VIDEO | 01

[burnseternal]

Good afternoon.

[Hey there, Mask or Menace. Greeting you today is someone who's distinctly alien in nature, from his smooth, pale skin to his wide, black, bug-like eyes blinking fondly into the camera, two sets of eyelids flitting across them as he blinks, one after the other.]

I have been informed that this device is used to communicate with those of you who share my circumstances. That said, it is very nice to meet you all! This is my first time on Earth, and I must say, it's quite remarkable. [He takes a moment to glance off-camera for but a moment. It's clear from the backdrop that he's sitting on a rooftop, and that he's looking down at the streets below.] Quite remarkable indeed... though, as I've been thoroughly informed, many find my appearance to be just as remarkable. It is an Earth custom, perhaps, to confront those who look unusual in such a frank manner.

[He doesn't sound too unhappy about that fact, however; to the contrary, his eyes crease as he gives the communicator a merry little smile.]

I must admit, however, that all this smoke and concrete isn't quite to my tastes. If any of you have found a sanctuary from the city, I would be glad to hear it. Some trees, I think, would do this place some good.

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Text; ID is Scarecrow

[restingstitchface]

I am residing in a sanctuary far removed from the city. Unfortunately, there is a clear absence of nature. The light isn't pleasant. Not very roomy, either. But the peace and quiet is remarkable. Quite perfect for reading.

[It's a lovely place called prison.]

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[burnseternal]

Ah. I hadn't known that visual correspondence was possible on this device. How useful!

[It would benefit the nonverbal, he's sure. He doesn't bother learning how to text himself just yet - he would feel terribly rude making this person wait while he fumbled with it - but continues to speak pleasantly into the camera.]

I'm certain that it's nothing that adequate materials cannot solve, my friend. Where is this sanctuary of yours?

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[aviate]

Walker? What are you doing here-- [On Earth, in this universe, take your pick really.

He looks down at his ring and it's not going supercharged on him so that means he's not in the immediate vicinity.]

Do you know where you are?

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[burnseternal]

Ah, Hal Jordan! I had not expected your presence here, though perhaps I should have. It is good to see you!

[He gives Hal a rather fond smile. It's a pleasure to run into a familiar face.]

I am not yet familiar enough with this place's geography to know of my exact location... but my ring, I'm sure, could send you the coordinates if you wish to meet.

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[dicktate]

You know, I do not usually go for aliens. A lot of them are ugly with bad teeth and bad hair, but you are very cute. I like you.

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[burnseternal]

[Saint Walker, typically unflappable, manages to look confused in a matter of moments in this instance. It's got to be a first.]

I... thank you for the compliment, my friend, but I believe you are mistaken! If you look more closely, I think that you will find that every creature has beauty in their own right. It is simply a beauty that you are unaccustomed to.

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[airshow]

Gee, you just got here and you already wanna go camping?

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[burnseternal]

[He laughs, a low, amused sound.]

I am seeking a place of refuge and serenity, though now that you mention it, brother, some time to explore the wilds of Earth is a very good idea.

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[missleadingquestions]

[Wow... this guy's so pleasant! There's so many friendly people entering, it's hard not to say hi to them all.]

There's a ton of places besides the city! It's just not easy to get everywhere.

[Import cities? A cinch! Otherwise, you're kinda screwed if you can't drive or... fly, or.... use public transportation properly. Can you get to the forest by public transportation? A beach bus sounds pretty cool, actually.]

Oh! Right, you can call Maya, by the way. What should we call you?

[Well, she's assumed he's a guy, anyway, but he is an alien. After meeting Frisk, she's kind of tempted to ask what she should refer to him as, but she's also hoping his name will give her an answer one way or the other.]

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[burnseternal]

Ah! I may be in luck, then. I do not mind traveling. Quite the contrary; I would like to see more of what this world has to offer. There is so much to learn from a change in location.

[He inclines his head towards the screen, a gentle, peaceful gesture.]

It is good to meet you, Maya, and I thank you for the welcome. I am Saint Walker. You may call me Walker, if you wish.

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[glowsferatu]

[ Kanaya furrows her brows in sympathy. It's hard out there for an alien, man. ]

I'm afraid you've found yourself on a predominantly xenophobic world. That sort of frankness isn't perhaps customary, but it will be common, and not always benign. You may need to be careful, in some areas.

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[burnseternal]

Unfortunately, I believe I have already encountered someone intent on fighting me. It must be terribly exhausting, to expend so much energy on hating that which is unfamiliar.

Nevertheless, I thank you for the warning. You have encountered such hostility yourself...?

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[enucleation]

There are forests around the cities, and there are also parks inside the cities.

