Posted by Civilian Capall McKenzie (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in Earth - What Part of ‘Get On The Ship’ Do You Not Understand? (Tag Runa McKenzie)

Posted by Civilian Runa Siff McKenzie (Teacher) in Earth - What Part of ‘Get On The Ship’ Do You Not Understand? (Tag Runa McKenzie)

Posted by Civilian Capall McKenzie (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in Earth - What Part of ‘Get On The Ship’ Do You Not Understand? (Tag Runa McKenzie)
Posted by… suppressed (38) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Capall McKenzie was standing outside the port while McKenzies and Edmans of all sizes, shapes, ages, and temperament were busy gathering belongings and saying goodbye to those remaining behind. This was a banner day for the Clan: the majority of Clan McKenzie and Clan Edman, two of Earth’s most long tenured familial bloodlines, left Earth to travel to the edge of Federation space for the chance to start building a new world on the colony of Oed V. The day had been a long time in coming, and many were anxious to get on the massive colony ship that was in orbit hundreds of miles above them. Shuttles stood on landing pads waiting to begin shuttling passengers and belongings up, while some of the more tech-savvy waited in line for the transporters. Capall watched it all, with arms crossed on his broad chest, with a eye for detail and anticipating issues. He was a striking figure. Not overly tall like his cousins Mike and Seamus, but well-muscled with thick, ropy muscles that rippled under his long sleeves that protected his arms from the chill of the Aberdeen wind. He wore his kilt, the tartan of Clan McKenzie, with a pride born of one who had given up his clan only to be brought back… his past transgressions forgiven by all (most).

“Sir McKenzie, we have some that are wantin’ ta change their minds. They wanna go now.” said a runner that had come from somewhere far in the back of the growing throng. “Nae, they had tha chance. If they wish tae go now, the only way is if they trade with someone who is on the manifest.” Capall said. The runner nodded and went back towards where he came from to relay the message. Capall shook his head and said “I told you this was gonna happen.”

Capall McKenzie

Runa stood beside him in a long dark grey dress, her tartan shall, given to her by Capall was one of her most precious possessions, was wrapped around her shoulders. She held onto it as the wind wiped her copper blonde hair around and tried to snatch her shall too. Over the last weeks she and Capall had organized the loading of building materials, food, feed for the animals, personal household cargo of the families, temporary shelters (overly large yurts while they built more permanent structures), and the last 3 days they had loaded the live stock. The horses, the cattle, the sheep. It had taken far too long to get Angus and Aurora on board. Even Blaire had no luck. Runa had bruises to prove it. Runa had finally started taking Angus’ ladies from him. That got her the bruises, it also got Angus on the d@mn ship.

Runa watched the runner head back and laughed, “Of course it is. Now they realize how much they are going to miss out on. Da will sort it out. Anyone who changes their mind can come later. He will help arrange it.” There was commotion at the transporter. Runa recognized the people immediately. She put a hand on Capall’s arm before she moved over toward the pad. It was Elizabeth and her daughter. One of Argyle’s…Runa didn’t have words. She knelt down and spoke softly to the little girl before picking her up and entertaining her for a moment. She was scared of the transporter. It took Runa less than a minute before she was back with her mother and gone in a swirl of lights. Runa walked back over, “We should have started a week ago.”

Runa

“We should have started a damn year ago. Then we would have all the necessary infrastructure in place already and these people wouldn’t be traveling across the galaxy for almost a year just to piss in a hole in the ground.” He took a breath and steadied himself. “I know, Love… I know. Mike and Revna will be there soon. So will Seamus and Ragna. I know they will handle it… I just wish I was there to help.” and he shook his bald head and swore softly. “Why did Mike choose us… me… fer this? A solid quarter of these people still want my guts for Christmas presents. And now I’m supposed to be one ‘a the ones tellin’ ‘em what tae do? It’s crazy.”

Capall McKenzie

Runa set a hand on his crossed arms. “Because they know what they are doing. As far as logistics go, you and I are the best choice. Mike made it quite clear he trusts you and this gives the clan the chance to see why for themselves. Also, Mike and Revna know good and well what I will do if anyone gives us or you problems.” She grinned at him and kissed his cheek. “And Seamus and Ragna were the best to go on ahead. If Ragna can go, and everyone knows how much she hates the idea, but she is happy when we arrive, then that will settle a lot of nerves for everyone. If she’s not happy, well Revna will hide her before we arrive.” And Runa laughed. “It’s 4 months, not a year. And Seamus and Ragna are going to get a lot of the infrastructure started. Oed is already settled, so there are resources there and the work should go faster.” Runa met his gaze for a moment. “It’s a beginning for us, and it will be wonderful.”

