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[ Leo's been scarce for the last few days. He's shown up once or twice, but he's vanished just as quickly, with hardly a word to anyone except maybe his sister. Anyone observant may have noticed him sporting a new leather tool belt, but who really looks that hard? He's just a mechanic, after all.

So where's he been? That's a Cabin Nine secret. But when he reemerges, he's landing a giant dragon automaton made of Celestial bronze somewhere between the arena and the forges. Look, guys, he's got wings now! ]

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You never know. You probably don't want a genie. I couldn't deal with anyone as manic as any Robin Williams characters.

[ Unintentionally voicing his thoughts, oops. Natalie walks along the work tables, once brushing two fingers in the dust to draw two parallel lines. ]

This is kind of steampunk, but it's not Victorian inspired. It's like ... Greekpunk, even though that's not a thing. [ She shrugs and pokes her head around some weapons hanging along the wall. Is that a tricked out crossbow? ] Now, these are cool.

Greekpunk.

[ He tries the word, recalling that his first impression of Cabin Nine was something like that - steampunk with a Greek twist. It's good to have a word for it. ]

I like it.

[ Leaning back against one of the tables, he watches as Natalie explores. It's like she hadn't even noticed the fire that opened the door, but he's okay with that. No need to freak her out, right? He eyes the weapons thoughtfully. They are awesome, if you're into that stuff - Leo isn't, really, but he can appreciate them nonetheless - but it's a shame none of them are being put to use. The engineering genius that had gone into the modifications is amazing. He hums in consideration. Gods only know how long it's been since anyone's seen those weapons, let alone used them. ]

If you want, I can fix one of those up for you.

[ Yeah, they're marvels, and Leo will be sad to see them go. But weapons, no matter how old, are meant to be used. They're doing no good on a wall. As long as they're safe - and he will be doing extensive testing later to decide that - and won't break, they should be put to good use. ]

That would be so cool.

[ Natalie trains diligently with her bow and arrow. She isn't the best at it, not as good as Apollo children or the Hunters, but she does a decent job once she clears her head and concentrates. Brushing some dust off the weapon, she pulls it off the hook to see that it's not a crossbow but a tricked out traditional bow, like something a superhero would have. It's sturdier, less prone to breakage -- and it looks like it can hold more than one arrow.

She holds it out, and aims an invisible arrow at the wall, then releasing. ]

I always use a bow as my backup, if I can't make something explode. It rarely comes to that, but this is a gorgeous thing.

[ Leo walks over to inspect the bow, gently taking it from her hands. The string could use replacing, he notes, just in case; can't have it breaking right when it's most needed. Maybe a little extra reinforcement. Cleaning, obviously, with all the dust. Granted, he's not an expert on bows, but if he takes care of all that, he decides, it should be good to go, quick and easy. ]

Gimme a day or two and I'll get back to you on this one.

Really? Hey, thanks!

[ Having a bow of her own - that is, a customized bow - is a new concept. It's encouragement for her to improve that craft so she may be better prepared the next time she wanders into realms unknown. A smile spreads across her face, appreciative. ]

Now I really owe you for helping me out so much.

[ That's right, Natalie keeps insisting that. He'd completely forgotten about the necklace thing, but he smiles back. ]

I'll put it on your tab. Just don't go out for fish for a few days.

[ Pointed look. ]

[ She catches that easily, wrinkling her nose. ]

No way, I am so not going to go out for fish any time soon, no surprise two day outings for me, no.

[ Though Percy does owe her real fish and chips, now that she's thinking about it. ]

[ Leo nods in satisfaction, but... now what? ]

I'd offer you a tour or something, but I haven't even found everything in this place yet.

Hey, if you want to go exploring, I am so down.

[ She hesitates. ]

I mean, I'm not a sibling or anything but I could be okay company.

[ Snort. ]

Then what'd I bring you here for? It's not like we're friends or anything; I totally thought you were my sister.

