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coreychick · 3 years ago

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Chapter 17: The Truth

Part of the In the Dark Series: 18+ Smut & Story /Romance and Adventure Din X Fem!Reader Insert Just a reminder, I do not post warnings, so if you have triggers, this may not be a story for you.

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The walk back to the Crest is quiet. You have a hundred thoughts running circles around your brain. Mando is quiet too, seemingly caught up in his own thoughts. Not much is said beyond a compromise you both make regarding where you’d head to next. Obviously, you want to stay and meet up with Vale again tomorrow- the answers you’ve been seeking lay just beyond tomorrow’s sunrise.

Mando wants to pull up stakes and leave the system now, content to put Hunter’s World- or maybe Vale specifically- in the past. You both agree to sleep on it and come to a decision in the morning, though Mando refuses to remain docked in Keyorin’s port. You suggest finding a nice open spot out in the untouched parts of the landscape, but Mando insists on leaving the area all together. He doesn’t trust the people here and insists that you’ll both be better off floating just beyond the exosphere of the planet. It’s not easy, when he fires up the engines and begins the ascent. You have a brief moment of panic as the planet’s surface grows smaller and less distinct out the window, but you trust Mando when he says he’s just taking the Crest somewhere safe for the night.

You watch from the passenger seat as Mando pilots the ship to a “safe area”. He navigates it a few miles out into space and a stunning aurora of greens and fuchsias halo the planet off in the distance. Mando flicks switches, presses some buttons and enters a sequence into his navigation computer. It’s then that you recall the empty astromech port you spied in the utility room above. Mando is probably the only pilot you’ve ever heard of who chooses not to employ an astromech. They were extremely convenient with their ability to communicate with the ship, make repairs, co-pilot and calculate jumps into hyperspace in a matter of seconds. However, Mando, for whatever reason, chooses to do everything manually, himself.

“Why do you hate the droids?” you ask softly. Not really sure why you’ve chosen this moment to finally ask, but you know there is a conversation pending- one that might make or break this fragile alliance you’ve both been building these past weeks, and right now, in this moment, you're searching for a way to understand him better.

“They have no honor.” he says, simply.

You consider it for a moment, not entirely sure what he is referring to. You’ve seen plenty of pilots as you’ve made your way across the galaxy. Many of them treated their droids as partners- friends even. Though, you suppose for every pilot who valued their droid co-pilot, there were probably a dozen that viewed them as nothing more than property. Mando’s distaste seems to be rooted in something deeper.

“What do you mean?”

Mando finishes inputting his sequence. The Crest’s engines wind down, content to drift, a speck of steel amidst the vastness of space. Mando keeps his promise- Hunter’s World remains visible in the far distance. He spins around in his pilot's seat, leaning back into his chair. He crosses his feet at the ankles like he’s settling in for a long nap. You imagine he takes up this position in his chair when he’s traveling- alone, often.

“Droids have no souls, so they risk nothing when they step into battle. They will kill indiscriminately, caring not for the lives of innocents. There’s no honor in their actions.”

The way he says it, this isn’t just a passing notion, this is his personal experience. He’s lived this undeniable truth.

He’s lost something dear.

Your chin dips down, eyes landing on the rivets that line the floor paneling.

“I’m so sorry. What happened to you?”

He takes a deep breath.

“I was raised in a small settlement on Aq Vetina. The people there were not violent- they didn’t have weapons. No way to defend themselves. I don’t think my father had ever held a blaster in his entire life. An army of B-2 battle droids descended on us, without warning…” - he pauses, and you hear him swallow down the invisible lump of words that don’t want to come out. “They razed the village to the ground, took no prisoners. Didn’t matter if you were young, old, armed or not. Everybody died.”

Your eyes well up, tears threatening to spill.

“How old were you?”

“Nine.” he says.

Nine. Just nine years old. Just a youngling. To see the things he must’ve seen that day. Chills run down your spine.

“How did you escape?”

“We ran. There’s no way I could keep up, so my father carried me as we tried to find a way out, but there was nowhere to go. Every possible exit was blocked by a battle droid. The people were being mowed down, slaughtered by ground fire. My parents hid me in an underground hatch... big enough for one. They told me to be brave and that they loved me. They closed the hatch doors and that was the last I ever saw of them. An explosion rocked the shelter seconds later. A B-2 found me and was about to put me down. That’s when they showed up.”

“Who?” You ask, sweeping away a silent tear from your cheek.

“The Mandalorians. They dropped from the sky to defend what was left of the village. A Mandalorian saved me. They took me in, accepted me as one of their own.”

No wonder he didn’t trust the machines, he literally watched them annihilate his entire family. It made sense.

“I’m so sorry Din.” It’s the first time you say his name- out of the throes- and it feels right, because he just shared the most humanizing experience with you. You see beyond the suit of beskar, beyond the weapons and the creed. You see a man who has loved and lost something. You wonder if you are the only living person he’s ever shared this with? Your gut says, yes.

“It’s okay- was a long time ago.”

You suddenly wonder if your life would have been easier if you had just accepted the cards you had been dealt. Din certainly seems better for it, and your life has been a long series of one problem after another. You had both suffered similar losses and while he had accepted it and moved on, you have spent a lifetime looking backward and running away from the future.

You sit in silence after that, peacefully watching the dancing waves of pink and green light that paint the starry sky in the distance. Eventually Mando suggests that you should hit the rack and get some sleep.

“I don’t think I can sleep unless we come to some sort of agreement on what’s happening tomorrow.”

A few beats pass and you continue, “You know I can’t walk away now, not when I’m so close to finding these answers.”

“I know.” he agrees. “I don’t like it, but I know.” He sighs, that way he always does when things aren’t going according to his plan. “And I know, short of putting you into carbonite, there’s no way you’ll go without a fight.”

Fear strikes your heart like lightning, at the thought. You remain silent wondering if he is actually considering that as an option or not.

“What would you have me do?” You ask, zero hostility in your voice. Just simply, a friend seeking advice from another friend. You want to know all your options.

“If it were up to me? We’d set a course, leave this planet immediately. We’d search for the new Mandalorian covert. With their assistance, I believe we could track down the Jedi.”

“And what if we can’t find a jedi?”

“I always find what I am looking for.”

You smile at his words, always so confident.

“But, what if?”

He sighs at the possibility. “Then we go into deep hiding where nobody can find us.”

“That didn’t turn out so well for us the last time.”

Mando’s chest rises and falls heavily at the reminder.

“That was laying low. Not deep hiding. It’s a mistake I won’t make again.”

“What do you mean ‘deep hiding?’”

“Some quarries are smarter than others, but eventually all of them make a mistake- A mistake that leads me straight to their door. None of them understand what it takes to truly disappear.”

“What does it take? How does one truly disappear?” you ask, settling back into the passenger’s seat, crossing your legs in your seat.

“Outwitting a good hunter requires complete dedication and sacrifice. It’s not easy.”

“Tell me. What would it take to evade the one and only Din Djarin?” you say, teasingly, with a grandiose tone.

He hesitates and you wonder if it’s because he still fears you running from him-fears you’ll use this information against him or if it's because you used his real name.

“If something were to happen to you, and I needed to disappear, it might be good for me to know.” you add.

He gives a short nod and begins to paint a picture.

“The first step in disappearing when you are being hunted is erasure. You have to erase all traces. You have to cut all ties with everyone you know. If you can do it slowly over a given amount of time, that’s even better. It means your friends and family won’t be looking for you immediately.”

“Well, step one shouldn’t be too hard.”

He nods.

“Next, you’ll need to lie, deflect and mislead every conversation you have. Lying will be the only way to survive.”

Check, check, check. A pang of guilt flares through your body at the truth of it. Lying is something you may know a thing or two about.

You simply nod, “Go on.”

“Avoid all digital and paper trails. Deal only in physical currency...no banks.”

“No problems there, I prefer working in trades anyway.” Bartering had always been the way, when you were living off of the land.

“Travel alone. No friends, no pets.”

Damn, there goes that dog I always wanted.

“Keep it a solo mission….got it. I mean, so far, I feel like I’ve got this in the bag, Mando, doesn’t sound too hard to me.”

Mando gives you a slight snort of amusement.

“No loose ends, so pay off all your debts- that will eliminate the pool of people looking for you.”

“None to speak of…so I’m good on that front. I dunno Mando, I’m starting to wonder how dumb your bounties really are.” you say, teasingly.

“Leave no trace. Leave nothing behind. If you can’t take it with you, burn it out of existence.”

“Never really had any personal belongings anyway. Anything I had, I lost when the raiders took me.”

Your hand instinctively goes to the pendant dangling from your neck. The one Din gave you. You rub your thumb across the smooth metal, tracing the shape of the mythosaur with the pad of your thumb. The gesture is oddly soothing. It’s the closest thing you have to personal property now- only it doesn’t belong to you, not really. Your hand falls away.

“Here’s where most fail. The next step is misdirection.”

“What does that mean?”

“Now that you’ve erased all traces, you need to set bogus trails for the hunter to follow. This will accomplish two goals. First, it keeps your hunter busy searching for you in all the wrong places. The longer the hunter spends searching, the more expensive it becomes to find you. A lot of hunters will grow impatient and abandon a hunt when it no longer becomes profitable. If you don’t set false trails, then any new lead becomes a link to you, but if you set false trails, the hunter won’t be able to tell the real ones from the false ones- it becomes a lot of work to detangle those lines.”

OK, this might be more complicated than you initially thought.

“How exactly do you set false trails?”

“There’s essentially three parts to a good false trail. The hook, the line, and the sinker. The hook is a piece of information you purposely leave behind for your hunter to find. It will appear real by all outside appearances. Let’s say for example, you travel through a large city. You can set your hook. This could be something like sending a traceable communication from that location. You know your hunter will find access to it and follow it. Next, you cast your line. Lay a false trail of breadcrumbs around the city. Inquire about job opportunities, ask for rental applications, pay for something a long term resident might need, some type of transportation or suitable clothing for the atmosphere- something to indicate you plan on staying for a while. Last comes the sinker- basically a clue so wild that the hunter is completely thrown off. For example, you could open an account with a bank, put a few hundred credits in it and then pass the security card onto an intergalactic traveler. Now suddenly, there’s traces of you spending credits all over the galaxy. One week you're buying a drink in a Tatooine bar, the next you’re buying cold weather gear at an outpost on Hoth. Meanwhile, the real you is on the other end of the galaxy.”

Clever. It strikes you then that Mando’s reputation is due to much more than his brute strength. He’s smart, cunning, and ingenuitive. It's a major fucking turn on.

“Wow. Okay, that does sound a lot more complicated than I initially thought.”

“It’s the key to vanishing. If you can adopt a new persona on top of that, your chances of remaining hidden will increase. Change your appearance. You want to blend in with the crowd. If you can hide your face, all the better. Be the background. Stay in the shadows. The further you go, the safer you’ll be...and the more isolated, the better.”

Your eyes water a little bit, all humor in the conversation lost. Isolation. I’ve been isolated my whole maker-forsaken life. It’s nothing new to you. But before, there was the hope that it wouldn’t always be that way, that things might change. But now, if you were to really go on the run, you’d be signing up for a lifetime of it.

I can manage.

What you can’t manage though, is the thought of Mando having to do it too- because of you. Nobody should have to suffer that way. How would that even work? How do you hide a Mandalorian when they literally draw the gaze of every single passerby? It’d never work. Though the initial thought of living out a life alongside Mando has its appeal, it just wouldn’t be fair to him. Whether he admits it or not, he has friends. It didn’t take long to see how fond of Kuill he was. He has family too. “The Mandalorians accepted me as one of their own.”

I could never do that to him.

As the thoughts cross your mind, you have to fight back another tear from spilling.

Get your shit together.

You mentally slap away those thoughts and put your chin up.

“One day Mando, that’s all I ask. One day to get the answers I need. Then we can find a covert and you can take me to the Jedi.”

You hope he doesn’t detect the slight shake in your voice.

He nods. “One day.”

“Okay then,” you say, getting up to leave the cockpit.

Mando doesn’t follow, content to remain in his pilot’s chair as you settle into the bed on the hull floor. You pull the blanket tightly around you, having opted to sleep in your clothes instead of Mando’s shirt tonight. You didn’t need the scent of his skin- beskar, ash and earth- torturing you all night. Instead, you try to focus on tomorrow and what answers might lie ahead. Hours later, you drift off to sleep alone.

It’s just after dawn. You hardly slept a wink the night before, lost to thoughts of finally learning the truth, the possibility of facing a past you might be better off not knowing. Din had remained in the cockpit as well, though you have no idea how or if he slept- always the quiet one. You on the other hand tossed and turned, unable to find comfort, though it had little to do with the bed and everything to do with running worst case scenarios through your head on repeat.

It was a surprise when Sin Shikara was waiting at the port upon the Razor Crest’s return. Her cheeks were rosy, her coloring- bright and youthful- despite the perturbed expression she wore. At least somebody got a good night’s sleep. She had been waiting there for your return, with the gift of a new coat in her hands. You had accepted, considering the nature of the weather, and wondered how exactly you would explain to Vale that you wouldn’t be able to return to him, the trench coat that he had lent you the night before.

She had taken you to a public meeting place by way of transport, to meet up with Vale. You were again, surprised at the early morning call, but excited that it was obviously as important to Vale as it was to you- since he had cleared his schedule. He had chosen the Keyorin waterway, a public frontage where the city meets the ocean.

