sixthiterationlogs | (no subject)

{The Inn}

The first thing Picard takes it on himself to see to, once it becomes apparent that things with the strange interlopers - or whatever they happen to be - aren't simply going to blow over, is to make sure that there's somewhere safe for people to go. Somewhere to fall back to, or to keep those who are either injured or not inclined to involve themselves in whatever combat might follow safe. And while the town hall is certainly one option, it stands to reason that the Inn is the better choice in the long run. After all, the Inn is also both a readily familiar location as well as one that is of more tactical significance besides, given the associated storehouses, and given that there's already barely any time for more elaborate plans, it'll be easier to shore up one building's defenses than trying to do so with two.

(If there's time once the Inn is secure, perhaps, but right now making sure there is a safe location at all is more important.)

Accordingly, he can be found pretty much anywhere in the Inn - speaking to people about any of a number of things (how best to secure it in the case of direct attack, where the best places would be to keep non-combatants are, what sorts of supplies should be stockpiled or gathered), helping shore up any necessary defenses, and otherwise coordinating the various threads of making sure that everything is proceeding as it should (and that none of those same threads are at cross purposes).

{Anywhere Else}

Of course, while the Inn is the most important, when it comes to not just coordination but all making sure that the village can survive a siege - if that's what this turns out to genuinely come to, and he's hoping that it doesn't even as he works on preparing for that exact thing - involves any of a number of other things besides. People to make sure that any necessary supplies are tallied up and brought to the Inn, or any other easily accessible location. People who might be willing to man the watchtowers, and keep an eye out for any unwelcome visitors, on the off chance that they are actually arriving that way. Even people who might be willing to see to (or help provide) weapons - he might hope they aren't necessary either, but better to have the option even so.

Accordingly, he can be found pretty much anywhere, and even without having so much as changed his clothes he looks much more the captain of the Enterprise then has typically been the case previously.

Listen, there is a lot going on here, and if nothing else, Nida knows how to deal with combat situations. The very thought of it is making him several kinds of nauseous, but that doesn't change the fact that it needs done. So when the suggestion to come to the inn had struck him as logical. Herding his people there had been a little less easy, but what can you do? For now, though, Nida sighs and stands in the kitchen, filling bucket after bucket with water from the sink. Want to make a defensible location? Well, he's going to figure out how to manage it anyway. For which the water will come in handy for that.

He wasn't the most eager for the whole situation, but come on, he was literally trained to do things like this. Just... not so much against people.

When Picard enters he looks up, and doesn't bother hiding how tired he looks.

"Fun week we're having, right?"

Herding people to any given location is never easy as it seems like it should be, for better or worse. In fact, even despite the fact that he's been working to make the Inn an easily defensible location, he suspects that a number of people will instead prefer to weather whatever happens in their own houses. For which he certainly can't blame them, to be perfectly honest. It might make things a little more difficult from a planning perspective, yes. But if people think they can make their own spaces defensible enough, that's their choice to make and he hasn't the authority to insist otherwise. Not here, so far away from the Enterprise.

Still, someone has to step up and see to it that the village gets through however much of a siege this happens to be, and while Picard isn't much more thrilled about it than Nida, he does at least have a fair amount of experience in the extended effort in cat-wrangling that taking command of a situation often turns into.

"It's not exactly something I can say I'd been looking forward to." It's not entirely surprising that it's gotten this far. But it's still not anything that Picard can say he's thrilled about, either. "Especially given that it's almost certainly going to get worse before it gets better."

"Life always gets worse. Whether it gets better enough to get back to parity is definitely the question," Nida shrugs. With his buckets full he picks them up and heads toward the back door of the kitchen. This he has to put the buckets down to open, but he does. Then he looks back over his shoulder at Picard. "But it could be worse. If there is one thing I know how to handle, it's a siege. And I come better equipped now than I was when I was a kid."

