one

[inmylight_commander]

[So guess who also shot at the Moogles and guess who also got to experience a stop spell stasis field, and who's less than happy about the whole thing?]

[This girl.]

[A video feed opens on another fully armored personnel, her Israeli accent edged with frustration.]

Noble Two calling Noble Actual. Come in Noble Actual. Colonel Holland? Auntie Dot -- Someone needs to tell me what the hell is going on.

[Some brief, jerking movements as she tries to brush off the Meow Wow that keeps rubbing up against her leg and snuffling affectionately.] Stop it. If I'd known you are what I was making I wouldn't have bothered. Go away before I shoot you.

Comments

[lessabrasive]

[The owl hoots, then twists its head until it is peering back at Kat upside down. Lin pays him no heed whatsoever. Given her initial reaction, the armored woman seemed to be slowing down and taking stock - not unlike Lin, after her own arrival here.]

This is Traverse Town, [she flicks one finger, as though to indicate the space around her; she's in a different district, but it's the same place, more or less.] Twilight Town is supposedly from the same set of worlds as Traverse Town but with a perpetual sunset. The last 'world' [and from emphasis, it's clearly a term used loosely] is a space ship or frigate, called the Mother of Invention.

[inmylight_commander]

[That owl is really disconcerting. Kat watches it as she listens, but the moment she hears space ship she glances back at Lin.]

How can I get there.

[Because a spaceship would have astrogation and star charts, and that would come in really helpful right about now.]

[lessabrasive]

[ The owl hoots again, then flutters off. Seen what it wanted to see? Magic Eight Ball say: Unclear.

Lin was expecting that question. ]

There's a portal. But if you're expecting to find a way home from there, you'll be out of luck. It's also not advised to go there alone.

[inmylight_commander]

I've got team here, I won't be alone. [Not that she'd necesarily take Emile ... TEAMCOM totally counted, right?]

-- and who are you? You certainly sound like you know your stuff.

[lessabrasive]

[ No. No it did not. But look! Someone who isn't referring to Emile by his given name! ]

If you're referring to Noble-Four, I doubt he'll be enough. There's a being concealed on the ship, one that doesn't take kindly to visitors.

I am Chief Lin Beifong, formerly of the Republic City Police. I don't expect you to know it. [Frank, rather than flat. She's not from your world, after all.] I've not been here as long as some, but it's important to stay involved, and keep informed.

[inmylight_commander]

We've dealt with concealed enemies before. [Watch her ignore that advice because lol team.]

A woman after my own heart. I'm Noble Two, second in command of Noble Team. Or, first here as the case may be. [Yeah it's going to be weird trying to get used to this without Carter.]

[lessabrasive]

Not like this one. [If it's an alien, it's not like any from any world they're familiar with.] I believe there's been some discussion on new attempts to deal with it, but I haven't heard anything more as of late.

[There's a short, sharp nod of acknowledgement.] Somehow I doubt you'll need the usual spiel regarding dealing with nightmares. I'll let Noble Four handle that for you.

[inmylight_commander]

I'd apprecite it if you could keep me updated. Still learning my way around. [and instantly sticking her nose in everything]

That's fine. He knows how I like my debrief.

[lessabrasive]

[Her head inclines slightly.] So long as you're prepared to do the same. I've no doubt that you'll get the hang of things soon enough.

[Heh.] Has your squad been together long?

[inmylight_commander]

I think I can agree to that. [For now, let's not be too hasty.]

[Here, she pauses.] Noble One and I built the team seven years ago. [Emile hasn't been with them that long, but Kat doesn't feel the need to divulge everything just yet.]

[lessabrasive]

[Lin seems satisfied by that. It's a simple enough agreement after all. For now.]

Special Ops, I presume. [That's a long time in the grand scheme of things. Lin's mildly impressed.] What sort of armed forces are your UNSC?

[inmylight_commander]

Your standard; army, navy, marines. Specialized; ODST, Spartan. Spartans are associated with the Office of Naval Intelligence.