❧ 006 [video]

[shadowblends]

[Okay, let's be fair, when he finally gets the ACE's video up and going, his expression looks more exasperated than it should. In his defense, though, awaking from cryogenic sleep and trudging through flooded areas hadn't been an expectation, so he reserves the right to feel a little off-kilter.]

So, [Kurt starts, managing to keep the irritation out of his voice.] When did the water show up? Recently, I'd imagine, or else there'd be more debris floating about. [Cue a bizarre sounding trill that's reminiscent of an animal noise.]

I know, I know. [His gaze becomes downcast, free hand grasping the zipper tab below his throat and lowering it, allowing a pint-sized, yellow triceratops to poke its head up over the opening.] We're almost back to the unit, so be patient. [Another sound of protest, which Nightcrawler simply narrows his eyes at.]

Anyway, [a sigh before he continues,] I'm mobile once again.

What did I miss?

Comments

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[culver]

Kurt! Are you okay?

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[shadowblends]

just cold and a little groggy, but fine, otherwise!
how are things on your end?

[then, there's the sudden realization--] OH NO
i really hope my plant didn't die

[culver]

Do you need a change of clothes or anything? I'm glad you are okay.

I watered it don't worry.

[shadowblends]

[aw, nill, you're way too kind!] actually, that would be great! it's a relief to know that you are still here.

ah! thank you so much.
you're amazing, nill.

[culver]

Don't worry I will find some for you. I'm just glad you're alright.

[shadowblends]

i reiterate: you're amazing!
me too.

do you happen to know if anyone's found out why we've been flooded?

[culver]

I just want to help. And no I don't think so.

[shadowblends]

that's unfortunate, but i'm sure we'll figure it out!
i know you do. you're so kind, nill.
is there anything i can offer in return?

[culver]

I can't think of anything right now but if I do I will let you know. Thank you.

[shadowblends]

you're welcome and hey, sounds like a plan to me!

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[beeped]

Kurt! My dude! Oh man, you fuckin' missed so much, man. So fuckin' much. First we had this massive blowout party. It went on for days.

But then, tragically, I got into a freak Sea-Doo accident. Lost both my legs, but I've got some sweet ass light up wheels to get me around.

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[shadowblends]

[No one can tell him that Richie isn't imaginative, that's for sure.] For days? And I still missed out? What a shame! We'll have to have another one for my return.

So, are these just wheels or did someone set you up with something like prosthetics on skates? Either way, be careful— you don't want to lose your new limbs, too. [And honestly? He sounds (and looks) pretty serious.]

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[beeped]

For sure! [It's far from the truth of what happened, but it's a better version of events.] We'll throw you the biggest party. Where were you anyway?

The wheels are like... strapped in at my knees. I really gotta work on my balance so I don't fall over. But you know those stick you use for skiing? I've got those to help me.

[To his credit, he's managing to sound serious too, even if it's all absolutely ludicrous.]

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[shadowblends]

Wunderbar! [He raises an arm, gesturing offhandedly at something Richie can't see onscreen.] The Medbay.

[To be fair, if he didn't know any better, he'd actually believe this tale that the younger boy is spinning.] You know, that seems like a pretty ingenious way to teach someone how to skate.

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[sketchycharacter]

Pretty recently. It was a special surprise for you to wake up to.

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[shadowblends]

Just for me? The pipes must be trying to offer a late Christmas gift of some sort.

[He chuckles because hey, he thinks he's clever.]

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[sketchycharacter]

Hey, the calendar isn't the same as Earth here. It could be space Christmas. You don't know.

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[shadowblends]

Well, you got me there. On Thisavrou, the days were different, so who am I to say it isn't different here, too?

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[sketchycharacter]

I make excellent points. Hell, we could make our own holidays. Not like anyone's going to tell us otherwise. You could make one up right now.

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[shadowblends]

[Kurt pauses mid-step on his way down the hall, partly to readjust his dinosaur again, but also because of this sudden realization.]

Maybe we should, [he decides.] Like, something between New Year's and Valentine's Day.

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[sketchycharacter]

Works for me. There's gotta be a signature holiday food, though. If we've got enough good stuff for that.

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[shadowblends]

Hrm ... We might? It'd be something to check out first. Then, if we have enough, we go from there!

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[sketchycharacter]

Sounds like a plan, pal.

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[shadowblends]

Oh. [Because they got caught up with holidays and food--] I'm Kurt, by the way.

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[sketchycharacter]

Nathan Drake. Nate.

[No handshake through the ACE, so he gives a little wave instead.]

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[shadowblends]

[Kurt dips his head in return, but only because his hands are busy with recapturing the miniature triceratops attempting to escape.]

Nice to meet you, Nathan. [Pause.] Or would you prefer Nate?

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[sketchycharacter]

[Good luck with that, buddy. He chuckles.]

My friends call me Nate. The people who don't like me so much call me Drake.

[Provides a nice scale of measurement.]

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[shadowblends]

[It's a squirmy thing! The blue boy prevails, though, by gently easing it back into his coat and yanking the zipper up.] Hah, [Kurt huffs with triumph.

Then, his attention is back on Nathan, fangs gleaming.] Nate it is, then.