tushanshu_logs | moves like jagger [open]

Yeah. A Constitution-class heavy cruiser.

[Turtles probably shouldn't be this... anything? But Kirk finds himself actually liking the little guy. He's so... earnest. It's cute.]

[If he was cute before, Leo jumps straight to adorable when a grin of pure delight takes over his face. Don't tell him though, fifteen-year-old boys hate to hear that, at least from someone who's not the target of a crush; this is just straight-up hero worship.]

Wow. [It's like a dream came true right in front of his eyes. This has got to be the most amazing thing that's ever happened to him.] That's - er -

[Wait Leo don't trip over yourself and be not cool in front of this guy; Leo attempts to regain some composure. He's still fumbling for words when a leaf catches his peripheral vision. Oh are you KIDDING, are there still leaves on his shell? Leo hastily brushes them off, struggling and failing to look casual and not self-conscious at all about the gesture.

He's not very good at it. Quick keep talking.]

I-I mean, that's - really interesting. Those are just [~~cartoons~~] stories where I come from.

Your mission - it wouldn't be, I don't know, say, exploring unknown galaxies?

[To intrepidly go where no hero has gone before? Leo's not sure if he should hope that the mission statement of Kirk's Enterprise is the same as that of the Dauntless. That would just be too amazing for words, and the same joyful anticipation lingers in his eyes despite his momentary teenage embarrassment.]

Edited (dialogue tweak) 2013-05-05 23:44 (UTC)

[Whoa, hold up. Kirk has to actually bite his tongue to keep from laughing. He can't say he doesn't like the reaction. He knows hero worship when he sees it, and it's--

It's weird. To be that generation inspiring it in kids (because although he has no idea how to judge turtle ages, it's got to be a kid, all that bravado and self-imposed 'coolness' just screams it). To be a part of that system.

He never really did the whole 'hero' thing. When he was younger, maybe. But as he grew up and learned just how little being a hero meant to the family you left behind, he got jaded about the whole idea. Heroics are for the people you bury. Still, he smiles a touch.]

'To boldly go where no man has gone before', you got it in one, kiddo.

[If Kirk suppresses the urge to laugh, Leo suppresses the urge to disintegrate into a fanboy. He's completely enthralled, if not quite knocked off his rocker enough to stop pretending to be a mature adult.

But speaking of which - kiddo? Oh HECK no. Leo might be a fanboy, but he also has a plentiful share of fairly-earned pride in his own abilities, skill and hero-worthy accomplishments. As for the realities of being a hero, Leo's unlikely to lose his fascination with the role any time soon, because to him the duty has no conflict with family. Being a hero is family time, not to mention the best way to guarantee his family's survival... and so Leo is likely to remain un-jaded, at least in that respect. But Kirk would be within his rights to assume Leo is simply naive.

This part right here though has less to do with performance or heroism (though wanting to be taken seriously is certainly part of it) than it does with simply being a teenager inordinately pleased with his newly-gained proximity to adulthood.

Leo crosses his arms proudly, standing a straight and tall... well, as tall as 5'2" gets.]

Kiddo? Hey, I'm fifteen.

[And something of a hero himself, he'll have you know.]

Edited (dialogue tweak) 2013-05-06 05:12 (UTC)

[Fifteen. Well, that changes things considerably. Kirk gives this matter serious (very serious) external thought, lifting one hand to forestall further comment as he paces a bit.

So there's a turtle. A fifteen year old turtle. Who's kind of got a serious case of hero worship on the happen, something Kirk isn't even sure he wants to encourage. Being a Starship captain is all glitz and glam, after all, until you, you know. Die horribly in space.

He might not believe in no-win situations, but he's not stupid (or naive) enough to recognize the fact that not everything plays out that way.

And wow that's enough with the self reflection. He looks back at the kid.]

Well, fifteen definitely changes things. My mistake. You're the first-- uh, talking mutant turtle I've ever met.

[Thankfully Leo knows perfectly well he will never be a starship captain - though he would admittedly jump at the chance to try it just once. He loves his brothers too much to do or be anything other than what he is, but he still dreams of the stars.

Kirk is not discouraging the hero worship by humoring Leo's teenage pride; he is however winning a friend. Leo smiles warmly and drops his hands to engage in casual body language. Combat readiness is now happy socializing, though he's not quite confident enough to step closer at this stage.]

And you're the first starship Captain I've ever met.