Runa

Capall took a breath and said “You are, as usual, correct.” He looked down at her and smiled before putting an arm around her shoulders. “If you had only spoken to me when you saw me wrestle… perhaps we would not have lost so much time.” he said with a smile. At that moment a small shoving match started between two families and Capall inhaled deeply and let Runa go to go deal with it.

“Enough!” he yelled, his voice cutting over the din. “What is going on here?!” One of the older women looked at Capall and said “They cut in front of us! We were picking up our belongings and they just walked around us and took our place!” “What a cock ‘a shite! Ye always were a liar, Moira!” said another woman. “Oh, go shag your milkman again Phyllis! We all know the wee Donnal has his eyes anyway!” “I’ll kill ya, ya-” and Capall put his fingers in his mouth and let a shrill whistle that stood up to even the brisk wind around them. “I SAID ENOUGH!” and the women froze. Capall looked around and saw their husbands off to the side out of eyesight of their wives sharing a flask of something that Capall really wished he had a shot of right then, and he said “Listen to me very carefully. It’s a really big ship. And even with all of us going, it will barely be half full. So it doesn’t matter who gets on first or who is in line where. Get on a shuttle- NOT the same one- and get up there and get settled. And if I hear another personal insult, character blemish, or speculation of paternity from either of you… I will shove both of you in a space suit and strap you to the outside of the ship for the duration of travel. Got it?” The two husbands overheard and one of them grasped his hands in a silent plea to please do that. Capall’s mouth twitched, but he suppressed a smile and said “Now go. And no more fighting!” and he turned and walked back to Runa.

Capall McKenzie

Runa watched on, her best ‘disapproving teacher’ look on her face. As he came back she checked the manifest and quarters assignments to make sure those two were on opposite ends of the ship. Runa held in a smile until he was standing directly in front of her. “Capall, I do think you were channeling a little of Mike back there. As for talking to you when you were wrestling…I don’t think that would have ended well. I was far too wild back then.” She laughed softly.

“WHAT DO YA MEAN THE SHIP IS ONLY HALF FULL!?” Runa sighed and turned to see the runner, running after a very red faced, puffed up Magnus Duff. He’d been going back and forth since day 1. “If half the ship is empty why can’t we go?”

Runa took a breath, “Because Magnus we can’t add more provisions and supplies now. That’s why we needed counts weeks ago. To make sure we had enough for everyone. Now if you’ve changed your mind you can talk to Lady Tara or Lord Cuyler and they will help you make arrangements to join us later.”

“I was no talkin’ ta you, Edman. Magnus practically sneered it. He also smelled drunk. That was not good for him.

Runa nodded, “That’s right, I am an Edman, that married a McKenzie. Yer chiefs,” she emphasized the plural, “Are a McKenzie and an Edman. They combined the clans and now you,” she suddenly stepped into his space and poked him hard in the chest. He was more startled than hurt, “are a McKenzie and an Edman too. So I’m gonna forget that you forgot that. You are gonna go home and sleep it off, or you are gonna eat the Earth of your precious Scotland, got it?”

Magnus began to spit and splutter and get redder in the face. Runa sighed and at the last second, side stepped as he lunged at her and he fell, face first into the dirt, and got a mouthful of dirt and grass.

Runa

Capall was not like his cousins on many aspects. Seamus and Mike would have beat the stuffing out of the fat, belligerent sod for even thinking about laying a hand on their wives. No, Capall was not like them in many ways.

But he was a McKenzie.

Large hands grasped the back of Magnus’ next and shirt collar. Arms with cable-luke muscles lifted the sputtering man off the ground. A back and legs that seemed to be made of steel dew him back and then threw him headfirst into the crowd of people complaining about not being allowed to go now that they had changed their minds. Lore than a few were taken off their feet by the flying figure, and a voice as deep and forbiding as Seamus and Michael when they had reached their limit thundered across the staging area.

“I. Am. Done. All of you on the manifest, shake your arses and get on the bloody shuttles or may all the gods of old save you from what I will do tae ya!” People crashed and careened into one another as they bolted for the safety of the shuttles and transporters. Capall whirled on the crowd of mind-changers. “AND YOU LOT!!! You had yer chance and ya wasted it being selfish, stubborn, or just plain stupid! You want on innthis new chapter in clan history?! FECKIN’ WALK. Or get your assessment up and go buy a damn ticket to Oed. I don’t care what ye do, but if your arses aren’t on McKenzie lands on Oed in six months… stay yourselves here!” He was breathing heavy and his fists were clenched as his eyes bore into Magnus. “And you. If you ever step tae my bride again, I will feed you your own lips!”

