Posted by Civilian Runa Siff McKenzie (Teacher) in Somewhere Between Here and There

Posted by Civilian Runa Siff McKenzie (Teacher) in Somewhere Between Here and There

Posted by Civilian Capall McKenzie (Colonial Intelligence Agent) in Somewhere Between Here and There
Posted by… suppressed (27) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Over the weeks the days on board had turned somewhat routine. There had been no more fights or divisions between the clan. Well, no divisions anyway. There was no way to avoid disagreements and arguments when you threw people together into a cramped space. The Beck was huge, but it was still a flying tin can, and even with only half the ship full, space seemed to shrink some days.

Runa spent most of her days helping teach. The other half of her days she was on the comms or working on projects for the Oed school system. Runa had created a routine of story time at 1900 every night for the children. It was something that would be easy to continue, no matter how harsh the land was. Everyone was welcome, and most came, children or not, because gathering together was reassuring.

Today though there was no school, no children, no pressing needs that needed her attention. That’s what she told herself anyway. She was carrying knots from her shoulders down to the small of her back. First she was going to soak in the hottest water she could stand, and then she was going down to see about their four legged clan members. Cpt Grek had helped them move things about, and they now had plenty of room to exercise and ride the horses. That meant they were calmer and there was less behavior issues. Stormwhite was still being a pain in her arse though.

Runa

Capall came into their bathroom as she soaked. “Sit up. Lean forward.” he said; and when she did he began rubbing her shoulders and working out the knots. “It’s about time you took a break. You’ve been going non-stop for weeks. I thought that was my job.”

Runa leaned forward and grunted as fire raced through protesting tissue as Capall forced the knits out. It was uncomfortable but once the muscles released it was so worth it. “Nope… both… our… jobs.”

For his part, Capall had been immersed in virtual simulations, computer coding, and programming equipment so it was ready the moment they landed on Oed. The holodeck training and classes had been a huge success, and the clan was already practicing in rhe Oed V holo simulation constantly. And with the help from the unexpected House members, the simulations and virtual classrooms were running almost constantly.

Capall

The biggest surprise was Caitlyn. She was excellent at ‘roughing it’ and outdoor cooking. Her training program was a hit. She was also inadvertently a huge motivator. She put people to shame. When others started complaining about how hard the work was, how difficult, how primitive, or they couldn’t do it (usually out of laziness or misguided frustration) it came out that Caitlyn was blind. But she was there every day, working just has hard, faster, and more accurate than most. Runa knew Caitlin hadn’t said anything, but if one paid attention to details they could tell.

Ashran and the others had been a huge aide to helping people adjust. They had been living a lot more simply than even the Edmans were used to. They integrated slowly at first, but now they were constant participants. The children, all of them, were amazing and accepting of everyone.

Runa dropped her head forward, stretching out the back of her neck. “How’s… your… hiss… arm? Kirsten take care of it?”

Runa McKenzie

Capall had been working with the ship’s crew moving things to make room for the animals and he had twisted his arm and shoulder. “Better.” was all he said as he worked further down her back. “I’m going to start working with Nimbus now that we have the room. And I think I may pull Stormwhite into it, as well. Give him something to concentrate on besides being locked up in the ship. Thoughts?”

Capall

“It would be good for him. He’s always been high strung, from the day he was born. And he’s smart and has a wicked streak. Knows who can and cannot handle him” Runa groaned, but it had nothing to do with his hands on her back. “The Norns are laughing at me. I gifted Stormwhite to Seamus as a joke. Now, I’m stuck with the crazy beast.” Runa sighed as a particularly tight k ot suddenly released. “I think it would be a good idea. I haven’t had time to work with him as much as he needs, and the more people who handle him, the better.”

Runa

Capall nodded behind her in silent agreement as his fingers found a particularly hard knot between her shoulder blades. “This isn’t going to feel good. I’m sorry.” he said.

His thumbs dug into the knot, squeezing and rolling it to stimulate blood flow to the tissue underneath. Years of wrestling had inured him to the pain, both giving and receiving, of massage and working out strained and sire muscles.

