shipmaster | (no subject)

[ The herm considers the shorter stranger, after a moment, touching their own neck briefly. ]

And you're crooked. I wonder which one of us is stranger. [ It's said brightly, almost lightly, fingers dropping to alight on his face. ] Or if there is anyone else at all.

[ Miles jolts a little at the hand on his face. Not ... sure if he likes that?? Mostly he's frazzled as his mind flails wildly, trying to latch onto anything it can. ]

There has to be. I mean, there's games, right? And Judges? That sounds like people.

[ They pull back, hand dropping to their side. ]

Do they count? It says they aren't to be trusted.

Even people we can't trust are still people. Probably.

[ He's reasonably certain of that, anyway. ]

Anyway, we're in the same colors, so bet that means we can trust each other.

[ They answer that with a rolling shrug, either way is fine. ]

There is that... I'm not sure what I should call you.

[ Miles flashes them a brilliant grin. ]

Handsome, maybe? Interesting?

[ Again, that moment of thought and nearly feline regard before they break into a laugh. ]

Yes, certainly that.

[ He rather likes both of those things, he thinks. And he's instantly fascinated by watching them play out on his other person's face. ]

Maybe a bit more towards beautiful for you. You have a lovely face.

[ They reach up and slide their own fingers across their own face as if they could map out what lovely or beautiful wa- Ah! They look up with a sudden thought, and push their telescope towards Miles. ]

Here, look at this. Tell me if it is me. [ It had and hadn't sounded like them, in that odd way recordings do. Enough to be suspicious and enough to doubt. ]

What, in here?

[ He blinks down at the device, but -- all right, he's game. He sets his own down on the floor in favor of looking into theirs. ]

In there, it's the most unique thing so f-

[ Their enthusiastic answer is cut off as his world is overtaken by sight and sound. The herm is standing, cocksure and with an odd trace of dark humor, dressed in some brilliantly colorful formalwear showing off male and female traits.

"As far as sacrifices go, it'll be worth it." Here their smile turns ironic. "I do this willingly." ]

[ The clothes are different but the rest match well enough. Miles looks between the two carefully. ]

It's you all right. Talking about sacrifices. Which isn't the most comforting thing I've ever heard.

That's me, then?

[ They exhale at that confirmation. The other blank taps a finger against their lips. ]

No, it really isn't. None of this is. I think the only thing comforting so far is the arrival of company. [ Not that they seem particularly dampened by it either. ]

[ There is something electrifying about the possibility of danger. He can feel it too, thrumming in his bones. ]

Well, I'm glad to have you too. And if you're in yours, I assume I'm in mine.

[ He indicates his own telescope. ]

You haven't looked? Mind if I...?

By all means. Go ahead.

[ When they do look, there's Miles - in his nice suit, looking deeply frustrated. Someone had to record this multiple times due to trying to cheat too hard.

"Fine, fine. Don't forget who the real enemy is. And cheat like hell." He half raises one arm, but stops just before he can show that imPort barcode on his wrist. "I do this willingly." ]

[They watch more than once, disbelief turning into laughter at the second viewing. It dims to a grin as they toss it back to him.]

Oh, it's you, certainly.

Before you watch : Do you remember anything at all?

[ Huh? That's good, right? Miles smiles in a puzzled sort of way, hoping he's making a good impression. ]

No, nothing whatsoever. Why, do you?

[Their expression brightens even further. Clearly a good sign, certainly.]

If remembrance were thought I'd a witless fool.

But please, see for yourself. [They wanted to see this reaction.]

[ Good. He's glad of that. So he takes the telescope gladly enough, peering into it. ]

... Huh. I certainly seem confident?

[ He's less certain okay. ]

[Aw.]

A good look for you, indeed.

A shame though, I'd have hoped for a hint about our enemies.

[ Hrmm. He taps at his chin for a moment, thinking hard. ]

Well I don't remember any they could apply to at the moment. Unfortunately?

Mm. I wonder what is worth the sacrifice myself, but I imagine I'll see.

...

We must have fucked up very badly.

Impressively.