September Catch-All [OPEN]

[be_seeing_you]

Who: Number 6 & YOU
What: Trying out the new fencing gear he got, drawing portraits, casino daydreaming, trying to steal jewelry & more!
When: September 1st for fencing, thru the month for other prompts
Where: All over the ship, see individual prompts
Warnings Potential for violence, alcohol/smoking, will warn for more as necessary



Challenge him to a friendly duel

When the notification comes that he has a package waiting in Sundries, he has no earthly idea what to expect. But, he must say, once he's torn the nautical paper off to find a fencing practice kit inside, he is rather pleased. Well, with one exception. The Epee he's been provided is neither blunted nor is it tipped with plastic the way it should be for safety. It very much seems to be a live and dangerous blade. Admittedly, he's not too sorry to have a functional weapon given the characters around here, but it means he'll have to be especially careful when practicing with it.

He's up on the sports deck making use of one of the empty tennis courts as his makeshift practice arena. In the absence of a tip protector, he's wrapped some gauze and medical tape from the infirmary around the sharp tip in an effort to achieve close to the same effect. That way, when he stabs the wall at the back of the court, it leaves slightly less of a divot.

He puts himself through some familiar drills, re-familiarizing himself with his technique and generally working to improve his stance and remember his form. It's clear just from looking that he's had some experience with this. If only he had a proper partner to fence, alas.


Have your portrait drawn

He doesn't tend to flaunt it often, but Number 6 actually does have a bit of talent for the arts. Perhaps he's not the most creative of minds, but he's rather good at capturing likenesses in portraiture. So, on various days and in various places throughout the ship, such as the dining hall, the sports deck, the library, and even in some of the pubs and bars (or anywhere, your choice), he will sit himself down quietly in the corner with a pad of paper over his knee and a pencil in hand. Anyone who catches his interest may become the new subject of his drawing. For the most part, they are flattering renditions. He doesn't mind if someone wants to observe, he'll simply nod to them and keep scratching with his pencil until he's satisfied.

Once he completes his drawing, he'll approach his subject and hold out the sketch to ask, "Excuse me, I wondered if you might like this?"


Lost in the game

With a cigarette in hand and whiskey in front of him, he sits at one of the blackjack tables idly playing against an invisible dealer. It's hard to tell if he's enjoying himself. He's got a far-off look on his face as he idly scratches the table to request another "hit." Win or lose, he doesn't seem to have much of a reaction. His mind is obviously elsewhere. He's so zoned out, in fact, that on this rare occasion even someone who isn't particularly stealthy might be able to sneak up behind him unawares.


Jewelry shopping

Right. The time has come to investigate that jewelry store. Why is it that no one is allowed to take anything? Of all the places on this ship, why there? He can be found bending over the displays, scrutinizing the various pieces through the glass. There doesn't appear to be any way to get at them. Not any way that doesn't involve a bit of violence, that is. So be it.

He goes, briefly, to the nearest bar and brings back with him one of the bar stools. Raising it over his head, he prepares to bring it down on one of the cases. Little does he know, that won't be enough to shatter it no matter how many times he bashes the glass.

But, he has to try.


Wildcard!
Hit me up with anything! Feel free to plot with me over on plurk KansaiBanzai or on discord Cmdr.Crackers#5481

Comments

[decohere]

"No magic," Ava repeats in agreement. Even if she managed to have learnt the sigil, she doubts it would have done her any good. As it is, all she has is a faint impression of how it looked.

"It... it doesn't do any good," she protests. "Talking doesn't bring him back."

[be_seeing_you]

She still isn't outright telling him to drop the subject, so it seems she may need to talk about it despite her protest. That's how he chooses to interpret it.

"Bring who back?"

[decohere]

She's been avoiding talking too much about this, trying to keep her misery over the loss close to her chest. Except she's not really the best at it, can't really pretend to be fine when everything hurts too much. Hiding away has been her most reliable strategy.

And she could simply disappear right now, escape the unpleasantness of this conversation. Except. It seems unfair, to drag Smith into this and evoke his sympathies and then run away. It's not that she owes him answers, but if she keeps pushing everyone away- Well, maybe that is ideal. Not having anything left to lose.

