044 some places are like people; some shine, and some don't

[notafuckingnut]

[PUBLIC -- video]

[Two hours into port and Richie's already starting to get a headache. He's inside at least, wandered the halls until he started to feel like somebody was watching him and then he tried to find his way back to his room but he missed the floor and ended up all turned around.

Nothing supernatural. Just on-edge.

From there it was a disappointing once-over some of the rest of the place, mostly the bigger spaces, then back up to his room. The right one this time. And now he's set up at the table in his half, slumped down and taking up most of the space with gangly limbs, staring at the screen morosely.]

Anybody know if they've got a foosball table here? I couldn't find one.

[He raises one hand to rub at his temple, frowning briefly and staring off into nothing, but comes back after a moment and adjusts his glasses before returning his attention to the public at large.]

And it's fucking freezing. Did we hafta end up in a place where it's actually snowing?

Comments

[alwayshasaplan]

Hauling ass now. Got a surprise for you.

[He takes the stairs two at a time because the elevators are "majestically slow".]

I don't know. I got a weird feeling. We may need back-up and B might be busy.

[notafuckingnut]

[He pulls a face because since when do they need back-up, but he won't argue. Safety in numbers, or some shit, and as long as Seth is on his way the rest of it isn't a big deal.]

Yeah, I know what you mean. You think the ship's around somewhere close enough we can just go back?

[Please?]

What kind of surprise?

[alwayshasaplan]

I really wish it was, but the truth is I spent two hours tromping around out there in the cold looking for the goddamn thing and there's no sign of it. Otherwise I'd be telling you to pack your bags, because my weird-shit-ometer's going off big time.

[He chuckles.] Just give me a minute.

[Pretty soon his booted steps can be heard on the stairs and he emerges, puffing, from the stairwell.]

[notafuckingnut]

[Richie's already out in the hall by the time Seth gets within view, starting to fidget while he waits; he's with Seth there, the place might LOOK okay but it feels anything but.

The wait feels longer than it probably actually was. Time always passes differently when you're by yourself.]

Hey. What took you so long?

[alwayshasaplan]

Nothing that important. I just thought I saw something weird on my way up the stairs. Must be my imagination. [He rubs his face as he comes over, hiding most of his enormous relief.]

Okay! Let's find that goddamn game room.

Seth

[He glances around at the familiar voice but sees nothing. Not again.]

[notafuckingnut]

[He recognizes that look. The sudden look around. Looking for something you don't have a name for.]

Okay. C'mon. Let's go. What's the surprise?

[alwayshasaplan]

[He smirks briefly and opens his leather jacket to reveal his old .44 in a shoulder holster.] Not good against everything, but it's a fucking start.

[He starts walking with Richie.] Where have you looked so far?

[notafuckingnut]

[Richie's eyes widen; ooh. Well that's definitely a plus.]

Where the fuck'd you get that?

[A shrug.]

Main room downstairs, kinda got lost after that.

[alwayshasaplan]

[He sights down the hall with it briefly, then tucks it away.] Parting gift from Hoffman. I have to negotiate for bullets, but fine, whatever.

[He looks around.]

Let's go from the top down. We're mostly there already.