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]

...Nothing. Never mind.

So you're from Toronto, one hundred years in the past, is what you're saying.

[19centconstable]

Yes, precisely. People come here from all sorts of times and places. It's terribly exciting.

[themountie]

And other people can see you. I'm just checking, mind.

[19centconstable]

Why wouldn't they be able to see me?

Oh goodness, is this a flood? What an unfortunate time to arrive. I myself arrived just before a breach, but I actually rather enjoyed it, as I got to be both a private detective and a cowboy.

[themountie]

No reason.

I'm afraid I'm going to need you to translate what you've just said for me, Constable Crabtree.

[19centconstable]

Do you mean you haven't been told about the floods yet?

[themountie]

I'm not unfamiliar with the term as it applies to water, but...

[19centconstable]

They don't actually involve water here. ...Although they might. But they haven't yet.

A flood is...well, it's a bit like having a Gypsy curse on you. You find that you behave strangely, or look differently, but not everyone on board is affected. During a breach, everyone suddenly thinks they've been unlike themselves the whole time.

[themountie]

And this is a regular occurrence?

[19centconstable]

We have at least one strange occurrence a month, I would say.

[themountie]

You'd think that would be in the literature.

[19centconstable]

You were given literature?

[themountie]

Well, no, but I'm starting to think I should have been.

[19centconstable]

I do a bit of writing: I could note down some things if you like.

[themountie]

Really? That would be very kind of you, Constable.

[19centconstable]

It's my pleasure, Constable.

[themountie]

Thank you kindly, then.

And you know, I'd love to hear about Toronto some time, if you don't mind sharing. I've been, of course, but I imagine it must have been awfully different back then. [He sounds very slightly wistful -- he probably would have liked it better in George's time.]

[19centconstable]

I'm always happy to talk about the city, of course.

[They did wear most excellent hats all of the time...]

[themountie]

Excellent! I'm not sure if I'm allowed to reciprocate, though -- are there rules about these things? Talking about the future, I mean. Although I suppose the Territories may not be all that different... Yellowknife is the capital now, of course, and we've got Keewatin back. I hear they're talking about separating Nunavut.... But socially speaking, I mean.

[19centconstable]

You needn't worry: I've returned home briefly, and it turns out I don't remember anything which occurs here. Although I believe I am influenced by events. I did write an adventure novel, after all, and I'd never considered doing that sort of thing before coming here.

[themountie]

Really? What about the inmates, do they remember?

[19centconstable]

I'm not sure. I only know how things have worked for me.

[themountie]

That's a bit worrisome, isn't it? I would hate to think they'd forget, after all the work that must go into their rehabilitation.

[19centconstable]

But if they remain influenced, like I was, then it's really no loss.

[themountie]

Hm. I suppose. [Inwardly, he's unsure, but he's got the game face on.]