ataraxion | Video

[Charles is sitting in one of Tranquilities mess halls, slowly stirring a mug of tea and staring down at a chess board. His face is pale, expression set in a resigned sort of calm.]

It is with great regret that I must announce that Erik Lehnsherr is no longer on the Tranquility. It would appear that he went among the missing sometime around the last jump.

[His voice is level as he relays these facts. He had hoped that Erik might have surfaced from the jump beds and gone about some project or another but as time had passed, Charles had looked more closely into the matter and found that his hope was for naught.]

I hope this means he is free of all of this and has returned to our world to continue along his path there.

[Even if that path was one that could potentially lead to war, it was better than the other possibility niggling at Charles’ mind; a possibility Charles did not want to consider too closely.

Setting aside the spoon in the mug, Charles reached up and brushed his fingers through his hair, then reached to move a pawn, pausing and then spinning the board around so he could play the other side.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Is that common? [ Sorry, he's slow. ] People disappearing during these jump things?

I am not sure if I am the best one to ask. I've only been here for the past two jumps but yes I believe there have been losses with each jump.

Well, I just got here not too long ago. Some people are being stingy with need-to-know info, and you seemed like the perfect person to ask considering. [ A wave of his hand. ] I really don't get this place.

[Charles arched an eyebrow, thinking that actually Erik was the better person to ask, before remembering that his friend was gone.]

If I can answer, I will. Was there something specific you were asking about?

Mostly just curious about the jumps and how they work. I saw some written stuff about it, but it looked a little complicated. [ To be honest, he just didn't want to read it. ] If people disappear, can they show up again on the next one?

I am afraid the 'how they work' appears to be a question many of us would like to hear a more thorough answer.

As for people disappearing and reappearing, it is my understanding that I am the third version of myself to appear on this ship, the first two disappearing before I came. However, there is a fourth version of myself currently on the ship, who came after I did.

It is rather confusing to attempt to unwind how this may be occurring but it does.

Soooo. There's two of you wandering around? [ He grins; this is all he got out of all that. ] How's that working out for you?

Ah, yes in a nutshell I suppose that is about the size of it.

So far, it has been fairly uneventful beyond trying to remember to introduce myself properly to people. Speaking of which I do not believe I have caught your name? I am Charles, Charles Xavier 007 047.

[Reeling off his number ID like that sends a shock of cold water down along his spine and Charles swallows against a sudden tightness in his throat.]

Sometimes, introductions can be a little overrated. It's nice to meet you anyway, uh. Charles. I'm Bells.

Do you want me to give you the number stamped on me? 'Cause I can. I just don't see any real point in that either. [ It doesn't disturb him much at all. He used to be an unknown face in a sea of many; it almost amuses him to be given something that's used as identification. ]

A pleasure to meet you, Bells and unless there is another one of you running around I doubt I need the further identifier.

[Charles had offered his own numbers as a quick way to distinguish himself from his twin.]

I've never seen two of me. To be honest, I don't think this boat could handle that. [ Lighten up a little, Charles. ] You have any other friends here with you?

[Not exactly a light-hearted moment, Bells. His best friend was just taken away, technically again.]

There are a few others here from what would be considered my world. My sister, the other Charles and a young man who is my student.

I have also made some friends here, on the ship.

Video

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;

video;