He has his phaser. [ Saying it out loud doesn't make Jim feel much better, or at least, not as ease as he'd like to be. What Peter is manifesting is much-needed optimism, and Jim doesn't want to tear that down. He's just - worried. How could he not be? With the capabilities they knew their captors to be capable of, the way they were all stuck here, the ways in which he could imagine them having been detained if they resisted - ] You're right. I know you're right. They'll have found each other.
[ If that's an option, and Jim's going to just pretend that it is until proven otherwise. ] If you...sense anything, we go in, alright?
I don't think we did. I don't - uh. [ Jim clears his throat, intentionally folding his hands together so he can try to suppress the fidgeting. ] Spock's crime...he hasn't said. But I don't think it has anything to do with what we've been doing.
[ Surely if it did, Spock would have been more forthcoming with the information. Or Gwen, surely? Or all four of them would have been called in? ]
[ Perhaps much to the relief (and subsequent dismay) of all parties involved, the pair in question are summarily exiled from the interior chambers without much aplomb. The imposing doors swing open and there stand both Gwen and Spock, for all the world without a hair on their heads disturbed and left blinking against the sun (well, at least one of them — Spock is largely untroubled by the sudden change in lighting, the brief flash of nictating membranes aside).
That said and done, the doors slam shut again and Spock is already lifting his dark head. Whatever has been told to him in the interior has been momentarily placed aside as the first thing that seems to bubble up to his lips is— ]
Jim!
[ Probably unnecessary and certainly a first in front of this particular audience, but he's clearing the two-three steps to him in an instant. Before he might curb the impulse, before he might think the better of anything, one hand is landing solidly on Jim's forearm, tugging him about to face him.
And if there is relief written in the expression he wears? It catches most at the dark of his eyes, the subtle curve of his mouth. ]
[It happened fast. One second Gwen was going inside, the next, she was outside again, with barely a recollection of even encountering the Council. But what she did remember was probably enough, and that was her task.
Deepen connections with the other Chosen.
The fuck was that supposed to mean? She was doing that already, wasn't she? Maybe...on the surface level, anyway. She hadn't exactly opened up to many besides Peter. She still wasn't really good with this whole friends thing. Her mind was reeling at it all, but then the sun was blinding her temporarily, bringing her back into where she was now. She senses movement beside her, and sees Spock rush forward, just in time for her eyes to land on her person.]
Peter! [Of course he stayed close by. She's completely unsurprised, but that doesn't stop her from rushing forward and throwing her arms around him in relief. He's okay. She's okay. At least, for now.]
(if this were a normal moment, peter would most likely have something witty and troll-like to say about the scene that unfolds - with each sentenced going into the safety of their loved ones, but this is not a normal moment.
right now, his mind is occupied by the same relief that seems to bleed through the four of them. there's no hesitation about embracing her, arms keeping her close before he presses a kiss to her temple.
she's fine - he knew she would be. he has the same faith in her as he has in himself - they're the same. he'd know. she'd know. logic doesn't trump the feeling of gratitude that he didn't have to be proven wrong.)
You're okay, yeah? Nothing bad? What happened in there?
[ It's quicker than Jim expected, but then, given how farcical this entire thing was, perhaps it's not so surprising. Jim is immediately up and at the ready as soon as the doors start moving, the relief washing over him like a tidal wave when he spots the pair of them moving out from within the courthouse building. He's sure Peter is right next to him as the four of them meet halfway up the steps - what's more surprising is Spock, bounding down to meet him. ]
Spock!
[ Brad - Janet - Dr. Scott! Spock's hand lands on his arm, and Jim turns his hand up to clasp him back, over the familiar fabric of the uniform. His other hand moves up to Spock's shoulder, as if to steady him, to check that he's whole. The teens reunite next to them, and Jim's gaze roams over the whole of his friend, double-checking to ascertain his status. ] Are you alright?
[ It's as close to an outburst as the two of them have ever gotten in front of the other STEM members, and Jim remembers their audience a beat later, after having aggressively given Spock the requisite ocular patdown. He straightens, releasing Spock's shoulder, then his arm, with a reassuring squeeze. ] Gwen, you're okay?
