Posted by Noril Zoi (Captain) in Demanding my Due

Posted by Vashkilu (Infiltrator) in Demanding my Due

Posted by Jaiturk (PIT) in Demanding my Due
Posted by… suppressed (49) 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

It wasn’t delicate at all, though he could tell she wanted to be. She pulled her hand back from his temple and then let go of his hand.

Exhaustion hit her and made her momentarily light-headed. She stayed where she was, on the edge of the tub. She watched him closely to make sure she hadn’t hurt him.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

It wasn’t delicate at all. It was like he was standing on a ladder except the legs broke and sent him crashing to the ground. His head started pounding and he couldn’t focus at all. The sudden change woke and alarmed Sisnil. What happened? His voice reached both of them.

~ N, Captain

He sounded so stern, demanding, menacing. His voice came through so easily from across the suite. He had been asleep. It scared Vash, and she looked at Noril. She couldn’t reach Sisnil from in here. She would have to go to him. She rose and turned to leave the room.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Noril reached to brush her arm, his hand coming out of the water making splashing noises. “Vash, it’s okay. He won’t be angry, he’s just worried,” he called after her.

Sisnil looked at Vash as she entered. Judging by the floor, he’d gotten out and then back in. It was soaked. “Vash. You didn’t have to come here.”

~ N, Captain

Vash walked over and knelt beside him she offered her hand to him. I can’t explain so far away.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Trusting her based on Noril’s word, he took her hand. Noril’s given me the quick rundown version. I’m not upset with you.

~ N, Captain

She was very careful not to project anything other than her thoughts. You asked for an explanation. Noril was showing me how touch helps my telepathy. I could tell he was struggling to handle everything and he was also tired. I offered to help him. He said I could, but after awhile he made me stop because I’m injured. But my gifts don’t linger after I break contact.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

The sudden mental strain hurt him, Sisnil said gently. I woke to his pain, worried something was wrong. I didn’t mean to upset you.

~ N, Captain

I know. I am very sorry for that. The remorse in her was too great to be anything other than sincere. I warned him. I wanted to continue until he was more rested, but he insisted.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

He was trying to protect you. You’re crew now, Vash. Either of us would give our lives for you. Sisnil said. He squeezed her hand. You like it. The intensity the physical contact gives you.

~ N, Captain

Vash respected the sentiment, but didn’t think such extremes were necessary. Theirs was a dangerous life, but dying for her seemed extreme. However. The statement gave her great insight into their personalities and the foundation of the people she would be living with. They were family and loyal.

She nodded at his statement. She wasn’t surprised that he realized it, but it was quite different having Sisnil see into her so deeply than Noril. Interesting. Yes, I do. It makes this, she waved a finger between his head and hers, easier. I told Noril, the only tele-empathic person I ever met was my tutor. There has been no one to connect with.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil gave her a calculating look, like he was staring straight into her soul. Noril told you we’d train you. He is right, we will. It’ll be easier for you when you’re healed. He smiled slightly, You like him, don’t you?

~ N, Captain

I think I am going to like you both, very much. It was true, but a diplomatic answer. Yes, I do. He is quiet but quite deadly. He’s understanding and quite observant.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

That’s his thing. He’s as good with technology as I am, but not as good with people. He’s better at technical stuff, strategy and things. I’m better with people and on the spot thinking. It’s why we form such a good team.

~ N, Captain

Teams work best that way. Variety ensures that you have more pools of experience to pull from in any given situation. If you are wise enough to listen. There were other things she liked about Noril, and both the twins probably knew it too. He thinks he isn’t leader enough, but I believe he will surprise himself.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

He will do fine. Sisnil shrugged, I don’t see a time he’ll have to worry about it though.

~ N, Captain

Hope is a dangerous thing. It is Powerful, but relying on it to prevent the unthinkable leads to folly, Vash thought daringly.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil glanced at her, somewhat surprised. She could tell through their link he wasn’t at all offended or affronted, just surprised by her wisdom. Maybe I’ll make him lead more often, then.

~ N, Captain

Wisdom hard learned from life, she thought with a wealth of hard memories tinging the emoathic taste of her thoughts. You have to take a break some time. You are protective of him. You trust him completely, but you put yourself as the target, the focus, to protect him. You care for them all, but who cares for you?

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

You, apparently, he teased, but it was light-hearted. He shrugged. Noril does.

~ N, Captain

If that is how I can best serve you, then I will use all my considerable talent and training to do so. It was a serious tease. He does. You are both very close, but you hide the strain on yourself from him. I can feel it.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

He shrugged again. We are the same age but he’s ‘younger’, if you know what I mean. I will always protect him the way anyone protects a younger sibling. Even if it is by minutes.

~ N, Captain

Sisnil was amusing. She wasn’t sure he realized that Noril protected him just as much. He eas more subtle about it. She liked Sisnil, he had a good compass inside him. His words caused her to laugh, and then she began to cough which only made the pain worse.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil stood from the water and rubbed her back gently. Try to relax and breathe. Go get some water to drink or something. You can have that, can’t you?