His hands lower to hover over his buckets and he raises them. He's not so good that he can do this with only a thought, but the gestures ground him. He lifts his hands and the water rises with them, until he flicks his wrists forward and the water is cast outside, beyond the limits of the porch. There it falls, only to rise again as he gestures with one hand as if lifting. The water forms a pillar of ice, and a gesture with the other hand calls the winds and freezes it all solid.

"Can you refill these? It's not the best sort of wall, but it's something to slow them. And the process would go faster if I had help."

"I'd like to hope that it manages to get back to what passes as normal, here." There's no way to tell for certain, of course, but he always has been inclined to hope that things will turn out for the best. "Although I agree that it could certainly be worse."

Sieges are, of course, never good news. But they're survivable, most of the time, provided that they they don't run on overlong. Which is, unfortunately, the part that there's no way of telling just at the moment. But the least they can do is be ready for it. To be able to hold the line as best they can and buckle down for the long haul besides. And for all that Picard is curious about what's changed for Nida over the time he spent back in his own world, he figures now is not necessarily the best time to ask either. When they have the Inn more defensible, perhaps, or if there's time in between the rest of the work, yes. But for now, he simply nods at the explanation.

He doesn't so much as bat an eye as Nida works his magic either. He's largely assuming it's something to do with the various abilities that the Observers are capable of granting, mind. But other than that he can't deny that it's certainly useful, even if it's not going to be the sturdiest of walls.

"Of course."

There's a nod to go with the words, as he picks up the buckets and heads back towards the sink.

"How long it will stay frozen like that?"

What has changed? Everything, Jean-Luc. Everything. But none of that matters beyond Nida helping the people here with their defenses. Does he intend to stay in the inn, hardly. He's a warrior, he's going to face the threat head on to protect those important to him. That doesn't mean he won't help the people in here anyway. Especially when the current bird-form he's got from the machine will allow him to pass the walls easily.

As for sturdiness, well, Picard underestimates just how much effort Nida is going to put into this. Three feet thick should be enough. It can be layered and reinforced, so he intends to do this until he's ready to fall over.

"It's not too warm out yet, so the physics says that with something that big, we should be able to maintain it for a few hours. Which will be all I need to get a circle around this place. From there I can start shoring it up with more water. That doesn't seem to have turned off. Just wish I could get the water out here faster. A few rounds, make it a few feet thick, and I'll pop in every day for a few hours of maintenance. It won't be too bad. I think. But it would be easier if there was someone else who had picked up wind power."

Beverly has been telling Ashley for a while she needs to talk to Picard, and while she's meant to before, things just kind of got in the way. And then she was gone from here, enduring what she's gone through, and while she's back here now, Ashley still isn't entirely in her right mind. Though at least she knows it.

Which is what led her to seeking out the man organizing things, though it's perhaps too late with all going on to discuss or worry about the kirin and their care.

Dressed in all black and armed with a knife she'd gotten from another before she'd found herself back home, Ashley is cautious in making sure that she doesn't sneak up on him, though her step is lighter than it's ever been before and she's had others not respond well to the changes.

"Pardon. Sir?" Nodding because as much as she feels a roiling in her gut, she's still trying to be herself. Even if she's sort of slipping entirely the other way in being overly cautious. It's better that way though. "I'd like to offer my services," she says. "As a guard or even to head out and try and take them down before they get to others here."

Edited 2019-04-14 15:46 (UTC)

Given that he's had times where he got unexpectedly busy even despite the village being a far cry from anything even remotely like the day to day life onboard the Enterprise, Picard is hardly going to blame anyone for taking a while to get to anything in particular. Not that he's actually aware that Beverly has telling Ashley that she should speak to him, but even so, he's hardly going to object if things have kept her from doing so until just now. True, there might be something of a crisis going on just at the moment, but that doesn't mean that he isn't more than willing to discuss whatever should need to be. Or whatever anyone should happen to bring up.

"There's no need to be that formal. Not here, at least."

