Invincible II’s Second In Command @headengineer-mark-iplier - Tumblr Blog

[Nitielle returns to Mark]

Mark is working on something, trying to upgrade something, instead of sleeping like what he told Celci he’d do

Oh! Hey! How did uh… talking to Simon go?

[shake her head sadly]

Oh… don’t want to talk about it? Hey- that’s alright… uhm… here, want to see what I’m doing?

Mark gestures her to come closer, offering a distraction

[walks closer to see]

Mark scooches to the side slightly and shows her

Can...can i..try?....

He nods and hands her the tool, giving her some instruction

[takes the tool and finishes it after some time]

Mark gives her a wide grin and an approving nod

Yeah! Good job!

[smiles a bit] what's next?

Mark thinks for a moment before standing up and offering his hand to help her

I think there’s something in the reactor room we could look at?

[nods and takes his hand]

They help her up and lead her to the reactor room and looked around until he found the area he wanted to work on with her

[slowly start to fix that area]

Mark mostly watched, but occasionally would correct her or help when it seemed like she needed it

[listens to him explaining] thank you

Mark nods and continues to help, pretty content in this moment

[after some time, she finishes fixing]

Nice! You did good work! High-five!

He holds up his hand for a high five with a wide grin

[looks at him confused] what?

Uhm… high-five?

Mark demonstrates with his own hand, then holds out his hand again

It’s a little celebratory thing

[she slowly does it] sorry...

No need to be sorry! You did great!

Mark grinned at her attempt

Is there..something else?

Honestly? Right now the ship is running pretty smoothly… maybe some rest- ooo- food!

...right....i forgot there's more of food now...

Mark nods and leads her to the cafeteria

Chef makes some of the best food! Trust me on this

[tries it and her eyes went a bit wide] this is...really good [after short time she finished eating] thank you, for food

Of course, you kinda need it to live… and we’ve got plenty

[hugs him fast] you're the first person....who show kindness to me.....

Mark is a bit surprised by the hug, but quickly hugged back

I won’t be the last, I promise… everyone on this ship will treat you with the kindness and respect you deserve as a person

He rubbed her back in a smooth up and down motion

But... i killed people, i don't deserve kindness....after what i done

Did you have a choice? Did you want to?

He whispered as he set his head gently on hers, holding her slightly closer

i never wanted to... [starts to cry a bit] i didn't want to any of that to happen...

(Nitielle and Simon went through so much...stuff.. they like the same)

Mark held her tightly, letting her cry

I… I’ve killed people to… it hurts, I know…

[relaxing a bit] this feels....nice...

I’m glad. You can ask for a hug anytime, I’ll almost always be happy to give you one

[puls away] but you running this whole place, you must be bizy all the time

Mark shrugged slightly

I have a good crew who gets stuff done. Honestly, they’d probably survive without me, I just like being hands on. And if I’m too busy, I’ll let you know

what you do is important, and useful

Well, yeah, I know. I’m just saying my crew is good is all… thank you though

Can i go see the star room? if that's not too much to ask...

Yeah, of course

Mark leads her to the bridge room, the stars on display

"Uno sounded interesting. Kind of brutal, honestly." He laughs a little. He notices how exhausted Mark looks. "..Are you okay to play a game?"

@headengineer-mark-iplier [lag reduction tag]

He steps a little closer to stand next to him.

Mark freezes mentally for a moment, before his brain started sprinting from thought to thought, mostly each one being a confused, flustered, jumble of a mess. His smile turns into a grin as he looks intently out the window, pretending that something as simple as him being a little closer wasn’t flustering him

"..Thank you for saving me." He looks at him. "..It's all so much better here."

Mark quickly nods and glances back at Simon

Yeah- of course! Of course… I’m glad you’re here

He glances at Mark's hand before looking out the window again. He's getting too close..

Mark takes a moment to move slightly closer himself. He didn’t want Simon to draw back now, like how he tended to. If he did, of course Mark would respect it, however he does want to see Simon be relaxed around him, close to him. It’s… nice

He's quiet for a little while before he speaks again, his voice uncertain. "..I know I've been a lot of work. I'm sorry."

Good thing I enjoy work, then, huh?

He reaches his hand out slightly to offer it to Simon

It’s okay. If it wasn’t, I would have pawned you off onto someone else. I enjoy being with you

He looks at his hand, a little surprised about the offer. He thinks this is where it all goes wrong. It gets ripped from him in an instant. The kindness goes away if he steps out of line.

He takes his hand. He wants to enjoy it while it's here.

