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Seas Of Erin > Cecilia > Piece by piece


Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 05:01 AM
Giles felt a though the sheer joy coursing through him might tear him apart—and thus he was granting it any outlet possible. His steps were bouncing, his hands impossible to keep still, and he was whistling even in the dim guts of the ship. He wanted to share his pleasure with someone—Alex, or Bonet, or Elaine, or anyone, really.

And that was when a hand jutted from behind, wrapping around the other man’s mouth, interrupting his tune and pulling him back against the narrow hallway's wooden wall.

Posted by: Keisuke Suzuki May 1 2008, 05:02 AM
Key's grin was hard, and the force of his push pinned Giles' arm to the wall—while the shorter man wrapped his fingers around his other wrist. "Hartley. I am not having a good morning. You keep whistling like a goddamn parakeet and I may choose to share my misery."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 05:03 AM
Giles twitched against the hand, but stilled at the voice, which he recognized instantly. He focused himself wholly on it, parting his lips just slightly against the man's palm. Luck was easiest drawn from the mouth and the palms—poor Key.

He smiled, though it could not be seen.

Posted by: Marcello Basciano May 1 2008, 05:04 AM
((BRENNA ARE You PLAYING HATESEX WITH YOuRSELF? IS ThiS TO GET BACK FOR THE FAKE LESBIANS?))

Posted by: Keisuke Suzuki May 1 2008, 05:05 AM
Key twisted the man's wrist sharply. "Now you listen to me, you half-faced little prick. I, like a good chunk of this ship, think the Captain’s a god-cursed fool for letting you anywhere near this boat after what you did. But I’m also a man of business. You spoke to my dear friend Tuck."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 05:06 AM
((YOU WISH, TEA. I DON'T EVEN LIKE YOU ENOUGH FOR FAKE HATESEX!))



"Mmrrr me mif mucka?" Giles asked, blankly. The words were muffled by Key’s palm.

Posted by: Keisuke Suzuki May 1 2008, 05:08 AM
Key rolled his eyes and let up the pressure on the younger man's mouth, allowing Giles to turn and face him. "Surprise surprise." He frowned, grabbing Giles by the collar and pulling him forward until their noses were almost touching. He spoke in a voice that was dangerously quiet.

"The reason I’m telling you this is that I want you to know—you fuck him over, you're fucking me over. You've already done that once, and while I'm a forgiving fellow, I’m not that forgiving."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 05:09 AM
"I'm not the sort to spill 'bout me mates," Giles muttered back, holding both his hands up in front of him, despite the closeness. "I want no trouble with you. If it's revenge or remorse or satisfaction you're wantin', I’m at your disposal. But I ain't stirrin' up trouble on this bloody ship this time around, so you'd best hold your peace 'til we're next in port."

Posted by: Keisuke Suzuki May 1 2008, 05:13 AM
"What, you want to make up for it? Staying dead would have taken care of that nicely," Key hissed, voice dropping to a hateful whisper. "What I’m saying is, you blow this thing open, I'll tear your brother up proper and consider it fair. Maybe take an eye and leave you pair a matching set..." He gave the man's shoulder a painful squeeze and shoved him off.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 05:15 AM
All the happiness had drained from Giles' expression at this, and he jerked back, rubbing his wrist and glaring at Key. "Aren't you just the gentleman. I thought you were meant t'be on your best behavior? Something about the Countess takin' a likin' to your ugly mug?"


((annnnnnnnnnnd open scene! all yours, cim!))

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 05:21 AM
Alannis was so wrapped up in her own worries that she almost didn't see the two men. Spotting Keisuke she squeaked and backed away. It took her a moment to realize who the other man was, then she squeaked again, "Don't hurt him!" She said worriedly, not sure who she was speaking to, her alliances with Key and Alex conflicting with each other.

Posted by: Keisuke Suzuki May 1 2008, 05:24 AM
"No one's hurting anyone," Key announced, raising both his hands in a demonstration of the weapons he was not holding. He gave Alannis an encouraging little smile. "Are you alright? We didn't startle you, did we?"

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 05:28 AM
Giles, on the other hand, dropped his arms over his chest and looked from Key to Alannis with a little frown. "You're the new tailor?"

