003 - Besides, by and large she was having a very good time.

[una_persson]

[AUDIO, public. Una sounds as composed and friendly as ever, her cut-glass accent as reassuring as a BBC news anchor's.]

To those of you I've not met before—hello. My name's Una Persson. I'd like to canvass the foreigner population here with just a brief question—who here is familiar with time travel, in the world from which they come? I'll be quite transparent: it's something with which I'm very familiar, and I'm curious to know who else is as well. Should you prefer to discuss this face-to-face, I live in the Wood sector. [A pause.] And if you're familiar with the technology behind it, I'd be especially interested in hearing from you.

---

[TEXT, separate messages sent privately to Bruce Wayne and Dorian Gray, basic encryption. Subsequent to her conversation with Iorveth, after his fail!private post.]

You may recall that there was a name in my notes that I showed you. Do not speak it out loud and be very careful with whom you share it.

Comments

action

[depicted]

[He recognizes that look. He has seen it, now and again over the years. During wars and catastrophes and great personal crises. Sometimes, he has even seen it in his own reflection.

She's enjoying this, isn't she?]

Did you have any particular events or anomalies in mind?

Re: action

[una_persson]

The Conjunction of the Million Spheres. As with so many things temporal, it has happened, is happening, and will happen—no human language invented can quite define the moment, as it were. Time becomes porous, the Multiverse itself may be re-ordered; Law and Chaos fight for supremacy and the Balance is in peril. Perhaps this is just one more battle in the war.

[She laughs, not entirely humourlessly.]

If so, then I really can't get away from my work anywhere I go, apparently.

[depicted]

Congratulations on your holiday, Buswoman Una.

[It's an interesting idea. And in a way, even though he knows little of her world, he can see how it fits.]

Have you ever dealt with anything like this being, in your journeys through the wars.

[una_persson]

Not one that combines so many delightful qualities into one package. I always felt that even the most ordinary of people were more than capable of causing trouble on their own. [She snorts softly, shakes her head.] Can't even say the thing's bloody name. What is this, a fairy story?

[depicted]

Sounds like one, doesn't it? That or modern fantasy. All we need is to rename Tu Vishan as the Turtle Who Lived and we're on our way to a best seller.

Of course, in fairy stories, there is always one weakness, one part of the legend that tells a clever hero just how to slay the monsters. So far, I haven't noticed anything.

[una_persson]

[Her laughter at that is genuine.] I'll be sure to suggest that to my friend Michael when I go 'round to his place for tea and stories. He'll spin a brilliant novel out of that.

As to the monster's weakness, though ... perhaps we're just not there yet. We just have to keep digging.

[depicted]

[His smile echoes her, but he nods to what she said. They can't stop yet. They need to find the solution to this.]

And I intend to. Thank you, Una. Is there anything else?

[una_persson]

[She reaches over and gives his hand a squeeze.]

Just be careful. You know, the usual. If you learn anything new and need to meet, you know where to find me.

[depicted]

I'll be about as careful as you are.

[Despite the retort, he squeezes her hand back.]

And I will find you if I do.

[una_persson]

[She snorts, amused.]

I hope you do better than that. We'll talk soon, anyway.