Bermuda Holiday Session 2

Princess Guard - The New Era 2016/08/12 	 Charm Titan Cecila Wolf Harlequin 25

The Fae Princess Cruise Liner
The cruise liner navigates the harbour and gets out to sea. The sheer size of the ship and excellent stabilizers reduces motion of the liner to a slight gentle roll. Soon after leaving port the Captain addresses the passengers over the ship's PA system -

"Good morning ladies, gentleman, and others. I'm your captain during this cruise, John Betterworth. The liner's recreational facilities will be opening in a few minutes for your enjoyment. This is a big ship, so if you connect your PDA to our private net you can download an APP that will show directions to any publicly accessible location. You may also use the APP to call for assistance from the Pursor's department."

Wolf will just explore the whole ship, learning where smells like what! (That usually comes in super-handy for tracking purposes in case something untoward does happen later.) This task will be even easier and also a lot more fun with Cecila/Bulldozer as company. . . no one is going to get too angry at a blind girl for being somewhere that they "shouldn't" be and no one is going to get mad at her service dog for not using the map app! :) We can just say: "Oh! Sorry! *Where* are we, again? Wow. OK. Hm. How did we wind up -there-?"

Titan goes ahead and downloads the application to his PDA. "Hmm. Sure would be nice if we could have something similar to track where the kids are."

Charm goes ahead with her plan - she goes up on deck and starts painting. This is in part because she actually wants to capture the view as we leave port, but also affords her a good opportunity to cast an eye over a large number of passengers.

Titan tries to keep a general eye on the kids while at the same time relaxing as much as possible.

The kids seem to have a plan. They head straight to the stern sun-deck. Where the best ice-cream is available. Soon the six kids, Leonid having joined them, are seated around a table busily getting on the outside of ice-creams and using their PDAs to virtually explore the liner's facilities.

Charm keeps an eye on the kids, since she is well situated for that - and in particular keeps an eye on anyone who is /watching/ the kids.

Titan rests out on the sun deck on one of the lounge chairs. He's using the same disguise as prior years, so he assumes the kids know who he is. He looks over the rest of the crowd to see if anything stick out to him.

The kids don't seem to notice Johnathan. They are engrossed in the PDA searches and eating far too much ice-cream.

When Cecila and Wolf are in one of the crew only corridors they are approached by an engineer in a mostly clean but greasy in spots overall. "Excuse me, Ma'am. This area is off-limits." he tells Cecila.

Wolf *sniffs* the engineer politely, making apologetic-sounding "Wwhhrrrf?" noises.

The kids apparently come to a decision. Finishing their ice-creams, they race back to their cabins to grab towels and swimming costumes. Then rush to the mid deck Olympic standard swimming pool there.

The engineer lets Wolf sniff his hand. "Hello boy." he says to Wolf. "Is your dog a he or a she?" he then asks Cecila.

Charm concentrates more on her painting now the kids are on another deck, though she still continues to observe her fellow passengers.

After a while Charm realizes a man and woman couple are standing behind her looking over her shoulder at the painting she is doing.

Titan considers getting up and following the kids. Instead he decides to just wander a bit. He stands up and heads off, walking the ship to just take in the sights.

Charm has a glance over her shoulder to see who is there - and whether they're just admiring the painting or might have some other purpose.

Cecila smiles a bit at the engineer and ahs "He's a he and sorry I keep getting lost. It's a pretty big ship" she admits as she's mostly followed along with where Wolf wanted to go "Which way was it to the lunch room again?"

A bubbly redheaded young woman gives Johnathan a second glance. "Hello." she says approaching him. "Would you like to have a drink with me?"

Wolf evidently understands the word "Lunch" quite well as evidenced by the fact that he wags his tail with enthusiasm directly after C mentions "lunch room" and looks to the helpful engineer with keen attention to see if he's going to help take them where the FOOD is!

The engineer smiles, "She is a big ship. The largest I've served on. If you allow I'll guide you to a lunch room. There's quite a number of them. What kind of food are you looking for?"

Titan isn't quite used to this kind of reaction with the disguise going. Perhaps it isn't working currently and he doesn't know it? He smiles slightly. What could it hurt to hang out a bit? "Thanks. Sounds great to me."

