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Adventures on the Lost Continent (Midnight Lass x Blood Red Romeo)

A slight blush came to Cristina's cheek at the last compliment.

"I can't tell, but I think the last compliment registered higher than the first compliment, did," Lauren said. Then Lauren did a double take as she added, "But either way, the spell is working."

"Then we shall use my name Cristina," Cristina answered, then smiled. "It is actually a novelty to be addressed as Cristina. Between my title and my doctorate, I have almost forgotten what my given name is. Now I shall try."

"Orson, you are a very good man," Cristina said, then added, "Captain, you are a brave and dashing man."
 
“Umm, thank you,” he said, getting red himself. Being complimented like this in a public setting was surprisingly embarrassing. But not in a bad way. “How did that do?” he asked Lauren.
 
"I think Captain had a slightly higher level of energy production than Orson," Lauren commented, "Though they both produced rather small amounts of energy."

Saki, not really sure what was being said, decided to make her presence known by running up and giving Lauren a hug who, a little startled, hugged her back.

"And that produced a little jolt too," Lauren remarked. "So, Captain, who do you want to exchange compliments with next?"
 
Orson was trying to figure out what produced the most energy, but it wasn’t easy. So he decided to go all out with a bit of a surprise. “Lauren,” he started. But he wasn’t just making his choice. “You’re smart, strong, and willing to put me in my place. But you’re also forgiving and kind. You’re even a beauty. Overall, you’re a pretty incredible woman.” He said this in a friendly way, but made it clear that he was still being honest.

Then his eyes darted to the gauge, curious to see how much it filled up.
 
Lauren ducked her head and blushed. The "gem-o-meter" gave a little incremental rise.

"What if we say something specific?" Bianca said, getting into the game. "Lauren, I really love your hair. It looked good before, but now that it's longer, it looks really great."

"Hey, there are other people in her too," Lauren said, a little brighter red now. The gem did seem to increase a little in its glow, though.
 
“I wonder,” Orson said, trying to think through this. “What if it’s all about the reaction, not just the action?” he said, though to the point that most had probably already realized that. He needed to balance truths that got strong reactions with things that wouldn’t ruin his relationships with the girls.

“Bianca, hugging you felt really nice. You’re a very pretty and I’d love to do it again,” he said. This both went a bit further and got revenge for Lauren.
 
Bianca now turned a bright red, while Lauren blew a raspberry at her. "Okay, sure, um Captain," she stuttered, moving toward Orson.
 
Looks like they really were going to hug as well. Not that Orson would object. “Bianca, you don’t have to call me Captain. Orson is just fine while we’re in here,” he told her. Then he wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into a warm but gentle hug.
 
Bianca found herself snuggling into the hug for a minute or so, before breaking the hug.

Backing away, she said, "If you don't mind, I think I prefer Captain. I don't know, I just like thinking of you in charge and taking care of things. I mean, no offense, Captain, I think everyone here is probably smarter than you..." The comment got a laugh from everyone in the room, even from Saki, who didn't really understand what was being said, but still laughed along "...but you're the one who got everything going, and is taking care of everything, so it just seems natural to call you Captain."

There was a general murmur of agreement in the room.
 
“Whatever you prefer,” he said back, a bit red from the little confession. “But a quick correction. They’re not probably smarter than me. They are smarter than me. I know enough to know that,” he joked. As he looked down at Bianca, the way she had just asked him to take charge, he couldn’t help but feel the desire to kiss her. But that would be going too far.

“Did that affect the gauge?” he asked, trying to turn his attention away from the nurse that had just been in his arms.
 
"Little drops in the bucket here, little drops in the bucket there," Lauren reported, "But it's all slowly adding up. Captain, would you mind if we rolled some of these bolts of material out, make some makeshift furniture, and get comfortable?"
 
Hmm. Nothing too significant. Maybe it was just the number of actions. He had no way of knowing. Or maybe he just had to take it further. If so, he was glad Saki was there. “That’s a good idea,” he replied, moving to help the girls roll out the bolts of cloth.