But yeah, most people don't know we exist. [Back home, that is. There are a LOT more people here who know about them. Thank you Keeliai Foreigner Network.] It's safer that way.

I'll bet. 2012 wasn't exactly known for its open-minded approach to people who don't fit societal norms. Must've been rough.

[There's genuine sympathy in how he says it. One thing Jim Kirk is not: discriminatory against aliens. Or, you know. Mutants.]

Has it been better here at all?

[The compassion takes Leo off-guard. Sympathy for their situation - which is really quite tragic when viewed from a multi-species cultural perspective - is something he's never asked for nor expected. He's known his family was different, that they needed to hide, for as long as he can remember. The secrecy enforced on them by society is entwined with the teachings of his father, and those are inseparable from Leo's very identity. He was born to be a ninja, living in the shadows and looking down from rooftops; he would never want to be otherwise, any more than he would choose not to be a turtle or not to excel at kenjitsu.

Still, Leo has been more tempted to push the line than he will admit to any of his brothers, now that he knows there won't be Trouble if he's seen. The sun is warm, for one thing...

Unfortunately, a lifetime of living "rough", as Kirk put it, means Leo has neither the social nor the life skills to branch out. His natural caution, his rigorous training and the paranoia that an enemy will be brought to Keeliai are a significant part of Leo's reasoning, but there's enough genuine social anxiety motivating him to make Kirk's observation somewhat discomfiting. The idea that multitudes of people might see or know about him, or that he might be one of many going about their business on the regular streets, is more unnerving than public bathrooms.

Let's just ignore that part and move on to the actual question shall we.]

Well - yeah, I guess. I mean, nobody's tried to kill us yet, so that's a plus.

[What more could you ask for?]

Edited (d'oh) 2013-05-08 05:04 (UTC)

[It's a deflection rather than an answer. Old tactics. But it is a tactic, and that's worth taking note of. Honestly, Kirk has no idea what life was or would be like. He never really had to deal with being different, except in regards to who his father was, or in ways he deliberately cultivated.

Looking at this kid, hearing him talk, he can't help but wonder if that was sort of what it was like for Spock.

So he merely nods.]

Honestly, it sounds like death threats are closer to the norm around here. Is it just me or do the natives really not like us?

[A slight change of subject, acceptance and acknowledgement of the other party's evasive response. He'll give the kid a chance.]

Edited (welp) 2013-05-08 19:34 (UTC)

[OH GOOD let's not talk about how Leo hasn't actually given people a chance to treat him differently.

The mention of kedan hostilities shifts the young turtle into a completely different gear. On one hand, hearing Captain Kirk talk about "natives" makes Leo feel like he really IS living a Space Heroes episode of his very own, an experience so thrilling it would make him utterly giddy if he stopped to think about it. On the other hand, kedan hostilities are a serious issue, one that's not been far from his mind. These tensions are serious business; this conversation is no longer playtime.

Leo seems about to talk when his head snaps to the side, eyes searching the distance as habitual readiness floods his system; he hears something. Quiet shadows are easing into night; crickets are still chirping and overall it's a beautiful, peaceful night. The hour is good for wandering romantic couples, and that's what he's caught onto: a pair walking through the leaves together, too distant to see in this light and certainly too far away to notice Kirk and Leonardo. But even though the murmur of their voices is quieter than the crickets, Leo can pinpoint their location. They seem to be headed past, or else he'd be in the branches by now.

While no strolling civilians will come up on them without Leo's notice, it's also an hour for ninjas. Someone who knows what they're doing could easily be listening in. With that in mind, Leo issues one more wary glance into the forest and inches closer to Kirk so that this conversation can be carried out at a lower volume. He moves in near-silence, instinctively stepping around brittle leaves and fallen sticks with barely a glance - and with impressive agility, considering those dinner-plate feet, which he manages by balancing on his toes with long-practiced skill. Closing the distance is a sign of trust as much as it's the result of wariness for potential enemies.

Gone is the star-struck teenager; in his place is a young, serious and well-trained leader with just enough experience to find his ground in an overwhelmingly alien situation.]

They don't. From what I've heard, they resent us being here and using their resources. [As if foreigners have a choice.] There was a surplus or something about ten days ago, and it was fine for a while; but now that the rations are back it's getting bad again.

[He frowns.] Some foreigners were really hurt last time. It just looked like - arbitrary mob violence. [The senseless violence against those who couldn't possibly fight back infuriates Leonardo, and a sort of bewildered indignation colors his tone. How can people act this way?]

