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Post by Lynn on Sept 22, 2014 4:39:41 GMT
Why did this happen?
Aura stood before the wreckage, her eyes just staring at it, but not really seeing it. She was looking back to that day, trying to figure out what had happened. What had been going on? Had the earthers somehow CAUSED the anomaly that had brought them here, or was it just another of the mysteries of the great darkness that was space? So many things had happened since that day. So many things had either gone very right, or very wrong, and she frowned as she considered all of it. Only then did she truly see the wreckage, opening her eyes and her senses. Even now, a month after the fact, she could still smell smoke, clinging to the wreck like a second skin, and the burns were clearly visible on its metal hide. Pacing forwards, she ran her hand over it, frowning, not ignoring Orti's soft, curious chirp, just not really having an answer for his empathically asked question. Quietly, she continued to examine it, peeking into the door that Kaira had forced open a month before to find Onyx Norieth standing before her. She wasn't quite brave enough to go INSIDE, still remembering the pain of the metal lancing into her back, but she did peek in, wincing when she saw the charred remain of what had once been tables, chairs. The metal had survived, but was twisted and blackened from the explosion, and she shook her head sadly, backing away and just looking at the whole picture, allowing herself to not focus on any one thing.
Theo had come from Engineering, she thought, padding around to that side of the ship and wincing as she saw the twisted remains. How HAD he survived? she wondered. That section of the Aries was almost completely crushed from the pressure exerted on the ship, and she sighed and moved on, continuing to circle the ship. There were more than a few holes in it from where extra stored gasses and oxygen had expanded with devastating force, blowing out the metal, and Aura avoided the edges of those to avoid cutting herself. Her sharp gaze took it all in, though, and her mind was racing, considering, thinking. She knew that some of her fellows wanted to find a way back to Earth, and looking over the Aries, she could SEE it possibly flying again, given some of their talents. It would need to be ripped down and recreated, of course, but that would actually be the EASY part. As she continued around, she halted, staring at the 21 crosses, each with a name, some with small tokens from those who had loved the one named. God, she could have been among those, she thought, moving forwards and kneeling in front of them. Why had she survived, when these hadn't? They had families, loved ones, who mourned them. She was a runaway from a home that had not hated her, but had seen her as nothing but a tool, to be used and discarded when no longer useful.
Why did I survive?
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Post by Fern on Sept 22, 2014 5:35:38 GMT
The sharp acid tang of old smoke filled his nose and made him wonder for the millionth time why he had chosen this place to make his own. Perhaps it was a place no one really bothered to go to anymore, at least not inside. Those that came seemed to stop on the outside, never venturing inside. At least not when he had been there. Tobias was sitting in the dark with the faint light of the hole he had been likely pulled through after the crash leaving a dim light column upon the floor. It stopped just shy of his feet. He was sitting there, with his knees up a bit and his head leaning back against the charred metal. Thinking or trying not to think as the moments passed.
In this moment, his eyes were closed but not for long. He had heard the faint telltale signs of footsteps. There was someone here. Would they come inside? He doubted it. Getting slowly to his feet as quietly as he could he took a few steps backwards, father from the light. He had not meant to kick anything but something did clatter, rather loudly he thought, as his heel upset it across the floor where it struck more metal and came to a ringing stop. A quiet huff of irritated disappointment escaped his lips. He was irritated with himself. Maybe if he stayed quiet the person outside would go away. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, he stood there, breathing shallowly and keeping is gaze upon the jagged hole where the light came in. |
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Post by Lynn on Sept 22, 2014 5:44:08 GMT
Aura's head turned abruptly at the sound of ringing metal, and she dropped into a defensive stance, her eyes narrowing as they fell on the hole in the hull. Her breathing soft, shallow, she just listened, and when no further sound came, she straightened, now more curious than afraid. What had made the noise? she wondered, pacing forwards on near silent feet and peeking through the hole. She caught movement just shy of the light, and her head cocked faintly. It was far too large to be one of the fire-lizards, and Orti was on her shoulder, not inside. "Hello?" she called out softly, then her lips twitched in irony. Bad horror flick, she thought, where the chick to be murdered calls out hello as if her killer is going to answer.