It took a little bit, but soon they had surprisingly soft makeshift furniture. It was high enough to comfortably sit on and was big enough to lie down on. Satisfied with the craftsmanship, Orson took a seat in the center of the layout, taking the moment to sit and relax.
 
The rest of the women scattered themselves around Orson and got comfortable as well.

"You know, I have to say I'm in awe of all of you," Luna began. "I mean, there's just the basic stuff, like you, Captain, getting this expedition together in the first place. You didn't have to go to the University to get a ship. I mean, you just got a ship, and didn't do any politics or anything. You just got who you wanted and did it!"

"And Dr.Dubois ---- er, I mean Sabrina ," Luna continued, "You're the same way. I mean, you just get stuff done. Like back at the University, with the Atrium, and the way you organized the Naturalist Department when your father took over the Chair. And you're the same way here. I mean, my mind froze when I saw a six inch high woman standing in the middle of the table. You acknowledged the situation, you talked to everyone else to understand the problem, and you came up with a solution to solve the problem."

"And you and Cristina are like that," Luna continued. "I mean, no offense, Captain, but the men in the university would have our tiny woman in a cage studying her, if they didn't have her pinned down on a dissecting board. And Cristina is a doctor of natural philosophy and a titled noblewoman, and you do speak and carry yourself...I think the word is regally, but I think that somehow makes you an even more caring person. Like when we came up with the way to make this way possible," Luna said, gesturing toward the room around them, "The men at the university who can call themselves Doctors would have taken all the credit AND tried to get as much money as they could from it, even if they didn't know how to precisely duplicate it. Cristina made sure everyone who worked on it got credit with you, Captain, and she also wanted you to know that we might not be able to duplicate it anytime soon. And you know, Cristina might be Contesa Cristina, and her and Sabrina both have their doctorates, but they don't use their titles to try to make other people feel inferior. They take care of people and get things done.

Both Cristina and Sabrina were red in the face after Luna's glowing (and glow inducing) tribute.

"And you, Lauren," Luna began, before the other woman tried to stop her.

"Hey, I'm just a woman who tinkers with stuff," Lauren said, hands up, palms out.

"You're a woman who gets stuff done, and who has the courage to do them," Luna corrected. "I mean, not just physical courage, although you've got plenty of that. But you not only come up with your own devices and test them yourself, you don't let anyone stop you or take them away." Lauren rubbed the back of her neck, ducked her head, and tried to take an "Oh shucks" response to the compliments.

"And Bianca..." Luna continued, scooting over to the once again blushing nurse, "I know you're scared to be on this expedition, but your compassion for others still brought you here, and that is so beautiful," Luna added, taking the other woman's hands in her own.

Saki, having watched the events unfold and not quite sure what was going on, scooted over to the other side of Bianca and put her hand on Bianca's wrist, saying something in Japanese in a comforting tone.

"And Saki," Luna said, which made the Japanese woman look up and smile at the mention of her name. "You know she doesn't really quite understand what's going on, but she's trying to take care of Bianca anyway. Her and her cousin Miharu are the two toughest individuals any of us will likely ever meet, but they just want to take care of us."

Luna reached over and gave Saki's hand a squeeze . Saki leaned across Bianca and gave Luna a quick peck on the lips, then leaned back and giggled. Luna, surprised, couldn't help but laugh as well.
 
Orson watched the rather adorable scene unfold. He agreed with everything Luna said, smiling at all the women in question. The said, he did feel a pang if jealousy when Saki gave Luna the peck. It made him feel a bit less special than before. Maybe them kissing hadn’t been as important to her as it had been to him.

“You know, that reminds me of something I was told a long time ago. Like you pointed out, everyone here is smarter than me. I’m used to that. But I was told before that the dumbest people are those who know the least, but those who think they know everything. And I’ve seen that. I’ve met plenty of men who, because they knew one thing really well, thought they knew everything. One of my last jobs involved escorting a man who studied ocean animals to his research site, and he insisted he knew how to fly better than I did,” he explained, getting a bit frustrated as he recalled the memory.

