TWENTY THREE: VIDEO

[puppydogeyes]

[The feed opens on Tyke in the SEC offices. Her expression's set steady, only some thin sharpness at the edges betraying any strain. Mostly she just seems busy and pissed off.]

This is Tyke, head of Security. Most of you will be aware of the situation. We've got seventeen people reported missing in the ship, approximately seven that have followed in the last two days. I'm not gonna stop any of you trying to go after them, but you go prepared, and you don't go alone.

We're putting together supply packs. Come down to the SEC office, floor 001, pick one up. We can arm you if you don't have any weapons, and put you in teams if you're on your own. [A beat.] Got four hours before I take SEC out.

[A deadline for anyone joining them or coming to get packs. She almost looks like she's done there, but seems to reconsider.]

Don't listen to anything you hear out there. Watch each other's backs. Want as many of us coming back from this shit as possible.

[Including the missing.]

Comments

[action in the security offices]

[jurisimpudent]

[Edgeworth looks up when she finishes that statement, finishing clipping together a pack of supplies. Hesitantly, he says:]

Tyke. I'd like to request permission to go out there as well.

[action in the security offices]

[puppydogeyes]

[It's not a surprising thing for Edgeworth to say, even after everything. She still watches him for a moment, wonders if he's ready. But it wasn't like she was stepping in to stop anyone else.]

You'll be with me.

[Condition and confirmation in one.]

[action in the security offices]

[jurisimpudent]

[It hurts to hear that. It means she doesn't trust him, still - or that's what he thinks it means. He reads into that statement a deep distrust of him, a belief that he's still no good out there, a belief that he's still fragile and useless.

But...she agreed. And if he's with her - it'll give him a chance to watch her back. And he wants to watch her back. Especially now. Not all enemies are born of the ship, after all.

So he quickly glances away; he swallows. But he doesn't protest that. Just:]

All right.

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[cargojet]

My group will be leaving in three, if that's alright with you. That gives us time to reconvene outside Engineering and head into the ship from the other direction.

If I don't get another chance to say it, Tyke--good luck.

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[puppydogeyes]

As long as you're prepared.

[As in, you'd better come down and get some of these packs too.]

Luck's not gonna help us now.

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[cargojet]

I forgot how much I missed your optimism.

[ What optimism. ]

Incidentally I'm not gonna take anyone who hasn't been to see you first, but I'd like to have a couple of those packs of yours on hand if any stragglers show up--or to give to the people we run into out there. You got some going spare?

[northerner]

[ there's a pause, and then-- ]

Are you well protected, Tyke? Do you have what you need to venture out?

[ this is basically a lead in to asking if she wants to borrow grey wind, as much as it always pains robb to separate from him. ]

[puppydogeyes]

Five dogs, my guns, my knives. I'm good.

[northerner]

Have care, while you're searching. I'd not lose you as well. I swore to Tommy that I'd see you safe.

[ still keeping his promise :c ]

[kutte]

Bring back my damn guns.

[ a pause, then quieter-- ]

Shit. Good luck out there.

[puppydogeyes]

[Don't go getting soft on her now, Jax.]

We're lucky enough, you'll get the ammo back too.

[kutte]

Those are some big promises, sweetheart. I'll be looking to collect.

[brainsqueeze]

How many are going out?

[puppydogeyes]

Unknown so far. We're keeping a count and inventory as people come through.

[judex]

Do you have swords?

[ Maybe he'll stop sulking and learn to shoot after this, but it's a little late now. ]

[puppydogeyes]

[She shakes her head.]

Might be someone with a spare sword around, but we're only got firearms in the armory. Have you never handled one?

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[handelaar]

I've got one. [And... three more. Hoarder life problems.] Want it back, though.

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[skjalf]

I would gladly cook some rations to include in these packs if needed.

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[puppydogeyes]

Thanks, but packed food keeps better.
+ we probably won't need any out there.

[mindtricks]

I'll go out, too. I have my own weapons, but let me know if you need me to watch someone's back.

[ it's even, a soldier's report more than anything else. tyke has jurisdiction over this one, so anderson will accept her authority. ]

[puppydogeyes]

You should come get a pack and wait for a group either way. Unless you wanna head out with us.

voice;

[handelaar]

What's in them. The packs.

[How has no one else asked this yet, it's like not everyone is obsessive over inventory or some crazy talk like that.]

voice;

[puppydogeyes]

Food, water, basic equipment.

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[exponentiate]

My name's Four. [ he only gives the name out of necessity. ]

I want to join the security team heading out. I'd list my qualifications, but I guess we don't have the time.

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[puppydogeyes]

[They don't have the time, he's right, so she doesn't argue that.]

Handled a firearm before?