001 ♙ Video

[build]

[ the comm flips to life with the face of ariadne looking almost deep in thought for a moment (this whole place is a lot to take in) before she is sighing deeply, letting her hand unconsciously start to rub at the back of her neck, as she calmly ask: ] I'm wondering if anyone could tell me what year it is?

[ that's a simple question for a projection, right? ]

I mean, my friend and I...well we're new.

[ which hopefully will give her some type of leniency with others (though she is doubtful and can only smile somewhat awkwardly because of it) ]

...and I guess we would just like some type of idea what we’re up against here, or maybe where we're all coming from.

[ it's a vague question, and one that she isn't fully sure she will like the answer of. but at least it is something that might get them closer to understanding this whole mess. because lets face it, the natives aren't exactly the most helpful of people. ]

Comments

[aloadeddie]

Right, the one who gets name dropped a lot but it's difficult to get any concrete information about.

[backwordscompatible]

Not for a lack of trying, believe me.

[aloadeddie]

I'm not sure whether to feel reassured that I'm not the only one encountering road blocks like that, or to be annoyed that no one else has managed to find anything before me.

[backwordscompatible]

There's not really much to go on just yet.

And, from what I've heard, most people've only been here for a few months. Not like years or anything.

[aloadeddie]

A few months? Interesting.

So theoretically, this thing, whatever it is, that we're supposed to help with, only became an issue less than six months ago, maybe? And that's what spurred the Emperor, or whoever, to start bringing people here?

[backwordscompatible]

Theoretically? Yeah, that about sums it up.

[aloadeddie]

Well, I guess that's something to start with.

I appreciate the help.

[backwordscompatible]

Anytime.

We newcomers gotta stick together, right?

[aloadeddie]

I suppose so.

[He pauses a moment.]

I'm Arthur.

[backwordscompatible]

Zatanna.

[aloadeddie]

Nice to meet you.

[backwordscompatible]

You too.

Hope you and your friend are settling in okay.

dont mind the threadjack

[build]

[ yep, ariadne has been watching this conversation with interest, and finally has found the right time to stick her nose into it. ]

So far so good... [ yes, she is trying her hardest to sound like the optimist here - it's sort of going okay. ]

How long have you been here...Zatanna?

/no minding here~

[backwordscompatible]

[She pauses at the deliberate emphasis on her name. Hello, face of person she had originally replied to.]

Not long. Three weeks, I think. Maybe a month.

[build]

Has it been easy to adjust?

[ a short beat and she is adding with a ghost of a smile. ]

Zatanna - it's a pretty name - I've never heard it before.

[backwordscompatible]

Aside from the part where I keep meeting alternate versions of people I know...and, even weirder, who know me...yeah, it's been pretty okay.

[She returns the smile at Ariadne's compliment.]

Thanks. My dad had a thing for alliteration, I guess. My last name's Zatara.

[build]

[ she smiles a bit more genuine for a moment, nodding her head in understanding to it all. ]

Well at least you know you won't ever be forgotten with that name.

[ a long beat and her brow is arching slightly in curiosity as she quickly thinks over her next words. ]

These alternate versions of people - how many versions have you come across of?

[ assuming they could be forgers, it never hurts to ask, right? ]

[backwordscompatible]

Of myself? None. So far. But I know of an alternative version of a friend of mine. Haven't met him yet, though.

[Her expressions says she's very interested in this meeting happening.]

[build]

[ her brow just furrows at that, nodding in understanding ]


Any idea what makes him an alternate version?

[backwordscompatible]

[Her smiles falters slightly, a hint of sadness behind it.]

Well, for one, apparently, we don't get to grow up together.

[build]

[ ariadne quickly notices the sadness and is quick to meet it with something more sympathetic on her end. ]

I'm sorry to hear that. Any idea how that's possible?

[backwordscompatible]

[A shrug. This...was kind of the awkward part. And she didn't even know the actual awkward part.]

In that world, we're not the same age. I'm actually closer to his...um...mentor or guardian or whatever they are. [Purposely being vague because Bat secrets.] It's basically like living a whole different life.

[build]

That has to be frustrating, I'm sorry.

[ Ariadne gets vague, she really does. and really doesn't expect her to just up and share her inner most thoughts with someone she just met, so she simply nods in understanding, letting a small apologetic smile tug at the corner of her mouth. ]

It really would be nice to know why this place would be doing that, don't you think?

[backwordscompatible]

A little. I've honestly tried not to think about it too much. [Even though the subject keeps coming back to her over and over again, with every other new arrival it seemed.]

It would be nice to know a lot of things about this place, really.

[build]

There's nothing wrong with not thinking about it all the time. [ even if she would love to hear as many theories on this place that she can get. she can understand the need to not have it as a constant reminder to some. ]

Has anyone ever gotten all of us outsiders together to talk about this?