First Post [Video

[givenanonymity]

[One man, reaching middle age with a wary expression on his face. Then he smirks - the smirk dissolves into a smile but those who are observant, very very observant - might be aware that the smile is not genuine. He runs a hand through his hair with something tucked under his arm.]

I was going to have today off anyway. You know. I get that I'm not dreaming and I get that I'm not going to be able to get back.

[At that, his eyes widen and there's a sense - especially to those of you who might be extra observant that this might be a good thing. Or an unusual thing. It's not something he's had time to process yet.

The expression goes dark.]

Which is pretty fucking rude if you don't mind my saying so. There any order to this spontaneous kidnapping people for riding on turtles sort of thing?

[he is betting no. however.] This would be the part where I flash my badge and introduce myself as Detective Hoffman.[He does so. One handed out of habit before realizing it and sticking it back in his pocket.] ...or indulge that habit and ask people if there's anything that I need to know about being here that's not in the welcoming committee.

...I'd appreciate any response.

[And the policeman turns off the feed and waits.]

Comments

[hammer]

I'm from New York. Manhattan. I think we pass through your orbit every couple years or so.

[ Justin has never been funny, but he still tries. ]

Hundreds of years in the future and we get traveling to other planets. Or that's what people have said. I think the magic's older. Or from the dragons. I don't really know. That's a... That's not really my area of expertise.

[givenanonymity]

I've heard of it.

[He smiles tightly] can I ask what your area of expertise is?

[hammer]

Technology. Engineering. Weapons design and development.

[ He shrugs a shoulder. ]

Not so useful when you're trying to find food, I guess. But when the natives are restless, maybe being the guy who makes the weapons isn't so useless after all.

[givenanonymity]

[Weapons and engineering.] So the food things true?

[Time to slip into survival mode. Plus. engineering, design.] You do that kind of stuff to make money? Is there money in that?

[hammer]

We're not starving, per se, but the food is being rationed.

[ As for the question about money, he bobs his head back and forth. ]

That depends. At home, I'm a billionaire. There's a lot of money in it. Here, I don't know. There might be if I got a business up and running. We'll see. I'm still pretty new.

[givenanonymity]

[Hoffman snorts] fantastic. Great vacation.

[At that however he folds his hands] I don't see why that'd be bad. They're not stopping you are they?

[hammer]

No. We're encouraged to work. Three hours a day's enough, but...

[ He shrugs. Justin's a workaholic. ]

The more money I make, the sooner I can start my own business doing what I know.

[givenanonymity]

...Being an engineer.

There a lot of competition for that?

[hammer]

Well, there are already two technology-based organizations on the turtle. So, maybe? I don't know. But if there is, what can you do, right?

[givenanonymity]

...If you're good at it you should do it. Cherish your life man, cherish your skills. [He's watching Justin intently] especially engineering. My father -

[He doesn't stop. He doesn't flinch.] He was an engineer I have a lot of respect for that.

[hammer]

Oh yeah? [ He brightens. If there's anything Justin likes, it's talking science and technology. ]

You pick up any of his skills? I mean, I saw the badge, I know you're a detective, but everybody's got hobbies, right?

[givenanonymity]

..Just the most basic. Fulcrums, levies, pullies. That sort of thing.

[In fact in headcanon Hoffman's father was a repair man. So he DOES have some degree of experience.]

I admit I focused more on say...security. Asset protection but I'm always looking to learn. You uh - have anything going on?

[hammer]

That's how it starts. You can't build a reliable machine until you understand the basics.

Sort of. I'm working on a way to recalibrate the energy field around us, try to get us home. But it's... It's still in early development. The technology here is a little limited from what's available back home.

[givenanonymity]

...Giant floating turtle and we can't get back and they can't get us back. Beautiful.

[hammer]

Sorry, man. I wish I had better news.

[givenanonymity]

...Well the important thing is that we know where the threats are.

[He sighs] Maybe you could tell me if there's anything else to watch out for. I mean if you see anything.

[hammer]

Sure. I can do that. Always happy to help out.

[givenanonymity]

...In exchange.

You need anything.

I'd be happy to assist.

[hammer]

Thanks, Detective. I'll keep that in mind.