice is extremely short and angry, barely controlled emotion leaking through. The last thing she knew she was holding Jo and telling a hellhound to go to back to hell.]

Where is she? Where's my baby?

[She's earned that much. She promised Jo she wouldn't leave her alone and she's not going to break that promise now. If this is Heaven, it's one hell of a disappointment, but she'll settle if it means she can have her daughter with her.

Her voice breaks.]

Jo?

Comments

[video]

[wolfofmidgard]

[Meja would pretty much have to be unconscious not to respond to a message like that, especially one all but choked by emotion. She frowns, recognizing the voice of Jo's mother. They hadn't had too much to do with one another, but Meja won't let Ellen suffer through that much uncertainty. Jo's here. And safe, last time Meja checked. She knows Jo will be ecstatic to see her again.

She flicks on her video feed, clothes currently glamoured to a fairly modern number with a rugged white longcoat. Rather than the armor.]

Don't worry. Jo's here.

[video]

[whiskeyslinger]

[Hope flashes in Ellen's eyes as she switches over to video. She takes in the stranger and gives her a curt nod. The words come out in a rush.]

Where? Is she alright?

[video]

[wolfofmidgard]

She was the last time I spoke to her, yes.

[And given the nature of this place, she's probably still okay, Meja reasons. Bad things tend to happen all at once. And if bad things were happening, Jo is a friend and Meja would be there if she were needed.]

You should be able to reach her on this device. There's a directory, if you can access it.

[video]

[whiskeyslinger]

I got her.

[Relief is audible in her voice.]

Thanks. I'm Ellen. Her mother.

[video]

[wolfofmidgard]

Ah, good.

[Oh, names. Right. How best to word this...]

I — I know. You were here before, I'm sorry to say; this place likes to remove memories. [Better to stay away from the whole "other world" theory for now, maybe.] But it's a pleasure to formally meet you. My name is Meja. Are you all right, yourself?

[video]

[whiskeyslinger]

[Ellen's eyes narrow.]

I've been here before? [How?] What are you saying?

I'm fine. Except for the fact that nothing about this place makes any sense and I could use a drink.

[video]

[wolfofmidgard]

When people are brought here and then taken away, by whatever does it — we haven't figured it out just yet — they usually don't remember being here. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. [Meja smiles apologetically. It's a lot to swallow.] I'm sorry, I know it sounds strange and you've only just arrived. But yes, you were here before. Jo will be able to fill you in better than I can.

[video]

[whiskeyslinger]

[Ellen's more willing to take Jo's word over a stranger, but she appreciates someone trying to explain this place anyway.]

And the drink? Any idea where I can find that?

[video]

[wolfofmidgard]

[Ah, yes, that.]

There should be something in the canteen. I'm sure Jo can show you where it is; it's where all of the food around here comes from.