[ He might relay later that he should recall no such interior to the building even, a truly hollow affair as it were, but the detail for now seems irrelevant. For all that Jim might study Spock, Spock too might study Jim. There have been missions before that were more arduous, but such relief (no matter how he might label it as a logical response to not losing such a stellar Captain) has always been constant. Such relief too is a constant now, as Spock allows the shallow dip of his chin. A yes, as much as it might be. ]
I am presently unharmed, [ he says, quietly. An answer for Jim's own ears, but the sentence -
No, there was time to discuss it later. For now, knowing that Jim was whole and present himself was enough until they might secure a more private location. It matters little if there is something pressing about his desire to hand him such information, but - he clamps down upon the prospect of consequences, the results of failures to meet Aldrip's ends. Perhaps there should be none, for staging some mode of resistance? (Unlikely.)
Either way, he schools his features and presentation back into something more expected and acceptable in front of their current audience. Releasing Jim in turn, he folds his arms loosely across his chest. Clears his throat. Though his eyes are cast away from the center of the group, he is somehow still attentive if the way of his posture brings any such indication. ]
[Gwen is so relieved to feel Peter's arms around her again (it's been like five minutes guys), and smiles when she feels the kiss he gives the top of her head.
But she pulls back, keeping her hands in his, and nods to both him and Jim. (also, side note-- she sees that hand holding between Jim and Spock. But she's being nice and not making fun of them about how passionately they grasp each other.) She's still suited up in her Spider-Woman garb, but her mask is gone-- removed before she even went inside, so she runs a hand through her hair, partially as an anxiety tick.]
I...honestly don't remember much. It was like I blacked out after I walked inside. I couldn't even tell you what the Council looks like. [which is hella unnerving, by the way!! what they hell kind of magic did these people have?]
-- Oh! Speaking of-- Peter, did your tech pick up anything? [She reaches into her hood to grab the small device she snuck inside, but even as she pulls it out and looks at it, it seemed...powered down? Shit.]
(what she says makes sense, considering the fact that his tech picked up absolutely nothing. whatever is in there, they really made sure no one knew anything about it - which is a large source of anxiety. maybe the council is the reason why their spider-sense is always buzzing in the background, like there's something off that neither can pinpoint.
sucks. but he was about to bring it up when she asks. it's easier if everyone saw it by themselves.)
No, actually -- you're gonna wanna see this, all of us.
(he's only putting the mask for a moment, his hand moving and the eye mask squinting and goggling as he sets the x-ray up, lock it-- and he offers gwen the mask so she can see it for herself, but he's waving to the other couple (not sorry) next to them.)
Can you see it? It's... Solid. I'll let you guys see it too, if you want to. It's got infrared, and-- the location device I planted on her... Just stopped working completely.
[ Gwen and Spock both appear fine, if perhaps a little dazed, but the whole experience doesn't quite sit right with Jim. That both of them came out so quickly, apparently scot-free? There had to be more to it than that, surely. And Spock is - definitely getting a side-eye, because his energy shifts in a subtle way; the retreating into himself is not unusual, but he doesn't offer any further information about the sentencing or what just happened. Jim's still running on adrenaline. ]
Oh, I don't love that. You couldn't have been in there more than twenty minutes total, either of you. [ It did lend to their simulation theory. From what Jim did understand of Peter and Gwen's enhancements, it would take a horse tranquilizer to take either of them down - and Spock, well, that wouldn't be a walk in the park, either. But messing with a few lines of code, skipping them like tracks on an old-fashioned compact disc...
He's not surprised the tech didn't work, though it's good on the teens for thinking to try it. They really do need to crack into the full capabilities of Peter's suit when they get the chance - add it to the pile of projects at the club. ]
Do you remember anything? [ Jim's looking between Gwen and Spock now, waiting for the Vulcan to chime in with his own observations. ] They must have spoken to you, even if you can't remember seeing them. Or what was the point of dragging you down here, then?
[ All appears accounted for, certainly. It is something Spock notes, as much as he might have in the intervening moments between their release from the building's confines and their mutual greetings. That is, Spock thinks, minus some troubling exceptions.
