[Private Encrypted Video: Calling Captains] Wednesday, Week 22

[pepperspray]

[This time, Pepper's backdrop is an unassuming shelf in the stores, full of a mixture of hand tools and some outdoor-weight canvas in bolts. Although she's ditched her business gear in favour of local and weather-appropriate clothing, there's still something neat and sleek and coordinated about her choice in sweaters and slacks. Professional dies hard, apparently. She fiddles with something off screen and starts her call.]

Captain Silene? My apologies for the delay in getting back to you, but I've got some good news on the plague front, if you're still interested.

Comments

[pepperspray]

I'll see who I can send your way. If one of the researchers wants to go, I can't vouch for how physically useful they'd be, but I can certainly understand why they'd want to. I'll try and use the others' skills to pad them out appropriately.

[Pepper has her from-home smartphone out at this, and is likely already going over lists of names.]

Obviously I'd make a terrible recruit for the actual trip, but I can probably go as far as the port with them, if there's anything sensitive enough to discuss in person.

[outer_npcs]

I'll never turn down a chance to keep company with you. And I'd imagine you'd like to come finalize the arrangements for the transport of your goods, wouldn't you?

[There's no overt double meaning visible beneath Silene's teasing smile. That doesn't mean it isn't there.]

We should be making port in two weeks. The illness has resulted in some - delays.

[pepperspray]

[It's neither the time or place to really laugh at that statement, covert double meanings or no, but Pepper does part with an amused huff for it before organization intrudes again and her expression shades grave.]

Call me when you're docked, then, and my condolences on any losses. We've gotten our hands on some, ah, more efficient ground transportation so we can probably be there within the day if it's early enough.

[outer_npcs]

Oh, my people are fine. We simply had to find more creative ways to resupply than usual in order to remain that way - the epidemic hit a number of ports.

I'll be in touch.