nexus_crossings | It ain't his first rodeo, at least

It ain't his first rodeo, at least

"The Nexus has a library, huh?"

Roland Crane, a tall and stately man with a face no older than twenty but a disposition that betrays his young visage, halts his step in front of The Grand Library. True to its name, the newcomer stares at its grandiose facade with awe in his eyes, marveling at the architecture which feels both new yet familiar. He crosses his arms across his chest and tilts his head back until his eyes meet the light in the sky, gaze following the zenith of each rooftop and awning.

"I wonder if Evan's planning on making something like this in Evermore, one day..." He says, to no one in particular. A few days in and his heartstrings tug at him, though he tries not to give the feeling much sway over his day to day. The facts of the matter are clear: he is not in Evermore, not anymore, and he is alone. No matter how much he misses his new king, his friends, Roland must move forward. There is no other way.

"So," He exhales steadily. "Has anyone actually found any real answers in this place, or am I just...wasting time and all this is just for show?" He starts his trek up the stairs, and his boots seem heavier than he remembers.

"People keep talking about this place being a second chance, but what if I've already gotten mine?" Roland pauses, his usual steely determination faltering for just a moment. "What if I don't have anything else to do, third-time around? What then?"

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He turns to the nearest voice approaching him, hefty tomes nestled against the man's person. He cocks an eyebrow out of interest, as he discovers yet another Nexus resident who has made a new home out of the chaos. Roland places a hand against his hip, sharp eyes studying Ben with intrigue. He's familiar with this image; the distance of his gaze, the fatigue in his brood, a fire fighting to stay alive. He's seen it in others, and perhaps, he's experienced the same kind of tiredness born of sleepness nights. For Roland may look the way he does now, but his true self is much, much older, nearing his fifties, a father to a son, a President to a country, and now, a Consul to a Kingdom he is desperately trying to find again.

He relaxes his shoulders before replying. "I can respect that. Chances don't come easy, and they certainly don't come to everyone who wants one. I guess I really should just be counting my lucky stars, instead of questioning it." He nods back. "I'm Roland. Good to meet you."

He follows Ben's long gait towards the inner confines of the Library. "So what you're basically saying is that even though we've all technically been kidnapped by a foreign power...the Nexus is actually a really great vacationing spot." He chuckles under his breath. "Right. Roll with the punches. That I can do."

"Kidnapped is one way to put it. People come here different ways - sometimes they visit by choice, others find their way in by mistake. Some people are running away from problems in their home universes. The Nexus is a good place to catch a breather. I got here because I died in my world, so coming here wasn't really a choice for me. But it's something I can deal with, having a second chance. The Nexus is a peaceful place, most of the time. It's certainly done me some good."

Ben actually looks a little healthier than he did when he died, and not just because his wounds were healed. His skin's less pale, suggesting that he's gone outside more often, and there's an energy and even excitement that wasn't there before. Ben's genuinely happier here. But the weariness probably always will be there to some extent.

Ben opens the library door, holding it for Roland. "Have you seen the PSA from Captain Rogers or read the pamphlets? They'll explain most of the basics if you're planning to stay for any length of time. But if there's anything else you want to know, I'll do my best to explain."

"Captain Rogers? Heh, sure. The whole thing was about as subtle as a punch in the face." Roland follows Ben inside the library, and though he's cracking sarcasm, the wonder of the interiors was not lost on him. Every turn, nook, and cranny contained books, novels, encyclopedias and trinkets of unimaginable detail. He manages a soft whoa under his breath before catching up to Ben once more.

"Say, is the good Captain from a country called ~~America~~ Aremica? I only ask because the red, white, and blue with the stripes and stars seem way too close to my home country's flag." He wasn't about to comment offhandedly about being the President once upon a time - especially when at the forefront of his mind, he's been thinking about Evermore and his duties as Evan's consul anyway - but the irony of the understatement always amuses him.

"He told me all I needed to know, and then some," he added, head turning side to side as he surveyed the shelves upon shelves of documents they were passing through. "Pamphlets filled me in on the rest. To be frank, my biggest concern is the arbitrary nature of this place. You can choose to come here, you can stumble into it by accident like I did..."

As soon as they settle down, with Roland allowing Ben to take the lead as he saw fit, he sighs with a sense of serene resignation. The more he thought about it, the less he understood the rhyme and reason. It's an interdimensional gateway in between a plethora of worlds, dimensions, and spaces across time. Guess that's that.

Roland chuckles sardonically. "Here's what I'm really trying to get at," he starts off, trying to sound too serious as part of the punchline. "Captain Rogers didn't tell me where the fun is. Big old center of all known and unknown worlds and they didn't think to build a tourist center with souvenirs? Come on. I feel scammed."