The air was thick with moisture, the previous night’s snow replaced with bouts of rain and fog. Currently, there was a brief reprieve from the downpour, which allowed for you and Vale to walk side by side along the waterway. Mando had agreed to give the both of you “space to talk”, though he remained within sight, trailing several hundred paces behind. You could feel his stare on the back of your neck, confident that he was tracking every move being made between the two of you.

Vale takes your arm in hand, politely directing you over to the railing that overlooks the ocean. You plant your elbows on the handrail and take in the view. It’s a dreary ocean, almost black in color and the waves crashing on the shore are like those you’d see when a storm is brewing. There’s no beach to speak of, but instead, a wash of concrete that disappears right into the waterline. Elsewhere, the waves crash up against the sides of the buildings and you wonder how it is that the infrastructures don’t topple into the sea. The mere idea of it causes an uneasy feeling to settle over you.

“Quite a sight, isn’t it?” Vale says.

“Unlike any ocean I’ve ever seen- certainly different than home.”

“That’s because it’s not really an ocean, not anymore at least.”

“What do you mean?”

“It was an ocean once, a long time ago. Now, it’s only one step above a hologram.”

Your eyes search the waters. You can feel the spray of the ocean when a wave strikes the wall below hard enough. It certainly looked real, felt real enough.

“You’re joking?”

“No,” he says with amusement. “I mean, the water is real enough, but the seabed was replaced by machine made surfaces long ago and I highly doubt if there’s any natural marine life left that could survive. It all runs by machine now.”

Your brows scrunch up, disbelieving.

“Look at the water,” he says, leaning in close to point out a spot to the left, where the water swirls. “Just there, you see? The machines, they can't mimic the natural ebb and flow of the tides. It’s too erratic, too manufactured. Some things just cannot be replicated, you know?”

“But why do this?”

“Tinketh Fo.” Vale answers, with a smile. “He oversees all business on Keyorin. He’s smart but also extremely paranoid, hides his wealth at the bottom.”

“You're kidding.” you say in astonishment, looking out over the false waters. It doesn’t escape you, that he is offering up some privileged information, meant to put you at ease since he is showing good faith in trusting you with it.

“It’s true.”

"You work for him?"

"ehhh, not exactly. He lets me do business here."

"And in exchange, what does he get?"

"Let's just say we have a mutual agreement."

You take a deep beath, choosing not to push the issue to quickly.

“Certainly nothing like home. I’m surprised you can stand it here. Not a single tree or animal. You don’t even have a real ocean.” you tease with a haughty smirk.

“You’re right. I’ve become a master at adapting to new surroundings, necessity of the trade, I’m afraid.”

“So, Vale huh? And what exactly is your trade Vale ?” you say, exaggerating the name, because you both know it’s not his real one.

“Are you a smuggler? Slave owner? Thief? What life have you chosen over that of a Bestine fisherman or farmer?”

“Yes. No. Yes. I guess you could say that I dabble in a lot of things. You do what you can to survive, until one day, you get really good at it.”

“Do you hurt people?” There in lies the real question. What kind of man has he become?

“Not good people. Never good people."

You’d have to think more about that, later.

“And what about you Bunny ? No longer sleeping in foxholes I take it?”

“What’s wrong with a foxhole? They’re warm, cozy, and provided us both shelter more than a few times.”

“That they did.” he says, with a warm smile. “But how’d you go from sleeping in foxholes to traveling the galaxy with a bounty hunter?”

“He helped me find you.” you say matter of factly. No need to do a deep dive into that story right now.

Vale takes a moment, his gaze looking past you to where you know Mando is watching from a distance. He reaches into his trench- which you suddenly realize he is once again wearing- and pulls out a small device. Your mind scrambles to make sense of it. How is he wearing the trench coat that you know- without a doubt- Mando had tossed away, outside the alleyway? Either he has a complete closet full of duplicates -in which case….psycho! - or…. Someone was watching us last night. Your cheeks begin to heat at the thought, but you quickly decide not to acknowledge it. Chickening out and instead, you direct your thoughts elsewhere.

“What’s that?” you say, nodding to the small device he holds in his hand.

“This…” he says, pushing a few small buttons before placing it back in his coat, “is a signal scrambler. It’ll ensure our conversation stays private.”

“What do you mean? I didn't come here wired, if that's what you're thinking.”

“No, but your bounty hunter over there is listening to every word we say.”

You hadn’t thought about that before, not that you had any reason too. You turn a casual glance back toward Mando, and notice that his body stiffens, his hand reaching up to fiddle with the sensor on the side of his helmet. He had been listening. And no wonder he agreed to give you some space to talk. If he could hear everything that was being said, he felt comfortable enough to remain close by, as he would know if things were taking a bad turn.

“There, now we can talk freely.”

“I’m sorry, I thought we already were.” Now you wonder if there’s ever been another time when you weren’t aware that Mando was listening too. A rolodex to shuffle through another time.

“Is he holding you against your will?”

“What?” you say taken aback.

“Are you his prisoner? Did he force you to seek me out?”

“No, why would you think that?”

“The galaxy is not as big as you may think it is, Bunny . Word reached me several weeks ago, that a Mandalorian bounty hunter had betrayed the guild, stolen some very valuable cargo. And now you show up, silver buckethead in tow.”

Your cheeks heat again. Realizing that he already knew who you were the second you landed on Keyorin. It was stupid to assume that word hadn’t reached this far. If he knows, others do too.

“Don’t call me Bunny .”

“You never minded it before.”

“I always minded it!” you snap back, starting to feel a little embarrassed at your naivety. Mando tried to warn me. Maybe he was right. Maybe you shouldn’t have come. The thought of putting him in danger now, was starting to prickle your skin. Selfish.

“Shhh, calm down Bunny, or you're liable to set him off.” he says, finding it all too funny.

You look back at Mando, his posture visibly tense. He probably saw your irritation and was growing concerned. You smile in his direction, offering a thumbs up so that he knows you are ok.

“So, are you, his captive?”

“What would you do if I were?”

“I’d take him out, right here and now. I’d squash him under my boot until that tin can is nothing more than an oversized paper weight.”

Your hands begin to squeeze the railing, flexing with irritation.

“Hmmm, suddenly overcome with the need to protect me?”

“Yes, that hasn’t changed.”

“Well, it’s not your job anymore.”

“I’m your brother, it will always be my job.”

You have to take a massive gulp of air to calm your nerves. The feelings are starting to come out, the ones you had hoped to avoid, but knew you’d have to confront if you wanted answers. It didn’t make it any easier to deal with though, and right now your coping mechanism was to default to anger.

“It’s not. Not anymore. I had to learn to take care of myself, a long time ago.”

Was that guilt that flashed across his face?

“And no. I’m not his captive. I was. We had a rough start, but he’s given up a lot to help me. I trust him.”

“You can trust me too.”

“Can I? I haven't heard from you in years, and now you think, simply because we share blood, that I should trust you?”

“C'mon, We share a lot more than blood and you know it. I taught you how to survive out there.”

“You taught me how to be alone.”

He planted his palms on the railing as well, hanging his head between his arms in frustration for a moment.

“I know that’s how it seemed…”

“No, that’s how it was.” you cut him off. “You left me scared and alone. I didn’t even know if you were alive or dead, or if I…” you trail off, swallowing down the last words.

“I know.” he says, pulling you into a tight hug. You want to resist, but it suddenly feels like something you both need. He wraps his arms around your shoulders, resting the top of his chin on your head. It feels familiar, tugs on a memory from a long long time ago.

“You were my best friend. And then you were just…gone.”

“I know Bunny . I’m sorry. It was the only way I knew how to protect you at the time.”

“Tell me. Tell me what happened that night. I need to know.”

“What do you remember?” he says, pulling away to look down into your eyes.

Immediately, your eyes begin to well, thinking back to what you can remember.

“I remember father…He’d been away for years. We didn’t think he was ever coming back, but he showed up that day. I remember…them fighting. He said he wanted to take me with him. I wanted to go. Mom said I couldn’t go. I was mad. I hated her for not letting me go. We argued….and then….” You dig your palms into your eye sockets, rubbing, trying to squeeze forth the memories from your brain.

“Go on…”

“Something inside me was loosed. I don’t know what, but I felt like I could fix it. And then…darkness. For days, it felt like I was trapped in the dark. I knew they were dead, but I don’t remember how I knew, I just knew.”

You inhale a deep breath. A steady stream of tears streak down your cheek.

“After that. I don’t remember anything. Not until the orphanage. I woke up there, and you were gone. I knew Mom and Dad were dead…and you were gone .”

The look on Vale’s face was one of remorse. He truly did look like he was sorry.

“I need you to fill in the blanks, I need to know what happened.”

He sighs, nodding his head in agreement.

“Does the Mandalorian know what you can do? Know about your abilities?”

“Yes. That’s why he is helping me. I saved his life.” and he saved mine.

Vale reluctantly nods his understanding, letting go to lean up against the railing.

“Before we head down memory lane, I want you to know that you are welcome to stay here, with me. In fact, I want you to. I can look after you now. Before, I was just a kid- not much older than you. And after that night, I knew I wasn’t enough to keep you safe. But now, I know I can.”

Your heart squeezes at his offer. You look around at the cold gray world before you.

“I don’t think I could stay here. This isn’t really my scene…and there are people that are looking for me…” you trail off shaking your head ‘no’.

“But, Thank you for the offer.”

“Then we’ll leave.” he says, simply.

The look on your face is one of surprise and confusion…maybe a little bit of hope.

“You’ll be safe with me. I have the means and the power to protect you. I’ll walk away from all this right now. We can go wherever you want.”

“You’d leave this behind? For me, Why? You don't even know me.”

“You’re my sister. I know you. I should have come for you a long time ago, I’m sorry. We should be taking care of each other.”

You stare back at him blankly. These are words you have waited your whole life to hear, only now that you are finally hearing them, it’s not coming from the person you wish they were.

“You don’t have to be alone anymore.”

You gently shake your head ‘no’.

“There are others…like me. Mando is taking me to find them. Maybe, after…” you start to say.

Vale interjects, “You mean Jedi?”

Again, his words startle you.

“Yes. You know about the Jedi?”

The look on Vale’s face turns stony, his chin lifting.

“Our father was Jedi.”

“No,” you shake your head. “That can’t be right. I would’ve heard of this?”

“You were only youngling, Bunny . There was a lot you didn’t know yet.”

“Jedi?” You say in disbelief. “How come I’m only learning this now?”

“It wasn’t discussed. Mother forbade it.”

“But, why?”

“The Jedi might not be what you think they are. Yes, they have abilities, like you. But they are not like us .” It was the way he said ‘ us’ , that gave you pause.

“What do you mean, not like us ?”

“You know, father only visited every few years. He didn’t care about us or what we were doing or how we were living. That’s because he viewed us as a weakness. We were potential ‘attachments’ and Jedi are forbidden from forming personal ‘attachments’.”

“How do you know this?”

“Mother told me, many times. I would question why he was never there to help us when we struggled. Why he would disappear for years between visits and why she would always accept him back into her bed when he did return. I never understood how she could love him when he threw us away.”

Your mind begins racing with his words.

“Whatever you hope to learn from them…you’re probably better off not knowing.”

Could what he was saying possibly be true? Your mind calls back, pulling on every memory you can think of to see if this new puzzle piece of information fits within your memories. Sadly, it feels like it does. He abandoned his family because he was forbidden from forming personal attachments? How could he do such a thing? He gave us up… for what?

“That’s why they fought that day. It had been years since he had been back to check in on us. When he saw you, he recognized what you were, wanted to take you with him, said you’d ‘need to be trained’. We refused. I didn’t want that cold hearted bastard taking you away, to turn you into something like him . You’re not like that…not like them.”

Your stomach began to sour, your heartbeat pounding in your ears.

“It’s ok Bunny, you’re not like they are, not like him. ”

This didn’t make sense, didn’t feel right. In the back of your mind, for months, you had resigned yourself to the idea that if the lead on Vale didn’t pan out, that at least there was a group of people out there like you, waiting to accept you, welcome you as one of their own. Now it seemed, those ideas may have been in vain.

“But you are.”

Vale takes a step back, visibly assaulted by your words.

“You left me, just like he left us.”

His mouth clamps shut, his jaw visibly ticking. Your words striking something deep in his chest.

“Why? Why did you leave? You must have had a good reason to leave me there.”

He remains silent, but you can see there’s much more he isn’t telling you. You're tired of the conversation, of beating around the bush. You know what he isn’t saying, but you want to hear the words. Need to hear them.

“It was me wasn’t it? I killed them that night, didn't I ?”

He inhales through his nose and looks you dead in the eye.

“Yes.”

There it is. Out in the open. That simple one word answer, hanging there in the air, confirming what you have always feared. How could you ever blame him for leaving? He watched you murder his own parents, of course he left you.

“But it wasn’t your fault. You were so young.” he says, placing a hand on the back of your shoulder. “If he had stayed with us, taught you how to control yourself instead of abandoning us, leaving us….”

You put a hand up to stop him. “I don’t want to hear anymore.”

You shrug away from his hand and turn to face the ocean again. Lost. Because of me, everything was lost.

“It wasn’t your fault.” he says, practically reading the thoughts in your head.

“I knew what could happen to you, if others found out. I couldn’t protect you, so I did the only thing I knew how. I hid you away, where I hoped they’d never find you. I knew we had to part ways if I was to keep you hidden, but trust me when I say that walking away wasn’t easy.”

You close your eyes, mind a flood of fog and chaos. You didn’t want to hear about it anymore.

“I think I need to sit down. “ you say, rubbing your temples.

