theclipper_tlv | (no subject)

[After the Nurse explains the situation, Norton mulls it over for a little while. He'd wanted be a warden, but this wasn't exactly what he had in mind. Still, he can make this work for him, might even come out ahead. It's certainly a far better outcome than he'd been expecting when they'd first been told the Authority was closing in on them. This is the best chance he's had in the last two years to be saved from ever being sent back to his fate in the time loop of forever dying. Because if there's one thing he can do very well, it's act happy no matter what. Once, to save his life, he made himself grin his way through weeks of alien suburbia hell giving cheerful open house tours of modern kitchens and also leading whole families to mass graves. Compared to that, this is child's play. Possibly literally if the décor is anything to go by. A few months of this and he can save himself.

And so he smiles brightly as he appears on the network in the morning for the first time.]

Good morning, my ducklings, it's another bright and shiny day here on our good clipper ship. For those of you who don't know me, my name is Norton. I'm a new Assistant. Isn't that dolly! And I'm so very looking forward to meeting each and every one of you. But for now, let's start the day off with the right spirit.

[And with that he starts singing Accentuate the Positive.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Maybe for Glenn Miller.

[He is happy for Norton, honestly - not being an inmate can change a lot. It certainly means a lot. Granted, this place is... well. This place.] That is a strength I'm not surprised you have. [The ability to bear anything with a smile. Very British.]

Have you talked to the Nurse at all? Since you got here, I mean. [Steve got the basic pitch, but it was about as useful as "meeting" the Admiral when he signed onto the Barge the first time. And now he's got no more access.]

I put in a request for Taylor, and tried to ask a few questions. The Nurse didn't respond to me at all, but the request was fulfilled. So the Nurse heard, just not very talkative.

Oh - good. [He lets out a breath; he'd seen Taylor and he very much hopes it was pre-request.]

I mean - about Taylor. Not the rest of it, I guess. Although listening is better than the alternative. Did they actually fill the request you made? No funny business?

No funny business as far as I can tell. But I made sure the request was something the Nurse would likely approve of. Taylor needed more insects around for her physical well-being so I asked for lots and lots of pretty butterflies.

[Steve's lips twitch into a smile at that.] I'm glad it worked. That was smart thinking.

You're keeping an eye out for her?

I am. Since Kaz isn't here, I'm doing my best to step in. Not that I'm at all parental material, but I know he'd want someone to look out for her and make sure she's okay.

Eh, you never know. You might just turn out to be a good dad, after all.

[He's teasing. But also not?]

Or big brother, if that's a little easier to stomach.

[Norton makes a face at the very suggestion of being a good dad.]

Have you been knocked on the head recently? Concussion?

Anyhoo, Taylor doesn't need anything fatherly from me, and I'm sure we're all grateful for that, just someone who can watch out for her interests on the ship, make requests with the Nurse, that sort of thing. I can manage that much.

[Steve tilts his head, as though he has to consider.] Not recently. That I recall.

[He smiles, just a little.]

All right. Big brother, then. I'm glad she's got you.

But you still let me know if you need anything, okay?

Oh there's certainly something I need, soldier, but I couldn't possibly ask you to give it to me. [He adds a coy flutter of his eyelashes at the end.] You're too much a gentleman.

[Steve laughs a little, though certainly not at Norton. He almost sounds both embarrassed and rueful.] I - yeah, I guess so. I'm sure you'll find someone who can help a charming fella like you out.

[Just maybe be a little discerning, hm? It seems to get you in trouble sometimes, otherwise.]