[ Natalie lifts her eyebrows, tilting her head in his direction. Best to keep it nonchalant. ]

Maybe not, but I can set things on fire too.

[ Somehow he manages to keep himself from flinching. So she... noticed. Stupid, of course she noticed; she'd have to be blind not to. Best course of action: pretend nothing happened, Leo decides, leading the way over to a table covered in blueprints and pencils and rulers and sketches. ]

Drafting table. These are all old; whoever was here last left some genius designs behind.

[ And one that still stood out to him - the ship with the dragon masthead. Every time he comes this way he finds himself staring, but he can't help it. That's his drawing, only... a real blueprint. Something that could actually be built. Back when the wind took the crayon version away, he'd never thought he would see it again. ]

[ She doesn't blame him for not wanting to talk about it. After all, she has a small history of causing some trouble unintentionally, even before camp.

Natalie quietly pulls one of the blueprints over to inspect it, gentle and careful not to tear or crease any of the pages. ]

You planning on building any of these?

I'd like to.

[ His eyes linger on the warship momentarily before turning to the others, brushing his fingers over a few. ]

But I've got Festus to work on now. Once he's all fixed up, we'll see.

[ He turns suddenly, having heard an odd clunking noise, but a warm smile spreads across his face when he recognizes the sound. Is it getting closer? ]

Almost forgot! Buford!

Buford? [ Maybe she'll hazard a guess. ] Another automaton?

[ She turns around to follow the noise herself. No, it doesn't sound quite like Millard or Festus. Perhaps smaller. ]

Nope!

[ And hobbling into view around a storage bin is a three-legged table with one drawer - currently locked, so it wouldn't tromp around Bunker 9 and spill its contents everywhere - and it... looks happy? Who knows; the thing's just kind of dancing around, so maybe. }

Natalie, meet Buford the table. Buford, Natalie. He helps me work.

[ Actually ... yeah it looks quite jaunty if you asked her. She purses her lips to the side before she breaks into a grin, bowing her head respectfully. ]

Buford the Bunker 9 Table. It's a pleasure.

[ He reminds her of the magic carpet, actually, more than Festus. ] This place is insane, Leo. It's like a type of Disneyland for you, isn't it?

[ Absolutely beaming. ]

We don't have a talking trashcan - [ yet ] - but we've got the next best thing... Free admission!

[ Truth be told, Leo thinks this is better anyway, because it's his. ]

[ She laughs softly. ] Amusement parks charge exorbitant fees.

And - [ She spreads her arms, even giving a little spin not really characteristic of her. ] - no lines. I could get used to something like that.

Even better.

[ His expression turns thoughtful. ]

It could maybe use a fast food place or two. Dragon-themed, of course.

[ Cabin Nine is all about the dragons these days. ]

[ Natalie snorts in an unbecoming manner and covers her face with a shake of her head. ]

Jeez. Yeah. Dragon fries and fire broiled burgers.

[ Oh, yeah. She drops her hand, looking at him seriously. ] And no fish.

What self-respecting dragon would eat fish?

[ Appalled. He is absolutely appalled at the suggestion, and Festus echoes the sentiment with a low grinding noise like a growl. How dare you. ]

Hey, fellas, I'm just saying. [ With her hands held up in defense. No offense meant, Festus. ]

What would he prefer at this fast food joint? You mentioned tacos earlier.

[ He nods, letting his eyes wander the workshop while he thinks about it. ]

Tacos with extra tabasco, oil on the side. A good burger is essential, and fries with just the right amount of grease...

[ Suddenly, Leo's eyes widen as if he's just had the greatest idea ever. And, for the moment, he totally has. ]

Taco burgers!

Is that a thing? it should totally be a thing if it isn't.

[ If she wasn't full from dinner, she might have a craving for it now. Speaking of dinner ... ]

We should head back in a little. Or I should if you wanna stay. [ But then again, the sun doesn't set until a little after eight. ]

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commandertoolbelt - 2013-07-13 15:07 (UTC) - Expand

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