“I know you felt alone, but I was always watching you from afar. Always checking in on you.” he says, gently placing his hand on top of yours.

“Then you know your life would be in danger if I were to stay with you, you wouldn’t be safe around me.” you add, pulling it away.

“My life is hardly what I would call safe. Stay with me. There is much I have learned about the Jedi over my travels. We can sift through it, together.”

Together. All you’ve ever wanted was to be wanted by someone. And now, here was a someone, willing to give up everything for you, despite the fact that you were a monster . You thought back to your childhood, the memories you both shared. Halo- he was the one who had looked after you when your father was nowhere to be found and your mother was at work. He taught you how to survive in the woods, how to hunt and fish. He was the one who taught you how to live in the wild and make a foxhole a home. The two of you would spend weeks at a time together, until your mother would demand you return. He was everything to you at that point.

“I need to think about it.”

“Because of him?” he said, indicating Mando with his chin.

The look on his face gives him away. He didn’t trust the Mandalorian.

“We’ve been through a lot, you wouldn’t understand.”

“And you say that he is taking you to the Jedi?”

“Yes.”

“And then what?”

“What do you mean, then what?”

“I mean, what happens then? He tracks them down and then just leaves you with them?”

I don’t know. Hadn’t let my mind go there.

“We haven't really….discussed that.”

It’s a conversation the both of you had been tip toeing around, but the answer had been in front of your face all along. Mando had been tasked with returning you to your kind. Nothing more. And what did you expect? For him to give up his life, put everything on hold and hang around while you trained with his sworn enemy? No. He was obligated to deliver you to them, nothing more. Like a package. Like…a bounty.

“ I know how to find them.”

Your face swings back to Vale’s.

“The Jedi?”

“Yes. If that’s what you want, we can go together, find the answers, together .”

You search his familiar eyes- the same ones you remember from so long ago, looking for the truth.

Maker, he really means it. You run the back of your hand across each cheek, wiping away the tears.

“We can leave tonight if you want. Just give me a few hours to arrange transportation, for me to cover our tracks.”

“You’re really serious?”

“As a heart attack.”

“You’d leave your world of power and riches behind? The one you’ve spent years building?” you say, waving your wrist in a grandiose gesture.

“What? You’re not impressed by all this?” he chuckles. “None of that matters now. It’s just dirty paper, isn’t it?”

You smile, remembering how he’d always used to call it that. How when you were little and complaining that there wasn’t enough money to buy food, he’d say “it’s just dirty paper, we don’t need it. We’ll hunt for our own food.”

“Won’t you be missed?”

“Nah, in this world there’s always somebody hungry and waiting to take your place. I’ll set it up for Sin to take over, she already knows the business. You and I can just fade into the background.”

He’s making it sound so easy.

You swallow hard. “I still need to think about it.”

He leans forward placing his hands on your shoulders and gives you a little kiss on your forehead before stepping away.

“Until sunset then? If we are going to do this, I’ve got to set things in motion.”

You nod your head.

“Okay, Sunset.”

“I’ll meet you, right back here and you can tell me if this is the end of the line, or just the beginning.”

“Ok.”

“Ok.” he repeats.

DIN

Standing by, while she appears visibly upset, shaken, through her conversation with him is one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. The second the sonic detector on my helmet goes out and I can no longer hear their conversation, I want to rush in. I start moving toward her, ready to put this whole ridiculous meeting to an end, but she gives me the all clear sign, halting me in my tracks.

I have to let her do this or she’ll never forgive me.

Now I have to rely on body language alone, so I watch her like a hawk while she discusses who knows what with the bearded asshole. Maker, it rankles that he has any sort of history with her at all.

Where has he been all this time? What does he know?

These are just some of the questions I have for him and depending on how this conversation goes with her, He and I might just be having a private conversation of our own, soon.

Though my eyes never leave her body, I use the scanner to search for heat signatures nearby. I’m surprised he would come alone, but after sending Sin Shikara away- whom I have now figured out is his second in command- I can detect no other bodies.

This planet is dismal and unsettling. She doesn’t belong here and the sooner we leave the better.

She’s upset. I can see it in the way she’s clenching her fists. It’s taking everything in me to ignore it, but I have to. I have to let it ride, for now.

For the hundredth time, I’m wondering who this guy really is and why she would believe anything he says. His name’s not Vale, that much I know for sure. I spent most of the night searching through every database I could access for that name, and there was no history of it before a few years ago. All that could be found were a few trace transactions. None of them revealed much, save for the fact that he had dealings with some very bad people. I searched for “Halo” too- the name she called out just before he wrapped his arms around her last night. Even less is known about that name- nothing in fact. The man is a ghost, or at least his real identity is.

Scratch that. She’s crying now. I can make out a line of tears running down her cheek. I figured that whatever news he’d have to share with her would be difficult for her to hear, but when I see the pain it’s causing her, manifest itself in tears, it tears up my gut. I now know enough about Vale or Halo or whoever the fuck he is to write out his deathstone.

Here lies Vale, A.K.A. Halo, A.K.A Dead piece of shit. Died on the 108th day of 9ABY, after making my stubborn girl cry.

They talk some more, until he reaches out for her, pulling her into a hug. My instinct roars to pull her away, he shouldn’t be the one to comfort her. It should be me. But she doesn’t pull away or fight it, so I talk myself down from the ledge. It’s just a hug, Din. I see people hug all the time.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity of him holding her, they seem to come to terms. He places a goodbye kiss on her head.

Enjoy it, asshole. It will be the last time.

She approaches me, her arms hugging herself, rubbing up and down in a gesture that says she’s either cold or uncomfortable. Probably both considering the circumstances.

I want to take her away, here and now. Get her off this planet. Cover her with blankets, keep her warm, sink into her sweet body and fuck away the past day’s events.

“ We need to talk.” she says as she approaches me. “But first, I think I need to lay down for a bit.”

Vale approaches next, coming to stand beside her, placing his hand back onto her shoulder.

“Tell you what, “ he says, looking between her and I, “Why don’t you head back to the ship and rest. I think I owe Mando here a little talk of our own. I’ll meet you back here later.”

Good, ‘cause I was thinking the same fucking thing.

She quirks her brow and looks to me for a reply. I’m surprised she doesn’t put up a protest, but I can see now that the conversation is weighing heavily on her and maybe she needs some time alone before she’s willing to talk to me.

“Why don’t you go ahead, I won’t be far behind.” I say, staring directly at him.

She looks back and forth between us, “Ok. Just don’t kill each other.” she says, turning toward the street.

Vale hails a cab, opening the door for her when the droid powered transport comes to a stop.

“Keyorin spaceport, hanger 61.” he directs the driver.

“Roger, hanger 61.” It repeats back.

I lean in close to her before closing the door. “Head straight to the Crest. Lock yourself in, I won’t be long.”

“Got it.” she says- and it worries me a little because I’ve never known her to agree to anything so easily. Where’s my stubborn girl?

I toss some credits to the driver and close the door, watching as the taxi heads away and toward the spaceport. When she’s safely out of the way, I turn to appraise the man before me. He casually walks back to the seaside railing and resumes his earlier position, elbows leaning on the fence- the only barricade between us and the iron ocean. He rubs his palms together, taking in the view.

“She seemed upset.” I say flatly.

“Rightfully so.” he responds.

“What did you say to her?”

“I only confirmed, what she already suspected.”

“Which is?” I say, losing patience with him and his nonchalant about everything attitude.

“That’s not really what I wanted to talk to you about, Mando.”

“Alright. What is it that you want to talk about?”

“I need to ask you a favor.”

A favor? What could he possibly want from me?

“A favor?”

“Yes.”

“I’m listening.”

“She needs to make a decision. One that won’t be easy for her.” he starts.

“You need to let her make it on her own and when she does, whether it’s what you agree with or not, you need to support her on it one hundred percent, the way I plan to.”

“And what decision is that?”

He turns to face me, coming to stand at his full height- eye to eye with me.

“At the end of the day, she’s going to decide whether she’s getting back on that ship with you…or if she’s staying here with me.”

“We have an agreement, we have a set path. Why would she stay here with you?” I ask- the possibility of it, sounding ridiculous.

“Because I can save her from something you can’t, and she knows that.”

What bullshit is he speaking now?

“I’ve sworn to protect her, I’d give my life for hers, she knows that.”

“But you can’t save her from heartbreak, can you Mandalorian?”

There’s a moment, where I swear, he can see straight through my visor and read the expression on my face. It’s not what I was expecting him to say, but I’m not sure how to respond.

“She loves you. You do know that don’t you?”

I remain silent, try to steady my breathing. What's between her and I, is none of his fucking business.

“What does any of that have to do with you?”

“There’s a lot about her that you don’t understand.”

“I know her, better than you think.”

“I’m not talking about her powers.”

He knows she has powers. That fact alone makes him even more dangerous.

Vale steps away to take a seat on a nearby bench, casually throwing his arms back, to lean against the backrest. It’s a gesture meant to put me at ease, because his hands remain out in the open, but I’ve already accounted for the other dozen weapons hidden on his person. I remain standing, ready to end this once and for all if I need to.

“Who are you to her? What makes you think you know her so well?”

He smiles, a smug little smirk that makes me want to punch it right off of his face.

“She’s a born runner. Been running all her life. She’d disappear for days at a time, until our mother would send me out looking for her. I’d eventually find her, curled up in a dirt hole somewhere, living off berries and dandelions somewhere. That’s why I call her Bunny. She’s skittish- Quick to run at the first sign of trouble, or in her case, heartache.”

Mother. Our Mother, he had said.

“ You’re her…?”

“Big brother.” he smiles.

Brother. My head storms through the calculations. All this time, she had never mentioned a brother. I think back to the previous night, the way they had recognized each other, the embrace. The dancing. The fucking dancing that had fired my temper. None of it read sexually. Even last night, when I had been out of my head with envy, what was it that she had said? “You seem… a little jealous, Mando? You have no reason to be.”

“Brother? Then where the fuck have you been all this time?”

“I know it seems harsh to you, Mandalorian, to leave her behind. But I wasn’t a whole lot older than she was. I didn't know how to look after a little girl that was capable of the things I saw her do. I couldn’t protect her, so I did the only thing I knew how. I hid her away.”

“From them ? So, you knew they’d come for her?”

“Eventually, yes. I have been watching her from afar for years. She didn’t know, but I was always checking up on her. I had hoped to go back for her when the time was right. Unfortunately, you got to her first.” It was the way he said, “ you” .

“I am not a threat to her. Not anymore.”

“Bull-shit, Mandalorian!” he says, raising his voice. He gets up from the bench and faces me once again, this time getting up into my personal space.

“She can’t take it, not again. Our father, our mother, me….the boy at the orphanage, every friend she’s ever made. All that she could take. But I’m telling you, right now Mando. If you leave her, drop her off on some Jedi’s doorstep….you will break her… for good.”

“And what about you? You won’t leave her again? You know she’s not safe here, how can you possibly expect to keep her safe, with the type of people you deal with?”

“I already told her, I’ll leave it all behind. I’ll go with her- tonight if that’s what she wants. I’ll take her to the Jedi too.”

“You know how to find the Jedi?”

“Yes, I know how to find them.”

“How? How do you know this?” I demand.

“Because Mandalorian, she is one of them, like our father before her, was.”

Their Father. I don’t know if these powers of hers are something that are passed down genetically or not? I know nothing….but he does.

“After all this time…how do I know she can trust you?”

“I don’t know, Mandalorian. How is it that you gained her trust after turning her in?”

His words cut deep, because right now, at this moment, I can’t recall why she does.

“She’s stronger than you think.”

Vale pauses, a noticeable tick in his jaw giving him away.

“Do you know of Bestine, Mando?”

“I know that’s where she…where you both grew up.”

“Bestine is almost entirely covered in water. Not like the manufactured sea you see over my shoulder, but pristine waters of the bluest blue. There are no beaches, where we were. Our landmass' were large rock spires, covered in forest, jutting a thousand meters out of the water, cliffs on all sides. To stay connected to the nearest islands, we had bridges….and tunnels that ran under the water.”

Vale begins pacing back and forth as he continues telling his story. Curiosity over where this is going and that it might lead to any insight on him or her , keeps me listening.

“We had to make a run for our lives. There were no boats and I knew the bridges and tunnels were all under watch. That is, except for the Bankshaw tunnel. It had been abandoned since before I was born, the infrastructure was collapsing. It was no longer deemed safe for travel. It was the only way to get her off island without being seen. The first night, we waded through ankle deep waters. The second night, the torch gave out and we were left in complete darkness. I had to make a decision then- to turn back or keep moving forward. Even though we couldn’t see shit, I thought if we just kept going in the same direction, we’d eventually get to the end. On the third night, the water was chest high. Every crash of the water on the other side of the wall sounded like a death sentence. The ocean was eroding everything, taking back it’s territory one wave at a time. What I thought would take us a few hours ended up taking four days. By the time we reached the end, she was completely passed out. I carried her out and took her straight to the orphanage. But, you’d never believe that all that time down there, in the dark…she never cried once. She was brave…did everything I asked her too. I know how strong she is Mando.”

He stops pacing and faces me once more.

“All I ask, is that you let her decide on her own.” he says.

I remain silent. I turn to walk away, to consider everything I have just heard. I need to get back to her , make sure she’s ok, see where her head is at. I’m about to ignite the jetpack, when Vale calls out once more, just before I take flight.

“Oh, and Mando?”

Back still facing him, I give him the courtesy of a half head turn over my shoulder.

“You ever fuck my sister in public again, and I’ll kill you.”

