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PANEL 1: THE CAPTAIN, and older human woman with glasses; ORLA, a younger human woman with curly hair; CAPH, a large dinosaur-like Grasskan; CUDDOW, a muppet-like alien with 6 eyes; NANDO, a human young man; and SKITTER, a squirrel-like alien with a mohawk; sit at a table with CAPTAIN TILL, a large Grasskan in a cloak. The scene is warm and inviting, while the snow falls outside a large window. CAPTAIN: Captain, this meal has been delightful, than you! TILL: Indeed this “mint” was a wonderful suggestion. We do not have this plant in the Grasskan Emp— PANEL 2: Over TILL’s shoulder, we see THE CAPTAIN motion apologetically. TILL: Correct. We DID NOT HAVE this plant int he Grasskan Empire. CAPTAIN: I am so sorry for your loss. PANEL 3: Close up on TILL’s profile, as she scowls. TILL: Thank you, Captain. The Vinn were an…UNYEILDING foe. One I fear we will face gain. PANEL 4: Close up on THE CAPTAIN. CAPTAIN: Well if so, you won’t face them ALONE. This time. PANEL 5: TILL’s face fills the frame. TILL: Indeed we share an oath to the same Emperor. To that end: may I ask what an esteemed captain like yourself MAKES of him, as a leader? PANEL 6: THE CAPTAIN motions to ORLA as she takes a bite of food. ORLA looks a little shocked. CAPTAIN: Well…I imagine Orla will choke on her Hornhawk, but I’ll answer you HONESTLY. PANEL 7: Behind the shoulders of THE CAPTAIN and ORLA, we see TILL in the background. ORLA watches THE CAPTAIN talk, a little surprised. CAPTAIN: I would best describe him as…CUNNING. A cunning narcissist who is plagued by doubt. PANEL 8: THE CAPTAIN alone in frame, continues to talk carefully but honestly. CAPTAIN: But that same doubt, and that same self-interest, might yet be put to use. Having set himself as the Empire’s savior, he is desperate not to lose to the Continuum. And that is an energy that might be steered toward good. PANEL 9: TILL rests her elbows on the table as she continues to listen. TILL: “Steered”? PANEL 10: Close up on THE CAPTAIN as she explains. CAPTAIN: Our Empire’s institutions are vast and unwieldy, and our many cultures varied. And THEY can influence as Emperor as much as HE can rule THEM. PANEL 11: Over TILL’s shoulder, we see THE CAPTAIN in silhouette. TILL: So…not an idiot. But also not a true leader. CAPTAIN: Who…may yet prove to be BOTH. ——— Want to read the full story? Join us at Patreon.com/drive for the *FULL* Tales of the Drive archives, art giveaways, fun community, and more! DRIVE copyright Dave Kellett. Colors by Beth Reidmiller
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Act 2Act 5
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Tales of the Drive
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Act 5. Pg 040
Posted on April 10, 2025 by Beth Reidmiller

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