I’m so glad you’re here…

His voice is a whisper and he gives Simon a reassuring smile and gently squeezes his hand

[Nitielle returns to Mark]

Mark is working on something, trying to upgrade something, instead of sleeping like what he told Celci he’d do

Oh! Hey! How did uh… talking to Simon go?

[shake her head sadly]

Oh… don’t want to talk about it? Hey- that’s alright… uhm… here, want to see what I’m doing?

Mark gestures her to come closer, offering a distraction

[walks closer to see]

Mark scooches to the side slightly and shows her

Can...can i..try?....

He nods and hands her the tool, giving her some instruction

[takes the tool and finishes it after some time]

Mark gives her a wide grin and an approving nod

Yeah! Good job!

[smiles a bit] what's next?

Mark thinks for a moment before standing up and offering his hand to help her

I think there’s something in the reactor room we could look at?

[nods and takes his hand]

They help her up and lead her to the reactor room and looked around until he found the area he wanted to work on with her

[slowly start to fix that area]

Mark mostly watched, but occasionally would correct her or help when it seemed like she needed it

[listens to him explaining] thank you

Mark nods and continues to help, pretty content in this moment

[after some time, she finishes fixing]

Nice! You did good work! High-five!

He holds up his hand for a high five with a wide grin

[looks at him confused] what?

Uhm… high-five?

Mark demonstrates with his own hand, then holds out his hand again

It’s a little celebratory thing

[she slowly does it] sorry...

No need to be sorry! You did great!

Mark grinned at her attempt

Is there..something else?

Honestly? Right now the ship is running pretty smoothly… maybe some rest- ooo- food!

...right....i forgot there's more of food now...

Mark nods and leads her to the cafeteria

Chef makes some of the best food! Trust me on this

[tries it and her eyes went a bit wide] this is...really good [after short time she finished eating] thank you, for food

Of course, you kinda need it to live… and we’ve got plenty

[hugs him fast] you're the first person....who show kindness to me.....

Mark is a bit surprised by the hug, but quickly hugged back

I won’t be the last, I promise… everyone on this ship will treat you with the kindness and respect you deserve as a person

He rubbed her back in a smooth up and down motion

But... i killed people, i don't deserve kindness....after what i done

Did you have a choice? Did you want to?

He whispered as he set his head gently on hers, holding her slightly closer

i never wanted to... [starts to cry a bit] i didn't want to any of that to happen...

(Nitielle and Simon went through so much...stuff.. they like the same)

Mark held her tightly, letting her cry

I… I’ve killed people to… it hurts, I know…

[relaxing a bit] this feels....nice...

I’m glad. You can ask for a hug anytime, I’ll almost always be happy to give you one

[puls away] but you running this whole place, you must be bizy all the time

Mark shrugged slightly

I have a good crew who gets stuff done. Honestly, they’d probably survive without me, I just like being hands on. And if I’m too busy, I’ll let you know

what you do is important, and useful

Well, yeah, I know. I’m just saying my crew is good is all… thank you though

[Nitielle returns to Mark]

Mark is working on something, trying to upgrade something, instead of sleeping like what he told Celci he’d do

Oh! Hey! How did uh… talking to Simon go?

[shake her head sadly]

Oh… don’t want to talk about it? Hey- that’s alright… uhm… here, want to see what I’m doing?

Mark gestures her to come closer, offering a distraction

[walks closer to see]

Mark scooches to the side slightly and shows her

Can...can i..try?....

He nods and hands her the tool, giving her some instruction

[takes the tool and finishes it after some time]

Mark gives her a wide grin and an approving nod

Yeah! Good job!

[smiles a bit] what's next?

Mark thinks for a moment before standing up and offering his hand to help her

I think there’s something in the reactor room we could look at?

[nods and takes his hand]

They help her up and lead her to the reactor room and looked around until he found the area he wanted to work on with her

[slowly start to fix that area]

Mark mostly watched, but occasionally would correct her or help when it seemed like she needed it

[listens to him explaining] thank you

Mark nods and continues to help, pretty content in this moment

[after some time, she finishes fixing]

Nice! You did good work! High-five!

He holds up his hand for a high five with a wide grin

[looks at him confused] what?

Uhm… high-five?

Mark demonstrates with his own hand, then holds out his hand again

It’s a little celebratory thing

[she slowly does it] sorry...

No need to be sorry! You did great!

Mark grinned at her attempt

Is there..something else?

Honestly? Right now the ship is running pretty smoothly… maybe some rest- ooo- food!

...right....i forgot there's more of food now...

