01 - Arrival

[eyelinerandleather]

[The first thing that Lauren becomes aware of was the smell of water. She opens her eyes to find herself at a pool of all places. Upon realizing this, she rolls over from her back so that she can climb to her feet. How in the hell did she end up here? She was supposed to be after that Rambaldi artifact! Did she fall asleep? Was she attacked and kidnapped? Was this the doing of the CIA or the Covenant?

But if this was their doing, why did they put her near a pool? Was this some sort of test?

She takes a deep breath before slowly letting it out]

Hello? Is anyone here? Sydney? Michael? Julian?

[She took a few unsure steps, hand slowly moving to the gun that was apparently still with her]

Comments

[beastisbeauty]

[Bruce is heading for the pool to exercise and hears a woman calling out, asking if anyone is there. He quickens his pace, seeing her standing there.}

Um, hi. Is everything okay?

[eyelinerandleather]

[She eyes him, taking a small step backwards]

Who are you and where am I at?

[beastisbeauty]

[He holds a hand out, palm up, in a gesture of peace.]

My name is Bruce Banner. This place is called Paradisa. I, uh, this place is a bit unusual. If you'll sit down, I'll try to explain it to you.

[eyelinerandleather]

[She turns her options over in her mind before realizing that she really doesn't have any. It's either listen to what he has to say or attempt to run. In a place where it appears that she has no allies, running seems moot. She crosses her arms across her chest, giving him a look that clearly states that she doesn't trust him]

I'd rather stand, if you don't mind, Mr. Banner.

[She's not giving him her name just now. She wants to know what he knows, first]

[beastisbeauty]

Dr. Banner, actually, I'm a nuclear physicist. [He sighs.] I don't mind, no. Uh. Apparently, the castle is, in some way, sentient. It has the ability to reach across time and space and pull people, maybe even other things, to itself. That's how people end up here. The residents of the castle were all brought here against their wills, including you and me.

[assassino]

[Ezio had been changing in the adjacent change room when he heard a woman shouting. He listens for a beat and then wraps his towel around his waist, making his way out to the pool deck. Have a dark-haired man fresh into his thirties with a heavy Italian accent. He looks a little concerned for her, mostly naked as he may be.]

Is everything alright, madonna?

[eyelinerandleather]

[She arches an eyebrow at that. A castle that kidnaps people? That sounded utterly ridiculous. But then again...]

Dr. Banner, you do realize how unrealistic and utterly ridiculous your claims sound, correct? How is it possible for a castle to think or kidnap people?

[eyelinerandleather]

[Despite her current situation, she can't help but look this man up and down. He's good looking, that much was certain. It's clear that she's unbothered by his state of undress]

Well, considering that I am stuck in a place with no idea where I am or how I got here...

[She trails off, allowing him to play fill in the blanks]

[beastisbeauty]

"I'm a physicist, miss. I'm very aware of how absurd I sound. I'm not sure how it happens. Of course, we say the castle, but it could just be an alien intelligence inhabiting the castle," he sighs. "I haven't been here very long myself, so I'm still learning about this place. I can only tell you what I've observed."

[assassino]

[That brings a touch of a smile to his face –– well, then. That confirms one thing and lessens the need for concern.]

Ahh. You are in Paradisa –– for me, it is easiest to understand as a sort of purgatory, but for others, it is called an "alternate dimension." Perhaps you can make better sense of that than I can.