Video • 001

[heartofgraces]

[The network turns on to...a cyan shirt, as Asbel is still standing up to look at his device.]

Wait, that's not...oh, right. [He sits down into view after a moment, and breathes out; this is a bit harder than just talking to people in person.]

Hello, I had a question they didn't really cover when I got here...well, they kind of did, but...Well, I was hoping there was a way to send some kind of note home. Just so...they know I'm okay.

[He stops, and seems to realize what he said sounds kind of dumb, given his fluster.] I mean, I know they said time stopped at home, but I'd feel better if I knew for sure they wouldn't be worried about me until there's some way to get back!

If it's not possible, I understand, but I'd still like to try and find a way. Honestly, this feels so surreal I'm not really sure I understood it, but...Oh, nevermind. [He looks briefly deflated, before straightening up with a more determined look on his face.]

Also, I wanted to ask if there was anyone who was looking for help. Not about jobs, I mean, it seems like things are tense right now and I'd like to help out wherever I can.

Oh, my name is Asbel Lhant, by the way. Thanks for listening, even if you don't have any answers. [He hestitates for a moment, before reaching over to turn off the video. ]

Comments

[virginprice]

If there is any way to reach our homes, it has not been found as yet. I am sorry.

[There are so many who would like to be able to send such a message, even if they couldn't return. Surely someone would have thought of a way by now if it was possible.]

[heartofgraces]

Oh...[It's amazing how a man can audibly droop.] I'm sure there's some way, I mean, we got here, there's gotta be a way to at least send a piece of paper back.

[virginprice]

[Aw. Alcuin feels really bad now.] I cannot say for certain, but I believe that only our spirits may have traveled here. If nothing physical was taken, it stands to reason that nothing physical could be sent back.

[heartofgraces]

Our...spirits? What, like we're ghosts?

[Look, he heard the explanation but half of it didn't even click. And he knows Lambda is still with him so he can't be dead..]

[virginprice]

Some of us. Others are not. As I said, I cannot say with any certainty...

[It's been a rough week, so he's not at his best. He doesn't let it show, though, simply looking apologetic.]

I do not think it wise to let your hopes rise too high on the matter of sending word home. If time has truly stopped, then they would not receive it until your return anyway.

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[oathwalk]

[Richard is, to put it lightly, very surprised. He shouldn't be; if it brought him, it could bring Asbel. And yet he expected very much to be on his own here. Seeing his dear friend is a great surprise.

It makes him all smiles, of course.]

I shouldn't be surprised that your first action here would be to offer your aid to others. It's good to see you, Asbel.

[He can't help himself; his eyes briefly flicker over to Asbel's purple left eye. How is Lambda handling this? He'll have to ask after him later.]

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[heartofgraces]

[Now there's a comforting face. He still doesn't understand or really like any of this, but if Richard's here...]

Richard! [He is excited to see him, and it shows; even with the new, dire situation they're in, who wouldn't want to see their best friend?]

Well, I have to do something...it sounded like things were pretty bad right now.

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[oathwalk]

[Even if he is talking to his best friend (over these strange devices; Richard is still trying to understand them) the mention of recent troubles brings a more serious frown to his face.]

Yes. Aside from the scarcity of vital resources and the illness of Tu Vishan, there was also recently an attack from some kind of energy beings. [They aren't ghosts because they didn't respond to his spirit-damagers. Graces logic.] And there may be even greater threats yet to come. We may have a great deal of work cut out for us here.

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[heartofgraces]

Energy beings? [Monsters. Focus, Asbel, it's business time.] Do you know if anyone knows more about them? ...How many people were hurt?

[It sounds much worse than he'd initially thought...and ever the single-minded man he is, he wants to find a way to solve it.]

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[oathwalk]

I'm not aware if there's more information than what I gleaned fighting them. They used electrical attacks and could take control of the bodies of those they encountered [NOT looking at your left eye] which doubled the damage they would have managed on their own. Only electrical and nova attacks were effective against them. Fortunately, they all appear to have been left behind when Tu Vishan began to move again. But it's been . . . difficult, recovering, for some. Especially with the medicine here being so rudimentary.

[guys invent grape gels it's not hard]

[ozones]

Yeah, that's probably going to be a long shot. Sorry, about that.

[heartofgraces]

I sort of expected that. [Sigh. Giant turtle, why are you even.] Thanks for answering anyway.

[ozones]

No problem. It's not really hard to spread the bad news, around here.

[heartofgraces]

It sounded like it. I'd like to be able to help, I'm just not sure where to start...

[ozones]

There's a lot to do. I'm sure you'll find something.

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[chiot]

Oh, you! 'Ey, you! I could use some help.

[ Hello, Asbel. Have a little French revolutionary. ]

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[heartofgraces]

[Hello small child! Have a smile.]

Ah, hello. What do you need? I'll do whatever I can.

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[chiot]

Well, s'not just any help. S'only help you can give me. 'Cause, see? I ran outta money 'cause one of the kedan, they beat me up real good.. So if I could have a few Juulan, just to make up for it, huh? An' since you got your starting allowance, you're not gonna need all of that...

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[heartofgraces]

They...beat you up? [Asbel is a trusting man but he's clearly squinting at the camera. You look more like someone dipped you in dirt than injured you.]

Forget money, you need something to heal that.

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[chiot]

Oh--M'friends a doctor, I got that covered. Jus' a little money for some clothes, maybe food, summat like that.

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[candystriped]

Oh wow, you're so new here and you still figured out that we've all got pen pals from home? Boy, you're a real fish from the genius pond, aren't you?

[ if her sarcasm were any thicker it'd float a cruise ship ]

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[heartofgraces]

[Okay even Asbel can pick up on that.]

I don't have to be smart to worry about the people I care about.

Re: video;

[candystriped]

Maybe, but it helps people not think you're an idiot and that helping you would be a waste of their time.

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[heartofgraces]

And you don't have to answer if you feel that way. Isn't it more a waste of time to insult me?

Re: video;

[candystriped]

No? Shit's pretty boring around here on an average day.