Mark nods and leads her to the cafeteria

Chef makes some of the best food! Trust me on this

[tries it and her eyes went a bit wide] this is...really good [after short time she finished eating] thank you, for food

Of course, you kinda need it to live… and we’ve got plenty

[hugs him fast] you're the first person....who show kindness to me.....

Mark is a bit surprised by the hug, but quickly hugged back

I won’t be the last, I promise… everyone on this ship will treat you with the kindness and respect you deserve as a person

He rubbed her back in a smooth up and down motion

But... i killed people, i don't deserve kindness....after what i done

Did you have a choice? Did you want to?

He whispered as he set his head gently on hers, holding her slightly closer

i never wanted to... [starts to cry a bit] i didn't want to any of that to happen...

(Nitielle and Simon went through so much...stuff.. they like the same)

Mark held her tightly, letting her cry

I… I’ve killed people to… it hurts, I know…

[relaxing a bit] this feels....nice...

I’m glad. You can ask for a hug anytime, I’ll almost always be happy to give you one

[puls away] but you running this whole place, you must be bizy all the time

Mark shrugged slightly

I have a good crew who gets stuff done. Honestly, they’d probably survive without me, I just like being hands on. And if I’m too busy, I’ll let you know

"Uno sounded interesting. Kind of brutal, honestly." He laughs a little. He notices how exhausted Mark looks. "..Are you okay to play a game?"

@headengineer-mark-iplier [lag reduction tag]

He steps a little closer to stand next to him.

"..Thank you for saving me." He looks at him. "..It's all so much better here."

Mark quickly nods and glances back at Simon

Yeah- of course! Of course… I’m glad you’re here

He glances at Mark's hand before looking out the window again. He's getting too close..

He's quiet for a little while before he speaks again, his voice uncertain. "..I know I've been a lot of work. I'm sorry."

Good thing I enjoy work, then, huh?

He reaches his hand out slightly to offer it to Simon

It’s okay. If it wasn’t, I would have pawned you off onto someone else. I enjoy being with you

[Nitielle returns to Mark]

Mark is working on something, trying to upgrade something, instead of sleeping like what he told Celci he’d do

Oh! Hey! How did uh… talking to Simon go?

[shake her head sadly]

Oh… don’t want to talk about it? Hey- that’s alright… uhm… here, want to see what I’m doing?

Mark gestures her to come closer, offering a distraction

[walks closer to see]

Mark scooches to the side slightly and shows her

Can...can i..try?....

He nods and hands her the tool, giving her some instruction

[takes the tool and finishes it after some time]

Mark gives her a wide grin and an approving nod

Yeah! Good job!

[smiles a bit] what's next?

Mark thinks for a moment before standing up and offering his hand to help her

I think there’s something in the reactor room we could look at?

[nods and takes his hand]

They help her up and lead her to the reactor room and looked around until he found the area he wanted to work on with her

[slowly start to fix that area]

Mark mostly watched, but occasionally would correct her or help when it seemed like she needed it

[listens to him explaining] thank you

Mark nods and continues to help, pretty content in this moment

[after some time, she finishes fixing]

Nice! You did good work! High-five!

He holds up his hand for a high five with a wide grin

[looks at him confused] what?

Uhm… high-five?

Mark demonstrates with his own hand, then holds out his hand again

It’s a little celebratory thing

[she slowly does it] sorry...

No need to be sorry! You did great!

Mark grinned at her attempt

Is there..something else?

Honestly? Right now the ship is running pretty smoothly… maybe some rest- ooo- food!

...right....i forgot there's more of food now...

Mark nods and leads her to the cafeteria

Chef makes some of the best food! Trust me on this

[tries it and her eyes went a bit wide] this is...really good [after short time she finished eating] thank you, for food

Of course, you kinda need it to live… and we’ve got plenty

[hugs him fast] you're the first person....who show kindness to me.....

Mark is a bit surprised by the hug, but quickly hugged back

I won’t be the last, I promise… everyone on this ship will treat you with the kindness and respect you deserve as a person

He rubbed her back in a smooth up and down motion

But... i killed people, i don't deserve kindness....after what i done

Did you have a choice? Did you want to?

He whispered as he set his head gently on hers, holding her slightly closer

i never wanted to... [starts to cry a bit] i didn't want to any of that to happen...

(Nitielle and Simon went through so much...stuff.. they like the same)

Mark held her tightly, letting her cry

I… I’ve killed people to… it hurts, I know…

[relaxing a bit] this feels....nice...

I’m glad. You can ask for a hug anytime, I’ll almost always be happy to give you one

[Nitielle returns to Mark]

Mark is working on something, trying to upgrade something, instead of sleeping like what he told Celci he’d do

Oh! Hey! How did uh… talking to Simon go?

