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

[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.