Happiness lies in the past. Ahead waits only empty SPACE!

[beholding_archivist]

WHO: Remaining Vanquish Crew [ Jon, Teddy, Raphael & Chikai ] & Network || Open to potential visitors
WHERE: The one place that hasn't been corrupted by capitalism. SPAAACE
WHAT: The Vanquish's pilot has vanished after its start and one Archivist begrudgingly addresses the network.
WHEN: Shortly after the ships leave Agra 10 + the happy space trip that follows
WARNINGS: Moody Archivist
NOTES: Basically a Free For All sort of things for everyone on the Vanquish. Our Pilot!Bucky is on hiatus, and Raphael will fill in for him so we don't crash into any planets! Bother Jon, make your own TLs or have sleepovers while we fly through space~

Missing Pilot
If it were up to him, Jon would have rather stayed back in Temba, hiding away in the basement of the library and not having to deal with anyone or anything. And yet, here he is. Standing quietly next to the miraculously empty pilot seat of the Vanquish, staring at it with a deep frown.

That's... Great. He briefly eyes the controls and the monitors and the many, many buttons. Thankfully, the ship's course has been set before the man that has gotten them off the ground has simply- How does that even work?!

With a brief sigh and a displeased mutter the Archivist taps a finger against the recorder in his hand, then turns back around to find the rest of the people he is stuck with in this dreadful contraption.

"So. We may not know where he is, but we do have a second pilot. That's... Acceptable for now, I suppose." Acceptable. Still, if Jon hasn't appeared very pleased before, his mood certainly has dropped even further.

Visiting Hours
It's a long trip they have ahead of them and of course people are bound to get bored. And it's notably worse than being stuck in the tunnels. They had more space there. Finding a quiet corner has been easier. And quiet corners are what Jon yearns for.

It's especially bad when people from the other ships decide to visit and he has to try and avoid more people than his own crew. And every darn time someone requests to enter the Vanquish, the Archivist flinches with a little grimace, dreading that the person about to board their ship is the one person he just can't bear facing right there and then.

So he tends to watch from a safe distance whenever someone shows up and in most cases simply retreats either into the crew quarters or the cockpit, depending on which happens to be empty at that moment.

The remaining crew may be happy to see some friendlier faces than his, however.

NETWORK

[ audio ]

[ There's a brief flicker of static before Jon's voice cuts straight through it, crisp and somber. ]

Right.

[ He's putting in a lot of effort to hide how tense he really is - And just how much being in a space ship freaks him out. ]

Jonathan Sims reporting from the Vanquish. Our pilot, Bucky has vanished. We do have a replacement on board, however. We're fine.

[ He pauses and there is the faint sound of paper rustling. ]

To the ships' medical personnel:
I assume you have found and picked up the bag of medical supplies I left at the entrance of each ship. Be mindful with these supplies and refer to the included instructions. Any questions can be directed at me.

I am well aware that the medical data point did not magically teach you about human biology or basic first aid. These were originally set up to use the equipment in the hospital which has never been designed to be used on humans. So again: If you run into a problem you don't know how to deal with, I will try to assist as best as I can with what I know.

[[ ooc note: The bags Jon is referring to contain a couple of bandages, sterile cloths, two bottles of disinfectants - one for surfaces, the other to be used on wounds - and three bottles with medications in liquid form. None of the bottles are labelled directly, but have differently colored caps on them and can be identified with the mentioned instructions: One is a basic painkiller, one is a simple anaesthetic that can also be used to help people sleep, the last is basically the opposite. There is also a bag of tea made from herbs native to Agra 10 that supposedly helps with nausea and has an overall calming effect. ]]

Comments

Audio

[plate_builder]

Perhaps there is a way in the long run to convert medical equipment over to serve the purposes of those of us who are not Agrii. I've acquired the engineering datapoint recently. It's not as helpful for that end as I would like, but perhaps we can discuss what changes those systems would need and derive a way to do so.

And thank you for the supplies. I'm sure young Mister Kaplan will be grateful for them.

[beholding_archivist]

[ Oh, this guy. Not necessarily someone Jon feels much of a need to talk to at the moment. So he takes a while to answer. ]

Right.