[shake her head sadly]

Oh… don’t want to talk about it? Hey- that’s alright… uhm… here, want to see what I’m doing?

Mark gestures her to come closer, offering a distraction

[walks closer to see]

Mark scooches to the side slightly and shows her

Can...can i..try?....

He nods and hands her the tool, giving her some instruction

[takes the tool and finishes it after some time]

Mark gives her a wide grin and an approving nod

Yeah! Good job!

[smiles a bit] what's next?

Mark thinks for a moment before standing up and offering his hand to help her

I think there’s something in the reactor room we could look at?

[nods and takes his hand]

They help her up and lead her to the reactor room and looked around until he found the area he wanted to work on with her

[slowly start to fix that area]

Mark mostly watched, but occasionally would correct her or help when it seemed like she needed it

[listens to him explaining] thank you

Mark nods and continues to help, pretty content in this moment

[after some time, she finishes fixing]

Nice! You did good work! High-five!

He holds up his hand for a high five with a wide grin

[looks at him confused] what?

Uhm… high-five?

Mark demonstrates with his own hand, then holds out his hand again

It’s a little celebratory thing

[she slowly does it] sorry...

No need to be sorry! You did great!

Mark grinned at her attempt

Is there..something else?

Honestly? Right now the ship is running pretty smoothly… maybe some rest- ooo- food!

...right....i forgot there's more of food now...

Mark nods and leads her to the cafeteria

Chef makes some of the best food! Trust me on this

[tries it and her eyes went a bit wide] this is...really good [after short time she finished eating] thank you, for food

Of course, you kinda need it to live… and we’ve got plenty

[hugs him fast] you're the first person....who show kindness to me.....

Mark is a bit surprised by the hug, but quickly hugged back

I won’t be the last, I promise… everyone on this ship will treat you with the kindness and respect you deserve as a person

He rubbed her back in a smooth up and down motion

But... i killed people, i don't deserve kindness....after what i done

Did you have a choice? Did you want to?

He whispered as he set his head gently on hers, holding her slightly closer

i never wanted to... [starts to cry a bit] i didn't want to any of that to happen...

(Nitielle and Simon went through so much...stuff.. they like the same)

Mark held her tightly, letting her cry

I… I’ve killed people to… it hurts, I know…

[Nitielle returns to Mark]

Mark is working on something, trying to upgrade something, instead of sleeping like what he told Celci he’d do

Oh! Hey! How did uh… talking to Simon go?

[shake her head sadly]

Oh… don’t want to talk about it? Hey- that’s alright… uhm… here, want to see what I’m doing?

Mark gestures her to come closer, offering a distraction

[walks closer to see]

Mark scooches to the side slightly and shows her

Can...can i..try?....

He nods and hands her the tool, giving her some instruction

[takes the tool and finishes it after some time]

Mark gives her a wide grin and an approving nod

Yeah! Good job!

[smiles a bit] what's next?

Mark thinks for a moment before standing up and offering his hand to help her

I think there’s something in the reactor room we could look at?

[nods and takes his hand]

They help her up and lead her to the reactor room and looked around until he found the area he wanted to work on with her

[slowly start to fix that area]

Mark mostly watched, but occasionally would correct her or help when it seemed like she needed it

[listens to him explaining] thank you

Mark nods and continues to help, pretty content in this moment

[after some time, she finishes fixing]

Nice! You did good work! High-five!

He holds up his hand for a high five with a wide grin

[looks at him confused] what?

Uhm… high-five?

Mark demonstrates with his own hand, then holds out his hand again

It’s a little celebratory thing

[she slowly does it] sorry...

No need to be sorry! You did great!

Mark grinned at her attempt

Is there..something else?

Honestly? Right now the ship is running pretty smoothly… maybe some rest- ooo- food!

...right....i forgot there's more of food now...

Mark nods and leads her to the cafeteria

Chef makes some of the best food! Trust me on this

[tries it and her eyes went a bit wide] this is...really good [after short time she finished eating] thank you, for food

Of course, you kinda need it to live… and we’ve got plenty

[hugs him fast] you're the first person....who show kindness to me.....

Mark is a bit surprised by the hug, but quickly hugged back

I won’t be the last, I promise… everyone on this ship will treat you with the kindness and respect you deserve as a person

He rubbed her back in a smooth up and down motion

But... i killed people, i don't deserve kindness....after what i done

Did you have a choice? Did you want to?

He whispered as he set his head gently on hers, holding her slightly closer

"Uno sounded interesting. Kind of brutal, honestly." He laughs a little. He notices how exhausted Mark looks. "..Are you okay to play a game?"