He might have been good looking, were half his face not solid metal, lined with thick scar tissue... as it was, he was missing one eye, a chunk of one ear, and his neck was powder-burned.

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 05:34 AM
"Just a little bit. You both looked really angry and scary." Alannis said, sounding slightly accusing. She wasn't sure how to act, since she was sure Key had every right to be angry, but she still had the idea in her head that one of them might try to hurt the other and she didn't want that.

"Yes. I know Alex." She informed Giles, giving him a weak smile. She tried not to stare at his face, but as interesting as it looked, she could hardly help herself.

Posted by: Keisuke Suzuki May 1 2008, 05:38 AM
"I'm not scary," Key said easily, lowering his hands and dropping into a comfortable, easy slouch. Apologetically, he took a step back. "We really shouldn't be seen together."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 05:42 AM
"I see," Giles said, his tone carefully neutral. Alex hadn't mentioned the girl at all. "I'm -- call me Giles."

He gave Keisuke a baleful look as the man backed away. "Is it true you pair were nearly dumped off for gettin' grabby in Tucker's storage closet?"

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 05:47 AM
"I'm sorry." Alannis said sincerely, taking a few more steps back as well as if getting further away would make them less 'seen together.' "I was just coming down the hall and I didn't mean to..."

To keep from going into a panic she focused her attention on Giles. This didn't actually help. "I'm Alannis, and we were not getting grabby! There was no grabbing going on!" She squeaked worriedly.

Posted by: Keisuke Suzuki May 1 2008, 05:50 AM
"No, no," Key said shaking his head, hi ears flopping. "Don't apologize, for crying out loud. You--you always apologize for things that are in no way your fault, girl. I'll go. You get to know Mr. Hartley, here... I told you about him."

He backpedaled down the hall, favoring Alannis a wave and a rather rakish grin before ducking away.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 05:52 AM
Giles watch Key go impassively, but relaxed visibly when the man was out of sight. He turned on Alannis, interestedly. "I don't care much one way or the other, but girl, you've got weird tastes."

He raised his good brow out her staring and tapped his metal temple. "What, you never seen a one-eyed man before?"

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 05:59 AM
Alannis watched Key go, smiling back shyly. "He's not weird... he's really nice and pretty and..." She started distractedly, then she blushed and stopped, realizing that not only was she gushing, she was gushing to the man who had stabbed Key.

She stared at Giles for a moment before deciding, "I like your face. It's too bad that your karma made it so you can't see, but it makes you look interesting."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 06:04 AM
Giles opened his mouth to speak, then changed tactics and shrugged. "Interesting is a nice way of puttin' it--though I suppose it could be worse. I could have no eyes. Or donkey ears."

He studied her considerately, his one green eye very bright. "What's karma? A gun tore me up, nothing more an' nothing less."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 06:09 AM
"Donkey ears are nice!" Alannis said defensively, "Key taught me about karma. It means when you stab someone and they almost die, then you get shot in the face and you almost die!" She explained helpfully. "Maybe it's also that lots of people get no eye, but you get a pretty mask with yours and Key gets pretty ears with his being troublesome." She mused.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 06:12 AM
"I'm not sure I agree with your logic," Giles admitted, blinking at the girl.... well, he would have blinked, save he lacked the capacity to do so. "Or rather, th' logic's okay, but I wouldn't advise shootin' or stabbin' anyone for the sake of a pretty mask, it gets old real quick. Incidentally, I only technically stabbed Key--it wasn't really my fault. I weren't meself at the time."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 06:16 AM
"Were you possessed?" Alannis asked, eyes widening. "I heard about that. It sounds horrible. Was it horrible?"

