riverviewlogs | ( open ) the day is bright and fair

Entry tags:

( open ) the day is bright and fair

who: James T. Kirk & YOU!
what: general out and about for the month.
when: August (please specify when during the month you're tagging him!)
where: all over
warnings: none for the moment; will edit if need be

I ▹ PERIMETER GUARD ▹ SHUTTLE WORK

[ After the mission, getting the shuttle up and running, not to mention cleaning her up all nice and proper so she's ready for use again, is Jim's priority, and it's a project he throws himself into with vested interest and dedication. While the shuttle still works, there's a lot that needs repairing or even outright replacing, not to mention the overall old and worn aspect of both the interior and the exterior.

Despite this, Jim looks excited rather than bothered or tired, as he fumbles around the makeshift shuttle bay set up at the perimeter guard. Sounds of clinking and clattering around come from the area, and he can be found throughout the month working on several different aspects of the shuttle, from control panels to the shuttle exterior— repainting the outside completely, installing a more complete and advanced navigation system and flight controls, or he may just be found disappearing halfway into one of the panels beneath the dashboard, fumbling around with wiring and circuitry. If he hears someone approaching, he'll stick an arm out, gesturing vaguely towards a pen-shaped handheld device. ]

Hand me that laser cutter over there?

II ▹ CITY STREETS & OUTSKIRTS ▹ BIKE RIDE

[ In the midst of what starts to feel like a very good month, Jim gets a really nice surprise one of the days he gets to the perimeter guard: there, waiting for him, is an all too familiar bike— not just any bike either, but a peculiar engraving on the side of the leather seat lets him know that this exact bike used to belong to his father.

It's only natural that he takes especially good care of it, tuning it up and cleaning it until it's spotless and shiny, then promptly takes it out for a few spins during the next few weeks. From the city center to the outskirts where he won't find nearly as much traffic, he can be found just about anywhere, both riding the bike or taking a break somewhere, leaning comfortably against the seat as he sips on some juice or enjoys a tasty ice cream. Feel free to approach or even ask him to take you for a ride, if you happen to know him (or even if you don't, really). ]

III ▹ COMMUNAL APARTMENTS ▹ MOVING

[ Another change in Jim's life happens to be something he and Bones had been talking about, and finally now they've managed to find a place they both like and can afford (not that money's a problem for them, with both earning well and saving up the majority of what they earn). During the first two weeks of the month especially, Jim will be spending some time boxing up things and getting them ready for the move. They don't have a whole lot in their apartment here, and some of the lighter boxes he chooses to carry to their new home on his own. He'll smile at anyone he crosses paths with, daring to offer playfully to people he happens to know. ]

I'll accept a helping hand, if you've got the time.

IV ▹ ANYWHERE ▹ WILDCARD

[ Jim is nothing if not both active and sociable, so throughout the month it's not difficult to find him in several spots, be them bars and coffeeshops, parks, grocery stores, and even the hospital when he's coming over to meet up with Bones.

He also feels the shift of the city when the strange outbreak sweeps the Quarantine and causes some random cases of memory loss. It is, sadly, something he's not unfamiliar with, but more than his insight on their mission beyond the walls and sharing some details he happens to remember, he finds himself overall useless in finding a resolution or a cure. He will, however, try to help anyone who happens to be affected by the outbreak. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Jim crawls out of the panel for now, still sitting on the floor but at least like this he can look up at the man properly while they talk. He's not in a rush with the shuttle repairs anyway, so no harm in taking a break. ]

Well, I'd love to tell you that everything out there is perfect peace and prosperity, but you're right. The galaxy's a very big place, with a lot of strange new worlds and too many races for me to even name them all. Not every world is part of the Federation— some have never even heard of us, others don't really want to be a part of it. As much as I'd like for them all to come to call us friends, that's not the case. There are hostile worlds, and hostile factions. Races hellbent on declaring war on half the galaxy, Federation included. We don't go out there to engage them, and we always try to work towards building an understanding, an alliance if not a friendship, but we can't very well play sitting ducks either. So while our ships aren't designed for battle, they're still heavily equipped and prepared to handle a fight if we absolutely must.

[cassian crosses his arms for lack of anything else to do with them, but makes sure it doesn't look bored or hostile. he's very good at posturing himself to project body language.]

