(no subject)

[paradisamods]

[By now it's clear that the attackers have fled the scene, scattering in several directions of the Dead Zone. All is safe, and at least the giraffes have stopped running in panicked circles.

The attackers certainly left their mark, leaving behind a trail of destruction that can be traced back to the site of the monolith's crash. Smoke still billows out as the fires die out, but there seems to be no sign of life among the debris.

What is that thing? You now know that whatever it is, it's responsible for bringing those creatures to Terre Haute. While the giraffes return to their "normal" lives and others begin to pack up for travel, there may not be another chance to explore the crash site. If you want to explore it, now's the time.]

[THE TRAIL | THE SHIP | THE BASE]

Comments

[ensorceler]

[ She gives him a deadpan look. Does she look like your secretary? ]

There should be more than just you two in your party. What if you are ambushed within?

[toobravehearted]

[He nods. He certainly knows that Anne isn't stupid. Just behind the times by a while.]

It seems her Majesty is chief co-ordinator, unless she wishes to grace us with her presence inside? The more teams the better I think. There may be technology inside, perhaps some of it useful back at the castle.

[Side look at the chap eyeing his staff and a thin smile.] Can't go wrong with a good stick, you know.

[gottaknockhard]

[Sure, everyone else remembers the 'Majesty' thing when he gets that look. He's trying to hold his tongue, so he refocuses.]

Sometimes that's all you need. [--as if to make a point.] But it's your call, Majesty.

[ensorceler]

[ Anne's lips press together tightly; her attempt to hold in a smile at Spike. It's hardly the appropriate time to be humored, with a dead body not five meters away from her. ]

Very well, you two may go, but you will use your journal to keep constant contact, yes?

[ She pulls hers out of the pocket in her skirt, holding it up as if they need a reminder of what she's talking about. Anne really wants to go, actually, because her curiosity is just about suffocating her. But she has to pick her duty over that this time. ]

I must remain out here, to assist the survivors and be sure no children attempt to enter on their own. Go with my blessing, and God's love.

[toobravehearted]

Sometimes. We'll see how far it lasts. I'm the Doctor, by the way.

[A look at Anne and the journal. With a sigh he takes his out, folds it open and puts it back in his pocket.] You might have your work cut out there, but if you can keep the children out, the better.

[Indicating the downed ship with a nod, he steps off towards it.]

[gottaknockhard]

Spike. [The Doctor... That sounds awfully familiar; enough that it distracts him from arguing about the journal. And they could have said they lost them in the fight, if he hasn't pulled one out.]

I'll see you later. [He gives one last glance at Anne, lingering there a moment, before he starts off just behind the Doctor.]

[ensorceler]

[ She'll nod politely at the Doctor, respecting his resolve even if she's still undecided on her feelings for him. Her smile for Spike is more sincere, and she'll step forward with an outstretched hand towards him just before they enter. ]

Hold. My handkerchief...

[toobravehearted]

[He looks behind to see if the chap is following.

Yes, he is going to eyeroll at that and be impatient, but slows his step to give Spike the chance to catch up when Anne's finished having him be Sir Galahad.]

[gottaknockhard]

[He pauses in his steps, then fishes around in his pocket to pull out a handkerchief. It's not as pristine as it was when she gave it to him -- he may have used it to wipe his face at some point -- but be never lost it.]

Here. [He holds it out, if she wants it back. Hopefully the Doctor isn't paying any attention, but Spike chooses his words carefully just in case he is.] Thanks for letting me borrow it.

[ensorceler]

[ Anne has to roll her eyes before smiling again, shaking her head. ]

I only mean to be sure you still carry it. If it is for luck, you will need it now most of all. My eyes cannot follow, but I will be with you in spirit.

[ AND THE JOURNAL. If they find anything to report... ]

[toobravehearted]

[He pays attention to most things; he just gives the impression that he isn't. Raising his voice a little, ]

Are we ready? Sorry to cut in, but before dark would be good.

[No, he's not in the best of moods. He only has to look around at the bodies from the attack to lay credence to that.]

Threadjack y/n

[wizard_redfive]

[In a hurry? Well, Dairine can definitely get behind that because she's going to use this touching moment as an opportunity to sneak past the guard queen.

And head straight over to the Doctor.]

Going somewhere?

Well it is a party!

[gottaknockhard]

[He doesn't quite wince when not one, but two try to beat him to the chase, but it does put a strain in his smile back at Anne.]

Don't worry. I'm on a good streak. [The smile turns more honest for a brief second, before he replaces the handkerchief in his pocket and follows again, head bowed. Now that everyone is in a hurry...]

[ensorceler]

[ Wait what. She looks at Dairine, then the Doctor, then back to Dairine. ]

You may remain out here with me.

