Night Terrors

Daybreak

Good morrow to you all… all but one!

Those Evil Ghosts have come forth to strike again in the night, and this time they have stolen the life of Sir Reep!

Sir Reep was a Noble after all, a rank befitting his station. He held no Patronages, struck down before he could even be decorated for his many victories against dragons and the English language alike. Now, at last, he truly can sleep.

This is most disastrous for those of us who wish to remain alive and protect The King! I will tolerate no more lax behaviour.

This night, you must vote to execute someone. You are no longer permitted to vote to kill nobody. You must react to this message with the emoji denoting your victim of choice, and, at Nightfall (9pm BST), this execution shall be delivered most ferociously.

The last words of Sir Reep: 

The hour is late. The howling wind rattles the shutters and whistles through the cold halls of Spookalot castle. The eerie stillness is broken by the soft pad of pawsteps and the clink of chain mail as a cat clad in armour slowly ascends an endless spiral staircase.

“The walls in places such as these have ears, and ye spirits make for worthy listeners. So, prithee listen well, those who abide in this fortress. I trust that mine words shall reach my comrades in the morn. 

If mine life hast taught me anything, it is that no victory can be won without sacrifice. Three years ago, I lost all I hold dear. Mine home, mine status, the respect of mine peers and family, because of a lapse of judgement, a moment of weakness. Since that fateful night I hath sought to atone for this transgression, never succumbing to the lure of sleep, ever striving to earn absolution through a worthy act of valour.

But I now understand the truth. Naught that I accomplish will suffice. No matter the gallantry of the deed nor the terribleness of the foe slain, mine quest shalt not be satisfied. For I hath realised that it is not the approval of mine people that hast driven me yonder, but mine own shame. I bore the epithet of ‘the Sleepy’ for so long because I could not forgive myself. 

But the hour is late. And lives hang in the balance. The time of self pity and pride hast passed. Hark mine comrades, do not despair! I knew that in offering mine voice with such fervour this evening, I would attract the attention of the Evil Ghosts, who would suspect that I was the King. Better to draw their fire as a decoy than carry the risk of losing our most valuable asset.

The strategy was twofold. In exposing myself so, I sought to watch for those who took the bait, and how. I was approached by the living garment and the ghostly rabbit child late this night, and their timing leads me speculate thus: if they were Evil Ghosts who hadst already marked me for death, what would be gained by making contact? They may hath simply wanted to allay suspicion so that I would clear their names in this very speech, but it is worth noting nonetheless. 

Likewise, the boy, young Master Scrubb. He and I hadst unfinished business, and I sorely regret that our time together was cut so mercilessly short. I believe that beneath the petulance and arrogance, he has a good heart. I hope that thee will find thy courage and virtue, Eustace, though I am sad that I shalt not be there to witness it. In spirit, perhaps. 

Furthermore, a warning: beware those who keep their own council on the stage of public strategising, for those who remain silent in such a time of strife may well have something to hide.”

Sir Reep comes to a stop at the top of the stairs, standing before two great doors of carved oak. The library where the white witch Radis dwells, among other things.

“And now, at last, I slumber. I wish ye well, mine comrades in arms, and shalt be watching from the beyond, offering what aid I can. May thine soul be carried to the Utter East where Aslion awaits me, and mine name finally shed its burden.”

Slowly, Sir Reep the Sleepy removes his golden circlet adorned with a phoenix feather, in doing so surrendering his one means of protection. It falls to the flagstones with a clatter.

Then, with a steeling breath, he steps through the doors, and embraces his fate.

Captain’s log, stardate 77667.8: Sir Reep of Nernia is dead, killed in the night by the ghosts.

It is never easy, losing a crew member. Every life is different, and every person brings with them their own experiences. When that person is lost, those experiences are lost too. And while the survivors will eventually move on from mourning, the space left behind by those lost can never be filled.

Tonight, we must choose to execute one of our own, on suspicion of  being an evil spirit. At this stage we can suspect everyone we like, but we have no evidence on which to convict them. Numerically speaking, it is unlikely we will manage to execute a ghost. I do not look forward to the task.

Commander Aífe bows her head. "Sir Reep the Sleepy... sleep forever."