[he nods though, because that all makes sense. it's not like cassian needs to know all this about another galaxy far far away (ayy) but it's ingrained in him to just seek out information, it's easy and natural and he barely needs to think about asking more questions, or leaving open ended statements.]

There are always too many planets to make one cohesive collective, regardless of what it's for. [how many planets IN the alliance still disagreed on plans forward?] I assume that means all members of Starfleet are just as prepared as their ships to handle a fight too.

[ Jim doesn't particularly mind sharing that information, either. Not that Starfleet doesn't have its share of classified information, but generally speaking they're pretty open and transparent, and here of all places, Jim doesn't really have to worry about that.

Besides, he likes hearing and learning about different worlds and different universes, so it's only fair that he shares a bit about his own, too.

He nods, then quirks an eyebrow at the last words, smiling vaguely. ] Not planning on attacking me out of the blue, are you?

[transparency?? cassian doesn't know her.]

[in a better universe something like starfleet does sound kind of nice. it's a very fleeting thought that he barely allows, but it's there! something has to exist after the empire is gone, right?]

[he shrugs, a little carelessly but matching that sort of teasing air simply because he isn't trying to make this conversation get tense. he doesn't smile back, but there is a lightness to his face.] Only if you suddenly give me reason to, but I'm not particularly interested in doing so.

[ Jim doesn't like to think about it in those terms: better universes, better galaxies. But yes, he does know things are better where he comes from than in a lot of places he's heard about since he arrived here. Still, it's not perfect— far from it, even. There's always room for improvement, always reason to strive for better.

The same can be true about just any universe out there. All it takes is for people to want to be that change. ]

Good. I'm not particularly interested in giving you reason either, so we should get along swimmingly. [ He smiles, reaching a hand up for a shake. ] Jim Kirk.

[cassian is very much that person who wants change. he has been for twenty long exhausting years, and he'll never know more than that anymore, outside of whatever happens while he's here.]

[but still, idle thoughts of another galaxy without constant conflict makes him feel strangely hopeful.]

[there's a split second of hesitation before he offers his hand out, shaking kirk's with a practiced ease. cassian might not like people a lot, but he still knows how to be polite. his palms are very callused and his grip is firm.] Cassian Andor.

[the hesitation is only born of this strange freedom to use his own name now!] If only it were always so easy to keep from hostilities.

[ Recognition flickers in his gaze, as he eyes Cassian with a little more attention and curiosity. ] You are. Captain Andor, is it? I met someone earlier who spoke of you.

[ Neither well nor ill, simply mentioned him. Enough for Jim to have retained his name, hoping he'd get to meet him eventually. ]

I wish it were so, here or anywhere. But then it's not every day you get to meet rational and levelheaded people. [ It's a relief to know so many here, but he also knows plenty back home. Sadly all it takes is one madman or megalomaniac to threaten any kind of peace and prosperity. ]

[there's a barely perceptive frown for about two seconds, discomfort that comes from someone knowing something about him he hadn't told. there's only one other person here who knows he is (was?) a captain though, so he's a little placated, barring confirmation.] And was this someone named Jyn?

[cassian prides himself on rationality, but he certainly knows very few others are. there'd be a lot less conflict in the universe otherwise.] How unfortunate they're apparently a rarity here too. What kind of hostilities have you come across in this place?

Edited 2017-09-03 23:27 (UTC)

[ Jim nods, ] Yes, that was her. She was around here before. [ He notes some of that discomfort, though, so he adds. ] She didn't say much, for what it's worth. Just said you were her Captain Andor, and that was it.

[ Jim hadn't asked much, either, figuring he could just ask and learn more when he got to know him personally. ]

Honestly, it's fairly peaceful around here. The only confrontations I've had were with wild animals beyond the wall. A lot easier to handle, even if also dangerous.

[cassian wouldn't call it relaxing, but some of that brief tension does dissipate. mostly because it's getting replaced by the sound of her captain andor. he was the superior officer though, it makes sense, that's all.]

We are both on the guard. [he says this by way of explanation for why she was around.] I was a Captain back home, yes, though not of a massive ship as you are.

[it's a very strange position to be in to consider animals as being the greatest threat to his safety.] That's good news, I suppose. I would rather combat animals than people any day.

