#bergen_county

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"So what's the situation, Betty?" Siv says as the Nocker overlooks the Cannon on the Narwhal "I know you prefer ah... less gunpowdery type Siege weapons but your'e the only one who can..."

The nocker moves about the weapon on the ship, "Just one cannon, but it's got a line capable of scooting it the other side with a high swivel...ratio.. hard part will be making sure you don't shoot your own damn ship"

"Got it, becareful when we move it" Siv nods.

"What I want to know is what yahoo tried for this spiral groove pattern inside? I like it, but furk.... widdershins? "

"Something wrong with that?"

"Yes and no." Betty says "There's a sliding fortune co-efficent with a wobbly melodramatic amplifiier... no troll made this" A snort.

"Well, okay..." Siv blinks. Then "I have no idea what you just said except for the last part. What does that mean?"

"It means that the thing should be accurate but may miss a smidge more than it should... until the moment is ideal for something deux ex farking machina"

"Then" the nocker finishes "BLAM! WHAOOOM 'that shot was one in a million' stuff..."

"Only," Betty finishes "IT happens more often... someone made this so every shot has the potential to be an adventure"

"COOL" Siv grins

"Okay, now you wanted another something made. you said? If I could find a place for it?" Betty says

"yeah... Kind of a catapault... or more accurately, and it may need some work, a troll apualt." Siv says "Something that will let me lob a troll fully armed onto another ship from a distance so they can wreck the place. That WILL need accuracy..and maybe some kind of way to keep them from 'splat'"

"That's bonkers" THe nocker says "You'd have to have a built in inertial dampener that localized a round the ammo.... err troll"

Siv looks disappointed "Ah, well, shame. I mean...it's okay. It'll take time, but.. I'll have to find a master for that won't I? Thought I had..apolo..."

Betty looks UP into the taller girl's eyes and lets lose a stream of invectives that threatens to set the troll's eyebrows on fire

Siv coughs "Oh.. did YOU want to try? I wouldn't want to tax your...."

"HURUUMPH!" Betty mutters "Give a girl a tricorne hat and she thinks she knows.. .OF COURSE I'll DO IT!" A snort

"Thanks, Betty," Siv smiles

......................

Adam's enchantment has worn off... despite the advantage that things can't affect him, it's weird, and a little annoying- that he KNOWS he's..missing details, clues. Heck, he remembers folks as human when they aren't -until he sees them again.

The school is buzzing with news of the 'Brainwashing camp' that got exposed over the weekend.

It's the most exciting spooky thing that's happened in the area in awhile to most students. of course, most students don't know they live in a land of giants

Adam listens to it a little dejectedly, nods where appropriate, says little.

He sees Amira, her head scarf is on, but she shoots him a smile.

That does get a quick grin, and a wave, from him.

One thing that does cheer him is that a lot of girls are noticing him positively... at least he thinks they are. They look away if he double checks and act like they didn't look.

"Hey, Adam" Siv says "How goes?"

"Hey Siv. Fine."

He can see her for waht she really is, of course. But it's like an odd cardboard cut out. It should be more, a part of him realizes. She shouldn't seem a distortion, she should have the right backdrop.

He looks away.

"I got something between my teeth?" A pause

"No."

"Ok." Siv says then lowers her voice "how's your mom? She good? Do you want us to incease patrols around your house for a bit?"

He shrugs. "She seems ok. Little huggy."

"Good good." A relieved look, "oh... Lana was asking if you were seeing anyone."

Lana? Who is lana?

"Lana?"

"Girl I know, she saw me talking to you, figures I knew you and if you were seeing anyone."

"She like you?"

"Tall?" Amusement in her eyes

Adam shrugs. "Yeah. I guess. No, not seeing anyone."

"She's not ah..lit up" Siv says "no. she's not in the know."

He nods. "Me either, so... that's ok."

"Right..well, keep an eye out, You'll see her at cafeteria during lunch. She's got a red blouse"

"Kay. Thanks."

Siv moves on and leaves him be.

Adam heads off to class.

Classes past quickly...