![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
They are dog-like in nature with a bigger appetite. You have nothing to worry about.
:)
:)
A little. But I have more than enough on my hands when managing the ship.
I wouldn't be opposed to snacks. I'm just refreshing supplies for the ship and I will return soon.
[ it's a relief that their guest can help out in the kitchen. sola is careful with her coins and haggling, striking deals and crossing off items on their list of needs. supplies for ship maintenance, some additional food, especially non-perishables. and perhaps a little extra something for deneb because there is no surprise that she is soft.
the ship hisses as the door lowers to let her in, cart of packages trailing behind her. she might be small but she rolls it in with ease, resting it at the base as the door rises behind her to fall shut. ]
Hello?
the ship hisses as the door lowers to let her in, cart of packages trailing behind her. she might be small but she rolls it in with ease, resting it at the base as the door rises behind her to fall shut. ]
Hello?
[Gael pokes his head out of the kitchen area. Or is it the galley? He's not particularly up and up on ship terminology, but at the sound of Sola's voice he pops out to give her a small wave and a half smile.]
Hey.
[His gaze catches on the cart near her and he holds his position in the doorway.]
I have something on the stove but I can help unload in a few minutes if that's alright?
[Grilled cheese is usually delicious no matter what, but it's Gael doesn't like his burned.]
Hey.
[His gaze catches on the cart near her and he holds his position in the doorway.]
I have something on the stove but I can help unload in a few minutes if that's alright?
[Grilled cheese is usually delicious no matter what, but it's Gael doesn't like his burned.]
[ well, that had been a nasty scrape. the mission had quickly gone sour when their tourist cover had been instantly blown, forcing them to throw their initial plans out the window. through the fireblasts, they had somehow managed to get their hands on the jeweled egg, painstakingly handcrafted and extremely expensive. richer and a little worse for wear, they have landed less than gracefully on a faraway planet.
she knows why they have made a pit stop and it isn't necessarily for business purposes. regardless of the questionable reasons, sola must admit to herself that they do need to make some repairs, particularly on the ship's exterior.
sola is the last to leave the ship as the others tend to their own personal projects ( or something like that ), standing outside with her hands on her hips. she looks less than her usual regal self in an oil-stained burnt red suit, her hair pulled away from her face in a bun. there are a few things she can accomplish on the inside, very minor repairs that she had learned over time to patch them over until the next time they can find a mechanic, but there is only so much she can do.
apparently, they have found some salvation on this dusty planet. she turns slowly when she hears footsteps behind her, lifting her eyebrows. ]
Are you the contact?
she knows why they have made a pit stop and it isn't necessarily for business purposes. regardless of the questionable reasons, sola must admit to herself that they do need to make some repairs, particularly on the ship's exterior.
sola is the last to leave the ship as the others tend to their own personal projects ( or something like that ), standing outside with her hands on her hips. she looks less than her usual regal self in an oil-stained burnt red suit, her hair pulled away from her face in a bun. there are a few things she can accomplish on the inside, very minor repairs that she had learned over time to patch them over until the next time they can find a mechanic, but there is only so much she can do.
apparently, they have found some salvation on this dusty planet. she turns slowly when she hears footsteps behind her, lifting her eyebrows. ]
Are you the contact?
[ Eli's mood has been sour ever since Rilan informed him that his services had been volunteered for him. He's getting a deal on rent for checking over this shit, but Eli would vastly preferred to be paid for the work he did, rather than expected to do it free of cost for the ship owners just so his good friend can get laid.
The fact that Rilan had said with complete sincerity that he thought Eli would enjoy the challenge has somehow managed to make his mood worse.
So that's where his head is when he trudges up to what he's guessing is the correct ship (as long as the dock location he was told was correct), bitter and even a little angry, ready to pick a fight with whoever he's forced to deal with during this whole stupid ordeal.
Only...
Only as he approaches the ship, and the woman standing in front of it turns around to address him suddenly a number of things change at once about Eli's disposition. His back straightens up, his expression smooths out from a scowl into a confused smile, and his hand immediately reaches up to flatten down his hair.
Without missing a beat he responds like he's been in an upbeat mood this entire time. ]
A friend of the contact, at least. He sent me to take a look at your ship.
