video;

[sketchycharacter]

[It's been a while since Nate's addressed the network directly—not since the ACE was a TAB—and his generally deflated demeanor indicates that he's not doing so because he's in a great mood and wants to share it.

He won't volunteer the information, but the people closest to him will already know why if he's had a chance to let them know. His brother's gone.]

So it's been a couple months since we got dumped here, and flooding aside, this place is less of a shithole now, which is great. Maybe now that we're not rushing around as much trying to make it livable, I've got a question to consider: what the fuck is going on around here?

[He spreads his fingers wide for a moment before dropping his hands.]

Not that any of us have an answer. If you do, you're an asshole for not sharing sooner.

But none of this makes any sense. The Ingress reached into different worlds and yanked us through, sure. Makes sense in a bad sci-fi sort of way. But then the one they had here blew up and people are still showing up. Creepy light shows up and people are getting sent home. [His jaw tightens for a moment.] I hope. And that's without getting into any of the other bullshit that's happened.

For once I'd like something to happen that makes sense. Just for a few minutes. Is that too much to ask?

[Yeah, probably.]

❧ 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?