A silence had fallen over the crowd as Capall called Magnus out, but a lone voice could be heard from somewhere by the line if people. “Well?! Ye heard the man. The McKenzie put him in charge! So do as the he says!” The speaker was an older McKenzie, and one of rhe ones who had pushed back on Lord McKenzie bringing Capall back into the clan. He looked at Capall and simply nodded once. Capall nodded back and then looked at Runa. “You ok, love?”

Capall McKenzie

Runa smiled at the exchange. Not that she doubted Mike and Revna, butvthatbexchange just proved it. She looked at Capall and huffed out a breath, “You ruined my fun.” Then she grinned at him and took one of his fisted hands in both of hers. “Yeah, I’m fine, My Love. Remember, I told you I can handle drunks. He was nothing.” She kissed him quickly. “I was in no danger, and like I said, he ate dirt.” Runa rubbed her thumb over the back of his hand, standing close to him.

“Runa!” She turned to see Devlin walking up. “Capall, you two alright? That was an impressive throw.” He offered Capall his hand.

Runa nodded with a grin, “It was. Reminds me if this guy I saw wrestle once…threw his opponent into a referee that was making bad calls.” Her grin grew wider.

Devlin shook his head m, “You know all kinds Runa.” He turned back as Kirsten and Ada made their way over, their tiny baby bundled against the cold in Kirsten’s arms. Devlin took the baby and rocked him as hebswayed back and forth. Runa was really happy for them. Devlin was incredibly happy and it showed. “Got everything on Bømlo sent up to the ship. Everything is done there. Yer da asked me ta have ya wait. He’s on his way.”

“Alright, we still have a bit before everyone is actually on board.”

Runa

Capall moved to the line and kept things moving. After his ‘motivavtion’, everything seemed to be going more smoothly. Even the ones that had changed their minds were busy trying to trade for spots on the ship, but keeping all low-key. Some agreements were reached, some were not, but in the end everyone who wanted to go was mostly going. Capall walked back to Runa and said “Ok. That seems to be settled for a moment. Where is your father?” He began looking out over the crowd from the small riser they stood on.

Capall McKenzie

“Right here,” the deep throom of Cuyler’s voice carried easily over the wind. Helka and Oodvar were both with him. Oddvar and Tara had returned a couple months ago, but the bug had bitten him, and he was eager to travel some more. With them was an older woman, who once had been tall and quite pretty, but age had stooped her and turned her hair snowy white. Old Gothie. She never left Bømlo, not even for the wedding. “She wanted to see you off,” Cuyler explained. The old holy woman shuffled her way over to them. She tapped the raven pin on Capall’s tartan and then tugged on the part if his tartan drapped over his shoulder. Capall had no choice but to bend down or his tartan fall off. She grinned and muttered in Norwegian. Runa turned red which made the old woman giggle. She kissed Capall’s cheek and let him go.

Runa bent down and the woman gave her a huge hug. She pulled a small leather bag from her waist and put it in Runa’s hands. Then she pointed at the bag on Runa’s waist and Runa gave it to her hugging her again.

“You two take care of each other.” Oddvar hugged Runa, shook Capall’s hand and gave him a bear hug. Then he led the old woman away.

“We will. Promise you.” Capall said.

Helka hugged them. “I don’t like crying, so Runa you write often. And Capall keep her out of trouble.”

“There is no way in all of creation that’s gonna happen.” Capall said with a grin.

“I have every intention of corrupting Capall and teaching him how much fun trouble with me can be,” Runa smiled sweetly at her mother. Helka burst out laughing, “Good luck, Capall. Just know we love you, but you chose her.”

Cuyler chuckled, “She is gonna ball the second you are gone.” Looking around, “We’ll take care of the stragglers.” He hugged Runa tight enough to lift her off the ground. Then he hugged Capall and slapped him on the ba k. “You are so much better than an intergalactic pirate. I’m glad she chose you.” Then he took a box from Helka, “Here, careful with it, it’s strong, but I have a feeling yer gonna need it on this trip.”

Runa

Capall looked around and then at the box. “With this lot, I hope its strong.” and he smiled and then took Cuyler in a massive bear hug. “This isn’t goodbye. It is see you next time.” he said as he released Runa’s father.

Capall McKenzie

Cuyler nodded, “If Oddvar has his way we’ll come for a visit when things are good and settled.” He tapped the box, “I have kept this hidden from my girls for years.” He saw Runa’s look, “You stay out of it. You ans Revna both.” He looked at Capall, “When you get there, the 6 of you share a drink. Do not let the girls have more than a shot. The rest is yours. It’s a BIG bottle.” Then he shooed them toward the transporter. “Go on, now. We’ll make sure the last of them get on board. Go get settled.”

Cuyler

Capall nodded and took Runa’s hand. “Come. The elders have spoken. Besides… I have a surprise for you when we get on board.” He nodded once more to Cuyler and Helka and moved to the transporter.

