stay here with me, I'm afraid of my soul (part I)

(Roleplay entry. Of course.)

He was disoriented when he awakened. What City, what time is it. He had missed this feeling during the maroon.

In bed, he waited. To gather his wits. The light in the room soft and slowing increasing. "Good morning. Today you have seven meetings. Would you like to hear--"

"Al, stop."

A soft dull tone signaled compliance.

The ship should be somewhere many light years from Tannhäuser Gate in the same time stream. His body kept pulling him back to sleep. He sat up. Outside it was quiet.

"Al, how...where are we?"

A soft tone, but no response.

"Al...when are we?"

"I am sorry, you are having trouble. Try again later." Another dull, soft tone.

He sat up. "AI--access comms."

"Comms online."

"Broadcast all channels--'This is Gearhaven Actual, request confirmation'."

More soft tones ring through the still air. "Confirmed, broadcast sent."

He waited for confirmation. GH had monitoring drones across the Steamland, and other realities where they had holdings. He and Em had deployed relays in most known timelines. He was certain to be detected. He sat, then rose and walked across the room. On his desk was a photo of Justine, Em and himself at the Stormhold Library event.

"Al--comms report?"

"There are no responses to your broadcast."

(To be continued in part II.)