eversohungry | [Action/Video] Transmission 003

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[Action/Video] Transmission 003 - In Which Vastra Returns

[By Vastra's reckoning, years have passed. Her position at Scotland Yard has been elevated considerably, and in addition her little inner circle has expanded to a veritable 'Gang' of sorts. She and Jenny were married and happy, the Doctor had some of his familiar spark back, and yet...]

[Vastra leaves the woods, her hat veil trailing behind her as she carries it in her hand. Luceti, again. Warmer this time, thankfully, however it was not a welcome sight.]

[Not much seems to have changed, though upon her return to Luceti Vastra regrets leaving behind the few friends she had made. Natasha, Mr. Barnes, Miss Amelia, and Loki to name a few. However life went on and it went at a very quick clip after her return. Now those feelings of regret were resurfacing. Part of her wonders if they escaped, and hopes they did. Part of her feels slightly deflated that should they be gone, she would have to start completely over. This time with the knowledge that her wife was missing her, not just her paramour.]

[She walks down into the village, the path still familiar, repositioning the black hat and veil over her face. She takes it in, as much as she can, and feels very uneasy when she gets the sense that the changes she sees are extremely superficial...]

[When she arrives at the room she had, there is plastic over the furniture--and though the clothes and personal items are gone, it appears the heavier things never moved. Vastra pulls the cover off her familiar chair, sits, and opens her journal.]

((Video))

Is there anyone here who recalls seeing me a few years ago? I realize this is most likely a strange message, however as unsettling as Luceti is, little seems to have changed since my departure. I suppose this is simply the nature of this place?

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[This is exactly the sort of thing Vastra feels anxiety over. Even if she couldn't remember things from a longer period of time in Luceti, would she change in minor ways that even she couldn't remember or understand? Would Jenny believe she was keeping secrets about a time spent away from her? Vastra had never, ever lied to her wife or kept something from her (Jenny was a strong and capable woman, after all, and dealt with the strange and difficult with grace), but sentient beings were capable of doubt. Imaginations could run to unfortunate places, and what else could be said aside from 'I've told you everything'?]

I would feel the same way. I do feel the same way sometimes. A friend of mine traveled for years on his own, and I knew he was in pain. Every time I saw him, I could tell his burden was taking a toll on him. Days would go by for me, and he would spend years reliving his pain. How does one combat that?

[She sighs after a moment--it's a rhetorical question as far as she's concerned.] Love is difficult enough without the intricacies of time travel woven into it.

[It’s good that Vastra means for that question to go unanswered; Pepper lacks a reply, or at least one that would hold any satisfaction for either of them. She simply doesn’t know, hasn’t figured it out after eight months of trying, and likely never would.]

It’s still worth it, though. [For all the frustration she feels, Pepper has grown closer to Tony while they’ve been trapped her forever. While she’d happily change some of the methods, the results are still good ones.]

Yes, it is. Whatever difficulties await, it is still worth it.

[She pauses, mood thoroughly blackened by the topic at hand. Though she hasn't forgotten her manners at least--]

My name is Madame Vastra. And you are?

[It’s one of the many unfortunate aspects of being in Luceti, as Pepper understands all too well. So the change of topic is welcome, even if it’s something so brief and simple as exchanging names.]

Pepper Potts. It’s nice to meet you, as it were.

Yes, the pleasure is all mine. It would be better under different circumstances, of course.

Of course. [Never mind that, at least to Pepper’s knowledge, different circumstances would also make a meeting impossible.]

Are you settling back in okay? Do you need anything?

Edited 2013-03-29 21:49 (UTC)

Do I need anything? [Vastra is genuinely puzzled by the offer.] Well, there is absolutely nothing left in my apartments in the way of food, however I'm certain I can manage at least that much.

[The note of confusion is met with a faint grin.] Technically, you’re a new feather again. It’s pretty standard to offer help to new arrivals, especially since I work at the Welcome Center.

[But it goes beyond that in a way, because of the conversation they’ve had.] And I don’t think I helped you very much with the answers I gave.

I... suppose so. [If it's her job to help people, Vastra can understand that. Though she really doesn't think she needs help. Or, probably more accurately, she doesn't know what to ask for help with.]

Well, the last time I arrived here a great deal of my clothing also arrived in the shop. I had quite a difficult time getting it all back to my apartments on my own.

Right. And you don’t want to leave anything personal behind, in case someone else takes it without knowing. [It’s an understandable concern, and Pepper thinks on it for a moment longer.] Well, if it’s not too much, I could probably help you carry some of it. Or I could try to enlist a few volunteers.

[But clothing could be delicate, and Pepper definitely understands if Vastra wants to keep the number of people down to a minimum.]

I doubt anyone would-- [Given what she's seen people wearing around Luceti.] --however some of my clothes have personal value. It isn't too much though, I am a woman of slightly modest means.