@headengineer-mark-iplier [lag reduction tag]

He steps a little closer to stand next to him.

"..Thank you for saving me." He looks at him. "..It's all so much better here."

Mark quickly nods and glances back at Simon

Yeah- of course! Of course… I’m glad you’re here

He glances at Mark's hand before looking out the window again. He's getting too close..

[Nitielle returns to Mark]

Mark is working on something, trying to upgrade something, instead of sleeping like what he told Celci he’d do

Oh! Hey! How did uh… talking to Simon go?

[shake her head sadly]

Oh… don’t want to talk about it? Hey- that’s alright… uhm… here, want to see what I’m doing?

Mark gestures her to come closer, offering a distraction

[walks closer to see]

Mark scooches to the side slightly and shows her

Can...can i..try?....

He nods and hands her the tool, giving her some instruction

[takes the tool and finishes it after some time]

Mark gives her a wide grin and an approving nod

Yeah! Good job!

[smiles a bit] what's next?

Mark thinks for a moment before standing up and offering his hand to help her

I think there’s something in the reactor room we could look at?

[nods and takes his hand]

They help her up and lead her to the reactor room and looked around until he found the area he wanted to work on with her

[slowly start to fix that area]

Mark mostly watched, but occasionally would correct her or help when it seemed like she needed it

[listens to him explaining] thank you

Mark nods and continues to help, pretty content in this moment

[after some time, she finishes fixing]

Nice! You did good work! High-five!

He holds up his hand for a high five with a wide grin

[looks at him confused] what?

Uhm… high-five?

Mark demonstrates with his own hand, then holds out his hand again

It’s a little celebratory thing

[she slowly does it] sorry...

No need to be sorry! You did great!

Mark grinned at her attempt

Is there..something else?

Honestly? Right now the ship is running pretty smoothly… maybe some rest- ooo- food!

...right....i forgot there's more of food now...

Mark nods and leads her to the cafeteria

Chef makes some of the best food! Trust me on this

[tries it and her eyes went a bit wide] this is...really good [after short time she finished eating] thank you, for food

Of course, you kinda need it to live… and we’ve got plenty

[hugs him fast] you're the first person....who show kindness to me.....

Mark is a bit surprised by the hug, but quickly hugged back

I won’t be the last, I promise… everyone on this ship will treat you with the kindness and respect you deserve as a person

He rubbed her back in a smooth up and down motion

[Nitielle returns to Mark]

Mark is working on something, trying to upgrade something, instead of sleeping like what he told Celci he’d do

Oh! Hey! How did uh… talking to Simon go?

[shake her head sadly]

Oh… don’t want to talk about it? Hey- that’s alright… uhm… here, want to see what I’m doing?

Mark gestures her to come closer, offering a distraction

[walks closer to see]

Mark scooches to the side slightly and shows her

Can...can i..try?....

He nods and hands her the tool, giving her some instruction

[takes the tool and finishes it after some time]

Mark gives her a wide grin and an approving nod

Yeah! Good job!

[smiles a bit] what's next?

Mark thinks for a moment before standing up and offering his hand to help her

I think there’s something in the reactor room we could look at?

[nods and takes his hand]

They help her up and lead her to the reactor room and looked around until he found the area he wanted to work on with her

[slowly start to fix that area]

Mark mostly watched, but occasionally would correct her or help when it seemed like she needed it

[listens to him explaining] thank you

Mark nods and continues to help, pretty content in this moment

[after some time, she finishes fixing]

Nice! You did good work! High-five!

He holds up his hand for a high five with a wide grin

[looks at him confused] what?

Uhm… high-five?

Mark demonstrates with his own hand, then holds out his hand again

It’s a little celebratory thing

[she slowly does it] sorry...

No need to be sorry! You did great!

Mark grinned at her attempt

Is there..something else?

Honestly? Right now the ship is running pretty smoothly… maybe some rest- ooo- food!

...right....i forgot there's more of food now...

Mark nods and leads her to the cafeteria

Chef makes some of the best food! Trust me on this

[tries it and her eyes went a bit wide] this is...really good [after short time she finished eating] thank you, for food

Of course, you kinda need it to live… and we’ve got plenty

[Nitielle returns to Mark]

Mark is working on something, trying to upgrade something, instead of sleeping like what he told Celci he’d do

Oh! Hey! How did uh… talking to Simon go?

[shake her head sadly]

Oh… don’t want to talk about it? Hey- that’s alright… uhm… here, want to see what I’m doing?

Mark gestures her to come closer, offering a distraction

[walks closer to see]

Mark scooches to the side slightly and shows her

Can...can i..try?....

