Entry One: Video Entry

[themountie]

[The camera turns on to show what appears to be an actual cabin in the woods, quite small, but complete with a roaring fire blazing in the hearth. The man holding the camera is wearing full Mountie regalia, including a Stetson hat, and looks pleased as punch.]

My thanks for the accommodations, Admiral. It's rather more space than I need, but I'm sure I'll finds ways to fill it.

[There's a bark from offscreen, and the man raises an eyebrow and says, quite pointedly:] No. Not with Krispy Kremes. We don't even have a Krispy Kreme on board, as far as I know.

[He turns his attention back to the camera, clearing his throat.] I beg your pardon, everyone. My name is Constable Benton Fraser, RCMP. I first came to the Barge-- well, that's not important right now, but I'll be here as a warden for the time being. I'm very much looking forward to it. [Horrifyingly, this appears to be genuine.]

Comments

[themountie]

Don't let him hear that, please. It will only encourage him, I'm afraid.

But thank you kindly for the welcome, ma'am. Your name?

[made_a_choice]

Simone Betheson. Pleased to meet you.

[themountie]

Likewise, Ms. Betheson. [This is also painfully genuine, at least for the time being.] You're a warden as well?

[made_a_choice]

Guilty as charged. Haven't been assigned yet, but my time's coming, I'm sure.

[themountie]

Really? [This catches him slightly off-guard.] How long does it usually take? If you don't mind my asking.

[made_a_choice]

[She shrugs]

It's different for everybody. Admiral doesn't seem to pair people off if he doesn't think they'd be a good match. So either the one I'm meant to help just isn't here yet or they're just not ready for me yet. [Somewhat humble] Or vice versa.

[themountie]

I see.

[But he frowns a little.] And how long have you been here?

[made_a_choice]

A few months, now.

Don't let my example scare you too much; I don't think my circumstances are very typical.

[themountie]

Oh-- no. [He rubs at his earlobe absently.] It's just that I was really very eager to get started, you see.

[made_a_choice]

Can't go wrong if you come in with the right attitude. Don't worry.

[themountie]

Certainly. I'll try not to. Or, well, I'll try to, rather. Have the right attitude, that is.

[made_a_choice]

Hope you don't mind me asking -- Did I hear barking a second ago?

[themountie]

I'm afraid you did, yes. That's Diefenbaker. Dief-- come here, please.

[There's a noticeable pause, but Fraser reacts as if there's been a reply in the silence.] Yes, I think you should come and meet our neighbors instead of preening in the mirror.

No, I don't know how many are--

No, I'm not going to ask, for God's sake. Just come here. [He sighs, shooting Simone a long-suffering look.] I'm sorry. He's very obstinate. Thank you.

[This is said to the cabin's other occupant, who pads into view a moment later -- Fraser tilts the screen down to catch him: a big white dog, possibly even a wolf.]

[made_a_choice]

[Simone has never had a dog but she's never met one she didn't really like]

Oh, he's a handsome one.

[themountie]

I beg you, don't encourage him.

[made_a_choice]

[She laughs] Sorry. I'm glad you got to bring a friend along.

[themountie]

Oh, yes. Me, too. I don't think I could have come if they'd asked him to remain behind.

[made_a_choice]

The way you talk it sounds like he wouldn't have taken 'no' for an answer.

[themountie]

[He chuckles at that, rubbing a thumb over his brow.] He probably wouldn't, at that.

[made_a_choice]

Any other questions I can answer for you or your friend there?

[themountie]

[Dief answers with a bark; Fraser's expression makes it clear this is going ignored.]

I don't believe so, no. Is there anything you think I would need to know?