Q

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot was feeling pretty... uneven, about literally everything on this ship. He'd made a friend in Winter, which was lovely, and assumed that John was on his side as well, considering he'd been the one to bring him here. And Guy... well, whatever that was. Eliot really had thought that his smartest move was to get on the captain's very good side, but despite feeling like the man had been undressing him with his eyes, it had ended with... report to the quartermaster. He'd thought it best not to ask what that entailed. To just do what he was told.

So he dutifully showed up in the workroom. Looked around. "Ah, I'm looking for the quartermaster."

Comments

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Concerning, but good to know. Just try not to blow anything up," Q shrugged.

"Yes, Q's already done that once this week," Tanner said, bringing Eliot over a set of robes that would help set him apart from the rest of the crew. Similar to what Q wore, but where Q's were a dark green, Eliot's were a soft gray.

"It was a very small explosion," Q assured Eliot.

"Yes, it only knocked out Q," Tanner replied, giving Q a look. "I'll let Bond know Eliot's getting settled in," he told them both, before turning to leave.

Q watched him go, then looked like he might say something to Eliot- Before seeming to decide against it and say something else instead. "The robes are charmed, you can make them whatever colour you like," he noted. "The only thing that doesn't change is the insignia. It lets the rest of crew know you're part of my team. Tanner's idea."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot was a little relieved when Q didn't seem overly concerned by he wild magic thing. He also looked noticeably grateful when he took the robes. They weren't exactly stylish, but they were better than the typical crew garb, and it was starting to get burdensome to wash the few good clothes that Eliot had here.

"Thank you," he said. "Truly. And ah, I don't suppose this changes my... housing situation? I was hoping that perhaps the cot I'm sleeping on was a temporary arrangement."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Oh, hmm... Well, actually- My quarters are down here, but since I board with the captain, I don't see why you couldn't use them. At the moment I'm storing some equipment in there, but you're welcome to sleep there if you like," Q offered.

Part of him was reluctant to give them up, but James had made it clear he wasn't going to be using them- It would be selfish to keep them. He gestured for Eliot to follow, leading them over to the room. "It's not very big, but it's certainly nicer than a cot."

It was a modest room, but the bed was nice. It hadn't been made in some time, but a fresh set of sheets sat folded atop it. There was an empty trunk at the foot of it and a desk in the corner. As Q had warned, there were some random bits of equipment too, the cauldron being the most notable. "If you ask, Tanner might help you clear it out."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot's eyes went a little wide.

It certainly wasn't luxury, nothing like what he'd been used to, certainly not in Fillory, and not even in Brakebills, but the conditions on the ship so far had him in a bit of despair to be honest. And this seemed like the best he could hope for. And he wasn't having to fuck anyone for it.

"Thank you," he said hastily, the gratitude obvious. "I really appreciate it."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Of course. ...I remember what it was like, bunking with the others. Some people on this ship are wonderful, but- I was young when I boarded. Just fifteen. ...Some of the men could be- Unkind, let's say."

Eliot was young, attractive... Q had no doubt there was unwanted attention.

"Look, um, just know if things ever get uncomfortable, there are three men on this ship you can always trust. Tanner, Hex, and House. There are other good souls, don't get me wrong, but if someone's bothering you, that's who you go to."

He paused a beat, then added, "And me. You can come to me, and I'll take care of it if I can."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot nodded in understanding, and then set the bundle of robes down on the bed. "Not Bond?" he asked, curious by the omission because it could mean multiple things.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Captain has other things to worry about," Q replied, because despite the gaps in his memory, this he was sure of. "When I was at the castle I'd never go to the king with my troubles. ...That's how Bond sees himself, you know. This is his castle."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Oh, I see," said Eliot. "Yes, that makes sense. Well, I don't anticipate... I mean, I'm used to taking care of myself. But I appreciate that. And I hope that I can be of use to you."

He paused. "You were at court? I suppose that's the kind of thing I was training for, before."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I never actually made it to court, I was training to be the king's wizard though," Q said, not really wanting to talk about his time at the castle. "The man who trained me was brilliant, but- Well, I decided it wasn't for me after all. As I said, I was only 15 when I joined the crew. Didn't exactly leave behind an illustrious career," he joked.

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Neither did I," Eliot said with a small smile. "Look, I should warn you I bore easily, but it's not like I can't power through it. Just tell me how I can be useful."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

Q nodded and offered a smile. "I'm afraid right now it's all enchanting. Boring, but... The good news is that after Bond has his things, we can start working on developing new spells and potions. I personally prefer inventing over grunt work."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"And do you join the crew in fights?" Eliot asked.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Me? Rarely. I provide the tools, I prefer to overlook the battle from afar," Q admitted.

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot could understand that. "Well, I've done... a lot of fighting. If it's helpful. I mean I can't say I enjoy it but I guess I've gotten pretty good at it. With magic, I mean. Not with a sword."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"If that's what you'd rather do, I can put in a word with the captain, but I promise you this is a far more comfortable position. It's your choice though, I make no demands," Q assured him. "Wouldn't you rather use your powers to help develop things that would aid those in battle? Things to keep them safe? Things to ensure a win? I know they say glory is on the battlefield, but I assure you there's plenty to be found here as well. ...And it's a lot safer."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"No, I just.... want to be useful," Eliot said hastily. "If that's enchanting arrows or whatever, that's okay with me. I'm not a danger junkie, trust me."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"I promise, right now you couldn't be more useful," Q assured him. "I'll make you a copy of the enchantment, with your help I should be able to get this done before we make port."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"You've got it, boss," said Eliot cheerfully.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Just Q is fine," Q assured him with an awkward smile. "For now though, I can show you around."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot really was in better spirits now. He wouldn't have admitted it to himself, but it was a little depressing how quickly he'd jumped to thinking that he needed to use his body to prove his worth here.

"Great," he said. Then as they walked added, "You want to test me or anything? Or are do you just trust John's eye for talent?" Hopefully it was that and not just that John had a tendency to pick up strays.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Honestly? I need the help. If you're even half-way decent, you'll be better than what I have. I had another mage working with me, but they took off two ports ago. It's just myself and Tanner, and Tanner isn't a mage. He's a tactician. ...And John does have a knack for finding people with potential."

[eliot_thespectacular]

Eliot nodded. "Okay, well, can confirm I'm halfway decent at most things anyway. And I'm a quick learner."

And the wild magic wasn't a problem most of the time.

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Then I'm sure we'll get on just fine," Q replied, taking a moment to show Eliot where everything was. There were plenty of ingredients, cauldrons, assorted books on magic and plenty of equipment.

"My only rule is you make note of what you use. You don't need to ask, but we need to keep track of what needs replacing. You're welcome to make personal use of the supplies, just be mindful of how much you take. Not every port we make will have supplies after all."

[eliot_thespectacular]

"Noted," said Eliot. "And ah... I can borrow the books?" He tried not to look too eager, but he hadn't seen a book the whole time he'd been here. "In fact, if you have anything else... I thought I might cart back some books if there's a place when we make port. I didn't bring much with me."

[bibbidi_bobbidi_boffin]

"Erm, well, I have my private collection, but- I don't usually lend them out," Q admitted. "They're heavy and hard to store, and it's not as though we come across them often, but I have quite a few."