first tear ♫ video

[songburdened]

[ At first, there is the sound of clicking, and the video doesn't exactly show the face of its user as much as a clear view of the ground. However, before long there is the conflicted expression of a young woman--Elizabeth--whose bright expression is in wild contrast to their... questionable surroundings. ]

Good morning! It's hard to tell the time in outer space, though, isn't it? [ She looks fairly delighted, though. ] After all that time living in Columbia, I... Well, the city is in the clouds, so I never thought I could live any higher. But--!

[ The young woman twirls briefly, a positively unfailing ray of sunshine. In space. ]

I have so much to learn! I did stop by the media library, though I really do think it'll take me more time than I'd thought to get used to the format. Does anyone have any books? Ones with paper pages and spines, if they still exist in this time.

[ There's a pause and a finger raises to her lips in thought. One might notice that, on her right pinkie, there is a thimble in place of about half of the finger. ]

Oh! Of course! My name is Elizabeth, I only just woke up in this ship. I'm looking for a man named Booker DeWitt... he's sort of the roguish type, not exactly the friendliest man, but a very good friend of mine!

Comments

[voice]

[ryuuzaki]

Booker DeWitt was here, but he hasn't been in some time.

This is all completely new to you?

[voice]

[songburdened]

[ It takes her a minute to figure out how to respond to this call, but Elizabeth is quick and clever and is soon sounding disappointed into the device. ]

Really? Hmm... [ That's not encouraging, not at all. ]

Yes, I've never seen this place before. Or anything like it.

[1/2] [voice]

[ryuuzaki]

What's Columbia like? Apart from being "in the clouds," that is.

[2/2] [voice|private|100% encrypted]

[ryuuzaki]

I thought you might prefer to receive this discreetly.

[Attached: this. Her previous incarnation has revealed a lot on the network, and what she's revealed is unusual; she should be aware that it'll be common knowledge for anyone who goes looking.]

It isn't particularly uncommon to forget that you've been here. Some people remember, some people don't.

[voice ; continued encryption]

[songburdened]

Columbia is--

[ But the second message takes Elizabeth by surprise, bright eyes widening. She isn't shocked, like many would be; it's hard to be when you've studied meta and astrophysics as extensively as she has. Well, the 1912 version, anyway. Still, to a girl who can open tears to new realities... ]

So... he really was here. And I... well. Another Elizabeth, too.

[ She pauses. ]

I can't create tears, though. At least, not right now.

Video:

[but_civilization]

Welcome, Mademoiselle, Elizabeth.

[Combeferre, in spite of the facts that Jumps complicate his life for a few days after, is smiling, upon hearing the question.]

I do have a few books that have come my way, yes. They are mostly political, or scientific ones that I have been informed are fairly out of date in a few ways, though if you are interested in insects, they have some lovely cross sections, particularly of the luna moth and some of its brethren.

[And a few other sorts of novels, cheap, horrible things that the interns at the Necker had traded with each other that he is not deigning to call books by any name really.]

And I've some friends here who would more than likely know how to find them too. I'm certain you should find books soon.

Video:

[songburdened]

Bonjour! [ Oh!! The French makes her beam, all excitement and curiosity. ]

That would be wonderful. I doubt they would be outdated to me; this all seems to be very far in my future. I would love to read them, if you would let me!

Video:

[but_civilization]

I would very much like to share them. It can be difficult to find people quite so enthusiastic about some of my odder hobbies.

[Combeferre is rather pleased to have found someone new he can run ideas and theories by, really.]

It can be rather hard to tell when it comes to them. It was 1832 where I came from, but some worlds seem to have had advancement in different areas than our own. It would be interesting to compare.

Video:

[songburdened]

Odd? What are your hobbies that other people wouldn't be interested? [ He sounds perfectly pleasant to her, anyway. ]

It's 1912 in Columbia. Where I've come from. [ How strange that this ship could take people from different universes, time periods... it's amazing. Like an entire vessel with the abilities of her tears. ]

I would love to speak about it sometime.

voice;

[outofclothes]

Well, at least you're taking all of this in stride.

