( video )

[velutinous]

[ Cassandra read the message, retrieved the items given to her, and promptly stared out at the farm she would now call home. This was a far cry from what she was used to - the lavish estates and the mountains of wealth and influence her family sat on for centuries. But for a woman so out of place in her finely tailored clothes and obvious air of confidence around her... she did not seem overly alarmed.

Mingling with the lower class was not beyond her - but back home she always, well, went home. Here it seems she'd have to get her hands dirty and that is not something she is used to. Thankfully, she has ways of remedying that.

The video turns on after a little bit of trouble. Technology this advanced is also far beyond her realm of knowledge but it comes to her eventually. On the screen is a smiling woman - cleaner perhaps than she should be given how long she's actually been around the farm. ]

Good afternoon everyone! My name is Cassandra and I am but a humble woman seeking some aid on this newly acquired farm of mine. You see - I do not know much in the way of farming, but I am very willing to learn! If someone could please [ She bats her eyes here, smiles a little wider and seems genuinely sincere in her request and pleading. ] assist me in removing some of the larger rocks and debris from around my home I would greatly appreciate it. Surely there are people strong enough that such an endeavor would be nothing for them!

I do not have much in the way of gold just yet, but I am more than willing to return the favor in other ways. [ A wink. ]

Comments

[shotinhead]

Greetings, Cassandra. Sorry, I can't help you out there. [ The Courier isn't in armour, once again, and is still heavily scarred and not too good looking. But they then let out a laugh. ] How many get invited here without any farming know-how?

[velutinous]

Aw, what a shame. [ She pouts. It's fake. ]

It would seem they invite more than a few, if you are amongst them as well. [ Oh well. She shrugs, not overly disappointed. ] You are more than welcome to join me regardless. Hard labor is not all that I am in need of currently.

[shotinhead]

I am - but I've got a good job, don't need to touch the settlement too much. [ They're laughing a little to themselves, still. ]

Might as well find a good route to yours - I'm your local mailman now.

[velutinous]

Was yours not horribly dilapidated upon arrival? [ She needs her AESTHETIC and this ISN'T DOING IT FOR HER!!! ]

And does my local mailman have a name, perchance?

voice

[strikecommand]

I could lend a hand if you need it. No trouble.

[velutinous]

( that's not a fun answer. Still, Cassandra's not one to reject such an offer, even if she's vaguely suspicious because people aren't just... Nice like that. Right? )

You're offering to do manual labor for free? Quite the gentleman you must be.

Video;

[halfabrain]

[ Shawn's clearly never done this before, holding the jPad just so, so that all the camera really shows is his scarf and plaid shirt. But he's trying to be helpful, honest! ]

Heya, girly! I'm really no good with the leavy hifting- er, heavy lifting stuff, but I know about farming! It's probably the only thing I'm good at. I could show you a thing or two if you could spare some wheat if you get around to growing any!

[velutinous]

[ Oh. This isn't going the way she hoped it would. ]

So long as you're okay with waiting a bit, I guess I could do that. [ How long does it take to grow wheat??? ]

video

[steelringer]

My Pokémon could help with the heavy lifting if you'd like us to stop by!

[Steven smiles up at her from the video, waving.]

What will you do with the stones?

[velutinous]

Your what?

[ Everyone here is weird. ]

Uh... nothing?

[steelringer]

[He moves his head to the left, letting her see the massive Pokémon behind him.]

Metagross can handle rocks and stumps like that in no time.

[velutinous]

[ Cassie stares. She's read up on quite a few monsters in her time, but she can scarcely think of what the hell she could compare that to. A golem? Ew. ]

I suppose if it gets the job done... [ She's so sad. Steven looks kinda cute too. ] I'm over at. [ Blah blah blah coordinates to farm or whatever. ]

[eidgenossin]

[Cassandra did... did you mean that the way it sounded? Angela clears her throat.]

Unfortunately I can't help you with your boulder problem, but I am available if you require aid for injuries while you're here. There's quite a few of us in the same boat, after all.

[strikecommand]

[Yeah he doesn't get it.]

Just able to pitch in. We're all in this together, right?

[velutinous]

[ She sure did. ]

Seems most people can't. [ She's starting to get annoyed. And bored. What's the point in bringing so many non-farmers here anyway? To watch them suffer while they can't move some damn rocks?

She briefly recalls seeing her post on the network earlier. An actual physician might be useful to have around here. ]

Luckily for you, doctor, I am currently uninjured. Though I am curious - could I call you over for a simple check-up instead? [ Ayyy. ]

[velutinous]

I suppose we are.

Does my valiant and willing hero have a name?

[shotinhead]

Yeah. Overgrown. Better then undergrown.

...And you can call me Six, if you need to call me anything.

[velutinous]

Six it is, then. [ An interesting enough name - or title, whatever - that Cassandra's slightly waning interest starts to rise again. ]

I am over at [ a farm with a vague location or whatever ] And have some wine I could spare, if you are inclined to drink.

[strikecommand]

Look, I'm just gonna help clear out your lawn.

[So there's really no need for words like valiant. Perhaps he's a little embarrassed.]

It's Jack.

[velutinous]

I hope that is a double entendre.

[ She laughs. Is she joking? Who knows, but it's funny either way. ]

A pleasure to meet you, Jack. When can I expect you?

[strikecommand]

It's not.

[Someone is. Very serious.]

Anytime today is fine by me. Just let me know.