In a swirl of lights, they vanished.

They appeared on board the colony ship Beck in a massive transporter room. A crew member looked at a PaDD and said “Sir and Lady Mckenzie. Welcome aboard. Please, follow me. Your belongings are already in your quarters.” Capall looked at Runa and said “Well… here we go.” and he took her hand.

The crew member led them to a turbo lift and soon they were moving through the ship. “Per your request Sir McKenzie, your quarters have been arranged.” The doors opened onto a short hallway with only three doors on it, one on each side and one at the end of the passage. “The other suites are unoccupied.” and he led them to far door. It slid open to reveal a suite the likes of which only existed on luxury yachts and Risian resorts. Every comfort and convenience sat waiting for them and them alone, and floor to ceiling windows looked out on the Earth far below them. “Bedroom to port with master bath. Full kitchen and replicator, but we have fresh food as provided by your people. Cleaning will be done once a day when you are out. If you need anything, just press the bell icon and one of the stewards will be with you.” Capall thanked the man and when the door slid closed he said “Surprise!” softly and chuckled. “Your Da and I made sure we contracted with the best ship we could find. This is more ‘massive hotel with loads of cargo space’ than colony ship. We’re uprooting and moving hundreds and hundreds of years of tradition… might as well move it in style.”

Capall McKenzie

Runa walked along the massive ship. And when Capall said surprise she turned to look at him and grin. “See this is why Mike chose you. Make it like a vacation and people are less likely to get disconsolate. Some will still be annoying, but the majority will embrace enjoying the journey.” She walked into his arms and grinned at him, “So I will absolutely will not tell anyone you actually did this all for me. They don’t need to know that.” Then she looked him up and down. “Now let’s see if I can figure out how to unwrap you from that kilt.”

Runa

Capall smiled and said “Yes, please. But first… we really do need to make sure everyone is settled and there are no last minute issues.” He put a finger on her lips to silence the protest he knew was coming. “Responsibilities are a burden, yes yes.” he said with a laugh. “But the more we mind them now, the more time we’ll have to ourselves during the trip.” He kissed her solidly for a long time, and then said “Now c’mon. Help me wrangle this crowd and then I promise you I’ll show you how to get me outta this.”

Capall McKenzie

Runa grabbed his hand and dragged him behind her. The sooner they were done the sooner they got back. She stopped by the door and hit the comm button for the guests. =/\=All Clan members get settled in your rooms and then report to the lounge on Deck 9 in an hour.=/\=

“Now let’s go check the cargo first and the animals. That gives Da time to make sure the last shuttles have left and docked with the ship.” Runa might prefer to spend this time alone with Capall, but she knew how to get things done. Stragglers were ushered toward their rooms or the lounge, any one causing problems were treated to the wayward student lecture that never ceased to fix problems.

That however did not work on panicked and stressed animals.

Runa

The horses were an issue. Storewhite was making havoc in the stalls and bothering Crescent which made Aotrom angry. Runa could usually handle any horse, even Stormwhite, but he was out to make himself heard. Without Ravan to put him in his place he thought he was in charge. 20 minutes later, they got him moved to an isolated stall and though he wasn’t happy, the other horses calmed. The vet was called down..stormwhite might need a tranquilizer. He also might have sprained his leg in the fuss.

Capall did not have a way with animals. But he was able to keep them from running out of their pens. He almost came to blows with a certain jet-black ram; but after he began swearing every other word the ram seemed to take it as sign of victory and he trotted back into his pen. Capall wiped his hands off as they left to go check on the cargo hold and he said “Give me a virus-riddled isolinear chip array any day over that.”

Capall McKenzie

“I hate that Ram and the only reason I don’t turn him into a stew is Ragna.” Runa grinned suddenly. “That reminds me. I need to call Blaire. Revna asked me to find out about Angus and Mike’s middle name.” She set her hands in her hips and glared back at the animals. “I’d rather chaperone prom night.”

Runa

Capall looked confused and said “The name? What’s to know? Seamus named the sheep after Michael refused to come back. Said they were both stubborn gets who didn’t know what was best for ‘em. Oh, Michael was mad when he found out. I don’t think they spoke for almost two years because of that.”

Capall

Runa laughed, “That sounds about right. Too stubborn for his own good. Revn too. I’m gonna start calling her Angus.” She grinned at the idea. “Really if it wasn’t for me, non of this would have happened and Revna and Mike would still be wallowing in self pity and depression. Gods know they weren’t going ta do anything to fix it.”

Her comm chirped then. =/\=Last shuttle just left.=/\=

=/\=Thanks, Da. Stay safe. Love you.=/\= She looked at Capall, “Well that’s it. You ready?” She asked as they stepped into the cargo bay.

