[When the crystal activates, it's Carlos to start with but it's clear very quickly he isn't alone.]

Uh... hello everyone. It's Car and Mal and we were hoping to... [He trails off, some of his nerves getting to him.] Um... [In their room he looks to Mal, who always felt like a de facto leader of their group of misfit mages, hoping she'll take over.]

[From across their room, the sigh is audible, as Mal leans over and states bluntly.] We're looking to fill in the holes left with the ... protesting mages out. No, we're not part of the protest, and yes, we did sign the letter but we didn't agree to strike. So.

I-I didn't sign the letter. [Carlos adds, though the way his voice seems away from the crystal he's probably talking to her rather than to the public at large. His opinion on the subject at hand hadn't changed until he had spoken with James, and even then it was difficult to put his name to it.] Right. So not the point. [If this is a response to a look that Mal gives him, those listening will never know.] The point is if there are any odd jobs that need doing, Mal and I are willing to do them.

Well, I did. Mostly because I wanted to make sure we weren't taken advantage of again. But hey, here we are, being taken advantage of again ... [She trails off with a faint snort that may or may not have to do with Carlos's comment, before she added.] We're a combination team of research and hands-on spellwork. I deal with Entropy, he deals with Healing. If you need help, well ... we didn't want to leave people helpless. Especially after all that's happened.

So let us know what you need done, and we'll be there. [Carlos pauses then, unsure how to close this out.

[Mal huffs out another sigh in a tone that clearly states - 'Seriously'?] Drop us a line. We're hoping to hear from you soon. Otherwise, see you on the other side, Inquisition. Mal and Carlos, out.