001 ✰ Video/Action for the Plaza

[iamnotacrook]

[Today, Vatheon, there is a masked "man" facing the camera, trying to stand as dignified as possible despite the fact he's soaking wet. His voice is deep, and clearly electronic.]

I require a starship immediately. Failure to comply will result in a disaster beyond which you could possibly comprehend. [Annoyed with the wet cape, he tries to adjust it, but ends up slipping in the process. He stands back up as soon as he hits the ground, brushing off his cape.]

On another note, I'm also in need of any maps of the local solar system that you are able to provide, as well as ammo.

Should you refuse my demands, you will quickly find yourselves regretting it. I don't have much time. Don't waste it.

Comments

[Action]

[double_edged]

[Suddenly, all at once the robotic eyes seem to pause, and part a path. For a moment, it's almost as if they were going to allow the stranger pass, until the General himself walks up, hands behind his back and staring down the cloaked figure.

Alister left his home? Why?]

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

[The thief freezes to regard the General. Behind that mask, he--she is staring with something akin to childlike awe. This was probably the closest thing to looking at a real legend.

He straightens up his posture, determined to have the upper hand. It may not have been the same as when meeting that troublemaker Ratchet, but he wasn't about to let that stop him.]

[Action]

[double_edged]

...you know I'm a Lombax.

[His voice is quiet, even.]

So apparently you're from the same universe as myself. But you're not one of Nefarious' errand boys. And I doubt Vorselon would be this sloppy.

I want you to tell me who you really are.

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

Of course I know. Your kind is rare to see nowadays.

[He brings up the gun again, with no intention of shooting.]

Who I am is of no importance. I want you to build me a ship, or stay out of my way.

[Action]

[double_edged]

You're not in a position to make threats.

[The General snaps his fingers, and all at once, the droids snarl, optics flashing red and beginning to move in slowly.]

You're in my territory, so I call the shots.

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

[The Thief eyes the droids, considering his options. This wasn't a battle he could win, and it wasn't one he wanted to fight. So he spins around on his heel and tries running, only to fall flat on his face seconds later.]

Uh... I'll just be going now.

[Standing up, he tries that again.]

[Action]

[double_edged]

[One of the droids spin around to cut off the thief's path, glaring down at the 'man' and snarling lowly.]

Not yet. We're not finished.

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

[This time, the thief does shoot at the droid, even though he doesn't bother to try running.]

I believe we are.

[Action]

[double_edged]

[And Alister will lash out, pinning the man to the ground with his wrench by the neck and sneering down at him.]

Tell me who you are!

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

[There's a clash of his emotions. Part of him wants to cooperate, overcome with both respect and fear. The other part urges him to fight, and win, because cooperating won't help him in any way.]

I'm just an unknown, with no identity, and no one who concerns you!

[Action]

[double_edged]

[Alister isn't having that kind of an answer, and he's immediately going for the mask, moving to try and rip it off while he's captive.]

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

[He tries to maneuver his gun, trying to point it at him, just trying to scare him. But she's staring up at him, not looking the least bit intimidating once the disguise is gone. There's fear, and then a livid scowl when she speaks in her real voice.]

I meant what I said. Now, move.

[Action]

[double_edged]

[The hand's holding the dismembered mask. It's off. And...

No. No, that was-- how was this possible? Was this another curse? Was someone simply species-swapped, again? But she knew what he was. She was from their world.

The General's breath catches in his throat, and he starts to stumble back, horrified. The younger Lombax is quickly released, the mask dropping from his hands and Omniwrench at the ready.]

What--what sort of trick is this?

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

[Angela gulps in a breath, now that her neck is free. Picking up her gun, she rises to her feet, keeping the weapon aimed at the other Lombax.]

No trick, unless you're the one tricking me.

[Action]

[double_edged]

...tell me your name. This isn't a request.

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

[She sighs in resignation.]

Angela Cross.

[Action]

[double_edged]

[He takes a step back, trying to steady the shaking of his hands. Then, a look of pure anguish passes the General's face, as he falls to his knees.

Angela Cross.

...Cross.]

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

[She's staring at him warily now, as if afraid he might snap.]

Does that name mean something to you?

[Action]

[double_edged]

Your mother...

Laurna Cross. Isn't she?

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

...How do you know about my mother?

[Action]

[double_edged]

...

What do you remember?

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

No. You've already asked enough questions. Now you get to start answering mine. How do you know about her?

[Action]

[double_edged]

She--

[Sigh. He shouldn't be stunned to see another Lombax - Ratchet had lived for all those years, so why shouldn't she have? How many other Lombaxes were there out there that were still alive, but in hiding?]

She was... a friend of a friend. Her name was Laurna Cross.

[Action]

[iamnotacrook]

...Did you ever meet her?

[Action]

[double_edged]

[There's a flash of something there - pain? anguish? - before the General pulls himself to his feet, pointing the wrench at the other Lombax once more.]

You still haven't told me anything about yourself. How are you still alive?