Storm's Brewing (E 1.1, C 1.2)

My body moves as a separate entity from my mind, disconnected, auto-pilot. I simply step to the side of the entrance, hands clasped behind my back, and wait. My calm demeanor on the outside is almost a humorous juxtaposition of the chaos of my mind.

Security was clearly communicating with someone here and it seemed apparent we were each required to be present. I think to myself. Maybe I can piece something together.

I can't hide a subtle smile as my expectations are confirmed, but I'm not nearly as boisterous or vocal as Millions. I step up and offer him my hand... cold and calloused as it is... and at the offer of coffee (which I delivered to the tower no doubt) I have more to say. "Coffee would be amazing. Hot as you can make it."

As I move to the seat he offers, I spare a look at Edmund, who seems deep in thought and still concerned... I'm having trouble imagining why. Everything seems fine now. We're here. The delivery is safe. Edmund might see the silent question on my face, 'what's the problem?'

Edmund,

You watch the security detail as they usher you, Blue Light, and Canary to the little cafe. They're not worried about the cart and crates that Blue Light is mothering. Millions isn't after Princy's dren - he may not even know what it is. And more than that, he wouldn't do it because Canary brought it here and he's much more interested in her.

Everyone seems focused on Canary at the moment, and by everyone, I mean Millions - the others just seem intent on making him as comfortable as possible. Blue Light's whisper tugs my attention back to the moment.

"Indeed, I believe that is a wonderful idea." I whisper back to him. This Blue Light is making quite the positive impression so far. Keeping a level head under changing circumstances, all the while maintaining focus on finishing the job. I'll make sure to let Princy know so we can compensate accordingly and hopefully utilize his services in the future.

I confidently but silently move to usher Blue Light out of the crystalline café. With a shallow dip of my head toward John, I quietly state our intention to her. "This matter was expected upstairs a little while ago. We shall return posthaste."

"You are certainly welcome. Is something the matter?" I smile kindly at her as we begin walking through the court. "Is there a threat to the building, or someone here I should be aware of?"

It starts to feel a little less comfortable as Millions gets more and more carried away. Wiith the kindness, with the coffee.... I don't even know what I'm supposedly getting at this point. Whipped cream?

I'm at a loss for words as he speaks quickly, and with authority, "I... no... just coffee... I didn't mean..." hard to get a word in, and I'm not exactly assertive right out of the gate.

Finally he asks what brings me here, though I thought it was obvious, "delivery." I say simply, while gesturing with a thumb towards the hastily retreating Edmund and Blue Light. "Refuge is fine. Need bullets. Fifty-cal. Maybe a little diesel."

I stare for a few long seconds at the cup and I feel a bit like a mouse staring at a piece of cheese.

I glance up at Millions, then back at the cup. It's no doubt decadent... "well, why waste?" I say, lean forward to take the cup surprisingly gently, perhaps, by my fingertips. I give it a good smell, close my eyes... take a sip.

It's better than I expected, "this is actually really good...." I have to admit.

I force myself to put the cup down and stand. There's an ache in my bones that never leaves. Life at sea.

"I'd appreciate the fifty cal... pay a fair price of course. And happy to talk to your somebody about gas. Yeah. But... what's this all about?" I glance at the cup again. "A real shower would be amazing... sir... to be honest... but I didn't expect... all this... when I came here."

Trying to keep it nice. I'm not accusing or anything, mostly genuinely surprised and... yeah... a little suspicious.

Edmund, please go here.

I find myself closing my eyes with each bite... then reminding myself where I am.

"I remember," of course I do, "he did his part. Good man."

I do keep it lean. Lonely, even... sharing a ship isn't just a job. It's intimate, it's trust.

I hold up my hands defensively, "whoa, whoa... I work alone. I've worked alone..." I hesitate for a moment as what I'm about to say isn't exactly true, "...forever."

I look down at the floor, take a step or two like I'm pacing the deck... in thought... then glance up at him. "pay me to pay him?" Still looking down at the floor, my eyes dart about as I think. Finally I look him in the eyes, "how much we talking about? How much do I pocket?"

The taste of delicious food still lingers in my mouth, I run my tongue over my teeth as I think.

Could be worst things... he did work hard, I mean... I think so. I wouldn't say he sucked in front of the holder Millions here. But it might lead to some better jobs for the Tower. I could get used to this.

"So he works for me, yeah?" I cross my arms, now in a serious mode. 'Sir... If we do this, I can't guarantee anyone's safety. The waters are dangerous out there. And... if he doesn't pull his weight, he comes right back here. No questions asked, that's my call." I lower a serious gaze at Millions for a second... I'm out of my comfort zone here, but I gotta lay down some expectations or this is a no-go.