Previous Chapter / Next Chapter / All Chapters

A/N: Thanks so much to everyone who is still following this story, I know it was a long wait for this one, but ya know, life happens. As always, hearts/likes, reblogs and comments are always much appreciated.

Faithful readers: @mandosmistress @eyeswidecovered @michi-reads @cassiopeia @littlemisspascal @wildmoonflower

@thisshipwillsail316 @hillelsandwich @spideysimpossiblegirl

@gallowsjoker @javierpinme @luxmundee @literallydontlook

@icanbeyourjedi @middlemichi @yeetusfetus3000

#mandalorian fanfic #in the dark #din djarin fan fic #mandalorian x reader insert #din djarin x you #enemiestolovers #adventure and romance

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shabre-legacy · 4 years ago

Note

kiss prompts: …casually.

One casual kiss for Kyiari and Drift as requested, my friend 😘👍

Kyiari lounged back against the pillows and stretched, reveling in the softness. She’s been dealing with either a bedroll in the field or the hard bunk in her quarters on the Aurora. She likely wouldn’t be back to the Coruscant temple and her comfortable bed there for several more weeks, so she’d take the luxury of these pillows in her rented room.

Technically, she was on a meditative retreat, or she was supposed to be, while her ship was being repaired. She’d been planning on spending it at the temple on Coruscant, spend a little extra time with Master Mace, and with Depa, be there for them when things got rough as they always seemed to lately. She’d had to be away so much, she’d been looking forward to time to reconnect with the Force.

Running into a separatist convoy was unintentional. They’d dropped out of hyperspace briefly to check the engines, and were practically on top of them. Her men were brilliant as always and they’d managed to win. They’d taken a lot of damage though. Enough so that they were forced, limping and barely functional, into the nearest friendly spaceport for many many repairs. Her quarters happened to have been in the part of the ship most damaged, leading to her staying in this room for the past 3 days and probably at least another 2, most likely more. The repairs were considered to be a priority and almost every mechanic and engineer in the area had been hired on for extra help, but it was a big ship, it would still take time.

As she reclined trying to still her mind and rest, she heard the door to the room open and close softly and Drift’s deliberate footsteps as Drift entered the room with a big bag of food and moved towards the small table.

He’d been staying with her every night that they’d been in this port. It was strange, having real privacy, not having to worry about sep ambushes or one of the men bursting in, or the million other things they had to worry about. Just her and him and time to themselves, to learn and explore and just relax.

She almost wondered about what he told the men, he wasn’t staying in his quarters on the Aurora even though they weren’t damaged, and he wasn’t spending his time with his brothers, so she was sure they’d have questions. Cres had arrived yesterday and he would certainly have questions. Tempest squad was always in each other's business so they probably bugged him about where he was going. She wasn’t sure she cared about his excuses though. It didn’t really matter to her what they thought their Major was up to.

Drift sat the bag on the table and moved over to the bed, leaning down and kissing her softly. He straightened with the sweetest smile and stepped back towards the table. “Dinner’s ready, cyar’ika.”

It was a little surprising how easily they’d switched from stolen kisses and secretive whispers to this simple, sweet, open affection as soon as they had the space without thousands of others crowded around and aware of their every move. It was bliss. Kyiari knew it wouldn’t last. There was still a war on after all, and she would always be a Jedi. That came with complications, and duties, and they’d have to convince the council and get permission if they wanted to be public. But all that could wait, for now they had time to themselves. The rest could be sorted out after the war was won. Until then....

She rolled up out of bed and stepped over to Drift, wrapping her arms around him and resting her cheek against his back.

Until then, they would have this.

#swtor #my ocs #my writing #asks #ask games #kyiari lesana #kiss prompts #kyiari lesana/major drift

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fallen420 · 4 years ago

Text

Rebel Spy - Chapter 1: The Child

Mando x OC

Summary: Aurora life becomes lonely after the war ends but when a familiar Mandalorain needs her help who is she to refuse

Series Playlist

Prologue

It's a nice breezy day on Naboo. I walk into one of the many cantinas, I order a drink, and I sit down in one of the booths in the back. I take out a book and begin to read.

Ever since the empire fell 5 years ago I've resided on the planet I always dreamed of living on, Naboo. The people are nice, the scenery is beautiful, and almost no crime happens here.

The door to the cantina opens and I can feel people around me getting tense and I hear whispers. I look up to see what the fuss is about and I see the same silver Mandalorian from Tatooine in front of me. Behind him is a floating pod of some kind. It's closed so I can't see what's inside.

I put the book down as he sits across from me. "I'm not here to hurt you, Aurora."

He remembers my name. It's been years how does he remember? He only ever saw it on the tracking forb.

"That's what somebody who wants to hurt me would say."

"Look Jabas dead anyway. You're safe." I look up into his visor feeling the weight being lifted off my shoulders. He adjusts in his seat then says quieter, "I need your help."

"Help? Me? You want my help? Why me?"

"Because you owe me."

"I can't be the only person in the galaxy who owes you something."

He takes a moment, "I have this...kid." He glances at the pod still floating there.

"You have a kid? A Mandalorian has a kid?"

"It's not mine mine. I..."

"Adopted it?"

"Sure."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Watch it while I collect bounties. Help take care of the ship. Stuff like that."

"Okay. I'll do it."

"Really? Just like that?"

I look around and shrug "What else am I doing?"

We start to walk back to his ship, "So can I actually see this kid?" He walks in front of me while the pod floats by his side. Why I chose to trust him, I don't know. I mean he let me go the last time, yeah but he's still a Mandalorian. It's not like my life was super fun and exciting anyway might as well babysit a mystery kid and hang out with an even more mysterious Mandalorian.

"You can on the Razor Crest where it's safe."

"Razor crest?"

"My ship."

"Ohh.."

He stops walking, "Wait. Don't you have a family to say goodbye too? You're not coming back who knows how long."

I look at him confused by the sudden burst of - caring. Very out of character for a Mandalorian. I shake my head no, "Nope. No family."

He turns around and walks forward again.

He closes the door to the ship and he finally opens the pod. It reveals a green baby with big eyes and ears. It's cute but also kinda ugly. "I was not expecting that."

I wave at it and coos while waving back.

"Where'd you get it?" I ask looking back at the Mandalorian.

"He was a bounty but I uh- I couldn't it."

"Mhm, so Mandalorians do have hearts."

He doesn't acknowledge my statement. "This is the fresher," he says pointing to a tiny room with a toilet and a small shower. "This is where you will sleep." he motions towards a tiny cot. He points into a room with the door closed. "That's where I sleep. Don't go in there."

"Wasn't planning on it."

"I'll give you half of what I get from collecting bounties for taking care of the kid." He begins to walk towards the cockpit.

"Wait," he stops, "What do I call you?"

"Mando." He climbs the latter.

I sit down on the cot and the kid looks up at me and coos, "This should be interesting."

The first night I get woken up to the ship shaking around. I check the kid who is still somehow asleep. I stand up holding onto the wall so I don't fall down. I make my way up to the cockpit.

"What the hell is going on?!" I yell over the shooting as I sit on the co-pilot's chair.

"We're being shot at."

No shit.

Mando dodges the blasts well.

"What can I do?"

"Nothing."

"Hand over the child mando," his voice comes out the intercom. He hits one of the engines and sparks fly around. "I might let you live."

He hits us again.

"Hey you know you might want to uh shoot him back." He hits us again and alarms go off and Mando presses some buttons. "Look you fly, I'll shoot. Just get us behind him and I'll get the fucker." He nods and I grab hold of one of the guns,

"Hold on," Mando says and he flips us upside down dodging blasts, "Come on,"

"I can bring you in warm or I can bring you in cold."

"That's my line," Mando pulls the ship back and it grazes over the other guy's ship knocking out his gun. Now that we are behind him, I aim my gun and shoot. It hits his ship square on blowing it up. Mando looks at me and nods as a way of saying thank you.

He clicks a few more buttons, "Losing fuel." Then the power shuts off.

"Great." He gets up and clicks a button behind my chair. He sits back down clicking more things and the power turns back on, "Stars, this thing has a lot of buttons."

He turns on the radio, "This is Mos Eisely tower. We are tracking you. Head for bay three-five, over."

"Copy that," Mando says, "Locked in for three-five."

"Mos Eisley," I chuckle a little, "Ironic." I stand up with a yawn, "Well, while that was exciting I should get some sleep."

I was able to sleep for a few hours only to be awakened by the child's whines.

"Good morning," he coos back, "Hungry?" I stand up to grab him something to get

Mando climbs down the ladder from the cockpit, "Good you're awake."

"Good morning to you too."

"I found some work it shouldn't take me long to catch this bounty." I nod, "You stay here and watch the kid." He hands me a comlink, "If one of us gets into trouble we can use that to communicate. And somebody will be working on the ship outside. Do not let them see the kid."

"Got it," I say putting the comlink in my pocket. and with that the leaves. I turn back to the kid and hand him his food, "Looks like its just us."

I play with the kid for a while, read my book.

I take a shower in the tiny fresher. I look in the mirror to see my pink hair is fading away. Soon it'll be back to its natural color. I glance over the scars that cover my body from the war. I get dressed and decided the kid and I could use a good nap.

We wake up to hammering from the ship being repaired. I decided to make myself useful clean up around here. I grab a rag and start dusting the shelves.

There's another room that Mando didn't show me. Curiosity gets the best of me and I open it. It opens and reveals a weapon room. He has blasters along the walls. "Woah." I pick up one of the smaller silver blasters. They feel new considering the pre-empire old ship.

I put it back but it wasn't balanced and falls. But it doesn't it the ground.

I blink to make sure I'm seeing it right.

Yep.

It's floating.

I look back at the kid who has his little hand out. Then it hits me.

He's using the goddamn force. I've only seen it once before but what else would this be.

I grab the gun and put it back carefully this time. He puts his hand down and slumps in the pod.

"Are you a-? Did you just use-? Where did Mando find you?"

"Help!" I hear a woman's voice scream outside. Immediately I close the kid's pod and I grab the gun I looked at earlier, I grab the bullets and load it. I hear struggling and then the door opens but I already have my gun pointed at whoever it is.

A guy has a gun pointed to the women, who I assume was fixing the ship, head. They stand on the ramp while I still stand on the ship.

"Where's the kid?" He asks.

"I don't know what you're talking about."

"Drop your blaster or I shoot her."

I weigh my options. I mean yeah I don't know her but I still don't want her to die.

I remember the comlink in my pocket but if I reach for it who knows what he might do.

"I wouldn't try that I have a clear shot of your head right now." I don't

"Give me the kid."

"I don't have a goddamn kid. You got the wrong ship buddy."

Behind him I see Mando approaching slowly trying not to make his presence know.

"No, you see if I get that kid and that Mandalorian I'm gonna be famous."

It takes everything in me not to laugh at this arrogant kid.

Mando can't shot him without him shooting her on reaction.

"Ambitious there. Let's make a deal, let her go and we'll talk mhm? "

"How do I know you won't kill me?"

I sigh before putting the blaster down and putting my hands up, "Let her go."

He throws her to the side and before he can speak Mando shoots him and he falls to the ground.

The woman looks at both of us, "Thank you."

"The kid?" Mando asks me.

"Right here."

"Good," he hands the women credits before climbing onto the ship and closing the hatch.

"Where did you get the blaster?" he asks. I point towards his weapon room thingy. "Keep it."

"Are you sure?" He just nods, "Thank you."

#pedro pascal #the mandalorian #the mandalorain x reader #the mandalorian x oc #din dijarin x oc #din djarin #din djarin x oc #baby yoda #paz vizla #oberyn martell #javier pena #ezra prospect #agent whiskey #please be nice #the mandalorian x reader

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redfoxwritesstuff · 5 years ago

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Of Dust and Ashes (Chapter 5)

tHappy Friday. Has everyone’s week treated them well? Hearts in recovery? Ready for more? Good, very good. Thank @winterisakiller for believe it or not- keeping my killing instinct in check. Also thank @tnystrk-exe for encouraging me to embrace my inner King.

Eventual Clint x ofc.

Chapter warnings: warning, mentions of suicidal thoughts, gun violence

Chapter 5: When in Rome

The dog bounded over the shards, easily clearing the glass spilled on the ground after Deanna had knocked the shards free from the door. The sunlight filled the warehouse as best it could from the large windows that lined the front of the store. Still, it did little to banish the darkness from deep aisles.

Looking around, she found the place creepy. It wasn’t somewhere she wanted to be. Closing her eyes for a moment she tried to tell herself she was back home, she would wake and find her children safe in their beds. They would get ready for school that morning and later they would have a birthday party. They would smile at her then do something to get on her nerves toward the end of the night before they fell asleep and she enjoyed a glass of wine.

She would snap at them, yell at them. They would cry and everyone would be tired. In the moment she would feel like a terrible mother. She would give anything to lose her temper with the children one more time, to yell at them one more time. She would trade everything to have the tears in their eyes make her feel like the world’s worst parent.

A bark echoed through the abandoned building. The sound shattered the fantasy around her, much like the glass under her boots. This was the new system of things and while she would give anything to have her kids with her, to see their faces just one more time, to hear their voices and feel the warmth of their hugs- she could never wish this world upon them.

It occurred to her not for the first time that she would have preferred to be on the bus with them, to burn with them, to have died with them than live in this world. She could end it now, she knew. However the simple fact was that she was too much of a coward to do so though the thought plagued her every night.

Slowly, she made her way up and down the rows of shelves with a cart. It felt almost sinfully normal. If not for the clicking of the dog’s nails on the linoleum floor and darkness, she could pretend it was normal. She could close her eyes and almost pretend there were employees manning the registers and other customers milling about. Almost.

