a crow beside me, a scavenger king [open]

[circumitus]

CHARACTERS: Rey and You!
LOCATION: Here and there and anywhere!
WARNINGS: Rey's table manners.
SUMMARY: Catch-all log for the month, plus some starter prompts.
NOTES: Feel free to tag either prose or action brackets!

---

If recent events hadn't been enough of an indicator that something in the ship was terribly, terribly wrong, the jump sealed the deal.

The path planned for them is gone. More and more, those words are starting to make more sense, but it still doesn't leave any less a bitter taste in Rey's mouth.

And time, like a river, moves on.

I. Kitchens.

Anyone who had known Rey during the earlier days on this ship wouldn't catch her in the kitchens that often. Not only did her body require not as much nourishment from the average human, she had a history of sensory alteration, which had her deprived of certain senses. Her sight, hearing, and smell were heightened while her touch and taste were either tapered or deprived entirely. Whether it was gourmet or packaged shit, food would often taste either bland or rotten in her mouth, taking away the charm of nurturing her body or taking up on anyone's offer to accompany them for a meal. There was a sick reason for it, too, yet not something that she prides in very often.

Those who know her now, however, can catch her in the kitchens more often. Thanks to one of her previous trips back home, she had returned not only having been put back together after dying, but all five senses corrected as well.

Most of the things she eats for the first time is a new experience, so you can't really blame the way she wolfishly shovels food in her mouth. Whether she's slurping spaghetti or noodles or soup, or chowing down on a sandwich or produce from the gardens, her uncouth etiquette is enough to just about deter anyone's appetite.

Hell if she cares, though.

You may catch her during one of her moments, chugging beer or water or juice, or shoveling bread or vegetables while chewing open-mouthed, or anything that she is capable of whipping together in the kitchens on her own. Having spent over nine decades without a sense of taste didn't really inspire her to look into recipes to fulfill her nonexistent hunger.

Either way, you can bet your life that it's probably one of the most horrific displays you have ever seen at a dinner table.

II. Rec Room.

Another rare sight is seeing Rey dressed in anything that has sleeves. Anyone either on a casual stroll or wishing to pass time in one of the recreational rooms of the ship would catch her wearing a particularly different outfit from her usual attire of tanktops and cargo pants. Instead, she is covered completely by a black suit, tight-fitting with light indicators trailing from her feet, shoulders, and neck; the spinal column of the suit seemingly revealing some sort of additional function that has yet to be displayed. One final noticeable detail one may find is the upper back of the suit depicting a particular amphibian.

Hmm.

Even if you're just meandering by whilst minding your own business, it may be rather difficult not to notice the sudden whoosh of fire as flames trail around the fingers of her right hand, around her palm, and up her forearm.

It's quite a change of pace from several months ago, when she was struggling and attempting to shake herself free of the uncontrollable flames encompassing her arms, but never consuming or burning them. Rather than spewing expletives as she had back then, however, she can't help but crack a satisfied smile over the suit's effectiveness.

But to you, that sure is just a woman calmly standing there with her arm on fire.

III. Choose Your Own Adventure.

[In which case I can tailor a super awesome starter for you, or vice versa!]

Comments

I. Kitchen

[tadashiwashere]

Tadashi was pushing himself too hard. He had to admit it to himself at this point, now that he'd managed to almost oversleep before one of his shifts (he'd made it on time, but he'd been out of breath and panicked by the time he slid into medical), but he still couldn't bring himself to back off from his workload. The lack of new faces at the Jump bothered him. The sense of unease he'd picked up on from some of the other passengers just made him more concerned -- more determined to push himself to help avert whatever was going on.

Everyone had to take a break sometime, though, and today was that day for Tadashi. Somehow, he had a day free from both of his jobs. Typically, that meant he'd volunteered to do the cooking that evening. Which left Hiro free to concentrate on what he was trying to construct.

Tadashi dragged himself to the kitchen, stifling a yawn as he blearily went over the steps for making Aunt Cass's face-melting hot wings. And that was when he noticed Rey.

