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[controlledvariable]

[Today, Steph is curled up in her chair in front of her console, dressed in light, silk pajamas, her hair piled up in a loose bun, and her expression a little weary. The observant type might notie she's pale aside from her flushed cheeks, and there's a faint sheen of sweat on her brow; the infection from the llothi claws isn't exactly getting along with her. The most noticable thing on the screen, however, is the giant teddy bear (the one hiding behind the rabbit) in her lap, Steph's arms wrapped loosely around it.]

Hey, everyone, I hope you're all keeping well and enjoying our stop on the mainland. ["enjoying" is probably the wrong word, but she can't think of a better one]

I've made a couple of trips myself, and on one of them I happened to find this. [she looks down at the bear, her smile wry] It didn't really look like it belonged out there, and I'd heard of other people finding things they owned back home, so I thought, well, it might be someone's.

If it's yours, feel free to contact me so you can come get it. I'm trusting you guys not to steal a teddy bear that doesn't belong to you. [which is why she didn't do what Damian did, with asking people to confirm the details of the item. Because she doubts anyone would claim to own a teddy bear that isn't really theirs.]

That's all from me. Have a nice day.

[And then she switches off the feed.

While the primary purpose of the message was to find the bear's owner, she also wanted to make sure her friends know she's okay; she hasn't been very active on the network since returning from her last trip, and she isn't up to contacting people individually when she's spending about 70% of her time asleep. This was easier.]

Comments

[grimreaping]

I appreciate your concern, miss.

[controlledvariable]

No problem, and my name's Steph, since I don't think we've met.

I think there are a couple of groups going out, might be an idea to keep in contact with them in case something does go wrong.

[she just worries okay]

[grimreaping]

We haven't; you may call me Kid.

[ he's quickly realizing that throwing his full name around is becoming a bit of a hassle ]

That is a good idea. I'm used to working in teams, to be truthful.

[controlledvariable]

Nice to meet you, Kid.

Teams are usually a pretty good idea. [Not that Steph tends to be in them but whatever] I'm not sure what groups are still out there, but you could probably look back through the network to see who was planning to go out in groups.

[grimreaping]

You as well, Steph.

[ He almost calls her Stephanie, but he remembers how Liz and Patty don't like using their full names either. ]

I will certainly look into it. In the meantime, you should rest some more.

[controlledvariable]

Good luck with it. [The suggestion of resting gets a smile and a shake of her head] Probably, but resting is boring.

[she's been sleeping way more than she's used to and it's getting frustrating]

[grimreaping]

[ He smiles in response to that. ]

Think of it as advance planning for the next round.

[controlledvariable]

Advanced planning isn't really one of my strong points. [Not even remotely kidding]

[grimreaping]

[ lightly teasing ]

Then it seems like a perfect reason to practice.

[controlledvariable]

[She grins, amused] Nah, I'm too old to start learning now.

[Stephanie you are nineteen]

[grimreaping]

[ Kid likes swapping witticisms like this. ]

And yet it is claimed that experience is the best teacher.

[controlledvariable]

It's also said you can't teach an old dog new tricks.

[grimreaping]

Touché, Steph.

[controlledvariable]

I'm unbeatable when it comes to using idioms to win arguments.

[A useful skill, of course]

[grimreaping]

[ A faint smile that suggests Kid hadn't exactly been out of rebuttals, but he nods. ]

So it seems. I hope I haven't been your only opponent lately.

[controlledvariable]

Unfortunately you have, at least since I've been here. I had a friend who sounds like a fortunte cookie, but she's back home.

[Admittedly Babs only broke out the fortunte cookie wisdom to annoy Steph, but still]

[grimreaping]

Don't worry. I'm sure you'll be able to see her again soon.

[controlledvariable]

Maybe. [she shrugs, her smile a little rueful] Depends how much longer I'm stuck here, I suppose.