Runa

Capall nodded. “Aye. Let’s get this checked and then make sure everyone is settled.” They went through the truly massive cargo hold, asking questions of the crew when the need arose. Everything appeared in order and the crew told them they would contact them if any issues arose. Capall led Runa out and looked at her. “Ok… let’s check on people and then go see about that kilt-question you had earlier.” and he grinned.

Capall McKenzie

Runa was all for that. “Everyone should be in the lounge by now. Good way to address all the issues at once.” The lounge was full. Good thing it was really big, almost half the deck. It was crowded but everyone managed to get in there. Runa walked toward the windows and up onto the higher level of the room. She stood there for a minute until one of the kids looked at her and she winked and held her hand up, palm out. The little boy mimiked her and then several more hands came up, until the whisper and elbow nudges followed and all the kids were paying attention. Then Runa counted down, silently, on her hand from 5. Kids nudged neighbors, parents, anyone near them that was still talking, until everyone was quiet. Runa grinned at the kids, “Thank you, my helpers. You saved my voice. I can yell with the best, but I’d rather not.” That got soft laughter from around the room. “Alright, we’re getting ready to leave orbit in about 20. So let’s get this over so we can all watch the view together. Has everyone found their room?”

The crew of the Beck had made sure everyone had. One of the younger single mothers raised her hand. “I’m lost, I don’t think I can find my way back.”

Runa nodded, “Okay so these ships make it really easy. The crew left a PaDD in your quarters that has a map of the ship, schedules, locations, resources. BUT all you have to do is ask the computer.”

=/\=Computer?=/\=

“YES MRS MCKENZIE?”

=/\=Can you show me the way to my quarters?=/\=

“PLEASE FOLLOW THE RED SQUARES ON THE LCARS PANEL”

Then Runa cancelled the request. “The LCARS panel is the glass interface through all the corridors. Just follow the colored shapes the computer tells you.” A little hand shot up, “Yes Connel?”

“Ms Runa, do we still have to go to school?”

“Yes Connel.” Runa knew that question was coming, no doubt about it.

“Awww man!” And lots of laughter.

Runa

Capall had joined her on the improvised stage, standing just behind her with his arms crossed on his chest. He didn’t belong there. He was wholly uncomfortable and all he wanted was to be away from the front of the crowd staring at him and Runa. Why did Michael do this to me? he kept asking himself. Why me? Most of these people don’t even trust me. Is this some kind of elaborate revenge? Why am I- and a voice cut into his thoughts. “Sir Capall! What do we do about work? The children will have school, but surely you don’t expect us to to just sit around for the next six to eight months?”

Capall snapped out of his internal monologue. “Uh… what? Oh… of course.” C’mon man… think. he said to himself. He was silent a moment until his brain kicked into high gear. “No, you won’t be sitting. We are all going back to school. There will be so much to be done when we arrive, time to teach won’t be available. And we all need to know at least the basics of many different disciplines. We will all need to know how to tend to the animals. How to build pens and fences. We will need to know how to treat the inevitable minor cuts and scrapes. But even more important. We, all of us, will need to know how to wire up power relays. How to connect communication systems. How to install and repair water pumps. How to bring solar panels online. And maybe if there is time some even more complex needs, we will see. Over the next couple of days, Runa and I will be calling on specific people to head up teaching those things. And if you posses a skill you think we will need, send us a comm. The Clan is not only moving… we are evolving. Like the Scots and Scandinavians of old, we are going to hold tight to our traditions while moving ever forward in our pursuit of modern knowledge. And when we build our new home, we will be one with both of those worlds.” There was a deafening silence as the magnitude of the endeavor really sunk in.

And then a voice said “Aye! F%<k yeah we will!” and a roar of laughter and cheering followed. Capall turned a soft shade of red… but he grinned.

Capall Mckenzie

Runa turned to look at him and winked. He was doing just fine, and not nearly as many people were upset about him as he thought. She laughed along with the rest of them. “We are all going to be doing a lot that we aren’t used to. Oed is not going to be like home. You all read the information Chief Michael and Revna sent back to us. There are small pockets of green, living, thriving areas, but most of it is rock and dust. This is a challenge unlike any of our ancestors ever faced. This is also why Seamus and Ragna went on ahead. They will be setting up some of the very basic infrastructure and examining the land that Michael and Revna bought for us. That way when we arrive we can get started right away.”

“What about Seamus? I heard he took a job workin’ for the colony. What about us?”

Runa found the man in the back and nodded, “Seamus did, but don’t doubt his first priority is all of us. Seamus is our clan Marshall and always will be, but what you all have forgotten is that he is also our Forestry and Game Warden. Who else is better suited to make sure that the land is taken care of and that care is spread to the whole colony? Yes Seamus did take a job with the colony, and as we all get settled and our initial work finalizes, many of you may chose to take jobs within the colony.”

