1st Opportunity :: Video

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[The feed clicks on, first showing Meyer's shoes, then panning up, showing a sensible brown suit, a crisp tie, and a far too serious expression for someone as young as this man appears to be.]

The way I see it, I've been kidnapped.

[He doesn't sound particularly perturbed about it.]

Perhaps this is something that is better discussed in person. I'm certainly willing and able to make a generous offer in exchange for my freedom, if my captors are reasonable men. If not, I'm afraid we'll have to go about this a different way.

[There's a long pause.]

I would appreciate a quick response to my inquiry. I think it'll be better for all of us if this goes as painlessly as possible.

Comments

Re: Video;

[recognize_an_opportunity]

I was born in Russia.

Video;

[candothat]

[Turn the excitement up to eleven!]

Then we are countrymen! Vy gavarite pa Russki?

Re: Video;

[recognize_an_opportunity]

Da. But perhaps not as well as I'd like. I moved to New York as a child.

Video;

[candothat]

Some is better than none. I am sorry that you left.

Re: Video;

[recognize_an_opportunity]

It was an unpleasant place.

Video;

[candothat]

Really? When are you from?

Re: Video;

[recognize_an_opportunity]

It's 1920 now.

[Given his youthful appearance, that means he was a child in Russia in the early 1900s.]

Video;

[candothat]

Now, in the City, it is the year 2012.

[Chekov's grasp of the less-than-pleasant parts of Russia's history isn't so great.]

What was unpleasant about Russia?

Re: Video;

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[Meyer can handle the fact that it's now 2012. Not easily, but he doesn't have much choice. But that anyone wouldn't know what was unpleasant about Russia? He shakes his head.]

I'm Jewish, Mr. Chekov. Are you not aware of how the Russian Empire felt about people like me?

Video;

[candothat]

Unfortunately, history is not my strongest suit.

Re: Video;

[recognize_an_opportunity]

[He actually looks slightly baffled, an expression that doesn't often cross his face.]

I'll take that to mean things have improved, then.

Video;

[candothat]

In over three centuries, I hope so.

Re: Video;

[recognize_an_opportunity]

So they're not kicking us out and killing us anymore? How nice.

Video;

[candothat]

[Say what now.]

Ah... no.

Re: Video;

[recognize_an_opportunity]

In that case, it's shown marked improvement.

Video;

[candothat]

I should think so.