A proper toolkit was tossed into the basket along with large box of nails and screws. She didn’t really have plans for the items but they could be useful just the same. A handsaw joined the items. She wasn’t sure really what she’d do with the things or if she really needed them. But she knew she could potentially need them and that was a good enough reason to have them, right?

A neon green display caught her eye and a pointless fear washed over her. Flat tire repair kits glared at her. It was a possibility she hadn’t even considered but could very well happen. She tossed six kits into the cart, unsure if they would even work for the RV’s tires. Simply having them made her feel better. There were so many potential issues that she hadn’t even thought of yet. What else had escaped her attention?

It was outside in the garden center that she found what she hadn’t been sure she was looking for. Plants were mostly still growing left and right, the natural environment seemed to have been kind enough to them. On the far wall were stacks of ‘do it yourself’ greenhouse kits.

She spent more time than she wanted to looking at the kits, ripping boxes open and checking how strong they seemed to be. What she settled on was clearly intended to be stationary but with enough tow straps perhaps just maybe she could make it work. It was heavy, so damn heavy that it felt like it took hours to wrestle it onto the cart. How the hell she would get it in the truck bed was a question for another hour.

Sweat poured down her face as she huffed and panted. Next to her, the dog panted. She felt like was going to die. With determination that surprised her, she pushed herself up off the ground and made her way to a cooler that had lost power and grabbed out a few bottles of warm water. A decorative pot made a good enough bowl for the dog and she dumped one bottle in for him before downing almost half her own in one go.

“You trust me, eh?” She asked the dog who only wagged his tail. “Trust- how’s that for a name?” With a woof it was decided.

After failing to work the box into the bed of the truck, she ended up opening it and unloading it piece by piece. It took time, longer than she had ever wanted to spend in the town. Once done, she took the cart back inside, dog on her heels.

Walking up and down the plant filled rows, she picked out what seemed like the best choices. Broccoli, leafy greens, squash and a cherry tomato plant that already was heavy with fruit beginning to turn red. The rest would come along, at least she hoped. After doubting for a few long moments she wrested a small citrus tree and apple tree into the cart. If they could or would produce fruit for her in a moving greenhouse, she didn’t know but the risk was worth taking. If she could keep them alive even until she found somewhere to settle, they could still prove valuable.

She grabbed soil and deep rectangular pots, more than she thought she could need. Fertilizer was added to the cart. The last thing she grabbed before returning to the truck was seeds for produce- all of them. Peppers, carrots, tomatoes, squash, pumpkins and melons. She didn’t care. Not a single packet of seeds was left on the shelf when she left.

That night, she slept restlessly. It was far too late to build the greenhouse when she made it back and instead, she had to hope no one would find her and take what she had found. Still, the weight of a dog sleeping against her legs was comforting in a way she hadn’t expected. When she wasn’t sleeping, she cried into Aurora’s stuffed fox and Frankie’s blanket as she clutched them both to her chest.

Deanna had survived the second week of the new system and was well into her third week.

~~~~~<3

Morning came and with it dark clouds, heavy with rain in the distance. A sigh slipped out of her lips as she sat up in the bed, Trust was cuddled close to her. This was the 17th morning of the new world and mornings felt less jarring as each one passed her by.

She had established a routine that had served her well. Before getting out of the bed she looked out of the three windows that surrounded her and checked for threats. The truck was where she left it as was the plants, leafs rustling in the breeze and greenhouse parts stacked neatly to the side. Very good.

She made her way out into the living space and checked outside the rest of the windows. Once she was satisfied that she was as alone as she expected to be, she opened the curtains and started the coffee pot. While the magical liquid brewed, she changed and made her way outside with Trust at her side.

Popping the lid off on of the five gallon buckets she had grabbed at the last minute from the store, she began dumping container after container of dog food into the bins. A whine by her side reminded her that Trust was probably still half starved and waiting for food. She filled his food and water bowl, feeling guilty for not doing so the night before. When they were empty, she filled them again. In time she would have to make sure his food lasted but not right now, not for a few days.

Going back inside she made herself a cup of coffee, tossed some bread in the oven to toast up while she sliced an apple. With the dried out almost toast pulled out of the oven she smeared a healthy serving of peanut butter and set the thin slices of apple on top. This had become her typical breakfast, a cup of coffee and fruit topped toast eaten while sitting in the doorway looking at the haze in the sky.

With breakfast out of the way, she set about building the greenhouse atop the trailer. As she wrestled pieces in place, sometimes having to move the truck to use as a ladder and step to reach things, she was sure she was going to accidentally kill herself. Thunder crashed in the distance and the wind was just starting to pick up, blowing dust, dirt and leaves into her eyes.

The sky darkened as she used strap after strap to try and secure the greenhouse down onto the trailer. If it would work in the long run, she had no idea. But as she rammed into it with her shoulder from each side, it remained firm. The sun was now hidden behind the heavy clouds and the wind had a chill to it. The storm was rolling in quickly.

Deanna unrolled the awning, hoping that the wind wouldn’t make her regret it and slowly shuffled bags of potting soil and plants under the cover as the rain began falling. It started slowly, lightly at first and she shooed Trust into the RV. There was a sinking feeling in her stomach as the rain splashed on her skin though she couldn’t pinpoint why.

The rain was pouring when she finally had everything under the awning. Grabbing the keys to the truck, she jumped inside and started the engine. It was then that she finally saw why the rain disgusted her so. Running down the windshield in gray rivers was the rain. At first she assumed it was just dust that had settled on the truck while it had been sitting for the last two weeks but looking down at her hands she found the same slightly oily gray water pooled in droplets on her skin.

The rain was pulling the dust from the air and sending the remains of those who had been turned to dust back to the ground from which they had come. In a rush she tried to push the water off her, pushed her sopping wet hair off her face. She didn’t want to touch the water, to have it be on her. It took longer than she wanted to admit to calm herself and move the truck so that she wouldn’t have to walk into the rain when she left.

She sat in the truck for a few moments longer, praying that the rain would let up. Unsurprisingly, it did not. With the way the clouds looked, she wouldn’t be surprised at all if it remained steady for the rest of the day. At least she had gotten the greenhouse finished.

With one last deep breath, she got out of the truck and set about going back to work. She thought about letting Trust out but he didn’t need this weird water on him. She didn’t even want to get it on her. But this was the new world and apparently this was the new rain.

Slowly, she set about moving the large pots into the greenhouse. She slipped them into position along the sides of the greenhouse. Smaller pots were placed on the shelf above above the larger ones as rain pattered against the greenhouse.

Next she hauled the dirt in and planted what she could, planting the greens on the shallower pots on the shelf and wrestling the large potted trees into the back where she moved them into even larger pots. As she moved the heavy bags of soil, rain poured down her face and dripped into her mouth and eyes. The water burned her eyes and left an oily taste in her mouth that caused her to retch.

The greenhouse didn’t fit as much as she wanted, but it would do. Some fresh produce was better than none. Looking around, she realized that the pots would slide around and fall over as she drove. A trip back to the warehouse was going to be required before she left.

After a shower she felt much better. She took her time brushing her hair and pulling it back into a braid. A notebook was set on the table where she had wrote down the measurements needed for the homemade framework that would secure the pots and keep them from sliding. On the stove, a pot of rice bubbled and cooked next to a small chicken breast in a pan. She had moved Trust’s bowls into the camper on her way in and as she waited for her food to cook, she had forgotten about the large dog sleeping on the other side of the U bench.

When he growled, it shocked her. Her knee bashed against the underside of the table as she jumped in a panic, she cursed and told the dog to hush. Instead he stood tall on the bench, hackles raised.

“What is it?” Looking outside, she didn’t see anything but Trust darted around toward the cab where he continued to act aggressively.

Deanna switched off the burners and grabbed the gun off the table. Though she tried to listen, all she could hear is the sound of the rain and Trust’s growling. Out of nowhere came banging on the door. The whole RV rocked with the force of the hits.

When they couldn’t get the door open they moved to try the driver’s door on the cab. She hissed a whispered order at Trust to hush up and be still. When the dog did as she told, at least for the most part, Deanna said a silent prayer to a god she wasn’t sure she even believed in anymore. With the gun gripped in her hand she unlocked the door and stepped outside.

“What do you want?” She yelled and the man came running around. His hair was plastered to his face and his eyes looked wild.

“Give it to me.” He said and held his hands out.

“I have nothing for you. Leave.”

“Give me it. Give me everything. I have to have it.” He took a step forward and the pipe clutched in his hand came into view. The end was dark and Deanna told herself over and over that it was colored with dirt. Just dirt. Only dirt. Dirt wasn’t typically red.

“Don’t come any closer.” The man was walking, circling wide and she prayed as he moved away from the cab that he would leave. Instead he rushed a few steps forward, swinging his pipe. “Get back!” Deanna yelled as she blindly jerked her gun up and pointed toward the man before jerking it toward the right.

She fired off into the woods as a warning. In the last few days she had occasionally had run ins with other people and when they found that she would fire the weapon they would leave. In this new world where everyone was trying to survive, it was best to not pick a fight with someone who would fight back. Any sign of a fight was enough to know that they should leave.

He didn’t leave.

“Give me everything!”

It all happened so fast. Deanna wished she could say she didn’t remember making the choice. She wished she could say that it was reflex and panic. But that would be a lie. She made the decision herself to pull the trigger.

The man however kept yelling even as he put his hand to his stomach to be covered in blood. He swung the pipe and continued forward so she pulled the trigger again and again until he fell to his knees then to his side just under the awning.

Deanna stood there stunned for a few moments. She couldn’t say what she was waiting for. Perhaps she waited for him to move, to jump up and continue his attack. He did not.

Slowly she moved forward, toward the man’s still form. Her hands shook as she reached out and pushed on his shoulder. He didn’t make even a sound. A backpack was on his back, looking full and heavy and she opened it. Inside was cans of infant formula, some busted open from bullets that passed through his body or the way he had landed when he fell, she couldn’t be sure- didn’t want to be sure.

“Water. Dara.” He whispered and she scooted back in a blind panic.

She scrambled back toward RV. For a few minutes she sat with her back against the cool metal before she went inside and locked the door behind her. She turned on the burners and allowed her still warm food to finish cooking while she sat in a numb silence, gun sitting on the table like a viper.

She didn’t think she would have been able to eat, but she did. She hadn’t looked outside since she had locked the door and finally, as she washed up her dishes, she peeked. The rain had slowed but not stopped and the man was right where she left him. She had to do something about his body. She didn’t know what would be drawn to it.

Dara. The name kept circling in her mind along with the baby formula. It wouldn’t let her rest until she went back out. Each intact can of formula was set to the side and at the bottom of the bag she found a wallet. The man’s name was Markus and he had a local address.

~~~~~<3

Clint stood in the morning light of the 18th day since his family turned to dust. The sun was rising but he didn’t pay it much mind. Behind him on the ground was the unconscious body of the man who had tried to stop him from taking the last cans from the grocery store.

As he loaded up what food he found, he ignored the guilt that tried to wash over him. He had told people to leave, go south toward better areas and make themselves homesteads and they didn’t listen. Sure, if he called the team and said he needed support they would send him some.

He couldn’t do that however. How could he ask them for help when they were already doing the best they could to distribute aid and keep peace along the east coast and he was here, doing nothing. Clint Barton wasn’t helping save people from unrest. He wasn’t making sure those in need had supplies.

No, he was beating a man for the last of the can goods in the small town closest to his home. He was refusing to leave the place he had last seen his family.

