asgardeventide | First Imprint; Video

[Could this be an imprint? An imprint gone wrong? Claire didn’t know as she looked at the device. She knew enough that this was some communication device that the video feed was transmitting, that someone or more were watching. A brunette with slashes that were healed over stared into the feed, calm. It would take more to unnerve her.]

This is Dr. Claire Saunders. I need—I need to return to—Los Angeles. [She couldn’t openly call out the Dollhouse. No, she didn’t want to end up in the attic. Then another thought crosses her.]

Topher, if this is some sort of joke because I tried to sleep with you, I’m not laughing.

[But then it could be Alpha? Could he design a program like this?]

Alpha? [Even saying his name makes her blood freeze.] Alpha. I’m no longer a threat. I’m not even Whiskey any more, and Echo is number one now. Just—just take me back.

[Not even Adele could be stupid enough to unleash her on the world. Not when it isn’t her choice, and she’s programmed to dislike most everything.]

I—I don’t have a handler, do I?

[Her mind is reeling. How could this happen? All the likely scenarios and imprint technology goes through her head. She’s back to being calm, handling the situation as is needed.]

I need information on this place.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It would have to be a very broad and very thorough illusion -- there are some hundreds of people here, some who have been here as long as two months.

Indeed. I can't fault a medical woman for having her doubts about the situation, but I'll provide what information I can.

Again, technology can do just wonderful things. [She seems really jaded about this though.]

Are there not that many doctors? [Technically she wasn't one. But she had all the memories of medical college, all the expertise.]

You'll have to tell me more. You'll find me behind the times, as it were.

There's a few of us. There's more with the healing ability of the Sigyn House than medical training, however.

It's complicated. To say the least.

So these abilities... [Interesting.] I am in Hel House.

I believe you. The things I've learned in these last two weeks alone ...

They're real if that's what you're asking. I'm in Thor myself with strength.

You've been here for two weeks? Where are you from?

[She just nods. It sounds like coding. Well, strength. Saunders doesn't know what else to think of it right now.] So what are we supposed to do? What is the-- [Engagement] Purpose?

I'm from London. [Watson hesitates but he might as well.] And an earlier time period to most of those here. It was 1891 when I left.

Well, it appears that the letter was correct -- by being here and interacting with the citizens of this town, we are slowly restoring colour and life to its inhabitants. However, by bringing us here our captors seem to have instigated a war with their neighbours and we are now recruited to save this world and every other world from Ragnarok.

Los Angeles, 2010. [She's impressed with the time gap here though.]

How are you adjusting here? [Always the doctor in her.]

Right. So there's a war going on.

Los Angeles -- you've come a long way.

As a former soldier and an associate of quite possible the single most eccentric man in England, I thought I was prepared for everything. This place -- well, I find myself more homesick than anything. There's so much to do that the impossibilities of the situation seem somehow remote.

About a week previous some strange ice creatures were sent to attack the city.

So have you.

[She nods again.] Understandable. This place seems different than my-- well, home is not adequate.

I know how to fire a gun, possibly more skills from muscle memory.

I suppose so! If this is Europe, it's no Europe I've ever known.

[Two interesting statements.] You're not a Los Angeles' native then?

More skills -- but you're not sure?

Can't say it's the US either.

[Oh, complicated.] I don't know where I'm from. Originally.

It's complicated.

That is certainly true. And I suppose that even if our hosts claim to be Norse gods, we can't be sure this is really Europe.

Originally? It must be complicated.

We could be anywhere if the parameters of whatever this is is expanded. Given the correct technology of course, but it's possible. Why they would choose me is still unknown. There are far more suited individuals that I know. [Echo for example.]

Like I said technology can do wonderful things. [She sighs. It's not that she's not willing to admit that she's some sort of conglomeration of Dr. Saunders and whatever else she's become since knowing about Whiskey, but not here. Not on these things. Not if she's right about the technology. If this could be some unheard of Dollhouse or even just the technology used for it-- if the the technology was leaked. And knowing Topher, it could be.]

The parameters expanded ... What would the correct technology consist of?

Honestly? A computer programmer with no morals. [Yup, that sums up Topher.]

And by computer you mean ... ?

Right. 1800s. A much more complicated version of the device we're using to communicate.

And a computer can -- simulate reality?

Virtual reality, but even aside from that-- it can get so much worse. Tricking the brain.

Is there any way to distinguish between a computer simulated reality and -- reality?

Not unless you have the skills.

Do you?

I know a decent enough about technology in my world. I'm no programmer or neuroscience phenom, but I'm a product of it.

I'll trust that you know what signs to look for then.

What confuses me is that if your hypothesis is correct, and this is a technological illusion, that doesn't explain how everyone was brought here from different places and different times. If our captors have the ability to bring me forward over a hundred years, then it seems to me that they wouldn't need to resort to illusion.

[video]

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