NaNoWriMo: Days 13-14
Dec. 1st, 2012 12:53 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
polychrome_penPrompt 13: Test
Apex, her father Aaron, Orak, Miriam, and Councilman Joshua sat around the small conference table, trying to hammer out details about the upcoming Aristotle Mark II test flight. They had been there all evening, and as Apex looked at the chrono on the wall, she saw it was well past midnight. Orak was practically asleep, and Miriam took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes.
"Well, what about Amod?" Aaron asked. They had been going over the dragonator detail for who would accompany the Aristotle on its first two-day mission.
Apex shook her head. "Is your memory going, Father? You do remember the Scavenger incident, right? Given he and Titan's history with that, I think he's out of the running." Apex looked at her ice-cold cup of coffee and throwing better judgment to the wind, drained the rest of the cup.
"So let's go over the list again - we established we're looking only at DF Teams One and Two for this mission," Joshua piped in. "Apex is field commander for this mission, and Summit would be good as a second hand to help with the tech side of things. We've established Z'neth cannot be spared for such a mission, and well, let's just say the consensus on Peak was a lack of...experience. Amod is also out for obvious reasons, and Dram is still on special assignment. Though if absolutely necessary, I'm sure he would be happy to assist this operation."
Aaron disagreed. "Dram's work with the Dramen is of critical importance, and in a very delicate stage. I wouldn't pull him back for anything other than a D4 alert."
"Well then our questions are answered. Zarkan and Nora will work alongside Summit and Apex," Joshua said.
"Finally!" Orak said, appearing to wake up. He had gone over the final technical details to the group hours ago, and made a surprise announcement that he would personally be overseeing the Mark II's test flight, saying it was his baby and in no way would he let them crash it into another mountain. "I'm going to bed. See you all for the announcement tomorrow morning." His chair scraped against the floor as he got up and recycled his cup.
"Our science team has all been informed as well," Miriam added, speaking for Aaron as well. "Once it went around the biology division what we were undertaking, I had to practically place a guard at the door to prevent people from throwing their research requests at me!"
Aaron chuckled. "Well Miriam, you are the one who wanted us to undertake these large-scale research missions again."
"And I think it's a wonderful idea," Apex added, stifling a yawn. "But I think I need to follow Orak's example and turn in. Tomorrow's announcement is going to be a big day."
*****
Apex's prediction held true the next day as Joshua and the Council stood behind the primary research team, and Aaron and Apex called Zarkan and Nora up to the front of the crowd, where they both graciously accepted the assignment. (Apex had been kind enough to message them after the previous night's meeting with the decision, so that they were aware of their selection for the mission.)
After the announcement, preparations began in earnest for the test flight. Orak, accompanied by Apex, took the Mark II for a quick spin to Mount Alayas and back, and was delighted that the new engines he had designed appeared to work perfectly. He also tested the miniature Warp Cannons that had been installed on the dorsal and ventral sides of the ship. The way they pulverized the target disks gave Apex great hopes for the damage they could do to a horde of gremwings if any trouble arose belowclouds.
To Apex's annoyance, however, Orak had dropped the ship through the Warp Winds without authorization, testing its ability to survive the howling maelstrom. When she confronted him about it after they docked back at Airlandis, he had simply shrugged and reminded her that the ship was his design, and he was responsible for testing it. "I can't very well let a huge group go into the Warp Winds in an untested ship, now can I?" he responded smugly. Apex found this infuriating, but his reasoning was still quite sound. She would have probably done the same in his situation.
Aaron and Miriam were almost buried in getting all their technical equipment on board. They had extended the third research position to a brilliant geophysicist from the University named Eleazar. He was honored to be their choice, and flew into preparations with gusto.
A week later, the three researchers, four dragonators, Orak, Joshua, Z’neth and several of the Skywatch personnel attended a final briefing.
“Welcome everyone,” Aaron said, floating to the front of the group. “As you know, tomorrow morning we launch on our two-night excursion to Old Earth. I don’t have to remind you all how dangerous this mission is – we have avoided spending too much time on Old Earth since Dread Wing came into power, but hopefully this signals a new era.
“Still, we are trying to take adequate precautions. The Aristotle is equipped with a unique vox channel frequency that has never been used before. It is shared between the ship, the four dragonators, and Skywatch only. This will minimize the chance that Dread Wing can pick up our communications. The ship is also equipped with the best scanning system available, and can disappear from sensors for a limited time.”
“Limited being the key word,” Orak growled. “That system is new. Use it only in the event of necessary escape.”