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[burnseternal]

Thank you for the information, brother. I believe I have seen a few of these parks, though they are, for the most part, rather small. I have yet to venture too far afield.

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[helpline]

[ Because Saint Walker's gotta go home at some point or another. And when he does get home...the Doctor's sitting on the living room floor, making a tiny little rope ladder. Considering though, that the television remote, a laptop, and a couple of hearing aids are in pieces all over the floor, it's obvious that the rope ladder wasn't the Doctor's first project.

When Saint Walker enters, the Doctor looks up...and just grins. ] Considering that now there's a greater alien-to-human ratio, I think it'll be easier to browbeat Hazel into getting what we want.

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[burnseternal]

[This entire experience is very strange to Saint Walker. He ends up circling around the neighborhood twice before he decides to enter, marveling at the sheer uniformity of the buildings, of the size of the places that simple people are meant to live in, at the neatly planted trees and at the grid-like streets outside of it.

He has traveled very far, and has stepped foot in technology unlike the sort that this planet has, but this is his first time in a truly industrialized world. When he steps in, he's not expecting the presence of another, nor is he expecting such an unusual greeting.

For a moment, he's not sure how to respond, and it shows in the way that he hesitates just in the doorway. Moments later, however, he's smiling and stepping inside, feet light against the ground.]

Perhaps, if what we want is truly aligned. You live here, correct?

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[quaerit]

Sadly, it's customary for many people to be impolite, whether it's about how you look or something entirely unrelated. Such people don't do a very good job of representing humanity to others, so I'm sorry for what you've experienced.

[ But in fairness, you are remarkable. Gansey had never seen an alien before he came here. He can't really help being fascinated by it. ]

There are forests around De Chima, where I live. That's in Virginia, and if you're interested in the scenery in general, I can give you some pointers.

But on the topic of politeness, my name is Gansey. I'm pleased to meet you. Welcome to Earth, if no one has managed to tell you that yet.

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[burnseternal]

[Saint Walker has been greeting everyone with a smile, but Gansey receives a particularly warm one for his troubles. He's being awfully polite about something that hadn't particularly bothered him, and he's still so young!]

Please, my friend, your apologies are not necessary. Even if I had truly taken offense, you were not the one to give it. I do thank you, however, for both the intent and the welcome; it seems to me that as many people here are prone to showing kindness as hostility.

It is good to meet you as well, Gansey, and I would gratefully hear more of De Chima's forests.

high five to extraterrestrials without noses

[quantifies]

Many humans of this era are uncomfortable with alien appearances such as ours, but given time, those you interact with will become used to it.

[Most of them.

Eventually.

More or less.]

blue bugs with big black eyes without noses THESE GUYS WILL BE BEST FRIENDS

[burnseternal]

I would certainly hope so! It would be troublesome if, after an extended period of time, those we spoke to were still rendered uncomfortable by our mere appearance. Familiarity will always breed comfort.

[It is, however, a relief to see more non-humans here.]

But I must ask... why do you stipulate the era? Have humans been more comfortable with alien appearances in the past?

[orions_shadow]

Earthlings are kinda... what's the word?

Xenophobic. Even against their own species. You're one of the least scary lookin' aliens I've ever seen, so you got that workin for you.

[burnseternal]

I believe that I will take that as a compliment! I shouldn't want to scare anyone, regardless of the cause.

I have already been informed of the apparent xenophobia of this planet, though I have encountered many who have been kind as well. I hope that you have not encountered too much of this yourself, brother.

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[chancetoatone]

[While Thane isn't familiar with the species, he smiles slightly, his own large gaze amicable as two sets of eyelids flit across his eyes as well.]

This is my first visit to Earth as well, and I admit, I share your sentiment.

Unfortunately, the natives do find our appearances...interesting. They border on rudeness often.

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[burnseternal]

[Ah -- a like soul. Saint Walker's smile is more pronounced than Thane's own, perhaps, but he doesn't doubt that the reason behind it is largely the same. They do look rather similar.]

I am sorry to hear that you have encountered this as well. Has this place given you a human body as well? I can only assume that such a power was meant to smooth the process out, as it were.

[beneathbluerafters]

[ Klarion isn't quite an alien, but he can definitely sympathize with looking out of place! ]

Pay no mind to the idiots if they start gawping. They'll usually stop, with a sharp enough reprimand.

[burnseternal]

[Ah... this child sounds young, still.]

Sometimes, I find that a simple explanation will work far, far better than any reprimand. To be sharp is to incur fear; to explain is to breed understanding.

