001. [ Video ]

[bloodandwhiskey]

[ The feed starts up at a somewhat unflattering angle of Cassidy's long face. The lighting isn't great, but there's enough to see his features. He looks tired, confused, and maybe a little frustrated. The setting for most people will easily be recognized as The Bay. ]

Right, so. Not sure who's gonna be seein' this, but, if this phone is what this little booklet says it is, then someone out there's got to hear me, right? Glory of technology and communication and all that

So now that we've gotten that out of the way, I've got some things to say. Whatever sick game's bein' played here? Not havin' it. It's bloody mental, is what it is. Bloody liftin' people off the street, they are, shovin' em in bloody space capsules and shite, givin' em a chance t'make a life? Don't buy it for a second. And whatever government agencies're listenin', cos you're always bloody listenin'... I'm sorry I exposed your foreskin-lotion cartel, all right? So.. now that we've got that out of the way, you'll let me go back, then? Got important things I need t'take care of..

[ His face falls a little. ]

Someone's hurt and I need t'help her. Or... if anyone's listenin' who gives a shite, maybe if you've got a heavy blanket or an umbrella or somethin'..I've got a terrible sun allergy and I can't go out durin' the day, now. Or... just a time when the sun goes down.

Comments

[boo_berry]

[Tulip knows that voice and comes onto the feed. She looks worse for wear given what happened but she's alive. Her eyes however speak more than words.]

Cass! It's me,Tulip. Give me 15 minutes and I'm coming for you. [She holds up an umbrella and smokes, she's prepared.]

[bloodandwhiskey]

[ Frankly, he looks astonished, and maybe even a little scared. ]

Tulip! Oh, you beauty. Wait... How in the bloody hell are you alive?! I watched... You were only just...

[ He'll ask her when she gets here, but for now, he sighs and relaxes. ] You know where I am, then? Good. Oh.. I've never been so happy t'see a face.

[boo_berry]

[Good thing she came to in that pod right?]

Beats me Cass, came to covered in blood and still feel like slime. And yea, came to in the same place. Just have to find you but me and the umbrella should stick out. [She can be seen walking towards the bay as she speaks.] Not much makes sense but just trying to find a way. But we are sticking together. [Have a smile Cassidy, it's been lonely given things.]

[bloodandwhiskey]

[ His heart melts a little seeing her smile like that, especially since only just hours before he thought he might not get to see it again. ]

'Course we are. I mean, who else'm I gonna hang onto? And... this isn't like.. Hell or antyhin' is it? Cos.. I don't remember dyin', and I'm pretty sure I'd know if I had, right?

[boo_berry]

[Tulip has reasons to smile too.] It's not hell, I mean the temp housing bites aka quick way to make people move out fast. And last thing I remember was being shot. [Of course she's leaving things out, she's not ready.] We're in this together.

[bloodandwhiskey]

I'm sure I've slept in worse. Lived in a laundromat for a while. But I didn't have any good friends while I was there, so this is already better.

[ He looks around, looking a little nervous. ]

You'll be here soon, yeah?

[boo_berry]

You know I want that story! But you nailed it, the company is ten times better. [Tulip can be spotted with umbrella in tow minutes later and waves to Cassidy.] I have smokes too! [Waving a half pack in the process.]

[bloodandwhiskey]

[ As soon as he sees her, his face lights up, and he hurries over, practically tackling her as soon as he's within reach of her and drawing her into a tight hug. ]

Jaysus, Tulip, you've got no idea how happy I am t'see you. Bleedin' Christ I thought you were done for, luv.

[boo_berry]

[Tulip needs that hug just as much. Her hands shake in spite of the umbrella in her hands.]

The feeling is mutual Cass. [She had been sure he and Jesse were next after all. The umbrella and smokes are passed his way.] Coming to in that pod was not my idea of fun.[meaning the covered in blood part.]

[bloodandwhiskey]

[ Cassidy is pleased to have something to protect him from the sun and he digs out a cigarette. It's been a very stressful day. Clutching the umbrella and the assortment of things he'd found when he woke up, he followed close beside her. ]

Yeah, so, what the bloody hell happened? How are you here? How are you here? I swear if your bloody boyfriend set this up...

[ He pauses and shakes his head.]

You're not.. you are alive, aren't you?

[boo_berry]

[Tulip fishes her lighter from her pocket and lights Cassidy's cig as she speaks.]

I'm as confused as you are Cass and I have a two week head start.[Partly a joke to keep things light. She then squeezed his hand as proof she's alive.] I'm covered in bruises too and well nightmares stink.

[bloodandwhiskey]

[ He's extremely grateful to suck in on the cigarette, giving a deep sigh of relief as he does. ]

You been here two bloody weeks already?! How the hell..?

[ He frowns, but squeezes her hand in return, perhaps a little more affectionately than he intended. ]

Bruises? You in trouble, Tulip?

Video

[youfool]

Hello, Mr--, ah, pardon, I've no address. Mine's Ted, for a start.

To continue said start: the "fact" that we've been abducted is no fact at all, only conjecture. Don't trouble yourself too much for that.

For another, even in jest, why apologize for bringing down something so horrible? Would such acts flourished forever!

Lastly, has anyone attended to your wounded? If not, are you still at The Bay? I can be there soon.