All he could do was check in with the team every few days and ask the question he already knew the answer to- “Any leads on how to undo this?” The answer was always ‘nothing yet’. No one could stomach saying ‘no’.

~~~~~<3

Tag list: @usedtobegoodfriend96, @0-0-0-0-0-0-0-7, @theoneanna, @alexakeyloveloki, @toozmanykids, @j-u-s-t-4, @missaphrodite23, @bambamwolf87, @nonsensicalobsessions, @tinchentitri, @michelegurl, @carissime72, @xoxabs88xox

Want in on tags? Just let me know and let me know what you want tagged in as I have this and another series running at the moment.

#clint x reader #Clint Barton x Female Reader #clint barton x reader #clint barton x oc #clint x ofc #clint x oc #clint barton x ofc

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sloan01 · 7 years ago

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Small Engine Repair Aurora, Mower Tune Up in Colorado – Video Review- Expert Review Guide

Small Engine Repair Aurora, Mower Tune Up in Colorado

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See The Video on You Tube: https://youtu.be/NILL35h5IE0

from Expert Review Guide: https://expertreviewguideweb.wordpress.com/2018/02/22/small-engine-repair-aurora-mower-tune-up-in-colorado-video-review/

#Small Engine Repair Aurora #Mower Tune Up in Colorado – Video Review

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aintnouseofpretending · 6 years ago

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Now, Who Else Do I Like?

Mr M (Brian May) x Tomboy!Reader x Mr R (Roger Taylor) Sci-fi AU Imagine

You work in Kepler-J13 as a ranger. They recently built a stadium, hotels, and villas to attract more tourists. And as a ranger, you’re allowed to apply as the guide for people that wish to see the forest you handle with your mate since he prefers to stay lookout,

But it’s the end of Summer vacation, usually tourist isn’t that much left, so you’re using that time to resupply—some privileged mother’s think it’s okay to just take your supply drone for her son to play behind your back, when you’re busy checking the perimeter for them to camp,

Going to one of the villas that now serve as a club to meet your engineer friend and get your drone fixed, you caught yourself transfixed by the rock band currently shaking the building. You don’t know who they are, but you note; the frontman is very eccentric, the bassist doesn’t even care if he’s putting out a show or not, the guitarist has a very uniquely kinky hair, and the drummer is constantly smirking and winking at every girl in the club; excluding you, you’re aware that people need to look thrice—maybe fourth times to finally realises you’re a girl,

After dropping off your drone and get it fixed, the next day you’re back to the headquarters to catch-up with some friends, get some news from other planets, double-checking your mate’s supply—mostly isn’t the necessity, and checking for any request for a guide. When you’re finished with the to-do list for that day, all you have to do is wait for your drone, but before you can enjoy some actual time off, one of the fellow rangers taps your shoulder,

“Y/n? You’re free?” Ask the ranger, “got some requests to tour the north cliff and Nymph Lake.”

“Is it true there are Nymphs in the lake?” Ask a long blonde hair guy... Wait, isn’t he’s the drummer from the band called Queen yesterday? “Don’t mind him. But we’d like to see the North Eclipse. I heard it’s often sighted during and after summer?” The tall man is the guitarist from yesterday as well, and as you looked at him in closer proximity, he looks rather less intimidating than when he’s performing. “You are correct. In fact, North Eclipse will happen two days in a row starting tomorrow. You’ll love the transforming colours as well as the Aurora by the second day. Have you purchased the camping set? It would be much lovelier to witness by the lake,”

“Excellent. And we have. By the way, my name is Brian May, apologies for the late introduction. And this boy is Roger Taylor. We thought it’ll be better to look and visit the forest whilst the mechanics' repair the sound systems.” They fought for a bit before you can finally tell them the dos or don’ts headstart; don't ever wander around by yourself, or start a fire without the ranger’s guide—No Hot/Warm Smoking at all!—as the atmosphere is very suited for a fire to grow at an incredible speed. And, apparently according to Brian, the most important don’t that you mentioned is to not jump off the cliff without your supervision. Despite the odd gravitational pull, which will allow for a higher chance of soft landing, only if done correctly,

“He will jump, doesn’t he?” You ask Brian when Roger wanders whilst you all waiting for your drone. “Oh, he will. Our friend, Freddie, think he wouldn’t do it for a hundred pounds.” “Well, we still got time, how about purchasing the one-time use glide parachute as well?” The man sighed, “I have. Do not worry. I will make sure this brat doesn’t make your job much more difficult,”

Right when the engineer delivered your drone, you start your hover car engine and goes to your outpost to drop-off the supply and get your gears. On the way, however, both Roger and Brian cannot stop to ask you questions. It’s not an unusual thing for the people to ask about the destined place they want to see, but you find these men's are particularly funny; when Brian’s question mostly shows how much of a space geek he is, and how much he’s generally interested in the planet, Roger is quite the opposite,

“Why does the lake called Nymph Lake? Are there used to be Nymphs there? If it is, are they pretty? Is it possible to shag them—?” Brian slap the blonde’s shoulder, “have manners, Rog!”

You laugh and nodded. “It's used to be where the Nymphs nestling every winter. But the Nymphs has long migrated to the colder part of the continent due to the humans. The first colony engineered the climate to sustain the next. Although, in the end, this planet fall under protected planets for exactly that reason; that there are Nymphs.”

“Are there any Nymphs there? Right now?”

“There’s a possibility. Two, in fact. Though perhaps you wouldn’t be as excited once you see them. No. I would rather we didn’t sight them at all if you want to see the Eclipses.”

“Why? Are they ugly?” “Not at all, they’re very beautiful.” “Then why?”

“Rog, Nymphs are the number one predator on this planet. Why do you think the girls chose to stay with Freddie and John instead?” Brian intercepted before you could answer. “Yeah? So does human on Earth,”

“Has any of you perhaps read the articles on them?” You ask, holding back your smile. “Yes. But I answer for myself.” Says Brian, once he notices your naughty smile, he quickly catch what you meant. “Perhaps it would be better for Roger to just see them, then. Easier to understand, I’m sure.” You close the conversation just as you park the car,

All three of you take thirty minutes to walk into the nearest cabin, your mate is already there, done packing your gears as a thank you for fulfilling his “extra” supply. “Should we change?” Ask Brian, notices you have changed your uniform into something more practical, whilst Roger and him still wearing some sort of party suit. “If you’d like. But it’s not necessary yet. Most of our forest journey wouldn’t start until before evening. And considering Nymph Lake and north cliff is a hot spot for tourists, there'll be a cabin nearby. If there's a chance, maybe we can stay outside longer,”

Brian doesn’t question further about why there isn’t much forest walking or hiking yet, despite this planet is known for the beautiful forest landscapes. But before Roger could ask about it, your mates quickly answered as he pointed at you, “Nymphs.” “Blimey, you have your personal Nymphs? That’s hot,”

You ignored Roger inappropriate comment whilst you ask your mate about your other requests. He whispered that it might take a while for him to catch the silly “brats” and feed them, but he assures you there wouldn’t be any direct sighting, at least until you’re done showing the first Eclipse, “notify me if you do sight them,” he adds before the three of you leaves,

The first few hours of the trip was uneventful until your tracker is picking up movement from your east-southeast. Two blips getting closer very slowly in the pattern that’s far too familiar for you. “Is that the Nymph tracker?” Ask Brian, which caught Roger’s attention. “Yes. But you shouldn’t worry. It’s just to keep track of when they’re near. Jake will take care of them—,”

“They’re near?” Ask Roger as he snatches the tool. “It’s okay.” You reassure Brian that's already halfway through scolding his friend. “Unless the blips getting louder, they’re not near enough yet for us to see or worry.” “Why should we worry again?” “Because—,” Brian shakes his head, “—because I must notify my mate. He’s supposed to check on them yesterday, but they kept running away,”

Eventually, the darker the night sky, finally the tracker did give very loud beeps, indicating the Nymphs are now on your east only by two hundred metres. “Roger, would you mind clicking the red triangle on the screen? Brian?” The urgency in your voice causes the brunette to steal the device from Roger, as Roger’s eyes now scanned the forest from the general direction where the Nymphs should be. “I clicked it.” “Thank you,”

Roger’s high-pitched yelp almost makes you hit the brake. “What happened Rog?!” Yelled Brian. “I saw big shadows in the forest! There are monsters there!” “They’re not monsters.” You try to calm him down. “Are you damn sure? Because I have good eyes and there are clearly four—no, eight eyes! Looking at me!” “The doctor prescribes him with minus ten eyeglasses.” “And I am wearing them right now, you blind fuck!”

“It’s okay. You don’t have to worry. Jake is Nymphs expert. He will take care of it soon. He’s notified when Brian hit the red triangle button.” “What does the button means?” Roger asks. “Crisis button.” “You’re making fun of me aren't you.” “If you say so,”

Jake did take care of them as the blips' gone after thirty minutes the "crisis button" was clicked. He messages you that the troublemakers will be away for a while. You make sure to tell Roger about that, even get the confirmation from your mate through a live call. And when you suggest them to stretch the seat and take a nap for a while, they do so without hesitation. Apparently, according to Jake when you're chatting with him to get rid of the boredom, your clients are rising rock stars, and you’re not surprised, particularly Roger, you can imagine there are currently more than two girlfriends waiting for him back home,

You've arrived at the cabin by the time the sun sets. You keep checking for any sign of the Nymphs, but it seems like Jake has done his job properly. As you see the sky, you can already see small strings of blue light; the first North Eclipse will fully form in 7 hours, should be enough,

"You should continue sleep inside, much comfier. I will wake you guys up in two hours so you can stay awake longer for the Eclipse tonight." You say when they're awake. Roger goes straight to one of the bedroom, whilst Brian instead change his clothes and start reading about the said eclipse,

"Are you not going to sleep?" He asks you. "I'm born here in the fourth colony when they arrive, so my biological clock had already been adjusted to this planet." That fact interests him so much that he stopped reading and ask you instead about the planet,

You find Brian quite interesting yourself; he's an Astrophysicist from Earth, and wish to take further education about Planets in Jupiter. He's far too clever to be boring and is very enthusiastic when you ask him about what's out there, and especially to tell you about Earth. You laugh when he told you that Roger is a Biology student; maybe he would not think he can shag the Nymphs if he broadens his education a bit,

As if knows that he's being trash talked behind his back, not long after, Roger's join you with a very messy hair, already stripped his jacket off, and half the shirt buttons were undone. Bri—a nickname he preferred you to call him—smack his friend's shoulder as he points at you with his eyes,

"Oh right! The Nymphs!" He quickly buttons his shirt and folds the sleeves. But this time, instead of correcting him, Bri has done the same and getting the camping kits ready, as he throws the one-use glide parachute to Roger; "No chute." "Then we'll leave you behind." "It'll be recorded!" "Edit it!" And they continue to fight whilst you go outside, inspecting the weather and overall readiness to start hiking,

"Will it be safe?" Ask Bri later. "Jake has confirmed. And like what Roger's find hot; I'm very familiar with the Nymphs around here. Worse case I have to force them down." "Let's not get to that outcome." "Then make sure to follow my words and not to wander by yourself." "Aye, aye, captain." Roger answered instead. "And no smoking something warm and hot." "You should've told me that sooner, or I wouldn't have to come." Both you and Bri ignored that,

The hike to the cliff is only two hours, the slightly cold temperatures help the process smoothly. As expected, Bri writes down his observations on pretty much everything he finds interesting, but of course mostly on how the sky changes in particular. On the other hand, Roger already started smoking cold smoke, Saturn brand—which is expensive and delicious, he notices you staring,

"Want one?" "Already clean." "Suit yourself." You can tell he's a bit annoyed by your nonchalant attitude towards him since the first time you two met; as you immediately put all your attention to Bri and ask about his observations. But it appears that he could entertain himself rather quickly with the changing surrounding,

"We could stay the night; the Nymphs won't bother us anymore." You say after Jake's affirmation regarding the safety. "Shut up! I'm here for the Nymphs. We're going straight to the lake!" "How quickly would you change your words once you see one." Jokes Bri, which again flew over Roger's head. But before Bri could elaborate, both of the musicians' step halted as they noticed at the same time you've arrived at the north cliff,

"Not the best view for the Eclipse, but it will come soon and we wouldn't be able to catch it better than from this place. If we push for the Lake, it'll take too long. For the night, let's camp here and enjoy the view." You'll be securing parameters from the habitats' insects and animals. You also make sure to take some precautions in case the Nymphs somehow slithered out of Jake's sight. Whilst the men's erecting the tents and some recording equipments—Brian, specifically have the newest climate and atmosphere capturing technologies, and have already taken out a computer out of his backpack,

"You're not going to wear it don't you?" You stand beside Roger, as the man tries to calculate how to make the legendary soft landing. The parachute is at a stone near him, unopened, the drummer simply shakes his head. "I will record it in the best angle if you promise to listen to me." You say. "That's a done deal," he quickly answered,

You're correct to think Brian found it more important to observe and calculate the change in the atmosphere bubble of the planet whilst one of five natural moons that orbit the planet is about to align itself perfectly to make a lunar eclipse. Than to babysit his friend all the time despite knowing full well the said friend will jump off a cliff. So after telling Roger how to properly do it, you ready the drone camera,

"What the fucking hell are you doing, Roger?!" Bri came in a furry you wish not directed at you; so you just realised it was a group chat, which also means Brian saw the video too after you posted it per Roger's request. "And you help him?! I thought you were a ranger!" "I am. That's why I'm helping him, so it's much safer for him to do it,"

"To fake it. Do you think I'm mental, Bri? That's ten metres down! And you don't help me calculate how to do it! But I don't know a ranger got some sick camera skills. Thanks, mate." He gives you a fist bump,

After that, Bri refuses to talk to you with the excuse that he doesn't want to be bothered when analysing. In exchange, Rog—he thinks you're swell enough to get the privilege—converse with you about many things,

You judge Rog too soon; despite his constant crude remarks and impulsive behaviour, he's quite the observer. He notices how, despite progressing so very quickly, humanity stills holding on tightly upon intolerance, violence, the corrupt systems, and many roots of hatreds—what's currently very hot is xenophobia. Much scarier, he says, that we get a hold of technology to colonize planets, that if we find something stronger than atomic bombs that could destroy planets in an instant, there's more likely a star-system scaled war to follow soon after,

