driftfleet | fourth labyrinth

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fourth labyrinth

Who: Felix Harrowgate
Broadcast: Fleet-wide video
Action: Starstruck, if you want
When: Today!

[Felix has commandeered the communications station today. He doesn't have the augment, but he'd spent enough time hovering around Mattias here to perform a basic broadcast. He appears on screen hunched over, both hands planted on the station in front of him, somehow both serious and nonchalant at once.]

I can't speak to the wisdom of poking about strange ships full of hostile alien creatures we know nothing about, but I'm not here to dictate how some of chose to spend your time. I would, however, like to bring up the issue of defense. While many of our likely more combat oriented personnel are ashore, if that's the proper term or not I'm not sure, some of us are sitting here rather vulnerable. And need I mention that those same ships that nearly shot a few of down a few months ago were seen nearby. Personally, I'd rather not suffer a repeat.

Firstly, I'd like to mention that the Starstruck is currently without a pilot or security officer, both of which would be vital if we were attacked again. I realize we may gain one after the next shuffle, but if anyone with those augments would be interested in transferring, or perhaps loaning their services temporarily, there is room on board for you. Otherwise, I'd be grateful if any of the ships that do have weapons to watch our backs, as it were...

Secondly, I'm working on a project to help safeguard the ship but I need some supplies. I'm in need of a large piece of worked stone or mineral, about this big [He picks a hand, the fingertips of which appear to be dusted with a find layer of chalk, something which may be telling to people of a magical background, and mimes a shape in the air] - about the size of a skull, I suppose. Or larger. In any case, if you find anything like that on the ship or on a waystation, please let me know.

[He moves to shut the feed off but pauses] Oh. And to those I spoke to about a meeting of those with magical talents, my apologies for the delay in scheduling. It's been a distracting month or two. [He smiles brightly by way of apology and takes a seat at the station to wait]

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[There's a lot he could talk about here, but this is Crowley, so he's gonna get: ]

What're you building? Is it going to be a zappy thing?

[And from any one else, he might have been annoyed at the question, but because it's Crowley, Felix makes a soft sound of amusement]

A ward, and yes, in a manner of speaking. Mostly it's supposed to prevent them from shooting any more holes in us. It would highly disagree with anyone that tried to force their way in, as well.

Well, I suppose it works as well as a shield. Especially for a ship without an engineer.

Out of curiosity, how would you define 'magical talents?'

[Despite her injury, Wanda was still doing her best to assist measures on the alien ship. Felix's broadcast caught her a little by surprise. It was true that the Starstruck was lacking in both a pilot and security officers. She had not even considered what kinds of dangers her absence would mean for the ship. She had failed to consider that she could have been the only crew member capable of defending the ship and its crew. While she wasn't a security officer, she was "tactical support." That did convey a certain sense of responsibility for the ship's safety.]

Felix... I am sorry. I did not even think about the Starstruck's safety before coming to help those here.

If you find anyone who can get you stone, perhaps they could requisition a certain one for me, if possible? My focus stone remained behind in Paradisa, it seems. I could do with another one.

And if you need a security officer, my ship has two. I could request a transfer to yours, Felix? Between the two of us, we could safeguard the ship easily with our magics, I think.

That remains to be seen. Theoretically it might, but I also don't know how the shield would have worked by comparison. Plus, my warding techniques are based around buildings made of stone, not metal... [He gestured at the empty space around him, and the metal walls of the hull beyond that]

You perhaps overestimate my abilites, but...it would be useful to have you aboard, my friend. [He offers Van a tiny grateful smile]

If you are over there, I am sure your skills are more actively needed than here. I didn't mean to cast judgment on you for feeling the need to explore. [Ok, so maybe he did a little, but he's been known to be curious in his own right. Paradisa had simply taught him to be more wary about when and where he entertains that impulse.]

It's simply that we were nearly shot down once, and I prefer not to let us become a cautionary tale to the rest of the fleet. Besides, a few words about vigilance to the rest of the ships can't go completely amiss. Or so I hope.

How I would define that is still up for debate. The mostly simply put might be the manifestation of talents that transcend the limits of mere physical prowess. Talents of the mind or spirit.

[He tilted his head thoughtfully and smiled] Since you ask, I assume you have a reason to wonder?

Then I shall put in the request.

_{[ He smiles softly back at him. ]}

How have you been, Felix? I've hardly seen much of you.

Well, metal is just refined stone, right? Maybe the spell just needs tweaking.

[Wanda hangs her head a little. She's clearly feeling guilty. Her eyes shift down to her bandaged leg.]

Perhaps my skills were not so needed down here. Perhaps I made a mistake... another foolish mistake...

[The last few words out of her mouth have a certain bite to them, and Wanda's face contorts briefly into an expression of anger and pain.]

You assume correctly. My own gifts pale in comparison to all I have seen here, but I have a few tricks up my sleeve- and I will freely admit, I would find such a meeting fascinating.