They didn't cross paths a lot, and until now he'd never bumped into her in the kitchen.

"H--" He paused with his hand half-raised in a short wave and resisted making a face. What... was Rey eating? "--ey... Uh. Mind if cook something?"

[circumitus]

For the time being, Rey has a plate full of baked potato slices, bread, and a small bowl of strange dark liquid that she's been dipping the bread into. There's no humility or reservation when she looks up to find someone catching her during her one of her less refined moments.

Not that Rey was ever refined to begin with. Right now she has all the propriety of a wolf gnawing hungrily at its kill. Only her kill was a piece of bread partially hanging from her mouth, which comically makes her usually narrowed jaw look bigger than it actually is.

"Nng pfrr et," she says, the bread in her mouth clearly hindering her ability to articulate the actual words.

But hey, it's not her fault if he can't understand her!

[tadashiwashere]

Tadashi quirks an eyebrow as he finds himself, for a moment, unable to look away from Rey eating. It... is both disgusting and awesome. He has to give her props for seeming to not care at all exactly how the food gets into her mouth -- just so long as it does get there. Finally, he gives himself a shake and moved to grab the ingredients he needs.

While the mumbled words aren't easily decipherable, he's going to assume she gave him the go-ahead until told otherwise.

"Got any ideas for a quick and easy dinner?"

This is Tadashi, trying to make conversation. And trying not to watch you eat.

[circumitus]

Rey has a terrible habit of cramming more food in her mouth than most people really should, making chewing quite the chore. This time, she shoves what's left of the bread into her mouth and swallowing.

"Sandwiches are quick and easy, right? Not much in the way of fresh meat around here, though." She goes for one of the potato slices, dipping it into the bowl before she chomps on the end. Her left hand slides under her chin while she thinks. "And soup. Think people usually like that combination... Soup and sandwich?"

Pretty sure that's a thing.

And no, you probably shouldn't ask her about what kind of soup she's made for herself recently...

[tadashiwashere]

Tadashi gives the bowl of unknown liquid a sideways glance. Is this really the same woman he was arguing with over the network not long ago? She's... definitely different in person. Less intimidating than he would have guessed, but still the sort to completely throw someone off.

"Soup, huh?"

Earlier he'd considered making hot wings again, but it just wasn't the same with canned chicken. Sandwiches and soup seem like they would be slightly less disappointing. Tadashi has no problem casually switching to this new game plan.

"Any recommendations there? I'm... not exactly the best cook in the world."

No one could be with people like Aunt Cass and Honey Lemon in their life.

[circumitus]

It's definitely a lot more difficult to be imposing and soldier-like when Rey is eating. Her stiff and straight posture is unwound by her hunching over the table, so not to spread any crumbs or drops of anything onto the table or her lap. Just because she's an uncivilized eater doesn't mean she has to be messy!

Rey sits upright for the moment, pausing to consider his question while thinking of a few things that Firo had showed her how to whip together. Although she wasn't adverse to him concocting meals for her, she retains the information so that she can't forget. Photographic memory has its upsides and downsides.

"The minestrone didn't seem to take much time to put together. Remembered this one Chorba El Jourad recipe from a cook in Africa that wasn't too bad, either."

No, Rey. Rey, no.

II

[glacius]

Now that he's come to accept that being spotted by the inhabitants of this ship isn't going to lead to a disaster or any sort of attempts to imprison him, the alien has been out and about with more frequency. His trips to the rec room and the attached gymnasium have increased as a result; training and keeping in peak physical condition were of utmost importance to the alien, especially after he came to realize how dangerous this ship could be. Upon entering today, he'd seen Rey--but he hadn't taken any particular note of her. To him she just seemed like another human in here to do the same sort of thing that he was. He'd come over if asked to assist with the equipment or engage in a friendly spar, but if she was going to keep to herself then he didn't seem too concerned.

