→ video

[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

[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.