second gear - video

[miraculess]

[the video isn't clear— wherever the video's being taken from is dark. it looks like it's from the floor, though, somewhere that isn't very well kept.

there are odd noises in the background; little halting grinding noises and screeches, like a stuck engine. someone is panting harshly, almost whimpering]

I— is, is anyone there? Please, I— I can't move, I can't—

[the whimpers turn to outright sobbing]

Sensei...

Comments

[was_no_mother]

Ah! I'm here, I'm here, what do you need? Oh, dear...

[miraculess]

[there's a startled hiccup— she had almost convinced herself that she was alone, and that no-one would answer]

My— m-m-my joints stopped working. I can't move.

[was_no_mother]

Oh, no, that's dreadful! Do you need help? Where are you?

[miraculess]

No, no, I— I don't know. [a ragged breath] I went out to stock up on food and got lost, and— and then this happened...

[was_no_mother]

You poor dear... Is there anything I can do for you? Anything at all?

[miraculess]

...

[sounding quietly ashamed] ...keep talking?

[was_no_mother]

Absolutely. As long as the connection holds, I'll keep talking.

[miraculess]

Th-thank you.

[her voice is still more quavery than she'd like, but it's a step up from the uncontrollable crying]

You're... "Lenka," was it?

[spacecase]

[Ah!! A friend is upset!

But how do you refer to someone that doesn't have a name while letting them know that you're here and willing to offer comfort hugs???]

Ah--ahhh---

[Crap she's totally floundering.]

Missy!

[Oh god, missy?? She's talking to her like she's a little kid. No, come on, follow it up--]

Are you okay? I'm here, please don't cry anymore!

[miraculess]

...Jade?

I— n-no. I went out to get food and got lost in the fog, and then my joints stopped working...

[spacecase]

Stopped? Oh nooooo.

[That's certainly not good for someone mechanical!]

You're outside right now? Can you try moving bit by bit?

[miraculess]

What do you think I've been doing? I can't even get them to d-disengage to m-m-move on my own—

[stopping and taking a deep, shuddering breath, trying to regain some semblance of control]

...I'm inside. I managed to pull myself into a building when I started locking up.

[spacecase]

Don't you sass me when I am trying to get information on the situation, young lady.

[A sigh, Jade turns over the scenario in her mind, trying to figure out how best to approach it.]

Where? What quarter?

[miraculess]

[she sputters and then breaks into a growl, deep and angry and more bestial than human. ...specifically, more like an panicked animal that's been backed into a corner. it winds down into a grumble at the question, though]

...The west quarter; unless I got completely turned around, I should be toward the south.

[spacecase]

I wanna come see you, is that okay?

[It is better to ask, after all, she might not be in a frame of mind to want to be close to people.]

video

[lifes_expensive]

[That doesn't sound good at all.]

Where are you?!

Re: video

[miraculess]

I d-d-don't know. I, I went out to get food and got lost.

video

[lifes_expensive]

[Oh geez.]

Well, what's around you?

[She might not be super familiar with the city, but it would be better than nothing.]

[miraculess]

[frustrated noise]

I don't know. The mist—

[okay. no. taking in a slow, deep breath, hiccuping slightly]

I know I'm— I'm somewhere in southwest; I live in the west side of town and was heading toward the s-south. I don't think I quite made it; what little I can see still looks like f-factories.

[lifes_expensive]

Calm down. [She doesn't say it to be harsh, though it might come across that way.] It sounds like you're still in the Factory Quarter, I'll check the southern most part first then.

[Good. At least a general area will help her find her quicker.]

Stay put. Stay calm. I'm on my way.

[miraculess]

—wait, wait, I don't— what if you get lost, too?

[lifes_expensive]

I won't get lost. [...maybe.] Besides, do you really want to stay out there all alone?

[bestfemmeoutlaw]

[ Holy---- ]

Lass, y' inside or outside right now?

[miraculess]

[there's a clatter followed by fumbling noises, as well as a hasty gulp to try and stop the tears]

I-Inside.

[bestfemmeoutlaw]

[ That's at least all the outside places taken out of the possibilities places they can be. ]

Do ya know in what direction ya went before ya arrived where ya are?