[toobravehearted]

[What the- Oh, Dairine. A look of solidarity and relief for Anne.]

Unfortunately I agree, Dairine. The ship is bound to be unstable with untold what ever in there. Not that I doubt your capabilities but I would feel happier if you remain here, to protect Queen Anne. [Diplomacy, he's practicing it.]

[wizard_redfive]

I'd rather go with him.

[Dairine instantly scowls. Doctor, you're supposed to be defending her choices! She not a kid.]

Trying to shake off a companion, Doctor? You should know that rarely goes well and that I have three years of alien combat behind me since we last met. And as for the "untold what ever," [She pats her bow, the quiver on her back.] ...I think I can handle it.

[ensorceler]

[ She looks angry at not only being argued with, but dismissed. Resisting the urge to slap the girl in the face... It's an urge she's used to resisting all the time with rude people, fortunately. ]

[gottaknockhard]

[See why he wanted to go alone? Hesitation always does this.

Spike is reluctant to join that conversation, but he's assuming "years of alien combat" refers to a video game or something. It's not his business, but he can sense Anne's look even when it's not directed at him.]

She's got a point. I can't say I'd count as a companion.

[toobravehearted]

[Is it that they all look to him to make this decision? Oldest, supposedly wisest, over 500 years of travelling in a box across the universe with companions and the same amount of time losing them. No, these aren't his companions, but he feels he's picking up responsibilities anyway.

He and Dairine are going to be having a serious talk before long because he is very unhappy with her by far right now.]

Don't presume to understand my motives Dairine and we will be talking about this later. Spike, you're completely right, we have only just met but I have to ask, do you have a means of defense with you? And your Majesty, I fully agree with you. Dairine however has proved to be resourceful in the past and she can follow instruction.

[He finishes talking while looking at the young lady in question, a pointed remark to remember the Crossings and for Rassilon's sake do as she is told.]

[ensorceler]

[ Anne doesn't know Dairine, but that's exactly why she doesn't want her to go. Carrying a weapon doesn't make her capable, and what does she mean by aliens? Foreigners? ]

Master Spiegel is most skilled in all manners of combat, as I have not only been assured but just witnessed myself. You are well guarded.

[ Reaching out, she'll place a hand on the girl's arm. ]

And we have our own roles to tend to out here. They should not be considered any less paramount.

[wizard_redfive]

[Rude? She's hardly trying to be rude. There'd be a lot more name-calling if she was. Dairine's just head-strong to everyone, royality or not.

Despite the promise of later discussion, Dairine's expression immediately brightens. Maybe this adventure will make up for the hellstorm that was yesterday. At the look, she gives him her best "good girl" face. Yes, she'll listen to him if no one else.

But then there's a hand on her arm and hell no, get off. Dairine steps away from the point of contact with a guardedly neutral expression.]

I never said they shouldn't. But I'd prefer not to stand on the sidelines, thank you.

[gottaknockhard]

[Spike glances at Anne one more time, at least enough to show that he appreciates her backing him up. Normally he doesn't mind being underestimated, but they're lagging behind as it is.]

I doubt it'll be that exciting. [Shrugging again, although that might be for show, Spike starts walking towards the ship. Whoever ends up following, he'll deal with, even if it isn't his place to get involved.]

[toobravehearted]

[Over his shoulder as Spike passes by, ] One can only hope that it's not.

[Then a nod and a pained look to Anne.] Thank you, your Majesty. I'll take your assurance.

[For Dairine, his finger is up in the air.] Queen Anne and myself have your best interests at heart and hearts. Don't treat it with such levity, please, Dairine. You are to follow my instruction and stay by my side at all times. If not, I shall be sending you back.

Right. Come along, before I change my mind. [Another nod for Anne, and he's trotting off after Spike.]

[ensorceler]

[ Anne's entire body tenses, nails digging into her palm as she attempts to soften her glare with a smile, though at best it only makes her look more prone to violence.

But she nods stiffly, her voice nearly monotone with her jaw clenched. ]

As you will, Doctor, for I would not dare cross a man's decision on the battlefield. Go with my blessing, child, and I pray Almighty God stays with you.

[ She's quick to whirl and depart at that, lifting up her skirts so she can stalk off without tripping over bodies. Need to go take her anger out on someone. ]

[wizard_redfive]

[A slight frown. She wasn't joking around! But Dairine nods.]

Understood.

[With that slight reminder from the Doctor to be nice, she bites her tongue at the "not a child!" retort that immediately springs to mind. She nods her head to Anne politely, the closest thing Dairine has to a bow. With that, she'll follow the Doctor. Unless someone else stops her.]