nexus_sages | Single Guard Seeks Thief…

Felix shrugs, then remembers he isn’t talking to his alteration instructor and admits, “Quite some time. That doesn’t mean I can talk underwater, more’s the pity.” He peeks in the window alongside Jim, murmuring absently. “Or ward either of us from getting soaked to the skin.”

Because having to strip off would just ruin his plans for the afternoon? Someone isn’t thinking ahead…

Instead he’s disappointed that the suits displayed look like they’re all meant for humanoid proportions. Okay, except the one with extra fin holes. “I wonder if they have sloads in the Nexus- slug-men, I mean. Probably too adventurous for them.”

"Okay so....it's gonna be your job to find a way to warm us up after." Jim, no. Jim you can't hold your breath for that long and how are you even going to talk to the salespersonthing. Jim?

He's going in.

"I dunno--" His voice echoes in the doorway. "I saw a rodent building a nuclear powered toaster around here once. I wouldn't put it past this place." The Nexus in general, Jim means. "Let's go! What's the worst that could happen?"

“Well for a start- hey, wait!” Jim! Where are you going? Felix dashes in after him before the door closes, not to be left behind. Then he remembers the consequences he was just about to point out and hastily tries to remember that waterbreathing spell… “You don’t think it’s really under water in there, do you…?”

Alas, it is. To start with there’s a lot of floundering, and a short chance to be dragged inside and sized up by the octopoid shop assistant. But the experience ends rather quickly with them both getting hauled out under the tentacles of said assistant. The octoperson deposits them on the street with an alarmed burble. They’re both equally drenched, but Felix is grateful to find he isn’t coughing and spluttering after all. That doesn’t dissuade the assistant from giving them both rib-rattling thumps on the back before Felix fends it off.

“I’m fine, I’m fine! He’s the one you need to check- Jim?” He twists around to peer at the captain with wide eyes, reaching for Jim’s shoulder. “Jim! Are you all right?” He can’t have swallowed that much water, can he? No, no. But that intellectual knowledge doesn’t stop his heart racing, nor take the edge out of his voice.

"Fu-hgk!" Jim tries to wave off the octopoid weakly, coughing up quite a lot of water for a moment or two there. Ugh water up his nose and in his...everywhere. Great. Just great. "I was...f...fine...until it grabbed me. Startled me was....was all."

Ugh. Hack cough cough. Wow he must look ten kinds of lame right now. Ugh...why did he think this was a good idea again? Oh, right, because Jim's an idiot and trying to impress his b---new friend.

Yeah. Totally. Ow.

"Th' tentacle guy totally groped my butt." Jim says weakly, once they're left alone again. He shakes his head trying to get it back into place but alas, it's perfection has been ruined by the water.

“They didn’t even have an air pocket. Unbelievable. I still can't believe you dived right in!” Felix lets out a relieved giggle, the adrenalin rush suddenly vastly more enjoyable now he knows Jim isn’t drowned. And on the upside for Jim, he has got Felix close at his side again, massaging his back and fussing over him.

“Wait, it what?” His mouth draws in a jealous twinge; he tilts his head and shoots a speculative look at the door, eyebrows raised disdainfully. Hmmph. Bother his captain, will you… “Shall I have a word with it?”

"I'd have been fine if it hadn't grabbed me and made me yell." Jim insists defensively, because oh yeah, he totally meant to inhale a lungful of water. That is his favorite afternoon post-meal activity. Ugh. It wasn't that bad. But hella uncomfortable though.

"Can y'really blame him?" Jim laughs, though it sounds more like wheezing at the moment. "Don't go back in there. You can't talk to them, more trouble than it's worth." besides, they're out here now, with air and everything and Jim wants to just pretend none of that happened.

"...They didn't have anything in my size, anyway." Still joking about it. It can't have been that bad!

“Mmm.” Felix inclines his head to concede the point, offering an arm to help Jim back to his feet. If Jim wants to dismiss the offense, he’s going right back to being amused. And damp, of course.

