Face Forward, Gaze Back (Squad 5 Assignment)

[Preston Salabim]

"Technically, nothing but a sample of flesh from your other partner. It's something I can do on my own. Though I have grown to enjoy your company. I am here because I was unsure if you planned to even stay. You said before you were here against your will, but by now you should be about ready to have your chains undone."

He'd step forward again.

"I'm curious where that leaves us."

[Rozalin Kendal]

She could feel Ari shudder in the back of her mind as he backpedaled from the idea. Her smile lifted at one side, almost softening for a moment at his words as well as the sybiote's reaction.

"True enough; the shackles of Cabal won't be able to hold me for much longer." She shrugged and stretched, rising on her toes as she did so, arms overhead. It was something she'd considered before, but the murky possibilities still remained. It was an exciting idea, but she needed to take the first step forward.

"I still intend to leave. There are things I have to tend to before I'm truly free. But that also means getting stronger than I am now." If she was going to get her freedom back, she'd have to fight for it, tooth and nail.

"I suppose that means I'm gong to be here a while longer than I intended." She took a step forward, mindful of the phrasing. "Truthfully, I think you're probably one of the best things about this place."

[Preston Salabim]

He'd smile at her praise, adjusting his glasses as he glanced down for a brief moment.

"Then I suppose I will have a chance to enjoy your company for a while longer yet. I have plans for what I hope to accomplish. One of which is to construct my magical artifact. One to make even the Magistrates sit up and take notice. And from there it is more fluid. But I imagine fixing the Qi scars around the land will be a good addition to my resume."

Don't mind him, just planning to literally reshape the world as they know it and wanting you to be part of it.

[Rozalin Kendal]

"It seems you will." Her brows rose as he continued explaining his thoughts, not wanting to only create a treasure that would leave his peers and future peers in awe, but the power to reshape the world. To make his name known by healing the damaged areas that tore itself and any who neared it apart.

"If they're not taking notice already, then they're already too late." She chuckled, a full and throaty sound. "How did you plan on healing the scars of the land? Or is that something that has to happen after your create your own legendary staff?"

[Preston Salabim]

"The staff will help me to focus my Mana. But for healing the land..."

He'd shrug.

"I am honestly not sure yet. No one has been able to do so yet to my knowledge. So I will have to figure it out."

[Rozalin Kendal]

"One thing at a time then." There would be time for Preston to figure it out, then, and to see what she thought of it in the end.

"I'm assuming I can pick my own prize from some of these locations," she added with a smirk. It would be a boon to her own goals, if that was the case. She woudln't know what was there until they managed to get that far, but she could be a certain Captain's stash.

Wouldn't that be fun?

[Preston Salabim]

"I don't see why not."

Assuming it wasn't one of his components.

[Rozalin Kendal]

"Excellent." Her eyes brightened with her grin. His components were safe, since he was her partner and his journey let her go for more than just what he needed. And if there happened to be more than one of the ingredient he was looking for...well.

Black market contacts were amazing when you could reach them.

"I could use a bit more to add to my collection."

[Preston Salabim]

"Perfect. I still need some time for preparation with the ingredients I gathered. And ideally, I'd have my portal ready and attuned to Cabal. It would be prudent I feel."

[Rozalin Kendal]

"Excellent. That should give me enough time to prepare, as well." She tucked some hair behind her ear with a nod.

"Prudent is one way to put it. I think we'd both appreciate the chance to make it back without having to deal with teh storm again."

[Preston Salabim]

"And a way to get back to the eye of the storm should the need ever arise."

He'd point out.

[Rozalin Kendal]

"True." She eyes him with amusement, though the question that came to mind was interesting enough. What exactly would they find or come across that going back to such a safeguarded place was necessary? Or perhaps it wasn't so much a "they" as the man who was fascinated with world anomalies.

Actually, she could think of a reason or two of her own. The thought wiped the smile from her face even as she gave a soft chuckle.

"Then again, that's not a bad idea. And who knows, maybe I'll find something worth enough to start my own crew."

[Preston Salabim]

"You don't have one waiting for you?"

[Rozalin Kendal]

"Not one that's mine." She shook her head, arms crossing across her chest. "My deeds are my own, but the ship and crew belong to the same person I do."

[Preston Salabim]

"What? Like you are all owned? Like a table?"

That was weird.