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

[Have a wave and a grin, Kyle.]

Look at you! Taking charge of everything. [She's proud, okay.]

I'd offer to help with your friend's bakery, but I dunno the first thing about any of that.

[A pause.]

Like the shirt, by the way.

[He ducks his head; ROSE STOP COMPLIMENTING HIM :|]

Thanks, uh. I don't think there's anyone left here who can bake, sadly. Those croissants were divine.

[NOPE NEVER. His reaction gets her to laugh.]

There's gotta be someone left. Out of all of us? Wouldn't want you t'go without croissants or anything.

I'll live. [He smiles, easily, to hide the fact that he's unsure and maybe a little afraid of where Astrid might be right now. They weren't from the same Earth, and he has no way of knowing whether she's gone home or not.] Don't worry.

Nah, no worrying over bread. You're right.

[She pinches her lips together as she thinks over something. An offer, but she's really not sure how great she'd be at it.]

I could try making some. I mean, if you wanted. Can't say they won't be all burnt or anything, but it's worth a shot, isn't it?

[Holds up both hands.]

Hey, not on my account. We're in tough times right now.

Guess I'll just wait and surprise you, then.

[Because she is pretty sure she'd just end up burning down her little treehouse if she tried anyway.]

You help a lot of people out here though, don't you. [It's not a question, it's an observation.]

You know me so well! [He's grinning, he likes surprises. The good kind.

At the next statement, he gives a jaunty shrug, appearing to brush it off.]

I do my best to.

You're a proper hero, even without the ring. Is there any way I could help, do you think? I'm just about going crazy, not having much of anything to do here.

[She's not sure if she actually can be any help to what he does, but she figures it's worth a shot.]

[This is a light blush. Jeez.]

You wouldn't happen to have any scanning equipment on you, would you? If not, you can come help me make sense of what I've got.

[He sympathises too much with feeling useless.]