It's going to get worse.

Yeah, I did some light reading.

[Enough to parse together a rough history of this place. He doesn't like it. But he suspects 'like' and 'dislike' don't really tie into this place. And then there's the matter of the Prime Directive-- not one of his favourite 'Fleet rules. In fact, probably one of his least favourite ones. The idea of standing by and letting things happen no matter the cost or consequences doesn't sit right with him, it never has.]

Okay. So what's your gameplan?

[He's not too proud not to give the kid a chance to let himself be heard. He's been here longer, Kirk can listen.]

[The Captain of the starship Enterprise is asking Leonardo what his gameplan is.

The Captain of the starship Enterprise is asking Leonardo his gameplan.

It's literally a scene straight out of his most fervent childhood dreams, and it almost throws him off his rails completely. But Leo remembers his pride and professionalism as a leader and as a hero; his thoughts fall into line like well-trained soldiers. He doesn't like what he has to say, but he'll say it anyway. Leo's voice is tight with frustration; he wouldn't say this to just anyone he met, but Captain Kirk has special dispensation via transposed hero worship.]

I don't have... any leads on how to get back home yet. I mean I haven't been here very long, only about three weeks. And - and there are people who've been here years, everybody wants to get home and nobody - well, nobody who's felt like sharing - has any idea. No rumors, no stories... I mean I'd take a legend about someone who managed it even once, but - but there's nothing.

So until we have something to work with, I keep my team hidden and safe. If things get bad with the kedan or our enemies show up, I don't want us to get caught off-guard.

[His expression darkens.] They told us... to get jobs. Start a life here. "Settle in."

[The sheer suggestion is insulting; Leo's face hardens into a mask of sheer determination; he'll be damned. Fifteen or not, there's real strength here, a young steel of far higher quality than the twin katana slung over his shell. The adolescent turtle is stubborn as hell and he'll accomplish this goal if it's the last thing he does:]

But I don't care how long it takes. I'm taking my brothers home.

[And Keeliai, no matter how nice it might be, will never be his home.

Not without all his brothers... and Sensei.]

[He watches the kid's expression, the way it shifts and change. He even recognizes a quality or two. Being a captain - being a good captain is about reading people. Understanding the people on your crew, knowing when they're fit for duty, knowing when they aren't. He reads people. Maybe he's not the best at it, but he's learning.]

Hey. We'll work at it, okay?

[He holds out a hand. Handshakes can be, you know, insulting sometimes, depending on the culture, but he's pretty sure they were still a thing in 2012 on Earth.

The Federation is a peacekeeping armada. Their officers (even the ones that get fast-tracked to the captain's chair) are trained in diplomacy, even if it's one of those things Jim only rarely uses and doesn't much like. But in those theoretical scenarios that he was endlessly, endlessly drilled about in the academy, he never had to deal with kids. Or even think about it. There are so few situations in which he'd actually have to interact with one in a diplomatic situation, why would they even bother teaching it?

So he just forges ahead, because that's what he's good at, and smiles. It's not his usual one, not just the prelude to or symptom of a show of arrogance or general douchebaggery. It's genuine.]

I'll help.

[Leo's eyes widen, not in offense but with the resounding thrill of all my dreams just came true. There's a little shock too; he hadn't been fishing for help and hadn't expected much more than a strategy consult. To suddenly be offered collaboration with someone who - as far as Leo can tell - is a real-world version of Captain Ryan may possibly be the coolest thing to happen to him in his entire life.

An irrepressible smile of pride broadens his face as Leo reaches out to grip Kirk's hand (which is larger than April's at least, but still fits with room to spare on Leo's palm). The gesture isn't habituated (who the heck does he ever shake hands with?) and the movement is tentative around the edges, but completely heartfelt.]

... Thank you. We aren't used to having many allies, but I think we could use them.

[It's difficult to clamber back on top of his hero worship and past the recurring thought The guys are never going to believe this in order to think clearly, but Leo somehow manages to keep his leader hat on. This is still business, not playtime; he's not some star-struck little kid. He's a hero in his own right, a leader with experience, and he's going to prove to the Captain as he does to everyone else that he's worthy of the position.]

So do you have any crew here, Captain? When did you arrive?

[Jim grins. Yep, he definitely likes this kid.]

Just got here. If my crew's here, I haven't found 'em, but I'm not worried. They can look after themselves.

