(no subject)

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

The door opens and a familiar face comes in... but for the time being, it's not Michael Guerin in the driving seat.

By mutual consent between him and Michael, Rath of Antar has just come to Milliways as more than just a passenger.

Have at.

Comments

[notsoharmless.livejournal.com]

He's followed by a mental rendition of a famous war ballad.

... and about a minute and a half later by the young musician herself, who smiles, and politely offers tabasco-laced tea.

V'Saine tea.

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

He turns to smile at her, accepting the cup.

"Thank you, Lyrae."

[notsoharmless.livejournal.com]

Most people don't like it. Most people don't like tabasco in hot drinks either, though, she concedes, tipping her head respectfully.

What brings you here, General?

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

"To see where my younger half spends so much time while I sleep. And to meet the people", he tells her. "Would you like something to drink?"

[notsoharmless.livejournal.com]

Water, and then, It isn't as interesting as it sometimes sounds. Things end. People go.

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

"That's true everywhere", he observes, casually beckoning a rat for a glass of water.

[notsoharmless.livejournal.com]

Thank you.

That might be to the rat, and might be to Rath -- probably the rat.

Rath gets a title.

Frequently there is warning in other places.

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

Fainothi of Antar is sitting at a table with a cup of very strong coffee, liberally laced with Irish Whiskey.

For the taste.

Really.

She looks up, when the door opens, and smiles warmly at her brother.

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

Half her brother, anyway. And Rath is fond of her too, so he smiles back.

"Good afternoon, Fainothi."

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

Okay, Michael never calls her that.

Faith blinks, and then rises, her expression going suddenly dangerous without her realizing it.

"...Rath. Is everything all right?"

Because Michael not being in the driver's seat is odd enough to be somewhat worrisome.

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

"Of course", he answers reassuringly. "You'd know it, if it weren't. This is just... an arrangement, to let me see this place and its people as he does."

[faithful-slayer.livejournal.com]

"Oh."

Faith relaxes, and slips back out of Scary Slayer Mode.

(She may not slay anymore but the instincts never go away.)

"I recommend the coffee. Though you oughtn't drink it the way I do."

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

He eyes the coffee.

"I'm aware of Michael's problems with Earth alcohol, but... is the coffee so dangerous?"

[shelley_winters]

"Hello, Michael!" says Shelley the Unobservant with a smile that isn't even forced.

It's been a long few weeks.

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

"Good afternoon, Shelley", he answers with a smile in return. The formality may be a tip-off.

[shelley_winters]

It's unusual, yes.

But have we mentioned that Shelley... is not the best judge of other people?

"How's everything going?" she asks. "You doing okay?"

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

"Well enough. Our page is doing his part, no worry on that score."

[shelley_winters]

She nods sagely.

"Very good. I'll have to drop in and say hello. Oh, and is there anything vitally important you need done today that's getting out of hand? I might as well grab that while I'm there."

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

"There usually is", he says, watching her with amusement. "Although the vitally important is usually taken care of one way or another."

[nita_callahan]

Nita's at the Bar, people-watching, and gives him a friendly wave. It's been quite a while since they talked.

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

It has! And Rath knows who she is, of course, because Michael does.

He veers over with a warm smile and a half-wave in return.

"Good afternoon, Nita."

[nita_callahan]

"Hey--"

She pauses, and blinks at him. She's getting some odd mixed signals.

"--Michael."

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

He notes the hesitation, and the smile turns a little crooked.

"You're quick." It's approving. "No wonder he likes you. Rath of Antar, at your service."

[nita_callahan]

"Dai'stiho," she replies, more or less automatically -- still frowning, though.

"I'm sorry, I know I've heard about you, but I'm having trouble placing . . . well, why you're Michael."

[rebelheartalien.livejournal.com]

"This is a temporary arrangement", he assures her. "He's still here, and awake, though I have control for a time. To come to this place as more than his passenger."