001 VIDEO LIST ONE

[deadliestviper]

[The screen switches on, revealing a face caked in dirt, covered in dust, streaked with sweat, and smeared with blood. A pair of troubled, if clear, blue eyes look out from it, and then there's a shake of the head, followed by a swirl of long, messy blonde hair – underneath all the grime, the new arrival's a female. She gives a bright smile, the sight slightly disarming on such a gritty face.]

Hi. [Her voice cracks when she speaks and she coughs, then clears her throat.]

Sorry to bother you folks, but it appears I've got some new business to attend to and I'm a little out of sorts. [Her smile turns apologetic, a little self-deprecating. It might be cute if she didn't look like an adult female approximation of Peanuts' Pigpen.] If one of you would be so kind as to point me toward the showers, I'd be in your debt.

[One last thing: her voice lowers, the sparkle gone from her eyes.] Budd... If you're here, I'll find you.

Comments

[thestarspangledman]

There are some showers in the gym, I think, miss. Are you alright?

[deadliestviper]

Great. Can you tell me where I might find that?

I'm fine, thank you.

[thestarspangledman]

It's on level 4.

If you're sure. --I'm Steve Rogers, by the way, um. Welcome aboard.

[deadliestviper]

I'm sure. – Right, Steve Rogers. That's real cute.

[video]

[notafuckingnut]

Um. There's one on each floor. At the end.

[Hi. There's a staring Richie, although he's less bright-eyed than he would have been a week or so ago, the stare less intense and probing and more distractedly curious.]

...Who's Budd?

[video]

[deadliestviper]

Thanks.

[She attributes the staring to the dirtbath, and if it's attracting that kind of attention, Jesus, she better clean up sooner rather than later.]

Budd's the guy who muddied me up. He's an old friend.

[video]

[notafuckingnut]

[Don't ask him which end, he knows more where it is rather than directions.

He shrugs.]

No problem.

...What happened? Mud fight or something?

[That would be awesome.]

[video]

[deadliestviper]

[She'll pick one and find it, once she meets Wanda for the soap. The approximation's helpful enough.

She chuckles at the question.] Yeah. Or something.

[scarlet_discord]

Oh man. Um, hey, I have some soap and a towel and fresh t-shirt if that will help you get started.

[deadliestviper]

Thanks, kid. I'd owe you one for that.

[scarlet_discord]

I'm in 4-3, same level as the gym. Name's Wanda.

[deadliestviper]

Splendid. Thanks, Wanda, I'm B. Let me get my bearings here and I'll be right there.

[It takes a few minutes before Beatrix finds the proper area. She's sloughing off dirt, leaving a little dust trail behind her, and gives Wanda a tired smile.] Please don't ask.

video;

[aggravating]

... please tell me all that's from the end of some kinky, naked mud wrestling.

[comment not here]

[thestarspangledman]

[SILENTLY JUDGING YOU. You don't talk to ladies like that, Tony. :|]

video;

[deadliestviper]

[Oh God what the hell. This is what she gets greeted with?] Sorry to burst your bubble, cowboy, but you're in for a disappointment.

video;

[aggravating]

[Welcome to the world of Tony Stark, B]

Hey, that amount of dirt either comes from mud wrestling or buried alive. Personally, I'd like to keep my little mental fantasy going strong.

Video;

[lastmanstanding]

[Hoffman just kind of stares for a moment]

You uh-did you get somebody to get you some bath...stuff?

You want some new clothes too?

[What is it with unusual people showing up lately.]

Video;

[deadliestviper]

[The staring's already getting old. She's definitely not turning the commlink on for a while after she cleans up.] Yes. Someone already offered a hand, but thanks for asking. [She pauses, looking downward.] Although I could use a new pair of shoes.

Re: Video;

[lastmanstanding]

[Audio or text is your friend. Hoffman frowns] Size?

[He's a warden. Ladies shoes should not be the worst thing he'll eventually have to ask for right?]

[video]

[demigoddess]

[ Before she can think the words come out. ] GODS! Are you hurt? [ She seems fine enough, but under all of that dirt.. .]

[video]

[deadliestviper]

[That concern catches her by surprise, and for the first time in a long while she laughs. Genuinely.] No. I'm fine, thank you. [The worst she's got to deal with right now are the wounds from the rock salt blast to the chest and her skinned knuckles. Flesh wounds don't count as injuries.]

[video]

[demigoddess]

Okay. [ But she doesn't sound convinced. ] If you want to borrow some clothes that fit, or you know, need anything, you can ask me.

My name's Cassie by the way.. And, welcome? [ She means that, but is sure this woman feels less than welcome in her current state. ]

[persuadeyou]

[She knows disarming when she sees it. So Natasha cuts to the chase, while maintaining her cover: she's just a consultant who makes a living asking the necessary questions, nothing suspicious there.]

Who's Budd?

[deadliestviper]

[Expected though it is, that question's unwelcome. Beatrix scrutinizes her, looking for any hints on exactly who it is who's asking.]

Budd's a friend.

[persuadeyou]

[And Natasha keeps her face neutral, curious but giving nothing away.]

I guess he hasn't piped up?