"I've never talked to the Captain, or saw him in the flesh. I don't know any of his personal history, but his colors are those of the United States of America. Earth country." Ben's not from Earth, something he might have just tipped Roland off to, but he's done enough research to know a bit about the planet and recognize the Captain's uniform colors. "Not Aremica, but that's close."

Ben doesn't know about Thanos or what happened in Captain Rogers' home universe, so as far as he knows Rogers just wandered off into a portal and hasn't come back yet. There are a lot of people in the Nexus he's heard about, but hasn't actually seen. It's inevitable in a place where the population's always shifting and changing. People come and go, with the exceptions of people like Ben who are stuck. He's not going anywhere.

"Fun, eh?" That has Ben's attention. "I can give you some pointers, if you like. Depending on what your definition of fun is. I'd certainly visit the Viper's Pit, Loki's place. Maybe skekSa's tavern in the downtown area. If you want something more relaxed" For someone so dour, Ben does know how to have fun, even if his sense of humor leans toward the darker, more acid side.

Ben's admittedly frustrated with the Nexus's anarchy. There's no organization, no structure, something he can see backfiring if there's ever a serious threat. And almost everyone here's strikingly trusting, even of a moody stranger with a laser sword and a bloody past in his wake. But he figures it comes with the territory of a place that's practically a grab bag of the multiverse, and he's glad to feel accepted even while guilt and shame gnaw at his heart.

"It's a good idea to be careful. Not everything that comes through is pleasant." He would count himself as one of those - while he has no intention of harming anyone, at least at this point in his personal history, he's fully aware that he's not a good person and doesn't think of himself as one. "But unless you go into the Wilds, the anti-violence field will protect you. Most of the time."

"United States of America, huh? That...sounds extremely close to my country. Can't be a coincidence." He'd do some digging on parallel worlds later on, when he's all settled and ready to explore more of what the Nexus had to offer. The Conductor said the same thing when they last saw the bunny-man in their dreams, after all - that other alternate universes do exist. Roland realizes this experience now, in the Nexus, was indisputable proof.

He files away this thought bubble for later, along with the mention of The Wilds, and resumes his chat with Ben. To busy his hands, he takes a couple of books that were not returned to their rightful shelves, quickly scanning their covers for anything he might find interesting or useful.

The brunette makes a face at mention of a Viper's Pit. "Well ain't that a promise of fun to come," he quips. "But maybe a little too out of my comfort zone. The local watering hole sounds like it's worth a trip, though. Thanks for the tips." He skims through the first few pages of a very strange cookbook. "What about you, though? Any personal recommendations?"

And if it ever comes up in conversation, Ben will find a kindred soul in Roland, who has lived his entire life with the promise and safety of structure and order. If the man's natural stoicism didn't stop him, he would have already demanded to know who in the world was in charge of such a crazy place like the Nexus, and how did they get any work done without a form of central authority.

"Probably not. Some worlds are very similar to one another. I've bumped into people from at least two other versions of my home universe, for example. Your country might be an alternate universe's version of Captain Rogers' home nation, but you might consider me an amateur about the multiverse business."

Ben's got two minds about the Nexus's anarchic nature. It's lucky for the people here, he thinks, that he arrived from a point in his personal timeline where he has no intentions of causing trouble. They're almost too kind to someone like him, and it rubs against his cynicism. But it's given him a home, a job, and even friends here, so he won't complain about it too much. He benefits from the Nexus's relaxed attitude and lack of laws.

"The Viper's Pit isn't for everyone. I go there for the sparring matches, my way of staying in fighting trim here. If you want something more relaxed, I'd visit The Yendi's Arms and the Crossroads Cafe. They have the best coffee in the Nexus, and the pastries are something else. Lord of the Fries is also good if you like meat. I go there to tuck into a Limbo burger sometimes."

Ben doesn't spend much time in the more fun, glitzy parts of the Nexus. Although he sometimes tries, he doesn't feel comfortable there - he feels better in places like the library, where it's quiet and he can disappear into the background. He's a common sight by this point, he figures, recognizable by his dark clothing, dark hair, and usually grim demeanor. Roland's encountered him in a fairly good mood.

Roland chuckles under his breath, finding humor in the irony that he's been to more than one world already and he still doesn't quite understand how it all works out. "Don't worry, Ben. You can count me as an amateur to all this multiverse business too. Can't say I'm a fan of the world-hopping bit, but I'll take whatever boon's thrown my way."

In fact, what right does Roland really have to complain about anything at all? Not only was he saved from ground zero once already, he now has a third chance to make whatever he can out of his life at the Nexus. Apart from its inherent chaos, it has given him no reason to be cautious or wary since he can apparently leave whenever he wishes.

Roland takes all those things into account, jotting Ben's suggestions down on some loose paper he found on the ground, with a quill he managed to pocket with him before appearing in the Nexus. He doesn't normally take the words of a stranger to heart so easily, but these were strange times, and he does feel a kindred feeling of wanting to just...take it easy, away from all the parties and noise. Roland's almost fifty, after all. He only looks the role of the spring chicken.