We can meet somewhere whenever you're free, in that case. At the clothing store? [Assuming Vastra does want the help.]

Certainly, that would be lovely. If you have the time available, Miss Potts. I would not attempt to divert your attention from things more important than helping me sort out my wardrobe.

Pepper's fine. And I'm free now, actually.

[Then she grins, humor in her voice.] Well. I wouldn't say sorting out a wardrobe is exactly unimportant. I'm the sort of woman who appreciates a well-stocked closet.

A woman after my own heart then. Let me clarify: sorting out the wardrobe of a brief acquaintance might not be quite as important as your own errands for the day. But if you are quite sure, the petticoats and cloaks can get quite heavy.

I'm sure. I'm not due to be anywhere for awhile yet, and that requires a warm up anyway. [Afternoon training with Clint, provided he doesn't cancel on her. Pepper is currently hoping for the best.]

I don't live far from the plaza. I can be there in about fifteen minutes or so?

Splendid, I shall meet you there. I will be the one in the black dress with a parasol.

[And the green skin, but Vastra tends to forget to mention that.]

[Fifteen minutes later, Vastra is outdoors, enjoying the spring air and waiting for Pepper outside the clothing shop. She could start without her, of course, however Vastra considers it to be slightly awkward to start some event without all present.]

[Dressed in black, holding a parasol--and green-skinned. Vastra hasn't exactly mentioned that part, and it makes Pepper very thankful she has time to take the sight of the other woman in before she approaches. She's met talking pink ponies and cartoon rabbits, so why not a lizard woman? All with wings, of course. They're still in Luceti.]

Vastra? [She tries to cover up the lingering remnants of shock as she holds out a hand.] I'm Pepper. It's nice to meet you in person.

[Vastra turns when she hears her name, even though she thought she saw Pepper coming a ways off. Maybe best to not startle her, let Pepper realize that Vastra was clearly not human.]

[She smiles and collapses her parasol, then takes Pepper's hand and squeezes it before letting her hand drop.] Yes, a pleasure. I do appreciate the help--I confess the last time I was here I did not make much use of the Welcome Center. Had I known I could enlist help with my furniture I would have come by.

Well, I don't know if moving services are typical for welcome center volunteers. But I do have some free time, and sympathy for trying to get difficult-to-carry items across long distances.

[Pepper motions to the door then.] Whenever you're ready, we can get started.

Yes, I suppose they wouldn't be, would they? I probably wouldn't volunteer to carry a stranger's furniture, I can't imagine that sort of charity. [She chuckles.]

Ah, of course, I wouldn't want to keep you all day. Let's get started. [Vastra leads the way into the shop, reacquainting herself with the piles and piles of mostly odd clothing. She pauses, biting her lip slightly as she scans.] I had almost forgotten how much there is in here.

Well, like I said—it depends. There are probably people here who would be more than happy to help you do just that. [She follows after Vastra with a small grin.] I just don’t want to give an impression of the Welcome Center as an organization that isn’t necessarily true in regards to standard operating procedure. I was a business woman back home, so PR is usually a primary concern of mine.

[Pepper looks around as well; she has some idea of what Vastra might wear thanks to her current outfit, but lizard women in Victorian-era clothing is still a hard idea to resolve in her mind.]

The village has about three hundred people at any given time—though that still feels like a small number until you start a task like this, I suppose.

Really? [Vastra's eyebrows raise slightly. That's impressive, though Vastra has been assured by the Doctor that the society of apes marched on and progressed to a place where women were trusted with more than just a household. Businesses, and countries, and planets and so forth--it was very encouraging. Though this is the first that Vastra has actually met in person, so it's very encouraging.]

[She looks around the store briefly, then sighs and starts walking through the shelves and aisles, looking carefully. A few times she reaches out to pick up a sleeve or touch the fabric.]

Well, this isn't anything that can't be pleasant with the right sort of distraction. What was your business, Pepper?

[A lizard woman has a hard time believing Pepper is a professional in business. Never change Luceti.]

Technological innovation. Most recently Stark Industries had focused on advancements in clean energy with promising success. We had constructed a building in Manhattan which was powered by a self-sustaining source. [There's a ghost of a smile on Pepper's lips as she talks about it. It had been an achievement to be proud of, despite the alien invasion that followed.

She follows after Vastra, keeping to the opposite side of the row. After a few steps more she pauses to pull out a shirt with a similar style to what Vastra currently wears.] What about this one?

[~~Yeah, well... wibbly wobbly.~~]

[Vastra nods, clearly understanding what 'clean energy' and 'self-sustaining source' mean.] How wonderful. New York does seem to be the center of innovation, even when I am from. And you oversaw this project?

[Vastra looks over at the indicated shirt and nods with a smile.] Yes, that looks right. Really I suppose anything with a collar and long sleeves is acceptable. Just not... [Vastra frowns and pulls out something that is vaguely shirt-shaped.]

...nothing like this. Is this a shirt?

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