“At least you achieved one objective, captain.” He grins, combing a hand through his wet hair. “Now I have to keep up my end of the deal.”

"You're just mad you didn't have to do mouth t'mouth." Snrk. Cough. Jim lets Felix help him up. It's not demeaning when Felix does it. He's just being helpful. Supportive. Other words. "Hope your armor's not dry clean only."

Jim has completely forgotten what the deal was in all the commotion, but watching Felix run his hands through his hair is pleasant watching. Roll with it, Jim. What's the worst that could happen?

"What are you waiting for then?"

“Let’s just say I’d rather not wear it until it stops squelching.” If it helps Jim rationalize things, he can assume Felix will just take any chance for physical contact. He certainly does it without thinking, just like guiding them both toward the Parklands now. Jim probably isn’t ready to dash about just yet, which means they have to go slower, and they’ll both be shivering by the time they get there.

“I can’t just will the water away. Come on, let’s get somewhere I can help us both warm up.” Or, well, ask something else to start a fire. It’s not his kind of spell.

Who knows, maybe this kind of thing will motivate him to actually put some effort into his studies. Stratos would have to appreciate that.

"Pffft. And I thought I was the one looking for excuses to undress." Jim teases lightly, content for the moment to let Felix support and guide them. As long as no one approaches them or no one they know shows up, he's fine just accepting the help and going along with things.

The shivering, though, that he can't help so much. That shop wasn't the warmest place to begin with and that was before they got dumped back on the street soaking. Jim does find it somewhat strange that Felix can't start a fire, but he chalks it up to 'all magic probably isn't the same' and starts wringing the end of his uniform out onto the ground.

“Well, you gave us one. First rule of surviving the elements – don’t stay in wet clothes.” He doesn’t actually remember if it’s the first. But it’s definitely one of the most relevant to his experience. Particularly his experience right now. The Nexus isn’t even that chilly and he can feel the damp going to his bones. Jim must be shivering even harder with the shock he’s had, he thinks sympathetically. Near-drowning is surprisingly hard on a body.

And the closer they get to the Parklands the more the streets open out to the breeze. Urgh. He and Jim will just have to stick close. For mutual shelter.

“I really miss living somewhere wa- erk!” He cuts off his mutter and ducks around to Jim’s other side, keeping his head down. He’s spotted a very familiar figure emerging from a side-street ahead. “Don’t look up, but, er. I think my brother’s tracked us down.”

Why now, Stratos? Whyy? He snatches a glance around Jim. The hooded figure actually seems to be frowning at his palm, but Felix isn’t fooled by that. He knows how good Stratos is at clairvoyance, he’s just stalling for time.

"What the hell?" Jim looks down at Felix rather than looking for the supposed brother, but the warning alone does something to Jim. His posture stiffens to Starfleet regulation parade rest. His expression loses it's dazzle and warmth, hardening to his 'captain face' in one swift moment. He stops wringing his shirt and despite the goosebumps Felix can see Jim looks as casual as if it were a mild summer day. You don't show weakness when you're in command.

And then, rather than waiting to be caught, Jim turns them sharply so that they will run into the other unless he steps up. Might as well get this over with.

"The elements will have to wait for now, Felix." Jim replies calmly, keeping emotion out of his voice. And then, raising it and staring directly at Stratos, he adds. "I believe we're being watched."

Felix draws back and straightens when he feels Jim stiffen, making his support a little more polite. He doesn’t go so far as to break contact, unless the captain pulls aside. He knows very well the body language for ‘Let’s get formal’. He’s so busy gauging all that he doesn’t have a moment to protest when Jim swings them around to meet his brother head-on.

For all the theatrical dread, the tribune himself doesn’t look so terrible. There’s definitely a family resemblance with Felix, though Stratos is about ten years older, a tad darker and much sterner in expression and bearing. On top of that he’s wearing the segmented steel plate counterpart to Felix’s armor, and actually has his hood up where it can shadow his face.

