Message 01. Technicolor Animals 101

[unrecovered]

[The video flickers on to show both Wash and North in what looks like one of the hotel rooms. It’s far enough away that it’s obvious they’ve set it up on a flat surface somewhere. Wash is still wearing his helmet; old habits die very hard.]

Hey. Does anyone know anything about these Dream Eater things? We know they can fight and that you can make them from little rainbow pieces; aside from that, I’ve got nothing.

[There’s a squeak from offscreen, and Wash looks over-] Hey, get over here. [-and leans out of the frame.]

[North, meanwhile, has his helmet off, because all things considered, this area’s probably safe and he can let his guard down a bit. ]

Also, do they all carry loose change or something? It’s an odd way of making money.

[He glances over at Wash.]

Everything alright, Wash?

Yeah, fine, just- c’mere!

[There’s more squeaking offscreen, and finally Wash leans back into the frame, pulling his bat into his lap. The bat squeaks piteously, and it’s pretty obvious that one wing is bandaged.]

Is there a vet around here, or someone who knows how to take care of this? [He gestures at the bandage.] I can do this much, but that’s about it.

[Responses will come from both Wash (unrecovered) and North (brodakota).]

Comments

[unrecovered]

I don't know, it doesn't look spooky enough for that.

[Right now it just looks miserable, and he goes back to petting it.]

[brodakota]

[Theta goes back to thinking.]

Well, maybe after something brave then? Since it was fighting for you.

[unrecovered]

What, like Lancelot?

[The bat makes a disapproving noise and burrows a little further into Wash's lap.]

Or not.

[brodakota]

Something like that, or Arthur if you want to keep it open.

But I guess he wants something different. If it is a he.

[unrecovered]

[The bat makes that same noise at the mention of Arthur.]

I don't think he likes that one either. [Oh jeez that's something he didn't think about, and he glances down at the bat.] You are a boy, right?

[The bat squeaks a quiet affirmative.] Good to know.

[brodakota]

[North looks at Theta.]

Looks like we're zero for two, buddy.

I'm going to guess Batty is right out of the question.

[unrecovered]

Would you believe I met someone who named her bat that?

I don't know, I could do something like Bruce or Fang or-

[The bat squeaks at Fang - it's the happiest it's sounded since it was injured. Wash pauses.] Fang? Really?

[The bat squeaks again, a pleased affirmative.]

[brodakota]

Zero for three. Man, am I off today or what?

[North laughs.]

Looks like he's made a decision.