driftfleet | (no subject)

[The first clue Vash had was waking up and finding out he had been made Captain. That seemed odd. He hadn't been captain for more than a couple days before Ino put in the request when this cycle first began. It was confirmed when he checked Ino's room and she was not just in deep sleep but gone completely.

He finds the letter left for him and smiles. He really isn't sure what happens when people leave. Most seem to think they go home. He likes that idea and hopes it's true. Alright, his first responsibility as captain. Let people know.

Being captain sucks.

He'll find the crew of the Three Twins personally and speak to them one on one if they haven't already found out themselves. Then he should next tell... oh man. This was not going to be easy.]

Private to Hiro

Hiro. Are you there? It's Vash. I need to speak to you.

[Because he at least deserves to be told in person one on one. In fact everyone who who had a gift left behind will get a private message from Vash.]

Private to those getting gifts

Hello, this is Vash of the SS Three Twins. I need to speak with you please. [If Vash knows you it will likely be a little less formal.]

Open to all

[Vash wishes he knew all of Ino's friends. So he could let them all know one on one. With no one else he could think of and the ones with gifts having been notified Vash let's everyone else know.]

Hello Fleet. I'm sorry to say that Ino has been returned home. [It's nicer to say than vanished. True or not.] So I have been made captain of the SS Three Twins. She was a great Captain and I know she will be missed. I'm sorry everyone.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Well, yeah. Space travel's outside the realm of possibility for most people.

[He pauses, as if just realizing something.] I guess we should be grateful for that much.

Certainly out of the question where I'm from. [At least it was now.]

As rude and annoying as it is to have been plucked from my home without permission, I have to admit, with some of the things I've gotten to see and experience. Not to mention the people I've met. I can't really regret this.

[Worry that someone is ending all life as he knows it back home? Yes. But he also can't do anything to stop that so he'll pretend like it doesn't bother him for now.]

[When Vash puts it that way, yeah, Stefan can't exactly regret the friends he's made. Ino's the whole reason he's on the Three Twins, after all.]

You know what? Me either. I can't say I wanted to be here, but uh, I've learned so much over the past year and I've had some pretty amazing friends by my side. [He nudges Vash a little, because hey, it includes him too.] You're gonna be a good captain.

You talk like you know nothing, but if you were? I wouldn't be here right now.

[Vash grins at the nudge. Appreciating that he's being counting among those Stefan considers a friend. He also returns the nudge as he also considers Stefan a friend as he did Ino.]

Heh, yeah? You sure? I mean, I've never really been in a position of leadership before. Luckily I'm on a great ship with a good crew that gets along well with each other. So I doubt I'll actually need to do very much.

Very sure. I thought the same thing when Alex went home, but my crew had my back. Your crew will too.

You're not exactly hopeless. [The highest of compliments, lbr, coming from Stefan. He pauses as they finally reach Ino's room.] So um, what exactly did she leave me?

"Not exactly hopeless." I should really get that on a plaque. [Vash enters Ino's room and shifts a few gifts for others around before he picks up an envelope with Stefan's name on it.] Here. This is for you.

[Stefan lets out a soft laugh as he lingers at the threshold. This is Ino's room, and - and if she were still here, he wouldn't pass that lingering border. He takes a breath, holding out his hand.

He doesn't feel anything.

His heart sinks because that was the final confirmation that she had truly gone. No barriers, no protective threshold, and no obstacles to prevent him from waltzing in.

Stefan's expression turns melancholy as he accepts the envelope.] Thanks. Should I uh - I should open it, right?

You should when you're ready to. [If Vash noticed any hesitation at entering the room he's put it up to feeling awkward about being in someone else room even if they were gone.

He knows it took him a bit of time to enter.] I didn't look at what was inside in case it was personal.

Thanks. I'm honestly not sure what she could've left.

[His relationship with Ino, in a nutshell, boiled down to "she terrified the crap out of him." He's amazed she even left something for him, given their... mixed interactions.

But his curiosity gets the better of him, so he opens it and - and they're recipes. Stefan's laugh is a warm and genuine one as he holds it out for Vash to see.]

You know what this means, right?

[It takes a couple moments of looking over the recipes before Vash understands what he's looking at. He smiles a bit hopefully at Stefan.]

A dinner party?

Close! [Stefan returns the smile as he gently places the recipes back inside.] I was actually thinking about taste-testing. Can't serve people something I've never cooked before.

Well! I'm happy to taste test anything you try! I am an expert taste tester!

Good, 'cause I'm gonna need an expert to see if I've got these down. [He nods sagely, thumping Vash on the shoulder.] Who better than someone who's actually eaten half of Ino's repertoire?

Well, luckily you've found yourself a professional. Anytime you feel up to cooking just let me know and I'll be happy to try anything you cook.

You'd better. I'll give you a call as I work through her recipe book.

[He tucks the envelope away in his messenger bag, turning back towards the door.]

And in the meantime? I've been captain a while myself, so... don't be a stranger.

I'll look forward to it.

[Vash will follow Stefan out of the room.] Good to know. If I ever need some advise I know who I'll ask first.