001 | Voice

[ivanyouidiot]

[As far as interesting occurrences go, waking up with no memory of how he got there has never, in Ivan's experience, been a good thing. He's a bit past that point -- and past spending lots of energy freaking out over the fact that there's something growing out of his back as well -- by the time he figures out to look inside the notebook he sees. Reading what he finds gives him some notion of just how deep of a hole he seems to have fallen in, but at least everyone seems to be in the same position. And this Malnasso isn't a group he's heard of before. If keeping his head down is what he needs to do, then that's what he'll do.

Of course, keeping his head down doesn't always mean literally keeping his head down. Ivan knows that there can be just as much advantage to going, "Hey, look at me, I'm not a threat at all," as there can be to going entirely unnoticed. And he happens to think he's made the former into an art. And as far as these things go, he might as well meet the other abductees.]

Well, this is...

Hello everyone. I'm Ivan. [Cue a smile, it might not be be able to seen but he's pretty sure that it'll come through in his voice.]

I'm going to think that won't mean much to you yet, since none of you seem particularly familiar to me, but from what it sounds like we might have time to get to know each other. A few facts about me: I like parties, not getting shot at, and sleeping in late. And not having my body modified without my permission, [it's a little harder to make himself sound cheerful there, but he does his best,] but given the circumstances I'll settle for three out of four.

Your turn.

Comments

[ivanyouidiot]

Was it dangerous for you to be there?

Do people come from a lot of different world's here?

[herotypical]

They do. All kinds. I've heard about loads of variations on my own home and time.

But as for dangerous? Maybe. There's always a risk when you play with the walls between universes. Other than that, I think I couldn't have been more safe.

[ivanyouidiot]

So it was the act of going there that was unsafe. I suppose that makes sense. I wonder if the physics are at all like wormholes...

[herotypical]

Why? Is that something you're into? Science?

[ivanyouidiot]

No, no, I was pretty bad at wormhole physics. But it would be nice to figure out a way to get home.

[herotypical]

Plenty of people have tried. Not that...I wanna discourage you from trying! I'd just suggest that you shouldn't get your hopes up too too high. Just...moderately high.

[ivanyouidiot]

Yeah, I get it. But like you said, we're many of us from different worlds so maybe I'll try something different.

[herotypical]

I'm sincere when I say I'll be the first to wish you the best of luck.

[ or...not so sincere. not with a lover from another world. but appearances needs must be maintained. ]

[ivanyouidiot]

Has anyone gathered up a list of what people have tried before?

[herotypical]

...Most attempts happen when people are still wet behind the ears. Y'know, before they really trust to many of us fellow captives to tell us anything. But there might be something about it in the guide...

[ she points to his journal (if it's visible?) ] May I? I can show you just where to find it. The guide.

[ivanyouidiot]

[He's still holding it in his hand, with some respect because it is issued technology, after all. Doesn't do to lose those.]

Uhh, sure. But why do people give up after that?

[herotypical]

They decide we're just too pinned down. They lost hope. Or they fall in love. All kinds of reasons.

[ she starts flipping through his journal's pages. ]

[ivanyouidiot]

Surely some people keep trying, don't they? People who were married or whatever on their own worlds.

[herotypical]

Of course they do. I said most people give up. I never said I gave up.

[ of course, buffy's attempts to get back home are...protracted and more political than she'd wish. they involve an old enemy and the third party. and all kinds of unpleasantness.

eventually, her page flipping lands on a particular entry. she hands the journal back. ] There. Mark the page and go back to it when you have the time. Just...promise me you won't take anything in there about me too seriously.

[ivanyouidiot]

Well, good.

Oh? It says things about you?

[It must be more interesting than just a guide, then.]

[herotypical]

One or two. Comes with having bee here for a while, I guess.

[ivanyouidiot]

Then I'd imagine it's a rather long guide if it does so for everyone.

[Not that he won't read it, because Ivan's certainly going to take any sort of directive he can now.]

[herotypical]

[ laughter. ] Oh, I don't know. There aren't many of us veterans left, these days.

[ivanyouidiot]

How long do you have to be here to be a...veteran?

[She still doesn't look like a soldier to him.]

[herotypical]

In my case? Three years and some change. But I think veteran status is handed out to those who've been here for two, as well. A slightly less exclusive club.

[ivanyouidiot]

Three years? I'm...sorry. What have you been doing here for all that time?

[herotypical]

...Gaining a reputation, apparently. Fighting their war and -- and surviving.

[ivanyouidiot]

That's important, but don't you have any fun?

[herotypical]

...I tend bar right over -- [ she points at good spirits ] -- there. So. Yeah. Occasionally. I play a mean game of darts.

[ivanyouidiot]

Bartending! Oh. Less fun than going to the bar yourself, I'd imagine, but I accept it.