He might be the captain of the Enterprise, yes, but the Enterprise isn't even remotely near, and there's a gentle smile to go with his words too. If she wants to, he's hardly going to stop her, but there's not strictly any need to either.

"But I'd be glad to accept those services. Having someone who could protect non-combatants on their way to the Inn and help repel invaders would be more than welcome."

During her little camping trip with John, Chloe had spent a lot of time trying to puzzle out the point of it. At the time, she assumed it was some kind of experiment, at best, or at worst, a sadistic game. Now, in retrospect, she's not sure if gathering all those supplies was serendipitous or just disturbingly well-planned.

"If this goes on for too long, we're going to run out of supplies." That's it. That's her greeting. Chloe is one of the least confrontational people in the universe, but she's in work mode (at least, as close to work mode as a cop can get in a place like this), so she's at least going to try to help. And this guy is the one who took charge, so she's going to him. Plus, he seems to know what he's doing. "We might want to think about putting together teams who can get more now, so we're not panicking at the last minute if it comes to that."

Either is entirely possible, given what Picard has seen of the Observers. Or rather, what he's seen of the various ways they've influenced or otherwise pointed the inhabitants of the village at various things. The fact that they might be dealing with a group of individuals who had seen this coming is... not particularly comforting, but right now there are far more important things at things at hand.

"I agree," he answers with a nod, not even so much as batting an eye at Chloe's unorthodox greeting. "I would certainly hope it won't come to that, but better to be prepared than not. We should also see how much is currently stored in the cellar. It might not be much at the moment, but if there is something there we can add to the overall supply better to have an accurate count beforehand."

Actually getting the teams set up is something he might delegate to Chloe, but for now he's at least willing to see how the conversation goes first.

His response elicits a reflection of relief on her face. It's not obvious, or long-lasting, but it's nice to know that there is someone here with their best interests at heart and who seems to have an idea of how to get the ball rolling.

"Good thing they sent us all on those wild goose chases a few weeks ago," she replies, still perturbed by the entire thing. But if almost getting eaten by a dinosaur-bird means they might survive a little longer, Chloe is fine with it. "I can get a few people together if you want to start taking inventory. It's not like we have a hell of a lot more to do." She pauses before offering her hand. "Sorry. Detective Chloe Decker."

Inn, barricading

While Aqua doesn't have the specific military background that Jean-Luc Picard does, she has enough combat experience and training as a keyblade wielder to know where her strengths lie. As Jean-Luc starts to make his way around, seeing to the overall organization of the barricade they are all planning, Aqua takes a step in a more specific direction. She walks around the perimeter, both inside and out, using everything she can find to shore up the defenses. The last thing they need is to be caught off-guard. For as much as this situation is designed to be a safe zone for anyone who needs it, Aqua knows well that they could just as easily end up being cornered and overrun if they don't do it right.

Anyone who expresses any interest at all in helping her is put to work as she uses furniture to block doors and windows and generally makes sure there aren't any weak points in the Inn's "armor." She isn't above turning to someone nearby if she needs a hand with something, either, and some people might find her asking, "Could you give me a hand?"

Inn, during the siege

During the event itself, Aqua spends her time floating around, putting herself to good use. She can be found anywhere in the Inn, asking after people's well-being, if they're okay or hungry or need something, or if they're hurt. Anyone who needs anything is pointed in the direction of the right person in charge or she might bring them some food and water herself.

Of course, all this tension means she probably isn't getting enough rest. Someone might want to tell her to take some time off.

Anywhere else

If Aqua gets wind of anyone stranded or needing help outside the Inn, she hops out the front door as soon as possible and will willingly put herself in between one of the residents and anyone or anything that wishes them harm. She's a good fighter and just wants everyone to be safe, if at all possible. Sometimes she even takes a quick trip around outside, just to be sure there isn't anyone out there she can see or hear, and if any of their attackers are nearby, she'll fight them off, too.

