driftfleet | (no subject)

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(no subject)

Who: two nerds and you
Broadcast: fleetwide
Action: Marsiva
When: now!

[ The audio comes on sharply, but everything is still dark as two people discuss their situation.]

Is that the camera? Can you get it to work?

I - think so? Here, push this --

I am pushing it, Hank. I thought you knew about these from that show you keep watching. Space Trek?

It's Star Trek and that isn't exactly - you know, the same thing as this.

Right. . . . Wait, I think I see something on the side.

[ And the video flickers on, the red light glowing softly. It focuses on two men. One in a wheelchair and the other right next to him, peering curiously at the camera before they step back satisfied. ]

Well, that’s over and done with. Hello to anyone who might be out there. My name is Charles Xavier and this is Hank McCoy. Apparently we’ve been kidnapped again, by an unknown force again for some mysterious reason.

[muttered:] Again. [and louder] So if anyone would be kind enough to explain exactly what's going on, we'd appreciate it. You have our thanks in advance.

But do keep it pertinent.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

It does give us a lot of information we might not have had before, at least. I knew nothing about spaceships or muggle technology before I realised the Augment had given me it all.

[ She considers, for a moment, before she smiles. ]

You're Hank, then?

Whatever happened to studying things the old-fashioned way? [it's a lighter tone this time, before he tilts his head] Muggle technology?

[he nods and smiles back, a little wider and more genuine]

That's me.

Tell me about it. There's only one library here and I haven't even been able to go yet. [ Huff.

As for the rest, um - well. ]

Muggles are non-magical people, as in people that aren't a witch or a wizard like I am.

There is? [he perks up, before he realizes what he's doing and clears his throat, awkwardly] I'll have to remember that.

[at least he doesn't look surprised. Kyriakos helped with at least getting used to the concept of magic]

Ah. So then you're a . . . witch. [it feels weird to call someone that, but he's trying] So I would be a muggle?

I can show you one day, if you like. We can experience it together. [ Because libraries are the most important thing, of course.

She has the decency to look a little sheepish before she draws out her wand, holding it up with a small smile. ]

I'm a witch and, yes, you'd be a muggle in my world. At least I don't have warts, right? Just the scars.

[ And, when she tilts her head, the light betrays the truth of that; she has a long, drawn out scar along her face, silvery like the metal, from her eyebrow down to just above her lip, with what seems to be scratch marks along her jawline, less clear but still there. ]

I'd like that. [libraries are absolutely important, he's in full agreement.

At what he says he leans a little closer to the screen, squinting a little before he leans back]

I didn't know witches were supposed to have scars. My, uh, witch knowledge is a little lacking. [it comes out lightly, an attempt at a joking tone] I can't say I knew many magic users, though.

Then as soon as you're shuffled we'll organise it. I can message you? [ It takes the pressure off him, at least, especially when he's a newcomer to the fleet.

She tilts her head, smiling even as he squints, strangely unashamed of the rather grotesque scarring. ]

I'd rather people assume I have scars than green skin or boils. [ Muggle fairytales, honestly. ] You know one now! If you have questions, I mean.

By all means. [he nods eagerly, then pauses, looking . . . well] Though, uh, I should . . . probably warn you ahead of time. I might look a little - different.

But I will admit that's what I think of when I think of witches - a-at first, I mean. Not now, obviously. [he always has questions, Hermoine] If I can think of any, you'll be the first I ask.

That's alright. As long as you're fine with letting me see then I don't see the problem. [ Hermione has, after all, been friends with immortal dystopians, insane kings, a son of the God of Death and more. What would put her off now?

She manages a laugh, though. ] I hope I'm enough proof otherwise. Maybe when we go to the library I'll show you some magic?

[that was . . . surprisingly easy] Er. I'm fine with it, yeah - I mean, technically I don't have a choice, but - mm, it's fine.

But - I'd love to see some magic. [he can put aside science for that]

[ She blinks, pausing for a moment before she frowns. ]

Will there be a time where you can have a choice? I mean, if it makes you uncomfortable? You're already trapped here, you should be able to decide to show me or not.

[ It's that simple, at least in her opinion. ]

Either way, I'll show you magic. It's a promise.

Well, it's more - I use a serum to keep - what I look like suppressed. [he winces; that sounds worse every time he says it. He clears his throat] I could probably make it here, so - but until then, I don't mind it so much. I'm . . . used to it, sort of.

[very sort of]

I'll hold you to that.

Oh. [ She considers that, for a moment, before she nods her head. ] If you need any help then - um, I have a Lab Support augment. I know how to handle the labs on the ships, and, well, I am a witch. I'm more than used to making potions for all kinds of things, so a serum shouldn't be too different, right?

[ She winces a little in reply - it sounds silly, when she compares the two. ]

I mean, if you want.

It - no, it probably isn't, honestly. [but there's a noticeable ease in tension in his shoulders, and he pulls up a small, but genuine smile] I - that's my augment too, but I wouldn't say no to help. If you want to. Or - I mean, I'm a scientist back home, so - I could show you some things they probably don't teach you here? Possibly.

I'd like that! Really, I would, I've missed learning. Having it all put into your head just isn't the same as actually getting to open a book or go to a class. It takes half the fun out of it. [ She shakes her head, frowning. ] I could show you potions in return? You could do some of the parts that don't need magic, maybe?

[he actually perks up a little, nodding] I know what you mean. I kind of miss going to classes sometimes. It's - been a while. [both going and teaching] But I'd love to teach you - and I'd love to learn, too.

It's been three years or so now and I'm still quite upset I wasn't able to graduate before going to the Drabwurld. [ Not that she needed it, probably, given her grades and the credit she was given from the war, but all the same, it's the principle. ] I would really appreciate having a teacher, Hank, if it wouldn't take up too much time.

That . . . well, I'd be upset too. [he understands, it's very important] But it wouldn't take up too much time at all. I - taught briefly, not too long ago - [years, technically, but details] so it'd be nice to do it again.

Then it's a date! Not in the - you know, not - [ This is why Dorian always laughed at her. How did she get proposed to, again? ] I mean, you know, save the date. A plan - it's a plan! Teaching, libraries and serum making for sometime next week. Should I call you Professor?

[oh my god Hermoine]

Right, a - study . . . get-together. Plan. [he clears his throat] No, no - just Hank's fine, please. Titles don't really . . . fit? At least, that one doesn't fit me just yet. [Charles is the professor anyway]

[ In the midst of all her personal drama with Charles of course she makes an idiot out of herself. Cheeks pink, she coughs and sits up a little straighter. ]

Exactly. Just - a plan, a get together, a study session, really. It sounds like - like we're going to have fun, Hank. I'll, um, I'll contact you, right?

[oh no don't worry this is a two person show and if Hank is good at anything, it's being an idiot]

Right - uh, yeah, of course. Study session. [he clears his throat] Whenever you want to. I'll - well, I don't think it'll take long to settle in, so.

[ At least they're getting back focussed on the - study session. Not a date. A session. Learning experience! ]

I'll give you a few days after the shuffle? You'll wake up on a new ship and you might want to transfer straight away, so it might need a couple of days.

[educational endeavors!!]

Mm, that'd be perfect. I - I guess we'll see what happens.

[ Developing knowledge and partnership! ]

Yes! I'm on the Vanquish right now, but there are more than a dozen different ships. Some of them might be full, so I suppose it narrows down the list.