001. it's the way you name your ship | video

[onecertainly]

[ The video feed begins and a young man stares curiously into the camera. He has the distinct look of someone who's just climbed out of their deathbed and hastily tried to make themselves look presentable -- if there is a distinct look for such a thing -- and that would be because that's exactly what he's done.

Still, despite his obvious weariness, his expression is almost cheerful. ]

L-- [ No, not Lieutenant. Not anymore. ] Archie Kennedy. Warden Kennedy, I suppose. [ He raises his hand and it sort of lingers in the air because it strikes him that he has no idea if he should be saluting or not. Do wardens salute? Do convicted mutineers?

Likely not, so he lets it drop back down to his side. ]

This Admiral, he's -- [ There's a pause as he considers his next words carefully. He can't be too forward about his opinions of this mysterious figure, not so soon after the Renown. There's no telling who could be listening. Also, first impressions and all that.] -- well. He must be an interesting fellow to command such a vessel.

Does the entire crew dress as they please? If I must report to someone to receive uniform, I'd be obliged to learn at the very least his name. The one I'm wearing hardly seems appropriate. [ It's difficult to tell by the angle of the camera but he's wearing an old-fashioned naval uniform. It doesn't strike him as the correct attire for a warden. ] Thank you.

Comments

[punched_hitler]

[Welp. Have a guy dressed pretty much like this.]

There's no standard uniform - which you've probably figured out by now. [He grins a little.] But if you want something more comfortable, it can probably be arranged.

[onecertainly]

[ Wow uh that's quite a thing you're wearing there. At least by now Archie's almost prepared for each weird thing that pops up on the screen and he's gawking less. ]

Indeed. I've been informed no less than twelve times now. [ A teeny tiny exaggeration. And although the words themselves might sound irritated, his tone says otherwise. ] Your own, ah, uniform is rather unique, sir, if you don't mind my saying.

[punched_hitler]

[He grins, exaggeration or not.] I imagine you have. I just thought I'd put in my two cents, in case no one was giving it to you straight.

[Steve glances down, then chuckles a little.] Yeah, it sort of is. It does serve its purpose, though. The old one was a lot brighter.

[onecertainly]

[ He can't comment on brightness -- he's used to the lobster red of the British army. Speaking of which -- ]

Is it military?

[punched_hitler]

Yeah. You could say that. I started out in the Army.

[He's... kind of off the radar, these days, at least as far as employers go. But he still considers himself Army, in a way.

Then he pauses, and adds -] United States. [Just, uh, to be clear, in case it matters.]

[onecertainly]

You aren't in the army anymore but you still wear the uniform?

[ That's odd. Maybe this guy doesn't have anything else? Or maybe he just really likes the outfit.

Either way: ]

There's a man aboard who says he's a tailor. His name is Marsh.

[ Y'KNOW, if you're in the market for something less spangle-y.

Says the guy who's really not dressed all that much better. ]

[punched_hitler]

Well, I guess I was never actually discharged, either. [He smiles.] It's a little complicated.

Oh - really? Well, maybe I ought to look him up. I'm pretty new, myself. But I have a feeling this isn't going to be the type of ship people like you or I are used to.

[onecertainly]

[ Archie huffs a sigh but a wry smile curves his lips. ]

Yes, I believe you're right, sir. This ship seems ... a little complicated, I would say.

[punched_hitler]

[A definite smile back

And then some.

It's bigger than - most of the ones I'm used to, though. Pretty comfortable, too.

[onecertainly]

I've never been aboard a ship built for comfort before. It's nice, just not what I'm used to and certainly not what I expected of a prison ship.

[punched_hitler]

Me, either. [Even the large ships, the helicarriers, they weren't quite like this.]

But I guess when you're in it for the long haul, a little thought for your accommodations isn't a bad thing. Especially when it seems like getting off at port's a worse idea than not.

[onecertainly]

I haven't heard much of the ports. What makes them troublesome?

wow, I lost this in my inbox, utter fail ;;

[punched_hitler]

I haven't heard a lot, either, but I've heard at least some of them aren't exactly friendly places. And that you might not have much of a choice as to whether you want shore leave or not.