That would make two of us. But don't worry so much about comparisons. We all have our niches. [He chuckled] Or perhaps that's what I tell myself.

And tweak it I shall, but this is a different universe. The rules may be different.

[He made a weak, empty gesture]

Not that much, I'm afraid.

...I lost two of my crew recently. I feel as if I shouldn't be surprised.

_{[ He frowned softly, concern clear on his face. He knew what it meant
to lose those you cared for. None of them had been so spared in Paradisa,
after all. ]}

Do you wish to meet you? We can commiserate, or speak of other things.

[It's clear he's pressed a button he hadn't known was there, and he isn't entirely certain how to react to that. After a short pause--]

Let's not be too hasty. Do we need to be more vigilant? Yes. But does that mean your current actions are worthless? I don't know, but no has died yet, so calling it a mistake might be premature.

Probably the former, if you're up to the trip. I really shouldn't get too distracted, as much as I might like to. I was serious about my concerns. I don't trust this ship, and I certainly don't trust whatever else might be waiting for us further on...

True, it might just explode and who knows what mess that will make, what with the space vacuum and all.

[Felix's words do bring some hope back to Wanda. A faint glimmer of light, but it's not enough to burn away the feeling of guilt. Sure, her crew was fine, as Felix pointed out. Yet, what of next time? Can she afford to be so hasty?]

Thank you... Felix. Next time, I will not leave you and the rest of the crew defenseless.

And what is your niche, if I may ask?

If I come, I can begin setting the same charms I have put on the Tourist. When the transfer goes through, I could continue and complete them. So yes, I am up for the trip.

What charms are you using...? No, wait, never mind. Tell me when you get here. [He smiles broadly]

Ah...protective wards, largely, though I have other skills in areas such as oneiromancy and elemental magics. When you've seen people transport themselves over large distances or conjure weapons out of nothing, one begins to question their own skills, if you understand...

I appreciate it. But since you're there already, what have you been up to?

I don't expect anything so catastrophic. I've been able to lay wards on the interior of the ship successfully; it's simply that the outer shell poses a different challenge.

Of course, it would be easier if we actually had a shield, but apparently Atroma wishes to see us struggle about a bit longer.

_{[ He chuckles. ]}

Yes, I promise, I am on the way now. Should I just come in or shall I knock?

Still no engineer aboard, huh? That's unhelpful.

Let yourself in, I don't mind. I don't expect, should the bugs invade, that they'd be nearly so polite.

I'm sure that will change once I complain about it loudly enough. [He looks pointedly off camera - yes, Atroma, he's talking to you.]

Be sure to get in a good sulk, too. A Felix-level sulk might just get through to them.

[Wanda's eyes turn downward, away from the screen and towards her bandaged leg. Her expression of guilt becomes mixed with feelings of embarrassment.]

I- I have been trying to help those who are fighting and scavenging through the ship.

Do I have my own classification now?

[He is simultaneously offended and amused. Good job.]

And have you found anything interesting? Anything we could use?

[Just because he's skeptical doesn't mean that he's also not curious]

[He tries.]

Of course, just plain numbering the level of sulk doesn't quite give you justice.

[He snorts softly]

I suppose it's not the first time it's been counted among my talents. I'm sure Gideon would have agreed with you.

See? And it's only because we truly appreciate the sulking. You do look rather good while you're doing it.

No, I suppose not. I'll be there soon then.

_{[ And indeed he was. Not twenty minutes later, Vanyel's boots sounding
on the metal as he came down the rung into Felix's chamber - if it could be
called that. He smiled at the other when his boots touched, holding up a
bag - wine, and something to nibble on. Quality he could not be certain of,
of course, but at least he'd tried. ]}

Well met, Felix.

[She shakes her head. She did not get very far into the ship before she was injured and had to be carried out. She is still debating with herself if she should tell her crew mate what happened, but keeps her mouth shut for the time being.]

There has been so much fighting. I have not been able to get a good look around.

[His mouths thins at little bit at the mention of fighting because...well, she doesn't look much like a fighter, but he reminds himself that appearances are often deceiving]

Mm. Do you think these creatures will be a threat to the rest of the ships?

[Wanda shakes her head.]

No. Their behavior is more defensive than aggressive. They seem interested only in repelling invaders, rather than attempting to stage an attack of their own.

Well. That's a small bit of good news, I suppose. [It doesn't make him much happier, but it's one less problem]

How many people from the other crews are over there with you?

It is hard to tell for certain. So many fleet members have come and gone that I am unsure how many exactly are over here.

Do me a favor and stick together, at least.

[Wanda grins a little at Felix's words.]

Were it so easy. No one has gone off on their own, at least so I think. But there are teams of fleet members moving throughout the ship.

Good. I'd rather not have to try to organize any search parties. I have enough to worry about.

[Translation: don't me have to openly care]

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fourth labyrinth

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