01

[desertdaggers]

[Unsurprising, being whisked off somewhere new is somewhat disconcerting. Hawk ventures a couple of steps further onto the Plane, looking around, before offering any opinion on it.] So… a travelling shop, and this is… what, the destination? The point of origin? [the shop continues to not show up when he scans the area again, though, and he sucks his lip in, hands going to his sash.] It seems very eager to have taken off again. So… maybe not. Maybe it’s a common area, a stepping stage, that could make sense. But for what purpose?

…well, at least the floor stays where it ought. [He taps it with one foot a few times, and straightens up.] And it’s rather more spacious than where I was, that’s a point for it. [He relaxes, shoulders going down, elbows loose, lips quirking up.] May as well stretch my legs while I’m here. I’m not exactly in a hurry.

Comments

[oliverplus]

Hey! [when Oliver sees an unfamiliar person looking around in confusion, he's quick to jog over to him] Are you new here? Need any help?

[desertdaggers]

Ah! [Hawk turns to face him, smiling. His gaze flicks over Oliver, curious, not recognising the make of his clothes. Still, it's good to know he's not the only person here- and this person seems helpful, that's good.] Very new- I've just got here. What is this place?

[oliverplus]

[he's surprised--he could tell the bloke was new, but he wasn't expecting him to have just arrived for the very first time] Oh! This is the Astral Plane. It's a, uh, nexus point. Between a lot of worlds and universes. Oh, and don't worry--you can go back home whenever you want. Here, we should get you a brochure...

[it's been a while since he's given a greeting speech, so it comes out a bit scattered, but also with a friendly smile. Oliver turns in a circle, trying to think of where to find the kiosk from here] This way! Uh...what was your name? I'm Oliver, by the way!

[desertdaggers]

Really? [He glances around again, considering.] …well, it's a nice spot for it. So… is everyone from somewhere different? And whenever I want?

[He moves after Oliver, nodding.] I'm Hawk. Nice to meet you, Oliver.

[oliverplus]

Most people are, yeah! But sometimes people from the same place come here. Or, uh, people from different versions of the same place.

You can! [he smiles, glad to be able to convey some good news. giving an introduction to the Plane is often rather depressing] If you think about going home, you'll go there. And when you want to come back here, just think about here again. Oh, and even better--time doesn't pass while you're here, so you won't have missed anything back home.

Nice to meet you, too, Hawk! [he grins] Don't worry, the brochure will explain a lot of things. And I've been here for a long time, so if you've got questions, I might be able to answer them.

[desertdaggers]

Different versions? [he can't help sounding somewhat incredulous.] How does that work?

Sounds pretty good. It just works like that? [he snaps his fingers.]

All right, thanks. [he nods, and smiles back, looking Oliver over, curious] Do you know why we're here?

[oliverplus]

Yeah. Uh...have you ever heard about parallel universes? Because they're real. And basically that's why.

[he smiles, nodding] Exactly! I could show you, but you might just want to give it a go yourself.

Oh... [his expression falls at that] That's the less pleasant part of things. Hang on, you should probably read the brochure first. [he figures that'll be easier than explaining the experiments to Hawk himself, at least] Should be...this way... There's a kiosk--follow me! [and he starts off across the starry Plane]

[desertdaggers]

I hadn't, but… you mean, something that's like our own world but not quite, don't you?

Now? [he's just checking that this won't disrupt the conversation.]

…ah. Well, I suppose it was bound to be more than just pretty. [not that knowing that makes him feel any better. He follows Oliver, hands by his sides.]

[oliverplus]

[he nods] Basically, yeah. So sometimes you get a version of a person from two of those worlds, and they're sort of alike but sort of different, too.

Sure! [he shrugs, noticing Hawk's reluctance] I mean, whenever. Like I said, you can come right back.

[Oliver frowns at Hawk's comment, though he's facing the wrong direction for Hawk to see it. optimistically, he says:] But you get to meet all sorts of neat people, too!

[as he continues forward, the information kiosk comes into view]

[desertdaggers]

Huh. That… sounds like an interesting experience. [where 'interesting' means 'strange and discomforting'.]

Really? Then… would you mind if I tried it out? [disappearing in the middle of a conversation is just rude.]

It seems like it. And from all sorts of places, I take it? Where are you from?

[Hawk moves a little faster, enough to catch up with Oliver, and squints at the kiosk.] You just say 'help'? I thought- oh. [He listens to the voice, and glances at Oliver.] Is either more useful?

[oliverplus]

[Oliver's expression is amused] Yeah, that's one word for it.

No, give it a go! [he gestures encouragingly. after all, he figures Hawk will be right back in any case]

[proudly] I'm from Birmingham! It's on Earth. Well, my Earth, anyway. [he pauses, hoping he's not overloading Hawk with information. but in case Hawk happens to be from some other Earth, he figures it's best to explain] See, people are from all sorts places, and they're also from all sorts of versions of the same places, too. What about you, Hawk?

[he smiles at Hawk's reaction to the kiosk] You're gonna want Irving's--the one written by Broderick. It's got more specific information. [and he helpfully presses on the touchscreen for it to print a copy of that brochure]

[desertdaggers]

All right. Won't be long. [he takes a step forward and vanishes, reappearing a few moments later, blinking. He looks at Oliver and nods, lips quirking up.] Well, that's pretty handy.