Ava can't quite bring herself to do that either.

"Malcolm. My... boyfriend. He's gone. I've never had anyone to lose, since my parents. So... it's hard." And it's harder still because there's a few others upon the ship that she's even more terrified of losing now.

[be_seeing_you]

He lays the battered stool aside on the display and takes a step closer to her, the deep lines of his face drawing tight with sympathy as he does so.

"Oh, my dear, I'm so sorry. I really am." True or not, he knows that she believes that if anyone leaves here they simply cease to exist--good as dead. The grief must be terrible.

"I'm afraid I'm not so good at providing comfort, but I could accompany you for some tea if it would help?"

[decohere]

Maybe ceasing to exist would be better than what she knows of what happens to the lost souls aboard the ship. Friday having described them as not much left to even be recognizable. To distinguish one from the next. Ava swallows roughly.

"Tea would be lovely," she agrees, doesn't even crack a joke about them being far too stereotypically British to handle their problems in such a way. But tea is always comforting.

"I really did want you to meet him," she says quietly. She really thinks they'd have gotten along well, found nice company amongst all the much stranger passengers.

it says a lot that i have an icon just for tea

[be_seeing_you]

"Mint again?" he asks gently, coming to her side while telegraphing heavily that he intends to scoop an arm around her back to help guide her out and to the cafe a few decks down.

"I was looking forward to the introduction. I feel robbed, but nothing in comparison to how you must feel."

[decohere]

"Mn, maybe something stronger," Ava admits weakly. While mint is tempting to soothe her mood, she wants to break through the cloud of lethargy. She allows the arm around her, although she flickers briefly away at the contact before settling. She's in enough of an aimless daze that being guided doesn't register enough to even bother her. She can't quite remember which direction the cafe is, which deck they're currently on. When or why she even wandered in here other than the draw of the mystery of the gems.

"I've... I. Hadn't," she stumbles over her words, not sure how to express everything she feels. "It was easier, being alone."

[be_seeing_you]

"That can be arranged."

He says nothing of her flickering, knowing she's got plenty of reason to be hesitant. But he's grateful that she does allow him to steer her to the cafe. She seems so tragically lost and he aches for her.

"I know it does feel that way," he says, understanding her despite how she stumbles on the words. "The great paradox of finding someone to care for is that it leaves open the potential to be hurt more deeply than you could ever have imagined. It's tempting to say you would rather never experience it."

[decohere]

"That's why Jenny returned to this ship," Ava mumbles. "She lost her brothers. Why she was looking through those gems..." she glances back into the jewelry shop as he guides her away, a lingering wonder at all the names that used to belong to all those glittering souls on display.

"I gave up memories to her, happy ones..." she frowns. "But I don't think I could... ever wish the ones I have of him away. I never knew what it was like, to be loved." She's grateful for it, even if it hurts. "And at least now I know that maybe I am worth something."

[be_seeing_you]

"I don't understand what you mean? What about those gems is so important?"

His desire, no his need to prod her for more information about this potentially vital knowledge of the ship's workings butts up against his desire to show her some comfort for her loss. The conflict splashes across his face in a frustrated frown. How could she give up memories to another? How and why?

"You are worth something. That part should never have been a question. I'm sure, if he were still here to speak for himself, that's something he would insist on."

[decohere]

"If Jenny was looking for her brothers amongst them..." what do you think? Of course at the time, Ava hadn't been certain what the pirate was searching for. For awhile she had wondered if there was more connection between the gems and the memories that Jenny had extracted. Only found out about the brothers later. And then Jenny had so callously crushed some of them... Ava swallows roughly.

"Are any of us?" she asks doubtfully. "I wanted so badly for a second chance, a life of my own... I was willing to believe..."

[be_seeing_you]

The pieces click into place with horrifying clarity. What if... "Those aren't gems. Those are people?" He's suddenly glad he wasn't able to break the glass.

"Of course we are." He takes a stern tone, leaving no chance for doubt. "So long as we think and feel, we have a right to live. That isn't something one needs to earn. There will never be any guarantees, but you must not give up the fight for your second chance."

[decohere]

"I think so," she replies hollowly. "What's left of them." It's hard to know what's true and the sort of misinformation that floats around or rumors or flimsy assumptions of her own.

