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

[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.