007 [Audio]-shortly after the lights go out fully.

[call_me_saffron]

Uh. The ship's still working, right? It doesn't feel...

[Muttered to herself:] Life support's still on. I think.

Calm down, girl.

[There is a crackling sound as the communicator is set down, then some shuffling, and a very prominent thud. Have some swearing intermingled with Chinese. It takes a while for Saffron to find the communicator again; during

Comments

someone wears layers

[young_idealist]

I can loan you my coat if you're cold in whatever you're wearing.

HER HERO

[call_me_saffron]

I...

That would be amazing. Thank you.

he's proud to help a young lady dress "decently"

[young_idealist]

Where should I find you? Travel is a little slow.

[call_me_saffron]

Sixth level. If you walk into somebody sitting down outside cabin ten, you've found me.

assume or spam?

[young_idealist]

Right then. I'll be there shortly. Tis only a coat, and perhaps a... vest, but it should help you keep warmer.

I'm game for either—if you think we could squeeze a little CR outta it, spam works for me

[call_me_saffron]

Better than what I've got.

we can get a little, then Armand has /things to do/ which might be unimportant in the end

[young_idealist]

Look for me, if your eyes adjust any.

[Later, much longer than Armand planned for being only one floor from where she was, he trips out of the stairwell with a muttered curse, then slowly walks toward where he thinks she'd be waiting by her room.]

Mademoiselle Saffron?

Spam

[call_me_saffron]

[Saffron's head jerks in the direction of the voice. She can just about make out the figure of a man. Finally.]

That's me. I'm... I'm here.

[While she speaks, she climbs carefully to her feet and moves toward his fuzzy silhouette, stopping a polite distance in front of him.]

Thanks for coming.

Spam

[young_idealist]

[Armand smiles before he realizes she can't see it. So he bows, hoping that the more grand movement can be seen. Then he removes his coat. He holds out his other hand to her.]

I'm sorry for taking so long. I wish I had something else to offer you.

Spam—WHOOPS WRONG ACCOUNT.

[call_me_saffron]

[Saffron catches the bow and is taken aback by it momentarily; she's not used to this sort of frippery, certainly not in this place. She hears the rustle of fabric and can just about pick out the shape of his hand extended to her, which she takes.]

Don't worry about it, honestly. You're not...going to be cold without that, are you?

Spam

[young_idealist]

[Armand shrugs, then laughs at himself.]

No, I don't think so. Wool. Linen. Modern clothes aren't half so warm.

[The hand gives him a good idea where she is, so he smiles again, hoping that being close will make it barely visible.]

Wear it in good health.

Spam

[call_me_saffron]

[Saffron can't quite see the smile, but it carries through to Armand's voice. She smiles, in turn, and gives the man's fingers a little squeeze. She's surprised by how much of a relief it is to be in another's company, having spent so long alone in the dark.]

Better than walking around in nightclothes, anyway. Thank you, Armand.

Spam

[young_idealist]

When this crisis is over, contact me and I'll send someone to collect it.

[He squeezes her hand back, because he's kind, and he's so glad to be helping someone.]

If nothing else, I know I've helped you.

Spam

[call_me_saffron]

I'll try to take good care of it, then.

[A subtle laugh, and then she slips her hand free of his and takes the coat, slipping it on over her shoulders.]

A little big, but it'll do.

Spam

[young_idealist]

Lucky then that I'm not a bigger man.

[He's trying to sound cheerful in the dark.]

Take care of yourself. I suspect the cold will get worse before it gets better.

Spam

[call_me_saffron]

[A nod; she exaggerates the gesture so that he hopefully catches it.]

I will. Thanks again, Armand.