video.

[micycle]

[For a second after the feed fizzles into life, Mike just sits there, blinking at his device in urgent confusion. Normally it would be astonishment, but the kid's been through hell and (part of the way) back, and it shows on his face; this is going to be the coolest once he gets a good night's sleep under his belt, but right now - ]

Um. [He pushes a pair of dust-coated goggles up into his hair, and coughs. The scarf below his chin seems coated with a similar substance.] Is there an Indiana here?

[A brief pause. He knows how dumb that question sounds.]

I really need to call someone.

Comments

video;

[heisenbitch]

[ Jesus, why does this place drag kids here. ]

Looking a bit rough there. You okay?

[micycle]

Yeah, I just got kidnapped into some weird alternate dimension. [Again.] I'm having a great time.

[bitch plz]

[heisenbitch]

[ The small sigh Jesse gives is both wholly apologetic and empathetic. ]

Yeah. The Porter's kind've a giant ass like that.

[ Giant ass understatement. But Jesse gets to the point of what he meant by "you okay?": ]

You hurt or anything, though?

[micycle]

No. I don't think so.

[At least he isn't here. Back home... he's not so sure.]

Is the Porter some kind of machine?

[heisenbitch]

[ God, he doesn't want to freak this kid out. He also doesn't want to lie. The military and government do enough lying as it is, and kids don't deserve that. ]

Yeah, it's like— [ Quiet, reluctant sigh. ] In a nutshell, I guess like a gateway to other dimensions. Ports people in and out.

[micycle]

[Instead of being freaked out, Mike just nods. He seems to know something about this.]

If there's one door, maybe there are others. Maybe we could find one.

[heisenbitch]

[ Definitely a remarkably grown up response for such a freaky concept. Although... ]

Maybe, but uhh... I'm not sure that's a good idea.

[micycle]

Why not? We want to get home, right?

[Sorry Jesse, this kid can be Intense.]

[heisenbitch]

[ Intense is right, but Jesse gets it, insofar as the fact that he doesn't like kids being dragged away from their homes. Away from safety and family and friends. Although... He hopes this kid isn't getting any ideas about trying to take on the Porter, or Lachesis. ]

Yeah. Yeah, no, I get that. I totally get that. But. I mean. It's complicated.

Look. [ Rubbing a hand briefly across his shaved head. ] I'm Jesse, by the way. Think we should focus on other stuff before worrying about the Porter. Like... sure you ain't hurt or anything? 'Cause I can help you if you are. Can help you find your place, too, if you haven't been shown to it yet, or help you with food, or...

[micycle]

I'm okay. [He's just exhausted, and angry.] And some people are letting me stay with them. Alex and Magnus.

[heisenbitch]

[ Brows raising slightly, relieved. ]

Oh. Cool. Good. Alex and Magnus're cool. I hang out with 'em a fair bit. [ Small, fond smile. ] They're great kids, they'll make sure you're okay.

[micycle]

[He shrugs, awkward and vague.]

It's just for one night. I don't need taking care of.

[heisenbitch]

Um... [ Well, maybe not, kid, but you're still a kid?? ] Got roommates or whatever in the place you've been assigned, or...?

[micycle]

Yeah, two. But I don't want to live there.

[heisenbitch]

Well, that's fair enough, but— I mean, what's the plan? A night at Alex and Magnus' and then what?

[micycle]

I'll start trying to get home. I don't care what everyone says.

[heisenbitch]

[ A terse push of his tongue along the inside of his mouth. It's an expression of concern, not irritation. ]

Okay, but - while you're tryna get home: Where're you gonna stay if you need to sleep? Eat? Rest?

[micycle]

I don't know, I'll figure it out!

[Mike usually has at least some plan, stupid or otherwise, but these are desperate and extraordinary times. He doesn't have time for something like that.]

What the hell is everyone's problem here? It's none of you guys' business.

[heisenbitch]

No, it's not, I agree. You're right. It's nobody's business. But, look - how about this: Stay with Alex and Magnus for tonight, and if you need somewhere else to stay tomorrow night, or any other night, or you need food, or anything - you got someone else who's willing to help you, okay? [ Pointing to himself. ]