[Seriously though, is she high? If so, where can Stark get some of whatever she's on.]

voice;

[songburdened]

Yes, well, you might say that I'm used to things like this.

[ Really. She used to jump from one place to another by her own power. This isn't so different. ]

voice;

[outofclothes]

Then you lead a much more interesting lifestyle than I do. I can't say I thought this would ever become part of mine.

[Sorta.]

voice;

[songburdened]

I doubt very many did.

Did you also recently arrive here?

[voice]

[yardbird]

City in the clouds, huh? Can't say I'm entirely surprised. [Not after everything he's seen here, at least.]

As for books... Er, there's a library. Located on the fifth deck. I still swing by there from time to time.

[voice]

[songburdened]

Then you must have been on this ship for a while, now. [ She smiles politely, more than interested to hear everyone's stories. ]

A library, really? Wonderful, I've been wanting to learn more about... well, everything since the moment I woke up in those pods.

[voice]

[yardbird]

Y-yeah. Been 'bout... two and a half years now? I think. [And oh boy does he have STORIES.]

Well, that library's mostly reserved for books collected from various home worlds. Some're from mine. If you want some kinda record... good luck, since the media libraries don't seem to shed much light on our situation. Sorry.

[He's not even sure why he's apologizing.]

[voice]

[songburdened]

That long? [ ... Oh. She isn't sure whether to be excited or worried. ] And you haven't found a way to go back?

[ Maybe they don't want to. Maybe the ship is better than all of their lives. ]

I'd be interested in a record, but if it isn't available, I don't mind other things. I'd just like to learn more about the ship.

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[skjalf]

( my, my, they have such a lot in common! lizzie is excited, buoyant with cheer at the prospect of befriending this young woman. her smile is broader and brighter both than usual, and there is a friendly light in her eyes which is entirely genuine. )

What a happy coincidence, my lady! I am also called Elizabeth, and bear a fondness for verse and the written word. And I do happen to be in possession of a single book, properly bound.

But its content is most foreign and strange to me. ( it's twilight by stephenie meyer. yeah. )

Have you been successful in locating your roguish friend? If not, I will be glad to lend my aid to you, along with the book.

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[songburdened]

Then we really should be friends, or at least speak more often. [ Elizabeth also smiles brightly, hands linked behind her back. Well, one is, as the other is holding the device. ]

I was told that he had been here before, but he isn't now. Actually, I... apparently was also here, but I don't remember it.

[ And what strange things her other self had said, too. Things that Elizabeth shouldn't know, or hear. ]

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[skjalf]

I should like that very much indeed. ( her own expression brightens, her cheer always augmented by that of others. )

It is entirely possible, my lady. We do not seem to recall this place when we depart, or if we should return.

video »

[songburdened]

Wonderful! [ Well, off to a good start with one person, at least! ]

Really? How... [ She trails off. Memories really are fickle, aren't they? ] How do you know?

[longaevus]

I only wish that a book had come with me.

( Paper books are forever her preference over anything electronic )

But at least not all hope is lost on being able to read here.

[songburdened]

Well, there is a library that you can visit! Unless there isn't anything there that interests you?

[ She nods, knowingly. ]

I can imagine the trip wouldn't be nearly so exciting if you couldn't read along the way. There's just so much to learn!

[longaevus]

I hadn't thought to look for it yet. Surprisingly I hadn't expected that a library might be here.

( Although libraries were everywhere, why not be in space too? )

It certainly seems as though we won't lack for time to read.

[songburdened]

I wouldn't have thought of it, either, but someone mentioned it to me and I had to see for myself. You should visit, it's really becoming my favorite place on the ship.

[ She's been here... what, a day? So that isn't saying much, but it is nice to have things to read on board. ]

I've had more than enough time to read before, though. I'd like to help out with the ship, if I can,