Albatross
Demanding my Due
Posted by Vashkilu (Infiltrator) in Demanding my Due
Posted by Noril Zoi (Captain) in Demanding my Due
Posted by Vashkilu (Infiltrator) in Demanding my Due
Posted by… suppressed (17) by the Post Ghost! 👻(snip)
I’m worried that you are. But I shouldn’t be, I can sense that you are not. Noril shrugged. It doesn’t make sense.~ N, Captain
Vash had a quick mind. It had made her invaluable on Hattal’s ship. A difference in cultures. It is making you uncomfortable, your concern for me. It was sweet.
I can only reassure you that I am fine. She considered a moment. Perhaps you would let me demonstrate some of my skills? I could ease the strain for you. Of watching out for yourself and Sisnil.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
Noril hesitated. Sisnil wouldn’t approve. But there was no sense of anything malicious in Vash. She truly just wanted to help. He nodded. Okay. Go ahead.
~ N, Captain
Vash shifted something she was sitting at the edge of the tub, her feet in the water, facing him more fully. Tell me to stop if it feels off. I haven’t done this with another telepath since my tutor left. She reached out her other hand and hesitated before her finger tips touched him.
He could feel how she was concentrating and centering. Her mind was refreshingly open. He could hear her thoughts run through every lesson she had had, every time she had done this since and why. She wanted to help him, and prove herself.
Then her finger tips touched his temple. There was a slow seeping warmth and light. Then stamina filled him. It didn’t make his gifts stronger, but he felt as if he could manage to guard them both for hours if not days on his own. His perceptions and senses didn’t change, except perhaps being more aware of Vash for the first few seconds as she balanced her way through it.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
It was a very innocent touch but the gentleness and the chemistry between them made it sensual in a way that made Noril a little uncomfortable just because of her age. Suddenly he felt more alert, it was easier to keep track. As if she’d just added a bunch of ‘memory’ to his brain, to use a technological metaphor. He seemed to relax a little. Whatever you’re doing, keep doing it.
~ N, Captain
Are you sure? She sifted as if nervous. She was feeling his discomfort. You feel uneasy. Other Deltans can break contact, but I can’t if you want me to continue.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
It’s not that. It’s… I have… Uhm, feelings. And you’re… Quite a lot younger than me, he admitted.
~ N, Captain
He felt her surprise. Oh. Is that taboo in your culture? The Orion culture had strict rules about the type of work children could do, but Vas was an adult. I promise I am not manipulating your feelings.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
I sense your sincerity. It’s so clear… Noril looked at her. Our connection is stronger than I’m used to. Only Sisnil and I have this strong of an empathic link. He smiled and brush a hand down her arm. Yes. Like humans, we view sixteen year olds as children. To be with somebody your age when I’m in my twenties is… not AS taboo as humans think it is, but not really acceptable either.
~ N, Captain
Goosebumps chased down her arm where his hand had been. I understand. It was more that Vash understood it was a cultural thing and acknowledged that. Is this type of clarity unusual? She had no idea, she thought perhaps it was the strength of his talents.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
Yes, Noril replied. My talents mean I can always sense the emotions of everyone around me, but to feel them so deeply is unusual. He explained. He smiled. I… I want you to know it’s nothing to do with you specifically. There was a small blush, a sense of embarrassment accompanying it.
~ N, Captain
I’ve never felt anything or anyone quite so…intensely as this. It is really astonishing. Her eyes twinkle at his slight blush. It’s alright, you don’t need to explain. I’m not offended.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
It’s because of my abilities, Noril said. When you commune with a telepath, it’s easier than a non telepath. Especially Orions, who possess exactly zero empathic or telepathic ability.
~ N, Captain
I’ve never heard thoughts before. I can usually figure out why someone feels the way they do, but it’s not perfect. It’s not, Vash stared at him thoughtfully, like this at all.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
Noril smiled. Telepathy is different, for sure. If I were to only feel the emotions, to me it would feel like being deaf, like I could read the body language but not hear the words.
~ N, Captain
I would feel the same if I lost my empathy. It has saved me more than once. Vash had an iron will, that was clear, but there was a wavering in the connection. She rarely used her gifts for prolonged stretches, but more significantly she was still injured after an almost lethal encounter.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
There was a rush of concern and care. Are you okay? Rest, Vash. Please. You’re still hurt. Noril said. He patted the edge of the tub. Sit. Let me take on the majority of maintaining the connection.
~ N, Captain
I’m alright. She was stubborn and had a chip on her shoulder. Vash shifted to sit more comfortably. You can’t maintain this for me, she wiggled her fingertips gently at his temple, I have to. To help relieve the strain she had to keep the connection and her concentration. I don’t give in to injury. It’s a death sentence here.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
You will rest, Noril said with authority. You’re no use if you don’t heal. The irony of a Zoi brother saying so was palpable, not that Vash would know that yet. You could stop trying to help me maintain my abilities. That would be easier on you.
~ N, Captain
Ah so he did carry authority. He was quiet, letting Sisnil take the lead, but he was equally capable. He was her new master, so she should obey even though they said it wouldn’t be like that. She was mischievous though. And she had a smile that made you want to let her be that way. You requested that I continue, now you request that I rest. I cannot do both, Noril.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
Noril eyed her playfully. I like it. But I requested you continue before I felt the connection waver. Felt your pain. Now I know you need rest.
~ N, Captain
She grinned wider. She liked the way he was looking at her. The playful tone to his emotions. I was asleep in the medical ward. That was rest. A bubble of emotion floated up quickly and the. Was hidden behind playfulness. Noril caught it though. She didn’t want to break the tele-empathic connection. It was too new and amazing. She’d never had that, never come close to experiencing it. She didn’t want to give it up. I just have never held a connection for more than a few moments. My stamina will get better.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
It will. Doesn’t mean you need to exhaust yourself. Noril looked at her and smiled. You’re coming with us. There will be a lot of time to practice.
~ N, Captain
Alright, she said it as if she was giving in even though she didn’t think she needed to. I don’t know how it will affect you when I break the connection. Whatever I do, ends as soon as I let go.
Vashkilu, Infiltrator
You ever carry something heavy with someone and have them drop their end? It’ll be something like that. Noril smiled again. “I’m ready.*
~ N, Captain