[Audio Parrot from the hold of the Grey Lady]

[detectivewonder]

[The parrot does a remarkably good job of reproducing the creaking, echoing sound quality of the space. The singing, while cheerful, is a little creaky as well, and more than a little jaded.]

When I was just a lad looking for my true vocation
My father said "Now son, this choice deserves deliberation
Though you could be a doctor or perhaps a financier
My boy why not consider a more challenging career

Hey ho ho
You'll cruise to foreign shores
And you'll keep your mind and body sound
By working out of doors

[He breaks off with a weary laugh.]

Well. That didn't work out as intended.

Comments

action.

[peckish4action]

[A little bit after the bird has flown out? There might be a small sound. Like somebody letting out a long-held breath. No more singing, hopefully...]

action.

[detectivewonder]

[No, but there'e whistling. A very well-imitated songbird twitter.]

action.

[peckish4action]

[And all the motion - and louder breathing - stops at the sound.]

[That is, until there's a resounding smack of palm on skin. Stupid mosquitoes.]

action.

[detectivewonder]

You can come out, you know. I probably won't be chasing you down any time soon.

action.

[peckish4action]

[Silence.]

[And when he speaks up, the voice comes from a different place than the mosquito-smack was from.]

But you can call on others who will.

action.

[detectivewonder]

And I could have done so already. Or sent a scroll with my parrot, when I sent him. But I didn't.

action.

[peckish4action]

[Still unseen.]

Why didn't you?

action.

[detectivewonder]

Should I? Are you here to sabotage Captain Harkness' ship?

action.

[peckish4action]

... wouldn't that be sorta stupid? Sabotaging the ship you're on?

[Never mind that he could theoretically go back to the shore. It's not an option just now, for him.]

action.

[detectivewonder]

That depends on how well you can swim.

action.

[peckish4action]

That... wouldn't be doing you much good, would it.

But, no, I don't mean to sabotage anything. Other than the yelling directed at me at that place from here on.

[action]

[chronosexual]

[ It's about mid morning when Jack comes to call. With luck, he'd managed to get one of the crew to hop ashore and get some fresh food. This morning, he's brought him some ham, milk, an egg, and a fresh apple. ]

Good morning to you.

[action]

[detectivewonder]

Good morning, Captain.

[He never lets his cheer flag for more than a moment when he's speaking to the Captain. The Red Robin is cheerful. The Red Robin sings. It's important to him to remain the Red Robin as much as he can.]

[action]

[chronosexual]

[ Jack seems to be well-aware of how much pain the Red Robin must be going through.. and it is a slow recovery. He smiles a sad sort of smile when he brings him his breakfast and sits back a few feet so as not to crowd him. ]

How do you feel this morning? You look remarkably less pale.

[action]

[detectivewonder]

I made myself useful and pumped the bilges this morning.

[The pump, notably, is at the opposite end of the hold.]

I'm fit to sail, given a walking stick and a hand line.
Standing a full shift might leave me a touch... crooked, it's true.
But another few weeks and I can take my leave of you.

[action]

[chronosexual]

[ Jack cranes his head toward the direction Tim would have had to wander to perform such a task. His eyebrows lift and he turns back to the Robin with an impressed smile on his lips. ]

Your efforts are greatly appreciated, but you needn't strain yourself, lest you become permanently crooked. Understand that you are not a resource I am prepared to sacrifice for pride.

[action]

[detectivewonder]

I might have a answer with no sacrifice, Captain.
One where I get my pride, and you get your Red Robin.

[action]

[chronosexual]

[ Now that strikes his interest. An eyebrow lifts and he leans in closer to listen. ]

And how might that be? I must admit, you've got me curious, now. Tell me your plan.

[action]

[detectivewonder]

Red Robin's not a man, Captain. He's a hood, a cape, a rapier, and a trained singing voice.

[action]

[chronosexual]

A change of clothes can give one a new identity, is that what you imply?

[action]

[detectivewonder]

It can give only the right man a new identity.
And I, Captain, can find you the right man to replace me;
until such time as I can dance long your gunwales again.

[action]

[chronosexual]

[ The suggestion seems to both concern and yet at the same time, intrigues Captain Harkness. He narrows his eyes, just a touch, to try and discern any dishonesty from Tim's expression. Finding nothing there, he nods. ]

Continue... Who is this man? How can you trust him so implicitly? How can I be certain that his loyalty is absolute?

[audio parrot]

[librariansheart]

[A familiar, ruffled green cheeked conure manages to find its way in somehow and fluffs its feathers before reciting its message in an even more familiar voice.]

Master Robin? How do you fare? I heard tell that there are rumors about the port that you've been seen about your mischief again... I do hope it's true. You have-- well, there are a lot of people worried about you, even if there are some who don't like you very much. If there's something I can do to help, please send a reply and I will do my best!

[text parrot]

[detectivewonder]

Have been unavoidably detained by the world. Expect me when you see me.

[text parrot]

[librariansheart]

Please be careful.