driftfleet | the veil is thin . . .

[ On the night of the 16th, the feeling of tension and horrid anticipation comes to a head. Everything stops when the sun goes down-- even the ever-present music in the hoppingest part of the city center. One by one, everyone turns their eyes to the skies. The young and old alike pour out of their houses, some in bare feet, and they point to the velvety blanket of stars.

It takes a second to find it, especially if one is unaccustomed to the starscape. But even a casual observer can see it.

A brightly-shining star, larger than the others, and growing larger.

An announcement cuts across all communication channels that encourages people to evacuate to the space station, but it’s clear that these are just people and they’ll need some help. Supplies, equipment, organization, there’s something for everyone to do.

Civilization is disrupted by a panicked stampede of people vying for limited seats aboard spacefaring craft. Within hours, there will be crushed glass, looting, and chaos.

The clock is ticking. Will you help? Or would you rather watch the dying gasps of a Singing Planet from a safe distance? ]

[OOC: Please see this post for plot details. Phase two has begun! Feel free to use this post as a reaction post, mingle, etc. or make your own!]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Probably as he's about to go out for maybe his second shuttle trip, checking over the shuttle trip, there is suddenly a Japanese lady. Sans her shamisen, fingers linked together in front of her instead.]

...Mr Vash?

[He looks away from his controls that were confirming for him that he could do another run without refueling to look at Makie. His smile is still soft, but there is a bit more strain behind his eyes than normal.]

Yeah, Makie? What can I do for you?

[Makie meets his strained smile with a look that's painfully lost.]

I don't... know what to do. [In all her life, a disaster that could wipe out an entire world? She can't even begin to parse it, and it's as close to distressed as she'll ever look.]

Tell me how I can help.

That's okay. I don't think most of us really know what to do. At least, trying to save a whole planet wasn't my day to day routine back home. I'm going to guess yours wasn't either. [He's left wondering once again how long the humans had to get Project SEEDs organised.]

But there's lots to do to help! You can help count the supplies that are coming in to figure out what is most needed to come next.

Are you any good with children? There are some kids that could use a fun distraction while their parents make arrangements.

Or you could take one of the shuttles. I could set the auto pilot easily enough that you could help ferry small groups of people from the planet to the station.

[There's a brief moment of hesitation before he continues his next suggestion.] There have also been reports of looters around one of the areas gathering supplies. They need to be scared off.

Do you think you could help with that without killing them?

[Such a long list, and her confusion only grows-- until the last suggestion, and the qualifier, and there's a brief flash of hurt in her features before it's gone with a slow blink.]

I can stop the looters.

[Very quiet.]

[Vash spots that flash of hurt and he does feel bad for having caused it. Suddenly he's worried Makie may go to the other extreme.

He rubs the back of his neck and chuckles awkwardly.] WELL I mean of course keep yourself safe too! You're way more important than supplies and looters!

[Just in case she was thinking he cared more about looter's safety over her.] I guess what I'm saying is if it's a choice between anyone's life and supplies-- well, I know you get the picture.

And thanks. Really. I was thinking I'd need to watch the supplies, but as a pilot they really probably need me more in the sky then on the ground.

[It's a little better, eases off the tight twist of emotion inside. Though she disagrees. Makie would place her importance squarely between supplies and looters, but she appreciates the inference.

She nods.] Let me get my weapon. [It's a careful thing said and she eyes him cautiously. A lady in a kimono isn't that intimidating on her own, but she wonders if he'll get the wrong impression.] Then if you show me where to go, I'll protect supplies and lives as I can.

[Vash doesn't seem to react at all to her mention of a weapon. He assumed she would need it to keep herself protected.

Not to mention despite his clear pacifism Vash is always clearly walking around with a gun on his hip. Shout loudly and carry a large pistol clearly being Vash's motto.]

I'll do better than showing you where to go. I can drop you off. It's near where they need the shuttle anyway.

[She looks more at peace, then, now she has a solid direction and task to perform; nods once, briefly, and leaves.

She'll be back in less than two minutes, weapon in hand, this time without its shamisen container. She just needs to look threatening.]

[Vash nods as she arrives back with her weapon.] Ready to go? [Once she gives confirmation that she's ready Vash takes off and will take them to a small group of people who are going around and counting supplies.

Vash will speak to them and introduce Makie.] Don't you guys worry. With Makie here watching your backs you won't have to worry about anyone trying to take these supplies. Right, Makie?

[What why are you bringing her into this

She's good at looking threatening, not reassuring, so after another blink she just nods quietly, then peers back at Vash with uncertainty.]

[The people Vash was addressing didn't seem overly assured just yet. Although they have so many other things to worry about that they don't question the offered help. One mutters a quick: stay safe before they all scatter back to work. Opening boxes, counting and noting down the supplies inside, and then organising which will need to go first.

Vash pats Makie gently on the shoulder.] Than you, Makie. I'll see you in a little while, okay? Until I get back make sure everyone stays safe.

Mm.

[They may seem more assured after Vash leaves, and her gaze gets a whole lot colder. But all she does is assist them, up until such time as violence may occur.

Vash can be assured that by the time he returns, the supplies are all packed and ready to go in a sensible order, and there's maybe three people sitting meekly by with nothing worse than bruises and a few cuts.

...okay, one of them might have a broken arm. Sue her. She had to make a point to the other two.]

[Vash doesn't seem too concerned over the men's health. They're alive and that's all he's concerned with for the moment.] Looks like it was a good thing you were here. Thank you, Makie.

[He helps get the shuttle loaded again with a smile.] Do you think you could do this again the next time we get supplies together?

[She also helps, and glances over at the question. This time she might at least be thinking about smiling back.]

Of course.

Thanks. [That shipment loaded it was time to take it off to the station then starting all over again.

Fade to black?]

the veil is thin . . .

In General | Near the Beginning

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