003 ✫ Voice

[useofaswhat]

I've been on some pretty odd worlds in my time but I never saw one like that before. Somethin' new every day on this ship, huh? [On the whole, he sounds pretty pleased about it.] Anyone out there know how to patch up spike holes in leather?

[Private to Natasha]

Appreciate the expertise back in the wilds there. How'd you know how to deal with big cats?

Comments

[Private]

[useofaswhat]

That's an interesting notion. Got a persuasive reason why I oughta arm you?

spam

[takeyouapart]

[Merlin replies to that with a smile, immediately in favour of people who sound like they'll look after those who look after them. He gestures at a nearby clear worksurface.]

Can you, er, show me the patient?

spam

[useofaswhat]

Afraid it doesn't look good. [He pulls off his coat and lays it down: as he said, there are a couple holes punched in the leather, both around the size of a silver dollar.]

What's the prognosis?

spam

[takeyouapart]

I think it can make a full recovery.

[If the holes were in Mal, of course, he'd ask permission to use sorcery. Coats generally don't get the same consideration, and honestly, he's working on the assumption that Simon's already told his captain about his new coworker's quirks. He lays a hand on the worn leather and speaks, softly.]

Gestrice.

[It's difficult to see anything happening; the holes are simply there one moment and gone the next, as if nothing had ever happened.]

spam

[useofaswhat]

[He had not. Simon was less rattled by the nature of the Barge than Mal had anticipated, apparently, but there are still surprises for him. He's looking at the coat, blinks – and suddenly it's looking even better than it did before it was pierced.]

Wǒ cào*! What the hell was that? How'd you do that?

*Holy fuck!

spam

[takeyouapart]

....oh, he didn't tell you. [He clears his throat.] It's -- magic. I'm a sorcerer.

[thestarspangledman]

I could try, if you haven't got someone to do it yet. I got pretty decent at patching things back when I was a kid.

spam

[useofaswhat]

[He's examining the fabric, running his fingers over where the holes were and turning it over to look at the lining.] You ain't kiddin' me? Are you the Merlin in those old stories or just named for him?

[That is] No, he didn't tell me. Is this how you heal people? What'd he think about that?

[useofaswhat]

Thanks, Steve, but Merlin got it. Coat looks better than it has since the war. Next time I rip a seam, though, I'll come to you.

[thestarspangledman]

War, huh? What war?

[useofaswhat]

[A pause. Proud of his service though he is, he doesn't like sharing bits of his past.] Unification War. Independents against the Alliance.

Independents lost, if you're keepin' track.

[thestarspangledman]

I wasn't, but I'm sorry to hear that. Fought in a war myself, a long time ago.

[useofaswhat]

Could do without the sympathy. [Read: pity. Empathy is better.] Yeah? It has been a hell of a long time since I read a history book but which one?

[thestarspangledman]

World War II, if you've heard of it. It was kind of a big one, or so I hear.

[useofaswhat]

Oh, that one. Long time ago for me but they teach about that one in every American history book. "The Last Good War," I think I read. Mind, I know who fought an' who won but not a load more'n that.

[looksfine]

You will require four items: leather adhesive, sandpaper, a leather patch, and a leather dye matching the original material shade.

[thestarspangledman]

...Well, I dunno if any war can be called 'good'. But a few friends of mine here and I all fought in it.

[useofaswhat]

Already went to Merlin and it's good as new again, no items required. Now that's what I call convenient. [He looks at her for a moment, obviously curious and trying to be inconspicuous about it.] 'Scuse me, ma'am? Am I gonna offend your sensibilities if I ask what you are?

[looksfine]

[Aya offers a hint of a smile as she shakes her head in return]

I take no offense.

I am the AYA program. An Artificially Intelligent Navigational Computer, and member of the Green Lantern Corp.

[...that last one might be a slight exaggeration on her part, but good luck getting anyone to tell her otherwise.]

[useofaswhat]

Don't misunderstand, I wasn't sayin' any war was good. Any soldier knows it ain't. I'm just sayin' they talk valiant about it. The heroes of the war and all that. Think there might still be some memorials for it in the core.

[useofaswhat]

Shouldn't that make you the AINC program? Unless Aya's a nickname. Kinda pretty if it is.

Seems we're from two different worlds, as I got no clear idea what the Green Lantern Corp is. Any chance you could explain where you're from in layman-speak?

[looksfine]

That is precisely what Green Lantern Hal Jordan said when he designated it to me. [So, yes, it's a nickname.]

I am not familiar with the "layman" language. However, I can tell you that the Green Lanterns are a force run by the Guardians of Oa to aid and protect. We fight for what is right because it is the right thing to do.

[Private]

[persuadeyou]

Next time it might be a bigger cat.

[thestarspangledman]

Really? [He's a little stunned by that, but shakes it off pretty quickly.]

That's impressive.

spam

[takeyouapart]

[They haven't really talked about Simon's personal feelings on the subject. But he hasn't actively objected or tried to get Merlin kicked out of the Infirmary, so, that's as good as acceptance in Merlin's book.]

It is. Mostly. He - I think he accepts that what I do works."