001} video: if love is what you need, a soldier i will be

[theresalwayshope]

[When the video switches on, Allison's face fills the screen in extreme close-up, an intensely thoughtful look on her features as she struggles to navigate the function of her communicator.]

C'mon...are you even on? [Her voice is low and impatient...then her expression comes alive when she realizes she's on display. Flinching a little, then smiling at her work, she backs up enough to be seen, visible seated at the desk in her cabin.]

Hi. [She smiles and offers up a little wave, then pauses for a moment before laughing as she lets her gaze drop.] Okay, this is way weirder than I thought it was going to be.

[She starts talking with her hands a little, not quite speaking to the communicator anymore.] I guess...I'm just restless. Out of practice, I haven't had to move around for a long time. I haven't been assigned to anyone just yet, but I know I will be. And I just want to introduce myself, you know? Put myself out there for anyone who wants my help. And I honestly do want to help. It's why I came.

[She lifts her head more fully, looking into the communicator with something a little different in her gaze...a little less friendly teenager and a little harder, a little older.]

It's...one reason I came.

[The moment passes, the look fades, and her smile brightens again as she takes a steadying breath.]

But I'm not here to complain about myself, right? So! Um... [A hand goes to her chest as she gestures to herself.] My name is Allison, I'm from Beacon Hills, California...and if any of you need anything at all? Just let me know. I look forward to getting to know everyone!

[She shifts, and part of her body moves out of the picture.]

Now if you'll excuse me...I still have to get settled in.

[She turns around to survey the rest of her room...neat as a pin, in perfect order...not a lot to be settled, really.]

Or...not...

Comments

[theresalwayshope]

Seattle? You poor thing. [She giggles, shaking her head with a patient, amused smile as she props her chin in her hand.] I lived there for about two months and I wanted to beat my own brains in. There's great music, but I need sun. [She looks down at one pale arm, then chuckles.] Not that you would know it to look at me.

As for my size? Little personal for a first meeting, don't you think?[Quirks an eyebrow, but she's still visibly amused.] Most guys at least offer to buy me a drink first...and that's just for my shoe size.

[maced_eggs]

Yeah, well, it's not like I've a choice in that, unfortunately. The job's in Seattle, so, have to stay in and around there. But California sounds gorgeous. One of the places I've never been.

And you've...very lovely skin.


Right. Sorry. Can I buy you a drink?

[theresalwayshope]

Yeah...yeah, you can definitely buy me a drink.

[She nods, slow and just a little sarcastic before she pauses, then tilts her head with a mock thoughtful look.]

Just out of curiosity, though...does the Barge have a special place for sex offenders? Because I'm seventeen, so...buying me a drink to know my measurements could land you there.

[maced_eggs]

Hang on. Hang the fuck on. I'm not trying to get in your pants. I'm trying to take them and give them to a friend.

An' don't listen to the girl who says I want to wear them meself. I'm not a crossdresser.

Fucking hell...calling me a sex offender! How do I offend sexually speaking?

[theresalwayshope]

[Sort of smiles and frowns at the same time, head tilting a little further with more genuine thought] So you want to...steal my clothes, then? Not better.

[She straightens again, dissolving into giggles and relents, no longer teasing him. Much.]

Okay, so you're too old to offend, sexually speaking...but seriously. You have to admit that line was pretty damn creepy. Next time, if you're really just looking at clothes? Open with 'where do you shop?' or something. Far more benign.

[maced_eggs]

[Mason continues to squint at the screen, confused and hesitant. He's not the sharpest tack in the box, and it takes him a bit to realize he's being made fun of]

It wasn't creepy. It was the honest truth.

Fine. All right. Wheeeeere do you shop?

[theresalwayshope]

[She grins at that, then gives him an exaggerated nod of approval.] See? Much better.

The answer is: Macy's, Nordstrom, sometimes thrift stores. [Still smiling, she wags an instructional finger at the screen.] And see? This is where not being creepy comes in, because then? I ask the next natural question.

[She stops to make a show of clearing her throat, then looking keenly interested.]

Why do you ask? Are you looking to buy a present for your girlfriend or something?

[maced_eggs]

Sort of fancy, high-end places, yes?

Was I being creepy? I didn't think I was being creepy. I do my best not to do so but you never can quite tell, can you?



Yes. No. She's not my girlfriend. She's just in...very stark need of clothing.

[theresalwayshope]

Mmmm...middle of the road fancy. Macy's isn't super swank, but it's not Target, know what I mean?

[Okay, so he seems less creepy now...and she's reasonably sure he's being honest enough that she might actually be willing to let someone raid her closet a little.]

How stark is 'stark?' [She's still grinning and laughing just a little, but the question is more sincere this time.]

[maced_eggs]

I honestly would not know, love. I don't exactly go shopping. Haven't gone shopping in decades.

Quite stark. Very much stark.

[theresalwayshope]

[Assuming he's exaggerating, Allison rolls her eyes with a grin because some guys can just be...well, such guys.]

Okay, okay, I'm convinced. What's her name, and what level is she on? Since these cabins are replicas of wherever we lived, I'm pretty sure there's a few things in my closet I can loan out or make a gift. I'll just tell her you sent me.

[maced_eggs]

I can't tell you that. S'a public channel. People would know.