001 ◈ video;

[requestrequire]

[ The man who appears on the screen is approximately in his mid-twenties. His expression is carefully neutral, and he seems to have taken the time to find somewhere to sit down before turning the camera on. When he speaks, it's in a voice that suggests he's used to recording messages for complete strangers.I get the sense that this is standard

Comments

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[habitformed]

NOT CONFUSED ENOUGH.

PLS TRY AGAIN.

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[requestrequire]

[ Just a raised eyebrow at first and then dead-pan: ]

I'm sorry. Where am I? What's going on? What is this place?

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[habitformed]

[ Just for humoring, Mouse flicks the feed on his end of the line and delivers his usual delighted smile. ]

Better.

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[requestrequire]

[ Gregor smiles back, but it's restrained as per usual. ]

Happy to be of service. The alternative was demanding to be taken to your leader, I suppose.

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[habitformed]

[ This, of course, gets Mouse to make large eyes at the device. He's met princesses and Greek heroes, but never-- ]

An alien? Oooooooooooh.

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[requestrequire]

[ Amusement on Gregor is always subtle, but he is definitely amused right now. ]

I think it's a safe bet that I'm from a different planet, yes. But if that's the only qualification, it sounds like a lot of people here qualify as aliens.

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[habitformed]

[ Mouse holds up a finger, as if he's going to debate this point in full. This, however, being Mouse means his argument is two words on the outside. ]

New York?

[ As in, do you have one? Because clearly this is the line drawn in the sand between aliens or not. ]

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[requestrequire]

[ Gregor's eyebrows draw together just a bit. ]

That sounds vaguely familiar. [ He squints as he tries to remember, and then his expression lightens. ] An old Earth city, wasn't it?

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[habitformed]

[ Mouse nods, eagerly, and then points at himself. ]

Earthling. Hellooooooo.

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[requestrequire]

[ Gregor places a hand on his chest. ]

Barrayaran. Nice to meet you.

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[habitformed]

Bar-ra. Yar. ....an?

[ Mouse tests out the word and manages to mangle it only mildly ]

Neato.

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[requestrequire]

[ Gregor gives a nod of encouragement/approval. ]

Usually the accent would give me away, but it sounds like you've never heard of us?

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[habitformed]

[ Mouse looks into the camera somewhat sympathetically. ]

Sound like a Bond villain, [ he explains, but ultimately shakes his head no. ]

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[requestrequire]

[ Gregor gives a small snort, even if doesn't get the reference. ]

I promise I'm not a villain, no matter what anyone says. But I don't know what a Bond is.

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[habitformed]

A badass, [ Mouse says, matter-of-factly, another hint of a smile touching his mouth. He points at himself again. ]

Mouse. Hi.

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[requestrequire]

[ And again Gregor mimics the move by touching his own chest. ]

I'm Gregor. Or you can call me Greg. Whichever you'd prefer.