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[ There’s something easier about using the audio function than the text; reminds him of the video comms he’s used to, back home. And it’s possible to do while driving — which means there’s a bit of noise interference coming through the radio alongside Mace’s voice: ]

Hey, kid. Noticed there’s been a bunch of new people around town — regular folks, I mean. I’m thinking of putting a sign out front letting ‘em know they can knock on our door, if they need food or help. What d’you think, sounds like a plan?

[ Voice is easier, especially when someone is finishing up the homework from class to keep up appearances. Anduin would rather not see what the town did to people who failed school. Just existing seemed to be a problem for this place.]

I've noticed them too. I think it's a good idea though I'd suggest not using the term help. Don't want the people who live here knowing that we are doing anything different. That would make it difficult to actually talk about things.

[ Mace thinks he can hear the gentle scritching of a pen across paper, but the car’s engine is too loud to tell just yet. ] You’re right, I was thinking of disguising it too. But I can’t decide on a set of terms that’d be obvious to newcomers while being hidden from the — you know.

[ There’s a distant rumble, and then the interference dies significantly. ]

Anyway, I’ll figure it out. You working on something over there?

Perhaps something short, it will give others less chance to be suspicious of it. "Newcomers welcome" maybe? Though it does go on the assumption that everyone new is not from this world.

[ There definitely is the scritching of pen and Anduin pauses as he listens to the now familiar rumble of an engine.]

Just the last of the work the school has set out for us. I'd rather not stand out for not doing something, not when this place seems to find it all too easy to make things uncomfortable for us. Headed anywhere in particular?

[ Newcomers welcome is a lot better than what Mace had in mind, and there’s an approving, amused huff of breath before he speaks — both at the suggestion, and at Anduin’s words thereafter. It might be a good assumption to work off of for now, but the kid’s right. Mace ought to keep his eyes peeled for any of the townies trying to sneak in. ]

I like it. And that’s a smart idea, keeping your head down. Though I get the impression the school work here’s elementary compared to what you might be used to.

[ A final clunk as Mace shifts the car from idling to parked. ] Actually, I was just about ready to head on home. Been doing these drives lately as a perimeter check. [ And there’s a smile in his voice as he adds, ]

You wanna try taking her for a spin?

I don't wish to repeat ending up in the lake again and the less they pay attention to me the more I can get done without them knowing.

[ Perimeter checks makes sense. At least most in this place seem to share the common goal of figuring this place out and trying to get home.]

Anything shown up recently?

[ Wait —]

The vehicle?

God, that fu—

[ Whoops. Mace catches himself just in time, amending his words to a more suitable (but no less frustrated-sounding): ] That lake.

[ He has a feeling this place might be plucking people up regardless of how clean they’re keeping their nose. But frustration in his voice fades out into something pleased at Anduin’s following question, and that train of thought is forgotten for now. ]

Yup, the vehicle. I made a couple adjustments, should be a little safer with seatbelts now ... and the roads are clear of any trouble today. What do you say? Think you could finish your homework up in the next ten minutes?

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