If Billy happens to be on your vessel, feel free to discuss the matter with him. The hospital is under his jurisdiction these days.

[plate_builder]

Yes, he is here. It seems I have a skill at getting to know the sorts of people who would take that data point.

[Still, if he's going to talk to Billy about the medical datapoint, it's for other reasons.]

Are you doing well, my friend?

Missing and Miscellaney // OTA

[rage_on]

"So that's it then? How does someone just disappear like that?" It's not like there's a whole lot of places one can go around here. Raphael's however suddenly very thankful that he'd decided to try touching that creepy orb thing in the hangar after all.

He's noted the...moodiness from the man and accounted it for the sudden mystery-trip into space. Well this is gonna be a fun trip. At least the others aboard seem cool?

It seems he'd better get himself familiar with the ship's controls then. "Looks like this trip's going to take a while, but hopefully we don't run into any trouble along the way," he says after doing a once-over. It's never not going to be weird that he can actually understand any of the blinking console. At least he doesn't feel completely out of place as he takes a seat. This isn't his first space-rodeo. Still, he mutters.

"I hate space."

---

At least for the early part of their space voyage, it's pretty slow-going. There's nothing much to see outside the viewports but space and more space, and maybe a glimpse of the other ships.

Raphael tries to keep within reasonable distance of the cockpit whenever he's not in it, at least for the first few days. He doesn't trust things to go smoothly. He just hopes there aren't any giant bug aliens out in this universe.

Usually he spends his time doing exercise. That's about the most there seems to do around here, especially given the limited space.

Being in the dining room staring down at space gel is just downright awful.

"That's depressing." At least the Fugitoid had a magical food making machine!

[beholding_archivist]

Jon can't deny that he harbors some doubts regarding a man-sized mutant turtle piloting a space ship, but that's the one option they currently have.

"People that were brought to Agra 10 vanish all the time. We will find out if this disappearance is tied to the trouble the Agrii are in right now." That? Is another troubling thought. What if the people the Agrii are currently fighting are sending them back home? What if...

At least right now Jon wouldn't be too bothered by that outcome anymore.

[Network / Audio]

[out_of_order]

Vanished...

[Yeah, that's not troubling at all, and Jon might even hear BD-1's worried hoot in the background.]

Thanks for preparing the supplies for us, Jon. Hopefully we won't have to use them, but better to be prepared.

I'd rather hope against it, but if there's ever any trouble or concerns about the ship, let me know and we'll come take a look at it. I don't think we have that many engineers between us.

...everything all right with you?

[beholding_archivist]

Vanished.

[ And there is a pause right there. Irritated as he may feel, Jon doesn't want to take that out on Cal. So he takes a deep breath and takes some of the edge out of his voice. It does take some audible effort, though. ]

Don't- Don't mention it, Cal. We don't know what awaits us, but... I will let you know if we have engineering needs.




...I'm fine.
Been a few... Dismal days. Let's focus on getting where we need to go.

VISITING HOURSSSs // OTA

[deal_me_in]

It's inevitable- as soon as he'd discovered that the ship had shuttles, Cayde all but begged to be able to take one out and go ship-skipping. He feels like he hasn't seen some people in forever. Agra 10 and its crazy-houred days just stretch on so much that it can easily seem so.

"Hellooo?" he calls out in that distinct, subtly electro-toned voice of his, arms thrown out in exuberant greeting the moment he steps aboard. "Anybody home?" Thanks to Teddy he's got an idea of who all's aboard here, and he's at least come to know most of them.

Bummer about the pilot thing though. He has some Concerns about that, but naturally he won't let that show.

I'LL BE TAGGING ALL OF YOURS - because I can.

[beholding_archivist]

Hearing the Exo's familiar voice is what makes Jon stop his initial retreat and slowly step back to the main area of the ship, head tipped to the side slightly.

"...Cayde." An observation, but also a greeting. He hasn't seen the Exo since the tunnels. But this is not a randomized meeting via questionable dreams. "What brings you here?"

[measuringdistance]

Oh, sweet, Chikai recognizes that voice. Finally, someone was onboard who he knew and who wasn't a total buzzkill.

"Yo, what's up?" He grins, raising a hand in greeting when he spots the Exo, "If you're looking for a change of scenery, good news! We may have boring metal walls, and the view outside is still 99% black, but we got some nice floors."