Aaron nodded. “During the trial, safety is our paramount concern.”
*****
The next day dawned bright and clear. A crowd had gathered to see the group off as the Aristotle was moved to the launch platform. The team, arrayed in their flight suits, waved to the crowd and stopped for a holo image before boarding the vehicle. With the call from Skywatch, the dragonators mounted their dragons and headed for the closest Wind Pit. Airlandis had moved further away from Dread Wing’s known flight paths, but the dragonators were going down first to determine whether or not it was safe for the ship to cross the Warp Winds.
Miriam sat at the communications station of the cockpit, monitoring transmissions from Skywatch and the surface, while Orak monitored all ship systems, Eleazar was on tactical and scanning, and Aaron flew the ship.
“Aristotle, this is Dragonator One,” Apex said across the secure vox channel. “Please come in, Aristotle.”
“Aristotle here,” Miriam replied. “What is the situation belowclouds, Dragonator One?”
“Not a mutant or Dark Dramen for miles. The dragons don’t sense anything either,” Apex reported.
“Did you copy that, Skywatch?” Aaron asked.
“Affirmed. You are cleared for takeoff at any time Aristotle. May dragons fly you home,” they said, the traditional blessing.
Orak flicked switches and looked like a pianist as his hands flew over a console that went through a kaleidoscope of colors. “Amber crystal reactor is operating at full output. Let’s burn some wing,” Orak said with a grin.
“Skywatch, we are taking off,” Miriam said.
Orak engaged the twin engines on the side of the craft that allowed for vertical takeoff. The ship rumbled slightly before rising into the air. The passengers could hear the cheers from the flight deck.
“I’m taking her out,” Aaron said, engaging the flight controls. The engine at the ship’s rear came to life and the Aristotle shot forward into the blue sky. Aaron made a few circles around Airlandis to give the citizens a good view of the ship (and allow Orak to monitor the ship’s functions in safe airspace one more time).
“It’s incredible!” Eleazar exclaimed. This was the first time he had ever been outside the city, and seen the majesty of Airlandis floating in the heavens.
“The view’s about to get a whole lot worse,” Orak responded. “I’m initiating preparations for the Warp Wind drop. Call us out, Miri.”
Miriam nodded. “Aristotle to Dragonator One. We are above the drop site and will be coming through soon.”
“Acknowledged, Aristotle. See you on the other side,” Apex said.
“Deploying shielding,” Eleazar said. Large metal plates slid into place across the windows and hatches throughout the ship, including the forward viewport.
“We’re going in,” Aaron replied, angling the ship toward the Warp Winds and hitting the throttle. The Aristotle shot forward into the howling winds, sending bone-jarring vibrations though the passengers. Turbulent forces pulled and pushed on the ship, but the shielding held steady. Aaron gave the throttle another press, and the Aristotle spun out of the Warp Winds.
“I can’t engage the thrusters!” Orak shouted. “Something must have been damaged passing through!” The ship began a sickening plunge toward the lava pits and craggy rocks below.
“Dragonators, requesting emergency landing procedures!” Miriam cried into the communicator. Winged shapes swooped around the plummeting vessel, then suddenly their descent was jerked to a violent halt, sending the passengers shaking out of their seats.
“This is Dragonator One,” Apex said. “Is everyone all right?” Her voice was worried.
Miriam looked around the cabin. “We’re a little bruised, but it’s nothing a good dermal regenerator won’t take care of.”
“Glad to hear it,” Apex replied. “Blaze Wind spotted a nice canyon to set you down in about a mile away. We’re going there, and then we’ll plan from there.”
The dragons carried the Aristotle to the designated landing site and gently sent her down. As soon as they were on the ground, Zarkan was rushing in to make sure his sister, uncle, and the others were okay.
“My heart was in my throat when I saw the ship come spinning out of the Warp Winds!” Zarkan exclaimed, giving Miriam a hug. Summit, Nora, and Apex followed in behind him.
“What happened?” Summit asked, turning to Orak.
“I don’t know yet, but I could sure use your help in the engine room figuring that out,” Orak growled, motioning for Summit to follow him down the hatch in the floor to the amber reactor and engineering room below the cockpit.
“Well, until that problem is solved, I say we stay here for now,” Aaron suggested. He looked down on Eleazar’s scans. “This valley seems to be an ideal, protected place to make our repairs before getting underway.”
“But no sense in letting an opportunity for study go to waste,” Eleazar suggested. “This canyon has some very interesting geologic formations I would love to get a closer look at.”