Capall McKenzie

“It’s okay.” Runa grunted as her shoulders thrust back and her back arched some at first anyway before she was able to force herself to relax. Runa wasn’t the athlete Capall was, but she’d had her share of falls, bruising, and torn muscles from years of riding. Runa was quiet as he dug into the muscles. The only indication of discomfort was deeply held breaths that were released slowly.

She looked over her shoulder at him, “You’re magic.” It was painful but a relief when the knot released. Her shoulders slumped forward and she rolled her head slightly. “We’ll have to make sure Donald posts a schedule. They all need work and we should have more than enough people to make sure none of the horses get over looked.” Runa knew she had neglected Soble too and though the mare was calm and even tempered she needed out of her stall too.

Runa McKenzie

“They did that yesterday.” he said as his fingers moved further downnand started on her lower back that was still under the hot water. “And I think all the kids are going to start working with the animals once or twice a week. That will help them get exercise, I’m sure.”

Capall McKenzie

“It will be good for all of them. And now with more room they can take lessons if they want. Susie is really nervous about it. Ashran is going to bring her up to see them tomorrow.”

Mostly things were going well, but Runa could tell that some were not taking to space travel well. Especially some of the children. There was nervousness and their routines had changed dramatically. She hoped working with the animals would relieve some of that.

Runa McKenzie

Bump

“It will help all of us, I think.” Capall replied. “Anything we can do to lower some of the anxiety will ripple. And maybe once we can get that under control a bit, we can make more headway on garnering some kind of administrative organization. We need to get it at least a little formalized so people know who to ask for what.”

Capall

Runa nodded. “The sooner the better, and we need to make sure we have a mix from both clans. Stop divisions. And the six of us can’t handle it all ourselves. There is too much and too many people.” The water was starting to cool and all the work he did on her back would be for naught. “Should we go riding? Or is there something else we should do first?” She stood as the water cascaded off her and stepped out of the suken tub, reading for a towel.

Runa

Capall had a way of looking at his wife that was both respectful and lecherous all at the same time. “Oh… I have some ideas.” he said softly and handed her a towel… albeit a hand towel… and he grinned.

Capall

Runa looked at the towel and would have had a hard time hiding her grin if she had tried to do so. “Oh, I bet you do.” She gave him a look that was both loving and teasing. “Now how am I supposed to get dry with this? I can’t possibly reach everywhere with this.” She sighed, and grinned at him over her shoulder holding the towel back out to him. “You’ll just have to help.”

Runa

“If the lady insists.” he said and took the towel from her…

=/\= Mr. McKenzie, sir. This is Lachlan McTeague. =/\= The speaker was one of the newest members of the team that would be using the holosimulator of the land for one of the first full cycles. =/\= We need you in the simulator. =/\= Capall’s eyes had been closed for a few hours, but they flashed open when the communications terminal activated. =/\= What’s going on Lachlan? =/\= Capall asked. =/\= It’s the two Edman brothers. Sander and Olav. They decided that they don’t need to help get the gear unpacked and setup. They said, and I quote, that ‘that should be the work for a woman.’ I’m telling you, sir… there is gonna be a whole heaping helping of trouble if you don’t get down here. =/\=

Capall grunted and said =/\= On my way. =/\= He looked at Runa and said “What can you tell me about those two?”

Capall

Runa heard ‘Edman brothers’ and cursed. She knew who was scheduled for the simulator. Those two were nothing but trouble. She was already dressed by the time Capall asked the question. “Trouble. Always have been. Gave Kirsten and Ada a heap of trouble when they were in school because they were ‘adopted’ clan. Drunks and touchy feely when they are. Ragna put ‘em in their place a few years ago for talk like that. None of the women will go near them. When they came of age, Da and Uncle Oddvar sat them down and told them to straighen up or they would be kicked out of the clan. That they couldn’t hide behind their parents anymore. They have toed the line since. Now that Da and Oddvar aren’t here, they seem to be feeling at their leisure.”

Runa

Capall nodded and stood up and got dressed… oddly enough in kilt and short-sleeved shirt instead of his normal pants and long-sleeved ones. He pulled on his boots and walked to the door, waiting for Runa to join him before walking out and heading to the holodeck… but not before making a stop at the lower decks where the animals were kept. “Just a sec.” he said and walked inside, coming back out with a something wrapped in a white towel.