When Charm looks over her shoulder the couple move forwards, "Good morning, Ms. That's wonderful. Quite wonderful." the man says. "I'm Kurt Russel. This is my wife Marion. We run a small gallery in Miami."

"Me too." the bubbly redhead says. She makes to link arms with Johnathan. "I love cruises, don't you. They're a chance to get away from stuffy expectations and let my hair down."

Charm says, "Oh, thanks! Nice of you to say so - I'm Alison."

Cecila hmms and smiles a bit "Maybe that's why I got lost. As for the kind of food well this is a Caribbean cruise so I figure might as well try some cuisine from that part of the world if possible"

Titan smiles and lets the redhead link arms with him. "This is the first cruise I've been on, honestly. How about you? Do you travel often?"

The wife, Marion, steps closer to look at Charm's painting, "You have a very distinctive style, Alison. I don't think I've seen anything quite like it. Where do you show?" she asks Charm.

Charm says vaguely, "Oh, I don't, really. I just paint for myself...."

The engineer nods, "We have food from all over the world, Miss. Caribbean food is no problem. Please follow me." he says, and offers his hand to guise Cecila.

The redhead nods, "Yes. It helps me unwind. I try to fit in a cruise between each project." she tells Johnathan, holding his arm tucked in hers.

Titan nods, "So what is it that you do, if you don't mind me asking?"

Kurt smiles, "You should consider it, Alison. We'll be pleased to put on an exhibition of your works." he tells Charm.

Sasha sleeps in on this first day of the cruise then checks in on the rest of his little wolves via the magic of a PDA link. And well, magick as well in the form of long distance scrying. Once he determines all is well on the home front, the glamoured man goes out to find Leonid et al, but takes his time, wandering through the Fae Princess taking in the sights and noting the security.

The bubbly redhead chuckles, "I'm a rocket scientist. Plasma drives to be exact. I'm a department head at the Starguard research facility at Goddard."

The kids, including Leonid, are have a great time in and around the mid deck swimming pool.

Titan smiles. "Wow. That's impressive. I know a few people working at Starguard in Colonial Bay, but they're in Gamma, rather than research."

Charm says, "Really? Well, I don't know...."

The bubbly redhead turns to face Johnathan, "You're from Colonial Bay? That's like the holy grail. Where first contact happened. It's also like Meta City isn't it. Do you know any of the superheroes there?" She sounds really excited.

Marion smiles, "You should exhibit. Art of that quality deserves an audience."

Sasha, in the guise of Steven, watches the kids for a few minutes then goes over to the stewards and staff on duty around the pool area. He tips them well to make certain his 'son' and his friends are well taken care of. His manner is polite but formal with them.

Titan nods slowly, "I do. I know several of them, actually. Some of them even like to go on vacations." He smiles.

Cecila smiles and accepts the hand as she follows the engineer. Naturally she'll get some food for her and Wolf before going poking around some more and likely ending up somewhere they shouldn't be again.

The kids spot 'Steven' and he gets waves from the school kids and a hug from a wet Leonid, "Is wonderful." is what Leonid says.

Charm decides that modesty isn't going to get them to drop the subject - so she goes with "Really? Well... I'll think about it." After all, "Alison" will disappear in a few days, and her becoming a notable artist would really complicate things.

The engineer leads Cecila and Wolf to a lunch room and before returning to his duties takes time to speak to the lunch room staff asking that they look after your needs. He stops by on his way to offer his hand to Wolf and scritch behind ears.

Sasha waves back to the Lord Markham's kids then looks down at the wet Leonid. He chuckles then says with with a gentle smile, "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself, Leonid. I'll be around. Have fun!" He then goes to dry off.

Wolf leans happily back into the scritching, wagging and closing his eyes briefly in contentment.

Charm continues her painting while in seemingly distracted conversation with the couple.

The redhead is bubbly but not 'blond'. She grins, "Wow. Which hero are yo... Forget I asked that. I bet you have some incredible tales to tell about the heroes you know."

Titan smiles and decides to back up his bragging about knowing heroes. After all, surely nothing bad will come of it. He says to the rocket scientist, "Watch me closely when the hallway clears." He waits until the hallway is empty and he turns off his disguise briefly. Just long enough for any recognition to set in. And then he turns it back on.