In the aftermath of the death notice, Gem addresses the castle’s surviving residents.

“We are here together to honour our friend and comrade, Sir Reep of Nernia. Coming to terms with the loss of a colleague is perhaps the most difficult tasks we must face in the work we have chosen to pursue. We will all find time to grieve for him in the days that are ahead, but for now, we still have tasks of our own to complete.”

“Even as we speak, the ghosts may already be planning their next murder. We have been told to execute one of our own. It is not a task I wish to perform… but we do not have a choice.”

“What is important to remember that no matter what happens, we cannot, we must not, give into fear. Sowing distrust and chaos are what the ghosts want. It is imperative that we starve them of those things.”

“I know that you're scared. We all are. As we now know, any one of us could die tomorrow. But the only way we survive this is if we come together and work as a team. For only when we work together can evil truly be defeated.”

“Though I cannot guarantee your safety, I can guarantee that whatever happens, you will not go through it alone. We are in this together. Let's get out of it that way.”

Chef mournfully holds his little chef's hat in his hands. "Du ve-a get tu prepere-a Reep oune-a lest meel vit zeeur lest vurds?”

Gem gives a solemn nod. “He deserves a tribute. Make it so.”

Bryan: Will the regent release the body for us? We need to give Sir Reep a proper send-off.

Shark: Burial at sea. That would be most fitting.

Bryan: Not that you're biased.

Shark: Someone’s died Bryan, read the room!

Poxxy: Sir Reep will be buried in the grounds near the Cathedral, as is custom for a Noble of the Kingdom

Eustace: I - oh. Well. That’s… But that’s not right.

Gem: “Murder never is, Mr. Scrubb.”

Buster: * opens prayer book * I don’t think much of this prayer

*Dear Lord,

You’re no stranger to love 

You know the rules, and so do I

A full commitment is what you’re thinking of

I wouldn’t get this from any other guy

I just want to tell you how I’m feeling

I’ve got to make you understand 

You’ll never give me up

You’ll never let me down

You’ll never run around and desert me

You’ll never make me cry

You’ll never say goodbye

You’ll never tell a lie and hurt me

Amen”

Eustace: I - you know I never liked him. But he was alright, really. He didn’t deserve to die.

Gem: “No. He did not. And we will, in our own ways, honor his sacrifice.”

Buster: Bard, play Despacito

Commander Aífe wavers a moment. Part of her wants to comfort Eustace... but no, this kid is annoying.

Eustace: What are we going to do with the body? Do Nernians have funeral traditions? Do you think he’d mind using British ones, otherwise? Ours are quite alright.

Gem: “In Starfleet, the body is placed in a torpedo tube and launched out into space… but we don’t have torpedo tubes here.”

Commander Aife: Alas! What is a torpedo.

Gem: “I’ll save you the longer technical explanation and say that it is a kind of explosive that can fly at wherever you send it to. Very common in defense systems.” She gives her new XO a thin smile. “It seems you have much to learn still, Number One. I’m more than happy to teach you.”

Commander Aife: She laughs in embarrassment. "Looking forward to it!"

Gem gives her hand a squeeze. “Think nothing of it. You’ll be arriving in a new millennium, there’s bound to be a learning curve. We’ll get you there. I had to learn all these things once too.”

Poxxy: There is no need to respect Sir Reep's culture! He can have a Chessterosian funeral, like everybody else. If it is good enough for The King (may she ever rest in peace), it is good enough for Sir Reep!

Sir Captain Hook (still in his pyjamas, but he has his hook on) mournfully places a tin of fish where Sir Reep once rested (presumably a cat bed)

Shame you never got to be in my crew, I’m sure you would’ve been great…

Bryan: Is your crew still happening, Sir Captain? Because if it is, we still want in.

Hook: Aye. It’s happening, my friends, it’s happening… we just need to find some fairy dust and get out of here.

Eustace: Oh. I. I never thought he liked me … well, he had a funny way of showing it! I mean, he hit me with his sword! You all saw it! He hit me, so, of course I thought we were enemies - what was I supposed to think… Eustace trails off

Gem silently embraces him.

Eustace: Hey, what’re you - get off - …okay

Commander Aífe sighs deeply. Shame is a terrible thing. It can... it can hardly be borne. I hope Reep knows peace now. Peace and forgiveness.

