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[heliophilic]

This is M. I'm most likely out punching someone. Don't worry, they deserve it.

Probably.

I'll call you back later.

TEXT | VOICE | VIDEO

Comments

[pobrecisco]

Yeah. Just tired. And really sick of dehydrated food, believe it or not.

Yeah, I'm gonna ask around and see if I can figure out how it works later. But, uh, if I don't manage it, can you tell my roommates you talked to me? Or at least Barry.

I dunno, something doesn't add up. While people were sleeping what would have been last night for us, I felt engines kick on, and I could definitely tell we were moving. I'm pretty sure we shouldn't feel movement in space, and the engines should've been running the whole time.

I can't see much. Everyone's crammed into one open cell, everything made of metal plates, with a smaller cell with no door and a grated floor we're supposed to use as a bathroom. There are some oxygen tanks with face masks, an intercom, and a regular guard rotation, and that's about all I can see.

[heliophilic]

Oh look, I've finally found something you consider unacceptable.

I'll reach out to them. Though... Eddie's among the kidnapped, isn't he?

...There's also the matter of artificial gravity. That should be outside of the Russian's range too. But are you sure you're moving, or do you think it's some kind of trick like being in space?

No air vents? How is the air circulated around the room then? They want to keep you alive, they can't just lock you in a room with no air circulation.

[pobrecisco]

And it only took me being fed prisoner rations!

Eddie's here? It's so crowded I didn't even see him. I'll go look for him soon.

Should be, but being able to kidnap all of us without anyone noticing should be outside of their capabilities too, and they still managed it. But I dunno, it definitely felt like movement. It could be a trick, but I don't know for what.

There might be air vents out in the hall where the guards are, but I can't see from here. The cell isn't sealed air-tight or anything, it has a barred gate. The guards are staying out of arm's reach, though. People have already tried to coax them close enough to grab, and it didn't work.

[heliophilic]

I'll wean you off those damn nuggets yet.

I think so. Everyone on this side is running around yelling "the sky is falling," so information all around is spotty at best. Haven't had a chance yet to confirm.

...I wonder if the weather had something to do with it. One of the damn kids in the bunker mentioned something. Something about a Hornet attack last year--mind control--and right before there was some weird weather.

It won't. They doing their best Buckingham Royal Guard impression too?

[pobrecisco]

What's the story on the US end of things? They have to have said something official by now.

I dunno, that was before I got here. That sounds like it's worth looking into, though.

Oh yeah. I don't even know if they speak English, other than one guy who told us what was happening and then refused to repeat himself or answer questions.

[heliophilic]

[M clears his throat, then gives Cisco his best L.Chases impression:]

Attention all imPorts,

We are now in a state of national emergency. As of January 20th, the USSR has officially declared war on the United States, effectively endangering not only the people of America, but the world as a whole. In this time of need there is a strong chance we may have to call upon you, imPorts, to do your duty in protecting your own.

As a part of this declaration of war, the USSR has abducted approximately fifty imPorts, a number which may yet continue to grow. We do not yet know how this was accomplished, but you have our word that our intelligence is active and ready to uncover what form of technology could abduct you from afar.

We are currently in talks with foreign aid and the UN. Retaliation is a risky prospect, but I assure you, we will retaliate. That time draws near, and when it does, we will be asking for your assistance.

Until then, stay aware, alert, and cautious, imPorts. We cannot afford to lose any more of you, and more importantly, your fellows cannot afford it.

[A cough, and his voice goes back to normal.]

And then all hell broke loose.

Since then there have been... 4 posts urging everyone to not blow Russia to kingdom come, to remain calm, wait for further instructions, and to pool our resources.

[pobrecisco]

[ M's impersonation is enough to make him crack a small smile, even though the words are certainly serious. He doesn't know anything about Chases, but M's impression paints an interesting enough image. ]

Well, that's definitely official.

So, uh, how many people do want to just try and blow Russia up? That's not actually happening, right? Because, I mean, they've got plenty of hostages. They don't seem like they want to hurt us, but that could change real fast.

[heliophilic]

Everyone's just angry, and so of course their first thought is to blow up Russia.

Do I need to tell you how statistically improbably it is that anyone will actually do it? I thought you were smart, Cisco.

[pobrecisco]

Statistically improbable, maybe, but imPorts sort of have the market on statistically improbable cornered. Even if it's not actually likely, that doesn't mean the Russians won't get worried that it is.

[ He sighs. ]

Sorry, I think this place is making me paranoid already.

[heliophilic]

It's 0.01120870752859566629% likely someone even tries, Cisco.

Even for them.

Paranoid will do you no good, Cisco.

Be alert instead. The difference is when something comes, you'll actually be prepared to face it.

[pobrecisco]

[ He takes a deep breath and lets himself calm down. He even cracks a grin. ]

Okay, I know your brain is a computer or whatever, but that just sounds like you're showing off.

[heliophilic]

So what I'm hearing is you wanted that to the thirtieth decimal instead.