[easier on his conscience to kill them tbh.]

[ Jim nods. ] I expect I'll see plenty of you, then. I'm currently a surveyor.

[ Though if he has his way, that will change soon, hopefully. But not until he gets the shuttle back up and running, at the very least. ]

Yeah. I don't feel particularly good about shooting an animal if I have to, but at least they're not as prone to concoct a plan to destroy a whole planet. [ Or a bunch of whole planets. ]

It's likely, especially since that's where I am too. Salvage and repair, specifically. [it's easy work and he could probably be in another area, but he honestly likes doing this right now. it's a break he never got to take before.]

[he doesn't usually kill animals, which probably helps it seem like a nonissue. compared to, y'know, people.] They can be weaponized by those who would. How big are these animals outside the wall?

Are you? That's good. It's never a bad idea to have some company when you go out there, so if you're ever looking for someone, remember me. I'll do the same.

[ He hopes that will involve the shuttle sooner rather than later too, but taking a jeep, a bike or even going by foot is also a perfectly feasible option. It's been how Jim's managed so far, on his own and otherwise. He's also fairly familiar with the area surrounding the Quarantine by now, what paths are the safest, and so on. ]

Well, any size, really. Could be as small as mice, or as big as mammoths. Some are more prone to violence than others— more territorial. I feel fairly lucky that I haven't gotten more than a concussion during one of my encounters with some of them.

[it's on the tip of his tongue to say he prefers working alone save for his droid, but it's not quite so true anymore. the number of exceptions has gone up! instead he just nods, which isn't agreement, but he is planning on keeping kirk in mind, even if only for the shuttle.] I'm not unused to this sort of work. How long have you been going out there?

[helpful and not helpful re: animals, but sometimes that's just how life and information works. most of what cassian's done in life is try to find said info, so while going in at various levels of blind can be annoying, he's used to that too.] I would take territorial over predatory any day. Much easier to create an escape if necessary.

[ The number of exceptions may still go up while he's here, who knows. Jim can be very persuasive when he wants to be, and he's very easy to work with. He's also pretty friendly and good company— he likes to think so, anyway. ] I've been a surveyor ever since I got here, so... going on five months, now. Most times I go out there for just a few hours, but I have camped out there a number of times too, on my own and with company both.

[ There's nothing like going out there and seeing some of those animals for himself, really. There is some information on a variety of species, even at the perimeter guard, but it's not the same as having an encounter. Jim's met plenty who are peaceful and elusive more so than anything, but of course there's no guarantee Cassian won't run into some less friendly sorts, too. ] That's true. Can't tell you you won't find some predators out there, too. Just as a head's up.

[he's more open to it, probably, even if he's still wary about others, but rogue one helped him reach that point after too many very lonely years. too bad it didn't last long.] I am no stranger to overnights either, whether planned or otherwise. You are fairly experienced. What would you think is the most important thing to keep in mind out there?

[cassian is more used to urban centers than rural areas, but it doesn't mean he doesn't know how to deal with the wilderness. he's done that too. dealing with animals instead of people almost feels as welcome as survey work.] I am not surprised. What sort of equipment have you found works best against them? Blasters? It seems safer to keep your distance.

Bring supplies, definitely. Even things you think you might not need. An emergency kit if you end up stranded on a cave or fall down a pit. Also— soap. Bit of a luxury but it doesn't take a lot of space and it makes all the difference. [ He also takes rations but generally speaking it's not difficult to build a net and catch some fish, or even hunt a smaller animal if need be. There's plenty of water too, particularly near the river, so thankfully it's not necessary to bring some along either. ]

Blasters? [ He can imagine what it is and what it does from the name alone, but he's never heard of that before. ] Usually stun pistols do the trick, or a tranquilizer gun. Worst case scenario, a friend of mine lent me a weapon that can pierce through any hide. I try not to use it, but when killing the animal is my only option, then I know I can resort to that. But yes, I definitely recommend stealth above all else. Keep your distance and watch where you're going— if you can avoid a confrontation to begin with, then all the better.

[THE LUXURY OF SOAP. somehow it always seems to be the thing left behind, compared to most other items.] I do not go unprepared anywhere, but it's always helpful to know the environment and its needs. What of being out there, beyond supplies, do you consider good to keep in mind?