Runa eyed the bundle, but didn’t ask. As they stepped in, the tension was palpable. She was debating if she should have brought sword and shield with her. She also remembered this ship did have a brig, albeit small, and she would be hapoy to make use of it.

They walked into the holodeck and Capall said =/\= Computer, pause program. =/\= and everything froze. “Sander and Olav Edman! Come ‘ere! I need to talk to you, please!” he called out to the room / simulation.

Capall

Runa scanned the crowd and spotted the two lounging against some crates. Thyra obviously was needing the crate they were on, and she wasn’t putting up with their nasty behavior. She was berating them for their lack of work and loyalty to clan. In a minute Olav was going to have a set of nail scratches across his face if he didn’t watch out. Hearing Capall’s voice ring out, Thyra stepped back from them and turned to look.

Runa

Capall looked at the two brothers and waited to see if they moved. When they didn’t, he just shrugged and said “And here I thought Edman men knew how to answer the call of their leaders. I guess the two of you really aren’t of Edman stock then… are ya?” His brogue was deep and his voice firm. The words elicited the desired response. The two stood up and were about to make fools of themselves when Rakjar Edman looked their way. The old fisherman said “He’s not wrong, you sea-foamed brain buffoons. You act like that, it reflects on all of us. I’m just glad the McKenzie is a good man; otherwise I’m sure he’d have had it with the lot of us by now.” His condemnation set heavy on the brothers, and they slowly walked towards Capall.

Capall smiled at them and said “Thank you. Now then… I hear tell that you two have decided that moving the equipment for assembly and staging is…” and he looked back at Runa, “… what did they call it?”

Capall

They glanced at Runa but didn’t look at her directly. No one wanted to mess with Runa. She was trouble or she ended it. “Women’s work.” There was a dark feral look to her eyes. She would like to show them what ‘women’s work’ was. They were being disgraceful. “And last I checked, the Edman half of our clan chiefs is a woman.”

Runa

Capall nodded. “Ah yes. ‘Women’s work’. Ok. Fair enough.” and he began to slowly unwrap the bundle in his hand. “I’m not gonna argue with you. All I know is is that the equipment needs to be moved and staged for assembly. I also know that everyone else here has a job to do and, from tha looks of things, seem to be doing their jobs. So it’s only logical that I meet you halfway. If doing what needs ta be done is women’s work…” and the towel fell to the deck leaving the non-powered shearing shears in his hand, “… then I guess women is what you are gonna have to be.” and he squeezed the shears together to make a metallic snick-snick-snick sound.

Capall

Years of dealing with wayward students had given Runa a poker face that couldn’t be shaken. Inside she was laughing hysterically at the looks on their faces. First they laughed at the idea of Capall insulting them to make them work, then the laughter died when they really looked at him and then at Runa. They swallowed after looking at each other. Sander’s mouth opened and shut a few times, but no sound came out. Their faces were hot with shame.

“Awww, Lord McKenzie. I get why ya don’t want them in yer ranks, but we women folk don’t want them either. They’d never keep up,” Theresa Carlaw chimed in.

“Fair enough, but Eunuchs have a long and storied history in many cultures.” Capall said without looking away from the brothers. “I’m sure they will carry the tradition proudly.”

Olav stopped stammering. “No, Sir. I think my brother and I have insulted the gir…” he looked at Runa, “the ladies enough for many life times.”

Runa

Capall didn’t say a word, but he walked up to them and then drove the shears into the top of one of the crates, burying the blades deep into the top. He stepped up to both of them so that he was almost chest to chest. “You boys leave those right there until the simulation is over. As a reminder. When the sim is done, you’ll take them back down to the stables and you’ll shear every sheep we have, wash the wool, and then go and help the weavers make yarn. Maybe then you’ll have a better appreciation for the work the women of our clan do. But until then? Do. Your. Jobs. Got it?”

