Thinking… Maybe the Marshall has resources we can leverage, but I don’t want interrupt Nissa’s visit so soon.
Nissa normally does not eat, even for appearances. But this morning, she has a tiny teacup and a plate of berries before her. The cup looks like a beer mug in her hands, and much of the plate is empty, for these wares are those used by the local sprites who are twice Nissa’s size.
Whatever she eats is immediately burned. Her form fitting dress puffs a little after the third fairy-berry. Nissa leaves the fourth and fifth on her plate, intent on saving them for her next meal.
Sarenrae provided her the gift of not having to eat (which does wonders for a supermodel), but this morning, Nissa felt that eating would be important.
She crosses one leg over the other as she hovers with ease. On any other occasion, the girl can talk.
This morning, she barely squeaks what she wants to say to the the team. “This is goodbye…”
The word hits her harder than she expects. Having cried her eyes out the night before, she thought she might be able to spin this into a feel-good moment, instead of stammering—
“—I mean, not like, goodbye-goodbye. I just need to stay here with L.C.—I mean—on Tarokh.” Mother says be honest. “…yeah, for the obvious personal reason. In part. But also, I gotta go to Wand School.” She seems a little intimidated by the idea of formal education.
Thinking… Maybe the Marshall has resources we can leverage, but I don’t want interrupt Nissa’s visit so soon.
Henri does retreat to his bunk for at least a brief period of sleep, but asks Gay Deceiver to wake him up so he can join the others for the breakfast/briefing.
Zellgato takes his mask off briefly, [b]"A Sabbitcal for education and for your relationship seems apt and reasonable. I have to imagine you've built up a great deal of PTO...After all while it was short for you, you were on mission for a few years for us."[b] then replaces his mask.
Henri is enjoying breakfast ala Tarokh. With his next bite halfway to his mouth, his brain registers Nissa's words and he freezes. Did she say... was there something I didn't see?
He puts the food back on his plate and starts a replay of the last few days, aided by his internal nanite colony. Is this really Nissa? I mean, it has to be her body, there can only be one, but has another entity affected her mind trying to separate us. Accessing memories, looking for indications of compromise. Or depression. I have to take into account her mental health, this is anomalous behavior.
He feels like it's taken a long time, but to the others at the table, he pauses, sets his Tarokhian fork on the plate and looks at Nissa, head tipped to the right.
After a beat, he smiles and nods, "I have to agree with Zellgato. You've been through a lot, more than anyone I can think of, and haven't had time to just stop and process what's taken place."
"I look forward to returning and telling you of our adventures."
Theo looked sad as he processed the information, but put on a brave face. "Well. If that's what you wish. At least you'll be with L.C. We'll miss you horribly, but also wish you the best of luck in your education."
Seeing that her friends understand her reason, Nissa perks up a bit. “I’ll miss you horribly, too… and going on all the crazy adventures with you!”
"Given how often we tend to pass through Tarokh... well I suppose goodbye for now might be called for, but hopefully we won't be vanishing for a year anytime soon," Unity say.
"Honestly we could probably *all* use vacations," they add, "And some education on interdimensional matters is a good idea, but..."
They trail off a moment, then chorus, "We have to know."
Another pause. "Maybe after that we'll take a break." They sigh. "Though there's always need for us, and maybe we'll be in the mood for throwing ourself into more work."
"Speaking of a break", Theo chuckled nervously, "Next week, The Queen of Swords is hosting a tournament. And I have confirmed to be participating."
”It doesn’t seem wise to deny one known as the Queen of Swords. What sort of tournament? Any foot races?” Henri’s face makes it clear that he doesn’t expect there to be foot races.
"I assume combat", Theo shrugs. "But maybe?"
"Four words.Theo.... Hot Dog Eating Competition. True test of modern humanity."
"Four words.Theo.... Hot Dog Eating Competition. True test of modern humanity."
“You win,” Nissa says, “no matter who my opponent is.
“But if there’s ever a see-who-can-hold-their-breath-the-longest-in-space contest, I’m your girl!”
Nissa’s glad the conversation has moved onto something light and casual. She just wants to enjoy breakfast with her friends before seeing them off when they head out to their next mission..!
"Well, we shouldn't have any trouble being there 'on time'," Unity say with a grin.
Henri points at Unity, nodding, in silent agreement.
L.C. is nodding in agreement while chewing a piece of elf-bread. When she finally finishes chewing, she says, "Exactly, it's only goodbye for now. You'll be here often enough! And training in an area of magic would be good for the team if Nissa ....".
L.C. stops talking as her eyes widen. She asks alarmed, "Did you say you're entering the tournament next week? That's not ... I mean, ... people die, Theo! Expert swordsmen die!"
"Maybe, L.C.", Theo smirked. "But.. it's Me! I'll be fine. I still plan on practicing all week, just to be safe."
"Maybe, L.C.", Theo smirked. "But.. it's Me! I'll be fine. I still plan on practicing all week, just to be safe."
"Theo, you'll need to get a magic sword ... before you come back. Everyone else will have one. What were you thinking?" L.C. shakes her head.
Theo draws The Angelsword. "This 'Good' Bad-Boy has kept me alive and killing evil for many missions. I love this blade! It's as if Hephaestus himself forged it!"
L.C. is nodding in agreement while chewing a piece of elf-bread. When she finally finishes chewing, she says, "And training in an area of magic would be good for the team ".
"If we're lacking magical inclinations, there certainly are folks who can pick up that slack. I dabbled, but it seems effectively opposite of my studies, although there are others I know who are more adept at it." Zellgato notes, their general skillsets lean towards technology. "Albiet our ship travels effectively, speaking of which. Wand School... Will the wand remain with you, or is it BT property?"