The fact that Rilan had said with complete sincerity that he thought Eli would enjoy the challenge has somehow managed to make his mood worse.
So that's where his head is when he trudges up to what he's guessing is the correct ship (as long as the dock location he was told was correct), bitter and even a little angry, ready to pick a fight with whoever he's forced to deal with during this whole stupid ordeal.
Only...
Only as he approaches the ship, and the woman standing in front of it turns around to address him suddenly a number of things change at once about Eli's disposition. His back straightens up, his expression smooths out from a scowl into a confused smile, and his hand immediately reaches up to flatten down his hair.
Without missing a beat he responds like he's been in an upbeat mood this entire time. ]
A friend of the contact, at least. He sent me to take a look at your ship.
[ narrowing her gaze, sola eyes him carefully with hand perched on her hip. as is the case with many people, the ship means the universe to her now and she tries to vet each mechanic as best as she can. if only she could do more with her hands, if only she had some kind of special power ...
but there are only so many roles that sola primarch can play. and a permanent, fix-all mechanic is not one of them. ]
Ah, yes, the person Janus knows. [ the corner of her mouth might curl at that, knowing as ever. ] You must be Eli then. [ approaching him with a set jaw and that ever-present sharp look in her eyes ( perhaps softened somewhat so as not to scare off someone who will actually help them ), she extends a hand. ]
Sola.
but there are only so many roles that sola primarch can play. and a permanent, fix-all mechanic is not one of them. ]
Ah, yes, the person Janus knows. [ the corner of her mouth might curl at that, knowing as ever. ] You must be Eli then. [ approaching him with a set jaw and that ever-present sharp look in her eyes ( perhaps softened somewhat so as not to scare off someone who will actually help them ), she extends a hand. ]
Sola.
[ It's hard not to laugh at the word "knows" considering the reason for this visit. Rilan isn't particularly subtle about his sexual escapades when talking to Eli, but then again Eli's not particularly stealthy about what he gets up to either. It comes with the territory of being such close friends.
Still, it doesn't necessarily seem like the most appropriate time to be laughing at Sola's very diplomatic word choice, even if he does still snort slightly at it, and cover it up by clearing his throat.
Know indeed...
He'll do a better job recovering as she approaches him hand first, and a genuine smile stretches across his face as he reaches out to take that hand in a very gentle handshake. ]
My reputation percedes me, huh?
[ Hardly. He's also not going to mention that her name wasn't dropped at all, but he will slide in some attempts at flirting here. ]
Please tell me you've been left with the duty of guarding the ship, and won't be running off to do some town based errand.
Still, it doesn't necessarily seem like the most appropriate time to be laughing at Sola's very diplomatic word choice, even if he does still snort slightly at it, and cover it up by clearing his throat.
Know indeed...
He'll do a better job recovering as she approaches him hand first, and a genuine smile stretches across his face as he reaches out to take that hand in a very gentle handshake. ]
My reputation percedes me, huh?
[ Hardly. He's also not going to mention that her name wasn't dropped at all, but he will slide in some attempts at flirting here. ]
Please tell me you've been left with the duty of guarding the ship, and won't be running off to do some town based errand.
[ she waves her hand. now, now, let's not get ahead of ourselves. ]
I only wanted names.
[ with a reserved nod, she releases his hand before reaching out to touch the very dented exterior of the ship, a victim of their latest big escape through the narrow canyon of their last stop. ] I am the guardian for the time being though there are still a few of us left on the ship, mostly those who would rather be undisturbed. [ everyone knows she is capable on her own, but it does help to have deneb, who often seems five feet taller than sola, around as well. ]
Our issues are primarily with the exterior, held together by threads, though the engine also needs a check-up.
I only wanted names.
[ with a reserved nod, she releases his hand before reaching out to touch the very dented exterior of the ship, a victim of their latest big escape through the narrow canyon of their last stop. ] I am the guardian for the time being though there are still a few of us left on the ship, mostly those who would rather be undisturbed. [ everyone knows she is capable on her own, but it does help to have deneb, who often seems five feet taller than sola, around as well. ]
Our issues are primarily with the exterior, held together by threads, though the engine also needs a check-up.
