paradisa | 001 {dictated}

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001 {dictated}

[Well, after having arrived a little while ago, North has kept a watchful eye on the communications of others, and he's got an idea of what he ought to be doing.

It's been a harrowing trip--mentally, at least--and he's still slightly confused by the situation. Last thing he knew, he wasn't conscious. And now he's been deposited in a place that's about as mysterious as it gets.

He stands in the lobby of the castle in full armor, book open, and decides to introduce himself. Voice muted by the helmet, he addresses the general populace.]

Don't stop me if you've heard this one before. This is North, and I'm less lost than I am confused. Anybody care to give a guy the grand tour?

[After which point he just shrugs at the damn thing and tucks it away in his armor. With a shake of his head, he takes off his helmet, and begins to wander the lobby.]

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[There are few people in the universe he'd rather have in charge. She's smart, sensible, capable, and he couldn't ask for more than that.] Good to hear.

[Oh, hello. Hangar?] He did not.

[Carolina nods silently on her end, not that North can see it.]

Noble Two, a SPARTAN, built it and several vehicles inside before I got here. It's a base at times for the UNSC-SOLDIER alliance.

I'm pretty impressed, considering what I've heard. Sounds like we have some good resources.

We're lucky, too. [Because they really have been. With all he disappearances and re-appearances, Carolina considers heir current roster to possibly be the best, with the exception if the lack of Noble Two.] I'm assuming you've talked to South, too.

[He's quiet for a second, pondering.]

I did, for about two minutes.

[It's really not any of her business, but she can't help asking,] Did something happen?

[Except he's pretty sure that you know, since everyone else seems to know.

...Even if he isn't sure he does get it completely. All he knows is that he's dead, South knows about that, and she seems to be freaking out about a sudden and abrupt perceived lack of freedom that his presence is going to entail.]

Well, she stormed off. I don't think she was as happy to see me as you might think.

[He takes a breath.]

I'll talk to her; it'll be fine.

She's glad to see you. [Carolina knows that with certainty. She's had conversation after conversation with South talking about him.]

[He knows, he knows. But it wasn't exactly what he was expecting.]

She's been here a while.

I've been keeping track of her from a distance while she's been here. [And then repeats,] She missed you.

Thanks for keeping up with her. I imagine she did, even if she wants to go off on me for ruining everything.

She's worried things will change between you two. [The focus of most of their conversations.]

See, I have this "big brother" thing that she'll never understand. Unless she changes something, I'm going to do what I've done for thirty-odd years.

Might want to remind her of that. [Which she's sure he's already done, but it wouldn't hurt to remind about it.] I'm glad to have you here, though.

Once she settles down, we'll talk. I think she just needs a minute to get over the shock.

[A pause.]

Thanks. Can I say I'm glad to be here?

[Carolina's tone brightens further.] Yeah, you are and you're not alone there. Most feel like this place is a second chance.

Definitely. I'm already wondering what surprises--pleasant and unpleasant--I'm in for. But it's better than nothing.

Looks like you came on the tail-end of a few unpleasant months. Things should be looking up.

Here's hoping. I've got some catching up to do, and I'm not entirely sure I want to do some of it. I walked into one hell of a mess, didn't I?

It always manages to get cleaned up by the time another one rolls in.

That much is good, then. I'm not looking forward to it, but I'm not worried. Should I be?

I don't know, honestly. South can be unpredictable.

Don't I know it. But I guess she'll have a calming influence now.

If you want help from any of us, you know how to reach us.

I know. I think I can handle her on my own, though, unless something's drastically changed.