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 06:19 AM
The look he gave her was flat. "I don't know, I find traumatic head wounds rather pleasant, personally."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 06:25 AM
Alannis looked confused for a moment, then she frowned. "I'm sorry, I just got curious." She said, chewing on her lower lip. "I shouldn't have asked so much. Um..." She thought for a moment for a way to change the subject. "You seem nice. I wasn't sure that I would like you, because Key made you sound mean, but I don't think you're mean, not that I know you yet, but so far you seem like you're not a bad person." She said, smiling hopefully.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 06:29 AM
Giles hesitated, then shrugged again. Now that Key was gone, his good mood was returning. "S'alright--" and then he smiled, sheepishly. "Sorry. I was sharp. I just get tired of th' same questions gettin' asked 'bout my face, over and over again. Or...well, some people don't even ask, they just stare." Considering this, he dropped his hands out, gloved palms up. "'m not a bad person, not in the slightest. Key has good reason t'dislike me."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 06:35 AM
"I'm sorry I stared, I couldn't help it. You just look so different from everyone else." Alannis looked sheepish too. "Your brother told me not to. That's how I knew who you were, you were the first person whose face I'd have to work not to stare at."

"Since you haven't stabbed me as notyou I certainly won't dislike you." She decided, smiling.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 06:38 AM
Giles snorted. "Alex warned you about me? That's comfortin'. Does this mean you're not gonna kick me, like you kicked Lieutenant Commander Bonet?"

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 06:42 AM
She turned red. "He called me a donkey! And I've been meaning to apologize for it, it wasn't a nice thing to do even if he did call me a name." She admitted, explaining, "I want to hear his stories about being in the Navy."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 06:44 AM
"Why'd he call you a donkey? 'cause you've got a thing for ears?" Giles could not resist grinning at her.

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 06:49 AM
She turned even redder. "Because I kick people. That's karma too, I think. And just because I like Key doesn't mean I like ears!" She lied.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 06:52 AM
"Doesn't make a lick of difference to me what floats your boat," Giles said, nicely. "There are bound to be weirder preferences out there than furry ears." Like ghosts, maybe. "...but Bonet's a good sort of fellow, an' I'm sure he was only teasin'. You really oughta apologize when the chance comes along."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 06:55 AM
"I already said I would. I want to hear his stories and I don't think he'll tell me if he's mad at me. Are you friends with him? Has he told you any stories about being in the Navy?" Alannis asked, clearly very curious.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 06:58 AM
"I've known him for a matter of days," Giles said, though he bore an odd little smirk as he said this. "I think we're becoming friends. I'd like to hear his stories too, though I'm not much for navies."

((okay, I gotta head home!))

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 07:02 AM
"Maybe he can tell us stories together sometime." Alannis suggested, smiling. "My father might have been a Navy man, and I never got to hear anything about him, so I want to know everything about it I can!" She explained.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 1 2008, 10:22 PM
"Might have been? Do you go around investigatin' every possible career your dear old dad might've had? 'cause I've got sailin' stories that'd shock an' amaze," Giles informed her with a grin.

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 1 2008, 11:22 PM
"He died before I was old enough to know him, and everything I found out about him I leaned from listening in on other people's conversations. So I'm not positive if he was in the navy or the army, and what country he fought for. But every man in my family took to the sea, so I think he was in the navy." She explained uncertainly. Then she grinned broadly, "I'd love to hear your stories too! I like listening to stories, especially about the sea!"

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 12:45 AM
Giles chuckled. “Well, if any story-tellin’ is meant to happen, it won’t happen ‘til I have someplace to sit. Of course, that might best be put off—you’ve been caught shirkin’ duty once today, I wouldn’t want to get you in trouble twice. You’re Tucker’s—what, replacement? Or assistant?”

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 01:19 AM
"I'm supposed to be his assistant, but he's really mad at me." The girl mumbled. "I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing now, I'm afraid he'll get mad if I try to work on something without talking to him, and he won't talk to me." She sighed, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't be whining to you about this."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 01:35 AM
"I'm the last person on this boat who can complain about whinging," Giles told her, nicely. "You wanna tell me just what happened with Key? Maybe I can help."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 01:39 AM
Alannis frowned and gave Giles an uncertain look. "You mean what happened this morning? Sounds like the whole ship already knows some exaggerated version of it. And you seem like the last person who would want to hear about something involving Key."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 01:50 AM
"Well, it's not for his benefit, it'd be for yours," the young man reasoned. "I've got...er...experience in makin'-Judith-mad, unfortunately. But if you're not keen on talkin' about it, it's all the same t'me."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 02:01 AM
"Well there wasn't really anything going on, we were just talking..." She scuffed her feet against the floor uncomfortably, "And Key suggested that sitting on his lap might be more comfortable than on a crate, and that seemed like a good idea, and then, um..."

