The Galactic War: Rogue Element ~The Beginning

[Terenia]

Edith frowns, her open expression fading. "Efaen killed my mother," she says bluntly. "She should have been executed, but her memories were wiped instead. Tora wanted to make sure that the wiped version of Efaen still knew about Andalites." Edith doesn't quite sneer at this. Instead, she drops her gaze to the ramp, shrugging. "Tora is a good person. She helped raise me."


Keslin walks in silence for a few moments, glancing around to ensure that no one beyond Ossanlin is listening.

"Nefitt has a special relationship with his host," Keslin says in a low voice. "Prior to joining us, Nefitt was stationed on a Blade Ship, in the recovery ward. The humans he worked with were interrogation hosts." His lips compress together. "It's an unfortunately brutal practice of the Empire. They don't want to waste perfectly good hosts, so they select a few dozen humans from the streets and ship them up to the interrogation rooms. The Empire will reuse them for as long as possible. Nefitt's job was to manage their injuries after interrogation."

He raises his gaze to the ship at large, shrugging almost nonchalantly. "Kevin was one of those hosts. He is...not in his right mind, and understandably so. He was slated to be disposed of as a result of his repeated injuries and mental deterioration. Instead, Nefitt infested him and fled. But Kevin still does not fully understand, and Nefitt still needs to restrain him when he feeds."

[Chad32]

<She really should never have been sent, but after committing her crime, she should have been turned in to her superior officer.> Claxter said. <I am sorry that Terenia convinced your leaders to let Efaen in. Efaen was in a damaged state from years of torture and enslavement. She needed proper rehabilitation before that sort of mission.>

<I don't know what would cause an Andalite to join the Yeerks, or even give up her natural form amongst them. It's a very strange thing.>

[Terenia]

Edith's eyebrows raise. "Why is it strange?" she asks. "Tora wasn't treated well by the Andalites. They cast her aside just because her family had been dishonored. She didn't do anything wrong, and they still treated her badly. Besides, she loves James and Reven. She wanted to be with them." She shrugs. "I think it's sweet."

[Chad32]

<It kind of breaks my image of what Andalites are, and how we behave. I guess I'm just still kind of young. Just the idea of falling in love at all is still a bit foreign to me, and Tora fell in love with someone who isn't even an Andalite? So much so that she nothlitized herself? That's quite a step ahead of where I am.>

[Myitt]

Niko sits cross-legged by the curve of the lake, by a strand of trees that looked like asparagus.

The name for the big plants had escaped him, but not the name for how the lake curved forward, framed by those trees.

"Enos ermarf," he says aloud, smiling to himself. Probably butchered that.

Enos. The Greek word for a mortal man. That makes Niko's smile fade a little, and he picks idly at some of the blue grass beneath his black sneakers. His clothes smelled like grass. Blue jeans and a faded, baggy gray t-shirt. No logo. Nothing spectacular. Just clothing he had been able to wash in a small basin in his room. Some sort of detergent, clearly too strong for clothing.

Not meant for clothing. Andalites didn't really do clothing. Not for the first time, Niko wishes he had a book. Something, anything to occupy his time. He had made a start at learning some of the Andalite language, but it was still shaky and fragmented in the day he'd had to practice. He'd learned  'hello' and the names for a few of the trees and grasses. And, he marvels, the name for a thing that just didn't exist in English, or in Greek.

He shakes his head, trying to ignore the sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach, wondering where his shipboard friends were--and when the rendezvous party would return.

[Luke Skywalker (Ossanlin)]

Ossanlin's human face betrays him once again where his Andalite one would not.  The look of disgust is restrained, but definitely present.  "I have heard of the practice, though only through hearsay.  Could not the Yeerk simply shut himself off from feeling the host's pain?"  He shakes his head.  "It doesn't matter, the poor human would still be tortured over and over."  He nods a bit.  Probably best to keep that bit of information back if possible.  An involuntary host, whether insane or not, could threaten the tenuous peace between the Andalites and rebels aboard.  "There are several open quarters in the Warriors' section.  Arisths too, but there would likely not be enough room within those quarters.  I'm afraid there is not much by way of sound-proofing though.  The shields around the brig can sound-proof...though some might wonder why any of the rebels would wish to stay in the brig..."