He nods and hands her the tool, giving her some instruction

[takes the tool and finishes it after some time]

Mark gives her a wide grin and an approving nod

Yeah! Good job!

[smiles a bit] what's next?

Mark thinks for a moment before standing up and offering his hand to help her

I think there’s something in the reactor room we could look at?

[nods and takes his hand]

They help her up and lead her to the reactor room and looked around until he found the area he wanted to work on with her

[slowly start to fix that area]

Mark mostly watched, but occasionally would correct her or help when it seemed like she needed it

[listens to him explaining] thank you

Mark nods and continues to help, pretty content in this moment

[after some time, she finishes fixing]

Nice! You did good work! High-five!

He holds up his hand for a high five with a wide grin

[looks at him confused] what?

Uhm… high-five?

Mark demonstrates with his own hand, then holds out his hand again

It’s a little celebratory thing

[she slowly does it] sorry...

No need to be sorry! You did great!

Mark grinned at her attempt

Is there..something else?

Honestly? Right now the ship is running pretty smoothly… maybe some rest- ooo- food!

...right....i forgot there's more of food now...

Mark nods and leads her to the cafeteria

Chef makes some of the best food! Trust me on this

[Nitielle returns to Mark]

Mark is working on something, trying to upgrade something, instead of sleeping like what he told Celci he’d do

Oh! Hey! How did uh… talking to Simon go?

[shake her head sadly]

Oh… don’t want to talk about it? Hey- that’s alright… uhm… here, want to see what I’m doing?

Mark gestures her to come closer, offering a distraction

[walks closer to see]

Mark scooches to the side slightly and shows her

Can...can i..try?....

He nods and hands her the tool, giving her some instruction

[takes the tool and finishes it after some time]

Mark gives her a wide grin and an approving nod

Yeah! Good job!

[smiles a bit] what's next?

Mark thinks for a moment before standing up and offering his hand to help her

I think there’s something in the reactor room we could look at?

[nods and takes his hand]

They help her up and lead her to the reactor room and looked around until he found the area he wanted to work on with her

[slowly start to fix that area]

Mark mostly watched, but occasionally would correct her or help when it seemed like she needed it

[listens to him explaining] thank you

Mark nods and continues to help, pretty content in this moment

[after some time, she finishes fixing]

Nice! You did good work! High-five!

He holds up his hand for a high five with a wide grin

[looks at him confused] what?

Uhm… high-five?

Mark demonstrates with his own hand, then holds out his hand again

It’s a little celebratory thing

[she slowly does it] sorry...

No need to be sorry! You did great!

Mark grinned at her attempt

Is there..something else?

Honestly? Right now the ship is running pretty smoothly… maybe some rest- ooo- food!

[Nitielle returns to Mark]

Mark is working on something, trying to upgrade something, instead of sleeping like what he told Celci he’d do

Oh! Hey! How did uh… talking to Simon go?

[shake her head sadly]

Oh… don’t want to talk about it? Hey- that’s alright… uhm… here, want to see what I’m doing?

Mark gestures her to come closer, offering a distraction

[walks closer to see]

Mark scooches to the side slightly and shows her

Can...can i..try?....

He nods and hands her the tool, giving her some instruction

[takes the tool and finishes it after some time]

Mark gives her a wide grin and an approving nod

Yeah! Good job!

[smiles a bit] what's next?

Mark thinks for a moment before standing up and offering his hand to help her

I think there’s something in the reactor room we could look at?

[nods and takes his hand]

They help her up and lead her to the reactor room and looked around until he found the area he wanted to work on with her

[slowly start to fix that area]

Mark mostly watched, but occasionally would correct her or help when it seemed like she needed it

[listens to him explaining] thank you

Mark nods and continues to help, pretty content in this moment

[after some time, she finishes fixing]

Nice! You did good work! High-five!

He holds up his hand for a high five with a wide grin

[looks at him confused] what?

Uhm… high-five?

Mark demonstrates with his own hand, then holds out his hand again

It’s a little celebratory thing

[she slowly does it] sorry...

No need to be sorry! You did great!

Mark grinned at her attempt

Hailing all who receive this. This is the Captain of the Invincible II, but not likely the one you know. This message is a multiversal digital communication, delivered by any possible means our system can find. If you are receiving this message, you are likely aboard a ship called the Invincible II, or have some other connection with a multiversal constant our system has identified. Please respond so we can establish a communication link from our universe to yours.

- @no1bestcaptain

(feel free to ignore this if it doesnt fit with your blog!)