Yeah... I'm sure they can. [If only Leo could say the same thing about his brothers. Oh, they can "look after" themselves, they're highly-trained ninja after all. Unless you take into account Donnie not eating, or Raph posting open video everywhere, or Mikey's.... er... Mikey's Mikey.]

Well- since you're without any crew, is there... anything you need help with? I uh, noticed you were scanning for readings. [Leo gestures at the tricorder in Kirk's belt. He doesn't know that's what it's called, but it's close enough to the instruments in Space Heroes that he knows what it's for. More or less.

The mutant turtle never in a million years imagined that anything like Space Heroes actually existed anywhere, and how he's met a real live spaceship captain. Leo's eagerness to learn, to find out more about what life exploring the stars is really like, perhaps even to work with Captain Kirk in a meaningful capacity - it's nearly vibrating under his skin. But he's trying very hard to sound nothing more than casually helpful.

Like teenagers throughout the known galaxy (and undoubtedly beyond), he's nowhere near as subtle as he's trying to be.]

What - what I mean is, if you're looking for something, maybe I've seen it around?

Edited 2013-06-01 03:00 (UTC)

[Jim laughs, shakes his head.]

I'm not looking for anything specific. Well, except my ship, but you'd know if the Enterprise were parked around here anywhere. But, uh-- this?

[He pulls the tri-c from his belt and waggles it a little in the air.]

This is just a [slight pause.] scanning device. I'm taking readings. For. You know. Science.

[The warmth in Leo's smile comes from thoughts of his brother. "For science" indeed. Donnie will FLIP when he finds out that not only does Space Heroes exist - or a version of it anyway - but there's real science involved. Leo's gangly brother always hated it when programs got the science wrong, citing the importance of accuracy.]

So you can give your scientist the, er, "readings" when you hook up again, right? [Smart. Prepared for eventualities. Leo files that away with a note to apply the approach to his own leadership skills.]

Oh, I can sort of muddle my way through it too. It's not my strongest point, but I'll manage just fine until my science officer gets here.

[He had to take at least first year courses across every subject at the Academy, okay? He can fake it.]

[Leonardo's classroom is a dojo, and Sensei doesn't do science – he taught a basic level of arithmetic, but neither saw the need nor had the expertise to address higher concepts. A first-year education is pretty impressive by the turtle's standards. Of course, even if Leo did have educational opportunities, he is just fifteen, and not the sort who would have eagerly picked up algebra or geology (that honor goes to his taller brother, of course). Not unlike Kirk, his intelligence lies in other areas.]

Science officer, huh. [A Dr. Mindstrong, you say? Why yes, Leo would love to geek out over the parallels between Kirk's universe and his own beloved Space Heroes!] What's he like?

He is a serious pain in my -- [casually editing for a fifteen year old audience doo dee doo] -- butt. He always does everything by the rules and he's a total stick in the mud.

[Contrary to the words, it's obvious by his tone that he thinks the world of the guy. Sometimes his and Spock's relationship feels a little like predestination - like falling into some rut from a former life or something. And in a way, it is, and he wonders if he should feel cheated about that. Like he didn't get to decide for himself.

But if it's happened so many times across so many universes and alternate realities or whatever, there's got to be a reason for it. He knows Spock's a good guy, fundamentally, for all that they butt heads. He's a good guy, and they're friends. Maybe it would have happened anyway, without Nero. It's not really something he dwells on, not like the fact that his alternate universe doppelganger grew up knowing his father.

He shakes his head a little.]

But he's one of my best friends. Just don't tell him I said that.

[That last bit is said in a bit of a theatrical stage whisper. Careful, Leo, he is Bequeathing Unto You a great secret.]

So, Captain, what you're saying is… you don't get to be captain of the Enterprise by following all the rules? [There's a resoundingly delighted light in Leo's eyes as he paraphrases a Space Heroes quote, almost as if he half-expects Kirk to recognize the line. He couldn't help himself, be gentle.]

Don't tell anyone I fell out of that tree and you have a deal. [If there's one thing Leo is good at – well, he's good at a lot of things, but this in particular – it's engineering a mutually beneficial agreement. Besides, Sensei didn't raise no foo'. Hero worship or not, Leo's too sharp to let leverage like that just slip on by. You just gave him an inch, Captain, so he'll take that mile thank you very much~]

That [he points directly at Leo] is exactly what I'm saying.

[And then, a grin.]

Deal.

moves like jagger [open]

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