☞001; video

[invigor]

[Well, hell. Is this thing on? It better be, or he's going to look awful funny talking to himself for next minute or two.

Needless to say, Booker is still getting used to his strange, newfangled communication device. The video is a little shaky at first, but it evens out after a moment or two of fumbling. And it's then you can see the man's face -- he looks tired, especially around the eyes, but he seems to be toughing it out. Frustration is etched into his frown, but his tone is relatively even and straight to the point.]

Name's Booker DeWitt, and I'm not gonna waste anyone's time. Got a few questions, in order of importance. I'd be much obliged to anyone willing to answer what they can.

[With that preface out of the way, he presses on:]

Anyone seen a girl named Elizabeth? [Here you can hear a little concern out of him, but he doesn't pause long enough to let it settle.] Blue and white dress, short brown hair. Might be stickin' her nose in other people's business. If you have, let me know.

Secondly -- I don't know how things work around here, if anyone gives a damn about money or trade -- but where does someone find ammunition in a place like this?

[This time there is a notable pause. Thirdly:] Or something to drink?

Comments

[certainproclivity]

If it's any consolation, we don't see many firefights here.

[invigor]

But you're not about to tell me that I've stumbled upon a peaceful utopia, are you?

[certainproclivity]

I wouldn't dream of it. Most of the threats here tend to be purely psychological in nature, barring the odd pirate invasion or beasts in the belly of the ship.

[invigor]

[...well ain't that just what he wanted to hear. Psychological threats? Just the sound of that makes him look a little more weary, more so than... "pirates" or "beasts".]

...'Course. Can't nothing be easy.

So this place messes with your head?

[certainproclivity]

It can. Avoid the uninhabited areas of the ship and you'll be spared some of it.

[invigor]

And why exactly might that be?

[certainproclivity]

Those who don't have a tendency to go mad.

[invigor]

Not sure exactly where my 'tendencies' lie on the scale of madness, but I'll keep it in mind.

[certainproclivity]

See that you do. I'm certain you'll find out what lies out there soon enough- those that are foolish enough to take the risk tend to come back willing to share their findings. It's understanding them that's difficult.

[invigor]

[He frowns, taking that in for a second before he responds.] And what is it they go on about when they return?

[certainproclivity]

It varies. Mostly they all end up with varying opinions on the one they all call Smiley.

[invigor]

Heard of 'em. Did a little digging on the network in my free time, and needless to say I'm not sure what to make of this 'Smiley'.

[Other than the fact that, yeah, it's a bit creepy.]

[certainproclivity]

You and everyone else who still has their wits. He's certainly fascinating, but hardly anyone I want to engage on my own.

[He has Neal for that.]

[invigor]

He dangerous?

[certainproclivity]

Only in the sense that he's charismatic, apparently. [Sark doesn't see it, but hell if he knows what's going on with the Smiley converts.]