It is not for the sake of appearances entirely that Spock withdraws. No, it is also for the feeling that rouses in the dark of his chest. It itches in the way one's hands might in the absence of implements, scrapes along the boundary of what should be said and needs to be. For all that Spock ignores it, it persists. It remains, though all else about his system seems to be the same.
It is not difficult to pinpoint what agitates it. No, it is quite notable as soon as Jim begins to seek further clarification. ]
We were held for approximately seventeen point three Standard minutes, [ he confirms, his gaze dragging back to the group. ] At this time, I too cannot recall any details about its interior nor might I recount any such information regarding who may or may not have been inside.
[ He pauses, one index finger stroking along the curve of his own forearm. It is a restless gesture upon Spock, though hardly notable upon another. His dark eyes move to focus again upon the spaces between them. His words come softer, contemplative. ] All else was to be expected.
[Gwen accepts the mask to see exactly what Peter's talking about, but she's honestly not too surprised. It would be too easy, if any of their tech could crack through the Council's security. She knew it was a long shot, to smuggle his tech inside. She just hoped they wouldn't be this empty handed.]
At least we tried. [It was a little more information than they had, going in? Right?]
Only thing I remember is-- their demands. What I have to do to fulfill my sentencing. [Deepen Connections? Her mind is still reeling about that.]
(peter is used to working with a team, albeit less than working alone. this is actually not unlike going through plans with tony, or happy - and it means that all of them have different skills which leads to different points of view. once the mask is back in his possession, he will pass it to spock.)
... Is it bad? What was it? Mr. Spock, you got one too, right?
Worth a shot. [ Jim sighs and lets his hands rest on his hips, contemplating the state of things. Gwen mentioned the sentencing, looking - well, maybe Jim's projecting, because he's perturbed by it. What I have to do did not conjure images of picking up trash vis-à-vis community service. Jim's gaze cuts from Gwen to Peter, and finally to Spock - suspiciously silent. ] What'd they sentence you to?
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[ If that's an option, and Jim's going to just pretend that it is until proven otherwise. ] If you...sense anything, we go in, alright?
I don't think we did. I don't - uh. [ Jim clears his throat, intentionally folding his hands together so he can try to suppress the fidgeting. ] Spock's crime...he hasn't said. But I don't think it has anything to do with what we've been doing.
[ Surely if it did, Spock would have been more forthcoming with the information. Or Gwen, surely? Or all four of them would have been called in? ]
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That said and done, the doors slam shut again and Spock is already lifting his dark head. Whatever has been told to him in the interior has been momentarily placed aside as the first thing that seems to bubble up to his lips is— ]
Jim!
[ Probably unnecessary and certainly a first in front of this particular audience, but he's clearing the two-three steps to him in an instant. Before he might curb the impulse, before he might think the better of anything, one hand is landing solidly on Jim's forearm, tugging him about to face him.
And if there is relief written in the expression he wears? It catches most at the dark of his eyes, the subtle curve of his mouth. ]
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Deepen connections with the other Chosen.
The fuck was that supposed to mean? She was doing that already, wasn't she? Maybe...on the surface level, anyway. She hadn't exactly opened up to many besides Peter. She still wasn't really good with this whole friends thing. Her mind was reeling at it all, but then the sun was blinding her temporarily, bringing her back into where she was now. She senses movement beside her, and sees Spock rush forward, just in time for her eyes to land on her person.]
Peter! [Of course he stayed close by. She's completely unsurprised, but that doesn't stop her from rushing forward and throwing her arms around him in relief. He's okay. She's okay. At least, for now.]
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right now, his mind is occupied by the same relief that seems to bleed through the four of them. there's no hesitation about embracing her, arms keeping her close before he presses a kiss to her temple.
she's fine - he knew she would be. he has the same faith in her as he has in himself - they're the same. he'd know. she'd know. logic doesn't trump the feeling of gratitude that he didn't have to be proven wrong.)
You're okay, yeah? Nothing bad? What happened in there?
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Spock!
[ Brad - Janet - Dr. Scott! Spock's hand lands on his arm, and Jim turns his hand up to clasp him back, over the familiar fabric of the uniform. His other hand moves up to Spock's shoulder, as if to steady him, to check that he's whole. The teens reunite next to them, and Jim's gaze roams over the whole of his friend, double-checking to ascertain his status. ] Are you alright?