[he's already starting to consider what kind of weapons he should take with him. blaster, definitely.] It's a gun, likely similar to what you are describing. They tend to have two modes, stun and kill. [his was rarely on stun, but wow it's nice to realize that's more of an option here.] Stealth is not an issue. I am more interested in getting myself back in one piece that combating any sort of animal.

[ Hygiene is something people often forget about, going out there for a long while and not being used to making it in the wild for longer periods of time. Most people think they can deal with not showering for a week or two, but it gets awfully itchy, sticky and uncomfortable in certain parts after a few days. And that's without mentioning the smell. So yes, soap. Absolutely soap. ]

Finding good places to rest is important. I mean, if you're used to making it in the wild I'm sure none of this is news to you. I haven't encountered any dangers other than wild animals out there so you only have to be sure to set up camp somewhere where animals won't just stumble into you. There are plenty of secluded spots along the river, for instance.

Knowing the terrain is pretty important too, so the maps? I advise you to study them well. They're not complete but they are thorough, and we surveyors have been working into adding more and more information as we find it. Familiarize yourself with them, as well as the weather and wind patterns. Know where you're headed, rather than just roaming around aimlessly. It's good to rely on electronic instruments, but there's no harm in bringing a more classic compass along with you, just in case.

[ It's always good help, to just about anyone. No matter how much experience they have. ]

[he sort of nods along every now and then, the most careful of listeners. if cassian couldn't listen well, he'd have been terrible at his job.]

I am more familiar with surviving an urban sprawl, but I'm not ill prepared for this environment. I have already been studying the maps as well. I don't plan on going out there for long until I have copies or have memorized them. They are quite detailed.

[a beat.] I hope I am not coming across as dismissive. As you have said, it's a new place and even the safest of worlds can be dangerous if you go in without proper preparation no matter how experienced you are.

[listen, he might not like a lot of people, but he still knows how to interact with them even as a facade!]

Good plan. Anyway, exploring bit by bit will definitely help. You get used to the terrain and the pathways pretty fast.

[ He smiles a little and shakes his head. ] You're not, don't worry. It's easy to tell you've got some experience that'll come in very handy for you out there. I just don't want you getting caught unaware by going out there feeling overly confident, is all.

[ He's learned the hard way how badly can that go. So far it doesn't look like Cassian's the type, at least. ]

You seem eager to get your hands busy. I can appreciate that.

[cassian nods, because he gets used to most things quickly, at least in the exploration sense. he's not very concerned about adapting to beyond the wall; it's inside the wall that he's avoiding more.]

I would prefer them to stay busy than not. [which is putting it mildly.] Overconfidence is a risk I'm not willing to take. I appreciate the advice, even if I am more experienced and ready that others may be.

[a beat.] I may also be able to help with the shuttle, if you find yourself lacking in people who know their way around ships.

[ That does take a bit of adapting to, no matter where one comes from. But it's not exactly hospitable beyond the wall, so Cassian will have to get used to it eventually, even if it might take some time. ]

Well, I'm used to a crew of hundreds, so it'll always feel like I'm lacking in people. Luckily the shuttle's much smaller than the Enterprise. [ He nods, though, gesturing towards Cassian. ] I'll welcome the help. Feel free to poke around, if you'd like to get a little more acquainted with the shuttle.

[ He'll probably be looking over Cassian's shoulder at first, until he's sure he knows what he's doing, but well. Cassian will probably understand. ]

[he'd say if he wasn't adaptable, he'd be dead. but, you know, welp.]

[he nods briskly at the offer, getting the sense jim will be watching him, but cassian knows he'd do the same so he doesn't care. he is definitely very curious about the shuttle though for the familiarity, so he decides to just go for it.]

I'll take a quick look now, if you don't mind. I won't be any help if I know nothing about what I'm working with.

[ Well, still counts for something if it's taken him far enough. And he's still alive here, so. ]

Make yourself at home. I'll keep working if you don't mind, but feel free to interrupt if you have any questions.

[ He'll be paying attention to what Cassian does, but he's not going to just stand there doing nothing else but watching him like a hawk. ]

(no subject)

evasives - 2017-10-12 01:42 (UTC) - Expand

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only