[ VIDEO ]

[embellishing]

[When the video transmission starts, there’s a rather neat and tidy man in a suit, seated in one of the passenger quarters.]

I’ll give it to this place, this has to be one of the oddest awakenings I’ve had. Still doesn’t beat Nepal though…

[The last part is muttered, almost to himself, before he turned back to the camera, all business.]

Not to ask the same question twice, but I’d like to go home as much as the next person, so perhaps I’ll save on some of the legwork and reach out. How can I help make sure this ship reaches its destination in one piece? I do have military training and my information gathering skills can be useful.

[There’s a small pause, and then he smiles, a small almost innocent look.]

Also I’m rather decent at poker, if that will help us any. So, who’s recruiting?

Comments

[embellishing]

[This man's recognition startles him for a short moment, before he's looking at the camera a bit more closely. He's rather positive he hasn't introduced himself to this man, but perhaps there are workings about this network that he hasn't been made aware of yet.]

Sorry, do we know each other?

[That's the most pressing issue.]

[redhotsummers]

It's a long story.

But yeah, I knew you. A--a version of you.

[He'll try to make this as un-awkward as possible. Not that it's easy.]

[embellishing]

[A version of him? Now he has his attention.]

I do love long stories. We were on good terms?

[He would hope so, though now he wondered if there was any point in secrecy at all. If he had been here before, did people already know his sundry of talents?]

[redhotsummers]

...it's not a story I'm telling over this device.

[But he would meet in person.]

You could say that.

[He's being cryptic. But it's hard to tell a guy that he learned to fistfight from him, and slept on his couch for months.]

[embellishing]

[Now he's really interested.]

Whenever and wherever you feel comfortable, I'd be more than happy to listen.

[He'll drop it for now though, but he's definitely making a mental note of this man's face.]

So, why security?

[redhotsummers]

I got time this month, as long as nothing insane happens.

Might even have a bottle of whisky sitting around.

[A beat, then a shrug.]

Because you have more of a reason to beat people up? I think there is armory too. Which might be up your alley too.

[embellishing]

People keep mentioning the need for patrols and the like, yet no one's really explained. Insane how, exactly?

[The mention of whiskey makes him grin however, and he cool his suspicions for a bit.]

Sounds like a plan.

[While Eames doesn't mind fighting, he would prefer not to when given the chance.]

That affiliated with gunnery? And what department do you belong to?

[redhotsummers]

Seeing dead people who try to get you killed.

Having a red smiley face give you hints.

Have memories not your own slammed into your mind.

[you know. Things you're used to, Eames.]

Yeah--gunnery. Don't really have much use for guns.

I'm in security.

[embellishing]

[Well goody, if the dreaming industry will do anything other than make you a wanted criminal and wealthy, it's that it will also prepare you for a bunch of insane scenarios.

His expression is neutral, though he does give a small laugh when he admits what department he's with.]

With all those risks it's no wonder security is so quick to try and recruit. How do you like it?

[redhotsummers]

...pretty good?

[He shrugs.]

It works for me. Better than any of the other sectors, at least. I like trying to protect people.

[embellishing]

[That's a rather noble assertion. Eames can't remember the last person he met who he could call noble, and he's curious to know how they became acquainted.]

That's impressive. Not many are so unselfish.

[Because Eames' tends to put his survival over most others.]

[redhotsummers]

Maybe I just think I have things to atone for.

[He doesn't think it's unselfish. It helps him protect those he cares about.]

[embellishing]

[While that is a rather selfish motivation, it's not the worst. Odd too, since he looks so young. He's curious as to what sins he felt he has committed.]

That's a rather heavy burden to carry. And being in security is helping?

[Him or the other passengers, it's an ambiguous question.]

[redhotsummers]

Yeah, it's helping a little bit. Saved a few lives, so far.

[So it's a start.]

[embellishing]

I'm glad.

[That might be the most sincere sentence he's uttered since he got here. It must be the fact that this man already knows him and will still deign to speak with him.

That aside, he'll keep the mood light.]

Though if you've known me, surely you knew you should have gotten a poker night started. I'm a bit dismayed, truth be told.

[redhotsummers]

[Alex smirks.]

You had just started teaching me. Wasn't really looking to see these people clean my pockets out like you used to.

[embellishing]

[That'll get a chuckle out of Eames.]

Well we can pick up the lessons where you last left off, if you like. If the people here are any good, then it'll be better to have a pair.

[redhotsummers]

That works for me. [He smiles.] Definitely up for it.

[embellishing]

Fantastic.

[And then a small, thoughtful pause.]

Though it's a bit odd that you know my name and I don't know yours.

[redhotsummers]

Alex Summers. Some people just call me Havok.

[embellishing]

Havok? What is the story behind that nickname?

[redhotsummers]

I run with a group that has codenames. [He shrugs.] Not much different from the Extractor, the Architect...the Forger.

[embellishing]

[Eames is the last one to judge on odd group names, most definitely.]

It sounds a lot more dashing and deadly at any rate. Do you prefer Havok or Alex?

[He should probably know these things.]

[redhotsummers]

Alex. None of us really go by our code names, here.

[embellishing]

It's a pleasure meeting you, Alex.

[He hopes such a standard phrase can be forgiven, since it is technically his first time meeting him.]

Oh? Are there a lot of your team here?