He pauses as they reach the doors feeding into the dome, commanding them to open.  The do so seamlessly and he steps onto the grass path that cuts straight through the middle of the structure.  He notes several humans out and about in the dome, some looking rather bored.  He turns to the newly-arrived and gestures with his hand.  "This is the dome.  The host supplement and kandrona supply rests with Myitt.  For now, I ask that you voluntarily confine yourselves to the dome and quarters sections of the ship.  My Warriors are transferring your personal effects to quarters as we speak, and you may retire at any time.  The quarters have been adapted to accommodate human and hork-bajir functions.  Do you have any questions for me?"

He pauses, waiting to see if anyone would speak up.  He gives Keslin a quick glance.  <<We must continue the discussion regarding Nefitt, but if you wish to visit your family with your medics, I'm sure that can wait a moment.>>

[Luke Skywalker (Ossanlin)]

Firin takes in a sharp breath as they enter the dome.  Incredible...an entire miniature eco-system in the middle of space.  The stars are hidden by a projected hologram of the Andalite sky, and even the walls create the illusion of the landscape continuing on as far as the eye can see.  There seems to be a small lake and river...of course, Andalites would be most comfortable drinking in that manner.  A large open plain with a few Andalites galloping for exercise.  And a forested area.  He nearly grins as Rythil perks up a bit...he'd not had the chance to climb real trees in years.

Suddenly he feels Rythil's emotions spike, coupled by a very distinct yearning to turn his head back toward the lake.  Firin does so, and has trouble containing his own response...Niko!  One of the few humans he can have a dialogue with almost comfortably, as long as they discussed physics.  Rythil tries very hard to run over to the human, but Firin clamps down. 

<<We will greet him in a moment.>>

<<Are you kidding?!>>

<<We must attend to Keslin and the Prince.  They may bring up important information.>>

<<We can hear it later!>>

<<No.  We will wait until they are finished speaking.>>

[Chad32]

<<I'd rather sleep in my ship.>> Xevec said.

<<Not sure he'll allow that.>>

<<Of course not. Those grass eaters want to watch and listen to us while we're trying to have some private time.>>


"Hey, uh, Mr. Ossanlin?" Derrel said. "This is Derrel, Xevec's partner. My friend would feel more comfortable if he was able to rest in his ship." His speech patterns and body language were considerably more casual and modest, showing it was a different person speaking.

<<What was that? I wanted you to tell that guy how it's gonna be. Not ask him pretty please.>>

<<Yeah, because I'm such a really big, scary guy. I'm in my thirties and I bench like sixty pounds.>>

"Also what do you have in the way of work? Any manual labor stuff?"

[Aluminator (Kit)]

Aetheas's stalk eyes raise in surprise at Keshin's comment. <Where else would I go?> he asks. The idea that there was another option... he looks over Keshin again, beginning to understand what he really is, what his leaving the Empire has really meant. <I have never before considered the possibility,> he admits, then frowns. <I do not believe I would be any more appreciated outside of Andalite society.>

He closes all four eyes for a moment as he steps into the dome, enjoying the fresh breeze across his fur. When he looks again, he can't help but notice the few humans in the space. Really, the silly-looking aliens stood out amongst the grasses of the homeworld. And he with so much to learn about them.

<This mutation of your hosts's,> he says to Keshin, <does not sound... healthy. I understand why you'd hide it from the Empire, but is it not something our doctors might be able to reverse?> He speaks uncertainly, being unfamiliar with human physiology, attempting to choose words that will not be perceived as offensive.

[Shenmue654]

"It is, but your Captain seems less-than-willing to trust me at the moment," says Keshin, stopping at the same moment as the Andalite at the edge of the dome. "The last time we met War-Prince Ossanlin, we nearly killed him."

The breeze blows across Joanne's face, and Keshin smiles naturally. The air around here was...decidedly unique, but it was getting to be breathable. He wondered dimly how the rebel meeting was going. The situation on the Tyrennian didn't seem like it was going to get any less awkward with more rebels onboard.

<'Ell, seems like it'll get more awkward. We dunno what half the problems of these guys are, or how many of 'em hate Andalites.>

<We'll have to wait until the group returns.>

"As for you...it seems as if your society is no less repressive than ours," says Keshin with a bit of a shrug. "There might be groups of people just outside it who hate the way it is now. But yes, you can't afford to take the chance there are none."

[Luke Skywalker (Ossanlin)]

Ossanlin glances at the human male who'd spoken, his face still a mask of seriousness.  "I assure you, the quarters we are providing for you will supply you with living necessities, as well as a few pleasantries, when compared with a fighter vessel.  As for work...there is much to be done and not enough hands to do it, but you must understand that I have a responsibility to this ship and everyone aboard.  I cannot allow anyone to have the potential to do harm to the vessel or those aboard unless I know without doubt that I can trust him."

