▽ 001 - video transmission

[double_edged]

[A splinter and a crack, a bit of a splash. Yes, this particular feed isn't the cleanest to come about, and the recipient that appears none too long after doesn't look as hot, either. He's definately just woken up from... something, that's for sure, and isn't the slighest bit pleased about it.]

Ahh... where...?

[Another rustling noise, and the General realizes what he's holding... or he would have, under normal circumstances. Whatever it was, it was the most ridiculous-looking device he'd ever see--

It was on.

A moment of confusion, then his brow comes down. With no knowledge as to where he was, or how he'd gotten here, for it to be broadcast to an unknown public was simply, downright demeaning. Whatever was in charge, he would be sure to have a few choice words with them.]

Von all den elenden--!

...

[The Lombax sighs, pinching the brim of his nose. An interesting situation, indeed.]

If there is any sentient life out there, speak now. I'm not in the mood for games.

Comments

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

Colonel Jade Curtiss; I know yours already.

[Might sound a bit odd, but it cut the formalities a bit.]

The vendor can give you a towel to dry yourself with. While you're here, you'll need to find an apartment to live in temporarily.

[He was... different. The Alister he knew had been violent and easily angered, upset and unstable because of what had happened on his home world. This Alister was intriguing. An entirely new part of the General.]

[double_edged]

...of course you do. Everyone in this blasted city knows my name, apparently. I suppose it saves on introductions, in the long run.

So you're another soldier. Tell me, have you any affiliation with this 'Defense Force' I'm hearing so much about?

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

I am a part of the Defense Force, yes.

[Though he's technically out of commission until he's battle-ready, but Alister didn't need to know that.]

Why do you ask?

[double_edged]

It seems as though many of the soldiers here have some sort of involvement. Not that I would, I'm just wondering over the appeal.

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

A desire to protect, to have some vestige of what we did back home. We get a sense of familiarity from it.

[That was how Jade saw it at least.]

[double_edged]

You're all very attached to this... whatever this is, aren't you? It's strange.

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

It depends on what "this" is.

[double_edged]

The coral, the city, whatever you refer it to. A home for the dead and a second chance for the damned.

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

I can't say I am. I'd rather be home, but for the most part, until I can get myself home, wallowing in misery over my situation isn't going to help anything.

[double_edged]

I never said anything about wallowing in misery, Colonel. Is there something you're not telling us?

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

Not you, no, but some make quite an act of their entrapment.

[double_edged]

Entrapment or no, I haven't got much of a choice. It's either live here, or not live at all.

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

[Jade was quiet for a long moment before he sighed.]

It seems to be that way for many.

[double_edged]

Yourself included?

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

I am fortunate that it is not the case.

[double_edged]

Then what keeps you here? That desire to be useful? To protect? Being with those who don't have a future to look forward to?

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

Certainly not.

[Jade seemed amused.]

I simply cannot leave. Vatheon prevents people from leaving. Much as we've attempted to, it never pans out.

[double_edged]

[Well alright, that's a unique twist. But understandable, considering the circumstances surrounding this place.]

Have any attempts been made? How do you know for sure?

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

Attempts have been made, yes, but none successful.

[Disappointingly.]

[double_edged]

Surely it shouldn't be that difficult? If there's a way in, there must be some way to leave.

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

We're not on any planet you know, General.

[double_edged]

That shouldn't matter. If there's no apparent way out, you blast one.

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

To my knowledge, blasting the Coral or the barrier have proved ineffective, and damaging the Coral would be a rather bad idea, given the nature of its unknown power an sustaining our life here.

[double_edged]

So why is it that the Coral sustains our life, yet we can move freely up onto the island and no more? Isn't the island separate? Couldn't we simply take a raft out?

[bootsweremadeforcasting]

I'm told by another person dragged here- who is apparently partial fish- that swimming or going out results in just endlessly going. Nothing has been found thus far.

It'd be possible to take a boat and supplies and see if that got us anywhere.