003 | Anna Milton | [AUDIO]

[afallenstar]

[ She's used this thing enough now that she knows how it works quite easily, but she's never actually addressed the network as a whole, and it feels a little strange. After a few seconds of static where she tries to remember just what it was she had planned to say, she starts to speak. ]

Well, uh- Hello everyone? [ ...That is a pretty good place to start, yes. ]

So I'm sure everyone's noticed that it's starting to snow, and um. I can't be the only one who feels a little festive, right?

[ This is getting ridiculous now, obvious statements are obvious. Anna pauses briefly and shakes her head, huffing before continuing. ]

Anyway, I guess the point of this is because I know some of us have friends and family from home, but there are people here who are alone too, and I thought it might be nice if we all do something for each other while we're stuck in this place.

[ That? That is definitely rambling. She starts to speed up her words slightly, and while they're still clearly audible it's obvious she's somewhat regretting this spur of the moment decision. No one else is going to be interested, they don't even know what time of year it is, everyone has enough things to worry about.

She pushes on anyway, though. ]

Look, we used to do this thing at home a while back. Secret Santa? You just get given a name out of a hat and get them some kind of present, that's all it is, but you get to reveal at the end and I guess I just there might be people who are up for it. No one has to do it, obviously, but well. If anyone's interested just let me know, okay?

[ She coughs awkwardly, and there's another small static-filled pause before she adds: ]

Well, that's it. Bye. [ And then the feed cuts out. ]

Comments

[manofiron]

Secret Santa, huh?

[ There's a pause while he thinks about it. It doesn't last long. ]

Go ahead and put me down as participating, Anna.

video

[hung_garian]

Can we do Secret Satan instead? It's a bit like your idea, only instead of presents you put animal heads under people's sheets, or spiders in their shoes.

[Guess who's feeling Grinchy?]

video

[afallenstar]

Did you miss the part where I said festive, or did you just take no notice?

[ Yes, that is just about the most unimpressed look that she can muster up. ]

Don't let my bed or shoes end up on your list.

[afallenstar]

Really?

[ She's a little surprised that someone's agreeing so readily. A little being a lot, of course. ]

Thanks, I'll add you to the list.

[ Whether or not the list is currently made up of exactly two names (one being hers) is entirely not the point. ]

[manofiron]

Yeah, why not?

[ It's not like he has a whole lot of other things to do with his time. And Christmas isn't really his thing, but hey, what the hell. ]

Sounds like a good idea.

video

[hung_garian]

The Aztecs liked my idea of festive.

[He'll see your unimpressed look and raise you a pout. His feelings, Anna. They're hurt. Why don't you like his evil schemes? Don't you love him?]

I won't mess with your stuff, though, if you're sure you're not interested.

[Mostly because she'd beat him up.]

[pursuitofcappiness]

I'm interested, if you wanna write my name down.

[ CHRISTMAS IN "JUNE" FOR STEVE.................... SOUNDS LEGIT ]

[wandandsickle]

Oh, that's a lovely idea, considering that we all could use a bit of cheering up. I'd be happy to participate.

video

[afallenstar]

Get with the times, will you?

[ The pout won't work, don't even think about it. And no, that unimpressed look isn't softening, not at all. ]

You know, I think I'm certain on that one. Get Balthazar, he's causing trouble.

[afallenstar]

I was actually hoping you'd want to do it. See, I could...use a hand organizing some things, if you're not tied up?

[ Hey, it's snowing. That makes it Christmas in Anna's eyes. ]

[afallenstar]

Oh, that's fantastic. [She'd genuinely been worried that no one would be interested, after all. ] I'm Anna, by the way. What's your name?

[pursuitofcappiness]

I'd love to help you, but I think we might be regrouping to decide a new plan to find Dr. Banner tomorrow. You can tie me up after we find him.

[ Steve, please re-think your wording. ]

[onteamdyson]

PRESENTS?!

[That is literally the only word she paid attention to.]

I'm in.

[afallenstar]

Well that's not quite-

[ Save it, Anna, don't look gift horses in the mouth. ]

That's great, I'll put you on the list!

[thezerothlaw]

This sounds like a very kind idea. I think this could do a lot to help morale here.

[reluctantsword]

We're pretending it's Christmas?

[He's grinning. He hasn't celebrated Christmas in... ages, it feels like.]

Sign me up.

video

[hung_garian]

Is he? Good for him. Nice to know one of the family respects my legacy.

[onteamdyson]

Sweeeeeeeeeet. Merry random-appearance-of-snow! I'm Kenzi, by the way. Sup?

video

[afallenstar]

You know, I can't be the only responsible one around here. It's easy enough for you, 'God of Mischief.' [ Still amused, unfortunately. She really should be at least somewhat irked, but it's not quite working. ]

You're both lucky you're the only family I can stand or I'd be shot of both of you.

video

[hung_garian]

No, you can't. That'd be frustrating and boring and totally awful. So c'mon, join the dark side.

[Not the most convincing argument ever, perhaps.]

Hopefully that doesn't involve any actual shooting.

video;

[silvergat]

Hey.

Geddit to private. [ AKA Kid has no idea how and wants you to do it for him because he is incapable. ]

[wandandsickle]

Oh, I forgot—how rude of me. You can call me Jones; pleased to meet you, Anna. It was very thoughtful of you to organize this.

[agentx13]

Secret Santa. [Sharon doesn't seem particularly pleased or displeased, but after a couple moments, she gives a faint nod. This... can be good. People need something happy to focus on, even here. And it might not interfere with her plan. At least, she hopes so.]

Sounds excellent. Count me in.

video

[afallenstar]

Tempting, very tempting. Let me get back to you on that, we'll see how long it takes for me to get sick of the good side.

[ Seriously though. Being moral and feeling all this guilt is getting real old real fast. Maybe she should follow suit and take up his side. ]

Probably not. What's wrong, you like that shirt?

video

[hung_garian]

Not long at all, if you're half as good company as I think you are.

[Which is, uh, not exactly a compliment, but he isn't known for those.]

I like both my shirt and chest intact. The ripped-up punky look's all well and good for the Sex Pistols, but personally? I'm not feeling it.