“I don’t see that that would be a problem. But we go out only in pairs,” Apex said. “Nora, go with Dr. Eleazar. Summit, go with Miriam. Father and I will stay here and keep an eye on the scanners for any signs of trouble.”
Miriam and Eleazar quickly gathered their sample kits and unlocked the side hatch. A warm, fetid wind blew across, but they weren’t sure there had even been such a sweet smell.
“We’re here,” Miriam whispered in awe.
Prompt 14: Tease
"Summit, can you grab that box of samples?" Miriam's voice broke Summit out of his reverie. He had spent the better part of the last few minutes simply watching the diligent way that she packed the precious vegetation samples into their containers, numbered and labeled.
"O-oh, of course," he replied, nodding his head. It had been a long day, this first day of their research mission. Orak and Summit had long since fixed the problems with the amber reactor and engine interface. A few things had simply been knocked loose during their drop through the Warp Winds, but Orak was already crying bloody murder against some of his technicians.
Summit picked up the sample box, surprised at how heavy it was. Well, they had been out in the canyon for hours. He could see the hazy form of the sun setting in the western sky. It was like a light passing through dirty water, instead of the glorious sight they saw above the clouds.
Still, a dirty sunset with Miriam was better than an angelic one up above.
"So, how was your first day on Old Earth?" Summit asked as they walked back to the camp.
"Not nearly as exciting as you always make it sound," Miriam replied. "I mean, I haven't been shot at or chased by a gremwing even once!"
Summit laughed, "You know, I think this might be the first time that's ever happened to me either!"
They reached the Aristotle as the sun began its final dip below the horizon. Summit and Miriam deposited their sample boxes in the laboratory and made their way to the living quarters. The most delicious smells wafted from the kitchen, and Summit was stoked to find Zarkan actually cooking stuff.
“Whoa, no Replimat-style food!” Summit said.
Zarkan gave him a smirk. “I couldn’t resist doing something special for the first night,” he said. “Give me a hand with this, Miri.”
Miriam went to help her brother, while Summit found a lounge seat and sat down, exhausted from the day’s events. Eleazar was helping Zarkan chop vegetables, while Orak, Apex, and his father were deep into a discussion about something they’d found. Just then, Nora walked in, running her fingers through her tangled red hair.
“Dragons are bedded for the night,” she said, flopping down next to Summit.
“I’m thinking you look ready for bed yourself,” Summit said.
Miriam giggled. “Or maybe she just misses Peak?”
Nora reddened at that, and crossed her arms, as scowl starting on her face. “Nothing wrong with that,” she said quietly.
“Oh ho!” Apex said. “So there is something going on there! Spill it!”
Aaron smiled. “Now Apex. Whatever is going on between our Peak and Nora is entirely their business. Not that I wouldn’t love to know, of course…you know I would love to see grandchildren someday.”
Nora turned a startling shade of red at that, and Orak roared with laughter, clapping her on the back. “You’re all right, kid,” the old engineer said.
Zarkan passed around glasses filled with a bubbly liquid. “Well before Nora passes out from embarrassment, I’d like to propose a toast to our first successful day here. We had a few rough patches, but nothing such a skilled team couldn’t handle. Cheers, all!”
They clinked glasses, and sipped the decadent beverage. Summit kept trying to catch glances of Miriam without her noticing him, but it was kind of futile. She seemed to catch him looking at her every time.
Really, he couldn’t stop thinking about the night of the Dragonator Ball. They had danced under the stars, with the music and the champagne and everything. They had hung out a few times after that, Summit playing his mom’s old piano and Miriam singing along.
But what were they to each other? Summit didn’t know.
Summit was broken out of his reverie as Zarkan said, “Dinner is served, friends.”
And what a dinner it was! Zarkan and Eleazar had outdone themselves, digging through the historical database to find some creative pre-Cataclysm recipes.
“Where did you ever learn to cook like this?” Summit found himself asking.
Zarkan threw an arm around his Uncle. “Uncle Orak taught us. He didn’t like Replimat food, so we weren’t allowed to eat it in the house. He cooked, and Miri and I learned from him.”
Orak had turned a little pink at the edges, his gruff exterior dropping for a moment as he regarded his nephew with apparent fondness. “Well, I think it was mostly that I didn’t know what to do with you two,” he added.
“Well, let’s eat before it gets cold, everyone,” Miriam said. They gathered around the table, and loaded their plates. Summit wasn’t sure he had ever tasted anything so good in his life. The evening was filled with pleasant conversation and laughter. Summit wanted it to go on forever, knowing it would be all too brief.