[boo_berry]

Two long and lonely weeks. [But as they walk Tulip gives the quick and dirty version of things.] As for the bruises physical recovery is painful in spite of healers. So no fights, not yet at least.[Mostly since their little trio made bar fights a sport at times.] Right now I'm place and job hunting. [As she shares catching a bounty by sheer chance.]

[bloodandwhiskey]

[ He frowns, listening and sucking on his cigarette. The last statement has him raising an eyebrow, however. ]

What d'you mean a job? You're not tryin' t'get out of here? [ A frown. ] Don't you know how scared me and Jesse were, thinkin' about you?

[bloodandwhiskey]

What d'you mean it's just 'conjecture', eh? Didn't bloody hop on a bus and punch a ticket t'come here, that's for bleedin' sure, mate!

Look, man. I've seen loads of them documentaries on the government, illuminati, whatever, and trust me, them people are ones that y'really don't need t'piss off, now. They'll disappear you without a second thought. Which I imagine is probably what happened here.

I've got a friend who's comin' t'get me... weird enough, the same friend who's hurt back home... The hell's that work, then?

[boo_berry]

[Tulip's dark eyes seem to speak more than words could. She's just as scared of going back but can't say it.] Just trying to make the best of a very weird situation plus you know me Cass, gotta snag back some control. [Her hand books into his, she's not letting go just yet.] I'm just as worried bout you two. But we're together and there is power in that. [But her hands do shake for a split second.]

[youfool]

Is it very sure? Until we know the process behind our arrival, what can be said definitively about the how of it? All we have is how it feels. Alas, feelings and facts don't always agree.

Goodness, is the government so omnipotent where you come from? America really dodged a bullet there, eh? Well, I doubt they've much say in Genessia. Might as well say what you'd like while the consequences aren't.

Oh, Genessia recruits from all times and places belonging to a person. Typically when they're at their ablest.

[bloodandwhiskey]

[ Cassidy is in no hurry to let go of Tulip's hand, rather relishing in it, as a matter of fact. She feels safe with him, and she feels comfortable enough with him. It's almost like having her be with him. ]

So that's it, then? Just.. hunker down until somethin' presents itself, then? Not very like you, Tulip... What's gotten into you? I figured you'd ave been stormin' government buildings, takin' hostages and such until you got your answers. They do somethin' to you here?

[bloodandwhiskey]

[ He doesn't look pleased with this explanation of his very obvious-to-him kidnapping. He doesn't recall having asked to come here, but the appearance of Tulip is making him doubt himself a little. ]

So no one's got a clue how they got here? Isn't that just convenient?

Genessia... that's really the name of this weird place? Not some... secret government internment came? I saw what they did to the Japanese, I know they're capable...Dunno. Not convinced.

And another thing.. 'when they're at their ablest'? The fuck's that mean? Cos my friend, right? The one who's comin' t'get me? Definitely weren't able, mate. Direct opposite of, actually.

[youfool]

We've at least one clue, but it's not conclusive.

[He'd share, if not for the faint idea that the man he's talking to is very stressed and probably wouldn't take it well. It's idle conjecture at this point anyway.]

Er...convenient to whom? Our alleged captors? I'm not sure how existential doubt helps either party.

It's awfully elaborate for hushing up, isn't it? If the powers that be are as powerful as you say, why not just have one gassed and be done with it? Whatever the aim, it's more than mere disposal.

Correct: "weren't". Past tense. But as they can come without trouble, I trust they're capable now, aren't they?

[bloodandwhiskey]

[ He chews his lip and nods. ]

It's cos we're dead, innit? Only explanation I can think of. They killed us and kidnapped our souls or some shit, right? Cos my friend she... But that's the thing, is I don't remember dyin', mate. And trust me, I'd know if I had.

And you're just over here sayin' about how it's fine that she's alive and well now? No one's looked into that? I mean.. I think she's capable now? Haven't asked but.. Don't seem right, that.

[youfool]

Aheh, so we're kidnapped and dead, eh? Is one theory clearer for adding another? Well, if this is death, it seems so much like life that I fear both words may slide into semantics. Maybe we're in a simulation, too! So long as we're flinging whatever guesses come to mind.

That...certainly seems better than being dead and unwell.

Look, I understand the desire to look horses in the mouth, gift and otherwise, but you won't get anywhere plumbing the depths of one's navel. Got to attend to the present before seeing about the past, eh?

[bloodandwhiskey]

[ Cassidy is not amused. ]

Look, mate, if you're just gonna sit there and take the piss, I'm endin' this conversation.

And it's hard, all right? Cos if I've got to be here, then I've got to figure out who I can trust. That make sense?

[youfool]

[Very common reaction. Unfortunately, Ted's the type to use humor to relieve a situation, and doesn't quite understand how it could ever backfire.]

Apologies; I mean well, if that means anything. I only advise rooting yourself before bringing out the cork board. It's unfortunate that one's yearning for answers comes when one's too shocked and unsteady to produce cogent investigation, but...well, here we are.

Thankfully you've one friend already, which is more than many can claim. Beyond that, it's the same as always: give the benefit of the doubt. Even to the ones behind this. They may not be as sinister as you suppose.