She turned red, speaking rapidly, "He kissed me, then the Captain came in and she was really, really mad and it seemed like we were both gonna be kicked off and I was really worried about Key, because he likes being on this ship, even if he complains, I can tell. And I was angry about being kicked off for such a little thing, so I got really mad, then the Countess came up and made everyone calm down and I didn't get kicked off, but now Tucker's really mad at me for getting Key in trouble and yelling at the Captain and being mean to him and I can't even go near Key even though I really like him and would just like to talk to him even if we couldn't kiss, and I wish we could do that because I liked it, and I don't know what to do at all!" She blurted. She worried her lower lip sadly.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 02:08 AM
While Giles had made a valient effort to listen, by halfway through her speech his expression had grown glassy. When she finished, he ran his fingers through his choppy, uneven hair and swallowed.

"Well, my first piece o' advice'd be, don't let Key kiss you," he told her, uneasily. "It was real stupid of him, here on the ship--hell, here on the ship while we're sittin' in port. Second would be to work out how the good captain knew? Obviously someone clue'd Judith in, an' I'd work out who that person was an' keep my distance. You gotta trust your mates, else you're good as dead in th' water, an' if someone's yapped on you..." he shrugged.

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 02:17 AM
"I know was stupid and I shouldn't have let him, I just really liked being kissed." She felt a little flutter in her stomach just talking about it.

Alannis blinked as Giles' words sunk in, looking shocked. "I never thought about that, but we were way out of the way and she was mad as soon as she came in so someone must have told her. But I haven't made anyone mad. Except for Bonet, and I'm going to apologize for that..." She amended. "So it was someone mad at Key, maybe? That's horrible!"

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 02:24 AM
"It wasn't the Navy man, he was fishin' with me," Giles clarified, looking thoughtful. "It wouldn't have to be vindictive, I suppose. Some folk on this boat can't keep their mouths shut for the life of them. Once one person finds something out, odds are good it'll be all-ship gossip by noon. That's a good lesson t'keep in mind too--watch your back while aboard. You want something secret, keep your mouth shut."

He cast his good eye upwards. "I myself ain't so hot at that."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 02:30 AM
"I am." Alannis said confidently, wanting to turn away from the subject of the morning's events. "I know some things that, uh, your brother told me, that I won't be telling anyone else." She said, chewing on her lower lip. She was afraid that Giles would be angry that Alex had told her anything at all. "He didn't just tell me, I got it out of him while we were talking alone, he's not like that either." She said quickly.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 02:37 AM
At this, a measure of the friendliness in Giles' expression slipped away. He looked at her hard. "What did he tell you?"

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 02:42 AM
Alannis chewed on her lower lip for a moment before answering, sure now that she'd said the wrong thing. "That he was being chased by something really bad. Something that he couldn't handle by himself, but that he thought wouldn't come on the ship because of the Captain. I won't tell anyone." She said again. "I made a promise that I wouldn't, and I keep my promises."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 02:49 AM
"God curse that little son of a bastard an' his flapping jaw," Giles pressed two fingers to the bridge of his nose where plate met skin, jaw set. "I tell him to keep his trap shut, an' who does he tell? Only the newest bloody resident, who we neither of us know the slightest bit about. Well done, Alex. Well done indeed."

His green eye narrowed and he looked sharply at Alannis, dropping his voice. "Look. You cannot bloody well tell anyone about that. People get spooked. Spill to the crew at large an' they may decide they'd prefer bein' two bodies lighter to havin' somethin' like that following them about. You tell, you're like to get us both killed."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 02:52 AM
Alannis furrowed her brow. "Don't get mad at him, I pressed him to tell! And I told you I won't say anything to anybody. I only told you because I wanted to tell you that if you need help I'm going to help you!" She'd had enough asking whether she could help with Alex, so her words were a statement. "I'm tough, even if I don't look it, and I don't want you or your brother to get hurt, because I like both of you." She said with all the sternness she could muster.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 03:01 AM
"Frankly, my dear, this is none of your business," Giles said, brow twitching slightly. "You're just a kid, an' this is a solid reminder that that's all he is. He ought not t'have told you any of this. It you wanna help so bad, forget what you know an' don't mention this again. It isn't a topic for open discussion--and we certainly ain't recruitin'."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 03:09 AM
"I wasn't trying to recruit myself, I just wanted you to know you have an ally. I know I would want one more if I were fighting something I couldn't handle." She said stiffly. This wasn't nearly as easy it had been with Alex. She didn't feel as if she was on level ground with Giles like she had when she was arguing about it with his brother.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 03:15 AM
"We can handle it," Giles said shortly, folding his arms over his chest. He was frowning solidly, now. Two warnings in one day--Gwydion's bad feeling, and Tupac's down below. This did not bode well. "Stay outta what's none of your concern. I'm gonna have words with Alex, too, t'make sure he knows where we stand."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 03:19 AM
Alannis frowned, worried that she had gotten Alex into trouble. "Just remember what I said." She told Giles firmly.