Hello, A Captain. I’m Mark Iplier, the head engineer of this ship. Our current captain is sadly been avoiding everyone on the ship, it seems, or has disappeared. It seems random people or things have been ending up on my ship, so I can’t say I’m surprised to receive this message.

I hope your ship is fairing well, and I’m sure we will be contacting again, hopefully with positive things to say.

(welp bye reblogs again, sorry)

[The Captain nods, smiling slightly, clearly a lot more willing to do so with the other captain gone.]

You deserve to hear it. And I'm happy to repeat it as many times as it takes for you to believe me.

Mark gets a bit flustered, chuckling a little to himself and tearing the string from his sleeve

Oh…

Are you alright?

[Their smile shifts into a slight frown - they can read that he's flustered, but not much else, and the last thing they want to do is make him uncomfortable.]

I'm... sorry, I didn't mean to overstep.

No- you’re not overstepping, you can compliment me all day everyday- wait- no- well, yes, I just mean I like hearing you talk- I- okay- well- you’re just amazing- you say everything good- well- perfect? Yeah- perfect- you’re perfect- well, not perfect because you’re a human- probably- and if not then you’re a living being and all living beings have flaws, especially humans- so you’re inherently flawed, but I mean, that’s not BAD because you’re still perfect- stunning- at least in personality- and in glimpses that I can get from under your helmet- you’re so pretty- but I mean, everyone knew that- you’re so wonderful and-

He’s rambling, and the words are tumbling out despite his brain screaming at him to shut up. He would love to stop talking now, but can’t make himself, the stumbling only making him try to explain his thought process more, not that it’s explaining much, he’s kind of going in circles

[The Captain lets him ramble for a little while without interrupting, looking fond, their cheeks a darker red now, before cutting him off so that he doesn't have a conniption.]

Thank you. I can't say that I see what you see, but... I... thank you.

[They finish simply, trying not to embarrass themself.]

He nods quickly, glad they cut him off and tries to keep his mouth shut for another moment, however how could they NOT see it?

Have you ever seen yourself do anything? It’s practically mesmerizing!

Well, I don't exactly carry a mirror with me everywhere.

[They quip dryly, trying to deflect as they start to look almost embarrassed - not a common expression for them.]

And I could ask you the same. Have you seen yourself work?

He freezes up and makes a face comedically before quickly shaking his head with a wide grin

I’m not that impressive, but thank you Cap’

I think you'll find you are, more so than you think, but I won't argue. Impressive and stubborn, you are.

[They huff, a little teasing, their lips twitching as they fight back a smile at his expression.]

That I know all too well.

Mark leans in slightly and raises a brow, now very expressive in body language and looser in movement that the other captain is gone. His tone is joking and he’s altogether happier

Well, I didn’t say stop complimenting me

Fishing now, are we?

[They tease back, also leaning forward a fraction to match him. They don't miss how he's perked up since the captain left, but they can't fault him for it - they've done much the same. Their tone is deliberately light, so Mark couldn't read an insult into it if he tried - in fact, despite sounding like one, the Captain's voice is so fond it comes across as a genuine compliment.]

And here I was thinking you were above that kind of thing.

Can’t a man enjoy hearing about how great he is?

He sighs a bit dramatically, a fake eye roll pairing with it, but unable to stop grinning

What did I tell you before? Your head will get so big, you won't be able to get into the bridge - or better yet, fit on the teleporter.

[Their smile breaks through slightly, barely an upturn of the lips but glaringly obvious on their usually even face, and they huff a quiet laugh.]

I do so admire your confidence, but careful not to let it become too much cockiness.

[The Captain's tone is light, still, despite their words, and there's a genuine compliment hidden in their playful scolding.]

Well, then, better get on the teleporter before all the compliments I so rightfully deserve, so that way I’m stuck in the correct universe

He seems humored by the scolding

Correct, huh?

[They tease, but it's soft, their smile growing a little more.]

D-Don't misunderstand me, I'm... glad. That you feel at home there. I'll take that compliment.

[The Captain flushes all over again, shaking their head as they try to organise their words properly.]

And frankly, it... it's an honour to have you.

His grin softens a little at the Captain’s response, and flushes slightly at their flustered response

Well- I… of course it’s home, I’m with you guys. I am really lucky to have met you, Captain…

As am I, let alone to have been able to stay in contact with you. Out of all the Marks across the multiverse that I never got to know... I'm glad you're the one I have the chance to. [The Captain's hands twitch slightly, like they want to reach out and hug him again, held back only by propriety. If it were up to them, they'd take him just like Simon, other-captain be damned - captains who mistreat their Marks don't deserve them, anyway. But prying him away from them might not be easy there, not to mention explaining it to the ship.] And if... if you ever wanted to, ah... stay... you know you'd be welcome.

