video | un: detdecker

[couldkillthedevil]

Besides all this mumbo-jumbo about portals and the fact I've obviously lost my mind and am lying strapped to a hospital bed somewhere, I've got a few things I'd like to clear up—

[The blonde woman frowns deeply at the screen, brows drawn tightly together in displeasure.]

—namely, it's been told to me that we can't leave this place until they've scrounged up enough 'resources' to send us back, which seems oddly convenient. Does anyone know if there's been success with that yet? Has anyone been sent back home, or is that some nebulous 'someday' thing they're telling us? Second of all...

[Her hand comes up to gently cup a small gold locket hanging around her neck; a gift from the city to her, it seemed. Her mouth works for a moment, trying to find the words.]

Trixie, baby, if you can hear me, mommy's here and going to find you. I promise. Just sit tight, monkey.

Comments

[couldkillthedevil]

And that's just one more reason why I'm halfway convinced I've gone insane and have been put away somewhere, but that's a meltdown for another day.

You do have a point, though. For all I dislike being stuck here for the time being, it's not as bad as it could've been. It's just a lot to take in. I feel like I should be doing something, not just sitting here.

[anotheroldsoldier]

Well, 'least it's a mass delusion and not just you, if that's the case. [His tone is just a touch lighter there, a flatly-delivered joke.]

It is that. I've been busying myself with the Perimeter Guard. It helps to feel like I'm doing something good. What do they have you doing?

[couldkillthedevil]

I've been assigned as an officer at the Police Force. I was a detective back home, so I guess they found that vaguely useful. What's the Perimeter Guard?

[anotheroldsoldier]

Police handle things internally, Perimeter Guard handles things beyond the wall. The wilderness is just crawlin' with all kinds of monsters - we keep those things away from the outer walls and out of the city.

[couldkillthedevil]

Monsters. Right.

Seems to be a common theme I've been hearing. Just like reading it out of one of my kid's storybooks.

[anotheroldsoldier]

It's hard to believe it til you see it. I've had enough run-ins over the last few months that I'm a believer in lizard-men and dragons.

[couldkillthedevil]

We all have to believe in something, I suppose. I take it that means anyone can just wander outside of the gates to see these lizard-men and dragons?

[anotheroldsoldier]

Nobody'll stop you from coming and going, the wall is to keep monsters out, not people in. You might get a warning to be careful, but that's about it.

[couldkillthedevil]

Mm... [A thoughtful hum, as if she's mulling that over.]

That might be something to look into another day, then. I'm decent enough with a gun myself.

[anotheroldsoldier]

The scenery's interesting, if nothing else. And not every creature out there is hostile. It's... Earth doesn't have nearly this much variety. Really hits home that you're on an alien moon, out there.

[couldkillthedevil]

That could be a good or bad thing, depending on your perspective. Being on anything "alien" isn't exactly something I ever hoped for or pictured for myself, but I'll take your word for it.

[anotheroldsoldier]

Seems like a waste to wind up on a moon and not go check things out, though. [She can't see it, but there's a hint of a wry smile in his voice.] Think of all the stories you could tell your kid when you get back. I think that's what I'd do, if I had a kid. [Not that he ever will.]

[couldkillthedevil]

Mm, she'd love something like this. Especially the part about the magic fountain that brings people presents.

[anotheroldsoldier]

That is every kid's fantasy, ain't it? Even better than Christmas when you think about it. Since it doesn't involve breaking and entering.