"Coffee sounds good. Pastries, even better. If I eat too much, I guess I might just take a visit to that Pit after all," he smirks. "Say, how do you pay for these things? Do I need to get a job?" He perks up at that, taking a quick look at Ben before continuing.

"There's no standard currency here. No, I don't know how it works, though I use coins myself. They aren't my native world's currency but they're easy to keep track of and they're more obviously valuable." Ben has a lot of questions about how the Nexus actually functions that will probably never have real answers. Like where the PINpoints came from, or how the anti-violence field is maintained.

Ben watches Roland write down notes. He's found himself in the position of helping people get adjusted here more than once, ironic for someone so generally antisocial.

"People sometimes do take small-time jobs here, especially if they're planning to stay for any length of time. I work on spaceship repair, for instance. There are other mechanics running shops here, but I handle a different kind of material. If you're planning to stick around, getting a job isn't a bad idea. If there's some hobby or talent you have in your world, you might be able to readjust it for this place. I'd answer your question with a yes."

Since Ben's a permanent resident, he decided to get a real job. He needed a place to stay and food on the table, if nothing else. Things have been working out well so far, relatively speaking, and he has a nice apartment near the industrial area.

Roland slows his pen as he absorbs Ben's words, one fact at a time. It all boiled down to convenience. Was he going to stick around long enough for him to need to get a job? To adjust to whatever currency works for food, lodging, and basic survival? Or was he going to spend more time looking for the door that brought him here in the first place? His brows meet in deep thought, a subtle hum echoing in his chest.

He doesn't voice out his personal concerns, but he does sit back slightly, fingers careful with its grip against the quill.

"A talent, huh...? That's gonna be a problem." Roland finally sets his list down and crosses his arms in his usual position. "I don't think the Nexus has got any need for a guy like me." He looks around the quiet library, before turning back to Ben. "I can serve bodyguard duty, but with an anti-violence shield around the place, what would be the point, right?"

"Well, I wouldn't say there's no place for fighters. We've got plenty of those. I'm one of them." Ben looks over the library books himself, curious. "There's just nothing to fight for the time being, and hopefully things will stay that way for a good long time. The last time we had to fight someone was two winters ago. Those people aren't gone, but there's a truce now."

Not that he's very confident the truce will hold, but he wishes it does, for everyone's sake. He hopes for the best but prepares for the worst.

"I'm a mechanic, using myself as an example. I do repair jobs and modify vehicles so people can come and go from the Nexus more easily. If you have a hobby, you can adjust it for this place. People will buy most things, you'll find. Nexus people are generous. I sell art in the Plaza sometimes to supplement my work on slow days."

"That's concerning. But I suppose if there's already a truce in place, we technically shouldn't be worried..." Roland was a born and bred leader, trained to look at contingency and protecting his land and liege. Although such information nags at him, he stores it away for his own pondering later on. He's decided to take his cues from people like Ben who seem to have lived in the Nexus for far longer, and would know more about the world than a newcomer like himself.

And so Roland passes on the topic, for now. Back to the more pressing matter, which involves figuring out what he could do while he had the opportunity to make a difference in a new realm.

"A mechanic, eh? Color me impressed," Roland says sincerely. "You're a real jack-of-all trades. That's great. I'll be sure to drop by for some repairs if I need it." A few beats pass between them before he suddenly gets an idea, inspired by Ben's suggestion. Something I can adjust for the Nexus...

"Hey, I just thought of something," he goes. "Not sure if it'll work, but can't hurt to try. If someone in the Nexus wanted to set up shop somewhere, who do we talk to?"

"I'm concerned, too, between the two of us. A truce isn't the same as peace. But there isn't really much we can do, since they aren't interested in improving relations and it would be dangerous for everyone to press them."

Ben's naturally untrusting, but he's developed a sense of pragmatism. That, and he benefits from the same protection other dangerous people in the Nexus do. He's sure if more of the people here knew his full history they wouldn't be comfortable with him living among them - even though he intends no harm, he's caused enough.

He smiles when Roland offers to come by for repairs. Ben respects Roland quite a bit by now.

"How do you set up a shop? There isn't really anybody official people go to. Once I had the money I bought an abandoned warehouse and refitted it for my needs."

"Exactly my thought. It's not so much a truce as it is a ceasefire if the other side still feels threatened. We'll just have to be cautious."

Roland feels a kindred sense of foreboding from Ben as well, but he shakes off his concerns for a second time. Consequences will come later, if at all, and they'll deal with it then.

Needless to say, Roland already appreciates Ben's instincts equally. He tucks away his list for safekeeping.

