outer_divide | [VIDEO: Seeking Sailors]

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[VIDEO: Seeking Sailors]

[Pepper's feed has her at a bit of an odd angle, the communicator knocked askew by something after she's turned it on. One hand reaches down, adjusting it and blocking the camera's field of vision for a moment with a close-up of the knit sleeve of Pepper's sweater.]

...There. Stay down now.

[The order delivered to something off screen (There's a skittering sort of scrabbling noise that transmits), she smooths her hair, sets her chin and begins again.]

With the plague dealt with for the Old City, I've made arrangements to try and help spread the treatment beyond our immediate surroundings. As a result, I need a small group of people who are willing to take a minimum six week round trip, largely by sea, to work on distribution.

You should be willing, able and safe to work your passage on a sailing vessel, so either knowledge or a certain level of basic fitness is a must. I've been advised that having some skill at arms would be good, and if one of our researchers or someone with enough basic knowledge of science and biology to parse and explain their notes could volunteer, that would be perfect.

In addition to the humanitarian aspect, this is also a chance to explore areas beyond the Old City. I'm of almost no use on a sailboat myself, have actually sunburned on a cloudy day before, and I don't really want to be gone from here so long, but I'll accompany any group as far as the port town. You'll be leaving as soon as I have word from my con--

[The source of the skittering reveals itself to be a flash of silvery tabby fur as a paw looms huge in the field of view and knocks the smartphone flat. There's a view of Pepper's apartment's ceiling before her hand appears and straightens the camera back to a view of Ms. Potts, now with a smug and wriggling half-grown kitten in the crook of her arm.]

Well, I'll get word to you when I have it. I'm available for questions.

[The feed ends.]

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[That Tony is an unreliable narrator regarding his father is not news. Pepper's smile softens a little, but she replies with banter in turn.]

Clearly Robert Heinlein has much to answer for. If you didn't have cats of your own, Pixel would seem completely impossible for a living creature.

Are you planning another dinner date with the ship, or should I expect to see you testing out whether or not you're allergic?

I'm going with the group as far as the port city. You can come along, and if she's not up to your standards, or you aren't up to hers, then you've at least got a ride back.

I like this plan, although I must say, if anyone should be less than needed, it would not be a Vanir.

It may be personalities rather than skills that are a problem, and what she says she's taking on her ship goes.

[Pepper's voice is very neutral-friendly indeed as she points this out.]

After all, clashes dockside are only going to get worse out in isolation o n the open ocean. But you'll meet Silene, Silene will meet you, and I'll have plans in place for whatever the outcome is.

I'll bear that in mind for when I get home. In the meantime, I'll let you know when I hear from the captain, and I may be convinced to let you meet the new arrival, if she turns out to be friendly.

Oh. Um, most people get along with me. I'm really adorable, und chicks dig the fuzz-the fun dude.

Ms. Potts, right? I'm Commander Shepard, Alliance Navy. Not sure if you met my predecessor while she was here or not. [One day it won't be weird when she has to introduce herself like that.]

I'd be interested in getting the lay of the land beyond the Old City, maybe getting some kind of an idea of what else is on this rock. I haven't had much experience on an ocean vessel, but I've been running on space ships for a number of years, and I grew up on a farm so hard work and I are no strangers. Could be an interesting experience.

That's me, yes. And while I did hear of her, we never actually met, so that's one bit of existential awkwardness we don't have to worry about.

[One day, Pepper will be able to make statements like that with an utterly blasé air. That day i snot today, so she settles on frank and dry good humour instead.]

You wouldn't be the first spacefarer to express interest, but to my entirely early space age thinking, you're probably facing similar psychological challenges to old-time sailors. If you're interested, then I'll let you know when I hear from the captain that she's made port. Do you have any questions about it? I can adjust the settings on our conversation so you can spek a little more freely, if you want.

McCoy not amphibious. Not as adapted.

[Among many reasons]

A very good reason.

[Pepper's delivery is deadpan, but not without a gleam of humour in her eyes.]

Are the relevant skills related to sailing or, um, other aspects of the trip?

Adept in combat. Little experience with seagoing vessels. But adaptable.

I wish I could leave off 'combat' from the list of requirements on any of these trips... but considering that I ran into bandits my first time out, I guess it's a necessity. Welcome aboard, Dr. Solus.

Metaphorically speaking, for the moment.

Conflict appears to be standard here. Further study required to fully explain. LIkely to continue for foreseeable future.

[There's a faint hint of amusement on Luke's face.]

Oh, it doesn't take much to nudge those types. I don't know any of them all that well but when you get a bunch of space jockeys together in one place, you only have to get one of them excited for a mission and then they all get excited. I've got a whole squadron of them back home.

Just leave it to me.

Well, if you come to any conclusions, I'd be glad to hear about them.

Will you be needing any special equipment or supplies for the trip? It's likely to be... rustic.

That sounds oddly familiar. I have a pack of stray superheroes and scientists in my tower back home, and similar things have been known to happen.

Do they respond just as well to food rewards?

Oh absolutely, especially if it's fresh and home-cooked. In space you're typically living off of dehydrated meals and ration bars for weeks or months at a time.

Though you always want to make sure you don't hand-feed them or you might lose a hand. Just set it down and run.

[It's evident with his playful grin that Luke enjoys poking fun at his buddies and even himself, though there's still some truth behind the jokes. Space food sucks.]

Duly noted, Commander. [Pepper's dimples have made an appearance, for all her tone is slid into formal business.]

I'll be sure to keep some serving trays on the en of some very long sticks in case any show up... or maybe I'll see if someone can build a robot.

You have a point. Still, if anything did happen, a boat wouldn't be a great place for it. Better safe than sorry right now. [he isn't sure how much he trusts his level of control]

The name doesn't ring a bell, but I'll keep an eye out for her.

If your captain has love for the waters, than I shall humble myself at her feet. I promise you this, Milady.

[ She then perks up. ] I want to meet you!

Maybe they could get you... a raft, for future trips. Something to tow behind any boats.

[It's weak, and not really a joke, but Pepper tries for it anyway before her expression skews a little odd as Bruce doesn't blink over the name. Well, now she's got to figure out how to approach that... She settles for relocating the problem elsewhere.]

Tony could tell you more about her. She's a scientist, and my impression is that she's still finding her feet, and I think, given that she's from somewhere in the 1950s, she's a bit hung up on radiation.

[Tony feigns thought for a moment.]

You know, I think we should run some tests. For science.

Oh -- no need for 'milady', I am absolutely no-where near the peerage, even if I wasn't American. Ms. Potts will do, or Pepper, Pepper's fine.

[Pepper seems caught briefly off balance by the sudden perked-up enthusiasm, for all she's lured into a smile at it, almost in spite of herself.]

I'm not that hard to meet. You can find me down at the stores, or checking in at the hospital. I stop by the Flop sometimes too, although I do keep my own apartment.

For science.

[Pepper's reply is terribly solemn.]

Preliminary studies suggest that she's both amenable to and skilled at soliciting bribes. Clint's been using the old shop downstairs as an abattoir for various creatures he's hunted, and she's already let me know she's happy to assist with any leftover steak.

That's actually revolting. Remind me never to go in there.

[He pauses briefly, considering.]

Maybe I'll find the local equivalent to catnip before I head over.

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