[measuringdistance]

[A: Missing Pilot, Jon]
[When Jon shows up to give him the news about their pilot, Chikai lets out a sigh and leans against the frame of one of the bunk beds.]

Well, long as we got a replacement, guess it's fine. One less person means more room in this thing for the rest of us, right?

[B: Killing time, OTA]
[Chikai's been spending his spare time trying very hard not to think about how many days he's been stuck in one confined space or another. And more and more, he's been distracting himself with examining the free space gun the Agrii left behind for them to take, even whistling to himself as he does. Finally, a decent weapon. He's used a variety over the last couple years, and he's confident he'll be just as good a shot with this one too.

'Sides, what good's knowing about food gonna do while they're stuck in a small metal box and the only thing around to eat is gel and flavored tofu? Nope, he's sure he'll have way more to contribute now that he's got a gun in his hands again and the know-how to use it.]

[beholding_archivist]

...I suppose.

[ Jon won't necessarily argue against that logic. Not because he agrees, but rather because he's not in the mood for further arguing. He has his concerns regarding some of them simply vanishing of course, but he doesn't put these to words. Instead, he inclines his head slightly at Chikai. ]

I'm surprised you didn't pick up the piloting data point.

OTA;

[hulkintraining]

Closed to Jon
[ooc: Taking place after this conversation and shortly after Bucky's disappearance.]
The suddenness of Bucky's disappearance had been a shock to the entire crew, and particularly jarring to Teddy as their former pilot had been the only person on the ship he was familiar with. Not only that, but this is the first time he's experienced someone he knows vanishing so suddenly. He had been lucky up until now.

It doesn't sit well with him that they have to carry on as if nothing happened, even though he logically knows that there isn't anything they can do for Bucky. He might not even be in this world anymore. So he turns his attention to something he can do.

Cayde had asked him to check on Jon, make sure he's handling the space adventure thing alright. Teddy can't say any of them are feeling okay after Bucky, but that doesn't stop him from poking around the ship looking for the man until he stumbles on the quiet area he has taken up refuge in.

"Um, hi. We haven't really had a proper introduction, but I'm Teddy. And, uh, I just wanted to how you're holding up." Smooth.

Around the Ship | Visiting Hours
After a bumpy start to their voyage Teddy throws himself into preparing for whatever it is they might face once they reach their destination. After gaining the Security Data Point he had made sure to load the ship with a few of the weapons they had been provided with. It's too dangerous to actually attempt target practice while in flight, but he does spend some time each day holding one of the guns, getting familiarized with its weight and triggers.

Aside from the guns he also has his sword Excalibur with him that he practices with in any empty area he can find. He's far from a skilled swordsman, but it makes him feel like he's accomplishing something when he jabs the empty air with his sword, ducking and dodging attacks from imaginary enemies.

When others come to the ship for a visit, he makes himself present, relieved to see faces he hasn't seen in awhile. Even those he doesn't know will be welcomed inside with the excitement of someone glad to have a new face around.

"So how are things going on your ship? I don't think I've ever felt this stir-crazy before."

Network

So like what things do you guys like to do to keep from being bored?
I brought up mobile games in a conversation the other day and I realized how much I used to rely on those whenever there was nothing else to do. Like I always have my cell phone on me so I never had to worry about boredom.
But maybe not everyone is as addicted to mobile games as I am.
Anyways, what are your boredom hacks? They can be things you did back home or in Temba.

network/text

[in_extremis]

I'm not used to being bored. It's like I'm here to really experience the breadth of it to its fullest.

We could make a game. How hard can it be?
Are the artists on the call? Cayde? Reeve? On my desk by closing time.

That closed one~

[beholding_archivist]

The spot Jon has found for himself at that moment is the sitting area near what counts as the ship's kitchen. He has his feet pulled up onto the bench and appears to be fiddling with his tape recorder. It has one of his remaining pre-recorded tapes in it and Jon has been debating listening to it, yet he just can't quite muster the appetite. So he's been staring at it. And prodding it. Thoughts lost elsewhere.

