Ask Some Questions, Get Some Answers (?)

[airlockedmods]

[The Stardust Nebula is a large cloud, sprawling pink and purple across the dark void of space as you approach. There are no planets here, not even a planetoid, but that hardly means it’s devoid of life. Kip will easily be able to navigate to the place in question, a small collection of interconnected spaceports orbiting near the edge of one of the nebula’s hazy, rose-tinted tendrils. Floating signs hooked to these advertise “AIRLOCKED! Q&A”, with arrows leading towards what appears to be a convention center. A dome encloses the area, much like the one around the Fantasy Sweet, but there does not appear to be any kind of security restrictions on the port; it will open as soon as any ship pulls up to it.

Inside, there aren’t too many inconspicuous places to park your weird flotilla of offensively-shaped ships. You may just have to settle for the back of the docks, behind a large news van or something like that, and consider not sticking around the entire time. Getting inside was a quick process, so you shouldn’t have any trouble doing it again, especially with a military navigator staying with the ship. A line has already formed in front of the entrance, at least partially due to the scanners flanking the door. A large weirdly baby-faced alien in some type of uniform is standing there, apparently manning the machine, checking peoples’ belongings, and generally directing them. There’s an unfamiliar symbol on their uniform, clearly not the InterGal 7 logo. Despite being alone, they seem to be handling the line fairly efficiently - even if they occasionally appear to intentionally loom over some of the smaller aliens attempting to enter. There are a few cosplayers among the crowd, of course, but this time the majority are in plainclothes.

Some people are skipping this line and walking around to the back of the building. They’re all wearing or carrying badges, which do have the InterGal 7 logo on them.

For the moment, no one seems to have taken notice of your arrival.]

Comments

[theoverwatchers]

[You know the sound that dog claws make trotting across a hard surface?

Click click click click.

That sure is a... tiny silver poodle with a little vest on bearing the same logo as Artichoke Face and Baby Man.]

Did I hear you say you have a condition?

[...A talking. Poodle. With a thick French(-ish) accent.]

[scourgingstars]

[...what the actual fuck is going on here.]

[misanthropicprinciple]

[It's a dog.

A dog.

Dog.

...

Junpei likes dogs.]

I... [He blinks, shakes himself a little, and clears his throat into his hand.] Y-yeah, but... I mean, it's not a big deal, usually, I was just worried about the scanner interfering with the... you, uh, you never know how different technology's going to interact. You know?

[theoverwatchers]

[The dog's tail wags, and he does a little turn in place.]

I can search you in lieu of the bioscanner, if you are worried.

[Meanwhile, muffled, around the corner of the building:

"You are here to PROTECT AND BLOODY SERVE, not be a FUCKING BULLY!" etc etc]

[misanthropicprinciple]

Um...

[Ah, but the sound of scolding is music to Junpei's ears. He hesitates, then crouches to be closer to his new friend's eye level.]

Would that be more invasive, or... I mean, I'm sure you've got a great nose, right?

[theoverwatchers]

[The dog winks at him.]

Son, I did not make it to retirement age without being very good at my job.

[misanthropicprinciple]

[The dog winked at him. Junpei's mistakes are consistently the best mistakes.]

Is it the kind of thing I have to leave my girlfriend behind for?

[theoverwatchers]

[He wags his tail and nods.]

If you will step aside with me, I will make the search very quick.

Your friends will have to go through the scanner with the rest of the line.

[shikosuki]

[ he's just looking off in the direction of the muffled yelling

welp here's hoping they didn't just get someone fired ]

[misanthropicprinciple]

[Here's hoping they DID.]

[shikosuki]

[ JUNPEI WHAT IF HE HAS A LITTLE RAXI-WHATEVER FAMILY TO FEED

...actually nvm he doesn't care that much ]

[cyan_maid]

[Oh God what the fuck are you idiots getting involved in this is why she thinks Yuuri is the #1 Kingsglai-

Is that a fucking dog

Sorry Xander she has to hold onto you not to run over and SAY HELLO TO THIS GALLANT AND ADORABLE OFFICER OF THE LAW]

[shikosuki]

[ ...holy shit ]

Um... y-yes. [ he points to Junpei ]

[serrata]

[ is this a mcfucking joke ]

[daughterofthemark]

[WHY IS ARIANNA STUCK ON THE SHIP]

[theoverwatchers]

[While Officer York leads Junpei away to be properly searched and sniffed, the now-named Office Moses reappears after a thorough tongue lashing of Baby Man. His air of authority and stick-straight posture haven't faded any but there's something more relaxed about him now.]

I would like to offer you all a thorough apology for the inconvenience here. We and the security officers were asked to come here to ensure the safety of the actors and fans alike, not bully fans who have legitimate questions. [He glances at Yuuri.] I hope he didn't give you too much of a fright, my darling.

[scourgingstars]

[...Oh, hell, how did Gladiolus talk again? Ardyn's speech patterns coming out of someone else's mouth may have fooled Noctis, but that was a risk he couldn't take now.]

Don't worry about it. Must be a pretty busy day for all of you--sure seems like a lot of pressure.

[Despite what everyone said, Ardyn was in fact an excellent liar under pressure.]

[theoverwatchers]

It's been, [It's hard to tell but it looks like his mandibles just clenched.] A challenge. Particularly with this lot. [He nods slightly toward the other guards.] York and I were pulled off a case for this but as much as I hate to admit it it seems like the right call. [Seriously, someone needs to keep these guys in line.]

[scourgingstars]

[Smaller words, shorter phrases. This face wasn't exactly the look of a man that was overly loquacious.]

Sorry to hear that. I hope it wasn't anything too important--keeping something like this in line can't be easy.

[theoverwatchers]

Nothing too pressing at the moment but you know pirates. [He shrugs a little.] Turn your back for one minute and the bastards are already halfway to the next galaxy.

[scourgingstars]

[Internally, Ardyn was suddenly very aware he was carrying half the contents of a raided space mansion in what was effectively his pockets.]

[Shit.]

[But he didn't miss a beat and fixed the officer with a look that was equal parts concern and just casual conversation, hands loosely on his hips.]

Pirates, no kidding. Sounds like an exciting job--been chasing them long?

[shikosuki]

Y-Yeah, it's okay! He was just trying to do his job-- I'm sure it's really stressful.

I-I'm just glad that you all are so serious about everyone's safety. It's very comforting!

[ Well. Maybe a little less so for them specifically but he still means it! ]

[theoverwatchers]

He was being an ass is what he was doing. I've been having issues with him tryin' to get high and mighty with fans all day. [A small huff but he gives Choromatsu a firm pat on the shoulder.] Hope I didn't do you a frighten back there, my dear.

[shikosuki]

Oh-- n-no, it's fine! It takes a bit more than that to frighten me, haha. [ okay not true but saying "I've seen way more frightening things" seems really rude. ] I'm just glad it all worked out for my friend!

[theoverwatchers]

Good to hear it, mate. [He gives Choromatsu a firm pat on the back.] York'll take good care of your friend. He's good at what he does.