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]

No, no. This is my first time, as far as I know.

[buildindreemz]

All right.

Of course, it's also possible you've been here before and don't remember. That's what happened to me.

[themountie]

Huh.

On the other hand, it doesn't appear that anyone remembers me, either. And I'm not sure when I would have been here before -- it's been a busy few years.

[buildindreemz]

You probably haven't, if no one remembers you. But trust me, 'being too busy' to be here isn't a factor.

This place does freaky things with time.

[themountie]

I'm beginning to understand that this place does, er, "freaky" things all over.

[buildindreemz]

Pretty much all the time in one form or another, yeah.

How'd you manage to bring a dog with you?

[themountie]

I asked. [He sounds surprised.]

[buildindreemz]

Really? [She... never really thought about that. Not that she's much of an animal person.]

The Admiral just seems... like he may or may not grant that kind of request, I suppose. What's the dog's name?

[themountie]

Oh, I don't know. He struck me as a fair-minded man. [Although he's starting to wonder about that...]

And his name is Diefenbaker. Say hello, Dief. [He turns the camera to show the white wolf, who barks accommodatingly.]

[buildindreemz]

No, I really don't think he is.

How pretty! [She just hopes she never runs into him alone in a dark hallway!]

[themountie]

[Don't worry, Ariadne, the most he'll do is search you for donuts. Dief lets out a remarkably pleased-sounding bark, and Fraser sighs and smiles wryly.]

Oh, dear. I wish you hadn't said that, ma'am; I'll never hear the end of it.

[buildindreemz]

[Ariadne laughs.] Sorry. And don't call me that, seriously, it's just Ariadne.

[themountie]

[Again, there's a flicker of surprise, but this time he smiles.] Your parents must have been very well-read, if you don't mind my saying so.

[buildindreemz]

A bit. My mother is a classics professor.

It's probably a good thing I was born a girl. I'm sure my name would've been Apollo or something equally atrocious if I'd been a boy. Ariadne is tough enough to deal with.

[themountie]

[At that, his smile turns a bit wry.] I told you my name was Benton, didn't I? [There's a reason he goes by Fraser. :|]

[buildindreemz]

That's not so bad. You can go by Ben. Nothing wrong with that name.

Most people either can't spell my name, or can't pronounce it.

[themountie]

My best friend calls me Benny. [He tries not to wince, but it's probably a little evident just how much he hates that.] Fraser is really adequate, though.

[buildindreemz]

I would never do that to you. Fraser it is. [She gives him a reassuring smile.]

[themountie]

Much appreciated. Thank you.