A yet unfamiliar voice to him drags his attention back to the present and Jon looks up and over to the young man that introduces himself as Teddy. Teddy... Right. He has seen him briefly in Billy's memories. "You are... Billy's Teddy." The Archivist concludes aloud, if a little awkwardly. He then sets the recorder aside, however, and tries a small smile. It's not terribly convincing. "No, we haven't met. I... I'm Jon. Billy- He talks of you a lot."

Network

[measuringdistance]

Man, mobile games were great for killing time.
Always had 'em on ya, quick and easy to play whenever...
You'd think an alien race could throw a couple timesinks like that together for us, if they're gonna keep us cooped up this much.

Around the Ship

[rage_on]

Hopefully no one gives him crap for being away from the cockpit, but there's been nothing out that window except for space and more space, and the autopilot seems to be handling things just fine for the time being.

The teenage turtle leans against the wall watching as Teddy goes through his swordplay, brow arched beneath his red bandanna-mask.

"Wish this ship had more space. We could totally spar. Be more fun than sittin' around."

Visiting Hours

[doubled_speed]

How are things on his ship? He has all but two of the people he cares about most there, so it's pretty great. But you know, locked up shit, so Tommy gotta roam. and when he sees his more or less best friend that is here, and gets asked, Tommy puts on an overly dramatic swoon.

"My ship. It is so much!"

But then he's standing straighter and trying to smile and not be too upset.

"Well, there's plants, and Wanda of course, and the baby. So you know, always busy on the Twin Roses. Nice sword, by the way. When do you get it? Can I have one too? Imagine it, super speed sword. Fucking epic."

Network (for now, visit sure to follow <3)

[wearingthestars]

OMG I still have my present from that Santa robot thing. It's in the cargo hold, I completely forgot. It's a karoke machine! That work?

I also have my phone. I don't have all your games on it, but there's a few there if you need a fix ;)

Visiting Hours

[doubled_speed]

Problem with claustrophobia? Ships. Tommy needed to roam to keep his head on straight, even if he was moving from one tin can to another. But here he was anyway. Which made sense, right? His not-but-soon-to-be-brother-in-law was a Vanquish resident, so Tommy visiting was totally natural.

The fact that it meant he was here and nearly tripped over Jon in his poking around was... a coincidence. For a moment there's a flash over the guy's face like he TOTALLY intends to bolt. But no. He resolved not to be scared of this guy. So it's fine. This is fine. Everything is fine. And hey, free taste of the whole fear of enclosed spaces and all of that. Eat up.

"Yo. Heard you're missing a Bucky. Which flavor of Scruff was yours?"

[beholding_archivist]

Nearly getting run over by Tommy sure is worth a short yelp of surprise followed by an expression of disbelief that didn't last as long as it could have before shifting into a frown in response to Tommy's question.

"Flavor of... Scruff." He repeats the question before shaking his head and give a short reply. "I hardly knew him." And he is still struggling to tell all those Buckys apart in the first place.

"You aren't here to ask me this question, I suppose." He narrows his eyes sharply and a dripple of his Compulsion seeps into the following, rather accusatory question. "Is this about Teddy? Will you demand he keep his distance from me as well?"

This matter hasn't been sitting well with Jon ever since he learned of it. And he loathes not to be permitted to talk to Billy especially now. Being able to talk to someone he feels he can trust is what Jon feels robbed of.

Network/ WOW JUST DROP IT LIKE THAT.

[brooklyn_boy]

[ Steve had thought something was wrong. Bucky hadn't returned his last message and wasn't responding to any of his calls. Fear gripped him as worst-case scenarios came through his mind. But maybe it wasn't that. Maybe the network was down? Maybe he was busy? Maybe he was asleep?

Jon dispelled that theory.

Missing. Gone. Bucky is gone. It takes Steve a good ten minutes before he can bring himself to open a communication back and compose himself. ]

What do you mean, vanished?

[beholding_archivist]

Exactly that.

Vanished. Disappeared. Gone.

He was present when we started, now he's... Not.

Audio

[wearingthestars]

You okay, Jon?

[Billy sounds worried. Jon doesn't sound quite himself.]

[beholding_archivist]

[ Jon takes a moment to answer. When he does, his words are preceded by a drawn-out exhale. ]

... I'm fine.

[ He isn't. ]