revivalproject | (Network & Log) somebody to lean on

[the video feed cuts in to show Clarice, freshly showered, wet hair pulled back, dressed in the silk pajamas she arrived in - because she needed a little comfort, a little piece of home. she's got a cup of tea cradled in her hands, and while she still looks a little tired, her eyes are clear and present]

Hey, everybody. I think I've met most of you by now, if only by seein' you at the community meeting a month or so ago, but if you don't recall, my name's Clarice Starling. I know we've all been through a lot the last few weeks, and this isn't a place to point fingers or blow off steam... I just want to let you all know that I used to work with victims of violent crime, so I now a thing or two about lending an ear after people've been through trauma. If you feel comfortable with coming to talk, my door's open. I'm two floors down from the Deep End, the one with the metal star hangin' on the door. I'll be happy to take the time.

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WHO: Clarice Starling & You
WHERE: Clarice's room (or anywhere else you might want to meet up)
WHAT: Talking out the aftermath of Bill-E-tropolis
WHEN: The week after they all return to Temba
WARNINGS: Discussion of trauma, flavors vary! Please label your top levels for folks.

A: Clarice's Room
The metal star on the door Clarice mentioned is a decoration she picked up on Coruscant - made of some sort of light, fine alloy that shines green like light underwater at the right angle. She hasn't done much else to make the little run-down hotel room hers yet, save for set up a bundle of blankets and pillows in one corner to sleep on, and put in hooks to hang her clothing on the wall. A few pads of paper sit next to the bundle, and there are a few extra pillows for company to sit on. She's already sketched a few things: vistas from Coruscant, a few rough portraits of familiar faces from home, before they're too lost to memory. She's no Da Vinci, but they're passable enough.

When the door opens, she's sitting on her makeshift bed, one of the pads in her lap, making herself a list of the tasks she wants to catch up on. At the sight of a familiar face, she smiles.

"Hey, come on in."

B: Dealer's Choice
(Start your own TL if you want, she's flexible.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Riley. Lauri-Ell can't help her sneer. She did not like that little man. Then Clarice plowed on to mention Jon, and Lauri-Ell shuddered.

Two people on this planet she was not fond of, it and it seemed Clarice brought them both up in a single breath more or less.

"I prefer not to remember what Jon did. It was... uncomfortable."

She noticed the sneer: she was well aware that Drake Riley was a very acquired taste. The Clarice Starling of even a year ago would not have tolerated him, and had she been at home, well ... there were certain things that happened to those who overstepped the boundaries of proper manners. But when she'd corrected his tone on Coruscant, he'd tried to redress himself, and that counted for something. He was an insecure little man full of faults, but as far as she could tell, not quite a mean one.

"I'm sorry, Lauri-Ell, I may not've been clear. I meant that those moments could have been Billy, not Jon. God only knows what was going on in that man's head."

She's trying to help him through the aftermath, too, and she knows he'd gone through his share of horrors even before the illusion ensnared them all... but it's not hers to share. Jon will make his amends in his own way; she's just there to support.

If he was an acquired taste, then Lauri-Ell had an allergy. Chances were if he worked her up again, she would have a very 'allergic' reaction to him.

"I will forgive him, but I do not wish to be near him at this time."

TO have her fears turned against her, her powers turned against her, had been terrifying.

"And that's totally valid. I'm sorry if I implied in any way that it wasn't." She gave Lauri-Ell a soft, reassuring smile. "Do you need to talk about what happened with him, or would you rather just leave it behind?"

"I do not," Lauri-Ell answered, voice sharp again. "I thank you for the kindness of the offer, but I am Kree. We put these things behind us."

For there is no time on the battlefield to face the traumas it brings.

She nodded, stepping back from the issue. Even as she did, she wondered if Lauri-Ell was able to let all of that go in a healthy way, or if she was simply shoving it all to the back of her mind to fester. She hoped for the former.

"Have you been out to the training course since we got back?"

"No," Lauri-Ell said. "I have been monitoring Prince William's status."

That said, she had been very proud of what the thing had been before she had help from Clarice. But it had been limited, so short, because she had not known how to make one suitable for human sizes.

"I can go check on everything for you, make sure it's all still secure and safe," she offered. "Is there anything else you'd need me to lay eyes on while you're watching him?"

"I would appreciate that," Lauri-Ell answered, looking quite thankful. "If you can just review the gym area, it would give me great comfort. I fear I am neglecting my self-imposed duties in favor of those closer to my heart."

"Honestly, they're like your family, and that takes precedence." She lays a hand on Lauri-Ell's shoulder with a soft smile. "I'm happy to check the gym every mornin' for you."

Like family? Oh no, they are not like that. If it was Carol, then Lauri-Ell would be certain they could take care of themselves.

"Thank you very much, Clarice. You are a very good friend."

"I'm doin' my best at it, Lauri-Ell. All anyone can ask. ... Including of bodyguards."

Doing her best? No. No, Lauri-Ell must do better than her own best. She must do her sister's best. Or the hero Mar-Vell's best. That's just how it is.

"I suppose it is all you can ask of yourself."

"Just about, yep. That and bein' decent as often as possible." She clapped her friend warmly on the shoulder. "You let me know if there's anything I can do to help, I'll be around. I'll make some extra food for Tommy to bring home for y'all tonight."

"Thank you," Lark said with a smile. She really wished there was a way she could help, but in this moment all Lauri-Ell thought of was her oaths. She must protect and care for those important to her.

"That would be lovely, the food. We would welcome it I believe."

"Alright. I'll have him bring it by. I don't wanna keep you from him too long. I know how important all this is to you." She glanced out the window, toward where Tommy had told her they lived, and sent her prayers out to Billy for rest and recovery... and for Lauri-Ell to have a little peace of mind of her own.

"You take care, too, Lauri-Ell."

"William Kaplan is not merely a friend," Lauri-Ell said, "he is a most precious member of my people. This means a lot. Thank you."

The Clarice would understand made her very happy. She offered a soft smile as she rose.

"I will take care of us all the best I can. Good day, Clarice."

(Network & Log) somebody to lean on - forward-dated

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think we're close to wrapping this one?

Agreed

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wow her name is totally Lauri-Ell