[VIDEO: Seeking Sailors]

[pepperspray]

[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.]

Comments

[last_ofthe_jedi]

[The return video feed is being shot somewhere outside in the shade of some outcropping or tree.]

My name is Commander Luke Skywalker and I'm responding to your request for a mission crew. I know next to nothing about sailing but I'm able-bodied and good with weapons, and I learn pretty quickly. I have naval military experience, primarily on spacecraft but I figure it might come in handy anyway.

No questions yet but I'd like to be kept in the loop.

Filtered Video:

[pepperspray]

[By the time Pepper answers, she appears to have convinced the kitten to go elsewhere. (Either that or it's lurking. Waiting.) She studies Luke closel through the video feed before nodding once, preliminary approval.]

That sounds very much like what I'm looking for, Commander Skywalker. I'll be sure to keep you in the loop.

Are you part of the group of spacefarers that have Major Alenko, Commander Shepard and Chief Williams with them or are you part of the group with Captain Kirk and Dr. McCoy?

[last_ofthe_jedi]

Uh, neither, actually. Although I've met Alenko.

[Luke's eyes briefly dart off to one side showing uncertainty.]

Why? Would you prefer that I'm a member of those groups?

[pepperspray]

What? Oh, no, of course not.

I was just trying to keep my groups of spacefarers straight... and if you did know them, then I could nudge you to try and drag some more into this.

[last_ofthe_jedi]

[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.

[pepperspray]

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?

[last_ofthe_jedi]

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.]

[pepperspray]

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.