♙ 5; seventh step [labyrinth-wandering with kirk_it] ♟

[polarization]

[ The hallway of the Labyrinth in which Sefton finds himself is fairly nondescript. Stone walls covered in moss and a dirty floor beneath his feet. Mostly, he seems startled and confused at what just happened. Having not yet noticed the second person nearby, he decides that talking to himself is obviously the best course of action. ]

Where... This isn't—what?

Comments

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

[Jim is a little bit better at unexpected Labrynth, in the sense that she has her phaser out in about .5 seconds flat.

It's a good thing she's wearing the uniform with trousers today, because otherwise this could get annoying. But, hello, civilian who looks as out of place as she does.]

Did the Plane redecorate?

[polarization]

[ He jumps and whirls around to face her, then looks even more skittish at the phaser. What in the world?

Reluctantly, he shakes his head. ]

Dunno. Can't get home if it is. ... could be like those hot springs, I guess.

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

[She casually puts the phaser at her side. There's no immediate threat, and she'd rather not terrify the poor kid.]

Hot springs?

[polarization]

[ Nods, deciding that looking at the surroundings is more interesting. ] Yeah... while back, everyone got pulled to the Plane, but were stuck in there. Got some weird rings, too.

[ It also happens to be his first experience with the Plane, but that doesn't seem very relevant right now, so he doesn't mention it. ]

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

[They are pretty interesting. Jim has more of the military eye - searching out threats and possible exits.]

How long were you stuck?

[polarization]

'Bout two weeks. [ He steps up to one of the walls, reaching out tentatively to feel at the moss. Wet, cold and gross. What else was he expecting? Who knows. ]

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

Well, let's... hope that we're not here for so long.

[Change of tactics! She smiles at the boy, all friendly-like.]

What's your name?

[polarization]

[ He brings his hand down, rubbing his fingers together to dry them. He stops short, however, when she asks his name. ]

... what's yours?

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

[Well, she didn't want to introduce herself first. But she may have played that a little wrong, in retrospect.]

Captain James Kirk, of the starship USS Enterprise.

[polarization]

[ There is a lot to comment on in that introduction. ] Captain?

[ He frowns a little, then shakes his head and lifts the note that had crumpled itself in his hand when he arrived to read. ] ... Don't think this is gonna be one of those timed things, like the hot springs.

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

[And she notices the note, and gestures towards it a little.] May I see?

[polarization]

[ He tosses it over wordlessly. ]

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

[And she reads it likewise.]

...Well. I suppose we should pick a direction, then.

[polarization]

[ He glances down both directions that the hallway leads. ] Guess so. [ Beat. ] Any preference?

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

I'm not the navigator on my ship, unfortunately.

[Which is her way of trying to make nice.]

[polarization]

[ Reeeally wishes Chivy was here right about now. Well, sort of. On one hand, then he'd... be here. On the other, he'd probably end up finding the center right off.

Quiet sigh. ] Uhm... this way? [ And he vaguely gestures in the direction he had been facing when he arrived. ]

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

[Right then! Aaaaaand they are marching to Pretoria walking.]

You never did tell me your name.

[....Is that a rumble in the distance? Surely not!]

[polarization]

[ He walks along, somewhat behind her. Which is good, because he looks almost exasperated and sort of disappointed at her bringing that back up. However... ]

Did y'hear that?

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

[Hey, she wants to be friendly. Plus, what else is she supposed to do if she loses him? Hmm?]

Yes. That... doesn't sound good.

[No kidding. Is it growling? Is it rumbling? Who knows, but it seems to be coming from behind them.]

[polarization]

[ Calling out "Where'd you go?!" works, in Sefton's opinion.

He stops walking, turning halfway in an effort to see if he can figure out where it's coming from. ]

No... it doesn't.

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

[The damp smell gets worse. Sort of suffocating. ...Or is that just Jim?]

I think... maybe we should speed up a little.

[And look! Just up ahead, the ceilng actually drops to about half its original height. Oh joy.]

[polarization]

[ Well... crap. ] Yeah... good idea.

[ He turns back and begins to walk again - more like a trot, really. This is definitely Not Good. ]

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

[And behind them the growling - rumbling? - just gets louder.

Abrupt dead end have. Jim freezes.]

[polarization]

[ Stops, turning around to face the noise. Whatever it is, would it be worth it trying to go back and find another way around, or are they stuck...?

He glances to Jim out of the corner of his eye, then frowns. ] Hey.

[kirk-it.livejournal.com]

[Forced calmness! Everyone loves forced calmness.]

Guess we have to turn around.