Aife: slightly muffled by Gem’s mane I hope whoever did this rots in gaol. … not sure about this execution rubbish, though. What if we get the wrong man? Or… shark? Or something?

Gem: ”At this early stage, getting the wrong person is more likely than not... we have no clues, no evidence, no tells. We're taking a shot in the dark."

Eustace: Shouldn’t we Investigate? Surely there must be some… physical evidence… somewhere?

Gem: ”If only there were. But I somehow doubt it. Sadly, real life is not a Sherlock Holmes book."

Hook: Well, if we don't know who to kill, we could always spin a wheel or something. I... I don't like this idea though.

Commander Aife: ”I will be busy for the next six hours or so brooding on a windowsill and being hot. I will return to the strategising thereafter."

Gem: ”Likewise, but if anyone needs to speak with me privately, they may do so and I will respond when I can."

Hook: As the room falls into an uncomfortable silence, Hook becomes aware of a new sound... tick... tick... tick... tick... tick... he looks outside. The Croc is swimming though the castle moat. He makes a cartoonish gulp sound.

Agatha: Awful business, losing Sir Reep. This whole thing is an awful business

Victoria looked down sadly at Sir Reep’s lifeless form, before reaching out and scratching him gently behind the ear with her gloved hand. Thank you, Sir Reep…I didn’t get to know you well, but you were kind to me when I arrived, and very brave. Sorry for calling you an experiment. Her voice trembled slightly as she got up and walked away. This fucking sucks.

[With all this excitement going on, Bryan and Shark have to withdraw to give attention to other demands.]

This way.

Where are we going, Shark?

There’s a reason we came to this castle, Bryan. We didn’t end up here by accident.

I know that, but you haven’t answered me.

We need to go this way.

[They go round the corner of the corridor and find a big door. There’s a picture of a shark engraved on it.]

Shark!

I see it. Open the door.

[Bryan opens the door and they go through.]

There it is!

I didn’t think it was real.

And yet there it is.

[Bryan picks up the map.]

Is it true that this will lead us to my father’s burial place?

I think so. Maybe we can find out who he was. He sacrificed himself when he summoned me, I never learned why.

Let’s follow it and see. Look, Shark! His grave is in the castle grounds.

Let’s go.

[To Be Continued…]

Dear Mina,

Alas, another murder! The noble cat, Sir Reep, is dead. And today we are forced by Poxxy to execute one among our number! It is most disturbing.

All my love,

Jo

Artoria: Sir Reep... you were truly a noble and fine knight... I'm so sorry we couldn't protect you like you did us

Hook: At some point, as he sits by the window glumly, he realises something, causing him to jump out of the chair.

That Eustace fellow probably wasn't working with the Green Man, huh...

Eustace: I most certainly was not!

Hook: Good, good… be careful. He might come through your window one night.

Gem: “Does this mean your expedition is canceled, Captain?”

Hook: No. No. We just need to capture a fairy, which is really easy if you know how.

Gem: “In that case, I defer to your experience. I assume fairies are impervious to tractor beams.”

Hook: I don't know what that is. No, just put some honey on a child's windowsill and they should be caught.

Gem: “Indeed? Hm. Fascinating…”

Galdalf: You know, you learn something when doing jewellery inscription translations. Mainly that it's fucking hard to do it when people are dropping dead in the night. You all enjoying the castle at least?

Agatha: well before the murders, yes

Galdalf: Gotta keep a positive attitude, I guess

Nightfall

And so, the axe falls.

It may have been very close, and settled very late on, but you have chosen to execute Captain Hook.

Captain Hook, esteemed gift shop proprietor and general resenter of children, is dead.

And what was he? A foul being from beyond the grave? No! He was a Noble, you fools! Though he had no Patronages of which to speak, he sought only to be a friend to all, except for The Green Man.

So where does this leave you? Vulnerable, is the answer. The Evil Ghosts shall surely seek to strike in the night, and it is a mystery whether or not any given Noble will survive. I hope you feel like dunces.

Now, sleep well, and may the morn bring better tidings.

