01 | Video

[takeitslow]

[The video jumps around a little, shaky as he moves around the rec area. Thankfully he's going at a pace that can actually be seen by the human eye. The screen is just a shaky shot of the pool area, jerking a bit as he speaks.]

So, the pool. That's a really nice touch. Almost makes up for us being stuck in space. But, you know, I'm going to give it to you guys because I've always wanted a pool- well a bigger pool. We had one of those blow up kiddie things, but no one over the age of eight wants to be caught dead in that thing. Anyway, this. This is a step towards making this place less like a weird prison sentence.

What's not cool, on like the top ten list of really screwed up things about this place, is what you're lacking. You do have some issues with with rabid dogs and apparently you guys blew up a planet, like what? And while I'd really like to punch whatever lost my headphones, hey. I'll live. But the worst thing?

[Peter finally comes into view, a frowning mess of silver hair and bad fashion.]

I've not found a single Twinkie in this place. No Ding Dongs, no Ho Hos. Not even a Sno Ball. You guys are really killing me here.

Comments

[niffin]

Call it a standing order, then. Find a ghost, shoot me a heads-up, and we'll talk cake.

Crimes against fashion are pretty serious. [ As are, you know, actual crimes. But keeping it light seems to be working better here. ] Are you sure this was another crewmate?

[takeitslow]

Totally will. How hard has it got to be to find a ghost? Easy peasy.

Who knows? Haven't seen it again. Maybe we've been boarded by vicious dog aliens with a grudge against great bands.

[niffin]

Was it wearing one of these cool bracelets?

[ It's a little inconvenient to flash the MIDI at itself, or she'd try. ]

Because that's a pretty sound indicator.

[takeitslow]

Yes they were. Kept typing on it instead of talking. And growling instead of talking. Did I mention the growling? Cause it was weird as hell. Who does that?

[niffin]

This sounds like something to talk to the Captains about.

[ Not because she thinks they’ll do shit, but because she’d rather not guinea pig that process herself. A chance to gauge reactions that might also head off some stabbings? Sounds good.

The trouble lies in convincing a devil-may-care teenager of that. Alice remembers Brakebills: A good stabbing would’ve been a major social coup. ]

If that thing's just running loose...

[takeitslow]

Ugh. Maybe? But like, they made me a bodyguard, which is the most boring thing ever, but- [He shrugs.] I don't want to sound like some wuss. Oh, no. Some guy tried to stab me. Big deal, tough it out. You know?

[niffin]

I —

[ Pause, as she tries to avoid visibly sighing. After the CDC, she really shouldn't expect anyone to take age into account. Of course they made him a bodyguard. Of course they'd think that they deserved them. Power doesn't change. ]

— I guess that's a good point. But like, it's not about you so much as everyone else. Right? I mean, what if he tries to stab one of them, and you're off-duty? Or one of these kids we've got on board now.

[ Because he's definitely not a kid. ]

[takeitslow]

[His expression softens at that, turning thoughtful. Peter is prideful about a lot of things, but he has a little sister at home. He'd kill someone if they'd had a chance to prevent something happening to her and hadn't.]

Okay, so let's say I see what you're saying. You think they're really going to do much with all the other crazy going on right now?

[niffin]

I don't know. But I don't think we will know unless we ask. I doubt he's about to turn himself in.

[takeitslow]

I'll think about it.

[He'll confer with Wanda. Settling things in private had been family tradition, but if she thinks its worth bringing up to the authorities, he'll go for it.]

You know, if you see a creepy helmet head hanging around kids in the meantime. Just, uh, call someone.

[niffin]

Yeah, no kidding. I'll set the ship tailor to speed dial.

[ There's a second layer to that joke, one that she's pretty sure only Ryan will get. If someone's really feeling stabby, she'll need the medium more than his sewing needles. ]

Be careful, okay? Bodyguard's a big job for anyone, especially without backup shirts.

[takeitslow]

Uh, I was thinking more medbay, but whatever keeps you calm.

Hey, don't worry. A guy like me will be fine. I'm quick enough for it.

[niffin]

Still. What's that saying? 'You don't have to be faster than the bear — just faster than the guy running next to you'. Keep it in mind if shit really goes south. They're not exactly paying us, here.

[takeitslow]

[He laughs, mischief in his tone.]

I think I'm fast enough to get both me and the guy left behind away from any bears. But don't worry, I'm really into self preservation.

[niffin]

[ That raises an invisible eyebrow. But she'll let it be for now — even if half the way Peter talks is giving her Honey flashbacks.

Her kingdom for a more detailed personnel register. ]

I'm going to hold you to that if we ever meet a space bear. Thanks for the heads-up on all this.

[takeitslow]

Hey, if we ever meet a space bear, I will totally save your ass. Then you'll owe me one.

Yeah, sure.