voice || username: JOHANNA

[axeyou]

So since no one else is going to talk about it...

Let's do a vote. Show of hands. How many of you think we're all alone here? A whole planet of pretty woods, jut for us. And how many of you think that we can't be alone. Maybe there's some city out there. Too bad you can't leave the camp.

And how many of you think that we're, like, totally surrounded. I hear that's a thing. Because there's spears, and they're stealing from us. Blah, blah. Tell me something real. If there's someone out there? I'd like to get to them first. I'd like to think everyone would agree with me, but I'm sure I'd be wrong.

Actually, you know what I'd love? I'd love for them to come by and try to get at my stuff. Consider this an invitation.

Comments

[axeyou]

[She talks over him, to (again, helpfully) correct him:]

It's Johanna. [Ma'am. Please.] And has there been? What's the miscommunication? Now you're not taking me out?

[noman]

Johanna. [Yes, all right, as you wish.] If you need an escort to some part of the main camp or one of the local landmarks, or if you've lost your way, I can certainly assist—

[axeyou]

[INTERRUPTING AGAIN:]

I'd love an escort. See? That wasn't hard. I've got to go take a look at this little crash site, but when I get back? You can wait that long, can't you?

[noman]

[If this were a video exchange, she would be witnessing the slow decline of his good-natured expression, although his voice remains much the same.]

Of course. My days are split between the science and medical stations, so it should be easy enough to find me. Might I ask where we'll be headed?

[axeyou]

Wow, I have to pick where, too? You're not very good at this, are you.

[Not that she's deterred. She might not even be deterred if this was a video exchange.]

There's a nice ship wreckage. Picked through there yet?

[noman]

[Pardon you, he excels at everything he does.]

The Tranquility? Yes. More than once. [If she's quick on the draw, maybe he cuts her off this time:] If you aren't really in need of assistance, you might save us both the trouble. Ma'am.

[axeyou]

[everything except planning dates, obviously. And he does cut her off; she was going to say something and then he's charging on ahead. Which she doesn't appreciate.

A pause, this time, instead of an interruption. O.K.]

I'm never in need of assistance, big guy. You went more than once, huh? What were you looking for?

[noman]

[Big guy? David glances to either side, as if a strange girl might be there. Even though it's absurd. Anyway she has only herself to blame.]

Scientific equipment. Medical supplies. Nothing frivolous, I'm afraid.

[axeyou]

Uh-huh. Any weapons? Or are those too frivolous?

[noman]

Most people don't keep their weapons in the medical bay.

[Not conventional ones, anyway. He did find one weapon that was also a person, but doesn't say that in case he's listening.]

Do you think a stockpile will help?

[axeyou]

Most people are idiots.

[In case you didn't know.]

I think it's smart to keep a weapon everywhere you need. Which is everywhere. A stockpile is better than none. I bet they have weapons.

[noman]

Yes. They have spears. [He's warming up again, barely.] Along with whatever they stole from the camp... and the masks as well, I suppose, if you believe there's only one culprit behind it all.

[axeyou]

That would make it really easy. Is that what you believe?

[noman]

I believe we won't know till we find out.

[axeyou]

Mm-hmm. And I'd love to find out sooner, instead of later. Like, too late "later". Except first, I'd like to get my hands on more weapons. I already got my favorites out of that stinking wreck, but I could always use some more.

How about it?

[noman]

You can access the ship's secure areas?

[axeyou]

I can access a lot.

[wink wink, or something.]

And if I can't get to it, I don't have a problem with cutting off the arm of someone who can.

[noman]

[He stops transmitting just long enough to breathe deeply and sigh. Hell, why not.]

Let's hope that won't be necessary.

[axeyou]

Aww. I was kind of hoping for the opposite. Maybe we're not so compatible after all.

[She sighs too, but hers is clearly fake.]

Don't worry. I'll still call you.

[noman]

[If only she knew.]

I hadn't thought to worry. [To be taken as she will.] Enjoy your excursion, Ms Johanna.