12/10, voice;

[expulsions]

So in non-radiation-leaking news…[There’s a slight pause and then the splashing of water like Percy’s still in the ocean.] Staying away from the Kharaa sounded like a great idea and I might have found something else.

The place where the water flows below. I think I found it. [And for anyone who wasn’t part of the Grand Reef exploration:] When we went to explore the Grand Reef some of the fish kept mentioning something that attacked the Degasi crew and that one of them might’ve sunk to the water that flows below. Problem is I don’t know if that means one of the crew members or one of whatever attacked them.

Anyway, I’m going back. I didn’t get far enough to really explore down there but there’s a bunch of caves and waterfalls that need to be checked out. [A beat.] Annnd some other stuff.

[That’s not ominous at all.] The tunnels should be big enough to get a submarine down there if anybody wants to come with me. [And suddenly he seems a little more commanding.] I don’t know what we’re going to find down there but if you think you can hold your own, let me know. I want to go back soon.

Comments

[expulsions]

I do. This goes outside of your duties as my assistant, but you have a spot on one of those subs. [There's a lull though.] But when you get down there I need you to stay away from the river. Okay?

[reversing]

[ you can practically hear the purse in her lips as she mulls that over. ]

Is the river unsafe?

[expulsions]

If I say yes, are you going to listen to me? [He knows how you are, Homura!!!]

[reversing]

[ HAHA okay... she deserves that one. ]

Yes. However, I am more than willing to do what's necessary if anyone falls behind or into it.

[expulsions]

I won't be able to fish you out of acid. [Flatly. Just. Very flatly.] Everyone is staying away from that river. At least until we find the source.

[reversing]

[ any hint of a smile in her voice disappears instantly at his words... yes, that is a problem. ]

Acid. That's troublesome. Even once we find the source, it would be best to stay away from it. As you said, I cannot fish you out of acid, Percy Jackson.

[expulsions]

I might be able to get close enough to check it out if we find the source. [His tone says "duh, I won't swim in it" but also "I might just get close to the riverbank.]

What I want to know is where the acid could be coming from. Any ideas? [Yeah. He is definitely asking Homura and taking her opinion seriously.]

[reversing]

[ a beat, and then: ] An unnatural source. Could it have been placed there?

[ she's got experimentation on the brain. ]

[expulsions]

I'm wondering the same thing, but then...what causes acid? [He's dealt with a few acid-like rivers before but those just kind of Exist.]

[reversing]

I don't know. [ she doesn't sound apologetic for that answer, though. ] Is it to keep visitors away?

[expulsions]

Definitely possible. All of the fish steered clear of it. That was how I knew something was up. But then you have to wonder what they're trying to hide down there.

[reversing]

You are leading us on a treasure hunt, Percy Jackson.

[ bluntly. so bluntly. but that might be a joke? who knows. ]

We will find out. I'll come armed.

[expulsions]

Wouldn't be the first time. [Lightly. He's used to death quests, let him be.] As long as you're armed and ready I have no problem. We'll leave in a few days to get prepared.

[reversing]

I will bring a rocket launcher.

[ bluntly. almost boredly? she's handled that thing a million times. ]

Let's keep the group alive, Percy Jackson.

[expulsions]

Good call. [At least it gets him to grin. He trusts her with that thing by now, gods, why.]

Planning on it. Thanks, Homura.