“But no one on board is like that. You’re all smart, but you also understand that everyone else is smart to. You understand your limits and respect people who are better at other things. You don’t need to prove you’re the best at everything, and I think that makes all of you better than countless others I’ve worked with. Plus, you all actually smell nice. I don’t think I can describe what a place full of men who insist on not bathing eventually smells like, but I’m sure you can imagine,” Orson said with a touch of a laugh.

He then glanced to the device. Maybe these longer, more fleshed out compliments worked better?
 
The emerald in the casing had a definite glow to it now, though it was rather faint.

Out of nowhere, Cristina started laughing. It was clear, musical and hearty and unaffected. It also garnered more than a few looks from those surrounding her. "Sorry, when the Captain started talking about taking showers, it made my start thinking about desalination, and wondering what kind of process could be used on an airship like this that was both compact, efficient and not time consuming. Then I wondered what I was doing thinking of such a thing, since it is outside my area of expertise. Then I wondered how such thoughts pop into my head when we are talking about what we are talking about," Cristina said with a chuckle. "It just seemed very absurd thing to let your mind wander onto!" she chuckled in her Eastern European accent. "But it is good to be surrounded by people that I can laugh around."
 
This made Orson smile as well. It was such a silly, random thought. But thinking of that did seem to fit her. “Do you think the complimenting will keep working?” he asked. “Or is there something else we should try?”
 
Cristina looked over at Sabrina, who shrugged. "It reminds me of an adage I've heard Doctor Motwani uses, that sounds quite elegant in her accent, but which I cannot remember precisely. But it basically states we are in a situation where the blind are leading the blind. But it seems that we should try to let things naturally flow, so that the positive emotions are enhanced."

Lauren nodded in agreement, adding, "The biggest spike looked like when Lauren and Saki were kidding with each other."

Saki perked up when she heard her name mentioned, and Luna laughed. "Yes, she was talking about you, Saki," she said, tapping Saki on her nose, which made the young Japanese woman giggle.

"And that made a little spike," Lauren observe.
 
In that case, maybe Orson could try for a little more. He just hoped he wouldn’t lose everyone's respect. “Saki, can you come over here?” he asked. Knowing she couldn’t understand him, he patted his lap with one of his hands. Hopefully that would be enough.
 
Saki looked over at Orson when he called her name. Her eyes widened when he patted his lap, and she remained silent and motionless for a moment, before shaking her head, wagging her finger, and saying something in Japanese. She then started laughing, tumbling against Bianca and Luna, and sending all three spraying against the cloth covered floor, making all three laugh.

Lauren looked at the emerald, which was glowing a little brighter, and said, "That was definitely a jolt of joy juice. And I think Saki said no to your invitation, Captain," Lauren snickered

On hearing her name and seeing Lauren laugh, Saki, who had just sat back up, started laughing again, knocking down Luna and Bianca once more.
 
Orson watched the display with a mixture of joy and disappointment. Maybe Saki had just gone along with him last time and didn’t actually share his affection. That thought hurt a bit, but it wasn’t the worst. Just unfortunate. Maybe he’d ask Safa to comfort him later.

“I noticed,” he replied to Lauren. He then leaned back in his seat, taking a spectator role for a minute. He didn’t want to come off as desperate.
 
"What if we asked some questions, got to know each better, and increase camaraderie?" Cristina asked. "This would seem to increase the energy in the jewel."

"You mean like Questions and Commands?" Lauren asked.

"Questions and commands?" Cristina replied.

"It's a winter holiday game, for when people are together to celebrate, but are housebound because of snow," Lauren explained. "The commander bids his subject to answer a question which is asked. If the subject refuses or fails to satisfy the commander, the subject must pay a forfeit, and follow a command. Then the subject becomes the commander, and can ask a question of another subject of his or her choosing."

