hadriel | [1] Video

(To be honest, he had completely forgotten about his communication device until he saw it sitting on his bed. He forgot about all of the contacts, the people he mostly didn't know. It's not until after the buried event that he even thinks to utilize this broad form of communication. Suddenly he sees the benefit in it, the reason why people might want to use this sort of thing beyond private talking.

So Newt's set it up and a feed of him sitting on a mattress on a floor begins to flow through to the network. He's in clean clothes and looks clean enough overall but his hands are covered in tightly wrapped bandages and he looks rather tired.)

Hi, everyone.

(He doesn't seem to be awkward at all. Like someone whose had to address groups of people before. There's no hesitance, no shift or uncertain pause of what to say next. He's already thought it through.)

My name's Newt. I haven't met most of you yet but that's okay. What I'm about to say applies to everyone, regardless of whether or not we know each other.

I know that everyone sort of just went through their own personal hell. Whether you were buried alive or looking for someone you care about- it sucks, it really sucks and I hope to God that we found everyone.

(His eyes roll upwards and he actually does look serious, looks genuinely pained at the idea that maybe they didn't. That maybe, just maybe, they had somehow missed someone. He doesn't linger on it though. This video has a point. He clears his throat and looks back to the camera and offers a slight grin.)

I know that the clinic has been helping people a lot. But - well, shock is a pretty nasty thing and it's a bloody reckoning waiting to happen if you're on your own too much. And not everyone's all too great about properly taking care of themselves when they're- they're bad off. I don't know if everyone has someone here to look out for them so- I don't know. Shuck it-

(He spreads his hands open and shrugs his shoulders.)

If you need something, let me know. I've made a load of sandwiches and don't mind bringing them over. Stew too. A lot of you are probably dead tired still so that's fine. I've got tea- and apparently my tea isn't too buggin' bad at all- and if you just need company...

(He puts his arms back down, fiddling with the bandages on his hand. The smile he offers is now a bit hesitant. It's a broad statement but he means it all the same. Being shocked can really hurt a person, deeper than some can even handle. Sometimes being alone is the worst thing for them and he gets that. He really, really does.)

I can sit around with you or talk to you through here. Doesn't matter to me. So here's hoping to everyone being okay. Anyway, see you lot around.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

That's thoughtful of you, Newt.

How old are you?

(He doesn't recognize the voice and although it's a surprise to get only that and nothing else, he doesn't mind replying in turn.)

It's what we all went through together. It's really the least I can do.

Ah- about seventeen or eighteen? Not exactly sure. Why?

(A pause.)

How old are you?

[She would have thought he was younger. That's about the age of enlistment in the old Confederacy.]

I thought you were younger.

[Kerrigan has to stop to think about it for half a second.]

I'm thirty-two, give or take.

(To be honest, Newt had never heard that before but in all fairness he'd also been surrounded by boys his own age so there had been plenty of baby faces to go around.)

I might be. But I don't think I am.

(It really didn't feel that way to him in any case. At the very youngest he'd be sixteen.

Her age makes him hesitate again. He's still adjusting to the fact that the adults in this place aren't all bad and people to be wary of. And with her greeting, he figured she probably was one of the good ones.)

I don't know your voice, I don't think. We must've not met before. What's your name?

We haven't met. My name is Kerrigan.

[She can, unfortunately, think of a number of reasons someone might not be sure of their own age, and doesn't pry.]

I haven't spent much time around people here.

It's nice to meet you, Kerrigan.

(He appreciates that sort of privacy. Granted, he wouldn't mind sharing had she asked but it is nice to know that there's people around here like that.)

Oh. Are you new as well or...?

I've been here for a couple months.

I spend most of my time on the move, and I have no need of a house or apartment so I don't encounter people often.

(When Newt speaks next, it's not demanding or suspicious. It's just naturally curious.)

Why's that? Do you not like people or something?

This place is prone to change, I'd rather keep an eye on what's happening than sit still and wait. Patrolling the area is something to do, at least.

Edited 2016-01-22 00:51 (UTC)

That- actually makes a whole lot of sense.

(His tone is completely respectful because yeah- that is a reasonable thing to do.)

You know, if you ever need help patrolling or something- I'd be happy to help.

If you can listen when I give instructions, you can come.

Are you armed, and do you know how to fight?

Used to be second-in-command where I come from. Had to keep order over a bunch of idiot teenage boys so I like plans, I like instructions. They keep things in check.

Yes and mostly, yes. Maybe not as well as some but I've made it pretty far and have fought a load of bloody strange things on the way.

[Kerrigan likes this kid. Young adult. Whatever.]

It shows.

Let me know when your hands are healed and I'll give you a time and place to meet me.

(He practically feels like an adult most days so definitely not a kid.)

Were you in some kind of- group? You seem rather militaristic yourself.

I will. They aren't really too badly damaged. My roommate insisted on bandaging them because of broken blisters. I'll let you know when they're a little more functional though.

All my life, more or less. I'm the ruler of my species, and I've seen more than my share of war.

If past patterns hold, we'll have at least a few days reprieve before anything else happens.

You're the ruler of your entire species? Bloody hell, I feel like I should be bowing or something.

Ah. So this world is consistent then in its horrors?

(That somehow makes this situation a lot more tolerable. Predictable was good. Safe. Even when it felt most dangerous.)

You shouldn't. We don't do that kind of thing.

It's been relatively consistent, but that's no reason to get complacent. The moment you settle into a routine is when you become most vulnerable.

That's honorable. (He thinks. He honestly doesn't know a lick about formal politics.) Do you have a title?

Nah, I wouldn't get complacent, but it's not a bad idea to be prepared either for certain periods of time.

It's practical. All I need from my Zerg is respect and obedience. Perhaps I should give a better introduction.

I am Kerrigan, the Queen of Blades, ruler of the Zerg.

(He doesn't know anything about politics- not anymore- but the term 'queen' resonates in his mind like 'princess' did when Arya was talking to him about princesses.

He gets the idea.)

Well. Then. Kerrigan, Queen of Blades and Ruler of Zerg- it is nice to meet you. And if you ever need anyone's assistance with whatever, I'm around. I know how to fight but I also know a lot of first aid.

Just call me Kerrigan. Conversations will take forever if you say it that way.

It's nice to meet you, too. Work on improving your skills if you can, and I'll stay in touch.

[1] Video

voice

Voice

Voice

Voice

Voice

Voice

Voice

Voice

voice

voice

voice

voice

voice

voice

voice

voice

voice

voice

voice

voice

voice