“Isn’t Oed full of other species? I’ve never met an alien, Ms Runa.”

“It is, Sara, and we’re going to teach you all about the people of Oed too and some of the cultural taboos to avoid. But the best thing you can do is keep an open mind and listen. They are not so different from us, when you get past how they look different from us.” Years of experience told Runa the subtle vibration under feet was the impulse engines coming to life and the almost silent hum was the warp engine. “Alright, so we’re getting ready to leave orbit. I suggest you all get where you can have one last look at Earth. And then you have an assignment, from Ragna,” There were groans, “Yep, she wants you to write down all about this experience. And you know she’ll be waiting to collect those the second we reach Oed.”

The Captain came across the comms telling them they were indeed leaving orbit. Runa turned the lights in the lounge down and led Capall over to a corner, where they could sit and watch with the rest. Earth was a glowing green and blue orb below them that filled the windows. Very soon though it began to slip away from them getting smaller in slow increments, until the warp engine powered up and then Earth suddenly disappeared to a tiny dot on the end of a streak of light.

Runa

Capall watched in awe. He had never left Earth before. He looked at Runa who had traveled more of the galaxy than almost all of both clans combined. “Does it ever stop being beautiful? The lights outside?”

Capall

Runa watched out the window and shook her head. “No it doesn’t. Sometimes it’s even more beautiful.” She laced her fingers through his and leaned against his shoulder, “For as many times as I have left home, the sight of it getting smaller never ceases to tug at my heart. This time, even more so.” She was quiet as everyone else stared in awe of how quickly Earth become so small and insignificant to the size of the galaxy. When people started to stir and talk, Runa stood. “Alright the crew of the Beck has put fresh provisions in everyone’s quarters. Go, eat, get sleep, get settled. Make this place your home for while we are here. If you’re too tired to eat, use the replicator. Tomorrow we start in earnest.” Then there was nothing else they could do. They would all have to process it all in the coming days and weeks. Runa led Capall out of the lounge and toward a lift back to their quarters.

Runa

“The day after tomorrow.” Capall said loudly and then smiled. “I swear the idea of getting back into the classroom is more desirable to her than her new husband.” and there was laughter. “Take a day. Call back to your loved ones and let them know we departed safely. Explore the ship, but listen to the crew. They are in charge, and we are the guests in their home, so act accordingly. And then, we will all meet in four days time and discuss plans going forward. With so many of us here, we will need to have speakers from each deck to form an informal council. So keep that in mind as well.”

Capall McKenzie

Runa laughed along side everyone else. She liked this side of Capall and watchinf it come out more and more. She walked beside him, hand tucked into his elbow, leaning towards him. When they were out of ear shot of the lounge and small children’sears, she raised devilish eyes to him. “Oh Capall, one of life’s greatest joys is learning new things. Even better when it doesn’t happen in a classroom. And right now the most desirable thing I want is for you to teach me how to get you out of that kilt properly.”

Runa McKenzie

Capall looked down at her and stopped in the passageway. He leaned in and kissed her, his hands roaming over her waist as he pressed her up against the wall. Soon he pulled away and grinned and said “Race ya.” and took off at a trot down the passage.

That’s when Runa would notice that her swath of tartan was tied quite intricately to the hand rail running along the wall. Capall looked back and said “I bet ya I beat ya there.” and he disappeared around the corner.

Capall McKenzie

Runa’s eyes glittered dangerously. Oh that man was trouble for her. The best kind too. She turned her attention to the knot when she heard laughter. “Kirsten give me a hand.”

Devlin put his arm around his wife and pulled her in the opposite direction. “Oh no. Lord Capall issued his wife a bet. We are forbidden by ancient tradition from interfering.” They laughed the whole way down the corridor.

Runa reached up and unhooked the pin of the McKenzie crest from her shoulder, releasing her from the tartan. She stared a moment at the knot. How did he do that while too busy kissing her? Or he should have been too busy kissing her. She managed to pull the knot free and took off to the nearest, rather than the correct, lift. Everyone laughing in her wake.

Runa had lived on ships and bases and outposts for years. She knew she could take this lift and cut back on a different floor and if she was lucky and fast enough she would get there when he did. She sprinted around the corner and into the private wing where their suite was. She didn’t see him, didn’t mean he wasn’t there, and dashed the rest of the way into the suite.

Runa

Water was running in the bathroom and Capall’s voice said “You lose.” and he laughed. “That means you get to show me before I show you.” The door was open and steam floated out of the room.