"What if I'm just... too weak?" Ava asks. "That's what Friday says happens. Why so many passengers just... don't make it." She can't imagine there's much hope left for her in that case. She's not like Skulduggery, or Clarke or Stede or Darcy. She arrived already barely hanging on, with so little purpose in her life other than a desire to finally have one.

[be_seeing_you]

"That is... troubling." So many things it could mean. Was that an especially harsh form of punishment? Or is there something different about the ones who may be trapped behind the glass?

"You? Weak?" He makes it sound like the idea itself is preposterous. "Do you believe that about yourself?"

[decohere]

She nods. She's been troubled by it for months. Unable to really find resolution on it. Doesn't even know what she could possibly do if she even managed to get through the glass anyway.

She laughs hollowly. "I don't know," she certainly doesn't feel all that strong of spirit compared to the rest of the passengers who never give up on finding new ways and reasons to fight back despite the impossibility of it all. "I didn't think Malcolm was..." and then he fucking disappeared as if he never mattered at all.

[be_seeing_you]

Ah, says the little voice in his mind. There's the heart of the issue.

"You equate the people that disappear from here with being weak and you worry it will happen to you?"

[decohere]

"Friday said so," and it's really fucked her up about it.

[be_seeing_you]

"How reliable is the information Friday gives about such things?"

[decohere]

"She'd know better than anyone." Friday seemed sincere enough in the conversation that Ava doesn't suspect her of being deceptive on the matter. "Compared it to transplanting a plant."

[be_seeing_you]

"Is a potted plant weak if it's put into an environment that cannot nourish it?" He asks seriously. "Do we blame that plant when it does not get adequate water and sun?"

[decohere]

She's quiet for a long moment. Because he's right. And she's told Darcy something along those lines before, about environmental fitness.

It's the same, in the end. The plant withers and dies. But it's a far more forgiving perspective than the one offered.

"I tried," she says softly. She tried to nourish him. But how much could she do, when she could hardly care for herself.

[be_seeing_you]

"I know," Number 6 says quietly. The fact that he's gone cannot change. All that can be done now is to help Ava see that it's not something she should bear the blame for.

"Who is to say he would not have withered here sooner without you? It's possible he tried too, for you."

[decohere]

"Hmn," she agrees sadly. "He wouldn't have wanted me to give up. I have things I need to do. People relying on me," Ava says with some determination.

They make it to the cafe, and she orders a dirty chai. It's a bit of an abomination of a drink, but she needs the kick. She feels so sluggish.

"Have you ever been in love?" Ava asks curiously once they're settled at a table. She knows their line of work never really allows for it. But maybe he's found moments to live.

[be_seeing_you]

He nods sagely as she says how her boyfriend wouldn't have wanted her to give up. He's sure that's very true. But not just because she has others depending on her, but for herself as well.

His own order is more conventional, a black coffee. Not tea this time, because she isn't the only one needing something stronger. Especially when he starts to think about her next question.

"No. I don't believe I ever have." She's the one person who gets to ask him about this without him becoming annoyed. She also gets a more in depth answer because of that. "There have been women I have courted. Some got closer than others. Ultimately, my work came first."

[decohere]

It's nice to have a small break from talking about herself and her own vulnerabilities. She sips at her drink, and it takes a moment to adjust to the flavor. Tea and coffee are a strange mix, with all the spices thrown in.

His answer isn't unexpected, mostly confirms her idea that it's just not a thing for people like them. She thinks of all the other agents she knew. Very few of them at all had families. "Hn, yeah," she agrees sadly. "Work does take up so much. And if you love someone, then it's not really... worth endangering them," she frowns. Even Malcolm's ex got killed for getting to entangled into his work.

"Hard to let anyone close. When you're always having to conceal who you really are." Because she's sure he can relate to that aspect. Not to mention all the trust issues, the paranoia, the fear of it being used against you.

"I only really knew the people I worked with," Ava wrinkles her nose. "And no offense, but you know how those types are." Not to mention the idea of being involved with somebody holding her captive or giving her orders or experimenting on her... was rather unappealing.

She downs another sip. "Plus, I was in too much pain, constantly, to want anyone touching me."