Chapter Twelve [Video]

[thebestseller]

Who: Richard Castle and you
Broadcast: Fleetwide
Action: Windrose, if desired
When: February 11th

[When Castle flicks on the video, he's projecting a veneer of calm... very badly, because one can hear an edge of panic in his voice.]

Ha, ha, ha! I don't mean to alarm anybody, but I bought myself one of those spiffy augment upgrades. I picked fire, because who doesn't want to be red hot, am I right? But, enhh... [He holds up his left palm, which has a small but persistent flame on the center.] I can't seem to turn it off. Does anybody here have experience with fire powers? And should it really be this powerful when I've only bought the first level...?

Comments

[thebestseller]

Why didn't I think of that?! [And it's but the work of a moment before Castle's in the kitchen, dipping his hand in the flour. And voila- no flame.]

[therewerefifty]

[That was simple. Though still disturbing.] What is a 'spiffy augment upgrade'? You can now set yourself on fire whenever you like?

[THIS DOESN'T SEEM VERY HELPFUL...]

[thebestseller]

The idea was that it would give me some sort of fire-based powers, I think. I would hope it would start small, though, like... not being able to do more than light a match or something. Or heat a plate of food.

[therewerefifty]

Yes... it's not much use if you can't control it. But perhaps it's like any other skill and you merely need time to practice.

[thebestseller]

I hope so. So next time we get invaded by raiders... I can actually pull my weight.

[therewerefifty]

[Makie's quiet for a minute. Not being able to "pull his weight" is a vastly subjective opinion; he shouldn't have been required to pull his weight in such a situation, and she doubts very much anyone on board harbours that opinion other than Castle. A Japanese poet would not be expected to take up arms and win, all of a sudden.

On the other hand, she's well familiar with men who feel inadequate, so attempting to reassure him is... well, an attitude that may work for someone else.]

Mr Castle. Do you have any knowledge of combat at all?

[thebestseller]

... well, uhm. Not really.

[therewerefifty]

I'm sure any number of us would agree to teach you, had you the interest.

[thebestseller]

Kitty said something similar. I would like to learn... I guess it just never occurred to me to ask. Or more like I never felt much of a need to ask until this attack happened.

[therewerefifty]

There's no shame in that. You've been subjected to a new threatening circumstance and you're adjusting accordingly.

But fighting isn't for everyone, Mr Castle... and there's no shame in that, either. You have skills in many other areas. There is nothing wrong in playing to your strengths.

[thebestseller]

... that's some pretty wise advice, actually. I know I can't do everything, and I might wear myself out trying. [He sighs.] I guess being the only normal person who CAN'T fight hurt my pride. Made me feel a bit useless.

[therewerefifty]

Pride is important, I know. Which is why any of us would be willing to teach you. But it's not necessary-- nobody will think of you any less.

[thebestseller]

[Castle nods.]

... In that case, I'll have to think about it. Make sure it's something I REALLY want, and I'm not acting hasty because of my injured pride.

[therewerefifty]

[She smiles a little at that.]

Lesser men with "injured pride" would have insisted in taking part to the detriment of all involved. You knew your own limitations and you acted accordingly. Removing yourself from the line of fire was the wisest choice.

Please remember that, Mr Castle.

[thebestseller]

[Castle smiles back.]

More wise words. Thanks... I needed to hear that.

[therewerefifty]

[She inclines her head at that, and then leaves him to his hopefully less fiery kitchen.]