That thought in mind, she shifted slightly, putting the shoulder with Orti on it closer to the shadow in the ship than her other one, at the same time protecting her still vulnerable injured back. "I'm not going to hurt you, and I apologize if I bothered you."
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Post by Fern on Sept 22, 2014 5:59:31 GMT
Well, so much for hoping they would go away. Thankfully though it was not a mean-looking grown man. It was a girl. True, he knew girls could be tough. But he wasn't afraid of them. And this face that peered into the dark with a little creature pet on her shoulder was not one to startle him. Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly, he watched her as she shifted slightly and called out a hello. If he stayed quiet would she go? Could she see him? Maybe. Maybe not. He did not answer right away. He'd rather have been left alone but that was entirely his fault. He should have stayed where he was and not tried to move. Staying quiet did not work either. She called out again and this time her words were unexpected. She would not hurt him? She was sorry that she had bothered him? How could he stay hidden now? It would be unkind to someone who was only being nice.
Whether he would regret it later or not, he kept his hands pocketed and stepped into the light. His head was down slightly and he did not face her straight on. It was a slight side-ways stance. One he unconsciously used when uncertain. He wasn't good with interacting.
"It's alright." His voice called out quietly but clearly. He was not timid but he was not loud and obnoxious either. He was trying to be kind. "I didn't know anyone would be here today. I can leave."
He offered to leave but he did not move. One, she was still blocking his exit and secondly he wasn't entirely sure he wanted to leave. "What is your name?" He wondered in a sudden moment of curiousity. |
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Post by Lynn on Sept 22, 2014 6:08:38 GMT
As he stepped forwards, she resisted the urge to tense. After all, she had spoken first, she thought. "No, no. You don't need to go," she said quickly, regretting disturbing him. A moment later, that was gone though, and she smiled slightly. "I'm Aura," she offered, still smiling, her head inclined faintly as she examined him. "Isn't it kind of creepy in there?" she asked, her face pulling into an uncertain look. "I'd be afraid I'd hurt myself on something." On her shoulder, Orti chirped, and she smiled again at the image he gave her. "Having just been allowed out of the Infirmary, would kind of stink to end up in it again so quickly. Joana wouldn't be happy with me for sure."
She realized she was babbling and blushed prettily, , dropping her emerald gaze to her own feet. "I'm sorry. I'm being rude."
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Post by Fern on Sept 22, 2014 6:26:30 GMT
Taking in her long black hair, her gold-speckled green eyes, her attire, expression, body language and the site of her flit in the same scrutiny almost by habitual alertness, he offered the slight half-smile he was known to give when being respectful. "It is nice to meet you Aura. I don't find it to be creepy as you say. Its..." How did he go about telling her it was his chosen sanctuary? A place he actually felt safe in? "Its safe." He did not give her his name. It had not been asked of him and he really didn't think it mattered anyway. He was a nobody here. Not false modesty really. Just fact. If she asked him, he'd tell her it was Tobias.
As for being hurt on anything in the crash, Tobias thought it was more than possible. There were jagged corners and things out of place and strewn about. The floor wasn't exactly level either. But, he liked it. The danger meant others might stay away. And for the most part they had, to his knowledge. Until today. Her mention of the infirmary made him wince slightly. He had seen his fair share of 'infirmaries' both on Earth and here. When he had woken up a few days after the crash it was to an injured arm and a severe concussion. He was still on light duty, no chopping trees and the like, but he was mostly back to his old self. A few headaches every now and then and an ache to his injury when the rains came was the worse he dealt with now. Her mention of the infirmary also alerted him to the fact that she had also been there. Not that he was surprised. He had seen the subtle tells that she was protecting her back. Whether it was because she thought he was a threat or not was unknown but he also knew how to see pain or discomfort in another's eyes. And hers had it. At least he thought they might. It was very subtle though. Maybe he was imagining things.
Her suddenly dropped gaze and her flushed cheeks and little smile upon her lips as she confessed to rambling moved him to step closer. "You are not rambling Aura. Its true that this place is not the safest but for me it is. I hope you have been recovering well?"
