greatinspector | Appointments/Random Poking

I don't think its so much a secret as it is that she just doesn't come into town much. Its a wolf god. I...don't know much about her, but I'd wager she was brought here by the Malnosso same as us. I just can't stand the thought of her being forgotten. Thats a cruel thing for a god, y'know?

I don't know what's good for gods or not, Pops. I haven't been a believer in any for a long time. 'Course, Fujiko did say that there were gods here...maybe you're right that your Moro was brought here by our kind benefactors.

Probably. Its just sad, thats all.

[Another swig of coffee]

So, whats up? I know you didn't come down here to talk about Moro and my shrine. Your shack is nearly done too.

[Of course. No more stalling. Lupin braces his feet agains the table and tilts his chair back, balancing on only the rear legs and lounging Jigen-style. He sighs--Pops would see through his ploy, no doubt. He always did.]

Thanks for the shack too, Pops. Really. I'd have helped more...[but when it hurt to laugh, nailing boards together tended to pose a problem.] I noticed Cap's back, really. Impressive too--who'da thunk he'd make such a hot gal?

[Zenigata chuckles a bit. He'd wondered how long it would take Lupin to thank him for the workshop. His mauling by Daisy definitely had kept him out of action too]

Yea, its not really a problem. I just needed somethin' to work on. But, thats not what you came here to say. Quit stalling. Out with it. I know you were talking to Smoker. Err...Smokette. What do ya want?

Smoker. Cap'. [Not Smokette. That just sounded lame. He looks at the ceiling instead of the Inspector. Maybe if he just goes into vagaries...]

Nothing much. Recent events have taught me that I should probably think about focusing on more than just making all of my toys, is all. [Especially since he only had half a clip, since he had no inflatable decoys, and wasn't all that great in a bare handed fist fight. The possibility of training with Smoker might also help him blow off some of his excess energy, so he didn't blow up something else out of carelessness.]

Yea? What sort of things do you wanna focus on? I heard you got smacked around pretty bad the other day. Is it...fighting you want to learn?

[...yep. too damn perceptive.]

You see right through me every time, Pops. Stop that.

How long have I known you? C'mon, do you really expect anything less from me?

[He'd be insulted if you said yes...]

Nope. You're the only one who can catch me!

So, what is it you want? You know I'll help if I can.

[Feels weird saying that, but...given where they are? Its true. Lupin can do things Pops can't, and they need those things to escape]

[It was wierd for Lupin to even ask, but he had to admit the same. There were people, many people who could do things that Lupin couldn't; it was why his best work was always with a team. His gaze leveled on Zenigata, second thoughts being shoved aside for the moment. This was no harder than stealing Egyptian artifacts from museums. It was easier, even.

Why was he stalling?]

Honestly? I need your blessing. [figuratively.]

My blessing? Why on earth would you need that, Lupin? Since when have you cared what I think, anyway? Haha. If you wanna learn how to fight, be my guest. I'll even help you if you want.

I'm actually going to Cap', Pops. His return had pretty damn good timing.

[Zenigata shrugs. He's trained with Smoker a little bit. Its the super-powers that really set the two of them apart, after all. He's not really too keen on teaching Lupin how to fight, anyway]

Then yea, you got my blessing. Saves me the trouble of worrying about hurting you worse. Just be careful. Fighting isn't fun and games, you know?

[Lupin wasn't too keep on asking, for his part. Secrecy was his game; he didn't like violating that, especially with his known rival. He laughs shortly at Zenigata's words--their sentiments were the same.]

You don't need to worry about hurting me, Pops. I always get away, remember? Joking aside, though, I know it's not a game. [Why else would he go to someone who was almost a stranger istead of anyone from his world?]

There's gonna come a time when we're all caught off guard. I don't trust the Malnosso to not do that. When it comes? We're all gonna need to be well rounded.

[You'd go to an outsider for a number of reasons...of course]

I agree with you. That meeting Ginia set up. That was a step in the right direction. But it isn't gonna be enough. Neighborhood watches? Increasing crew size on a 17th century warship? What the hell's that gonna do.

You're right. We are gonna have to look after ourselves I think. These kids, magical as they are, hardly give us older types the time of day. May as well learn to defend ourselves.

Yeah, us old guys are out numbered, and those of us without mad fighting skills, or cool powers, or magic are even more so. That kid I fought in the tunnels? Over ten years my junior. Trained fighter.

What the hell is up with these worlds, Pops? I thought ours was a mess!

But our thinking is the same here. I've always been a crap fighter compared even to Jigen. I'm good at running. Running won't take me far here. I figure...so long as I have time, why not? It's not like we can go anywhere.

Man, I don't know Lupin. Talking to some folks, you'd think we had it easy. No evil empires, sorceror kings, or sci-fi bullshit like that. Hell, some of these kids come straight outta manga I read as a kid.

What we need ta do is learn how to get superpowers or something. But till we figure that out, yea, you train with Smoker.

I don't care much for learning to have superpowers, Pops. I just want to be able to face-to-face with some of these guys is all. You have a point, though

Thanks. Could you keep this on the down-low? I don't want more people than those who need to know finding out early on.

Yea, of course. Who'd I tell anyway? Smoker? You? Fujiko? I guess maybe that Doctor Adele, but why would I?

Aahh, that's true...

Cap' is making me ask for Dellie's blessing too. [He frowns at this, no longer hiding his discomfort.] I'd rather not tell her anything...but, you know.

She is your doctor, after all. She's good people, you should take her advice.

[Lupin's just going to stare at you, Pops. Just going to stare and wonder what the hell--he has a hard time trusting people period, and is wary of Adele because of how easily she could be used against him.]

[Then--he sighs.]

I know that Pops. But, you know me.

...I will try, though.

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