"That sounds like an excellent idea," Sabrina responded.

"What about Saki?" Bianca asked, not entirely too sure about this game, but not wanting to be the cause of the idea being dismissed. "She can't understand English, and won't be able to participate."

"Not a problem," Luna jumped in. "You and Saki can be a team. You answer the questions, and if you don't you two take the command together."

When Lauren pointed at her and Bianca, saying her name, Saki grinned and scooted to sit closer by Bianca, wrapping her arm around the other woman's waist.

Luna grinned. "See, Saki is all in favor of it. No problem at all. You could be nicer to your new teammate, though."

Somewhat embarrassed at being the center of attention, Bianca wrapped her arm around the other woman's waist. Saki giggled and gave the nurse a quick squeeze before turning her attention toward the rest of the group. She wasn't sure what was happening, but everyone seemed to be having a good time and enjoying each other's company.

"So, what is rule about if question is properly answered?" Cristina asked. "Commander could just is wrong answer, even if it is right."

"We all have to agree that the subject of the question didn't answer it in the best way possible," Lauren said. "So, any objections to me going first?" When no one immediately objected, Lauren turned her attention to Orson.

"So, Captain, do you have a girlfriend on board?" Lauren asked. "You know, someone you might have kissed and cuddled with? Maybe even more than one girlfriend?" The last question got laughs and a couple of shrieks of protest from the gathered women.
 
Orson thought over the rules that had been laid out. It could be just simple fun, provided the players were not clever and devious. Unfortunately, he was pretty sure all of the women in the room could be both if they wanted. Still, it sounded like it would lead to a good time and help charge the emerald. Then he got the question.

Orson just sat there for a moment, turning red they weren’t even going to ease into this apparently, just going straight for the heavy hitting questions. Well, at least they didn’t ask the more embarrassing questions, though this was pretty bad.

“Well, I just met everyone a short while back. It’s be pretty crazy for me to have a girlfriend. So no, I don’t have one,” he answered. He thought about leaving it there, but that would be deceptive, and he couldn’t do that. “There...there are some women I’ve had physical contact with. Kissing and touching. But nothing is discussed or official yet,” he quickly added. He then looked around, wondering if they found that answer satisfying.
 
"Kissing and touching," Lauren observed, with more than a hint of amusement in her voice. "Not hugging, but touching. And some. That's more than one. So I think..."

"I think that it is no longer your turn," Sabrina interrupted. "It is the Captain's turn. Captain, who do you have a question for?"
 
Whew. Orson was safe. For now. Still, now he had the power. While his gut instinct was to turn it back around on Lauren, he knew that wouldn’t be in the spirit of the game. He needed to pass it on. So he decided to continue the embarrassing questions to help charge the emerald.

“Bianca, how many men have tried to court you?” he asked. He knew the answer was at least one due to Henry’s crush on the woman. He was curious if his friend had been the only one with their eye on this beautiful person that was now part of his crew.
 
Bianca turned a bright red and ducked her head.

"Tick tock tick tock," Lauren said with a laugh. "You can't take all night. At some point the Captain will have to land the airship!"

"Tick tock tick tock?" Saki asked, a puzzled look on her face. Lauren scooted over to Saki and placed her arm around her shoulder. "I'll get Miharu to translate it to you later," the inventive adventurist assured her. Lauren's tone and the mention of her cousin's name reassured Saki, who grinned and nodded.

"I don't know," Bianca said, blushing. "The Captain has a friend that wanted to court me. I mean a lot of guys, I guess. I didn't encourage them or anything, it's just that..."

"...guys don't need encouragement," Lauren finished for her. "Unless it's to give you a shot at what you want to do in your life. Then they can't be encouraged, can't be bothered. Okay, I'm willing to accept a lot, without encouragement. Everyone okay with that answer?"

The women all agreed with that answer. Lauren asked, "That okay with you, Captain?"
 
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