[ Anyone with any ability to fight at all is enough to handle a guy like Eli. He's never been one for scraps, and will just as soon roll over with his metaphorical tail between his legs for anyone that comes at him swinging.
His smile drops a little as she dismisses him almost immediately, but he lets his eyes trail to the ship's hull that she's running her hand over. ]
Some of it's just cosmetic...
[ He says as he starts to walk down the length, narrowing his eyes as he takes in minor details here and there that seem like they could potentially become problems in the future. ]
But for the parts you're talking about I can do it the cheapest way with a lot of welding what you have, the slightly less cheap way of welding on panels, and the costly way of Hroginian memory metal.
[ He stops somewhere around the middle of his walk, eyebrows furrowed. ]
Unless your next stop is still within this solar system, I really don't recommend the cheapest way.
His smile drops a little as she dismisses him almost immediately, but he lets his eyes trail to the ship's hull that she's running her hand over. ]
Some of it's just cosmetic...
[ He says as he starts to walk down the length, narrowing his eyes as he takes in minor details here and there that seem like they could potentially become problems in the future. ]
But for the parts you're talking about I can do it the cheapest way with a lot of welding what you have, the slightly less cheap way of welding on panels, and the costly way of Hroginian memory metal.
[ He stops somewhere around the middle of his walk, eyebrows furrowed. ]
Unless your next stop is still within this solar system, I really don't recommend the cheapest way.
[ the slightest crease in her brow deepens as sola begins to calculate the expenses, conjuring up her own estimate before numbers even leave eli's mouth. the engine doesn't need as much maintenance as they had only just performed a great overhaul a few systems ago since the previous one had breathed its last breath at the most inopportune moment. the ship is in good shape otherwise but the damage must run far deeper than sola had even anticipated.
slowly, she exhales through her nostils and closes her eyes briefly, bracing herself. ]
Right.
[ the tension rests in her body, not her voice at least. ]
How many credits will that be?
slowly, she exhales through her nostils and closes her eyes briefly, bracing herself. ]
Right.
[ the tension rests in her body, not her voice at least. ]
How many credits will that be?
Edited 2020-04-25 19:44 (UTC)
Take your time, [ she assures him with a wave of her hand. melting cheese is always such a comforting smell. sola isn't above much these days, but she certainly is not above childhood meals, especially when the sandwiches are slathered in butter. the cart has been programmed to follow her in without sola putting in too much physical work and she remembers to shut it down, lest she has another comically awkward encounter with the automatic cart.
she begins unloading packages and boxes. no one ever talks about the day to day maintenance of the ship, but sola has taken to these duties in between swashbuckling. ]
This smells just like something I need today.
she begins unloading packages and boxes. no one ever talks about the day to day maintenance of the ship, but sola has taken to these duties in between swashbuckling. ]
This smells just like something I need today.
[ Eli is prone to exaggerations, but when it comes to repair work he tries his best to be honest. There's no real reason for him to upsell here either, considering Rilan is having him do the repair work for free (Eli still refuses to accept reduced rent as proper payment, even if he'll take it). It's just a matter of covering the cost of materials, which there's gonna be a pretty big price jump between what he mentioned.
He reaches up to run his finger very lightly over a particularly nasty looking dent in the ship. ]
The panels aren't going to be much. I have some back at my garage.
[ He pauses, and spins to face her, face suddenly serious. ]
I'm doing the labor for free, but you still have to reimburse the price for the metal though. Maybe a little more than a hundred credits in total for the whole thing.
[ Another look at the ship, and a frown at a few spots. ]
But you're talking at least a thousand for the Hroginian route.
[ He squints at that crack he was touching. ]
You can probably get through a few solar systems with the panels just fine, but I'd recommend having your ship get a once over after a bit to make sure there's no interior damage to the hull.
He reaches up to run his finger very lightly over a particularly nasty looking dent in the ship. ]
The panels aren't going to be much. I have some back at my garage.
[ He pauses, and spins to face her, face suddenly serious. ]
I'm doing the labor for free, but you still have to reimburse the price for the metal though. Maybe a little more than a hundred credits in total for the whole thing.