As he exhales the cold smokes, both of you finally notices the very bright blue light above your heads. Bri, of course, too stunned to notify you about it sooner. But you've seen the Aurora many times, yet you always find it beautiful. You swear you'll never get bored of it. You quietly hum the lullaby that always put the Nymphs to sleep, as it's part of your ritual whenever you see the Eclipse,

It's like being K'Od in an instant, after making sure his devices still running, Bri goes to his tent quicker than any Nymphs. Rog, on the contrary, says that he's ready to go to the lake, and is itching to pull a prank on his tired friend to wake him up; "Enough to get to the lake and get the tent up and going back to sleep again in anger," before you stopped him,

In the end, after you insist on telling his friends, particularly the Freddie guy, that he's pulling a fake stunt, he heeds your order and goes inside the tent to preserve his energy for the next, much more difficult journey to the lake. You check the forum for the other forests statuses; many Rangers are happy to get some time off, whilst the southern Rangers with their neverending warm weather complained about being busy with the nonstop waves of tourists. You commented; “At least the Nymphs will melt over there. These wee dogs love attention,”

Around the afternoon, the boys finally woke up as you roast some vegetables. After having brunch, the three of you packs up and continues onward to the Lake. In the end, Bri snitches Rog out on the group chat and they fought along the way. If it weren’t from that, perhaps you wouldn’t take too long to arrive at the last destination; but the boys that's previously buddy-buddy whilst eating, now throwing rocks and push each other until one fell on the muddy dirt—Roger. It’s not easy to separate them when they’re so close to a fist fight, but to threaten them that you’ll leave if they didn’t stop is a good enough reason for Brian to go as far away as possible from Roger,

The rest of the walk is uninteresting, although Roger is now live chatting with some girls you assumed to be the girls that supposed to come. He took pride in being in a relationship with the three girls at once when you commented on how pretty they are. “I can hook you up with some of them that got some good taste on handsome boys like us. Maybe even you, an athletic ranger.” “Why, thanks. But I’m good for now.” “You’re with Jake?” “No. He’s dating the new guy from the forest down by the river.” “Just hit me up whichever floats the boat when you’re bored.” Sure. No problem.” “Y/n?”

Brian called from behind. He points at the dirt; looks like a fresh mark of the Nymphs tail. “Is it really safe to continue?” “It’s from yesterday. But I will tell Jake to get them away if it’ll make you feel safer.” “That’ll be delightful, yes please.” “Mate, is that the lake?”

Now Roger practically drags you and points at the giant forest opening five hundred metres on the northeast. “Yup. That’s it. Although be careful—,” Roger already running towards it, Bri pats your shoulder. “Let him.” “That’s what I planned on doing...”

It’s not surprising by the time you and Bri arrives, Roger looks disappointed and mostly angry... At you. “What the hell? I thought there would be Nymphs here!” “Well, they used to be here. But the weather is a tad warmer, not suitable for them to make the nest—,” as you said that, you saw four scally eggs deep down the lake. Both Rog and Bri saw it too. When Brian is now visibly worried, Roger is looking more excited than ever,

As they prepare for tents and devices, Roger finally allowed to swim and clean himself from the mud, after practically begging and assures you that he wouldn’t touch the eggs. You, on the other hand, busy yourself notifying the northern rangers group about the eggs. They told you to come and hold a meeting; whether they should take the eggs to the pole or not, and conduct more research on why they’re not melting from the weather. And you'll have a meeting about letting the babies grow in the reservation on the south pole or whether you should take care of them,

“Jake will come here once you guys are done so he can inspect the eggs. Both the parents grow in this area but has long used to a warmer temperature, so there’s high chance only one or two are left behind for Jake and I to take care,” you explained to Bri after he asks what you would do with the eggs. “Jake is the official Nymph Expert, but I have taken care of many since I’m ten. We’re doing what we can to make sure the Nymphs didn’t get the bad attention from NASA and Space Union. Or they might... Get hunted down.” “That’s absolutely terrible!” “That’s why I hope we don’t have to sight them anymore on your stay. The situation has been quite complicated as of lately,”

Night come fast and the sky is brighter as if it’s not evening yet. The second Eclipse was caused by the red moon, which causes a colourful mix of red and blue dancing in the sky. The aurora from the changing season blend in beautifully, and the three of you can do nothing but to enjoy them. “I’m making this an annual visit,” says Bri as he smiles wide, which makes you smile as well. “I agree. Next time we should drag Freddie and John with us.” “Then make sure to come straight to me; I will make sure for a better journey next time! And if you stay for a week, the autumnal colour scheme would be the sight you should never miss!”

As the three of you enjoyed the night, you tell them few of your knowledge regarding the planet, many cycles of the lunar eclipses, your favourites Eclipses, and the scientific reason behind them. “You only sleep for five hours?” “Yup.” “That’s nice huh, can get many things done at night.” “Quite correct, for example—.” “Your future partner would love it once they knew you can go for several rounds on daily basis.” “Please don’t mind him.” Says Brian, as he hurls his clogs at Roger that's protecting his head from the incoming projectiles. Perhaps it was the lightning, but you notice Brian covering his mouth with his hand, blushes when he notices you staring at him,

Suffice to say, you’re a bit nervous that Brian might catch a cold on the way back to the cabin. He keeps coughing when you look at him, his face is a bit pinker, and he’s quite obvious on trying to hide it to by looking away immediately as you catch him stealing glances. Roger, on the other hand, looks disappointed that he didn’t get to see any Nymphs, although he’s healthier for someone that swims in the cold lake,

When you’re only one hour away from the cabin, Jake called you privately. “Get the guests here quick. I have fed the Nymphs but they’re nervous for some reason and get away. My tracker detects them going to the lake at a very high speed. I will follow them with my vehicle. Be careful,”

Now the role has switched, when you told the boys to hurry pack and get back, Brian is the one that’s confused, whilst Roger looks shaken and nervous. “Something the matter, Rog?” “Yes, it’s clearly about the monsters right? They’ve hunted us since we’re on the way here.” “Do not worry; I will protect the two of you with my life. Besides, we’ve got the tracker,”

Despite telling him that, you’re a bit anxious yourself. Not from the fact that the Nymphs might bother you again, but more from what actually happens with the Nymphs? Are they alright? They’ve been behaving oddly since the middle of the summer, perhaps it got something to do with the eggs. You probably shouldn’t have let Roger swam, he might smell like the lake now. Even though you have told him to deep scrub and shower before you go straight to the outpost, you’re still not sure that he wouldn’t be the centre of attention if the Nymphs did come still,

And the Nymphs did come,

At the most inopportune moment, to say the least, you’re barely a third of the way, at night, when one of them cross the road right in front of you. “What the fuck was that!?” Screamed Roger, you kinda understand that he has been on edge the entire time. “One of the Nymphs.” You say, “stay inside the car.” “Are you mad?!” Now it’s Brian that’s yelling at you. “You shouldn’t worry about me. I know these Nymphs quite well.” “How could they didn’t show up in the tracker?” Ask Brian, very nervously getting his head out the window. “That’s what I’m going to find out soon,”

Roger screamed as he points on your left. There’s a three-metre tall shadow lurking inside the forest. It must've been the female Nymph. You make a purposeful right-hand gesture, calling it to come. “M, M. I’m here. It’s okay, girl.” But as you get your attention fixated at the giant, Brian launch at you and you both rolled on the road. “What the—?!” “The other one jumps at you!”

And he didn’t lie. The male Nymph is unsuccessful at ambushing you. You forgot the couple usual strategy when they’re playing with you, but that’s when they’re still the size of a big golden retriever. The beast is quadrupedal, looks like a mix of dragon tail lizard and iguana but with two pairs of eyes slitted eyes, and lion-like mouth with four sharp fangs sticking out. The smaller one of them is the size of a full-grown horse. The male Nymph is growling, seeing you as a threat; you quickly stand up after telling Brian to stay down,

“Calm, boy. What is it? Are you still hungry?” You take out a processed game from the car. But the Nymph is still looking at you, finally notices you’re someone friendly. You held out your right hand at its face, asking permission to touch it, and it gave you the permission as it rubs its head on your palm like a spoiled dog,

“AARGGHHH!!” Roger gets out of the car and ran to you. “That fucking thing is sticking its hand inside the damn car! Fucking Brian forgot to close the fucking door!” “Calm down! They’re sensitive to loud noises.” “Fucking right they did!” The giant Nymph is the female, and unlike the male that’s covered in a stark blue plain scales, the female is covered in dark green with brown streaks, perfect for camouflage,

“Down, Meadows!” You yell at the female, and instantly the female head is down, showing its perfect obedience. “Harold! The boy isn’t food! You just ate!” The male is so very slowly and hesitantly backed off. “What’s with you two?” You see Meadows is circling the car, looking for something. “Both of you clearly isn’t hungry, but why? Wait, Meadows, down—!!”

Too late, the Nymph has flipped the car, scratching right at the engine box as she does that, destroying it in an instant. The remaining electricity causes the animal to flinch and run away, with Harold follows her from behind. You run towards the engine; completely wrecked. “My god... What is wrong with them...” You called Jake and told him about the ambush, also about the destroyed car,

“Jake will hunt them and put them to sleep. Meanwhile,” you take out and unfold a hoover cart. “We will have to walk and leave the car. My supply drone will get us a hoover vehicle by tomorrow's afternoon. But if you’re tired, we can camp here.” “That’s a bad fucking idea.” Roger comments. “As you’re aware, they’re sensitive to sound. I brought the prevention tools that will handle the worst of them. Don’t worry, once you’re far and safe from this planet, I will find out what’s happening to them,”

Being scared shitless, Roger is the first one to get into the tent. After thanking Brian from saving you, he sat the opposite of you on the controlled artificial bonfire. “This is the first time it happens?” “Yes. They never outright try to murder me—they shouldn’t, at all, in fact. I took care of them since they’re still in eggs, they see me as their mother. So, yes, this is very odd indeed.” “But Meadows? Harold?” Ask Roger suddenly, poking out the tent,

“Meadows because she looks like, well, a meadow. The’s the biggest female that I have ever taken care of.” Brian looked at Roger and smiling cheekily for some reason. “Harold is the male Nymph. He’s fastest one in this entire planet. I call him Harold because Jake thought it was silly, and Harold, indeed, acts very silly when he’s playing.” This time, it’s Roger that gives a naughty side glance at Brian. “Once again, you shouldn’t worry. I know them very well,”

In the morning, the three of you immediately use the hover vehicle—it’s actually a unicycle but flying—once it arrives. You keep contacting Jake back and forth about the Nymphs, Jake has successfully sedated Meadows. “You shouldn’t worry about Harold. He’s completely distracted by the bait until tomorrow.” At least that’s what Jake told you as you’ve arrived by the road near the outpost,

“I have put another decoy by the road,” you say, “but it’ll be safer for us to go quickly to the outpost.” You keep on scanning the forest on the way, as it’s clear that the tracker is broken somehow, that’s why it didn’t pick up when Meadows and Harold ambush you. Jake is tailing from behind for extra protection whilst you go first,

“Finally!” Screamed Roger as he ran towards the building. Your eyes still looking out for any shadow in the forest as Jake unloaded things from your supply drone and hover cart... “Harold, down!” You yell which makes Brian ducked down, looking around in panic. “Harold, down! Down! DOWN!” You practically screamed and shoot the taser gun at the launching Nymph, whilst Jake is fast enough to pull Brian away from the now stunned Nymph,

“Oh my fucking god, oh my god, oh my god, my baby! My baby, oh my god! I’m sorry, baby! I’m sorry, love!” You run at the Nymph, hugging it. “Oh my god, baby! I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I’m sorry, I’m so sorry—.” You stare at Jake with eyes full of tears, telling him to get Brian inside, as you continue to soothe the Nymph and apologizing,

“Are you okay, mate?!” Roger asks Brian, but Brian attention is still focused on the large Nymph, and especially, at you. It breathes slowly as you sat beside its face, stroking it and rubbing your forehead against it. Tears streaming down your cheeks as you hum it a song. “What a mother,” comment Jake. “It’s not the first time Harold has been tased, always by me. Not once did y/n has forgiven me from it, that’s why I gave her the gun. But this is also why I don’t want her to handle the difficult job, especially to Harold, her golden child,”

After calming down and letting Harold go, you get inside the outpost shitfaced. Your eyes are red. “I’m sorry. Are you alright, Bri?” “No. Are you alright? And it’s supposed to be me that apologizes.” You give him a dismissive hand gesture. “It’s just silly Harold, he can handle it... But he’s still my... Baby. It pains me to hurt him... I have to get used to it—,”

“Look. I’m stupid. And I’m sorry.” Said Roger after showing you one of the Nymph eggs from the lake that he hid in his backpack. “I really don’t know that Nymphs are beasts! And you snitch on me you bastard! I try to prove to Freddie that—whatever.” “What “whatever”!? You almost get y/n and I killed! And you stole a bloody rare species egg! You will most likely get us in trouble on security later too you fucking cunt!! Will you once please think before doing something as extremely stupid as this?! Or tell us! So at least we know we should bloody sedate and tase you instead of the poor creature!” Brian continues to scream at Roger whilst you and Jake try to calm you down and let Brian do the angry part,

“It’s okay, Brian. This isn’t the first time someone tries to anger the Nymphs,” you say on the way to the headquarters. “No. I will alert the authority about his foolish action. I’m sure there’ll be more foolish men like him coming that might try to harm the lives of those creatures. This way, there’ll be more precautions on what sort of criminals is allowed to get in.” Well, he’s right. Although you’re still unsure whether you should report Roger and potentially get him banned. After all, the man actually is clueless about the Nymphs,

Brian cannot stop apologizing after reporting Roger—you provide your explanation that severely lowers his sanctions; that it was pure accident, and you’ll handle the Nymphs with the organization after. “Please have a tea with us after our gig. So we could repay you for Roger's foolishness.” “Ah, I would love to, but unfortunately my babies needs my attention a wee bit urgently after. Maybe next year? You did promise you’ll make this an annual thing.” He’s clearly happy, but he’s trying to hide away his wide smile from you. “Are you serious, Bri?” Ask Roger jokingly over it, so you don’t really mind them,