The redhead whoops! Then belatedly looks around to see if anyone heard her. "Oh wow. Titan. I've seen every one of your films."

Kurt hands Alison a business card. "Please do think about it. And... would you like to join us for dinner tonight?"

Charm says, "Oh - yes, thank you. That's very kind!"

Charm has the sudden thought - perhaps instead of hiding her talents, this time as "Alison" can let her show them for a change! After all, there's no reason to connect her with Charm, or with Princess Meleryniel, or with Melanie....

Titan smiles, "Thank you. I appreciate it." He thinks about it for a moment, "It sounds like you're someone who likely follows heroes and gossip and the like. So, you likely know I'm seeing someone. And used to date the Princess." He motions to the ship in general. "But...I'd still be interested if you'd join me for dinner this evening. The company would be welcome."

Cecila smiles a bit as she heads over to the food with Wolf likely following her and starts to fill up a pair of plates... one for her and one for him. She's going for some coconut rice and chicken but naturally she's using her communicator thing to see what he wants.

The redhead nods, "I'd be delighted to join you." she says, and leans in to give Johnathan a quick and chaste kiss on the right cheek if he doesn't stop her.

Titan doesn't stop her from doing so. He smiles. "Thank you." He then exchanges contact information with her and sets up a time and place for dinner.

Wolf is thinking: Coconut! Yum! Then he thinks: Chicken! Yum! . . . and the process pretty much repeats with every item they pass. Since he has spent months where he's eaten mostly dumpster-cardboard to get at the residual calories from the old pizza stains on it, this lunch a feast to be savored and appreciated. He thinks to himself that he should eat slowly, enjoying every nuanced flavor. And then he doesn't: *nom nom nom chomp scarf scarf wag*. . . *wag wag wag wag wag wag wag*

Steven looks around the pool area for a moment then lets his hand rise up to his ear. He murmurs mentally over the link .oO( Do any of you have eyes on the Steel twins, Mark and Patricia? They are not with the other kids. )Oo.

Charm casts her eyes around the stern deck, looking for the twins.

Charm says, .oO( They're not here. )Oo.

Titan says over the link, .oO( I haven't seen them either. Not since they were in the deck with Charm and myself earlier.  )Oo.

Steven sighs softly then murmurs over the link, .oO( I'll go look for them. If anyone spots them, sing out. )Oo.

The first step Stven takes in trying to find them is...to sit down with a nice drink at a table under an umbrella. His second step is to sip the drink while he slowly scries the ship from bow to stern.

Wolf's ears perk up at the incoming message traffic. He instantly stops eating and "Whrrrf?" 's to 'dozer while mentally asking if she thinks they should go and track the kids by scent-trail?

Cecila nods a bit to Wolf and asks .oO( You still smell them? )Oo. as she stuffs her face with the food before getting ready to go look for the kids.

Wolf can track the two missing kids. They left the pool and returned to their cabins to change clothes, and then headed off to the sports facilities area of the liner. The scent trail enters a door labelled 'Lasertag Lounge'.

Wolf briefly *snuffles* the bottom of the door frame so he can remember what a Lasertag smells like -- whatever that is.

Cecila heads along with Wolf. When they get to the door she tries opening it... or you know listening for the sound of the kids having fun since that's her specialty.

Wolf sends a snapshot of the "Lasertag Lounge" sign, over the MindLink to Sasha and the others.

The door opens into a reception area. On one wall are lasertag pistols and target harnesses. A door on the far side of the room is labelled playing area. Beside the door are large display screens showing views from the playing area. There's a couple of crew running the games. And a burly guy in a tracksuit who is boasting about being the coach of the Maryland junior lasertag team and how his team is going to wipe the floor with everyone they play against.

At the moment the display screens show the two teams in their base positions waiting for the play to stay. One team is wearing matching uniforms, the other team just casual clothing. Mark and Patrica are in that team.

Wolf also sends a snapshot of Mark and Patrica's team to Sasha et. al. figuring that should complete his mission.

Cecila smirks a bit at Wolf and replies over the link .oO( I think the kids are fine they just shuck off to try some other stuff. Kinda feel bad for that coach because his team is probably going to lose pretty badly )Oo.