I’d… love to stay, if it weren’t for…

He gestured vaguely around at the ship. Just the thought of his own ship seemed to drain all the energy from him, his smile falling

Unless I promoted someone else to head engineer, and there’s not many people I’d trust with the job

I understand. Trust me, I do.

[Their smile turns a little sad, although they're clearly trying not to let it get too much so.]

But if the time does ever come... the offer is always open. Alright?

Funny enough, only person who would be fit for the position would be Mack and… you can imagine why I’m… hesitant to do that

After a moment his expression slowly turned bitter and he mumbled under his breath

Maybe I’ll let them destroy this ship…

Yes, I wouldn't exactly be eager to do that, either.

[The Captain huffs a quiet laugh before they notice the change in Mark's voice, their own tone softening a little to match.]

Even Mack wouldn't do that. He'd just be a royal ass the whole time.

Mark nods slightly and kicks the leg of his chair lightly with a big, heavy, exaggerated sigh, trying to be slightly humorous

He’s not as bad in this universe, it’s not like he’s ever thought about becoming a dictator this time- if anything, he’s kind of just eager. Eager to learn, to do things, to excel. It’s interesting how I’ve met him in such drastically different ways

Indeed. You know, the Anons once showed me a universe where he was a serial killer - which I wasn't really surprised by - only to turn around and show me that in yet another one, he's a gaming nerd who posts videos dissecting them. He's... certainly got range.

[They shake their head in mock-awe before glancing back up to see if their own attempt at humour worked.]

A… game analysis… Video guy…? That’s… no actually, that sort of makes sense

Mark tilts his head in thought, now considering Mack in that sort of position and convinces himself more on the idea by the second

But a serial killer? Let me guess, some sort of animatronic nonsensical thing that involves kid ghosts or something? Yeah, Uh, Captain at one point through the timelines where we were able to stick together caught me up on some things and none of that one made any sense to me, sounds more like a crazy story than a timeline

Yes, that exactly! We made contact with the Mark from that universe a little while back - the Mack there killed four children and put them in animatronic mascot suits, so the suits were then possessed by the children's ghosts.

[They grimace slightly, shaking their head.]

That Mark said they dealt with him, though, at least.

Mark shook his head in disbelief

Why even murder kids? What could possibly be the motive? It makes no sense!

It's Mack. Does he need a reason?

[They quip, before sobering up a little.]

I shouldn't say that, he's not all bad. Just... fragile. I'm sure there's some tragic backstory that pushed him to it.

Oh, yeah, I mean his dad- well, no, that’s his own personal life, I shouldn’t talk too much on that, but yeah, rocky family things. But don’t we all? Before everything on the first Invincible, Mack and I were actually kind of close

He lets out another one of those heavy sighs of thought

Really? I wouldn't have guessed that. [They sound genuinely curious, tilting their head slightly at him as they elaborate.] Mark- ah, my Mark, he and Mack... I don't think they ever really got on. They were rivals in college, even, I believe.

Really?

Mark sounded genuinely surprised, like the idea of such a thing never occurred to him

We worked on so many projects together- I’m actually surprised I managed to get ahead of him, honestly. Especially with how he is, naturally really competitive, usually he always has to be the one who excels above everyone, but there were several times where he kind of just… let me…

Mark shrugged nonchalantly, putting it away in the back of his mind again

Oh well!

Mark's final scores were only higher than Mack's by a few percent, if I remember right. He's had it out for Mark ever since - or so he says, anyway. I don't know entirely what his beef is with me, only that he feels that I'm not suited to be Captain - which, well... that's not for him to decide.

[They neatly dodge around actually saying whether they think he's right or not, shrugging a little with easy, fake nonchalance.]

I do wonder if perhaps Mark didn't tell me everything, if your story is so different. Not that I think he'd lie to me maliciously, but... well, I didn't find out about his deal with Celci for a long time. I understand the desire to save face, though.

Well… to be fair, we are still different people, even if we are alternate versions of each other- but that even kind of proves it, doesn’t it? Alternate versions, not identical. Maybe there is more to it than he lets on, but maybe it’s still different than my version… and that’s okay I think. It’d be kind of boring if we were identical, wouldn’t it?

He gives them another one of those stupid grins, a little bit of a thoughtful look in his eyes

I suppose you're right. [They smile in return to his grin, looking fond, although they cover it up with teasing once again.] I'd certainly have my hands full if you were identical. You cause enough individual chaos, let alone if you were on the exact same wavelength.