The last words of Captain Hook:

Well... the Croc is here. That either means I'm about to run away from here, or, more likely... this is it. My final moments on this mortal coil... I suppose I need to sort out some things first. Here is the last Will and Testiment of Sir Captain Hook.

In the event of my death, I declare Captain Gemini Shadow as the TEMPORARY Captain of the Jolly Roger. Bryan, Demon Shark, Buster, and possibly Artoria will now be answering to her until you complete my mission: retrieve my ship (the Jolly Roger) and crew from Neverland. It is of great importance that they are no longer in that dreadful place.

Directions to Neverland are as follows:

Second to the left, then the second to the right, then the third to the left and turn left after the sun. Second to the right, turn left after the sun and then straight on until morning.

After this, Smee will become the Captain of the Jolly Roger (also give him my letter - it should be inside the cash register - DO NOT READ).

I'd also like to apologise to Eustace... I don't think he's working with the Green Man, I think it was all a terrible coincidence... he's too boring to do that.

Now, onto serious statements that may help you catch the ghosts and are completely separated and untainted by my character flaws:

Whenever tomorrow comes, and you find yourself having to accuse another person, ask yourselves: who here is too willing to follow an irrational conclusion? Who seems a bit too oblivious to obvious flaws in argument? That's food for thought.

And now, a song!

So when you're near me

Darling, can't you hear me, S.O.S.

The love you gave me

Nothing else can save me, S.O.S.

When you're gone

How can I even try to go on?

When you're gone

Though I try, how can I carry on?

Captain’s log, stardate 77669.0: After a tense and difficult day of discussion, Captain Hook is dead. This was not an easy task for me (and I’m told my switching of votes made me look suspicious) but what’s done is done. An innocent man is now gone, stilled by my hoof and the executioner’s axe.

For a while today, I had begun to suspect my first officer is not all that she appeared to be. Last night she seemed pleased to have Ensign Alden in the ready room with us, this morning I was told (as expressed above) that she does not trust the ensign. I do not understand how or why this about-face occurred, but in the end it may not matter. As it is, my own suspicions were raised due to a separate action: she shared my role to two civilians without my permission.

I fear this wretched situation is making me more paranoid, with all this jumping at shadows and imagined threats. Commander MacMurrough has apologized for her mistake and expressed to me that she is prepared to die for the cause, as she is less important. I cautioned her, “Be very certain of this tactic, Number One. I should hate to lose you so quickly, and we do not want to give the ghosts an advantage.”

She replied: “These things have momentum. At this point, I believe the person who is executed today will be either Hook or Buster — my hope is Hook, of course. I said that as much to earn people's trust as out of sincere strategising - although it certainly would be better for the victim to be me than a Noble of strategic importance like you.”

And I added: “Indeed. If I am fated to die, I would rather it would be in service of the monarch than because my name came up on a wheel.”

It is that last point that still troubles me, but the monarch seems to be well hidden. If we cannot find them, they will not either. So we again wait the coming dawn, and the next death announcement.

Agatha: Alas poor Hook… A goodly noun

Gem looks sadly at the empty giftshop, and closes her eyes, tears sliding down her face. "I am so, so sorry, Captain..."

* Buster takes a big, bin bag and starts shoving all the stuff he wasn’t previously able to afford in it *

SMG: Well, this sucks. I’d like to start kicking some Ghost ass soon, because right now, things aren't going so great for us

"Indeed, Ms. Gellar," Gem agrees, once she's recovered herself.

Galdalf: Might I suggest some medicinal hot chocolate to drown our sorrows?

Bryan: I’ll take some if you’ve got any going.

Shark: Don’t have too much, you need plenty of sleep at your age.

Galdalf: Alas, poor Hook. Well, I suppose he was trying to kill a child anyway.

Agatha: Hot chocolate would be great, thank you. Was he? I couldn't tell if it was a child or some mythical entity and whether or not it was conflated with the Green Man he kept talking about

Gem: ”I'll have a cup as well, please."

Bryan: I was really looking forward to being in his crew, I hate these ghosts so much. I really hope we get one tomorrow.

Dear Mina,

Sad day. Poxxy forced us to execute someone, and we collectively chose Hook. Turns out he was innocent. We are warned that the Evil Ghosts will likely strike again in the night. I am much afeared. I do not wish to be separated from you by death! I will endeavour to stay safe, my darling.