Have you had unpleasant experiences with the locals, yes? I would be grateful if you were to tell me more of what you have seen.

[akito]

Ah, you look really cool! How do you like this planet's atmosphere? Is it very different from what you're used to?

[ first time seeing a proper alien on the network! how neat!!! ]

The Xavier School for Imports in Heropa has nice grounds around it with some big trees and flowers, but it's not close to being a real park or forest.

[burnseternal]

Thank you, my friend! I assure you, to me, you all look rather, ah... cool to me as well.

[He's unfamiliar with the word, though he understands the general thrust of the meaning. With such attention brought to his appearance, he runs one hand over his head, draping the tail on the back of his head across one shoulder.]

While it may not be a real forest, I should like to visit this school. It is good to hear that there is a house of education in place for those of you who have been brought from your worlds before your studies have been completed. And to answer your questions... the atmosphere itself is not terribly different from what I am used to; as long as I can breathe, I am content.

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[neatniks]

.. Uh. [ This thing is way more alien-looking than the last alien he met, but look at how cheerful it is! Listen to that optimism! ] It depends on where you are, but most towns and cities have parks. The amount of quiet and nature tends to vary a lot, though.

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[burnseternal]

I believe I have seen one of these parks, but I'm afraid I found it to be rather small. Some exploration is needed, I think. Luckily, exploration is precisely what one must do when on another planet.

I must ask, then -- have you found any place of solace on this world, brother?

action; i had this open all day yesterday and forgot to tag in, a++ me

[deadtective]

[Hazel is (mercifully) out when Walker first arrives at his new residence. when she returns home she's blithely ensconced in her own thoughts, several books nestled under her arm and earbuds providing some pleasant background music.

she catches sight of Walker as she's sliding her shoes off, and gives him a flat once-over before pulling an earbud out. her voice is about as unimpressed as that glance.]

I don't care what he's got you here doing, you have to be out by ten.

[guess who's assumed Walker's an acquaintance of the Doctor helping him tinker with his dumb future tech rather than a new housemate. just guess.]

it's all good! we're not in any hurry!

[burnseternal]

[When Hazel walks in, Saint Walker is busy inspecting the kitchen. He's busy looking at the state of the refrigerator - not at all to his tastes, not quite yet - and examining the appliances. He's not from a world with electricity, so while the shape and functions are the same, the way they work are not.

He hears Hazel walk in before she says anything, and once he turns around, it's with a smile that suggests that if he noticed the flatness of her voice, it certainly doesn't bother him much. He stands in a loose, relaxed stance, feet shoulder width apart, hands tucked neatly behind his back.]

You will not be getting your wish, I'm afraid, nor has he assigned me any task. This is the place that I have been assigned for the remainder of my residence here.

[He inclines his head in greeting.]

I am Saint Walker.

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[bestsword]

Eh anyone who's got a problem with you and other aliens here can fuck off.

[Tucker don't be rude about backing him up god you're an ambassador for just this exact thing for christ's sake.]

You're probably the nicest sounding one I've ever run into, dunno why they'd give you a hard time.

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[burnseternal]

I believe that people are reading much more into my statement than I intended! I do not mind, truly. If my presence can be of use to acclimatize others to the presence of others not of this world, then I welcome it.

But I thank you for the compliment nonetheless, brother. I will - [and here, he sounds as if he may be joking, but it's hard to tell] - endeavor to continue sounding nice.

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[mammal_robot]

Just be aggressively open about it. Hold a press conference. They'll get used to you eventually.

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[burnseternal]

[With a low chuckle:] I believe you think me more irritated than I am. They will get used to me regardless. If they have questions, then I am more than happy to accommodate them.

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[melavasomniar]

I don't think people around here are exactly used to having more than one race about. It does make for some interesting exchanges, doesn't it? And I don't even look that far from human!

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[burnseternal]

Indeed you do not! Do you mean to say that you are from Earth, but you are not a human? It's certainly something that I have seen on other planets, but I had not thought it to be the case on Earth.

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[daimeinashi]

[The text does not contain a greeting, nor any pleasantries. There's just the names and locations of a few parks and at least one botanical garden in Heropa.

Socializing is hard, okay.]

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[burnseternal]

Thank you, my friend. I will certainly endeavor to see the place beyond the names.

[He doesn't know how to use the internet, but he'll figure it out. If this stranger wishes only to provide facts, Saint Walker certainly doesn't mind.]

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[countdone]

As much as we've polluted our planet, there are still plenty of trees around. There's just less people in places that have a lot of them.

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[burnseternal]

That will not be a problem for me. I have traveled to many places, but such a high population concentrated in a single space is unusual to say the least.