tushanshu | [ video ]

[ For a moment, the video appears to be stuck, as if in pause. The girl looking slightly askew of the camera is very still, and only the faint flutter of wind disturbing the bits of dark baby-hair sticking out from the top of her head indicates that the feed is, in fact, perfectly fine--

--and then, she snaps out of it, face gaining back it's animation and she blows her cheeks out, follows it up with a deep breath and nods. ]

So, uh.

Right.

[ Her hands come up in a sort of surrender, sort of awkward 'Hi, this is me' because wow this is weird, video calls when she is in her pajamas. Her salt-water-soaked-but-nevertheless-now-dry pajamas.

It is not comfortable. She doesn't mind Skyping with friends while dressed in her bedtime clothes, but wow, not like this.

She shakes her head, runs her fingers through her hair and huffs: ]

Okay let me start over.

[ The change is subtle, but the difference is huge. Shoulders straightened but not tense, she looks directly into the camera with purpose and suddenly it doesn't matter what she looks like. ]

Hello, my name is Katherine Bishop and I've just arrived in the city.

I've been appraised by the people who fished me out of the water on what little they seem to feel they can divulge, so you can consider this a shout-out to anyone who can supply me information that will give me a better idea of Turtle Land.

I haven't seen the city much, but I'm a keen observer and no stranger to tension in the atmosphere when I see it.

[ There's a brief and considering pause before she continues in a less blunt tone that leans more to negotiation. ] I have currently nothing to trade with or pay you by for the information and I know I don't really look like much at the moment, but I guarantee that I can offer you my resume and list of skillsets if you require all of that in writing.

[ A beat.] Also, if there is anyone from home out there who sees this, please drop me a message. I'm not even going to lie, guys. It would be awesome to see familiar faces right about now. [ There's a faint twitch of a smile at the corner of her mouth before she reaches over and the feed goes dark. ]

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Hi, Katherine. I'm Asami.

[Her smile is warm and welcoming.]

What sort of information are you looking for? I might be able to help.

Hi Asami wow, that's a pretty name [ cough ] Um, mostly information about the city? I've asked two people now about the kind of work that's available [ shrug ] because I'd like to secure at least spending money since it looks like I'll be stuck here awhile.

I know I probably sound like a broken record by now, but I like to make sure I've got my bases covered.

I've done a lot of organizing in my time, but most of it was for charity events? [ she pauses, considering what to say next and then decides that she's got a good vibe from the girl so-- ] I'm feeling a little bit out of my depth, if that makes sense or, as much sense as that can make provided we're in a city on the back of a giant turtle.

Thank you. Yours is really nice, too.

['Katherine' just sounds elegant.]

You should have a bit of an allowance in your suite somewhere... twenty juulan or so? It's enough to get by on for a few weeks if you're careful while you're settling in. And there's all kinds of work. I work in a mechanic's shop right now, but it depends on what you're good at or even interested in. In terms of organizing things... maybe try the Earth sector and see if you can get a managerial position at one of the textile factories? It's only a few hours a day, so it would give you a good idea of what it's like here.

[She keeps her tone light, encouraging.]

It can be really hard to get your footing at first, but there's a lot of great people here who will help you if you need it.

[ So apparently this is the mutual admiration club? Heh. ]

We get an allowance? [ interesting ] That's pretty generous of the people who set this whole thing up. [ also oddly suspicious, but Kate keeps that thought to herself ]

I think I might do that, Asami. Do I need to submit credentials or anything like that? [ her mouth quirks, as if she thinks that statement just sounded wrong ] Not that it would be of much use since I don't think people here would know about the charity functions my dad had me and my sister sort out.

[ she tilts her head ] You know, I find myself believing you on that.

It's only a one-time thing. The rest we have to work for.

[Which she doesn't mind so much. Sure, it's a little weird-- actually having to work for a living, but she's finding she doesn't mind it. It can actually feel pretty rewarding at the end of the day.]

They do an interview, but... honestly, most of them seem pretty happy to hire us 'foreigners'. I think you'll do great.

[bright smile!]

Have you found anyone you know here, yet?

I'm totally cool with working, to be completely honest. [ It's not just the fact that being given her own suite as if she were on a guest in this place is something she has been wondering about -- because how exactly can you be a guest if you'd just washed up on their shores? Kate just likes being productive. ]

Interviews? Those, I can do. [ she can't help but smile at Asami's words of encouragement ] And thanks for the vote of confidence.

I've managed to catch up with some of my friends, and I've been contacted by one other person from back home. I probably should be worried about them ending up here -- especially if being on the turtle means that we're stranded but... [ she trails off, sheepish

aaaand switches gears -- oh heh, car pun -- to a different subject ]

You work at a mechanic shop? [ somehow she can't quite picture the girl on the screen working with machinery, but while there is surprise, there's also awe.

Hey, Kate's one to talk. What with all the superheroing. ]

Mmhmm! It's a place in the Fire Sector. Why do you ask?

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