(no subject)

[that_cost]

[ There's the sound of something being fumbled, a grumble and a few swears, and the screen goes blank. Someone hit the off switch. Oops.

Oh, look, now it's back on and the teenager on screen looks like she could use a sandwich or two. And she looks mildly annoyed, and wary. There's a look about her that says maybe she's seen far, far too much bullshit and she's not as young as she looks because of it.

Oh well, that doesn't matter, because now she's talking. The walls of the small room she's renting for now on the beach is behind her and the background noise is people yelling and screaming and being generally ridiculous.]

Okay. So uh...[ A nosewrinkle. Talking to this thing is not exactly high on her list of things to give a flying fuck about, that much is clear, but somehow she talks herself into it. ]

Names Leigh. Leigh Manders.
[ It's really not, but she says it confidently enough that it damn well may actually be her name. ]

Hi. I'm new. Also, water is wet. In case anyone wanted me to point out another obvious fact.

[ Pay no attention to the teen that seems totally down with making fun of herself, ridiculous smirk on her face before it shifts to something serious. ]

I may have an important question that I'm hoping I get answers to. See, I've got a problem. Embarrassing as it is to admit? I haven't set foot inside an actual classroom since I was about...hmm...nine? Nine years old. My family...my dad and I had to travel a lot so there was a lot of homeschooling, but I can't help but feel there are gaps in my education.

Who can I talk to about fixing this? I know I can go to the library and do what I can there, but who can actually help me with filling in those gaps. Nathan Drake said he was assigned teacher and I have faith in him but like I said. Nine years old when last I was in a public school and a shaky stint as a home schooler. Might need more than Nathan.

[ A pause and another crooked smile, shoulders shrugging for a second. ]

That's all. Thank you.

[ And she shuts the MID off. ]

Comments

[that_cost]

I am definitely considering it.

[ Consider that a yes, sir. ]

I didn't catch your name?

[hyperkinesia]

[ Excellent. More people need to be into science. ]

I didn't say it. Sorry. I'm Bruce Banner. Just Bruce is fine.

[that_cost]

Good to meet you, Bruce. And, again, thank you. I really do appreciate what you're doing for me.

[hyperkinesia]

Don't mention it. Is there anything else I can help with? I don't know if I'd call myself an expert but I've been on board for a while, so I might be able to answer other questions you might have.

just so you know, i love these two already.

[that_cost]

How long is 'a while'? Is there anything I need to keep in mind while I'm here? Anything about the people or anything that's happened?

yes excellent

[hyperkinesia]

Eight months. The people who've been here longest have nine months on them, so it's nearly the same. [ She likely won't find anyone on board who can tell her for sure what happened before then, since the only ones would be the captains and not everyone is inclined to believe what they would say about that. ]

There are always things you should keep in mind. I'm... actually, didn't you get the introductory file when you first arrived? I wrote it with the intention of it being delivered to all new arrivals. It probably doesn't cover everything, but it's a solid start, I think. Then we can go from there.

[that_cost]

I did, but... I was having a mild panic attack when I got here, so I kinda...haven't touched it. Yet.

[ Charlie's tone is that of a kid caught not doing their homework. But, in her defense, her panic attacks aren't all that pretty. ]

But I'll look at it soon.

[hyperkinesia]

That's fine. It's not like it's mandatory reading or anything.

[ Bruce really wasn't going for disapproving teacher there, so he offers that with a brief smile. ] But it covers some basics, and I like to think it's helpful. So when you get the time, take a look? It might answer at least some of your questions.