That all changed really damn quickly as he heard the angry crackling of flames sparking to life not too far away. Alarmed, the alien stopped what he was doing and jumped to the side with a squawk, backing up multiple paces as he kept his eyes locked onto Rey. The last time he'd encountered a fiery human things hadn't taken long to become an utter shitshow; she didn't look like she'd taken things to the same extreme with her powers, but he hadn't survive this long by being careless. The icy being's fingers tense and his hands start to glow as he readied his own powers--just in case this breaks out into fighting.

"I mean you no harm, but I will defend myself if you force me to," he warns the human, the gills on each side of his neck fluttering uneasily.

[circumitus]

So far, Rey had been pretty good about doing her thing while no one was around. She hadn't yet fully tested the capabilities of the suit and it seemed like a useful thing to have on hand in the near future. But that's only with time and practice, similar to everything else as of late.

She thought she was doing so well, too, until she hears a voice from within the rec room. Her head turns to see some sort of ice creature, and though her keen senses had kept her alert to his presence, he didn't seem hostile until just now.

Don't suppose it'd have anything to do with the fire on her hand. Fire, ice... These things don't tend to mix very well.

"Apologies." With some concentration, she was able to close her right hand into a fist, and will the encircling fire to rapidly shrink before puffing out of existence into the arm of her suit. "Just wanted to try something out, not start a fight with someone." And be near a body of water in case things went south.

[glacius]

The alien remains in that hunkered-down defensive position, his hands still tense, his wary eyes still tracking Rey's every movement. It isn't until she wills the fire to snuff out that he seems to relax a little bit more. His gaze still seems cautious, but fair is fair--the glow dissipates from his hands and he straightens up somewhat, looking her over now that he's seeing past the immediate threat of the fire.

"Then I have no quarrel with you," Glacius affirms. "The last time I fought a fiery human it had been disastrous. I am pleased to see you have a more level head on your shoulders."

[circumitus]

Rey blinks at him a moment, nonplussed at the mention of a fiery human. Not just because the description isn't all accurate, but she'd never really known anyone else who could quite do the sort of things she can do.

"Well, am not-- not completely human. So, no worries." The only reason she falters and glances away briefly is because a certain friend would furiously disagree with her on the not being human part. It's almost as though her saying otherwise then would somehow summon him into existence to get angry with her all over again.

Fortunately, that does not seem to be one of his talents.

[glacius]

"Oh? My mistake," the alien has the sense to raise his hands as if in apology here, "You look very similar, and that coupled with the fact that I haven't encountered any other non-humans on board this ship... lead me to assume. I am sorry."

The so then what actually are you? doesn't get asked. Glacius isn't one to pry about personal questions like that, certainly not right upon meeting someone.

[circumitus]

Waving her left hand, she casually dismisses the apology. "Yes, well. That was the point for a long time -- to pass off as a human."

The implied question is thoroughly received. Rey pauses, trying to think of the best description that can be understood here, and in a way that perhaps this alien could possibly get.

"Suppose 'cybernetic organism' is a more accurate descriptor. Am a consciousness inside a vessel that is comprised of both organic and synthetic material. That's the short version."

She huffs, bringing her good left hand over the back of her neck. It feels uncomfortable and weird having so much skin covered by this damn suit.

KITCHENS 1/2

[knackered]

[There is only so long a man of manners can take that sort of hideous eating whilst trying to enjoy a cup of tea.]

2/2

[knackered]

--Do you mind?!

[circumitus]

[Currently she's inhaling some spaghetti, not making any efforts to stifle the loud slurping that's enough to make your skin crawl. Or, in this case, England's.

[When he finally cracks, she stops mid-slurp, a series of red saucy noodles dangling and dripping past her chin. She just stares at him, eyes unquestionably deadpan.

[Hold, for three seconds. Before she finishes sucking the rest of the noodles into her mouth, wiping her chin afterwards.]




...No.

[What kind of question is that? Geez.]

1/2

[knackered]

[England stares in horrified, absolutely disgusted silence as he watches Rey eat like a starving feral dog; except it's worse than watching a dog, because dogs are supposed to eat like that. Robots Humans are not.]

