re_alignment | [Video]

[ Here's a face that's been gone from the network for over a month. Wing looks a touch weary, his pinions lax, even though physically he seems in good health]

Hello Haven. I'm back now. I apologize for my absence, it was not intentional.

Sorry to ask this but, would anyone care to update me on recent events? Particularly from the Law Committee? I would appreciate it greatly.

[ He knows about Vandal, and a few of the others that have gone missing, which likely accounts for his glum mood.]

Also, committee members, I think we should put serious consideration into mapping not just the Haven but the surrounds. And clearly mark hazardous areas.

To everyone else... Please, if you're considering going exploring alone, regardless of skill level, do reconsider. Everyday we discover new hazards that persist on this world.

[ Wing might have taken down six reanimated mech frames on his own, maybe. But with the energy drain? There was no chance. ]

And well, I have a bunch of books, mostly human ones, that I don't need anymore. [ More specifically he needs to make room in his...room for someone else's stuff. ] Would anyone like them? I don't want them thrown away.

[Private to Barricade]

You're the one that told me about--what did you call them?--zombies?

Yeah. I have experience in that area now that I do not wish to repeat. [ o_o;; ]

[Private to Perceptor and Captain Marvelous]

Thank you, both of you, for coming to my aid.

I'm sorry to have put you in danger in the process of my rescue. If there's anything I can do to return the boon, please do tell me. I am in your debt.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[Ah, but they did see his true worth. His true worth... to them. But Perceptor isn't really in the mood to argue the point any longer. Wing... just doesn't understand.]

[Then again, Wing cannot truly understand, because Perceptor has not fully detailed what he'd gone through that horrid day. Nor is he certain just exactly what Drift may have told him. He doesn't want to know. He doesn't want to see the pity in Wing's expression that would surely come from such a revelation. Perceptor pities himself enough without that.]

I hope... [that Wing doesn't learn to regret those words. He shakes his head.]

Thank you.

[Wing will probably feel how Perceptor's fingers tremble faintly as he slowly turns his hand against Wing's. As he hesitantly opens his hand to offer to Wing, to wrap around Wing's hand. It takes more courage than Perceptor ever thought he had to do it, to open more than his hand with that deceptively simple motion.]

Please do not allow me to ruin this, Wing.

[Drift has never been one to go into details, nor would Perceptor's unique perspective on it come through. In time Wing hopes to understand fully, though he knows that comes with trust and trust must be earned.]

And hope is where we start. It's what keeps us when we're trapped in the dark. We can find it in each other and hold strong.

[There's a poignancy in the moment, Wing can feel it, not just in the tremble of Perceptor's hand but the sincerity of his voice. The jet's own hand is steady as he turns it to meet Perceptor's, fingers curling into the other's palm to hold tight, a message in itself, but his EM field is aflutter with emotions, and at the forefront: hope and an intense willingness to make good things a reality. ]

_Perceptor. [His tone takes a more weighty edge, but it's one that begs something in kind, because he worries himself. Not just because of Perceptor, but because he's made his own share of mistakes.]

[He shakes his helm.] If we, all of us, act with integrity and honesty, compassion and respect... I think we manage anything.

[Perceptor nods slowly, holding himself very, very still.]

I hope.

[He drops his gaze to the table again for a moment.]

Promise me... if ever a choice must be made...

[Now he spears Wing with a deep, intense look.]

That you will ensure that Drift is happy.

[He can feel the weight of this, like something he'll remember for a long time to come. His flight panels shift, like tension caught between them that's trying to get out.]

It's worth it, to try. He's worth it. As are you.

[The look does it's work, and Wing draws up, pinions lowering. His face is solemn, slightly pained at the necessity of it, but in no less agreement. A slow nod as he squeezes Perceptor's hand.]

If you will do the same.

Very well.

[He gives Wing's hand a faint squeeze. A promise. A start.]

[He... doesn't know where to go from there, though.]

Now what?

[Better beginnings than endings.]

Well, first you should probably finish that. [He nods at the drink, taking another sip of his own. And then he reconsiders...] Or not, whichever suits. I'll take no offense.

But then I think you should go see him.

[Perceptor twitches, looking down at his drink, startled; he'd forgotten all about it. With a somewhat bashful little noise, he lifts the glass and takes a drink.]

No. It's good. Thank y--

Wait. Now?

[He chuckles softly; there's something very endearing about that little bit of bashfulness.]

Well you're perfectly welcome to stay and keep me company if you wish.

But, yes now. Why not?

[If there's one lesson the universe seems to want to beat into him, it's 'Don't wait.']

[Well, have some more, then.]

Why not... do both?

[Perceptor fiddles with his glass for a moment.]

We could go... speak with him together?

[Well...OH.]

Oh! Ah. oh...

[Now, now. Save the sauciness for later Wing, no need to get ahead of yourself.]

[Have a little giggle and loud cough Perceptor.]

I thought you might want some privacy but perhaps that's a better idea. ...if you'd prefer?

I would not have asked you, if I did not want you to.

[Perceptor ponders for a moment.]

A more private venue would be better, though, I think.

[He definitely doesn't want to go back to Leige's temple, though.]

Would it be possible to take something with us? [He holds up his glass, and the last of the drink in it.] And... perhaps... maybe ask him to meet us at your quarters?

[A smile.]

I appreciate you thinking of me. [Because he knows it'd be easy to just take the offer and run. This is already a good start.]

Hmm, yes I agree. Mixing is a little hard away from the bar, but we can bring a quantity of standard engex and some glasses with us easily. [Wouldn't be the first time.] Annnd I can see if he'll meet us.

[He grins; this is shaping up into his favorite kind of conspiracy.]

[If he weren't so frightened of all of this blowing up into a chotic mess, Perceptor might almost smile. Instead, he nods, and finishes his drink.]

Very well. Show me where the engex is, and I will carry.

[No endeavor is without risk, but hopefully any bumps they have long the way won't be so dramatic.]

Sounds like a plan then.

[He sends a message to Drift, short, maybe a little cryptic, and then moves to the bar and pulls out a decanter, filling it from one of the taps and sealing it tight. Three stacked plastiglass tumblers invert nicely over the top, and he hands the entire thing to Perceptor.]

It's not hard to find, I'll fly with you.

[Video]

[action] no worries!

Re: [action] no worries!

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]

[action]