Before the gig, Roger pulled you somewhere more private. “Hey. Um, I’m terribly sorry. For thinking you’re a dude, and for that egg thing.” “No problem. But please listen to me next time, alright? The Nymphs are dangerous creatures.” “Roger that, ma’am. Ha.” You both laugh at his pun,

“Oh, uh, by the way, when are you going back to the outpost?” He asks after he’s called to the stage. “A bit after the gig, unfortunately. But I’m not going to the outpost, I have a meeting with the organization on the HQ.” “Okay, good, that means you got time for a bit of talk? Great. Excellent,” then he ran to the stage. You knew where his intention is going,

You get the prime seat by the bar and can see the boys clearly. A couple of times, Roger is winking and Bri flashes his smiles at you. By the time they’re done, one of the stage team is calling you to go backstage,

“I only got twenty minutes. I’m sorry, they changed the schedule without consulting me.” You say at the man, he smiles and nods as he goes to whoever the boys needed some words with you. It’s Brian. “Hi. I’m sorry for keeping you here. I have something to ask—.” “Hey, y/n—,”

It was both Brian and Roger, they stare at each other in confusion. “Why are you here, Rog?” “Wait, hold on. Y/n, can you wait just a min?” Roger drags Brian somewhere and they both talk. You keep on checking your watch, and time is running out. “I don’t know you’re seeing her too!” “Shut your mouth! She can hear us!” And Roger is right, you can hear them loud and clear, so they’re getting a bit further away,

“Hey, I can’t really wait any longer. The representative is calling me. If you got something to say, forward it to Jake! He got my numbers!” You wave at them and walk backwards before they could catch you. “See you guys next year! I’ll be waiting!” Both of them—particularly Roger, screamed; “See you too! We will come! We promise! I will call you!”

Next year...

You almost late to the HQ meeting because damn Jake woke you up late. After the small party that he throws to celebrate your new official Nymph Expert, he slept through the alarm that you both set for the meeting. It’s about the opening of the first Science Institution on that planet that’ll be focusing on studying the planet. You’re a bit excited because there’s a Planetary and Astrophysics course, and you wish to apply; thanks to Brian,

Talking about Brian, you remember the last year incident that actually caused a massive change and strengthening of the security. You expected them to come today, and you’ve been preparing for the week stay, just in case they did hold on to your promise. And they did come; there are posters about the music festival tomorrow at the stadium, one of the band that’ll attend is Queen, and apparently the most anticipated one. Unfortunate, you can only come for the after-party,

You, the engineer ranger, and Jake and his boyfriend came a bit later when the party had toned down a bit. There are many rangers that attended too, thanks to the newcomers that are currently holding posts. As you sat down the bar stool and ask for a drink, someone joined you on your right. A particular blonde man wearing sunglasses and golden-purple suit in a dimly lit room,

“Everyone would still easily mistake you from a man, ma’am,” he says, leaning towards you by a bit. He smells of cold smoke and alcohol. “Well, sir, my fashion choice is only for those that appreciate it.” “Oh. Don’t misunderstand, I appreciate it. Incredibly.” A lop-sided smile grows on his lips,

“Have you heard what sort of natural predatory creatures that live on the planet? What an exotic and beautiful beast. I heard there’s this particular ranger that has been taking care of them since she’s still ten. In fact, she owns two big and the fastest Nymphs on the planet. And to be completely honest, someone that emits such fearless and powerful aura is... Very hot,”

You try your hardest to hold back laughter and replied; “Unfortunately, that ranger has long parted with said Nymphs. But I heard there’s another ranger that just got an official Nymph Expert title, and she’s currently taking care of ten Nymphs at once. A new type of Nymphs that are currently being observed for its natural resistance towards temperatures that’s far warmer than its cousin could resist,”

The man sighed deeply as he lifted his head up. “Goood. Unfortunately, only those Nymphs that could handle the currently hot temperature. Care to hook me up with the said Nymph Expert? She seems to know her way with a heat-sensitive creature such as I. Got a nice suite too so the check-up can be performed... Undisturbed, and in the best setting possible—”,

Jake tapped your shoulder, completely destroys the mood. “Busy? Got someone that want a full week tour—oh, hi, Rog!” “Piss off, cu—,”

“Hi, y/n. Long time no see.” Brian sat on your left, “oh, Roger found you first? Doesn't matter. Anyway, how are you?” After a brief catch up, Brian says that he and the band will be seeing the Eclipses this year. “Great! I have done some preparations as well! Making sure the cabin fits bigger scores. So glad all of you could come!”

“What about the Nymphs?” Ask Brian, “how’s Meadows and Harold?” You told him that the two was put in the reservation on the southern continent, where it’s much warmer and perfect for the two. You also tell him about your new duty to watch over the new reservation near the north cliff, where much tamer new species Nymphs are taken care of,

“You can pet them and play with them. Although, unfortunately, Rog, you can’t shag them as it’s against the law.” The three of you laugh and argue a bit about last year incident, teasing the hell out of Roger, before Bri touches your hand on the bar. He looks at you meaningfully and whispers; “Are you, by chance, free to have some tea tonight? You do promise to have it with me this year, yes?”

“Excuse me, mate, she’s booked for the night. We got some check-ups to do regarding my symptoms—,”

“Unfortunately, my Nymphs has booked me far before any of you are here.” You pull your hand, “but we’ve got a week. Whether you do actually have Nymph fever—it’s an actual disease, or to just have some tea, we've got plenty of times, I’m sure?”

Although a bit disappointed, they both agreed and promise to genuinely have a good time this year.

The end.

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that-one-person-we-all-know · 6 years ago

Text

Have you ever tried a Peeper, Captain Avery?

An idea I had where a PDA can pick up a signal from a close source and use it as an emergency broadcasting network. (Which would’ve been helpful in Subnautica jfc.) It’s just a stupid idea I had stuck in my head for a while, where Ryley communicates with Avery in live time, and can warn him about the QEP and etc. Or, just use the radio transmission to talk. (Lmao he needs socialization.) This is mainly just a oneshot by the way. @tradeshipsunbeam I honestly think you may like this.

—————————————————————

His PDA had picked up on a local internet router, most likely used for sending out radio messages, updated work emails, etc. The PDA had voiced this discovery out loud to a young man sitting in front of a white box, trying desperately to repair it. He was the ex-Engineering Maintenance Chief after all.

Ryley felt confused, how was this helpful? He was sure he couldn’t send out any messages from his radio, only to receive. This new fact had only made him feel worse. He knew that the signal was more than likely from the Sunbeam, but as said before, he couldn’t send out any damn messages! Unless...

Ryley decided to try and tamper with his PDA. Perhaps he could send out a voiced message from there? If he could, he knew the benefits. He could send statements from wherever he was and not have to worry about hurrying to the nearest radio. He could update to the crew on his findings right away. Heck, he could let the crew know that he was alive, that there was a survivor to rescue.

————

Ryley Robinson couldn’t believe it. After a few hours of messing around with the device, he figured out a way to send out signals. He practically smiled to himself when he held his PDA close to his chest in a tight embrace. It was a shame that the PDA couldn’t connect to Alterra, but he was thankful enough that he could send out messages to nearby sources.

He remembered his new favorite quote, “There’s no bad without the good, and no good without the bad.” Perhaps Capt. Avery was right, maybe he really was overdue for a lot of the latter. Ryley had decided to give it a shot, he might as well right? What exactly DID he have left to lose?

He knew that there was more than enough to gain from this.

————

Capt. Avery Quinn was currently tapping his fingers against his thigh, obviously deep in thought. One could tell that it was of course due to recent events, such as finding out about the crash of the Aurora. He pondered on what it was like, to feel alone and hopeless. He had remembered that once when he was young, he had strayed away from his mother in a crowded store. He couldn’t find her for what felt like years, he was terrified at the time.

Yeah, to feel that kind feeling for weeks would kill him.

“Captain? An incoming message was sent from near the crash sight. It’s labeled for you.” The room was silent for a moment, could a survivor really have been alive? To be able to send a broadcast? Avery nodded his head towards his co-pilot before switching stations with him.

... “What the hell?” Avery stated aloud to himself. On the display screen was an audio message labeled exactly for him as his co-pilot had said, however, the title of the message was labeled, “Have you ever tried a Peeper, Captain Avery?” ‘What in gods name was a Peeper?’ Avery had thought to himself. Was this some kind of joke, were his crew mates pranking him into thinking that this was an actual broadcast? Against his judgement, Capt. Avery decided to click on the message and allow it to play through his headphones.

————

Ryley was trying hard not to laugh when recording his message for Captain Avery. This has to be one of the most idiotic things he’s done, and that’s saying something. He knew he was doing this for a good reason though, despite what little he knew of Avery’s personality told him.

Ryley had assumed that the trading ship captain still felt bad for what was said on the first transmission. He had decided to turn this whole ‘first impression speech’ into a bit of a joke, and what was a better way than to tease the captain with dead memes? He checked his PDA’s built in clock. It was 7:45 a.m., it was go time.

“Good morning Captain Avery, this is Ryley Robinson. How has your trip been so far? I hope that its been okay. Listen, you can’t land on 4546B at the moment. It’s too dangerous. There’s an alien weapon called the Quarantine Enforcement Platform, it was what had shot down the Aurora for getting too close within the atmosphere. I’ll message you when I’ve figured out how to disable it. Until then, I want you and your crew to fly around for a bit. I’ve sent you the coordinates to other lifepods scattered from the Aurora, the origin point. Try and memorize them until I’ve contacted you again. The coordinates are, (-5,5), (3,4), (6,3), (-6,-3), (-4,-3), (3,-2), and (6,-4.)

Before I go, have you ever tried a Peeper, Captain Avery?”

Ryley hit send while laughing to himself, this was going to be gold. He wished he could see the captains reaction to this. He just had a feeling that this would cheer the captain up.

————

Capt. Avery was pacing throughout the Sunbeam as his crew mates began to plug in the coordinates. He had no idea what a Peeper was, and was definitely going to ask the next time he heard this ‘Ryley Robinsons’ voice. He abruptly stopped his nervous tick of walking when he heard chuckles coming from across the room.

“Umm, well Captain.. You may want to see this.” One of the co-pilots said while giggling throughout the sentence. Avery was already anxious enough with the news of this new QEP, that he wasn’t ready for this.

Avery smiled to himself and allowed a small laugh to escape his lips along with the rest of his ‘dying’ crew. “Ryley Robinson,” Avery had stated out loud, “you really are the good without the bad.” Avery crossed his arms while staring at the display screen. The coordinate dots were really just to create the meme, ‘Loss.’

#subnautica #sunbeam #you weren’t expecting that ending #Ryley Robinson #Avery Quinn #Sunbeam Crew

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wetsteve3 · 6 years ago

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Monday 6th July 1903

116 years ago

George Wyman arrived in New York City on his motorcycle from San Francisco, completing his transcontinental crossing and becoming the first person to cross the North American continent aboard a motor vehicle.He finished 20 days before Dr. Horatio Nelson Jackson, the first person to cross the continent by automobile. Wyman's journey took a total of 51 days to cover some 3,800 miles (6,100 km). Afterwards, Wyman's motorbike was placed on display at the New York Motorcycle Club while Wyman recovered from his grueling journey. While in New York, Wyman was present for the inauguration of the very first nationwide motorcycle organization, the Federation of American Motorcyclists (FAM) at the Kings County Wheelmens' Club in Brooklyn; it was reported at the time that his hands were still in bandages from the trip. Wyman later returned to San Francisco by train. His California motorbike was put on display in San Francisco at Golden Gate Park for a special exhibition commemorating the trip. Wyman used his 1902 California machine for his crossing of the United States. The California had a 200 cc (12 cu in), 1.5 hp (1.1 kW) four-stroke engine attached to an ordinary diamond-frame bicycle. Wyman's machine was equipped with 28 x 1.5 in. tires, wooden rims, a leading-link front suspension fork, a Garford spring saddle, a Duck Brake Company front roller brake, and a 1902-patent Atherton rear coaster brake. A leather belt-drive with a spring-loaded idler pulley directly connected the engine output shaft to the rear wheel.Using a standard steel bicycle frame, the California weighed approximately 70–80 pounds (32–36 kg) without rider, and was capable of approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) using the 30-octane gasoline of the day, with a range of 75 to 100 miles (121 to 161 km). Throttle control was not yet perfected, and engine revolutions were mainly controlled by means of a spark timing mechanism. The wick-type carburetor was crude, consisting of a metal box with internal baffles stuffed with cotton batting. With no float chamber, the rider had to open the gasoline tap periodically to admit fuel into the carburetor. For such a long trip, Wyman carried a remarkably small amount of gear. A set of warm clothing, money, water bottle, cans for spare oil and gasoline, a Kodak Vest Pocket camera, a cyclometer, various bicycle tools and spare parts, and a long-barreled .38 Smith & Wesson revolver constituted his total luggage. Wyman departed from Lotta's Fountain at the corner of Market and Kearny streets in San Francisco at 2:30 P.M on May 16, 1903. He had previously agreed to keep a diary of his journey for later publication in The Motorcycle magazine, a periodical of the time. The first part of his trip took him across the Sierra Nevada, through the Nevada desert into Wyoming, then on through Nebraska to Illinois. As the dirt trails and wagon tracks of the day were often impassable, Wyman rode the railroad tracks for over half of his journey. During the first part of his trip, he frequently slept in railroad company housing or at rooming houses located in division settlements (small municipalities founded by the railroad). His motorbike suffered several breakdowns along the way, requiring him to make improvised repairs until he could get to a larger town to obtain new parts. As he neared Aurora, Illinois, his engine's crankshaft snapped, and after pedaling his way to Chicago, Wyman was forced to wait there five days for a new crank to arrive by railway express.After leaving Illinois, Wyman traversed the states of Indiana, Ohio, and Pennsylvania before entering New York state. Outside of Albany his engine lost all power, and he was required to pedal his heavy motorbike the remaining 150 miles (240 km) to New York City using a cycle path reserved for licensed cyclists.

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onsitetechhub · 6 years ago

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