He would join her in the light if she moved away from the jagged hole. |
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Post by Lynn on Sept 22, 2014 6:37:35 GMT
She took in his coming closer, and realized she was blocking the exit. With a small sound, she backed out of it, so he could exit if he wished, and for his words, she smiled again, shrugging the unoccupied shoulder. "We all have our foxholes," she said lightly. When questioned, the nonflittfied shoulder was again raised and lowered. "I'm doing okay. This is the first time I've been allowed to come to the crash site since it happened, actually. They've been worried it might be too stressful for me to get up here." Orti chirped, and she rested her cheek on his pale blue back gently. "He makes sure I don't overwork myself, and tattles to his momma if I try to."
It was then that it occurred to her she didn't know who this boy was, and she blinked. "I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name?" she said, her tone gently inquiring.
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Post by Fern on Sept 22, 2014 18:25:48 GMT
When Aura backed out of the opening, he kept his eyes upon her and slipped out, angling himself to face her the whole way. Did he not trust her? Or was this 'facing the object of focus' an unconscious survival reaction? It was hard to say. Coming into the light, he squinted a little until his eyes adjusted. Then he leaned up against the craft with his shoulder, his arms were crossed, and listened politely when she spoke.
One of Tobias's eyebrows lifted slightly with stoic surprise when Aura mentioned them all having their foxholes. Not many would have said that. Not many, he thought, would have understood. He scratched the side of his head a little and acknowledge her next words with a nod of his head. She was doing okay? It was good to hear. She'd only been allowed to visit this place now? That explained why he hadn't seen her up here before. The healers thought it would be too stressful? Physically or emotionally, he wondered. When the little critter chirped he glanced in its direction and the gentle moment shared between the girl and the healer's pet brought a subtle softness to his eyes for a moment. It was nice to see such affection in others. Not much of a conversationalist, he let her talk as much as she wanted about whatever it is that suited her fancy. When she asked for his name he stiffened slightly. Should he give her his first and last name? This was a new life here. From what he had heard so far, those on Pern did not really use last names. Why should he? Besides, he had no love for his family. What did it matter if he claimed relation with them anymore? After a brief moment of hesitation, his lips quirked in a slight frown and he said quietly. "I'm Tobias." After a moment of thought, he wondered what he should say after and came up with something he thought might interest her. "What are your thoughts about this place? Are you eager to get back to your home or are you glad to stay?"
That might be a very odd way of stating his last question but he had often wondered how many, if any, were like him. He would never go back, even if there was a way. This was his home now. And he was glad to have it.
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Post by Lynn on Sept 22, 2014 19:05:07 GMT
"A good strong name," she said lightly, her eyes curious, but her tongue now held in check. She'd been rambling on about herself, and yet knew almost nothing about him. Then he questioned her, and one ebony brow at his second question. Oh-ho. One like herself, she thought, hiding her amusement. "I'm glad for myself, and for anyone who might not have a good family back home. But for those that DO, I hurt for them, because I can only imagine what they're going through, what they're thinking." Her green eyes grew sad as she thought of Eternity, who'd lost so much more than she could ever imagine. As she thought of Jason, fighting for his life after the surgery that had seemingly saved him but also put him in a semi-coma. As she thought of Erick, who lost his only parent and support, and at only ten years old at that. "I can't even begin to guess how they feel... And I feel guilty, for surviving when so many who SHOULD have didn't..."
She shook her head, sending her black hair waving behind her, and sighed softly. "I know I shouldn't. But I do. And I feel guilty for being so HAPPY to be free, when so many others are suffering heartache and physical pain."
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Post by Fern on Sept 22, 2014 19:44:03 GMT
A good strong name? Not really. It was just a name. He shrugged. She could think whatever she wanted to about that. When she revealed that she was glad to be here, Tobias did not know whether to be surprised or grateful. She felt what he did. It was a relief not to be the only one. Guilty for seeing other's misery and yet thankful for their own new circumstances. The fact that there actually was someone that felt the same caused him to stand up straight again and stuff his hands back in his pockets. This was just awkward. Was she from a... not so fun, home? He couldn't say 'abusive' or 'torturous'. He'd have to face the truth of it if he did. He wasn't ready for that yet. Maybe not ever.