Yours always,

Jo 

Bryan: Actually, it’s Regent Poxxy who I hate. He’s the one who forced us to execute someone!

Galdalf: Kettle’s boiling. Tea is served! And hot chocolate, if you fancy it. Also coffee.

Shark: Well, still hate the ghosts too.

Bryan: Yes, of course. Screw the whole damn thing!!

Buster: Murder? Writers? Castles? Somebody get Nathan Fillion on the phone.

Gem suddenly finds a pirate hat similar to the one late captain wore, and puts it on. "Hm... how do I look?"

Commander Aífe sighs. "You'd have thought Captain Hook would have been our villain... he was named Captain Hook. Still." She admires Gem. "Quite fetching, Captain. If we both make it out of here alive, it seems we have a new mission on our hands. An awfully big adventure!"

Gem smiles, "Thank you, Number One. I never did learn if that ship of his has warp engines... let's hope so, hm?"

Commander Aife: She smirks. "If not, we can get out and push."

Artoria: Poor Captain Hook. He seemed like such a nice man. Even wanted to fight the fairies... what a loss...

Gem: ”This entire situation is utter barbarism... I will never forgive Q for putting me here."

Part Two

[After finding the map showing where Bryan’s late father was buried, the duo make their way through the castle grounds to the site of his grave.]

That tombstone has almost faded away.

I can make out the words.

I can’t. What does it say?

No. That can’t be right.

What? What can’t be right?

It’s a name I’ve heard before.

[Bryan takes a closer look.]

No.

Yes.

But you said he was from the future. He wasn’t even human.

He must have time-travelled back.

But I’m human.

Maybe just half. On your mother’s side.

But how can my father be him?

I don’t know.

How can I be the son of Russorbaloff?

[In the distance, thunder strikes.]

I don’t know.

How?

I said I don’t know!

I need to find out. Why is he buried here? Of all places, why Spookalot Castle?

He must have had his reasons.

But why????

Bryan… grab a spade.

[To Be Continued… again.]

Meanwhile, Gem is brooding out a window again. Her tail twitches agitatedly.

Commander Aífe approaches, leans against the bannister. "Penny for your thoughts, Captain?"

Gem turns, "By all means, Number One."

Artoria has found a place to sit with her thoughts and her grief. She looks over and sees Gemini and Aife

Commander Aífe waves apprehensively. "And a penny for yours too?"

Gem: ”Certainly." She floats over an Equestrian bit. "I am just... meditating on recent events."

Artoria: ”...I just feel terrible about what's happened. Are people really going to keep dying like this? And we'll have to keep voting for people to die even though we don't know anything..." shakes head "I don't like it"

Gem: ”I am afraid so, Ms. Artoria... everything I learned from a friend of mine regarding her own experiences in a space port is lining up perfectly with our situation here. I don't like it any more than you do."

Commander Aife: ”I don't like it either. But the more time passes, the more we know. I don't expect we'll truly have to shoot blind again, not after tonight. ... We haven't had the chance to talk much, but I've overheard this and that. You don't care for the fairies of England?"

"You mean the cat woman you told me about? She sounds like a mess."

Gem: ”Indeed. Emerald's story was very clear, she was frankly lucky to get out of that situation alive. I can only guess how we might fare."

Artoria: shakes head "They are rather brutal rulers, and steal people's identities to take for their own. Merlin says we are waiting for a child of prophecy who will restore the kingdom so the people have rights again.” to Gem "...are you saying that others have been trapped in a situation like this before?"

Gem nods, "Unfortunately, yes..."

Commander Aife: ”I don't care for them either. As well as abandoning his mistress and setting this curse upon me, my great-great-grandfather struck a bargain with the powers that be in England so that he, following a banishment in disgrace by the King of Ireland, could seize the throne of Leinster.”

She circles her hands. "Which amounts to, he wanted power back, so he let the Brits into Ireland. One hopes that they don't stick around for too much longer! We'll be rid of them within the next ten years, I expect.”

"In any event, I suspect a far greater penance has been placed upon my great-great-grandfather's soul than any curse..."

