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[stonefaith]

Does anyone here happen to know anything about the sea? I was born far inland. Oceans are unfamiliar to me.

[ OOC: this is bariyan's incredibly subtle attempt to lure in people who can help him out on making this United Earth trip happen! and anyone else who wants to come along B) ]

Comments

[stonefaith]

I'm at a schoolyard a couple blocks away from the apartments. Here. [ directions attached ]

[boughtabookstore]

I can there shortly.

[ And sure enough, in about fifteen minutes she shows up, bag over her shoulder as she heads over to him and sticks her hand out. ]

[stonefaith]

[ Bariyan stares at the proffered hand for a while before he actually takes it. His grip is strong but awkward, and the handshake does not last for long. And he gets right to the point. ]

We're looking to go over into the United Earth. I've found a ship, but it probably needs looking at, and we don't have anyone who knows how to work it.

[boughtabookstore]

[ Business like. She can appreciate that. And she can also appreciate what he's saying. ]

I would have wanted to come along anyways, but as it is I can also offer some help. It depends on the boat as to whether I've specifically received training for it, but I can operate sailboats and the majority of small motor craft.

[stonefaith]

[ Bariyan only nods, but inwardly he's relieved. It's good to know that now they might have someone on the trip who's rather more familiar with the technology levels of this world. ]

I'm afraid I can't tell you what the boat is myself, but I can drive you out to the shipyard where I found it. Would you mind?

[ He gestures vaguely to the lone car in the parking lot, a beaten-up sedan. ]

[boughtabookstore]

Not at all.

[ She heads towards the car, moving quickly. No point in wasting time, after all, and this is something that she's definitely interested in. ]

What do you hope to find in the United Earth?

[stonefaith]

A less biased source of information. Or a more biased one, perhaps. I don't like knowing so little about our supposed enemy. But other than that, nothing specific.

[ Which is a little bit of a lie. He's leaving things out.

He swings into the driver's side and waits for Ros to settle before he starts the engine. ]

Is there anything you'd want to look into?

[boughtabookstore]

A smart move.

[ She doesn't suspect, but she wouldn't be too upset if she knew. Everyone has multiple motives for things.

She settles quickly and hmms thoughtfully at his question. ]

Information. Any at all. I find that what we're offered here isn't nearly enough.

[stonefaith]

Looks like we're in the same situation then. [ Bariyan taps his fingers against the wheel as they pull out into the street and start making their way down to the shipyard. ]

I've been in the United Earth once already, along with a few others. [ All of whom were conspicuously silent now, which worried Bariyan, but he hadn't the time to investigate. ] It was tough going. I don't imagine that it will be any easier this time around.

[boughtabookstore]

Aren't we all? [ A throwaway, slightly weary line.

But the mention of having traveled there before catches her attention further, and she turns a slightly sharp gaze on him. ]

This is the first I've heard of such a trip. Did you find anything?

[stonefaith]

Yes, we did. Not much. [ A small frown. ] Enough to know that there is far more freedom here than out there. I would not like to live here if the United Earth decided to invade again, for good.

[ He sighed, gaze unfocusing just slightly as the road straightened out and the buildings swept past. The drive was rocky, given the terrible state of the roads, but Bariyan didn't notice that sort of thing. ]

But now I have a better idea of what to expect, and the layout of the place. We'll see if we can find out more this time.

[boughtabookstore]

I assume you'll be making clear anything you learned on the previous trip for anyone accompanying you this time.

[ Holding on to the side of the car a little grimly but not making any complaints. ]

With previous knowledge, we should be able to make some progress.

[stonefaith]

Yes, I certainly will. [ wry smile ] Feel free to remind me if I forget.

And yes, we should. Assuming they haven't drastically upped their guard since our last trip.

[ Since that one had ended rather disastrously. Bariyan scowls to himself.

It doesn't take them much longer to arrive at their destination, but the road is blocked by debris. Bariyan pulls to a stop. They'll have to walk the rest of the way. ]

[boughtabookstore]

I will. [ A certain amused touch to it.

She gets out and starts walking, quiet as she considers the situation and possibilities. ]

How did you get there before?

[stonefaith]

There was a girl... she commanded, er, floating rocks. That took us across. Others in our group were able to walk across the water. [ He frowned. ] But I've been unable to contact any of them. [ Very concerned frown now; that was a strange thing with implications that he liked not at all.

He shrugged it off, though. ]

So this time it became necessary to find a ship.

[boughtabookstore]

I believe I know who you're referring to. The others - walking on water? Fascinating.

But no, I haven't seen her around recently. [ A note she files away. She hadn't paid much attention to it, but it is something to be aware of. ]

That makes sense. Let's see what you've got.

[stonefaith]

[ Bariyan nods and quickens his pace. They arrive at the shipyard soon enough. The docks, the water, the entire yard is almost empty of ships, save for the husk of some barge half-submerged further out into the sea, and a large sailboat sitting on a slipway, listing slightly to the left, the sails torn and limp.

Bariyan stopped where he was and gave the boat a critical eye. ]

There. [ He sighed. It was the best he could find and as of right now, he doubted its ability to sail. ] Apparently the shortest crossing over is not much of a distance, so... this might be enough.

[boughtabookstore]

[ It's a shame, an empty shipyard, and she sighs a bit but casts a quick look at the sailboat, assessing. ]

I believe I can operate it, so that won't be a problem, and it should be able to get us over the Channel.

It definitely needs repairs, though, and my expertise in mechanics doesn't extend that far.

[stonefaith]

[ Bariyan smiles a little. He's enormously relieved to have Roslyn on board, literally and figuratively. ]

I don't think that should be a problem, there's a few others here who I've contacted about repairs. I'll speak to them and see how long it'll take them. I'd like to leave well before the next mission, anyway.

[boughtabookstore]

[ she nods decisively, moving towards the ship to get a closer look. ]

That seems like a good idea, yes. The faster we can move without sacrificing quality the better, I think.