Edited 2019-04-11 22:51 (UTC)

For the most part, Beverly stays inside the Inn, tending to everyone who walks in. If she has a spare second when they walk through the doors, she asks for a quick medical examination just to be sure no one comes in needing immediate medical attention. Those who aren't injured are ushered through and those who are will be treated immediately. As always on this planet, she does what she can with the herbal supplies she has, treating and wrapping wounds and anything else that might come through the doors.

Later on, once things seem to be stabilizing, she makes rounds checking on everyone, lending a quiet but comforting sort of presence. No one gets left out, unless they're asleep. "How are you doing?" she says kindly. "Is there anything you need?"

"Better than you. You should be taking a nap."

Beverly hasn't been the only one working. There are only so many bows to be had here, and North knows his skill with archery isn't really enough up to snuff to handle defenses that way. At least he has something else to offer here. And that's another set of hands for triage and keeping Beverly from burning herself out.

In fact he's standing there right now, arms crossed over his chest as he considers her.

Who watches the watchers and all of that.

"Have you had a chance to eat yet?"

Beverly has been working herself a little bit too hard since they got all of this set up. She'll be the first to admit that. On the plus side, she isn't usually the type to keep pushing through everything and she knows when she can't argue. No one needs her to keep working through the days and nights, so a break every now and then isn't a bad idea.

She smiles ruefully at North Dakota. "I know, I probably should be." At least she isn't too proud to admit that. "Not yet. I'm guessing you're not going to let me escape until I do."

Honestly, she doesn't mind. She could use the company and a chance to talk.

"If I let you get away with not taking care of yourself, I'd be a poor assistant. And don't think I'll let this go. I'm an older brother," he offers with an amused smile. "To a really stubborn sister. I'll win this battle if it comes to it, if only because I'm stubborn myself."

He tilts his head away from the area that had needed her. Should get her into the kitchen, get some food into her stomach. And then, whether she likes it or not, get her set down for a nap. Maybe he isn't a doctor, but he's been a medic long enough to watch over the situation while she sleeps. And if war has taught him anything, it was that you never knew when you would get to sleep so you better when you could.

Beverly chuckles lightly in response, holding her hands up slightly. "All right. I know when I've been beaten." At least she can admit that much. "We've been lucky so far. Not many have really needed me." So she can concentrate on helping make sure everyone stays as healthy and mentally okay as possible.

Still, she knows she won't be getting out of this encounter without at least taking a break. Maybe after something to eat.

"Can I trust that you'll come get me if anything happens? Even if I'm asleep."

"Now come on, this is clearly the face of someone trustworthy," North teases, voice genuinely light. In the grand scheme of things, this particular little siege isn't something worth worrying too much about. Not from his experience. No, this was just something they would get through because they had no other choice.

"I'll definitely be exercising some healthcare provider privilege, though. if the 'anything happens' is only something like someone dropped a pot of soup, I'm not waking you unless it involves an injury I can't handle."

Which he feels is fair. Someone like her is needed as rested as she can be at ail times.

His tease goes a long way to helping her relax about it all. She laughs at it, grateful for the humor, even in a situation like this. "That's fair enough," she agrees with a smile and a nod. "I think a little bit of spilled soup can be handled without me hovering." If there are injuries involved, then she expects to be woken. Otherwise, she knows everyone else here is more than capable of handling things.

"I'm nothing if not fair. Most of the time. Sometimes. But it strikes me that your rested state is a lot more important here than a lot of other people's. Most of us can double up on chores or other duties, but if someone gets badly hurt, we've only got you."

So he'll figure it out, right? That's what matters, figuring it out. Getting through this. Thinking to what they're going to do after as a morale boost.

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Jean-Luc Picard | OTA

The Inn - Ice to See You

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Around the village

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The Inn

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aqua | ota

beverly crusher | ota

Take A Break Beverly!

yes, good \o/

He's used to fussing over stubborn women

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