[PSL] Two Librarians are better than one (for abadmother)

[cahooted]

[This is exciting.

Everything about this is excited. Flynn is excited.

In fact, this has him downright giddy. There's always a certain buzz to a new mission but this time it's different, unique. Flynn may still be on probation of his six month trial period (which Charlene will probably never tire reminding him of) but already he's used to having Judson along for the ride. Not continuously, of course, just showing up in mirrors and tv screens here and there, giving him bits and pieces of advice. Flynn still wonders how he does it - maybe this time he'll find out.

Because this time it's different. This time Judson is actually here, physically at his side, outside of the Library, traveling with him and honestly, Flynn can't wait. Plus, it will make the inevitable endless plane flight so much less boring.]

Oh, hey, hang on, let me get that for you... [Flynn flashes him a quick smile, then reaches to stuff Judson's carry-on into the compartment overhead.]

Comments

[abadmother]

[ This is exciting. It's been a long time since Judson went out in the field, other than a brief moment with Flynn and Nicole during the Spear of Destiny affair, but that wasn't like seeing a mission from start to finish. So, yes, Judson is excited, even if said excitement isn't exactly radiating off him in waves.

But it's there, because the fact that Charlene didn't shoot this idea down in flames is especially meaningful. And, of course, he looks forward to getting to talk one on one with Flynn and getting to know the younger man better. ]

Oh, thank you, Flynn. [ He gives him a quick smile of appreciation. Old bones, and all. At least some younger people are familiar with the concept of respect. ]

We'd better settle in; it's going to be a long flight.

[cahooted]

Right!

[Flynn leans over towards the small window to peer outside, watching one of the anemometers on the airport's rooftops.]

Although there seems to be a strong east wind blowing en route which should cut our flight short by at least [brb calculating] 27 minutes. [It's not much, considering the length of the flight, but it's something?]

Did you want the window seat, the aisle...?

[abadmother]

Well, anything helps, even just 27 minutes. [ He nods approvingly at Flynn's pronunciation of that fact, and at the fact that he's so smart. He appreciates intelligence in people, and Flynn's no exception. ]

The aisle seat is fine, Flynn. [ And if there's anything he needs to see, he can at least peer through the window. Something tells him Flynn might enjoy having the window seat more than he would. ]

So, since we have the time, we should go over the mission again.

[cahooted]

[Flynn glances back over his shoulder and smiles before scooting over to flop down on the window seat.]

Really? Isn't that all, uh, very top secret? [He leans in conspirationally, his eyes shifting left and right as he drops his voice.] Should we talk in code?

[abadmother]

Well, yes, we don't want to have any unexpected surprises once we reach our destination. [ Judson was choosing his words carefully, as he did on a daily basis, but given their relatively public location, he was putting even more effort into that task. ]

Still, we need to be prepared.

[ He smiles fondly at Flynn's suggestion of talking in code. ] I was thinking more along the lines of both of us reviewing this proposed timeline of events. It can't factor in every possibility, but at least it's a rough idea of what we're hoping to accomplish.

[cahooted]

Oh, like a debrief. ... Or a prebrief. Since it's before the mission? [He chuckles, then clears his throat, putting on a serious face. Look, Judson, he can be professional. He is a professional. Professional Librarian ready for the prebrief.]

Where do you want to start?

[This is great. Usually the only kind of 'prebrief' he receives is the information on the artifact and where he had to go. Not how he had to do it or how events would play out once he arrived at his destination. He's curious to see how Judson handles that part of the mission.]

[abadmother]

Well, yes, if it must have a name. Now, Flynn, the best place to start is at the beginning.

[ He pulls out a sheaf of papers and spreads them out in front of them for easy reading. ]

[cahooted]

That makes sense. The beginning it is!

[But when Judson pulls out the papers his giddy excitement sharpens into focus.

Flynn glances at the papers, then rummages through his pocket to retrieve his glasses and slip them on his nose. Leaning over he glances down to study the different papers, pulling in single sheets from time to time to study them up close, quietly muttering to himself as he goes through the different symbols and writings depicted there.]

[abadmother]

[ Judson lapses into a momentarily silence while he peruses the papers in front of him. After a moment or two, he glances sidelong at Flynn. ]

Does anything of note jump out at you?

[ He could detail his own conclusions, but this is more or less a training exercise for Flynn, as the new Librarian, and he intends to be more of a supporting role in most instances, stepping in if needed, but most often, nudging Flynn in the right direction. ]

[cahooted]

Mmm...

[His answers comes a bit delayed, mind already racing, sorting through the writing and their potential meanings.]

There's something odd about these symbols... they're clearly talking about the Shroud but they're using the wrong word... well, not so much wrong, just, uncommon.

[abadmother]

Ah, yes, I wondered if you'd noticed that.

Did you also spot the repeated use of the word for danger? Loosely translated, of course.
The actual meaning is slightly more nuanced than that. It seems almost too convenient that a warning would be contained here as well, but perhaps it's meant as a sort of fail-safe.

[cahooted]

It could point to a hazard with the Shroud, yes...

[He's muttering, absent-minded, his finger tracing the symbols.]

Danger... danger... maybe not as a warning but a potential? With great power comes great responsibility?

[abadmother]

Good thinking, Flynn. [ He always knew he had a good head on his shoulders. ] I'd interpreted it to mean the same thing. That isn't to say there couldn't be another meaning, but in my opinion, it seems to be urging caution.

[cahooted]

Wonder what's so dangerous about it.

[He chuckles, good-humoredly.]

I mean, what could you even do with the Shroud that would be so bad, accidentally wipe your face on it?

[abadmother]

There could be curses or enchantments placed on it, in order to guard it from potential thieves.

Personally, I hope that isn't the case, because that would only complicate things.

[cahooted]

[Oh.]

Yes.

Yes, there... could be that. I knew that.

... How would we spot a curse?

[abadmother]

That's a tricky one. Curses aren't something spotted with the naked eye. What we need is something that will help us see the curse.

[ He glances at Flynn, certain he'll pick up on his meaning. Being cryptic is rarely helpful, but this is meant to be a learning experience for Flynn as well as being a shared adventure for the two of them.

As luck would have it, he does have that certain something hidden away, but he's waiting for the right moment. ]

[cahooted]

You mean m--

[He quickly clamps his mouth shut when his excitement gets the better of him, causing his voice to rise. He awkwardly smiles up at a stewardess passing them by and shooting Flynn a weird look, then leans in more closely.]

You mean magic? Are we gonna use magic?