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 03:22 AM
Bonet, by now properly shaved and arrayed in work clothes, not a uniform, slid into the hallway, his face reddish. "Either of you wouldn't happen to have a hat?" He asked, before taking in their body language. "Everything all right Miss Brey? Hartley?"

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 03:30 AM
Giles forced himself to relax, dropping his arms and turning his attention to Bonet. "Of course. I was just gettin' accquainted with Miss Alannis here."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 03:32 AM
"We were just talking." Alannis said quickly, nodding. "Getting to know each other."

She gave Bonet a sheepish look, "I'm really very sorry I kicked you, sir."

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 03:36 AM
"You can call me Bonet, Miss Brey." He told her, before smiling. "And I very gladly accept your apology." Davide looked between them again. "Getting to know each other seems like our past time in port. Do we know when we sail?"

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 03:40 AM
Raising his brow at Bonet’s reddened cheeks, Giles smiled slightly. "Whenever the captain can pull herself off the grand coman-whatsit, by my reckoning. You're lookin' red around the edges, navy-man. Why the hurry? You'll have plenty of time to fry yourself at sea."

Then, to Alannis, he said, "See. I told you that'd do the trick."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 03:48 AM
"Thank you for accepting my apology!" Alannis said, looking as if she had just been relieved of a burden. "I figure the sooner I meet everyone the better, and if being in port means everyone's just wandering around giving me the chance to do that I'm glad but I hope we leave soon too." She said.

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 03:50 AM
"You're welcome, Miss Brey." He answered nicely, quirking his brow. "Did you really think I wouldn't accept?" Bonet then sighed and looked at Giles. "I just forgot to wear a hat, is all. I don't need to be red all over now that I'm out of uniform." He rolled his shoulders. "Feels funny."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 03:54 AM
"Does it really? I can't imagine goin' all day every day wearin' stockings an' buckle shoes an' cravats an' jackets an' all that nonsense," Giles said, amused. He winked at Alannis, though the effect was odd considering his single eye. "I should think it a relief. Why don't you just let yourself burn an' go brown?"

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 04:02 AM
"All those clothing things sound terribly interesting. Do all Navy men wear them?" Alannis asked, eyes widening with curiousity. "I guess some of the men at home wore those things, but not Navy ones!"

"I suppose I'll be going all red too." She sighed, looking down at her pale hands, "I just haven't kept out in the sun enough yet. Will I look good when I go all brown from being out in the sun, do you think?" She asked, looking up at the men.

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 04:04 AM
"Well, you'll look like a sailor." Davide said evenly, with a nod. "And yes, most officers wear a coat, jacket, shirt, breeches, stockings, shoes with a proper buckle, a belt, sometimes a waist coat, a cravat with optional stockpin, and sometimes a hat and medals of office." He told her. "And it's very comfortable. You never have to think about what you're going to wear in the morning."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 04:05 AM
"Does it really matter on a ship with a strict hands-off policy?" Giles asked, grinning. "I’m sure Key’d like you pale or no."

At the laundry-list of mandatory clothing, he wrinkled his nose. "Sounds expensive."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 04:10 AM
"Can I see where you keep your clothes so I can look at them sometime?" Alannis asked, the tailor and the possible-daughter of someone in the Navy in her both making her very curious.

"Th... that wasn't what I was thinking about!" She stuttered, going red. "I was just wondering how I'd look if I looked different, that's all."

