[accidental video] - open to [action] for anyone on the Vanquish

[beholding_archivist]

It's been a week. Or at least- I believe it has been?

[ The feed springs to life with a picture that makes it vastly clear that this isn't an intended transmission. The phone obviously is placed on a flat surface - Likely a table. And its owner can be spotted at the edge of the screen, focused on something else but clearly sounding tired.

Jon gives a heavy sigh and raises a hand to press the tips of his fingers against his forehead. Then he resumes talking, still not appearing to talk to anyone in particular. ]

I don't know how long I've been in that storm. I played back the recordings I made only to find them useless. Mostly static, which is... Unusual? And the most I remember now? Is that headache. That ruthless, skull-splitting headache when I tried--

[ And he cuts himself off right there, dropping his hand and leaning his head back to look at the ceiling. ]

I'm on a space ship. At least that's- That's what I've been told this is. I don't know what I'm even supposed to do here. Unless this is just another dream. A dream that has yet to turn into a nightmare. But I-- I don't remember them to be this... Long? Disconnected from whatever gruesome image they are about to paint?

Needless to say, I didn't sleep. Not that I'm aware of, at least. But what does that even mean anymore...

[ He looks back down, on the table before him - Or much rather at the old tape recorder in his hand. The latter doesn't make much of an appearance visual-wise. ]

I should probably make a proper recording before I run out of tape. This phone I was given has proven remarkably useless for such a task.

[ As he says this, Jon reaches for his phone, still lying on the table. ]

The menu alone is a nightmare to-

[ And then he actually looks at the device, pauses and scowls. ]

Is this what it's going to be now? Christ...

[ That said, he simply turns the phone off without adding anything else. ]

Comments

[Video]

[out_of_order]

Jon!

[Video]

[beholding_archivist]

...Cal?

[ Well, he's equally surprised as... Relieved? ]

You made it out!

[Video]

[out_of_order]

[Cal smiles weakly at that, brief as it is.]

Yeah... Good to see you.

...I-I'm sorry I lost you out there.

[Video]

[beholding_archivist]

Ah, that... It... It's not your fault I wandered off.

[ He knows it's a bad and at times dangerous habit to have. ]

I'm glad you're okay.

[Video]

[out_of_order]

["Okay" is such a relative term but he's definitely better for being out of the storm. He hesitates before finally offering a nod.]

Glad you're okay too. ...thought I'd be better prepared, knowing what to expect out there, but...

[He shakes his head. It's over and they're out of it. He'll try to focus on that.]

[Video]

[beholding_archivist]

...but merely knowing what to expect does not make one prepared, I know, I know.

[ It's a mistake he keeps making himself. Quite willingly and aware of it, even. Jon sighs. ]

Being in there, I admit, was disorientating. Not as unsettling as I would have expected and, unfortunately, I can't claim I have learned anything. I just wonder whether or not these storms are a regular occurrence. And, of course, why I am even here, but... I don't think I need to repeat that. I was already given an answer to that, but it makes no sense.

[ Yes, he's gotten a little rambly. ]

I think I feel... Lost?

[ And while he is aware that he was up against The Lonely, this whole scenario has so many traits of The Stranger and The Spiral. Yet without the truly disturbing pieces. ]

[Video]

[out_of_order]

It's the first storm I've witnessed, but I think it had just developed when I arrived. I figured if that's what we're supposed to be dealing with to get back to where we were from, I might as well see what it's about.

I don't think I'm any more knowledgeable about the situation than I was when I started, either.

[He shakes his head. Lost, huh.]

...I know the feeling. I think I've just been trying to fool myself into thinking I wasn't already.

Voice;

[stabgremlin]

I'd say something about the holonet existing for this kind of rambling, but this is not the holonet, and rambling kind of stands out here.

[Aden isn't sure whether he's amused or annoyed. Somewhere in between, he supposes.]

Have anything else on your chest that you need to get out, or am I going to need to figure out how to mute this thing?

[He should probably do that regardless, really.]

Voice;

[beholding_archivist]

[ Jon narrows his eyes at that audio message, an unseen frown placing itself between his brows. It still may be rather audible in his tone. ]

Well. I apologize for being a bother to you. By all means, feel free to mute away.

Voice;

[stabgremlin]

Not the word I would choose, is that what it sounded like?

[Yes. Probably. Deliberately.

The man is- was- rambling, and yes, he'll need to figure out what button is the mute button, but. Amused, annoyed, distracted.

Distracted is good.

Anyway-] Who or what is "Christ", exactly?

Voice;

[beholding_archivist]

[ There's a huff from the other end. ]

An exclamation. Little else.

[ He might have given more of an explanation, but after that initial reaction? He doesn't feel like imposing any further ramblings on this guy. ]

And yes. That's precisely what it sounded like. Not to worry, though. I will see what I can do to set up an automated filter specifically for you to prevent any future inconveniences caused by misbehaving electronics.