“Hmm. Found, certainly.” Stratos studies Jim with raised eyebrows for a moment before inclining his head; his erstwhile brother gets a much briefer glance. Felix is only adopting his usual innocent act, of course. “Auxiliary. I presume you have an excellent reason for leaving your post.” His cool tone ebbs a bit as he returns his attention to Jim. “And who would you be, sir?”

That his brother has found more interesting company than usual doesn’t quell his irritation, but does check it. He’s visibly reassessing the situation, trying to work out what he has on his hands before he lays into his subordinate (verbally, one hopes).

"He does." Jim replies for Felix, as calmly as if he were speaking for one of his own ensigns. Jim isn't the tallest man in the room, nor the fittest, but he knows how to make a commanding presence, and how to make it known that he is in charge. "I was in need of his expertise and spellcraft abilities in investigating a rogue entity within the commercial district." Jim gestures the way they'd come.

"As I have no magical ability, I needed him to facilitate a means by which I could enter a shop entirely underwater to perform my duties." Jim extends his free hand toward Stratos without breaking eye contact.

"Captain James T Kirk, united Federation of planets circa 2259. I am from a version of Earth's future, and you must be Felix's commanding officer? Of Tamriel?" Yes, Jim knows of your land of magic and dragons because he is important and informed. And not while drunk and flirting and making out. certainly not.

Felix has been looking as serious as he can, and trying really very hard not to bounce on his heels despite how excited he is. And yet a smile grows on his lips as Jim speaks because gods, his ‘friend’ is good at this. The smile’s vanished by the time Stratos glances his way again, but he might as well be sticking his tongue out at his elder brother and they both know it.

For now Felix nods enthusiastically and lets Jim talk, ready to back the captain up but absolutely not going to undermine his authority by butting in prematurely. Why should he, anyway? This is beautiful to watch. See what a friend he’s found, Stratos? Handsome and charming and quick-witted and authoritative enough to make you sit down and play nicely. Better, he’s made Stratos blink at him for a moment.

Whether Stratos buys the story or not, he’s frowning with surprise. He reaches up to lower his hood with his free hand while he accepts Jim’s handshake. His grip is firm but light, a kind of care in it. “Tribune Stratos Caelus of the Imperial Legion, yes. A pleasure to meet you, Captain. I believe the auxiliary has mentioned you before, although I wasn’t aware your duties extended to the Nexus.”

Just because Jim is good at this doesn't mean he's not also an insufferable smug asshole about it. His smile is the sort that makes people just want to punch him for how full of himself it is. He knows he's taken Stratos by surprise and seems to be enjoying it.

"He has a name." Jim remarks with amusement, glancing back toward Felix. "Don't you Felix?" There's a brief moment where Jim's smile softens when Felix matches his gaze. It's not something Jim is even aware of. It turns less smug authoritarian and more cheeky schoolsboys playing tricks.

But then it's back toward his brother, all calm and collected.

"Felix has mentioned you as well, yes. Sorry about not leaving a note. But as you can see by our current attire, it was quite urgent." Jim supposes he should be thankful that Felix's brother caught them like this and not oh---five minutes later or so. He can only imagine the trouble that would cause. Doesn't mean Jim can't judge Stratos a little because of it though. This song and dance is cute but Jim is trying to get busy with your brother. Sheesh.

How much worse could he make this if he said that out loud? Captain, no. Right. He doesn't want Felix to get into too much trouble because of him. Even if it would probably be worth it. Captain, no.

Edited 2015-12-15 04:28 (UTC)

Oh, formality be damned. Jim turns that look on him and Felix is smiling however hard he tries not to. “Absolutely, sir.”

“I’m only too familiar with it, Captain.” Stratos is stiff, not blind, guys. He can see that look and it’s half the reason for his unamused expression now. “Of course the Legion is happy to assist against any threats to the people here – provided the proper protocol is followed in future. I appreciate that urgent situations can make that difficult, but I can hardly have guards abandoning their posts every time something questionable is sighted in the Nexus.” As if he really thinks other guards would have that problem.

