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

[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.]

Okay, let me clarify. If you were the only person who knew exactly what it was and what it could do.

... you do realize that cannot be the situation with the sword, do you not? That the chances that Father doesn't recognize him, or the Alien, or one of the other Lanterns, is pretty negligible? Or do they actually not know?

[Something that Damian hadn't considered, but can see, with what they have talked about, Kyle and him.]

[In answer, he tilts his head to the side, and raises both eyebrows.

What do you think is the case here?]

But... it is a danger to Natu and Gardner, too, is it not?

Yes, but it's of... particular significance to me.

[His posture becomes more withdrawn, not suddenly, but noticeably so. A bad memory.]

...

[Well, shit. Damian will figure something out. Somehow. There is no way he is giving up with that look!]

Can your ring scan for it?

[He opens his mouth. Closes it. Opens it again. Closes it.]

I don't know what'll happen if I do.

[Yeah, that's how they work, apparently.]

Ah. But if you are in its vicinity without line of sight, would it recognize the proximity? I assume you have been within close distance of it before now.

[Very close proximity. He winces.]

Probably the energy signature, when it's active.

[Sorry, what am tact? That said, Damian is actually concerned, he just. Kind of sucks at expressing it.]

I see. Which answers why the uncertainty in the previous question.

[His eyes become more steady.]

We will procure it. Somehow.

I have no doubt about that.

[Faith in Damian, he has it. And he smiles, though it's worn at the edges.]

Just gotta figure it out.

[Dammit, Rayner. Damian nods, then, another question.]

Can you set the ring to alert you if it becomes activated within any proximity of you, but still further than line-of-sight? That should give you some advance warning - and give us reaction time. In case we are mistaken about the torch.

[A nod.]

I can do that. The alarm won't be audible to anyone but me.

[Damian nods.]

That does not solve the situation, but should help, some.

It should. [Beat.] Thanks. For doing this.

[For not pushing too far.]

[Damian's return nod is slow.]

Not a problem.

[Well, mostly not, other than the frustration. But that is not measurable with the situation.]

[A small, mischievous smile.]

See you soon for lessons?

[... of all things, a smile, especially a mischievous smile, is not what Damian expected. But it doesn't irritate him, just makes him raise his eyebrows in question. Before nodding.]

Affirmative. In the morning.

[A small salute, and he signs off.]

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