Capall McKenzie

Runa kicked off her shoes and set them inside the bedroom door and her way to find him. She paused in the door way. “Oh, I do so love losing to you, Capall.” Her eyes met his and stayed there the entire time. “You start with the turtle broaches. First one and then the other,” she deftly released the sharp pin on the underside of each and lifted them off the dress and set the matched pair on the counter. “Then you flip the shoulder straps back out of the way. Now, you can lift the apron dress by the top seam of the bodice, but if you aren’t careful, the apron and under dress twists and clings and you end up with arms and head stuck in a tangled mess.” She grinned, “Or you can lift the hem, stopping any clinginess, and pull the whole thing overhead at once.” Runa opted for the first choice. The underdress rose a few inches as well before falling back into place as she pulled the apron dress over her head and tossed it back into the bedroom.

“Now the laces.” Each side of the dress was laced to adjust the fit of the dress so it fit her form. She pulled the string in each side and gently loosened the lacing. “Then this,” she tapped the Thora pin that held the low scoop neck closed. When she undid that…with the laces already undone, the dress dropped off her shoulders, down her arms and ended in a graceful pool about her feet. Then her eyes left his as she turned in place, “See, that’s all there is to it.”

Runa

Capall watched with a smile. He had, of course, figured this out many weeks before. And the trial and error was almost as much fun as the solution. He took a breath and said “You Norse… always makin’ things unnecessarily complicated.” He reached up and undid the Raven broach from in front of his left shoulder and set it to the side. He then lifted off his shirt. He looked at Runa and said “And now…” He undid his wide leather belt and as it opened, the massive pool of yard upon yard of fabric that was the Highland kilt he wore fell from his body and pooled in a heap on the floor at his feet. “Two steps, see? Now… I hope that wasn’t too much for ya. But if ye need a refresher, maybe tomorrow night ye can practice.” and he stepped close to her and smiled.

Capall McKenzie

Runa grinned, “Practice, even when a skill is mastered, is always a good idea. And last I checked you like the way I look in all that complicatedness.” Runa stepped up to him and wrapped her arms around him. “And you like the practice too.” Then she kissed him. “Be glad I don’t put beads in my hair. That is complicated.”

Runa

Capall picked her up and soon all thoughts of moving were replaced by thoughts of moving…

The next morning…

Capall lay on the couch, eyes closed as he struggled to sleep. He wasn’t used to the background vibrations and hums of a starship… yet. But that didn’t stop him from getting some rest. Runa, on the other hand, did stop him. Over and over again, until they finally collapsed. It was in the wee hours of the morning that Capall had decided that tossing and turning wasn’t going help either of them; and form the sound of the heavy snoring coming from the bed he assumed he was right.

The comms chirped softly and Capall opened his eyes and cursed under his breath. He stood and moved to the computer and sat down. “Aye.” he said, bleary and red eyed. “Damn lad, you look like you just finished a tour with the Sex Pistols.” came the voice of his cousin and Clan Chief Michael McKenzie. Capall smiled and said “Well, I’d say yer half-right.” and he and Michael both chuckled softly. “How are you two doing?” Capall asked. “Good, good.” Mike replied. “We are out of the Delta Quadrant and en route to our first stop. We are looking like we will get there about two and half to three months before you all arrive… and thats why I’m calling.” and he leaned forward in the view screen conspiratorially. “Listen, I told Revna about the hundred thousand acres we have for the clan’s new land.” Capall nodded. He was part of the team of Clan members who helped select the area. Mike smiled and said “What I didn’t tell anyone was that I also purchased the adjoining two properties as well.” The committee had been torn on which of the three to buy. One was broad and flat and geological surveys said that once water was available and the microbial life had been reinstated the soil would be ideal for farming. One was rugged and partially mountainous, but the topography indicated it had once been the shoreline of a large sea or ocean. The last, in the middle of the three, was known to have been forested before the comet strike and held dry rivers and streams. Capall looked at Mike and said “Michael… that should have been a Clan decision. Do you know how much funding that is going to cost us for setting up?!” in a seething whisper. Mike smiled and said “Nothing. It cost us nothing right now. The previous owners have given up on Oed ever amounting to anything real, so they agreed that if- and only if- the clan was able to live on the land uninterrupted for a hundred years would the land be ours. The clock starts from the time the first one of us sets foot on the property. From then on, a Clan members has to be on the land at all times. If we can do that, then the land becomes ours for the asking price as it sits now. If we don’t, then we immediately have to buy the property at double the current assessed value. ” Capall leaned back and looked at his cousin in disbelief. He mind ran the numbers and then ran them again… and the he grinned. “Just tell me the ones who agreed to this foolishness were English. Do they realize they just practically gave away almost a million acres of land?” Mike laughed softly and said “Just over one-point-three, to be exact.” Capall smiled and said “Ok, so this is amazing news! Why are you being so quiet about it?” Mike smiled and said “Because for as long as we have had a home, the McKenzie Manor stood as the head of the Clan. But on Oed, we are going to have so much more space to deal and manage, one place as the Clan’s center doesn’t make much sense. So, we are going back to the old Edman ways. One house for the leaders in each area, with a central building for the Chief and formal events and gatherings that are important. So Seamus and Ragna are gonna have an estate in the forested area and be the leaders there, me and Revna are gonna be on the coast… and you and Runa are going to take the role of leaders for the mountains.” and he smiled.