"I don't know if fairies had anything to do with that. But it sounds like they may well have."

Gem: ”I admit I know not of any fairy creatures... we don't really have them on my world."

Artoria: ”I certainly hope they'll be gone, I'm sorry to hear people from my island have been causing problems in your home… Hopefully if we can overthrow Morgan Le Fey, that will help change for both of us then."

CommanderAífe nods appreciatively. Thank you, I appreciate that. I would certainly like to see this Morgan Le Fey gone.

Gem: ”I cannot imagine she's the nicest of people. Is she another fairy? Their queen maybe?"

Artoria: ”Their queen--she's actually somehow both a human and a fairy, and somehow gained the right to rule the Fairies. I have a picture of her if you want to see?"

she pulls it out

it is EXTREMELY obvious they are related.

The family resemblance is not subtle. Almost like the artist used the exact same facial template to draw them both.

"She sure looks mean!"

Commander Aife blinks. "mmyeahuh."

Gem simply quirks an eyebrow as she considers the similarities, and whispers: "...Fascinating."

Buster: Still no news on Rabbit With Apple by the way. I raided the gift shop to see if Mr Hook had stolen it, but alas not. The search continues.

Commander Aife: ”I wish you the best of luck with it... I understand why it's important to you!"

Gem: ”As do I. I do hope you find it before the week is out."

Artoria: I’ll keep an eye out for it, Buster.

Commander Aife: "Artoria... this woman looks a little familiar, doesn't she?"

Artoria: Squints, then looks back at her, then back at the image, then her eyes light up

"...you mean.... you... you mean... SHE was one of the fairies that caused your family problems?!!?!"

Commander Aife: "Artoria, is there anyone you know who bears a resemblance to Morgan Le Fey."

Artoria: ”Hmn... well... no I can't think of anyone? Until I came here I didn't really know any nobles!"

Gem conjures a hand mirror with a spark of magic and hands it to Artoria. "Look into this glass, and consider the drawing."

Artoria: Oh! Wow you must be really wealthy to have your own mirror!

looks into the mirror

looks at drawing

back

forth

back and forth

"W-wait--wait! You can't be thinking--"

"...you can't... be... I'm not... NO!"

Commander Aife places a hand on her shoulder. "Alright kiddo, deep breaths..."

Gem nods in agreement, "It is entirely possible that you are not. But the similarities are too strong to ignore."

Artori a:”…No this doesn't make sense! I don't even know who my parents are they found me in a basket in the river I'm just an ordinary... farm... girl...." 

her own words sink in

she sinks down

"...Oh. And... that's why Merlin paid so much attention to some random farm girl. Not because I was talented or anything... because... I'm the child of prophecy…." quietly "Oh."

Gem wraps her up in a hug, "My dear... I believe that you are talented. And I am sure Merlin believes so as well. You are more than any prophecy."

Commander Aife thinks of the weak ball of light Artoria conjured the other night. “Hmmm." She sits down beside her. "On the other hand, I have some good news for you, if you want to hear it."

Artoria: ”...Thank you, Miss Captain Gemini…" looks up curiously, wiping some tears "...whats the good news?"

Commander Aife: "You're going to be okay."

Artoria bursts into tears and throws her arms around Aife

Gem adjusts herself so she's hugging both of the other two.

Aífe hugs her back, rubs her hair a little. "There there pet, it's alright, it's alright."

Artoria: cries herself out, then pulls back and wipes her eyes again "...I'm sorry, I really let loose there huh? But thank you both... even if I'm not sure how I feel right now."

Gem smiles, "You're very welcome."

Commander Aife: "I've had some big changes in my own life: realisations about myself, realisations about who my family really are... so to speak. Not this, of course. But I'm still standing. And I know that you'll keep standing for a good long while yet."

Gem nods in agreement. "And whatever happens, whenever you need us... we'll be there."

Commander Aife: "We will."

Artoria: Thank you both. I'm so glad to have made some friends here. Sorry for making a fuss.... Here, shh, before the Cardinal sees slips you both a homemade piece of chocolate with a wink I made it with alchemy!

Gem: ”Oh, thank you!" Gem places it in her mouth and holds it on her tongue, letting it melt.

