[audio] @msolis; [open]

[candlemom]

[The voice in the audio clip is quiet, weary, and a little bit nervous. She gets right to the point, though—small talk isn't really Dr. Solis' thing.]

Hello, everyone. My name is Dr. Maridel Solis. I... apologize, as I am never sure how to best introduce myself. I am the last surviving native of this world, and I am the scientist responsible for the portal. I created the lighthouse, the lanterns, and I repair the lanterns of the dead. I think it's about time we began working together.

I'm sure you all have many questions for me. I will do my best to answer as best I can, but first, allow me to explain a few things.

I imagine some among you will be cross with me for lurking behind the scenes for so long. During the first few resets, I made my presence known right from the start. Problems arose rather immediately—it's quite a shock, as I'm sure you all will understand, to find yourself in a place such as this. Too much, too soon... This is an impossible situation we've found ourselves in, and the full scope of it is too likely to turn fear into panic. I do my best not to shout fire! in a crowded theater these days, for everyone's safety.

In any case, please know that I am truly sorry that you have found yourselves in this place, and I'm grateful for your help.

The second reason for my seclusion is that, frankly, I've been quite busy. Busy with research, with lantern crafting and repair... It's easier for me to continue my work while separated from the rest of the town until I am ready to present my findings to the townspeople for help.

During the attack on the town this past November, Robin was given a lantern by the green-eyed spirits. The thing was in pieces, barely recognizable as a lantern, and as such, it's taken me until recently to identify its owner, but—this lantern belonged to a lighthouse keeper from many years ago. One of the best we've had, in fact. What's more is, I believe I may be able to revive him.

The revival will take time, as I still have many preparations to make before we can begin the process. In the meantime, I would very much like to hear from anyone with a background in the sciences, magical or otherwise. Your skills and knowledge sets may be of use, as I will have need for materials I believe can be found in Beacon, although I'm at an impasse as to what, precisely, those materials might be. For now, I would simply like to get a scope of what other capable minds we have among us so that I may best understand how to utilize our strengths.

Regarding the incident on the ferry: frightening as though the forest spirit prank was, I assure you, it's nothing to be alarmed by. The portal is unstable, and occasionally its schedule fluctuates. I believe that is all that happened in this case; the forest spirit, ahem, corpses are... unrelated. Pranksters getting carried away with themselves.

When the next batch of new arrivals will show, I can't be certain. We'll simply have to wait and see what the next ferry brings, though I doubt the portal will keep us waiting for too long. It never does.

As I've said, I imagine you have questions for me, and I am happy to answer as best I can. I will... set up an inbox for myself, I suppose. I'll be sure to make that information available on the network directory.

Stay safe.

[The audio feed clicks off. Attached to the message is a written transcript of the whole broadcast.

ooc: More information about the lantern revival plot will be available in the future! Right now, she's just collecting data... Dr. Solis will need assistance from many different skillsets, so there's room for everyone to get involved at some stage! No worries if your character isn't a huge nerd.

Also, the game history page has been updated!]

Comments

[candlemom]

Oh?

[There's some genuine confusion. It's not like she leaves her stuff lying around town.]

And what might that be?

[cained]

Oh, not much. I'm assuming you've been paying attention to what goes on around here so you must be aware of all those pretty little rocks with fun surprises in them falling around all over town.

( it's not a question, exactly. she's a scientist, surely she can put two and two together. but on the off chance his point isn't clear: )

Can't imagine someone as smart as you would think none of them would be yours.

[candlemom]

[She laughs. Yes, this makes more sense.]

Oh, I find plenty of opals each year, Mr. Winchester. I don't doubt some of mine might have ended up in town. Which memory have you got?

[cained]

( well. huh. that's not what he was expecting to hear. still. )

See, I ain't so sure I should tell you. Let's call it insurance.

[candlemom]

Insurance for what, exactly?

[cained]

In case you get bored of playing Glinda the Good Witch and wanna try Wicked Bitch of the West on for size. So lemme ask you this, Doctor -- why the hell should I trust you to be on our side? What's the endgame?

( he's not exactly one to go on faith, as a woman of science should understand. )

[candlemom]

I see.

[She sounds a bit tired, but it's not as if she didn't expect some reactions like this.]

For starters, Mr. Winchester, I asked after the memory in an attempt to help you understand what you might've witnessed in viewing it. I have no interest in reliving my memories, so I'm afraid this opal of yours isn't very good insurance.

However, I understand your need to ask this question, but I'm afraid I have a question of my own before I can answer yours: why are you inclined not to trust me?

[cained]

Not for thing, doc, but you coming out of the damn woodwork with all the answers don't seem real trustworthy. Someone's gotta look the gift horse in the mouth.

( he's been screwed over way too many times not to. )

[candlemom]

[She lets out a small laugh.]

I hardly have all the answers, though I see your concern. What would it take for you to trust me, then? Even just enough for us to cooperate efficiently.

[cained]

( hey, it's a long shot, but she asked. )

Oh, I dunno. The location of your lab might do the trick.