He, Nora, and Apex cleared the food and cleaned up as the rest of the group settled back into the lounge seats. “Great dragons, these seats were a wonderful idea,” Zarkan said, rolling all over one of the lounge chairs.
The group made plans for the next day. Sensors had detected a swamp about twenty clicks west of their current location, and it was decided that would be a good place for biological survey. They would then move to a small mountain range that was previously unexplored before setting up camp there, having the dragons go out and retrieve a crystal supply, and then pack up everything the next morning and return to Airlandis.
Aaron dug out a card game, and they played late into the evening before everyone decided they had actual work to do tomorrow, and had better turn in.
Summit slept like a dragon, and the next morning dawned dark and overcast. Or did all mornings come like this down here on Old Earth? He honestly wasn’t sure. Another question to add to the list.
Summit mounted Sky Fury as the Aristotle powered up that morning. It really was a convenient vessel to have on hand, but nothing could replace the bond he felt with his dragon. He could sense warm feelings coming back from Fury as she processed that thought. The Aristotle was airborne in a matter of minutes, and gracefully flew west toward the swamp.
Summit could smell it long before he could see it. It was murky and disgusting, but his father and Miriam appeared almost irrationally excited at the prospect of hunting for species samples. When putting teams together, Aaron decided that Apex and Nora would accompany him, while Summit, Eleazar, and Miriam would take off in an opposite direction. Zarkan would watch the ship, and Orak would make their report in to the Council.
“Doesn’t anyone else want to talk to Joshua?” Orak said. “I see enough of that man every day.”
“But just think of your face splashed across the holoscreens of Airlandis, Uncle!” Zarkan ribbed. “Your moment of glory has arrived!” Orak simple thwacked his nephew on the arm and went off the make the report while Zarkan took Thunder up to get a better aerial view of the swamp and surrounding area.
Summit quickly found he had vastly preferred the canyon to the swamp. Every step through the mud threatened to suck his boots off, and there were insects everywhere. Miriam and Eleazar seemed to stop often to crow over phosphorescent lichen or bubbling, sulfurous mud pools.
One minute, Miriam was bent over a large rock covered with the lichen, and the next she had disappeared beneath the mud.
“Miri!” Summit cried. He engaged his exo-wings and blasted out of the mud, moving quickly over to Miriam’s position. Eleazar was trying to dig her out, but not having any luck. Summit engaged his mask’s face plate and dove straight into the filth. He felt around wildly, his hands finally grasping an outstretched hand. His exo-wings groaned as they pulled him out of the muck, growing hot on his back. With a final push, they flew up out of the hole and landed a few meters away in a muddy sprawl. Miriam was hardly breathing. Summit started to panic before she coughed up a lungful of mud and crying. He grabbed her in a tight hug. “I thought I’d lost you,” he whispered, practically hyperventilating.
Things were a blur as Zarkan and Apex moved them back to the ship and stripped the two for a complete decon. It had been a good idea to install medical capsules after all, Summit mused darkly. The blue light washed over him, and Summit flashed back to his time spent in the capsule post his bath in mutein at the hands of Dread Wing. It was funny – Miriam had been there, watching out for him.
Later, after decontamination procedures were completed, Summit and Miriam were sitting in bathrobes in the Aristotle’s cockpit, sipping at warming nutritional supplements.
“I’m sorry about this morning, Summit,” Miriam said quietly, looking at the floor. “If I had been more careful, this wouldn’t have happened.”
Summit placed a hand on her leg and leaned forward, tilting her head upward to look at him. “You have nothing to apologize for. I’m here to look out for you. Plus, you’re really cute when you’re all excited about science…even if it is glowing moss and the worst smelling goop in the world.”
They both started laughing, releasing the tension in the room. Miriam wiped a tear away from the corner of her eye. “Well, thank you then at the very least.” She got up to recycle her cup, and Summit stood up as well.
“Miri?” he asked. “I was thinking it would be nice to spend more time together…you know, when one of us isn’t on the verge of death.”
She turned around, raising an eyebrow at him. “Summit…are you asking me out on a date?”
“Well, um, I guess. Yeah, I am,” he answered, certainly in the least suave manner possible.
She seemed to regard him thoughtfully for a moment before a smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Yes – although I wouldn’t mind spending more time together when one of us is on the verge of death or being sucked into a mud hole.”
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Date: 2012-12-02 01:19 am (UTC)Hee, thanks Ry! By the way, I'm doing a second prompt table! *feels proud of self*
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Date: 2012-12-01 12:16 pm (UTC)