“I’m naming you and Seamus as Chieftains.”

Capall sat in shock for the third time in as many minutes. “Michael… I… I cannae accept that. The people-” and Mike cut him off and said “The people are why I am doing this. They will need leaders they can see and talk to face-to-face for guidance and direction. I can’t be everywhere all the time. And believe it or not… you earned this. You put the clan before everything, Capall. Your family… your inheritance… your name. And you did it simply because it was the right thing to do. That speaks to you as a man. A man I am quite proud of, and one that I know I can trust. Besides… we’re brothers now. And I’m the oldest, so you do what I say.” and he chuckled. Capall didn’t have words. He just looked at Mike and nodded. “Mike smiled and said “Good. Don’t say a word. I want this to be a surprise. I gotta run. But keep this under wraps until you get to Oed. I’m callin’ Seamus now. Talk to you soon, little brother.” and he grinned and the comms went dark.

Capall leaned back, and now it wasn’t the ship noise that kept him from sleeping.

Capall McKenzie

Runa heard Capall talking to someone and her first thought was to acknowledge that was why he wasn’t in bed with her. Her second was that it wasn’t 24 hours yet. How did people already have problems? Then she realized it was a comm call. Capall wasn’t coming to wake her, so she got up going into the bathroom. She came out a few minutes later in a short, barely reached past mid thigh, satin robe, and her hair brushed into order. She had his tartan that she picked up off the floor and folded and set it in a chair.

She walked out into the living room and paused looking at his face. Gods above she loved him, but he looked off. “Capall? What’s wrong? You look like you just saw an advanced copy of the final exam and realized you don’t have time to study,” she asked as she sat down next to him.

Runa McKenzie

Capall stared into nothing for a moment and then… he smiled. He looked at her and said “No, I’m okay… but that actually happened, you know. Second year. I completely lost track of time. Walked across the quad and my professor saw me and waved and said ‘See you tomorrow at seven am sharp!’ I honestly had forgotten about his class. I audited the course the first week and he told me not come back until the final, I had a firm grasp of the material.” He shrugged and said “I made a few people mad when I blew the curve he graded on.”

Capall McKenzie

Runa laughed, “I bet you did, and drove your professors crazy trying to figure out what to do with the curve. But don’t think you can avoid the question so easily, but keep your secret. I suppose given the job you took, I will have to get used to that.” She gave him a quick peck on the mouth and then got up and moved into the kitchen are and rummaged in a box, and pulled out a bag of turkaffe. “You want a cup?”

Runa McKenzie

Capall nodded. “Yes, please.” He stood and stretched and then walked over behind her and put his hands on her waist and kissed the back of her neck. “I dunnae even know what time it is. And do we anything we have to do?”

Capall McKenzie

Runa scooped the grounds into the filter and poured water into the reservoir and turned it on. “We need to go camping so we can make this the right way.” Turkaffe was best brewed over a camp fire. She swayed her hips in his hands and hummed a pleasured sound as he kissed her. “It is 0945 and we have nothing. I have tried to keep our schedules clear. Yes we will have to participate in the trainings and upkeep, and calls with Revna, Mike, Ragna, and Seamus, but we need to be able to handle any problems.” She looked back at him over her shoulder, “Most importantly have time for us, or we’ll reach the end of our patience and energy. That’s not good for anyone.”

Runa

Capall grinned as she looked back at him and said “Put a wait on that coffee, wife…” and his hands began to move.

Lunch time…

The food had arrived from the ship’galley and Capall had set the plates and bowls on the table. Fish, vegetables, bread, and various meats were on the lunch menu and Capall was starving. “Runa! Food is here! You’re gonna use every last drip of water on this ship you stay in there much longer!” and he laughed.

Capall McKenzie

Runa came out of the bedroom, slacks and a short sleeved button down blouse, finishing the braid in her hair. “It’s called a sonic shower. Not as luxurious as a warm rain like shower, but it does the job. It is also great for sore muscles. The water supply will survive…for now.” She sniffed, “That smells amazing. Now I just need my turkaffe.” She walked past the table and flipped the coffee on and then sat while it brewed. She started serving and passing dishes back and forth. She eyed the amount of food and then looked at Capall, “Well, at least they understand our increased dietary needs,” and she laughed.

Runa