~ N, Captain

Vash shook her head, taking deep breaths to ease stop the coughing. No swallowing, no talking. No use of any muscles in that area. According to the doctor. I may try a small sip of water though. She looked up at him with a grateful smile. I will be fine. Vash stood as well, admiring the man in front of her. Similar but very different from his brother. Letting go of his hand she turned and retrieved a towel from the cabinet. It was warm and made of a very plush soft cotton like matterial. She handed it to him.

He wrapped himself in the towel and stepped out. Thanks. And uh, sorry.

Vash took a few quick steps forward and touched his arm, Why? Her touch conveyed her confusion and curiosity. She had no idea why he was apologizing.

The brothers would sense a pair of people coming towards the suite. A slave with only a goal of delivering the clothes requested and a loyal guard Lieutenant in Mezerc’s house. He was looking for Vash and a fight.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil stopped cold, as if struck by something. His expression turned serious. “I’ll get the door. You will stay here.” There was his captain voice. This was the first time Vash would hear it. She heard the door to the bathroom Noril was in open as well. Noril took his place deeper in the room with sight to the door, keeping Vash behind him. Sisnil went to the door and waited for the knock.

~ N, Captain

Vash stayed, which wasn’t like her. The instant and deadly change in Sisnil demanded obedience, and she recognized it. Something was wrong, though she had no idea what.

From where she was she could see as Noril came out and then put himself between her and the door. The change in him was more striking. It was fascinating. They were protecting her. Vash lived in a world that was constantly dangerous, and she was used to relying only on herself for security. But she felt safe with them watching.

A loud reverberating knock rattled the door. Vash edged around so she could see, but Noril blocked her view.

When the door opened a large Orion male stood there. He was built, armed, and his gaze took in everything in a flicker of a second. He wasn’t happy with what he saw or didn’t see.

Beside him was a young girl, maybe 8, holding a stack of clothes. She didn’t expect to see Sisnil and she hesitated. It wasn’t his towel inly dress, but he wasn’t Vash that threw her. The man with her looked down and gently placed a hand on her back, encouraging her forward. “Umm, Lady Vashkilu requested these delivered here.” She had expected to give them to Vash. Her eyes darted about hoping to see her. The girl liked Vash, thought of her as a sort of favorite aunt. Remembering her duty, she held them up for Sisnil. “These are for you. Would you like me to hang them, Favored son of Mezerc?”

The guard didn’t particularly like that title though it was correct. His face remained disciplined and neutral though.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

Sisnil turned a friendly expression towards the girl. He took the clothes. “No thanks. I’m putting them on now, anyway.” He said. He stared down the man as he went to close the door.

~ N, Captain

The girl handed him the clothes and bowed respectfully. She bit her lip nervously. She wanted to make sure Lady Vashkilu knew she had done a good job. “My name is Lira. It is an honor to serve the honored sons of Mezerc.” She bowed again and then hurried off.

The guard looked at the pathetic little man, holding his hand up to prevent the door closure without so much as a twitch on his face as he did. “Not so fast, ‘Favored Son’ I want to look at you” he said, his voice sharp on the first consonants and hanging on the word’s end as he maintained the neutral tone. He wasn’t just a guard, he was now the Second and the man who was deserving of both the title, and the woman.

~Jaiturk, PIT~

Vash didn’t need to see the man or the girl. She knew both their voices. The girl, Lira, was sweet and eager to learn and work hard. She had a solid future with her work ethic. Vash liked her and took the time to mentor her.

The man was Domov. Vash knew him well enough. He was loyal and had a way with working with others. He wasn’t as shrewd in business as her father’s Lt had been. He also had a need to constantly prove himself. His life had been hard. A younger unwanted son in a family with no wealth or respect. He had worked himself up from nothing to buy a place in her father’s house.

If her father was wise, he would choose Domov as his new Lt. Vash had no idea why he was there though. She couldn’t sense their emotions, she had to be in close proximity.

Vashkilu, Infiltrator

“Domov,” Sisnil said, picking the name out of Vash’s mind. “You want to be chosen as the new lieutenant, no?” Orions were so easy to read. “Do you think picking fights with your boss’s honored guests will help you earn that title?” He raised his arms, “So look, and then get.”

Noril, still standing defensively near Vash, said telepathically, Lira wanted you to see she’d done a good job. Tell her she was perfect.

~ N, Captain

Domov eyed the man and didn’t so much as give a flicker of motion in his face besides his eyes. There was an anger, a hatred, these two went from mere pilots to honored guests for what? Revealing one secret?

He lowered his hand from the door and stood blocking the room’s only exit. He looked at Lira and nodded, “You’ve done well, I’ll report perfect marks. Now. I want you to go before anything happens.” He said, not knowing of the telepathic conversation.

He had always had a soft spot for the young, for the children. If it were any other circumstance he would be fighting for them, but alas, it wasn’t.

“You speak diplomatically, and forthrightly. But can you protect her? Can you keep her truly safe?” He said, stepping in with an attitude of determination.

~Jaiturk, PIT~