Like the parallel universes? [it doesn't sound familiar at all, so it's probably the case.] I'm from the desert country Navarre.

Thanks. [He takes the printed brochure and opens it, eyebrows lifting a bit at the introduction before he settles into it.] …it seems like it covers most things. Is there anything else? [he looks up, forehead crinkling slightly.] And… what's television?

[oliverplus]

Isn't it? [he smiles, glad to share some good news] So you don't have to worry about missing things when you're here.

[he's surprised Hawk is familiar with the idea of parallel universes] Yeah, exactly like that. But Navarre! That's a new one. [he thinks] I don't think I've met anyone who's mentioned Navarre before.

Uh... [he thinks for a moment since he knows it's been a long time since Irving wrote that brochure; after all, it's been a long time since Irving used to come here. but Hawk's lack of questions is surprising, too. usually people at least react to the part about experiments] Well, I...heard Grey is gone now. [there's a slight hitch in his voice at that] But I think that's about it.

[he laughs at the question about televisions] I take it you haven't got those in Navarre? They're uh...sort of like this! [he gestures at the kiosk] Except normally they show certain programs. It's like...um...a portable theatre, sort of. You can watch shows at home on it. Or listen to people give news, or see films or whatever you want.

[desertdaggers]

[he nods, less than completely certain about that, but then again, if Isabella noticed back home…] Yeah.

[it seems a logical enough progression] You haven't? That's… [probably a good thing, considering the way things are there. That doesn't seem like the best thing to say, though.] I suppose that means I'm the only one from there here, then.

Gone? [from the hitch in Oliver's voice, he suspects he can guess, though.] Does that mean… [he taps the brochure] He was part of a test? And… those were what you meant earlier, weren't they?

Nothing like them at all! [he grins sheepishly, and ducks his head for a moment.] Really? It sounds incredible…

[oliverplus]

[Oliver nods his agreement that Hawk might be the only one from Navarre] Probably. But you never know. I mean, there are a lot of people around.

[at the question about Grey, though, he shakes his head] No, he was one of the people who helped run things. Just...some things happened, and... [he swallows hard. it's still difficult for him to think about, and he definitely doesn't want to explain it] It's a long story.

[but he brightens at Hawk's apparent interest] Then I bet you'll love the theatre here! Hey, want to see what it's like?

[desertdaggers]

Yeah. I'll just have to keep an eye out and see if I recognise anyone. [and do what he can to keep them causing trouble, if possible.]

[so that kind of thing can happen to the people who run this place, too? Hawk nods.] Alright. Should I ask another time, or would someone else be better?

Sure! Which way is it?

[oliverplus]

[he nods and, always wanting to be helpful, offers:] I'll let you know if I run into anybody from there.

Ah... [Oliver hesitates, not sure what to say. he's not thrilled to tell the story at all, but he doesn't really want to put that on anyone else either] Maybe another time. Or...well. [as he thinks of leaving it at that, he realises he doesn't want to leave Hawk worrying either. so he decides to take a stab at a short version of it, at least] There was this monster, killing people in our worlds. A bunch of people went after it, and he led them, and...he didn't make it. Basically. [but that's not quite true, and once he's said it, he knows he can't leave it at that] Turns out the monster was...possessing him. So...so it's gone now.

[eager to get off that topic, he gestures in the direction of the theatre] Over there! C'mon, follow me. [and off he trots again to show Hawk around]

[desertdaggers]

Thanks. [He's not exactly relieved, but it'd be rude to turn it down. And maybe if they were together enough here…]

… And it didn't let go before that. [he says without inflection, and presses his lips together.]

All right. [he folds up the brochure and follows, happy to drop the subject.] So what kind of programs do they show?

[oliverplus]

[rather than responding to the comment about Grey, Oliver just nods, quickly turning away to continue toward the theatre]

All sorts! What do you want to see?

[desertdaggers]

[He considers it for a few moments, hmming.] Something light-hearted, I think. Are there any comedies?

[oliverplus]

[he eagerly continues with the more cheerful topic] Sure! I mean, I'm not sure what all people've left in the theatre, but if we can't find anything good, I'll get something from our flat.

[and the theatre is now in view up ahead! complete with its sign asking for food as the price of admission. Oliver, however, looks fully prepared to ignore that]

[desertdaggers]

You have some of your own? [huh.]

[he peers up at the sign, then glances at Oliver, head tilted.] Were we supposed to bring something?

[oliverplus]

Yeah! Well, on DVD. [he glances at Hawk, considering his clothing] You, uh, haven't got those, have you?

Huh? [it takes Oliver a second to figure out what he means] Ohhh! That. Nah, nobody's ever come to collect it. C'mon! [and, if Hawk is willing to follow, he leads him inside]

[desertdaggers]

[He shakes his head, hands lifting slightly and offering a small grin.] Haven't heard of them before, not even once. How do they fit in with the television and this?

Ah. Why's the banner there, then? [following! and he whistles at the interior, looking it over.] Nice.

[oliverplus]

Basically, they have certain shows on them. Once you get the DVD, you can watch that show whenever you want. [he gestures enthusiastically] So anything I've got in my flat, I can bring here for us to watch!

[sheepish] You know, I've honestly got no idea? I guess I sort of stopped noticing it a while ago. [he smiles at Hawk's appreciation of the theatre, though] Yeah! Old-fashioned, but it's got modern equipment. It's a great place. Want me to set something up?