[008]

[grip_on_reality]

[today there is a nine-year-old girl on the Astral Plane who, perhaps surprisingly, doesn't seem that bothered about her sudden presence in a multi-dimensional nexus. she has long brown hair and is wearing a plain T-shirt and jeans that are a little tattered and dirty, as though they've seen quite a bit of exploring. but her hair is neat and she doesn't look like she's been in anything particularly dirty today. being a curious child, though, she's made for the most interesting place she could spot--the black hole. currently, she has a hand in the gravity field around it and is attempting to see how far she can reach into that]

That feels weird! [she pushes her hand a little farther in, making a face at the sensation of the gravity fighting back] What is this thing?

[anyone listening might notice that the girl has a clear Mancunian accent. in fact, she may even look a bit familiar. but on her end, she's too busy poking at the field to notice anyone who might be approaching]

[ooc: Menzies is currently under her first experiment! For the time being, she has been regressed to when she was nine.]

Comments

[lamb_of_gold]

Ah? [Aw crap.] I thought so, but I was not sure. No, I'm not from space.

[grip_on_reality]

Then what are you doing 'ere?

[she's asking the question just as much because she wants to know why she's here, but it's in her nature to be blunt, so she leaves it at that]

[lamb_of_gold]

I'm here because I enjoy the quiet. [Which is a lie of omission, but the 9 year old doesn't have to worry about a giant people-eater that is currently unaccounted for]

I'd assume you found yourself here rather suddenly?

[grip_on_reality]

Oh. [she nods, scuffing a foot against the ground and looking uncomfortable] I woke up 'ere, but there was nobody there. Is that supposed to 'appen?

[lamb_of_gold]

Sometimes, yes. Have you tried going home, yet?

[grip_on_reality]

[she shakes her head] Where's the way out?

[lamb_of_gold]

It's far easier done than explained, but you return home by thinking about it. Something like taking a step.

[grip_on_reality]

[she frowns, skeptical] You mean like...the Wizard of Oz? Do I 'ave to say anything?

[lamb_of_gold]

I'm afraid I'm not familiar with that. You don't need to say anything at all, unless you think it will help.

[grip_on_reality]

[she considers that for a moment, then shakes her head] Nuh-uh. I don't want to go 'ome yet! This place is huge! I'll go 'ome later.

[lamb_of_gold]

If that is your wish. Welcome to the Astral Plane.

[grip_on_reality]

[she nods. part of her wants to see if she really can go home that easily, but she's afraid she won't be able to come back if she does]

[that confuses her, though] This is a plane?

[lamb_of_gold]

Plane as in "plane of existence," yes.

[grip_on_reality]

[she isn't sure what she should expect to find on a "plane of existence," so she asks:] Is it all like this? [she gestures at the black hole and the area around it]

[lamb_of_gold]

That distortion is the only one of it's kind here, but the stars are a constant, if that's what you're asking.

[grip_on_reality]

You mean it's just stars everywhere? [and quiet, considering what he said before. she looks disappointed]

[lamb_of_gold]

That's correct. There are items and structures that others have brought here, but the stars are a constant.

[grip_on_reality]

[okay, she's not sure what to make of that explanation, either. Mu, talk so kids can understand you!] What sort of "items and structures"?

[lamb_of_gold]

[ALL HIS KIDS UNDERSTAND HIM :((((] Amenities, such as the kitchen and bar, a bathouse, and a cinema, to name some. They make it possible to stay here for extended periods of time and not need to return home for things.

[grip_on_reality]

[she brightens at that. she was starting to wonder if the stars and weird things you're not supposed to put your hand into were all that's around here]

So it's like...for people on holiday? Can anybody come?

[lamb_of_gold]

Not anyone, no - only those who find themselves drawn here may come and go.

[grip_on_reality]

Oh. So it let me come! [she smiles, liking that explanation for her presence. it's a lot nicer than the idea that someone randomly put her here] Does that mean, if I go 'ome, I can come back sometime?

[because as much as she wants to explore the whole place first, she knows that she'll have to go home at some point--otherwise, her mother will worry]

[lamb_of_gold]

Of course. One may come and go as they please, most times.

[grip_on_reality]

[surprised] How do you get back?

[lamb_of_gold]

The very same way you return home.