Capall

The brothers nodded vigorously eyeing the sheers and windering how they would get them out of the crate later. “Yes Sir, Lord McKenzie.” Rakjar cleared his throat loudly giving the boys a pointed look. They looked at Rakjar with confusion and he pointed at Runa. “Oh…uh right…we’re sorry Lady Runa. It won’t happen again.”

Runa didn’t bother to walk over. “You are right, it won’t. Because if it does, there will be no more second chances for either of you. I promise you if you step out of line, I will put all my considerable knowledge and experience of space travel to use. I will personally and intimately introduce you to the hazards that surround us. You will beg and wish Capall had made you eunuchs instead. Lachlan and in his stead, Rakjar, is in charge. You do what he says, how he says it. Is that clear enough for you? Or do I need to get a sticker chart like I use with the toddlers?”

Runa

Bump

Capall set a hand on his wife’s shoulder and said “I think they get the point, dear.” and the two young men nodded their heads vigorously and turned and began moving equipment in earnest. Capall looked at Lachlan and Rakjar. “Contact me if anything else needs addressed. And remember: this is just practice. It’s okay to make mistakes.” Lachlan nodded and said “Aye. But we’re gonna do it till we get it right. Thank you… both of you… for helping with the lads. We’ll take it from here.”

Runa glared at the two brothers. Their behavior was beyond shameful, it was outright dishonorable. She smiled at Lachlan, “Anything you need, just tell us.” He was a good sort and she liked him. He was a good choice for this group.

Capall watched a moment and then said =/\= Computer. Resume program. =/\= He looked down at Runa and said “One bomb defused. Now what, Lady Runa?”

Capall

“Horses.” Runa walked out of the holodeck and turned toward a lift. “The other animals are getting treated to visits from the children this week. So the stable area will be quiet, and we might get some productive work done. More importantly,” she tucked her hand into the bend of his arm leaning in, “it will be fun.”

Runa

Capall nodded and walked with her to the lift, taking it down to where the horses were stabled. Capall walked to Nimbus’ stall and made a clicking sound. The massive stallion came forward and dropped his head on Capall’s shoulder. “Hey there, my friend. How are ya?” he asked softly and stroked the neck of the horse. He reached over and grabbed a training bridle and slipped it on. “C’mon, lad… let’s get some laps in.” and he began to lead him to the small arena they had managed to carve out of the stacked supply crates.

Capall

Runa made her way to a stall near the end. Sobel stuck her head out with a soft nicker. She bumped her nose against Runa, looking for attention. Runa wrapped her arms around the massive neck and pressed her face into the silky coat. “There’s my girl. You feel up to some exercise?” She reached for the bridle hanging next to the stall and the latch made a metallic slither as she unlocked the stall.

A loud whiney and the sound of hooves beating a stall echoed through the large bay. Runa didn’t say a word; she just turned, squared her shoulders, and gazed directly at Stormwhite in the eye. It took several long moments before the horse began to ‘chew his cud’ and snort. Runa took a single step toward him. Stormwhite tossed his head and shook his main. After more ling moments he finally took a step back and dropped his head to the ground. Runa walked over, keeping the eye contact and put a large net over the opening of his stall. Then she turned and went back to Sobel.

Ruba led the ebony mare out and settle a special bareback pad with a lot of loops and straps on her back. She lifted herself up onto Sobel’s back and started her off at a long paced walk that stretched and warmed up the muscles.

Runa

Bump

Capall and Nimbus were already moving around the ring. Every so often, Capall would reach down and pat the giant horse’s neck and offer soft words of encouragement or praise. As they all moved, it was as if- for a moment- everything was back to normal and they weren’t hurtling through space at five times the speed of light. It was quiet and serene…

And then a streak of ebony shot across the deck and almost crashed into Nimbus and Capall. Nimbus reared back in surprise and Capall yelled “***ACH! YE DAMNED BLACK GOAT! WHADDAYA DOING?!?!” at Angus, who seemed to dance with a bit of a satisfied prance at the shock in horse and rider. Capall strained to stay in the saddle, and to Nimbus’ credit, he took the shock in stride and lowered himself to the ground. Angus bleated and hopped happily at his mischief… until a large hoof set gently on his back and pressed him solidly to the deck. Not hard enough to hurt him… but more than firm enough to hold him.

Capall