multiplez

In creating this journal, the author has assumed the identity of a fictional person for use in the role-playing game fandomhigh, for the sole purpose of entertainment, without intending to obtain a benefit or to injure or defraud either the person who created the fictional person, or any reader of this content. The author does not purport to be the creator of the fictional person, or to be affiliated with the creator, or with any person or entity with an interest in the fictional person. The author does not claim to be the person who is being used as the graphical representation of that fictional person, nor intend to obtain a benefit or to injure or defraud that person by use of their image.

"Wait, wait," Ghost said as they walked back to headquarters from a Triforian food run that had turned into 'let's just eat here,' "does this count as a date where nothing went wrong?"

"I think that depends on whether this counts as a date, first off," Z pointed out.

"We went for food that didn't come out of a Synthetron," he said. "Which, considering that some of our dates have involved food from the Synthetron, is above the minimum standard, aaaand I've been spending too much time around Bridge. And I paid. So I think it was a date. On which nothing went wrong." That was about when she socked him in the arm. "Ow!"

"You can't say things like that," she argued. "We're not back to base yet! You're gonna jinx it!"

"I'm not jinxing it!" he protested, laughing.

"You so are!" That was about when an alarm went off a block or so away. "See?"

"You can I told you so me later," he said, and promised her as she reached for her communicator to call it in, "One day I'm totally going to take you on a date where nothing goes wrong."

"Lies," she said fondly, and then they took off running toward the crisis, as Power Rangers were wont to do.

Z was pretty sure Cruger didn't actually pay attention to his Rangers', like, feelings, or he probably would have figured out Z and Ghost were dating by now, in flagrant violation of the fraternization regs. She was kind of surprised Kat hadn't clued him in by now, and downright shocked Sky hadn't. Not that she was complaining, just, Sky made grumbly noises when she and Ghost even stood close to each other, but he hadn't ratted them out yet.

So, anyway, yeah, Cruger didn't pay attention to his Rangers' feelings on each other, so she was pretty sure he wasn't punishing her for some unknown transgression when he assigned her to patrol with Syd. It just felt like it. At least in their room she could put on her headphones or walk out. This? This was eight hours trapped in a Jeep as a captive audience.

"So I was at this party, right..."

How? How did Syd find time to have a social life?

"And then she said..."

Z would kind of like to die now. "Aliens can attack any time now," she muttered.

"What was that?"

"Nothing. Turn left up here. There's a doughnut shop. We're due for a break, and I feel like embracing the cliche." And like sugar and carbs would allow her to not strangle the blonde.

Z had her headphones up to eardrum-damaging levels and she could still hear Syd whining at her agent about some event she was supposed to go to, but she had patrol. Z seriously did not care. One, saving the freaking world was more important than watching musicians congratulate each other and two, the day of the ceremony or concert or whatever the hell it was happened to be Z's day off. Z would be giving up her day off over her dead body. It also happened to be Ghost's day off, and they hadn't had an actual date in way too long.

"Don't you think so, Z?" made it through the bass line thumping directly into her ears. Z kept her eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. She was too smart to engage. "Z? So anyway," and then the chatter resumed without any input from Z whatsoever.

She could not kill her roommate. She could not. They lived in a police station--sort of. She would totally be caught. And as long as she kept telling herself that, they might all live to see tomorrow.

None of the boys had to share a room. Stupid Bridge, being married. Stupid Ghost, being red Ranger. Stupid Sky, being...Sky. Syd was still talking.

Z sat up suddenly. "I have to get out of here."

"But we're on call!" Syd protested.

Z held up her communicator. "So call me. I have to get out of here." And she fled. She didn't know where she was going, but the other options were bloodshed and screaming. Syd made her appreciate Luke so much more.

((Establishy!))

Z had lost track of what Ghost was saying about five minutes prior. It was just sound now. That, combined with her total distraction, meant she was probably the least effective patrol officer in the history of SPD. Plus, her uniform was really hot and itchy. That made this decision easy.

"So then he said--"

"Stop the Jeep."

"What?"

"Stop the Jeep."

"Is there crime?"

"No, just stop the car. Here," she said, pointing to a conveniently located alley. "Stop the car here."

( If the Jeep is rocking... )

Z was sacked out on the common room couch with a bag of chips and an Angelica Demesnes novel. Life was good.

...or it was until Ghost became visible, leaning over the back of the couch, and asked her, "Whatcha readin'?"

"None of your business," she said, trying to hide the book. "You know it's actually kind of creepy when you do that."

He shrugged and snatched the book from her. "Not my problem. Fire Opals, by Angelica Demesnes." He repeated, incredulous, "Angelica Demesnes?"

"This one hadn't been released when I left Fandom," Z said, snatching it back from him. "Actually..." she did some fast relative math in her head. "I don't think it's been released now. But anyway, I haven't read it yet, and it's not great literature, but it's entertaining, so bite me." Ghost clicked his teeth at her, and she snickered.

"Have you eaten dinner yet?" Z gestured wordlessly to her bag of chips, and Ghost rolled his eyes. "Delgado, that is not dinner. Come on. Come get some food that isn't junk or from a synthetron with me. You can defend your girl book some more."

"Girl book??" He wiggled his eyebrows at her. "Oh, you are on, mister." Her eyes glowed briefly, and a Z replicate stood up and left the common room.

"Where are you going?" Ghost asked as Z stood up to join him.

"To get the other books, so I can tell you about them." Ghost began to realize what he'd let himself in for, and groaned. Z just grinned.

Sure, it was a holiday, but someone had to patrol. Luckily, that was finally over. Z collapsed into one of the common room sofas with a sigh bordering on a groan and threw her feet up on the table. Who cared if there was a rule about it? Her feet hurt.

After a few seconds, she heard someone say, "There you are!" and cracked open one eye to look at Ghost. He hadn't made it out for Thanksgiving, either, but in his case it was more a matter of distance.

( The Ghost of Thanksgiving Present )

Z stuck up a note to her cabinmates next to a sign-up sheet in the living room. The note read:

( read me )

I spent four days on Santorini in June of 2005. It was awesome and I loved every minute of it, the island is gorgeous and I love it wildly, but basically, here I am to be your helpful resource for the duration of our stay!

And now, a brief guide to the island without having to go through all those websites Karal linked yesterday. Though you should totally read those too. :D

( Santorini in Ten Minutes: Your Island and You )

I hope y'all find some of this information helpful. I will be available for questions via the comments here, e-mail, or IM for the duration of our stay. Enjoy your stay by beautiful virtual Santorini!