[video]

[candothat]

[Most of Chekov's entries start with a nice shot of whatever project he's working on or a disjointed preamble. This one, however, simply starts.]

For those who knew them, Doctor Leonard McCoy and Theresa Gray have left the City.

[It was quite a shock to find them both gone once midnight had rolled around and the weekend's curse passed. Chekov is still a little too stunned to process the information himself, but it feels important to let the network know that they have left.

He pauses as if he would like to say something else. When no words come to mind, he goes with the sign-off that's standard when making ship-wide announcements at home.]

Thank you for your time.

Comments

[coyote_walking]

It's nice to meet you.... um, what would you prefer to be called.

You can just call me Mercy. It's easier.

[candothat]

Mercy, thank you. I have little preference, but Pavel is maybe most suitable.

You were friends with the doctor?

[coyote_walking]

Pavel, then.

I... we met during the wild west curse thing and he, well, he was very kind to me. So, we got together for a drink afterwards and, well... I thought we were becoming friends.

And so very many of my friends have left this year.

[candothat]

He is very kind, although he does not always act it.

I am sorry that you have had so many friends leave.

[coyote_walking]

It has been hard.

I'm sorry yours left as well.

I know it's the nature of the City, but knowing that doesn't make it any easier.

[candothat]

You have been in the City for some time?

You are right, that is the way of things. People are always coming and leaving. [Which doesn't make it any easier, no, especially when the people doing the leaving are the only other person from his world and someone he loved.] The City, home worlds... there is always leaving.

[coyote_walking]

Just over three years, yes.

I know. It's just the way the City is. It's hard. Especially when you start wondering why you're still left here.

[candothat]

That is a very long time.

Have you concluded anything, while you were wondering why?

[coyote_walking]

I don't know.

I don't understand anything about how this place works - not sure I ever will, no matter how long I stay here.

But I try and make the best of it and keep putting myself out there, trying to make friends and... hope, I guess.

[candothat]

That is a good plan. If you know everyone, then it is impossible for you to be left alone in the City.

[coyote_walking]

I hadn't thought of it that way, but you're right, Pavel.

Guess I've started with you!

[candothat]

Good! Now you have only several thousand more people to meet!

[coyote_walking]

We ought to make a list and work our way through it.

[candothat]

I could do that, but I think you may be joking with me.

[coyote_walking]

Half-joking, half-serious.

But it probably wouldn't be very feasible.

[candothat]

You would be surprised by what I can do.

[coyote_walking]

Oh no, I have no doubt you could compile a list.

But at least for me, the feasibility of trying to make friends with everyone here? Not very likely. I'm not the most outgoing or sociable person, unfortunately.

[candothat]

I would introduce you to some of my friends, if you would like.

[coyote_walking]

That would be very nice of you.

I think I'd like that.

If you're serious, I mean.

[candothat]

I am always serious. [This, of course, is said very seriously. Then he smiles.] Except for when I am not. But I mean this.

[coyote_walking]

[That got a laugh.]

Good to know. I'll take you up on that, then.