001 ☤ Arrival

[hypospraying]

[It seems like a dream instead of reality, this standing on a floor out in the middle of space. Christine is baffled, and though panic is starting to rise, she tries to calm herself and think logically. She has to get her bearings, first and foremost.]

Hello? Can anyone hear me? [And then, louder,] Hello? Anyone there?

[She turns in a circle, noting a booth not far away. As she approaches, she sees the words "Please say 'help' for information" written on a sign.]

Ok then. Help? [Immediately, she is granted with choices on how to receive this information, and being used to giving voice commands to the computers on the Enterprise, she responds by voice.]

Broderick Naismith's Introduction to the Astral Plane. [And after a moment,] Audio recording.

[Now she listens to an explanation of the Astral Plane, her brow crinkling as the explanation goes on. Unfortunately, this recording hasn't been updated to relate that she can't, at this point, get back home. Once it finishes, she takes another look around.]

Well, if it's true and I can get home, I'll go soon enough. But I want to know more about this place first. It could be important to the Federation. [Then she lets out a sigh.] Provided this really isn't a dream or a fever I have. [She shakes her head and sets off to explore.]

Comments

[collector]

[Braxiatel only allows himself to be efficient. No errant emotions to cloud his judgement and get someone hurt. But he isn't so blind to human emotion to miss Christine's response, and he tells her the truth.]

No one, so far as I know, has determined where they are from or how they sustain life. We don't really know what they are, but I have it on good authority that they are in terrible pain.

[hypospraying]

Oh. [She knows he's only trying to comfort her into thinking that they're putting it out of its misery by destroying it, but now she wishes they could be captured and tested, to see if anything could be done for them. Her sensible side says of course there isn't, however.]

Ok, just go in that door? [She points at the door closest to them on the upcoming building.]

[collector]

[He nods] That's right. Get through there and it's 'home free.'

[hypospraying]

Ok. [She darts her eyes around and sees the coast is clear. Hurrying over, she pulls open the door and slips inside, turning back to watch behind him.] Still looks clear.

[collector]

[When she's inside, he tucks away his weapon and strolls in to join her. The nonchalance is necessary to survive something like this, and he makes sure his smile isn't cracked when he gives it to her.]

There we are. You might need to pick up an appliance from here with which to defend yourself in the future, but you should be fine.

[hypospraying]

I can't thank you enough for all your help. [She gives him a shaky smile in return.]

[collector]

It was nothing. [He pauses, and then---] Do you have a personal communicator of some sort with you? If so, you can contact me if you're in need of further assistance.

[hypospraying]

[Her shoulders slump.] Unfortunately not. Is there some sort of communications network here?

[collector]

No, aside from the postal system. Percomms and mobile phones work, but they aren't handed out for free. Perhaps I'll dig up something from home and make a network for us if I've not much to do when I get back.

[hypospraying]

That'd be wonderful, thank you.

[collector]

Something to look into when we get back. Will I be able to rely on your assistance for it?

[hypospraying]

Of course, as far as my knowledge goes.