video; @c.silva

[childofaxios]

[ When the video kicks in, it's clear that Chyler is in one of the Perimeter Guard's offices. She's standing close to the lens, adjusting the feed until it lines up to her satisfaction. Then she steps back and stands at attention.

For one brief, brief, oh-so-brief moment there's a flicker of exasperation on her face. Then she locks her gaze on nothing in particular and shouts like she's in the middle of a drill: ]

MY NAME IS CADET SILVA AND I AM A CLOCK.

[ A pause, oh-so-brief a pause, but her expression doesn't waver this time. ]

IF AT ANY POINT YOU REQUIRE THE LOCAL TIME, IT IS MY DUTY TO PROVIDE IT DOWN TO THE SECOND. I AM REQUIRED TO DO THIS REGARDLESS OF WHERE I AM OR WHAT I AM DOING AT THE TIME OF YOUR REQUEST.

IF AT ANY POINT I REFUSE, PLEASE INFORM PERIMETER GUARD SQUAD LEADER JOHN SHEPPARD OF RR-1.

[ Chyler snaps off a salute, then reaches forward and turns off the feed with equal crispness. ]

Comments

[shoplifter]

[She nods.]

We were all friends. We took care of each other if we were able.

... What was left of us also ran away and met again on the border; I want to... bring them here, but they said it's not that simple.

[childofaxios]

What happened to the others?

[ A pause. ]

I have friends I'd like to bring here, too.

[shoplifter]

They are alright. They're in Canada now, because it was too dangerous for us to remain in America.

We weren't... safe. [A pause.] I don't know how safe we'll be anywhere, though.

[childofaxios]

[ Canada, America. She's almost certain those are places on Earth, though she's not sure where on Earth. ]

I understand that, too. Not being safe. Not knowing where you can be. Where I lived, there was nowhere safe. Anyone could be hurt or killed at any time. [ No point in pulling punches for a kid, as far as Chyler is concerned. Particularly not this kind of kid. ]

Do you like it here? Not counting the school part.

[shoplifter]

I do. It is the first place I've been where I am not locked in a room or chased.

... It is a lot to learn, though.

[childofaxios]

Have you thought about becoming a cadet with the Perimeter Guard? That's where I work. They have some people as young as you working here, too. They understand. About fighting, about being raised to it. [ A pause. ] I'm a cadet counselor, which means I'd be there to help you, too.

[shoplifter]

I have considered it...

[She thinks about Logan's final words as he laid dying... It's a sombering thought.]

My father wanted me to not be... what I was made to be.

But being a weapon and fighting to protect, they're different things... right?

[childofaxios]

They're very, very different things.

[ A difference she's still learning herself. A difference John is teaching her, little by little. ]

Knowing what's good, fighting to protect it--it's different than just fighting or doing what you're told.

[shoplifter]

That's good... I like protecting.

[She's just — bad at it, right now.

But she'll do her best to get better.]

I'm Laura.

[She only just realized they hadn't been properly introduced. But that's usually how things go for her.]

[childofaxios]

Chyler.

[ She smiles at Laura. ]

It's nice to meet you.

I mean it, about the Perimeter Guard. I'd be happy to mentor you.

[shoplifter]

Hola, Chyler.

[She is certainly friendly with her; kids and teens, they need to stick together, obviously.]

I'll keep it in mind. It will give me — more to focus on.