That said, he gives Felix a look and adds dryly, “But tell me about the entity you were pursuing. Were you able to locate it?”

Felix shakes his head. “Our investigation is ongoing, sir. I was just about to help the captain dry off before we continued.” Continued investigating… somethiiiing.

“Yes, of course.” Stratos suppresses an irritated sigh. For the love of Julianos, Felix, when he said to be friendly with Nexus-goers this was not what he meant! And yes, he’s quite sure that’s why you’re doing it. (Maybe not the main reason, looking at the captain, but it’s surely part of the appeal.)

"Quite. And the proper protocol for Tamriel is what exactly?" Jim is raising a curious eyebrow but damn Felix, don't come out and say things like that suddenly because Jim can't stop the smile that lights up his face in time.

Them being wet and cold is a blessing in disguise because otherwise Jim would probably be more suggestive the Felix is right now.

"Was that all?" Jim is pretty sure the outing is over but that doesn't mean he can't try.

“To begin with, a legionnaire must not leave his position without permission from the officers on the other side of our door. No matter the reason.” Stratos doesn’t raise his voice, but his words are clear and cool and allow no argument. At least not from Felix, though he lifts his eyebrows when he looks to the younger Caelus for a response.

“Yes, sir.” Felix sounds rather diffident, but he bows his head politely.

Stratos returns his attention to Jim, satisfied at least in public. “Have you much further need of my soldier, captain?”

He may be desperate to go interrogate Felix (and to make it clear there is some discipline around here) but the offer of help has already been made. And Stratos also wants to be reasonable, especially given Jim’s rank. The Legion can’t just back out on its promises willy-nilly – not if they want to cultivate allies around here.

Well, shit.

Jim doesn't think he's going to be able to talk his way into continuing this date--investigation--for the moment. He sighs heavily.

"Your brother." Jim corrects with a raised eyebrow. "Has been exemplary in his assistance in this matter. Where can I put a formal report of his services?"

And now everyone’s looking disappointed at Stratos and… he’d be lying if he said that came as a surprise. At Jim’s question, he pauses as if that poses some difficulty; Felix suppresses a chuckle but can't hide the grin. “If you leave it with the desk officer on duty, I will ensure it is lodged correctly. And I'm glad to hear he was able to put his training to some good use. No doubt you’ll have many more opportunities to work together.”

Is… that him relenting slightly? Or just setting Felix up for more alteration practice? His brother isn’t sure. But whatever the catch is it’s worth it, if this is Stratos indicating he may turn a blind eye in the future.

"He's quite the talented conjurer." Jim agrees, giving Felix's arm one final squeeze in support before stepping away and nodding toward Stratos.

"I'll be sure to do that. We do things via electronics where I'm from, but I'll be certain to stop by and formally write one." He likes you enough for paperwork Felix! Hopefully a formal commendation stops him form getting into too much trouble.

"He is, yes." Stratos' turn to sigh.

Felix gives Jim a regretful, slightly apologetic smile as he steps away, and never mind what Stratos thinks. He's taking plenty of notice of Jim's efforts to cover him - to praise him, in fact. And he enjoys what that says of Jim's affection toward him even more than how much it disconcerts Stratos. "Thank you, captain. It's my pleasure to help you."

If he gets the chance, he might have to explain to Jim at least a few of the ways this conversation has needled his brother. It doesn't seem fair that only Felix gets the entertainment value along with the irritation.

"Hm. Well, I won't delay you further, captain. I'm sure you're eager to change into dry clothes," Stratos notes. He bows stiffly and gestures to Felix to follow him. "I wish you a good day."

Felix gives Jim a wink and a grin the moment his brother's back is turned. Don't worry about him, he knows how to handle this. "Captain."

Single Guard Seeks Thief…

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