008 [ Video ]

[simplyobserving]

[ The screen shows the inside of Riyaz's house, which is no longer as sparse as it once was. Clearly he's been taking the time to Bend some more furniture. What really stands out, though, is the modestly-sized Christmas tree standing in one corner. It's not decorated much, but there are lights on it. Riyaz stands next to it, looking pleased. ]This

Comments

Action!

[brb_journalism]

[Look who's come out of her room? She's carrying two cups of hot cocoa--ever since the city gave everyone some, she's kind of been addicted.]

Did you bend those lights yourself, Riyaz?

Re: Action!

[simplyobserving]

Yes, I did. I've never decorated for this holiday before, though, so I'm not sure I did it right. I like the look of it, though.

[ sees the cocoa ] Ah, you made hot chocolate?

Action!

[brb_journalism]

[After a moment of looking at the ornaments herself...] Neither have I, but it looks nice.

Mmhmm. I was bored, so I figured I'd come out and check on you. I hope I haven't been in your way too much.

Action!

[simplyobserving]

Not at all! There's plenty of room.

Though you did bring more than I expected. Your notes are quite extensive, I'm impressed.

[brb_journalism]

[She nods at that, moving over to hand Riyaz one of the mugs.]

I haven't tried bending a computer yet...and hand-written notes feel safe to me. My shorthand is pretty much another language.

[simplyobserving]

[ He accepts it, smiling. ] Thank you.

Yes, I can certainly see why you would want to keep things like that confidential. I always did.

...though to be honest, I haven't kept any records on Nautilus. I suppose I didn't see the point of trying if I couldn't return to Tetherius... [ A slight frown crosses his face briefly, but he clears his expression quickly, taking a sip of cocoa. ] That's very good.

[brb_journalism]

To be honest, I'm still lacking a lot of information on Nautilus itself--it's just the people I'm interested in at this point. Some seem dangerous, some seem to be in danger. I feel like having at least some reference to go off of will help me in the long run.

[She's going to sit down on a couch, since they're chatting.]

Thanks, though I only used bending. Tetherius is the name of your world, then?

[simplyobserving]

It is a more dangerous place than it would first appear, isn't it? That's a very good strategy. In my experience, knowledge is one of the best weapons.

[ He sinks down into an armchair behind him. ] Yes. Technically Tetherius-1, but not many call us that. It's a peaceful place. I miss it, but... I often have long stays in other dimensions, so I'm used to being away. When I woke, it was from Earth.

[brb_journalism]

Yes, it is. Some of the individuals here are kind of frightening, but there's nothing that can be done about that. It seems people are dangerous everywhere I go.

[She sighs and pauses--she did leave her home during a war of sorts.] I miss my home as well. Though, to be honest, I might miss work more than anything.

[simplyobserving]

It can be rather easy to feel... directionless here. I suppose so much of my life has been focused on Tetherius that it was difficult to adjust.

...I do know one thing, though. All of what I've done before has been to preserve Tetherius's peace. I have resolved to do the same here, as much as I can, though at the moment it isn't much. There are so many things in this city out of any of our control, after all.

[brb_journalism]

Directionless almost feels like an understatement. I feel like all I can do is watch and wait...when I'm not doing field work. Snow makes it more difficult to do that, though, and with the stalker out there...

[She sighs again, thinking some more.] I agree; keeping the peace is definitely a goal of mine, but...I haven't been here long, though, and bonds seem to be strong amongst those who have been here longer.

[simplyobserving]

I suppose I have the advantage there with my clairvoyance, though it isn't as strong as it should be yet. Still makes it easier to keep an eye on the Eastern District, at least.

[ He smiles slightly. ] That's true - it's more difficult without allies - but it's also far easier for a newcomer to stay under the radar. You might find that useful at the moment.

[brb_journalism]

Clairvoyance? ...Well, I didn't know anything about that. Can you tell me more? ...Of course, if you don't want to, that's fine as well.

[She nods and smiles back.] I don't know how well I've done for staying under the radar--I've interviewed Sir Megatron and been to the Western District more than once.

[simplyobserving]

I'm a psychic. That meant ... much more at home than it does here, but essentially I can see what's going on in other locations. My vision is still quite fuzzy here, though.

...I would appreciate it if you kept this quiet, though. I don't think it's a good idea to let this become common knowledge, not right now.

Megatron, huh? He's the Cybertronian who took control of that district, isn't that right? Interesting. I haven't yet set foot there, myself.

[brb_journalism]

Oh, no, don't worry--I won't even write it down. I wouldn't want something like that getting out. It might be our trump card now.

Yes--for all the negative things I've heard about him, he is cordial and he is willing to talk. I can at least appreciate that much.

[simplyobserving]

It may well do some good in my investigation of that stalker. I can't see clearly into the Western District yet, but I have been training, so my range should improve. It's frustrating being unable to use my powers like I'm accustomed to.

He does seem genuinely interested in the safety of his district, even if his methods are questionable at times. I can respect that. He may be harsh, but I do not see him as an active threat.