first brief ✆ video ✔ because the truth is hard to swallow that's what the war of love is for

[firms]

[ The comms turn on and Rachel's face can be seen. She looks calm, confident and put together. Even though, on the inside, she might be anything but. ]

Hi.

[ Rachel doesn't ask for help often - or, at all. So, she's not quite sure how to go about this. ]

I have a few [ how shall she put this ] questions. I'm new and I'm used to being the one who knows everything. [ except how to be modest ] I'm a paralegal [ because she refuses to use past tense ] and I know the ins and outs of the firm I work for. The associates, other paralegals - they all came to me for help. Granted, I've worked there for five years. [ As their best paralegal ever, but the network doesn't... need to know that. There's such thing as some modesty. ] For the first time in a long time I find myself with more questions then answers.

Hopefully, that's where you come in. If you wouldn't mind taking some time to answer a few questions?

First, I haven't been that impressed with the food here. It might be that I'm eating the wrong thing. And I haven't made it down to the oxygen gardens yet. Are their any chefs on board? Or, is there anyone familiar with food? [ a smile. ] Good food?

encrypted to Neal Caffery 20% ]

I can't take advantage of your entire stash.

public ]

Second. Is there a way to transfer information from the datapads in the library onto my phone? I've been doing a lot of reading but I've been stuck in the library. There's nothing wrong with it, it's actually quite remarkable but... I'd like the option of reading somewhere else. Maybe the common room or my room.

Third. Things... happened a few days ago. Is there anything I shouldn't be doing? I got the basic rundown from several people my first week here. You can never be too safe, right?

Four. And it's less of a question and more of an apology... For those of you who know Mike Ross, I'm sorry. He's - well, you get used to him. So, if he's done anything to you or said anything to you [ or generally been himself at all ] just, please accept this blanket apology.

[ because she may have spent some time looking up conversations between Mike and people and wow, Mike, you fail at being a human being but why would that be different then in space? and maybe this is sort of flirty and needly - she may not be divulging voice mail details but she's only human. mike ross pushes her buttons. so she's pushing his ]

Okay. I think that's it. Oh, my name is Rachel, for those who haven't met me.

encrypted to previous cr 100% hackable ]

What is there to do around here? [ she stops before saying fun because what is fun to Rachel but trying new foods and traveling when she can? oh, and leading men on. ]

encrypted to Donna Paulsen 10% ]

How is it that I've been here a week, we live on the same crazy space ship, and we haven't seen each other? I'm thinking drinks. I hear there's a bar.

Comments

[executiveassistant]

[..this is the flattest look.]

Yes, it's exactly the vacation I've always wanted.

What do you think?

[firms]

I think you seem well-adjusted. I think you can see the best in any situation. And you're the queen of adaptation. I bet you already have a network of informants.

[ not to mention the network itself. ]

Your very own Norma.

[executiveassistant]

[...rachel, flattery will get you everywhere. Their second drinks come, and Donna traces the rim of her glass with an idle finger.]

I'm the queen of everything, of course.

[...and a slight sigh.]

Okay, you caught me. I've been building a network of spies to stage a hostile takeover.

[she's joking.

she's also joking about being completely on top of things--but she'll let Rachel believe what she wants to believe, because--]

If I can do it, so can you.

[firms]

[ Rachel huffs a small laugh, taking her glass in her hand. ]

Be you. I can be you. [ Really? ] There's only one Donna Paulsen.

[ But, it's not like she wasn't aware of a lot that went on back at Pearson Hardman. ]

[executiveassistant]

Hey now. Watch it.

[She's amused though.]

I didn't say you could be me. I said you could do what I've done, if you put your mind to it.

[firms]

Tomorrow. First thing. I'm going to start meeting people.

But, first I'll track someone down to help me learn a better encryption process.

[executiveassistant]

[and she smiles.]

Good! That's much better.

I've heard Tony Stark is on this ship.

[oh god fourth wall.]

[firms]

Him too?

[executiveassistant]

Point being, he's a tech whiz. Go schmooze up to the tech whizzes if you want better filters for your sci-phone.

[firms]

I think I will. Our lives now involve Tony Stark and Bruce Wayne.

[executiveassistant]

[Her expression is instantly intrigued (and a good deal amused.]

Ooh. The old Iron Man-Batman debate. Who would you go to for tech help, then?

Now that this is a legitimate question.

[yes this is her life now.]

[firms]

... I've only talked to Bruce and I think I like the guy. A little full of himself and he has way too much time on his hands. But, maybe my answer will change once I meet Tony Stark.

You could always introduce me.

[ It's the best life. ]

[executiveassistant]

I could, if I'd met him myself.

You could always introduce me to Bruce Wayne.

[firms]

You're right. I could.

[executiveassistant]

Is that a 'yes I'll get right on that, Donna' or a 'I could but I won't'.

[firms]

It's an, 'if you ask nicely.'

[executiveassistant]

Pretty sure I did that already.

[yeah really]

[firms]

Donna. Of course I'll introduce you to Bruce Wayne.

[executiveassistant]

[c:!]

Good answer. Thank you, Rachel. I will look forward to that.

[Ahem]

Alright, now what space alcohol do we brave next?

[firms]

You really will.

[ what? he's charming. ]

Does space have wine?

[executiveassistant]

[yeah she's noticing. well then. hello, bruce wayne--

but she purses her lips at that.]

Space has rotten grape juice, if you consider that to be the same thing.

[firms]

I don't. Scotch?

[executiveassistant]

Nothing special, but also not bad to the point of rotten grapes.

Go ahead, order them. And then we'll call it a night. Gotta get your beauty sleep in space hell.

[firms]

Coming right up.

[ And after she orders. ]

I'm not going to tell him.

[executiveassistant]

Yes, I know.

[She considered that and is not surprised that Rachel would think so, and, well--]

It might be for the better, at least as far as things stand now.