[ Another look at the ship, and a frown at a few spots. ]
But you're talking at least a thousand for the Hroginian route.
[ He squints at that crack he was touching. ]
You can probably get through a few solar systems with the panels just fine, but I'd recommend having your ship get a once over after a bit to make sure there's no interior damage to the hull.
[ ah, no one told her that. they would be able to secure a deal, certainly. sola is an expert at haggling now, striking deals, bartering to get what she needs. would it be nice, she thinks, to be told things, especially if she's meant to be keeping the ship running while everyone's swashbuckling and causing mischief. the crew certainly has a way of being both tightknit and terrible at communicating. ]
Yes, I will make note of that. [ and she lightly touches the ship once more, somewhat affectionate in the lean, in a way she she normally isn't with other people. that doesn't terrible and they certainly have a hundred credits to spare for the sake of getting themselves from one spot to another. such is the life of a ragtag crew. her thoughts briefly return to their last daring escape and all the ways they could have avoided that but – as always, hindsight is always 20-20.
carefully, because sola doesn't want to ruin the deal that someone else has struck for them for reasons still unknown to her, ] Is there a reason why you are able to do the labor for free? I am certainly not complaining, but I do wonder what else is in it for you besides the pleasure of working on our ship.
Yes, I will make note of that. [ and she lightly touches the ship once more, somewhat affectionate in the lean, in a way she she normally isn't with other people. that doesn't terrible and they certainly have a hundred credits to spare for the sake of getting themselves from one spot to another. such is the life of a ragtag crew. her thoughts briefly return to their last daring escape and all the ways they could have avoided that but – as always, hindsight is always 20-20.
carefully, because sola doesn't want to ruin the deal that someone else has struck for them for reasons still unknown to her, ] Is there a reason why you are able to do the labor for free? I am certainly not complaining, but I do wonder what else is in it for you besides the pleasure of working on our ship.
That's what I was thinking too! Gimme a sec and I'll come help.
[He ducks back into the kitchen area to check in on the grilled cheeses. They're just about done, and with another half a minute he's got them out of the pan and on plates, tucked into the microwave to keep them from losing heat too quickly. He pops out to where Sola is with her cart, and hands open.]
Tell me what pick up and where to take it and I'm on it.
[He ducks back into the kitchen area to check in on the grilled cheeses. They're just about done, and with another half a minute he's got them out of the pan and on plates, tucked into the microwave to keep them from losing heat too quickly. He pops out to where Sola is with her cart, and hands open.]
Tell me what pick up and where to take it and I'm on it.
[ to say that the place needed organization before she came aboard is an understatement. everything has a purpose and everything has a place and she made quick work of it, just as she makes quick work of cleaning up with all her newly purchased surprise. sola pulls an open delivery box out of her cart and hands it promptly to gael. ]
Thank you. This all goes into the kitchen. I'll take care of the other supplies in storage and I'll be with you soon.
[ with a small smile, she nods lightly before carting away. ]
Thank you. This all goes into the kitchen. I'll take care of the other supplies in storage and I'll be with you soon.
[ with a small smile, she nods lightly before carting away. ]
[ she had agreed to the engagement without hesitation. as much as sola had enjoyed the idea of romance, it was never a real possibility being raised as a diplomat in a contentious climate. as an outer-system planet, they were politically weak despite their presence in the galactic union and sola's tireless work. though she had proven to be wise beyond her years, few inner planets trusted in her and the rest of the government, demanding that Pollox V give themselves over to someone else's rule.
romance isn't for people like her, surely.
she has only met her husband-to-be through photos and holo-chats, most of the arrangements having been made by their families. his people are a dangerous sort, possessing the kind of armed forces that their government lacks. the union will surely strengthen their place in the galaxy and for that sola is happy. her ideals of justice live to see another day.
they have prepared a day for the two of them to meet, a table on the flower-lined terrace overlooking the grandeur of the capitol. it's tea time though there are a variety of cakes and drinks, all native to pollux v. if sola is nervous, it's difficult to tell. her husband-to-be is easy to look at and she certainly doesn't have to love him for this partnership to work. but the tiny, naive part of her at least hopes they are able get along.