[velutinous]

Ugh. [ lame. ]

Well, I'm free all afternoon, so feel free to swing by whenever. I'll give you what I can. [ Which is probably like five gold and water. Good enough, right? She sends the address over. ]

[steelringer]

[That's okay, Steven is used to people thinking his Pokémon are ugly or too big. Maybe Cassie will like his Carbink better, who hops up in front of the camera to see what their dad's doing, mmmreeeewwwwing in hello.]

We'll head over soon! I haven't ever been a farmer, but I do know how to dig.

[He laughs at his own joke, standing up as he talks to her and starting on his way over.]

[eidgenossin]

A checkup? I suppose I have the time right now, if you're concerned. If you can, pass me some directions to your farm and I will do my best to be there shortly.

[Woosh, right over her head.]

[strikecommand]

Like I said, no need.

[He already knows this isn't going to be an issue for him, so he's happy enough to do it for free. Jack waits an hour or so, not wanting to be seen as rushing over before he makes his way to the address.

There is a big blonde guy heading up the driveway, hand raised in greeting.]

Anyone home?

[velutinous]

[ Listen, Jack. You might not be all in for her initial offer - but she's going to have to do something. Because if there's something she's learned in her life it's that people don't just do things for free.

At the very least, she can make him, like, lemonade or something? Even her rich bitch ass can manage that.

Luckily, Cassandra hasn't moved from her spot out on the porch of her new home. She's still got her jpad out because she's still trying to convince people to come over — or, you know, whatever. So when he strolls up it isn't hard to miss her.

Isn't hard to miss him either. God damn. ]

There certainly is. You must be Jack.

[velutinous]

Not so much concerned as ... overdue for one? [ yeah, that's it. Se throws in some directions. Not hard to find. ]

[strikecommand]

That's me. Jack Morrison.

[He approaches accordingly, extending a hand for her to shake as he invites himself up the stairs. Jack is all military professionalism and his handshake is well-practiced and firm.]

Anywhere in particular you'd like me to start?

[passedover]

I can help with the large rocks and debris, no stranger to heavy lifting.

[And he saw farm boy answer who would damn well try to do it all on his own if he was in a mood.

Nope.

May as well offer himself, it'd be easy to get restless around here otherwise.]

[eidgenossin]

Overdue? [Tsk.] I'm on my way.

[It doesn't take her long to get there, thanks to her wings at least. When she arrives she lands near the shipping bin, her gaze glancing around the farm curiously.]

...Hello?

[velutinous]

A pleasure. Cassandra Velvet. [ Handshakes aren't really meant for greetings where she's from — they're more for deals. Shady deals. She takes it though, once her brain processes what's happening and nods. ]

There are a few particularly large boulders hindering any further progress down to the left of the broken greenhouse. If you could get those out of the way, I would be grateful.

[ A beat. ] Any advice on general farm life would be appreciated as well, if you have any.

[velutinous]

[ Hi yeah what's up did you just fucking fly in? She looks over from her position on the porch, brows raised in surprise. ]

Well, hello. I did not expect you to fly your way in.

[velutinous]

I have another on his way already, but I certainly won't object to more help.

[ Because she sure as shit isn't gonna do it. ]

Would you like anything in return?

[passedover]

[He noticed and hey, he's being good and not saying something.

Mostly because it's not as funny as he usually thinks.]

Don't worry about it. Mostly an offer so I don't get restless over here watching a friend re-live his childhood.

[So close.]

Just tell me when you'd like me to come over.

[eidgenossin]

Sorry if I startled you, Cassandra. [She smiles, stepping over with a hand outstretched to shake hers.]

It looks like you have quite the job cut out for you here. [not that Angela's looks any better, she's been otherwise occupied.]

[strikecommand]

Sure.

[He seems completely undaunted by the fact that they are particularly large boulders, nodding in an agreeable fashion before he starts to head around back. Jack doesn't ask for any equipment, merely sizes up the rocks when he sees them.]

Do I look like someone who has some?

[Genuinely asking.]

[velutinous]

Fair enough.

[ She hums quietly, thoughtful. ]

If you're free now, surely the work will be done far faster with more hands. If you wish to wait, however, I am not opposed.

[velutinous]

[ She shrugs. ]

Chances are high that you know more than I do. Seeing as I know approximately nothing in regards to farming - it's not really something I've done before. Or thought about doing.

Figured it couldn't hurt to ask.

[velutinous]

[ It's better, but still not great. Good try, Steven. ]

That's... good to hear.

[ She'll be waiting on her porch, still talking to people on her jpad until he arrives. It's only when she sees him that she stops, says her goodbyes, and waves him over. ]

[velutinous]

No worries, my friend. Just not used to people flying is all. [ You fucking people and shaking hands. Cassie grips Angela's hand firmly and nods, smiling. ]

Not for me, so much as the men that should be arriving soon. [ Then, she smirks. ] I don't believe I got your name.

[passedover]

Hell, fine by me. Sooner is always better than later when it comes to physical later and I'm not getting any younger.

[No one could ever accuse this man of being a slacker, apparently.]

Give me a few directions and I'll be on my way.

[strikecommand]

Might be true.

[Jack might be trying not to disclose the fact that he grew up on a farm, at least not right away. He's still trying to figure out how much he remembers about it, after being a soldier for almost as long.

For now, there are rocks to focus on. They don't look to be beyond his capabilities, but some of them are embedded in the ground. He might need to do some digging, first.]

You got a shovel?

[eidgenossin]

Oh, Doctor Angela Ziegler, at your service. Or, I suppose, at the service of the hands you've hired.

[Until then, however.] Farmwork must not be something you're familiar with, is it?