[Video]

[wherethestoryis]

[What is visible of the room is obviously in Earth Sector, both from the décor and from the view out of the large, open window over Lois’ shoulder. As for Lois herself, she’s still somewhat damp and visibly grumpy about it. Her sigh is explosive as she runs a hand through her hair.]

Kidnapping, fine. Another day in my life. Alternate universes? They’re not so much my thing. I try to leave that to the heroes. Murder and mayhem are plenty for headlines.

[Lois rolls her eyes as she says the latter. Despite the few sentences, she manages to convey even more information, even subconsciously: her face and tone are expressive. Exasperation, impatience, and the voice of experience shine through. So too does her underlying concern, though. She is absently twisting some hair around a finger. Her engagement and wedding rings glint as she does.]

Lois Lane, Daily Planet, if anyone’s heard of it.

The last time I ran into an alternate world, at least it was someone’s… misguided attempt at a paradise. Nice enough place, but even that ended in a fight. One day I’d like to get a freaking vacation with one of these things.

[Pause.]

So… are there any competent newspapers around this place?

[So much for wanting a vacation.]

VIDEO;

[ancillary]

[ A woman in what can charitably called a working cat suit is leaning over a desk of some dark, varnished wood that makes her look halfway between a teenage fantasy, and an actual schoolmarm. Her elbow is half-engulfed in flames of one of the faux-heated lamp fixtures set on her desk; a hint she's somewhere out in her apartment in the Fire Sector, and that she's got the rules down pat that she has already worked out "fire bad, but not all the time." ]

The technology here is impressive for the what little resources an organic planetoid should, theoretical, be capable of culling. It's only been a few days and already the convinces of their equipment have mollified me enough that I don't need to worry about feeling cut off from what I'm accustomed to back on Earth, or something more spacefaring.

[ She taps her gloved fingers on some unseen surface. ]

What does raise an eyebrow is their complete disregard for the scientifically curious. They damn near ripped me to pieces when all I did was try to get a DNA sample from this turtle the general populace nothing short of venerates. I'm up to my ears in unanswered questions and barely passable resources, but the best this place has yet to give me in terms of a resolution is some dogmatic bullshit best suited for a church.

Also, hello. [ Standard human greeting: Complete afterthought. ]

video;

[alderwood]

[The video comes up on a sparse office with three sheets of paper on the desk and, standing behind it, the Alderwood Commander in uniform. The wear-and-tear of the past month show minimally, but those that saw him at the festival may note slight shadows under the eyes from pulling overtime the likes of which you wouldn't believe. He rests his hands on the desk and addresses all console users with clipped words and a clear tone.]

Those of you that haven't stuck your heads out the door in a month might be surprised to hear we've got trouble on the rise. My officers are tasked to the breaking point handling it and there's intel to say more breach attempts are incoming.

Since they're using you Foreigners to take exception, it's about time you got the chance to do something about it. [A terse grin.] Effective immediately, I am authorising all Foreigners to act as enforcers to uphold the laws of Keeliai.

But don't go sticking your nose in where it doesn't belong. Each precinct's got a stack of cases that need follow-up, most of them arrests. Those of you community-minded enough to help can head to the nearest precinct and get your orders. Report back when you're done and a note will be made. Lieuen's agreed to pay five juulan per successful job once the troublemakers are all rounded up, so trust that it'll be worth your time.

[He stops and refers to a sheet at his left, scanning the data on it.]

I also need crisis response teams, three of them. You'll be on standby to move out at my order in the event of a breach. Teams will be briefed as activated. It's not a voluntary deal either. I know what you can do and if you're needed, you'll be there. You lucky souls-turned-soldiers are ID'd at the end of this message.

And you mercenary types are wise not to tune this out. Lieuen's chipped in danger pay for each deployment of the CRTs, fifteen juulan per head. That sweeten the deal enough?

[A pause for the information to sink in.]

This isn't about pride or falls, people. It's about whatever you need it to be, as long as that need gets you moving when you're needed. Good kedan are dying out there and there's no way to remedy your situation as long as all hell's broken loose. The sooner this is sorted, the better.

Any questions? Ask them now.

[The video ends for those not assigned to a crisis response team; to each of these, an encrypted segment is included.]

( messages: teams 01-03 )