[Chad32]

<<Yeah, I'm sure it's got all kinds of neat stuff. Including a hidden camera.>> Xevec said.

<<Look, we'll search the place as well as we can, but I don't want to add friction by trying to sleep in the hangar. It's not like we can do much even if they try to trap us. We can't blast through the hangar door and escape.>>

<<Fine.>>

"Ok. That will be fine." Derrel said. He didn't know how Ossanlin planned to go about ensuring trust, but figured he'd have some idea shortly.

[Terenia]

Edith shrugs a little. "Well, maybe you could learn something from Tora, then," she suggests. Her dark eyes brighten then, as a smile crosses her face. "And I bet I can learn a ton of cool things here. I've always wanted to see an Andalite ship." She is about to continue, but they reach the Dome and her attention is immediately pulled away, eyes going wide as she takes in the massive, self-contained ecosystem.


Keslin nods. "I will show Farrah to our room, but I think it would be prudent if I let her talk to Tess alone." His smile is a bit hesitant. "I am fairly sure that my presence is not wanted for such conversations. Once I return we can discuss my people in more detail." His glance takes in all of the surrounding rebels, lingering on Nefitt only a moment or two longer than the rest.

"Feel free to make yourselves comfortable," Keslin says, raising his voice to include all of them. "If you have any requests and are more comfortable speaking with me first, please do so. Myitt is around as well. For now, we're your points of contact.


Dan's narrowed gaze flits between Ossanlin and Keslin. A glance at the Dome as a whole reveals little reaction. "Who else is here?" he demands. "You, Myitt...who else? Who survived?"

Keslin's patient, professional smile fades a little. "Not as many as we'd like," he admits. "I'll send the full roster to your various comm links. If you want to know about anyone in particular, see me one on one."

That doesn't seem to encourage Dan, who simply rolls his eyes and mutters something profane under his breath. He turns and breaks away from the crowd, heading in the general direction of Niko, watching his feet instead of those around him.

Valerie sighs and gives Keslin a little shrug. "Thank you for everything Keslin. We'll make do. Edith? Your jaw is hanging open. Come with me, I want to find Myitt and go over the food supplies."

Keslin nods. "Farrah? If you'll come with me, I'll take you to see Tess. And our son."

Farrah's eyes light up. "Your son?" she breathes. "You mean she gave birth successfully? But--" The excitement fades a little as she takes in his full meaning. "Oh. Keslin--"

"I've lost one child already, I'd prefer not to lose a second," Keslin says evenly, his smile a little strained. "Come on, I know Tess will be happy to see you."


Nefitt hangs back, behind Xevec, watching with sharp eyes. He glances at Rythil at one point, frowning. "Firin," he murmurs. "If you have a moment, I would like to hear your opinions of this place."

[Luke Skywalker (Ossanlin)]

<<Very well, I will be demorphing soon.  Take your time.>>


___________________ ___________________ _______________


Firin listens to Derrel's question to Ossanlin.  Of course they wouldn't allow people to sleep in the hangar...but Xevec had always been overly paranoid...even for a rebel.  He feels a bit crestfallen when Ossanlin mentions trust....so much for being able to dig into the engineering of this technological symphony.

He's started out of his reverie by Nefitt's frank voice.  He darts another glance at Niko before turning to Nefitt.  "It's an unexpected turn of events, and there's no real way to know if this War-Prince is being truly genuine or not.  But in the end it matters little.  We really have no choice.  The group is survival...the group is life."  He glances at the morphed andalite once again, still speaking to Nefitt.  "There are others here, and they seem to be in good health.  If it's a trap, it's a very elaborate one indeed, and one beyond the scope of Andalites if I'm frank.  Too much hassle.  I'm inclined to believe the majority of what the Andalite is saying.  Of course that doesn't mean everything is truthful, or that everything's been included in his admissions."

He falls silent for a few moments before realizing he should probably ask Nefitt back.  "Do you have thoughts?"

[Chad32]

Claxter was tempted to give Edith a tour, and continue speaking of Tora, but another rebel pulled her away to talk with Myitt. He stood in the dome for a minute, tasting some grass and feeling the openness compared to the ships from earlier. His thoughts drifted back to Efaen, wondering if she was in or near the dome. He also remembered Keshin saying someone had been taken to the medbay. He'd have to ask Aetheas about that the next time they talked. Other than that he just waited to see if Ossanlin still needed him for something.


Derrel started following Valerie to look for Myitt. He wanted to know where the pool was going to be, and where he'd be sleeping.