[knackered]

[Fuck. Forget Victorian sensibilities.

This is a crime against nature.]

No? No?! Oh my God--Oh my God. [Arthur scrubs his hands in his hair and gestures, swearing.] Fuck. You have to be doing that on purpose. You're being indescribably awful on purpose, aren't you? That's the only explanation.

[circumitus]

[Rey hardly budges an inch in the midst of England's Victorian-defying outburst, simply gracing him with a stony-faced expression as the only muscle that moves is her hand lifting a coffee mug to her mouth. You'd think she couldn't possibly be nearly as uncouth in mannerisms with that, but you would also be wrong as she noisily sips her drink for a few seconds before answering.]

Do what?

[Is she being serious, or just playing dumb?

[YOU DECIDE.]

[knackered]

[DEAR GOD. SWEET MOTHER OF TINY SWADDLED BABY JESUS. PICKLES AND FEATHERS AND HEAVENS TO BETSY.]

THAT!! That. Eating and drinking like you're some sort of... animal.

[brainsqueeze]

It's the whoosh of the fire that grabs Maria's attention. She'd been passing by, noticing Rey in the rec room, ready to completely pass by when she hears the sound. It makes her stop, eyes trying to find the source of the sound.

And then she saw the flames - the woman almost engulfed by them. Except they weren't rising - they weren't moving around the room, they were just on her - just on her arm. And she was smiling.

Maria stopped, watching for a moment to see what Rey did - to see what the flames did.

"I thought you were on fire at first." Well, she is, but actually uncontrollably on fire.

[circumitus]

Head whipping in the direction of the voice, Rey is relieved to find that reactions are much different this time than her last trial run.

"Was on fire, technically." Despite her deadpan nature, an observable person may be able to note the somewhat evident sarcasm in her tone.

Almost as if to emphasize her point, Rey extends her left hand. It's the only part of the suit that isn't covered by the same black material covering her from neck to toe, allowing one to see the strange glowing red veins underneath the skin of as ripples of heatwaves surround her fingers. Not enough to ignite a flame, but enough to demonstrate the heat radiating around her hand.

[brainsqueeze]

The offered hand has Maria stepping forward, getting a better look than where she'd been stood. Glowing red veins, the look of the heat accompanying the fire- it's a first. Not the first unusual thing she's ever seen but the first time she'd seen something like this.

People being able to willingly set themselves on fire without a match wasn't really a common thing. Or public.

"Do you feel it? The heat?" It could possibly be a bonus if Rey was heat-resistant - she could be on fire without risk of it hurting here, unless the fire could and being heat-resistant stopped any warning signs.

[circumitus]

To be fair, it wasn't a common thing even where Rey was coming from, either. Sometimes being on a ship full of similar freaks has its advantages, in that fewer people are less likely to balk at things like radiating enough body heat to burst to flame.

As Maria comes closer though, Rey decidedly keeps the heat down to a safe temperature, and certainly not enough to cause a flame. After a moment, the veins fade and the ripples in the air dissipate entirely, leaving her fingers flexing before her arms lower to her sides.

Then she blinks at the question. It wasn't something she'd ever thought of describing to someone before.

"Can feel it, yes. It just doesn't hurt."

[brainsqueeze]

"That's probably lucky."

She wanted to ask whether the temperature felt as hot as it would to anyone else or if that feeling was dulled, but would Rey know that answer?

Instead- "What about external heat. Flames not yours. Is that the same?" That would be more than handier, generally rather than there. Maria had yet to see any fires in space - Rey not included.

[circumitus]

Lucky is definitely one way of putting it. It's a good thing during the rare occasions in which Rey had overcharged, exerting her limits to the extent of bursting in uncontrollable flames with no means of putting herself out. But hey, at least it doesn't hurt. Much.

She nods. "Yes, actually. Can withstand most extreme temperatures, hot or cold."

Well, most if not all. Rey has yet to experience any such conditions she was unable to handle.