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 04:13 AM
"You'd look brown." Davide pointed out, as if it were obvious. "Ah.. I'm sure I can lend you my clothes, if you'd like to see them." He offered, looking rather put off. "I wouldn't be offering to look at men's clothes in their quarters, Miss Brey." He glanced again at Giles. "Well, that's why only certain men are officers, Hartley."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 04:26 AM
"Ah, so just the rich ones?" Giles blinked, innocently. "Guess that means I could never buy meself a title. Shame. I've never had an optional stockpin before...."

He rolled his good eye at Alannis. "Judith's got a uniform too, now. You might ask her. It's a little less odd for you to be examin' her underthings than Bonet's."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 04:31 AM
Alannis squeaked, "I just wanted to see how Navy clothes are made! I'll look at the Captain's instead! I don't like going into men's quarters!" She added, just to make sure they got the point.

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 04:35 AM
Bonet laughed. "We know, Miss Brey." He told her, leaning against the wall, before looking over at Giles. "While some young men may have their commissons bought, promotion is based on merit." He said, sternly.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 04:40 AM
Giles opened his mouth—and then closed it again, studying the man briefly. "I can see that," he said to Bonet, nicely.

"I think askin’ the captain might be wise anyway. It’d remind her that you’re here an’ busying your hands with what you’re meant to be doing," he added for Alannis’ benefit. "Though I doubt she’ll have you copying that wretche—er, Aquitanean design any time soon." This was clearly meant to tease, and he could not suppress his smirk.

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 04:44 AM
"I'm a bit afraid to face her actually." Alannis shivered slightly, "But if it seems like I'm doing work, I might be able to talk to her so she knows I'm not really as bad as I probably seemed this morning. And I like the design." She added for Bonet's benefit, "It's, uh, red. And red is nice." She nodded her head sagely.

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 04:48 AM
"Miss Brey has apt taste." He said, inclining his head toward her, lip twitching at Giles. "Mister Hartley here is jealous simply because he doesn't look good at all in red."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 04:53 AM
"How can I argue with that?" Giles conceded, amused. "You fill it out properly an' I dare say that’s more than I could manage. Besides, I wouldn't be so properly coordinated... red hair, red uniform, red face...."

He rubbed at the tattoo beneath his left glove and considered Alannis. "The captain’s a hard sell… she treats her crew well enough, but she never forgets a crossing. I was terrified of her at first. Surprised the hell outta me when I learned she’d paid for my… repairs. I thought she despised me."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 05:02 AM
"That was the impression I got. Maybe I should just avoid her for a while." Alannis wondered nervously, chewing on her lower lip. Trying to get out of her worries she informed them both teasingly. "Giles would look better in the outfit, too much red can be terribly unappealing. Or so said the girls I used to have to do embroidery with. Of course, they were saying it was unappealing to a man, so you don't have to worry about that."

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 05:04 AM
"Maybe you'd look good in the red. It would certainly bring old the gold in your plate." He replied, before grinning at Alannis. "Oh, very true Miss Brey. I can afford to be red." He glanced between them. "Judith's always been very nice to me. I suppose that means she despises me?"

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 05:12 AM
Giles broke down and coughed into one hand, unable to keep a straight face. "It would seem the Lieutenant Commander is a lucky fellow," he said at last, throat clear.

"The best you can do is your job an’ do’ it well. The only reason she’s disallowed people getting friendly with one another is ‘cause it’s a distraction. It throws off…" he gestured with one hand, "… the lay of the crew, I guess you could say. People start thinkin' about one person instead of the good of the whole. Make yourself useful an' she'll like you... or at least tolerate you."

He then wrinkled his nose at Bonet. "She has t'pretend to like you. You got assigned here, right? No sense in stirrin’ up trouble with the Navy..... What are you meant to be doin’, anyway?"

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 05:17 AM
"Are you all right?" Alannis asked Giles, looking concerned.

"I'm very useful, so hopefully she'll get over being mad at me once she sees that." She said hopefully.