[ Which he isn't sure is possible, but... He's really just being cranky. ]

Voice;

[stabgremlin]

Strange exclamation, then.

[There's some curiosity there, present in his voice. But not entirely too much.]

If I wanted that, I could do it myself. You don't like having your leg pulled even just a little, huh?

Voice;

[beholding_archivist]

I do not consider it a credible way to introduce myself to a stranger.

[ He will... Tolerate it from people one might consider to be his friends. ]

Video

[tallasaking]

I had the same problem when I started out... years ago, at this point.

[He waved at the newcomer.]

I have readings, but no recordings either.

Video

[beholding_archivist]

Years?!

[ Thanks, friend. Because he totally needs more things to keep him from getting some sleep. ]

I mean--

[ Just give him a spare second to prioritize this. ]

What... kind of readings do you speak of?

Re: Video

[tallasaking]

Well, in space and on various ships. Not here. I have only been here about ... well. Ten months.

[He cleared his throat.]

Readings. Of the storm?

Video

[beholding_archivist]

You measured it?

[ Leaving the talk about spending months or years in alien places aside. ]

What results did you get?

Re: Video

[tallasaking]

Yes I did. I wanted to see if I could find a way to see where the storm came from ... and whether or not I could stop them.

Not ... so much.

[He tapped his screen.]

From what I have been able to see, the storm purposefully follows a pattern. I am working out what that pattern is, though.

Video

[beholding_archivist]

...purposefully. I see. That's... Disconcerting.

[ He's no weather expert by any means, but Jon is well aware that weather isn't supposed to do anything purposefully. ]

I take it you have experience with analyzing weather phenomena such as these storms. As my own expertise lies in a different field, my input on the matter may not be quite as valid, but I will still offer my assistance in researching them should it be needed.

the actual latest action, I am so sorry

[stillgotmyleftarm]

[Whenever Jon gets around to wandering into the cockpit, he'll find a young man, roughly late twenties, with short brown hair and a serious expression manning the controls.

When Bucky hears someone come in, he glances up over his shoulder, taking in the newcomer and offering a smile that's just the smallest bit wry.] Hey. Welcome to the Vanquish. You can call me Bucky. Think I'm the only one around here with the name, these days.

No worries!

[beholding_archivist]

[ Jon doesn't notice the man right away, but quickly turns to him, blinking twice upon hearing the voice. ]

Ah--

[ Impeccable first try. ]

Jon- Jonathan. Jonathan Sims.

Jon will do, I suppose. Nice to... Meet you?

[ Yeah, that's kind of at least something. And not quite as awkward as it could have been. Though Jon does continue by frowning, a bit of uncertainty crossing his face. ]

...Vanquish? I hope that doesn't mean this thing is intended to engage in some sort of battle.

<3

[stillgotmyleftarm]

[Bucky cocks a small, bemused grin.] Could be the Bloodsport.

[But,] Nah. Not really. Honestly, maybe we should just rename 'em. They came this way.

[And,] Nice to meet you, Jon. If you've got questions, I can at least tell you whether any of us know more than you do by now.

[beholding_archivist]

...Bloodsport, right.

[ Yeah, he's trying not to think that such names would be fitting for ships heading out under the banner of The War or The Slaughter. Maybe The Hunt... But... No.

Allow him a moment to set those thoughts aside. ]

But... Thanks. I'm still getting used to the entire idea of being stuck on a planet that allegedly isn't Earth. It would be nice to just wake up and find myself at my desk, to be honest.

[ But, Lord. He has tried to see where he is. Even tried to focus and locate his goddamn rib. To no avail... ]

[stillgotmyleftarm]

[Bucky smiles, and his expression is one of wry understanding.] Yeah, it takes some getting used to. I'm only used to it 'cause it ain't my first alien kidnapping - and wow, that's something I really never thought I'd have to say, but here we are, right?

[He blows out a breath, motions to the other seat in the cockpit if Jon wants to sit down.] What do you do? Normally, I mean.

[beholding_archivist]

Oh. This isn't the first time I'm being kidnapped either. Though it weren't aliens before - And I spent that time tied up and gagged and... I suppose waiting to be skinned alive?

[ He decides to follow the silent invitation and take the empty seat with a small shrug at his own words. ]

At least they kept complaining about the poor state of my skin. If I never have to see another bottle of skin lotion again, it won't be too soon.

[ It took some very long and very hot showers to make his skin feel like his own again.

He takes a moment to let his eyes wander over the controls of the ship, vowing to never touch any of these. ]

Normally [ Oh, he wants to laugh at that word. ] I work at an archive. You know, researching, sorting, filing... That sort of thing.

[ As long as he keeps out the supernatural part of it all. And he's not sure how much of that he wants to share just yet. Instead, he raises an eyebrow at Bucky. ]

Are aliens a common occurrence where you're from?