"Free." He repeated, knowing keenly what she meant. At least in his own case. He nodded. "Safe." He added. "Why'd you come up here? You need help getting back?" He didn't want to admit his own feelings in all this. He was in the habit of shoving his emotions deep within. He did have questions concerning her own life and experiences but didn't ask. It wasn't any of his business and he didn't want to pry into her business. If she wanted to talk about it, fine. But he wouldn't start down that road on his own.
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Post by Lynn on Sept 22, 2014 21:19:54 GMT
Safe. Yes indeed, she thought, watching how her words seemed to change him, to bring him tall again. Strange how the littlest things could touch people. As he questioned her again, she smiled faintly. "I came up here because I needed to see her," she said, motioning to the ship. "I fainted before they ever got me out of her, and I felt I needed to let her know I was okay, that I survived. I know it sounds a little odd, but..." She shrugged her flitless shoulder, then, for his second question, shook her head. "Nah, I'll be okay." Her head cocked faintly, and she eyed him thoughtfully, curiously. "You know, you keep asking me things, but not offering any information of your own," she said mildly. "Aside from your name being Tobias and that this is your foxhole." She gave him a teasing smile and winked.
"Come on. Surely there's more to you than that. I've certainly revealed enough about myself."
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Post by Fern on Sept 22, 2014 22:06:03 GMT
He shook his head. "Nah. It's not so odd." He believed that too. Lots of people talked to inanimate objects all the time. Didn't mean they were weird. He talked to the ship too. Not aloud though but he still had one-sided mental conversations of a sort. It made him feel less 'alone'. A subtle glance was made around the area for not the first time, as he listened to her speak again. He was always on the alert, though most might not realize just how observant he was. Sometimes perfect recall helped a lot. Sometimes it was a curse. While some of the others in his group were probably geniuses or engineering prodigies, he could tell when something was out of place. Not much of a talent but it was useful sometimes.
When she suggested he tell her more about himself and said there was more to him than just his name and the location of his safe place, his foxhole as she put it, he shook his head. "Not much to tell." He began. Then in a rare moment, offered to open up a little when he said, "What do you want to know?"
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Post by Lynn on Sept 22, 2014 22:10:21 GMT
Hmm... What did she wish to know. Well for starters...
"You pretty obviously don't wish to return to Earth," she began, watching him calmly. "So what do you plan to do with yourself here?" She waved around them. "There's certainly plenty TO do, after all. Become a Harper, a Healer, a Farmer. Maybe even a Dragonrider." Once she'd laid that out, she cocked her head again and grinned, just waiting now for his answer, curious what it would be.
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Post by Fern on Sept 22, 2014 22:16:03 GMT
"Earth was never a home to me." He admitted without hesitation. Why, he said that, he had no clue. But he added with humble confidence. "I'll be a dragonrider. If one will have me. If not, I'll help where I'm needed most." Running a hand through his hair, he took a deep breath and blew it out in a tight sigh. "What about you? Have any plans here, now that you aren't going back to torture?"
His eyes cringed slightly for a quick moment when the last word flowed out of his mouth. Now that was precisely why he never put himself out there to converse with others. He usually ended up saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. Maybe if he played it cool she wouldn't notice the significance of that statement. Trying to cover it over he asked her something else, a little too quickly afterwards, "What do you like to do here? I've been helping in the kitchens."
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Post by Lynn on Sept 22, 2014 22:21:41 GMT
As he spoke, she nodded, then blinked as he spoke that one word, a word she knew the meaning of all too well. "Going back to torture would be the correct statement," she said softly. "I'm perfectly happy here, although there's not a lot I'm allowed to do right now. I mostly just help the kitchen staff and attend Candidate Lessons when Joana will let me. I also have been helping her out in the Infirmary, although I have to say it would not be my first choice of a career here for sure. I'm not overly fond of trying to figure out what's going on with someone's injuries, especially if i don't know what caused them."
She shrugged slightly, then her head turned and she frowned. "Now what in the world was that?" she asked curiously, moving closerinto the shadow of the Aries and just watching a spot roughly equal to the treeline. On her shoulder, Orti chirruped slightly, and she hushed him, just continuing to watch. Again, it came, a flash of almost neon green, bright against the darkness of the forest, and she glanced at Tobias with an impish smile. "wanna go egg hunting?" she asked him.
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