[ It's as close to an outburst as the two of them have ever gotten in front of the other STEM members, and Jim remembers their audience a beat later, after having aggressively given Spock the requisite ocular patdown. He straightens, releasing Spock's shoulder, then his arm, with a reassuring squeeze. ] Gwen, you're okay?
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I am presently unharmed, [ he says, quietly. An answer for Jim's own ears, but the sentence -
No, there was time to discuss it later. For now, knowing that Jim was whole and present himself was enough until they might secure a more private location. It matters little if there is something pressing about his desire to hand him such information, but - he clamps down upon the prospect of consequences, the results of failures to meet Aldrip's ends. Perhaps there should be none, for staging some mode of resistance? (Unlikely.)
Either way, he schools his features and presentation back into something more expected and acceptable in front of their current audience. Releasing Jim in turn, he folds his arms loosely across his chest. Clears his throat. Though his eyes are cast away from the center of the group, he is somehow still attentive if the way of his posture brings any such indication. ]
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But she pulls back, keeping her hands in his, and nods to both him and Jim. (also, side note-- she sees that hand holding between Jim and Spock. But she's being nice and not making fun of them about how passionately they grasp each other.) She's still suited up in her Spider-Woman garb, but her mask is gone-- removed before she even went inside, so she runs a hand through her hair, partially as an anxiety tick.]
I...honestly don't remember much. It was like I blacked out after I walked inside. I couldn't even tell you what the Council looks like. [which is hella unnerving, by the way!! what they hell kind of magic did these people have?]
-- Oh! Speaking of-- Peter, did your tech pick up anything? [She reaches into her hood to grab the small device she snuck inside, but even as she pulls it out and looks at it, it seemed...powered down? Shit.]
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sucks. but he was about to bring it up when she asks. it's easier if everyone saw it by themselves.)
No, actually -- you're gonna wanna see this, all of us.
(he's only putting the mask for a moment, his hand moving and the eye mask squinting and goggling as he sets the x-ray up, lock it-- and he offers gwen the mask so she can see it for herself, but he's waving to the other couple (not sorry) next to them.)
Can you see it? It's... Solid. I'll let you guys see it too, if you want to. It's got infrared, and-- the location device I planted on her... Just stopped working completely.
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Oh, I don't love that. You couldn't have been in there more than twenty minutes total, either of you. [ It did lend to their simulation theory. From what Jim did understand of Peter and Gwen's enhancements, it would take a horse tranquilizer to take either of them down - and Spock, well, that wouldn't be a walk in the park, either. But messing with a few lines of code, skipping them like tracks on an old-fashioned compact disc...
He's not surprised the tech didn't work, though it's good on the teens for thinking to try it. They really do need to crack into the full capabilities of Peter's suit when they get the chance - add it to the pile of projects at the club. ]
Do you remember anything? [ Jim's looking between Gwen and Spock now, waiting for the Vulcan to chime in with his own observations. ] They must have spoken to you, even if you can't remember seeing them. Or what was the point of dragging you down here, then?
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It is not for the sake of appearances entirely that Spock withdraws. No, it is also for the feeling that rouses in the dark of his chest. It itches in the way one's hands might in the absence of implements, scrapes along the boundary of what should be said and needs to be. For all that Spock ignores it, it persists. It remains, though all else about his system seems to be the same.
It is not difficult to pinpoint what agitates it. No, it is quite notable as soon as Jim begins to seek further clarification. ]
We were held for approximately seventeen point three Standard minutes, [ he confirms, his gaze dragging back to the group. ] At this time, I too cannot recall any details about its interior nor might I recount any such information regarding who may or may not have been inside.
[ He pauses, one index finger stroking along the curve of his own forearm. It is a restless gesture upon Spock, though hardly notable upon another. His dark eyes move to focus again upon the spaces between them. His words come softer, contemplative. ] All else was to be expected.
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At least we tried. [It was a little more information than they had, going in? Right?]
Only thing I remember is-- their demands. What I have to do to fulfill my sentencing. [Deepen Connections? Her mind is still reeling about that.]
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... Is it bad? What was it? Mr. Spock, you got one too, right?
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