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

[deadliestviper]

Really? That's a surprise, you're the first one who hasn't tried to care for me or guide me around. [Read: that's why I don't believe you. But no worries, Natasha; B is more impressed that someone else is running with that lie than she is offended by it. Lies are necessary, even the ones you can see through.]

[persuadeyou]

Natasha would be concerned, but she knows most people won't see through it at all. B's the exception, not the rule. And it makes her interesting, but it makes Natasha wary, too.] Well, I'm pretty new myself. I don't think either of us would get very far.

[deadliestviper]

[If she hadn't thought about telling the same lie herself she would never have caught Natasha's, and the fact that she's telling it makes her just as wary.] Another new person? Can't say that's not a relief, though from your side I bet this influx everyone's talking about must have been no fun. I even heard someone stumbled in after a fight.

[persuadeyou]

Must have been before I came. I'm still learning the ropes; try not to hold it against me.

[deadliestviper]

We've got that much in common.

[persuadeyou]

Well, I look forward to working with you, Beth. [And, you know. Watching you/her back.]

[deadliestviper]

You as well, Nicole. [Oh, they'll both be keeping a watchful eye on each other, no doubt about that.]