001 | Video

[applewatcher]

[He's not looming over the communicator. Not intentionally, at any rate, his bemused expression should make that clear. After a moment, he adjusts it to a more respectable angle. The thing looks like a mirror again, he can see a miniature picture of himself. And those little symbols signify he's...?]

Aha. Finally. I hope the other three attempts didn't work. If they did, my apologies. I'm not familiar with the workings of this... [He settles on a word] device. It's been quite the menace all morning.

To introduce myself: I am Lucien Lachance, [he smiles, slowly easing into a more relaxed baritone,] and as you can no doubt guess, I am very new here. I would like to learn more about my new neighbors, this fascinating new world... everything, really.

[His smile falters, though his voice remains smooth. Why hide that some of the cheerfulness is forced?] Especially regarding how long we might expect to stay here. I'm sure it's a wonderful adventure for a little while, but... Well, I am a family man. I must confess, I miss them already. I'm sure many of you here know that feeling. Any advice on how to make the most of all of this in spite of it would be most appreciated.

I look forward to getting to know you all.

Comments

[applewatcher]

A wh--? Oh. [Ha!] I'll be sure to keep you appraised of my progress, then. I'm sure it will be entertaining.

Those things at least seem less temperamental than horses. Mine's taken fingers before. [Bless her, she had excellent taste in enemies.]

[devoutish]

You've not met the cars I have, then. Get yourself an older one, and you never know if it's gonna start up. At least horses will always go.

[applewatcher]

Really? I thought they should at least manage the one thing they're supposed to do.

And these cars won't take you home if you've drunk too much, would they? They're not the sort of constructs that can move themselves.

[devoutish]

No, but you can call for a taxi cab.

[applewatcher]

I'm almost afraid to ask what that might be.

But only almost, so: What is that, exactly?

[devoutish]

Someone else who does the driving for you, if you give them the money for it.

[applewatcher]

So, a carriage for hire that travels inadvisably fast and makes sharp turns. I don't see that doing much for a drunk's disposition. [Or the inside of the car.]

[devoutish]

But it does get you where you need to go, and if you get behind the wheel yourself, you might find the law after you.