she's dressed simply but elegantly in a red dress adorned with gold ( as such is the style of her people ), slowly pacing along the terrace's edge until his arrival. ]
romance isn't for people like her, surely.
she has only met her husband-to-be through photos and holo-chats, most of the arrangements having been made by their families. his people are a dangerous sort, possessing the kind of armed forces that their government lacks. the union will surely strengthen their place in the galaxy and for that sola is happy. her ideals of justice live to see another day.
they have prepared a day for the two of them to meet, a table on the flower-lined terrace overlooking the grandeur of the capitol. it's tea time though there are a variety of cakes and drinks, all native to pollux v. if sola is nervous, it's difficult to tell. her husband-to-be is easy to look at and she certainly doesn't have to love him for this partnership to work. but the tiny, naive part of her at least hopes they are able get along.
she's dressed simply but elegantly in a red dress adorned with gold ( as such is the style of her people ), slowly pacing along the terrace's edge until his arrival. ]
[ The question throws Eli for a loop, and he looks away from his ship accessing to spare Sola a glance, or a long look. Look, she's a good looking lady, and the frosty reception doesn't mean he still doesn't appreciate beauty when he sees it in front of him. At least Eli has the same to actually focus on the conversation at hand instead of getting sidetracked by attraction. ]
They didn't tell you? One of the guys on your ship knows a friend of mine... intimately.
[ Unlike some people he knows. He even does a little eyebrow raise on that last word, smirking slightly as he turns back to make sure his judgement of the ship is correct and he's not having them pay for materials only for it to call come out in the wash. ]
That friend happens to be my landlord, and after volunteering my services without asking me, did at least agree to reduce my rent for as long as it took to make up for the work I'm not being paid for.
[ Another look back at Sola. ]
I'm a nice guy, but I don't usually do my job for free.
They didn't tell you? One of the guys on your ship knows a friend of mine... intimately.
[ Unlike some people he knows. He even does a little eyebrow raise on that last word, smirking slightly as he turns back to make sure his judgement of the ship is correct and he's not having them pay for materials only for it to call come out in the wash. ]
That friend happens to be my landlord, and after volunteering my services without asking me, did at least agree to reduce my rent for as long as it took to make up for the work I'm not being paid for.
[ Another look back at Sola. ]
I'm a nice guy, but I don't usually do my job for free.
[Rilan's family is not the ruling family, but they are the planet's heroes, conquerors extraordinaire. His mother, father, and two older brothers have performed heroic acts on behalf of their people, and have proven instrumental to the successful infiltration and acquisition of three planets through their joint efforts. They are fierce and proud, and exemplify all that it means to be Barrithian.
They are terrifying.
Rilen is family, and for that reason he has less to fear from them than others, but being bound by blood makes it impossible for him to escape the unpleasantness of the association. Every year that passes is another one that grows more difficult to put them off as they try to urge, coerce, and demand his compliance when he is told to follow in their footsteps. The frustrating and alarmingly intense meetings go no where only through Rilan's stubbornness, and in the last several months they have each in their own way slipped and let their disdain for his very un-Barrithian point of view.
He feels certain that he was the one offered up as the sacrificial lamb to this arranged marriage as a punishment and softening technique. It's an insult to him to make him marry a human, that which they consider a lower life-form. It's his mother's belief that after a year of marriage, he'll beg to return to Barrith under any terms. He has shown absolutely no emotion as the arrangements were made, keeping a cool exterior to give them all the impression that he is unhappy with his fate. They would surely choose someone else if they learned that not only does he not share the same opinion of humankind that the rest of his planet does, but that he considers this marriage an escape from the world and people he has never truly fit in with.
He has no doubts that his bride-to-be may have some misgivings about him. He hasn't been particularly conversational during their short interactions from afar, mainly to continue hiding his true feelings during communications that were surely being monitored by his people. But now, standing on Pollox V's soil, dressed in a simple white shirt and a pair of deep blue slacks that mirror the faint blue tones of his hair, he cannot help but look forward to meeting the woman he'll marry.
