maskormenace | [ 01 ] Video; Possible Action for housemates?

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[ 01 ] Video; Possible Action for housemates?

[ The video starts rolling well before Walter's prepared to sit down and talk. What the viewer gets is about twenty minutes of a frail and sickly thin, older white man in his tighty whities, staring blankly into the screen. A bottle of wine is in one hand, continuously pouring the contents into a glass as he drinks them down only to refill it again. It's the alcoholic channel, with a few fascinatingly thoughtful jaw clenches and an unwavering staring competition with the lens. Finally, he clears his throat and speaks up. ]

So this is supposed to connect me to others 'like me?' These so-called imPorts...

[ He studies his empty glass, turning it in his hands. ]

There's one question that never got answered, and maybe you can give me some insight? Clue me in a little because I sure saw a lot of fire and brimstone a few days ago...

[ He looks up, dead eyes focusing on the screen. ]

Is this supposed to be hell?

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Don't you worry about that none. Ted n' Booster ain't exactly the cleanest housemates... nor am I, come to think of it.

[And around twenty minutes or so, Kaylee's unlocking the front door, with two coffeeshop cups underneath her arm.]

Mr. White?

[ Walt has long since given up on the network -- mostly because of Chilton. His communicator is on the coffee table and he's laying on the couch, groaning a response to Kaylee -- one hand lifting in a half-assed greeting. ]

Over here.

[Frowning, Kaylee walked in and set the coffee cups down, nudging one toward him.]

Ah- you feelin' okay? Aside from the wine, I mean.

[ He looks toward the coffee and puts in the effort to sit up, teetering a little in the process. ]

Do you want the truth? Or a lie?

[Kaylee reaches over to grab his arm, hoping to steady him.]

Truth'd be preferable. So I can help you feel better.

[ His life is a mess, his dead brother-in-law (that he pretty much killed) is here, and Walt is dying from cancer. He opts for a lie. ]

The truth is I'm having a difficult time adjusting to this world. [ He reaches out for the coffee, grateful that she's there to steady him. ]

Chaos exploded throughout the city on the night of my Swearing-In. My brother-in-law went out there and put himself in the line of fire. And I'm hardly what this world would call a 'hero.' I stayed here and hid from it all. Like a coward.

[Kaylee frowned at that, keeping her hold on him.]

Not everyone's cut out to be a hero. I've met people before who stay out of the way when stuff like that goes down if they know they'll be more a hindrance than a help. Only reason I stayed is 'cause I knew I could help get cars off that bridge.

[ He reaches out, taking the cup of coffee in his hands before having a sip. Her words don't really help, but Walt leads her to believe they have by smiling warmly (he's good at faking those -- lots of practice with the family). ]

Thank you. You're right. Not everyone has to be a hero, and we should just focus on the things we can do to help.

[And, unfortunately, Kaylee falls for it. She likes to assume the best, after all.]

See? You don't gotta be all flashy and heroic to be important. Hell... I can barely hold a gun without shakin'. I'm really not hero material at all, but it don't make me a coward. Just means I got some sense in my head.

That's one way to look at it. We're the ones with sense enough not to throw ourselves into the line of danger.

[ Walt coughs a laugh, leaning forward to massage the bridge of his nose. ]

What has been your most dangerous encounter here so far?

See, there you go. [Kaylee sinks onto the couch, picking up her own coffee.]

I'd have to say- that. With the bombings and all just recently. I ain't been here long enough to see much more danger than that. I was able to help get cars off the bridge that had been attacked, but if it was anythin' else... hell, I'd be hidin' under the covers.

Good. Hopefully you don't see anything more dangerous than that with any luck. I have no idea what's going on with this whole hornets thing, but it sounds like something that is better to avoid than anything...

Me, too. I ain't in the business of seekin' out people who got a problem with me just... bein' here. Not like I chose to get dragged across space and time and end up here.

So I take it they're an ongoing problem? At least as far as imPorts are concerned?

So I've heard. I only been here a few months, so I haven't actually seen much of it with my own eyes, but I've gathered these Hornet folks've been around a while.

A few months is still quite some time...

[ And Kaylee has stayed out of trouble during that time. Walt is impressed by her ability to stay alive. But he'll move on to a lighter topic. Anything to keep the subject away from himself. ]

So how did your fascination for mechanics begin?

Yeah... too long. I miss home.

[She looks sad at that, but perks up again at the question.]

Just always liked machines... always had a natural talent for listenin' to them and fixin' things. Ever since I was small, I can always remember hanging around my daddy while he worked and helping him with stuff.

That sounds like it was a nice way to bond with your father.

[ Walt smiles over at her. ]

Did you have brothers as well?

[ It would explain the tomboy nature. ]

It was... I helped him more and more the more I grew up. Never did mind to get my hands dirty, and I figured learnin' my trade suited me better than havin' a lot of schooling.

[She then shakes her head.]

I was an only child, actually!

Well it definitely has practical use out in the world. And you don't see many women in your profession, so that alone is impressive.

[ Walt makes an attempt to stand and can't seem to find his footing. Well, it seems like he's not getting up and the room is spinning anyway. He sinks back against the couch, going lax in defeat. ]

I think I'm going to pass on your offer to make dinner. I'm so exhausted...

[ He mumbles, closing his eyes. ]

Oh yeah- by my time, it tends to be a bit more balanced, but still, there are more men than women. I fit right in with the guys, though.

[She sighs and nods.]

If'n you change your mind, just text me, alright? You gonna go to your room or just sleep out here?

Right here.

[ Walt's already pretty much face-first in the cushions -- his glasses askew. ]

The room is spinning too much to try and move.

[Kaylee frowned and helped him lower himself properly onto the couch, carefully taking his glasses off.]

Okay. Hope you feel better when you wake up.

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[ 01 ] Video; Possible Action for housemates?

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