pre-intro with Annie

[dominoeffect]

[it wasn't easy, but Hal somehow found his way to the mess hall. which smelled absolutely horrible, but at least there were no remnants of blood in the Tuesday soup. he's ended up cowering in the corner with a cup of tea and a book he had on hand. in fact, he's been there for a while. in the hand that isn't holding his book, he's holding on to a domino and gripping it very tightly]

Comments

[departea]

[ she had wandered in to raid the kitchen's supply of tea since her stock is running low. she doesn't notice Hal at first ]

[dominoeffect]

[he notices her, though. there haven't been many people in here today. they know to avoid it. when he speaks, his voice barley comes out:]

Annie?

[departea]

[ she turns to face him, and once she actually sees who it is her expression changes to one like a deer caught in headlights ]

Oh my god.

[dominoeffect]

No.

Not quite.

[departea]

Hal, you're-- it's-- when did you get here?

And why are you in the mess hall on a Tuesday?

[dominoeffect]

Because there are many, many people here in this encampment.

But not here. Plus, there is tea, and it is the only thing they can make that is not vile. And even that is mostly a failure.

[departea]

It's why I make my own in my cabin.

[ she takes a deep breath, and walks over to him ]

[dominoeffect]

I was hired here. To keep peace.

Me. Do you realise how ludicrous that sounds?

[departea]

On the bright side, you'll always have something to do!

[dominoeffect]

There are no bright sides.

[departea]

At least you missed the farm.

[dominoeffect]

It would be less moist.

[departea]

But a different kind of bad smell.

How long have you been sitting here?

[dominoeffect]

Four hours and fifty-three minutes.

[departea]

Ah, you kept an... exact count...

Why don't I make you some tea that isn't completely terrible, huh? How does that sound?

[dominoeffect]

And go outside.

[dominoeffect]

That's not really an option right now, Annie. No, we'll stay here.

It's quiet.

[departea]

I'll just pop into the kitchen then and see if I can salvage anything in there.

[dominoeffect]

All right. That'll do.

[departea]

[ she casually walks into the kitchen, and once there, she takes a few moments to just breathe deeply. after she manages to get her hands to stop shaking, Annie looks through the cabinets and calls out: ]

I may be able to make you some here. It might not be my best, but it'll still be better than that rubbish.

[dominoeffect]

As long as it doesn't taste burnt.

[departea]

It won't. I'm the one who's making it.

[dominoeffect]

Yes.

Yes, I know. But it seems like anything is possible here.

[departea]

Well, that's because it is. There was a dinosaur with a hat and tattoo around a while ago.