Marriage has never been something he considered for himself, not with how much his own views and personality would clash with any of the women of his planet, and so he goes into this meeting both optimistic and a bit at a loss for how it will work out for them both. It's his intention, at least, to not give her any reason to have regrets about the alliance they will symbolize.
His eyes scan for Sola as he is escorted out onto the terrace, and when his gaze settles on her form, his heart skips a beat. She's beautiful, yes, but there's something incredible and surreal about this first meeting. Quietly, he crosses the distance to stand at the terrace's edge with her, a few feet away.]
The view is stunning.
They are terrifying.
Rilen is family, and for that reason he has less to fear from them than others, but being bound by blood makes it impossible for him to escape the unpleasantness of the association. Every year that passes is another one that grows more difficult to put them off as they try to urge, coerce, and demand his compliance when he is told to follow in their footsteps. The frustrating and alarmingly intense meetings go no where only through Rilan's stubbornness, and in the last several months they have each in their own way slipped and let their disdain for his very un-Barrithian point of view.
He feels certain that he was the one offered up as the sacrificial lamb to this arranged marriage as a punishment and softening technique. It's an insult to him to make him marry a human, that which they consider a lower life-form. It's his mother's belief that after a year of marriage, he'll beg to return to Barrith under any terms. He has shown absolutely no emotion as the arrangements were made, keeping a cool exterior to give them all the impression that he is unhappy with his fate. They would surely choose someone else if they learned that not only does he not share the same opinion of humankind that the rest of his planet does, but that he considers this marriage an escape from the world and people he has never truly fit in with.
He has no doubts that his bride-to-be may have some misgivings about him. He hasn't been particularly conversational during their short interactions from afar, mainly to continue hiding his true feelings during communications that were surely being monitored by his people. But now, standing on Pollox V's soil, dressed in a simple white shirt and a pair of deep blue slacks that mirror the faint blue tones of his hair, he cannot help but look forward to meeting the woman he'll marry.
Marriage has never been something he considered for himself, not with how much his own views and personality would clash with any of the women of his planet, and so he goes into this meeting both optimistic and a bit at a loss for how it will work out for them both. It's his intention, at least, to not give her any reason to have regrets about the alliance they will symbolize.
His eyes scan for Sola as he is escorted out onto the terrace, and when his gaze settles on her form, his heart skips a beat. She's beautiful, yes, but there's something incredible and surreal about this first meeting. Quietly, he crosses the distance to stand at the terrace's edge with her, a few feet away.]
The view is stunning.
[ sola has done as much research as she can on the matter, up to date with the political situation abroad. whiles he is not of the royal family, her family is aristocratic and sola is a public, influential figure. the marriage itself is nothing new, though it jettisons her from the realm of politician into celebrity and that has left a strange taste in her mouth, scrolling past "news" tidbits gossiping on what her wedding dress might look like, who the groom will be, with some chatter on relationships from her past.
it's exhausting.
today is a balm, at the very least, with her favorite orange tea brewed with treats carrying notes of sweetness and citrus, all very much native to pollux v. they are left alone for the most part as well with guards further along the perimeter and staff down the corridor. today will be good. sola will make sure of it.
when rilan makes himself known, she turns slightly, a smile on her face. there's a respectful distance between them which she is grateful for, though she does bow her head in greeting. ] I hope it will be a view you will come to enjoy as much as possible, [ she returns optimistically. it is a marriage of convenience, of course, but she will at least ensure that he is as comfortable as one can be when made to leave their own home.
though she suspects he might welcome the change if what she heard is correct. ]
it's exhausting.
today is a balm, at the very least, with her favorite orange tea brewed with treats carrying notes of sweetness and citrus, all very much native to pollux v. they are left alone for the most part as well with guards further along the perimeter and staff down the corridor. today will be good. sola will make sure of it.
when rilan makes himself known, she turns slightly, a smile on her face. there's a respectful distance between them which she is grateful for, though she does bow her head in greeting. ] I hope it will be a view you will come to enjoy as much as possible, [ she returns optimistically. it is a marriage of convenience, of course, but she will at least ensure that he is as comfortable as one can be when made to leave their own home.
though she suspects he might welcome the change if what she heard is correct. ]
Edited 2020-05-17 03:59 (UTC)
Page 6 of 11