tushanshu | 003 ◉ video

[ Hi Turtletopia, meet Kyle. He’s wearing a sleeveless deep green shirt, with the words YOU DON’T HAVE TO BE A STUBBORN JERK TO WORK HERE, BUT IT HELPS beneath the Lantern insignia. He’s leaning back in the chair, looking a lot more cheerful than he’s been over the past month. As always, he’s wearing his ring on his right hand. He’s broadcasting from an Earth Sector suite, quite utilitarian save for several maps and diagrams of flora and fauna that have been pinned to the walls, all of which are extremely detailed, a few of which are not finished.

He gives the screen a small wave and begins to speak, his tone even, matter-of-fact, self-assured. It’s not overbearing, but distinctly that of someone who, when he speaks, is used to being listened to, and obeyed. ]

Astrid Farnsworth is missing. [ A text document with her photograph and physical description is attached. There is a very brief clench of his jaw before he starts speaking again. ] If she owed you any debts, made any promises, let me know. Anyone who wants to pick up where she left off with the bakery in Water Sector now, it’s all yours.

[ Moving on. ]

Secondly, for those of you who need equipment, and don’t have the money or means to acquire it [ Constructs of a feather duster, an M16 rifle, and what looks like a portable electricity generator appear and disappear in quick succession. ] I can make pretty much anything, it’s all solid and it works just like ordinary stuff. [ Wryly: ] My sewing machines have been making your clothes for quite a while. [ Beat. ] If it’s new, don’t worry, I’m a quick learner. Size, complexity, not a problem. [ Another pause. ] It’s not permanent, just a stopgap measure if you’re in a tight spot and need a hand. Or five. [ On cue, five hands appear, wave merrily, and disappear. ]

Thirdly, if you have scanners, I’d like to know what you discovered when you tried to use them on the barrier. If you haven’t tried yet, I’d be happy to offer a lift so that we can make an attempt. To our magic users, this extends to you too. By magic, I don’t mean technology so advanced it can be misconstrued as magic, I mean [ emphasizes each word: ] actual proper magic. [ He frowns a little. ] Actually, I’d be interested to know what all of you feel specifically when you are around the barrier or trying to get through it. And just a word of advice, don’t try to fly through it. It’s pretty painful and the water’s cold. [ :/ ]

That’s all.

[ A pause. ]

Right. For those of you who’re new here. Hi. Kyle Rayner, Green Lantern Corps. Y’know. [ Self-deprecating smile. ] If you need a book moved from a tall shelf or something, the Lighthouse is at EA-3B.

[ A small two-finger salute, and signing off. ]

[30% ENCRYPTED | PEPPER POTTS]

[ This is solely because he doesn’t feel like pinging her publicly on the network. ]

Does your welcome brochure have a list of all available Foreigner-run clinics, with a list of personnel and available equipment?

[100% ENCRYPTED | FILTER: DICK GRAYSON, TIM DRAKE, DAMIAN WAYNE]

Hey. Got a favour to ask of you guys.

[100% ENCRYPTED | DAMIAN WAYNE]

[ The cheer is gone. This is Serious Business. ]

Let me know if there’s any chatter on this post, regarding that topic we discussed. I’ll be at the clinic today.

[ And another pause, as he considers what else to say. ]

I’ll see you soon, all right?

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

I'll do it. Provided Father agrees.

[Yes, yes, he saw the request for Tim.]

And he won't sell me the sword.

I wouldn't go behind his back; I assumed you will ask him first anyway.

[Exhales. It wasn't what he was referring to when he meant topic of discussion... and well. He doesn't feel like impressing upon Damian that this is a failure.]

Okay, what are our options? Should we just take it?

[To the first part, Damian nods. He'll talk with his Father.]

When.

It is not at his suite.

[Damian might have been angry enough - before the break they all got - to sneak in and try to just do that.]

[His jaw tightens even now.]

He would not sell it to me because of my age!

[THE OUTRAGE!]

[Eyebrow. Raised.]

Seriously?

[But you're rich!! gosh. Then, Kyle's brow furrows.]

If it's not at his suite--

Yes.

[Hard tone. Seriously. Damian doesn't get it, either. And he is so far less likely to hurt himself with a sword than most of the adults there. Considering the Torch's on-screen demonstration, himself included.]

It could be anywhere. Perhaps somebody other than me should attempt it.

We're in this together; we'll figure something out.

[He doesn't trust anyone else to help him with this.]

Any encrypted messages besides [handwave] ours?

I apologize. It is possible that I may have made the acquisition of the weapon more difficult. However, should you attempt a similar negotiation, the funds will be available.

[Damian takes a deep breath, then lets it out.]

None that I have noticed so far. That does not mean there is no in-person discussion.

[Shakes his head.]

Don't apologise. You made the effort, and you're still willing to help me, that's more than I can ask for. Let's learn from this and try harder next time.

[You did not fail.]

[Not succeeding counts as failure, though, doesn't it?]

I did! He just... wouldn't listen.

You can take a horse to water, I guess.

[He frowns.]

Let's start with a list of his associates. If he hasn't got it, one of them does.

... not necessarily.

There could be all sorts of storage locations around the city. And even outside it.

There could be.

[He rubs his hands together, still frowning.]

Let's put ourselves in his shoes. What would we do?

[Well...]

I would conceal it in a place that couldn't be connected with my name. Considering the range that he may have, it could even be in the mines under the mountains or something of the sort.

Provided I believed the danger that the weapon presents, of course.

He didn't think it was dangerous, just cool, and that it would take getting used to. It'll be nearby. A warehouse? No, that would mean sharing.

... I suppose you are correct. Thinking that he may have considered my words later would be overestimating him.

Yeah. So let's make that list of associates and do a few quick searches. It's a start, anyway.

[Small nod.]

Have you talked directly with him?

No. The less connected I am to it, the better.

That is assuming he has the potential to register a connection.

[Calmly, firmly:] He's smart enough not to keep it at his own quarters, which aren't occupied. I'm not taking any chances.

[Damian's eyes unfocus slightly, like he's looking into the distance.]

I am not supposed to be stealing. I am pretty certain neither are you.

[Eye. Roll.]

It's not stealing if it's mine, but if it'll make you feel better, I'll go to confession afterwards.

He bought it. Yes, it is yours, but in a way it is his, too.

[Rubs his forehead in frustration.]

What would you do if somebody bought my ring at a shop and waved it around?

... suggest to the Alien to deal with that.

Meaning Superman.

[Because he calls Kara Alien, too.]

video; 100 encrypted

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