Commander Aife: "I knew I liked you."

Gem smiles, "She's quite the girl, isn't she, Number One?"

Commander Aife: "She certainly is, Captain."

Gem suddenly grins, and reaches into a pocket of her uniform trousers, placing a black and silver badge like the one she wore upon arrival. She places it into Artoria's hand, and adds: "When this situation is dealt with, Commander MacMurrough and I will return to my time zone... this will let you keep in touch with us.”

Artoria: ”Oh! Thank you... I will treasure it!" she pins it to her cloak how's it look?

Commander Aife: "Very dashing!"

Gem grins, "Beauitful."

Artoria: gets up and struts around with it a little "...and you're right! We will get out of here--together!" it his her "...how are both of you holding up?"

At this, Gem's smile fades and she slumps, feeling much older than 31. "When this is over... I expect I will have some more grey hairs in my mane and tail."

Artoria: ”...Ah... I'm sorry to hear it. But... yeah."

Gem nods. "In the five years I've been in command of the Endeavour, I have never experienced anything like this. Were it not for my training and experience, I might have crumbled. But I didn't... couldn't. Because all of us here, those alive and those who have passed... we are a crew. And it is my duty as captain to make sure you get out of this alive." 

She glances sadly in the direction of where Sir Reep and Captain Hook are buried. "I managed to fail two of them already... how many more will fall before this week is done?"

Artoria: Unfortunately I.... I can't say it will stop here... we know it won't but.... we'll do all we can, yeah?

Commander Aife: "You're right. We'll do what we can. It's a grisly business. But after so many years wandering the world in search of a cure... there's something to be said for a problem with a solution, however terrible."

Gem nods in agreement. “The best way to move forward is just like we did today: all-hands staff meeting just after daybreak and nightfall.” She glances to Aífe. “Number One: in case I should be killed tonight, per the chain of command you will become captain. I expect you to choose your own first officer, and lead this crew as I might have. Is that understood?”

Commander Aífe takes a sharp breath, but remains resolute. "I mean, yes. Of course." A pause. "I had better read up on torpedoes, so."

A thin smile appears on Gem's face. "One thing at a time, Number One. Ms. Lykos will be more than willing to lend a paw when the time comes."

Artoria: ”I'll help you then too! ...I assume this badge means I'm part of the crew?"

Gem nods. "As of today, we are all part of the crew. I just don't have badges to give out to everyone." She smiles a little more. "Welcome aboard, Ensign Avalon."

Artoria: ”Glad to be on the ship!” to Aife "Whats a torpedo?"

Aífe mimes an explosion with her hands and makes a "bhhhwhwhwhwh" mouth sound.

Gem nods, "Yes, that. Only in space."

Oh! Like my pipe bombs! Got it.

"Your... pipe bombs?" Gem looks puzzled. "What is a pipe bomb?"

Aífe mimes an explosion with her hands and makes a "bhhhwhwhwhwh" mouth sound.

Artoria: Yes! When I was in the barn I worked with my alchemy and magic to make true wonders: homemade explosives! Merlin just sort of looked at me unblinking for about two minutes straight when I showed him! ...don't have any with me though grumbles

Commander Aife: Looks at Gem. "I like her."

Poxxy: Such equipment would be highly useful in any upcoming wars. We should like very much to acquire these "pipe bombs" of yours, to destroy our enemies in combat and retake the Holy Land at last!

Gem grins. "With the right training, she could be an excellent tactical officer when she grows up. Or perhaps a chief engineer."

"However!" Gem continues, "She is still young. No longer a filly, not yet a mare. She deserves the chance to choose her own path in life. Mine led me to the stars, hers may lead her somewhere else. And that is okay, because she'll be supported no matter what."

Artoria: ”....I appreciate that you think I should have that choice. And I'd be happy to teach you how to make Pipe Bombs, Regent Poxxy! No one has ever asked that before!"

Poxxy: Excellent. We shall have to have a meeting to discuss it at the first opportunity

Gem: ”I know a mailmare whose flank is marked with seven bubbles. You'd not know it just from that, but she's the best mailmare in the land, not once has she missed a delivery." Gem smiles. "Damn the prophecy, Ensign. Your life is what you make of it.”