Single Guard Seeks Thief…

[conjuredskies]

...Wait, no, not that way.

Having been absent from his post for a couple of weeks or so, Felix is once again in Legion leathers and stationed outside the heavy rune-inscribed doors that mark ‘his’ portal. He’s sitting casually atop the desk draped with its red and black Imperial banner, turning something blue-white and glimmering over in his hand. A quill? A feather? Some sort of pin?

“How is it that when you want to find a particular sort of person, they’re nowhere to be found?” he asks, pushing his hood back. “Even when normally you’d be shaking them out of your pockets.”

Comments

[smartass_captain]

"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."

[auspex_caelo]

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).

[smartass_captain]

"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.

[auspex_caelo]

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.”

[smartass_captain]

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.

[auspex_caelo]

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.)

[smartass_captain]

"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.

[auspex_caelo]

“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.

[smartass_captain]

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?"

[auspex_caelo]

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.

[smartass_captain]

"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.

[conjuredskies]

"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."