@cjk [ audio ]

[signifies]

Hello everyone. My name is Clark. I'll try and keep this brief.

Firstly, I've drawn up a blank list and placed one on the bulletin board on each housing floor. If those with medical expertise feel comfortable, they can put their name, residence here, and — if they have one — specialisation, in case of an emergency. We have several residents who aren't from the same point in time, so if you'd like to volunteer to update someone's medical knowledge, please mark your name with an asterisk.

Secondly, ah-- [ a bit of a laugh. ] I'm from Kansas, which some of you might recognise as being host to some pretty bad weather. Now, I'm not going to say I'm paranoid, but-- I like to think ahead. So, I've made up some kits with some of the usual survival paraphernalia back home and distributed them between floors. Feel free to help yourselves if you need them.

[ No one has to use them, but he’d rather everyone knows they're available. ]

Thank you for your time.

( all replies in audio unless otherwise stated )

Comments

[signifies]

[ Another displacee who might find it difficult to adjust, but would do it. She might be English, he'll ask later. ]

There is. It's near where we've been assigned to stay.

[inthemoonlight]

Oh, good! I shall have to locate it in any case, and I can search for weather reports while there.

[signifies]

If you find anything unusual, would you mind sharing?

[inthemoonlight]

I would be happy to do so. After all, you have taken the time to put together items to help us. It's the very least I could do. Oh, and out of curiosity, what do these kits contain?

[signifies]

Flashlights, radios, food, and water. A small first aid kit. There's some extra room if you'd like to add something to it.

[inthemoonlight]

[ Her voice in return sounds polite and curious. ]

And what are flashlights and radios, for a person who does not know what they are?

to video.

[signifies]

Hold on, I'll show you.

[ He switches the feed. Clark's wearing dark red plaid and his usual pair of black glasses, and smiles at her. He draws the flashlight and radio out of the box. ]

Here, this is for light.

[ He switches it on and off, facing the beam at the wall. ]

This is a radio receiver. Someone somewhere else will be able to tell you where the tornado is, and whether it's safe to go out or not.

[ He puts it down. ]

What year are you from, Mrs. Wynn?

[inthemoonlight]

[ A chime indicates the video call and Cecelia touches the screen to accept it. She likes doing things like this; it's so fancy! As for her, she's dressed in a long sleeved white muslin dress, hair pulled back into a bun and pinned into place. ]

Oh, how clever! It is like a captured sunbeam.

[ She'd probably be more surprised if her tablet didn't produce moving images. A flashlight is like a step down from that on the Surprised Scale. ]

Ah, thank you. I am from eighteen hundred and fifteen A.D., Mr. Kent. And yourself?

[signifies]

Two thousand and thirteen, Mrs. Wynn.

[ He's going to let that sink in. Somehow, he thinks she'll be all right. ]

[inthemoonlight]

Two thousand? Goodness gracious!

[ But a smile spreads across her face. ]

Do you have an England in your world? If so, is there still a monarchy?

[signifies]

[ The second English person who's asked about a monarchy. Clark nods. ]

It's called the United Kingdom now. Queen Elizabeth II is the current monarch.

[inthemoonlight]

Oh, yes. It is in my time too, but I am not Scottish, or Welsh, or Irish. I am English. And I am glad to hear the monarchy lives on. A Queen Regent! That is what Mrs Regis said as well; that they had a Queen. How lovely!

[signifies]

[ He can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. ]

I should warn you: I'm an American. We're not so keen on them.

[inthemoonlight]

Ah, is that what that accent is? Well, I suppose I shall forgive you your shortcomings.

[ Kidding! ]

[signifies]

I wouldn't be so sure. I might feel the sudden inclination to throw some tea in the harbour.

[inthemoonlight]

[ She fake gasps. ]

Sir, I must protest! I could never forgive someone who throws away perfectly good tea!

[signifies]

I'm afraid I can't help myself. It's your accent. I can't resist.

[ He's doing a good job keeping a straight face, but his shoulders are shaking with silent laughter. ]

[inthemoonlight]

Oh, you wound me, Mr Kent!

[ She's smiling openly, not able to hide it. It's been far too long since she's had the opportunity to banter, and she has no reason to think she's doing something inappropriate now that her husband is gone. ]

How will you make amends?

[signifies]

I'll probably have to escort you to the library. What do you think?

[inthemoonlight]

[ Her smile shifts into something more pleased than excited at their little game, and she dips her head forward just a little. ]

I think that would be permissible.

[ A widow has a little more freedom than a young lady, after all. That plus she has to keep reminding herself that she's the only one here who even knows her moral code. ]

Shall we set a day and time to meet?

[signifies]

I don't have that many plans this week. Tell me when you'd like to go.

[inthemoonlight]

All right. Let's see. Shall we say tomorrow at one in the afternoon? I suppose we can meet in the kitchen area here on floor 2.

[signifies]

I'll see you then.

[ He waves to her. ]

Take care, ma'am.

[inthemoonlight]

Thank you.

[ She waves back. It's only polite, isn't it? ]

And you as well.