"They *encourage* a competition like that here in Tarokh? Is there not *enough* death in the multiverse already?" Unity growl.
They sigh as they look at Theo. "Don't kill anyone," they say with a toothy grin.
Nissa echoes Unity’s sentiment. “I know you can win and show mercy to a foe.”
She contemplates the fairies… “There are fairies who fight, and there’s magic that zaps them to a safe place so they don’t die. I want to see them about armor. Maybe they can imbue a sword with some kinda Mercy Magic.
“That might not be the best sword-magic for winning, but I can ask anyway,” she offers.
"I'm sure your Sword of Mercy will be very effective against Souldrinker," says L.C. "That's a good question about the Wand. Nissa can't exactly go to 'Wand school' without it. And, you do have the ship... Let's think about how this could work and discuss it together when you get back from CG-517?"
"Speaking of the ship... there is a potential that we will encounter hostile forces on CG-517, either from the native fauna or from the good Doctor and his staff. G.D. is not designed nor outfitted for combat."
Unity turn their grin to Henri. "Thinking of getting the hull electrified?"
Nissa winces at the name ‘Souldrinker.’ “Is that the sword’s name or the swordsman’s?” She stops short of asking why drinking souls is even legal, but thinks it best to put on a brave face for her dad.
And also a brave face for Wand School..!
"Sword of Mercy?" Theo smirked. "I have not seen it be 'merciful' yet."
"I"m uncertain why a competition with risk of death here, is any different than a combat sport on any other planet, or the building damage from most physical impact sports." taking a moment. "I would say, at least those particpating here are fully aware of the risks, as opposed to the slow damage over time."
"Does the ship have a preference on weaponry Henri?"
”She seems to have a fantasy of shooting dinosaurs with lasers after hearing our destination is essentially prehistoric Earth. I would hope we can implement some sort of shielding so we can withstand attacks from foes we didn’t see coming. An electrified hull would likely dissuade most creatures, but I don’t know how Dr. Moreau’s ship is armed. Or if there are others in play that we don’t know of.”
"This feels expensive, but perhaps Kai would be a good one to ask back at BT. Last I knew they were still employed, however I haven't kept up much in the few years. It would seem, you can take the traveling merc out of his apocolypose but not the traveling out the merc."
Zellgato snags a napkin, pops a purple inked calligraphy pen, and doodles on it, to help the group think about weapons with a little visuals.
"I must imagine, if we're using an electrified hull, we likely are already in trouble. Shields, Lasers, and maybe explosive ordience seems apt investment prior to "Oh shit" buttons as it were."
"To be clear, the electrified hull suggestion was because we've *experienced* the ship with an electrified hull, if you'll recall," Unity say, in the attitude of one grudgingly explaining a joke.
"For our part we would like some *non-lethal* options as well as lethal weapons," Unity add. "While we do need the ability to kill if needed, we'd like to not have that be our *only* option. But it may be tricky finding things in our price range here in Tarokh, so going back to Boston Theoretical might be wise."
They pause and add, "We should let everyone there know our latest mission hasn't killed us yet, too."
”Oh, yes - in Greece? As for non-lethal, perhaps something unpleasant like mace to dissuade predatory creatures. BT will be a good stop, for certain.”
"If you do head back home, I think you'll be impressed with the job that Phade is doing," says L.C. "Boston Theoretical has trained a new batch of heroes to replace you. You'd have a better chance finding weaponry there, than here, but you probably could get something at the Away Market."
"We should probably make a time to meet with them," Unity say when L.C. mentions the other team. "Maybe after this."
"I need to go to the Away Market, anyway. L.C., are you familiar with Mr. Rabbit? Seems like a very nice guy - and very knowledgeable."
Theo chuckles. "I'm not familiar with 'Mr. Rabbit', but I hear the ladies LOVE him!"
Henri frowns, obviously recognizing that Theo is having a bit of fun at his expense, but not knowing the punchline. With a sheepish smile and a small shake of his head, he replies, "Probably not the same fellow. The one I refer to appears to be an anthropomorphic white rabbit. He seems to be a technological genius tinkerer."
"Would us coming with you be helpful or harmful?" Unity ask Henri.
Henri opens his mouth to reply, pauses to reconsider his answer, then slowly says, "I guess I don't know. I think he might be the private sort. Let me talk to him first, find out if he wants to meet the team."
He looks at the Marshal, "Unless there are concerns involving him in official business."
Unity nod. "It's understandable enough. We are, ah," they wave a paw at themself, "rather intimidating to meet unexpectedly."
"Honestly, it's less about your appearance. I'm not sure I'm welcome to bring Zellgato or Theo in without prior arrangements. Though - he is literally a rabbit, so there is your appearance to consider."
Unity grin toothily, but say nothing more.
Theo smiles a toothy grim, nudging Unity. "Winner, Winner. Rabbit Dinner."
Unity roll their eyes at Theo. "We don't eat sapients," they state firmly.
"No matter how much they believe we will," they add.
"Regardless, we should accompany at least part of the way. I realize I am the paranoid one, however, we did technically work against some of that organization. So, we should keep an eye out, for a while at least. Time is confusing with them after all.
"Regardless, we should accompany at least part of the way. I realize I am the paranoid one, however, we did technically work against some of that organization. So, we should keep an eye out, for a while at least. Time is confusing with them after all.
"I think we've got that worked out. I don't think anyone back home ... on World Zero ... wants to commandeer Gay Deceiver still. ... At least, not anyone with governmental authority," says L.C. hopefully.