Steven turns his scrying to the Lasertag Lounge when Wolf informs him of the kid's position. He watches for a moment then relays over the link, .oO( Yes, they probably will. Which will rather defeat the purpose of the twins not standing out. )Oo. He thinks for a moment then adds, .oO( Well, perhaps the kids will realize that. Anyone wanna place bets? )Oo.

Charm starts another painting, just a sketch really, with the ship itself as its subject matter. It's the sheer bulk and strength of the ship that fascinates her, rather than its superficial niceties, and the painting makes a feature of that infrastructure.

Titan says over the link, .oO( As long as they're accounted for, it's all good. Thanks for double checking, all.  )Oo.

.oO( Well, the match is about to start, so if there are no bets, I should refresh my drink to be in fine announcer form... )Oo. comes from Sasha over the link.

And indeed, he does signal a steward to just that as he sits on the pool deck amidships.

The game starts. At first Mark and Patrica contain themselves, missing with shots and barely avoiding the other team's fire. The other kids on their team are quickly eliminated without loss to the 'professional' team. The coach grows more boastful and the kids of his team start taunting the other kids... in a nasty and unfriendly manner. Only Mark and Patricia are left on their team. And the taunting and insults directed at the casual team become even nastier.

.oO( And the crowd, if there was one, would be riled up now by the poor sportsmansip of the other team. How will the Steel twins respond? )Oo. comes the color commentary from Sasha.

Cecila smiles a bit at Wolf, sure she'll stick around for the game .oO( Probably by mopping the floor with the professional team. I'm sure they've gotten some combat training at the school which will be helpful against a professional team )Oo.

Charm asks, .oO( Why have sports if you lack a sense of the sporting? )Oo.

Wolf turns around in a small circle and then settles down to curl up at Cecila's feet and watch the proceedings. ..

The answer to that question is not long in coming. Mark and Patricia go on the offensive, darting from cover to cover faster than the other team can line up a shot. And every time the twins fire another of the uniformed team is lit up by the target harness they wear signalling a hit. It takes the ex-Steel twins less than ten seconds to eliminate the entire Maryland State Championship team.

The coach is silenced.

.oO( And cover as normal kids mostly blown. Time for everyone to start talking up the Steel Kids as hardcore laser taggers. Spoilt by their parents with a private arena. Unless anyone else has a better idea? )Oo. murmurs Sasha dryly over the link.

.oO( Still, the look on the Maryland coach's face is...priceless... )Oo.

Charm remarks, .oO( How could they do otherwise? Against that braggart, honour was at stake. )Oo.

As their adrenaline fades the Steel twins look at each other sheepishly. Meanwhile the other kids of their team are crowding around high-fiving and cheering.

Wolf says .oO(

Patience tested, twin cubs answer: firing volleys true.

Nerves of Steel have won the day, against the whole school crew.

The M-State fighters sag in sadness, staring at their feet

Their alpha looks as if he's tasted: slabs of rotted meat.

)Oo.

Cecila smiles a bit and nods at Wolf "Well you know what they say, there's always somebody better" she also sends that comment over the link as well as she pets Wolf a bit .oO( Yeah if they ask about it I'll say so. )Oo.

Steven looks over at the kids in the pool then calls out, "Hey, where did the twins go? Are they off laser tagging again? Don't they get enough of that at home?" He shakes his head. "Talk about obsessed," he mutters in a stage whisper.

The coach is still quite speechless. As is the defeated championship team. As the casual team emerges it seems that the twins have had the same idea. They are telling the other kids in their team, "My dad had a room in his tower made into a lasertag room for my sister and me. We've been training since we were able to walk." All mostly true, but also quite misleading.

Graham Sparks shouts back from in the pool, "Yeah. They went off to the lasertag place."

One of the kids around the Steels asks, "Your dad has a tower?"

Charm asks, .oO( What, incidentally, is lasertag? )Oo."

Mark nods, "Yes. Quinn Tower. Mr Quinn is my dad."

Titan says over the link, .oO( It's kind of a war simulation. You shoot 'laser pistols' at each other. Only they don't really hurt people. they just register as a hit on harness to simulate getting shot.  )Oo.