"I'll have to scout a location then. That's fine. I can do the legwork," he replies. "What I've got in mind is just about the only useful thing I can do here." A pause. Then, "Unless anyone needs me to run for office for them." Roland quips dryly, again.

"The Fallen are the ones who attacked us first. They're a ruthless, xenophobic people. Desperate. They see everyone who isn't one of them as a possible threat. So they're best avoided."

He could almost relate, as his hands are very far from clean. Ben has a creeping feeling they haven't heard the last of Baroness Pelsor and her Eliksni army, but he lets the subject drop.

"The Nexus is a rather...disordered place by nature. There are some influential people here, but that influence is usually limited to their own factions." Ben doesn't know all of them, but he's aware of a few. "People here only unify when they have to. The Plaza's a popular choice for businesses, as is the dowtown area."

Ben might be distrusted and disliked by the more straight-and-narrow hero types like Rogers - for good reason - so he tends to avoid them when he can. He also doesn't trust himself in positions of power or leadership and will defer to others.

Roland grimaces at Ben's words, none too kind for the Fallen who seem to have taken permanent residence outside the borders of the Nexus. "Charming," he remarks with cheek. "I'll keep that in mind."

Not like I'm looking for trouble here, he thinks to himself.

"Heh, well unless someone calls for an election or a trial, I'll just make myself scarce. Maybe take people up on that offer for a vacation after all. How often do you find yourself in a - what did I call it? - a third chance at a new life, right?" He's honestly already used to his new arrangement at the Nexus. All he needs is to iron out the small details, and he can see himself settled in within the next couple of days. For all his time and help, Roland offers Ben his hand to shake and an appreciateive smile.

"You definitely sound like you've made the most out of your time here. Good for you. I'll do well to follow your lead."

Edited 2020-05-11 14:06 (UTC)

"I figured if I'm here to stay I may as well get settled down. Find a place to live. Make myself useful." In peacetime, and in war if it ever becomes necessary. He personally hopes it doesn't.

The Nexus is a peaceful place, for the most part, but it still has its dangers. Ben doesn't quite trust the place even though he considers it his new home. The people, yes, most of them at least, though he has to comment on how trusting and accepting they seem to be. But the place, no. He's heard too many stories about what can happen when things go wrong to completely relax.

He accepts Roland's hand and shakes it. "If you ever want to find me...well, I'll probably be either in my shop or here in the library."

Roland has a thought, and though he mentions it casually like a joke, his words do hold some weight to them. He wasn't sure of where Ben's darkness came from, or what happened to him before this chance encounter in between worlds, but what Roland does know is that he doesn't really care. The past should never hinder the development of the future, and Ben seems to be doing the most he could with the chance he's got here.

When Roland draws his arm back, he crosses both back against his chest with a smirk gracing his lips. "You know, if you start looking for greener pastures, I'd be happy to introduce you to Evermore. We could use a citizen like you among our ranks. It's not as big as the Nexus, but it's a kingdom where people can start over."

Ben considers his new friend's words - he considers Roland a friend, or at least an acquaintance. It wouldn't hurt to have a place to stay if he wants a change of scene, or if something happens in the Nexus, though he would prefer to stay and fight if the people here would accept his help. He's genuinely grateful to hear Roland's offer either way. It's a generous one.

"That's generous, Roland. I wouldn't mind visiting your world sometime, on a casual visit at least. I'd invite you to mine in teturn, but first off I'm dead there and secondly it's recovering from a war. So I wouldn't exactly recommend a casual visit. I'd be happy to see Evermore. I ought to travel more often now that I have a PINpoint."

Roland is taken aback by the casualness in which Ben mentions his personal tragedies, but more than anything he feels a kindred sense of familiarity with both. Not only was his original home world destroyed by an act of war as well, Roland was on ground zero when the impact blasted everything away. Had it not been for a magical creature tied to his own destiny in the Second World, he would have had the same story to share...

He shakes his head out of his thoughts and grows a tad bit somber. "Dead, huh? Guess you and I have a lot more in common than I thought. Definitely a tale to tell for another time. Maybe in one of those places you just mentioned. I'll check my list." The dry humor helps him cope, but Roland is genuinely curious about the people he has met, and will undoubtedly continue to meet in the Nexus.

"Our kingdom's got a lot of colorful characters and crazies of its own, you'll never get bored with the lot we've gathered." Roland brightens up considerably at the topic of his new home, the land he helped build with Evan. "Even if we can't convince you to be a citizen, our gate's always open to friendlies. Get your PINpoint up and running and when you get there, I'll conduct the grand tour myself." He grins, amusement evident without a loss of sincerity.

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It ain't his first rodeo, at least

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/minor 4th wall break of sorts? Roland canonically is the President of a place that mirrors the U.S.

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this reply assumes Roland has finished up his other thread with skekGra and urGoh!

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