008 -- video;

[jilt]

[ irene's not sitting in her room, she's sitting in someone else's. namely, the room that once belonged to her version of sherlock holmes. on her index finger are three gold rings that she fidgets idly with while she speaks. ]

I see our very own cautionary tale has graced us with an echo. For those newly arrived, I'd say pay attention to that, and note what happens if you don't get yourself into a pod before the jump time. It leaves in quite a mess, or so I'm told.

[ there's a clink of rings as she shakes them off, letting them fall onto the side table, edging them lightly into place with her fingertips. ]

Now, having that settled, I suppose I'd ask an introduction on the part of those newly arrived. All those newly arrived. In all the chaos of your arrival, it's only polite that we all introduce ourselves. We are to be living in rather close quarters for the foreseeable future, are we not?

Comments

[heister]

Daniel Ocean.

Danny.

[jilt]

Daniel.

[ which is a tone of voice that means the matter is settled. so no, no danny for you. ]

And how are you finding our little ship thus far?

[heister]

( it makes him smile. a woman who knows what she wants. reminds him of someone. )

About as cozy as one might find it when they see it for the first time.

( not really. )

Maybe I should ask you questions, too.

[jilt]

And you think me generous enough to hand you answers? I don't believe that's how this game is played.

[heister]

( an easy smile. )

I don't think anything of your unwillingness to provide answers, ma'am. ( her responses are very telling enough, though he doesn't say that. ) That was your third question.

[jilt]

Everyone thinks something. But I admire a man who can keep his cards close to the chest, so to speak.

And I've seventeen more. Perhaps I should keep them for later, when I think of more essential questions.

[heister]

That's not quite how the game works, either, but I suppose since we're making our own rules...

[jilt]

Are you the sort to put great stock in the rules, Daniel?

[heister]

( his own, yes. )

As with any other person, that depends on the rules. Some are too stringent for my tastes.

[jilt]

And others?

[heister]

Flexible.

[jilt]

Flexible. I like that in a man, Daniel.

[ you're in, buddy ]

[heister]

( yeahhh buddy. )

That's a relief. Here I thought you were going to dislike me.

[jilt]

And whyever would I dislike you?

[heister]

You tell me. I know some people aren't too fond of those who don't follow the rules to the letter.

[jilt]

I hope I don't strike you as a woman overly fond of the rules.

[heister]

There's nothing wrong with making sure of that, is there?

[jilt]

Not inherently, no.

[heister]

That would depend on the person, wouldn't it? For some, it is.

[jilt]

I like to think there's not such a great difference from person to person.

[heister]

Because it makes them easier to understand?

[jilt]

That's one way to put it, yes.

[heister]

Then you must count yourself lucky, if you find someone who stands out from the pack.

[jilt]

Extremely so. You can't imagine how rare it is to encounter such a thing.