[network] @standardissue; Catch a tiger by the toe [open] [Day 158, after lockdown]

[deus_ex_phs]

[Kunsel doesn't have his helmet on when he turns the video feed on, mostly because he feels like this is something important enough that people need to see his expression, to know how deadly serious he is. His eyes glow faintly in the darkness that comes after nightfall, though it's washed out slightly by the light being cast by the tablet.]

To anyone in the Entrance area, or anyone who might end up here, there's a situation in the fire station you need to be aware of.

[As though to punctuate his statement, something behind him rattles, like someone behind a door trying to get out. Kunsel takes this as his cue to turn the tablet's camera to focus on a door that's been blocked by a bed, with the door's handle handcuffed to the frame itself. It's hard to make out in the light, but on the door itself, written in thick black marker, are the words "OPEN WITH CAUTION. MONSTER INSIDE."]

Last night when we stopped here, an anomaly emerged from one of the mirrors in the bathroom. Half humanoid, half insect, and it looked like a mirror itself. We only barely managed to block it inside the bathroom. We left this morning, then came back tonight.

[The door rattles again.]

And it's still here.

[He turns the tablet back toward himself now, still grim and serious.]

If you can, I'd recommend avoiding the fire station entirely. We don't know how well this setup might hold. If you can't, then don't unblock the door, even if you think the anomaly is gone.

Comments

[deus_ex_phs]

[Kunsel just lifts a hand, gesturing for Jim to come over. His expression is mild, like he's not even angry.]

You know, I could go straight for your guilt buttons and ask you if a SOLDIER is a joke to you. But I'm not that kind of guy.

Come here, I'm not gonna hurt you.

[rattlingthestars]

[ Jim offers him a suspicious look at the guilt comment. He does shuffle closer, though he's still trying to stay just out of Kunsel's considerable reach. ]

Close enough?

[deus_ex_phs]

[Kunsel bends down to pick something up from the ground, then holds it up for Jim to see. It's the fireman's helmet Jim found recently.]

Nope. Come here and put this on.

[rattlingthestars]

[ Jim accepts the helmet reluctantly and drops it back on his head where it belongs. It's silly-looking but he likes it. ]

-No face plate. Can't be as mysterious as you.

[deus_ex_phs]

[And there it is. There's the opening Kunsel needs. In that one moment when Jim is busy putting the helmet on, Kunsel slings an arm around the teen's shoulders before he can escape. In the same heartbeat he brings his tablet back up and-

Smile!

Time for a selfie, Jim!]

That's okay. I'm going to caption this one "Helmet Buddies" anyway.

[rattlingthestars]

Hey!

[ Jim just looks slightly stunned in the picture because he doesn't manage to work out what's happening until after it's already happened. Thanks, Kunsel. ]

Kunsel.

[deus_ex_phs]

[Kunsel just grins, completely unrepentant.]

Turnabout's fair play, Jim.

Besides, I think you're getting off pretty light. I could have done much worse things in revenge.

[There's a definite shark-like quality to his grin.]

[rattlingthestars]

I guess.

[ It's grudging. After a second of wondering if he should be trying to edge away or perhaps appealing to someone for protection, Jim pushes his luck to add: ]

You aren't putting that on the network, are you?

[deus_ex_phs]

Not unless you give me a reason.

[Translation: Don't push your luck too far, Jim.]

[rattlingthestars]

Are you really trying to blackmail me into behaving?

[deus_ex_phs]

Maybe. Is it working?

[rattlingthestars]

Has it ever?

[deus_ex_phs]

Note to self: Find better blackmail.

[rattlingthestars]

Good luck with that.

[deus_ex_phs]

Thanks.