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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[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.

[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?

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?

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.

Does this mean your table's been boarded? Since we're talking sea voyages and all.

Can go. Assure proper distribution of treatments.

[It's not that he doesn't trust other people to look after this sort of thing... okay, it is]

Certain other skills also relevant.

[Acknowledging the fact that yes, she is totally cuddling a small cat, Pepper gives Tony a crooked smile and hefts the catlet to give the link's camera a better view.]

Well, she was definitely a stowaway. She'd gotten halfway up the stairs to my apartment and was mewing in the cold. After I convinced myself that I wasn't just hearing things I couldn't just leave her there.

[She tips her chin slightly.]

I have a known weakness for self-possessed and independent creatures that are constantly getting into trouble through their own intelligence.

Oh good. I was hoping either you or Dr. McCoy would volunteer, and I have a feeling you'll complain less.

I'll, um, let the captain know.

[Because there\s a definite shortage of salarians on Verdana.]

Really? Because I wouldn't have pegged you for that. At all. Is she staying?

[Bruce looks a little wary at the mere mention of being on a boat.]

As much as I'd like to help, the phrase "largely at sea" is what's keeping me from saying "count me in". Not that the sea itself is the issue, but confining the Other Guy to a boat just seems like a recipe for disaster.

Aw, Kätzchen...

[Kurt likes anything fluffy and silly looking. He pulls himself together after a second.]

Uh, well, I'm good at climbing and knots and stuff, und I did once take a cruise, so I know I don't get seasick. But I've never really had a job on anything cooler than my dad's rowboat, so...

[Pepper exchanges a look with the cat. Or, rather, Pepper hefts the cat again, gets a whappy paw to her nose, and laughs quietly before letting her escape.]

I think she might be. We're lacking the Tower to properly take in strays, but I think that here I might actually have enough stability in my schedule that it wouldn't be courting animal neglect to take in this one.

You aren't allergic, are you? That's actually not something that's ever come up, now that I think about it.

[Pepper looks wryly understanding.]

I think you may be underestimating yourself... but I won't argue that's a concern, and you'd know your limits better than anyone else.

Besides, from the sounds of things the ship could use your attention anyway. And I did direct someone to come talk to you about nuclear physics, too.

[his tone is just as wry as her look] Maybe you didn't hear about what happened on the Helicarrier.

And yes, I do have a few projects lined up, though I'm always willing to take on more. [By the looks of it, he hasn't done anything but work since he was revived.]

A fan of cats, I take it?

[The kitten is now a softly pulsating lump of fur at the edge of the camera's pickup when Pepper's reply comes. She purses her lips slightly to study Kurt, then smiles.]

Sounds like you've found something you're interested in doing, then. We've got some adults I'd actually trust to have common sense expressing interest, so I could probably see clear to let you go too, all things considered..

A Vanir knows the sea better than they know the land. Do you need a captain?

[Pepper's wry expression turns to a bit of a smile, still wry but paired with a lift of her chin.]

Or I heard about it, and have also noticed a distinct absence of Loki manipulating everyone into raging at each other.

But I don't think this will be too heavy of a project. More of a catch-up on the state of science. It's Maria Collins Carbonell who'll be looking for you.

[Pepper pauses, waiting politely to see if this name rings a bell with Bruce or not. The maiden name of Maria Stark is, after all, not really daily fact.]

I already have one, actually -- Captain Silene, it's her ship. You'd be signing on as working passengers, but if you're familiar with sailboats of this technology level and you can follow her orders, you'd be a definite asset.

Does Silene know the waters?

[ Already judging you. ]

[Must not be distracted by the fluffy thing...]

So, just to be clear, I do have combat and survival training and the things I've dealt with include giant killer robots and superpowered terrorists. I'm probably okay with being on a boat.

[He tries not to sound sour, but this is getting a little annoying.]

Silene is successfully making passages through winter sea conditions, one of which will be bringing the Old City the relief grain it needs to survive the winter... or needed before the plague cut our numbers so badly.

[Pepper's voice is cool but fairly neutral, but a little regret shades it at the mention of the plague deaths. She recovers her businesslike tone soon enough.]

I staked holding off the starvation of thousands on her knowing the sea and knowing her ship. I trust her.

Well, allow someone expecting welfare services to jump out of bushes and haul me away any minute her paranoia... but fair enough.

[Pepper can acknowledge her foibles with a smile. This does not negate having them to begin with.]

Consider yourself in. Once on the ship, Captain Silene will be directing your role. Off it... well, I guess I'll figure out who's leading the trip, or what combination of who.

I have no idea. My father didn't believe in cats.

[He pauses, then adds,]

I mean literally didn't believe in them. He decided they were a fictional construct sometime in the sixties, and just ran with it.

[This is probably a lie.]

[Ah, that's better.]

Cool. Und, uh, as far as Child Protective Services is concerned, the Institute is just a school for the gifted. Even since the lid got blown off our little secret. I guess they'd rather not deal.

[That or the professor is up to shenanigans again.]

Hmm ... I will have to meet with this Silene before I make any promises.

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