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 05:20 AM
"He's just swallowed a bit of dust." Bonet said dismissively, before shrugging. "Observation. I was around to make sure the ship could pass inspection. But that obviously will never happen. Now I'm around to do as the Captain pleases."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 05:26 AM
"Sounds dull," Giles admitted, straightening and smoothing down his shirt. He could not bring himself to look at Bonet. "Is it really a good idea t'set a Naval officer on a ship like this? Considerin' what we're sailin' into, I mean." Especially officers who went that green in the rigging.

"But then again, it's no place for girls, and they seem to be swarmin' round the Red like flies on sh--well."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 05:30 AM
Alannis hmphed, "Just because I'm a girl doesn't mean I can't do my share." She informed Giles grumpily.

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 05:33 AM
"And since your share is sewing, I imagine you do it quite well." Bonet pointed out, rallying to Alannis' defense. He rolled his eyes at Giles. "You figure it out Hartley, unless that plate is hiding more missing brains than I think it is."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 05:37 AM
Irked, Giles combed his fingers through his hair and then dropped his hands with a sigh. "Fine. Don' be forthcomin'. God knows we don't got enough secrets aboard this crate."

He quirked a brow at Alannis. "You ever been fishing?"

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 05:42 AM
"Actually what I meant was that I can fight as well as most folks, and no one but me knows quite how my weapon works, so I've got surprise on my side too." She smiled proudly, like a person who had surprised more than a few trees in her day.

"I used to go out on fishing boats all the time when I was young, but I've never stuck a pole over the side of a peer and waited for something to bite, if that's what you mean." She said. "I'd love to try it though. Do you go fishing?"

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 05:51 AM
"All the time." Bonet answered for him, with a snort. "If you;ll not mind, Miss Brey, I'll take my leave to find my hat?" He asked. He glanced back at Giles. "You're smart. You figure it out."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 05:56 AM
"Yes sir, Lieutenant Commander, sir." Giles stiffened and snapped into a rather sloppy salute. "Good luck sparin’ your pasty arse from the ragin’ rays of an unkind sun, sir."

Out of the corner of his mouth, he told Alannis—still not breaking from his stance—"I do, as all good men do. Not so much at sea. Maybe I’ll show you how, next time we’re in port."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 06:02 AM
Alannis copied Giles' salute for a moment before bursting into giggles. "I'd prefer it if you call me Alannis, or just Brey if you prefer next time we meet, I don't like being a Miss... sir." She said as her giggles subsided.

"I'm so excited about next time we go into port!" She told Giles. "There wasn't a chance mum would let me go fishing back home!"

Posted by: Davide Bonet May 2 2008, 06:03 AM
"Brey." He simply gave Giles a bored look, pushing past him in the direction of his quarters. "Good day for now, Hartley."

(out!)

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 06:07 AM
Bonet’s look drained the cocky expression from Giles' face, and the young man relaxed, propping himself lazily against the wall. He looked at Alannis again. "So be excited. Just don’t forget, it’s a quiet sorta thing, you can’t talk all through it." The expression on Giles’ face indicated just how difficult he suspected Alannis would find that. "And no fishing lessons if our previous agreement isn’t kept."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 06:12 AM
"I'll be quiet. I know how to do that. And I've promised at least twice already, you can trust me. You'll see." Alannis said, excitement not dampened.

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 06:17 AM
"A promise is only worth somethin' to me when I know it'll be kept," Giles told her, quietly. "Don't disappoint me."

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 06:22 AM
"I told you, you'll come to trust me. I won't say a thing." Alannis pursed her lips. "But remember, I'm here to help if you or your brother ever need it."

Posted by: Giles Hartley May 2 2008, 06:26 AM
"We won’t," Giles said, automatically. Then he sighed and closed his eye for a moment, pressing his thumb to lower lip. When he opened it again, he appeared to have gathered up the scraps of his earlier good mood, and flashed her a tired smile. "Back to work, you. We gab much longer, and Calleigh’ll have our hides."

Then he pushed away, heading in the opposite direction as Bonet. Whistling.

Posted by: Alannis Brey May 2 2008, 06:34 AM
Alannis smiled slightly as she continued along to find Tucker and try to get him to give her some work instead of lecturing her again. Really fishing sounded exciting, and she'd gotten to know another new person on the ship who liked her. As long as she was good, at least, and she knew she would be.

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