❡001 video

[pvtparts]

[Polly's taken the time to explore the Barge top to bottom and bottom to top. Now she's spending some time on the deck to figure out the communicator. All of this is brand new, but there's also plenty familiar about it at at the same time. So, she's cool as a cucumber when she gets the video working.]

Well, I guess today's excitement answers the question whether or not there's ever any riots involving squidmen around here. [For the unobservant, that sure is some dry sarcasm. But it's okay. She can easily get used to this kind of weird.] I've got more than that, of course seeing as how I'm new, but I think I'll just wait.

You can call me Polly.

Comments

[deshabille]

Sometimes you can, yes.

[Until she's not. And kicks someone in the fork. Not that there's anything wrong with that.]

[Mal looks sideways at her.]

So. Why are you here, exactly?

[pvtparts]

[Polly shrugs. There's been a few changes back home, but they could use a little push.]

I thought it was time for a change.

[deshabille]

[Concealing a smile - of course - Mal cants her head, as though she's considering the validity of this answer.]

I thought vague and mysterious was my game.

[pvtparts]

[She looks over at Mal with a grin.]

You looked like you were having so much fun with it, I thought I'd have a go.

[deshabille]

And how are you finding it, Sergeant?

[pvtparts]

Frankly, it seems as though it'd be exhausting, Corporal. I don't know how you do it.

[deshabille]

I'm tougher than I look.

[pvtparts]

[Polly silently raises a brow.]

[deshabille]

I feel that I should be deeply offended by that expression.

[pvtparts]

I think deeply is a bit melodramatic...

[deshabille]

Me? Melodramatic? How dare you.

[pvtparts]

Me? Daring? Maybe.

[deshabille]

If not, I'd like to present the theory that you're entirely an impostor.

[pvtparts]

I would be disappointed it took you this long to notice.

[deshabille]

Deepest apologies. I've been somewhat distracted by being in space.

[pvtparts]

You should never let your environment distract you from the important details, Mal. You know better than that.

[deshabille]

I do. Good thing you're here to keep me up to snuff.

[pvtparts]

And here I was aiming for early retirement.

[deshabille]

Don't lie.

[pvtparts]

I'm appalled and quite offended that you would ever accuse me of lying, Corporal.

[deshabille]

I'm appalled and quite offended that you'd ever dream of leaving your lads.

[pvtparts]

Well, of course I'd never think or do that.

[deshabille]

Then I won't be offended. For the moment.

[pvtparts]

Still appalled though?

[deshabille]

Oh, perpetually.