Carpathia IV: Episode 237 - Trains
Amenaru's House
Amenaru and Kit awoke early in the morning in their quarters. Amenaru guessed that Kit would ask what happened during the test, but, mercifully, he did not. Instead, they proceeded with their routine as though nothing happened. Get dressed. Grab a bite to eat. They decided to take the early shuttle down to the library pad, skipping the shower for now. All the while, through getting ready to the shuttle ride, the test from the previous day dominated Amenaru's mind. He knew it would be difficult, but he had to tell Kit.
On the walk from the landing pad to his house, he began his tale, starting with the first attempt. His story reached the fourth attempt at about the same time they got to the foot of the stairs leading up to the house. It was there that Kit surprised him again.
Kit: You had to kill me, didn't you?
Amenaru froze, one foot on one stair and another foot on a higher stair.
Amenaru: How did you get the answer so fast? It took me forever to figure that out.
Kit: It's the logical solution. Besides, it's also the only solution that explains your mood.
Amenaru: That is true.
Kit: If you have to kill me to save the crew, you'd better do it. I'll be mad at you if you don't.
Amenaru: I guess you'd have to do the same if our roles were reversed.
This time, it was Kit's turn to freeze up, and he did so, hunched over and tapping the ends of his fingers together.
Kit: I don't know if I could do that.
Something about this moment changed Amenaru's mood in an instant. Perhaps it was finally having someone to talk to about his test. Perhaps it was Kit being… well, Kit. Nevertheless, for the first time in two days, Amenaru felt some cheer well up within him and he gave Kit a playful poke in the ribs.
Amenaru: Oh, do I detect a note of hypocrisy in your voice?
Since they both woke up, Kit's mood was a solemn one, neatly reflecting Amenaru's. Now, he was smiling and giggling.
Kit: Hee hee! Well, you know… not an easy test, is it?
Amenaru: Definitely not. Hopefully, it won't happen to either of us. All we can do is make the most of our time together.
On the last few steps up the hill, Kit nodded and took Amenaru's hand in his.
Kit: I'd like that.
Amenaru: We have only about a week left before the Shadowdancer is finished. We should do something fun.
Kit: Your dad travels a lot. We should ask him.
Amenaru: Yeah, he knows about a lot of places that I don't.
Together, they stepped onto the porch and went through the front door. Inside, they found everyone finishing up their breakfast, including James, evidently back from his gig tour.
James: Hey! I didn't expect you back this early. You should have called. I suppose we can find something around here for you.
Amenaru: I can manage. I'll make something light. I'm still a little full from all the snacks I ate while I was studying. I'll just get a slice of ham.
James: Careful or you'll start looking like me! What about you, Kit.
Meri: I made some spinach dahl for Mikado and there's some left over.
Mikado: It's really good! Spicy too, if you don't mind that.
Kit: Sounds great!
Amenaru slid past everyone in the crowded kitchen, making his way to the fridge. He opened it and fished around inside for a nice, thick ham slice. Not something of the deli meat variety, but a proper slice with the bone in the middle. Plate in hand, Amenaru rounded the column and had a seat on at the counter. Kit joined him in the next seat.
Amenaru: Anything interesting happen while I was away?
James: Darius and Ramses seem to have gotten to know each other pretty well. They hang out together a lot.
Ramses: I've gotten to know a lot about trains! I kinda wanna make a comic that takes place on a train now. That would be fun.
Amenaru: Yeah, we all know which train is going into what station, don't we?
James smirked and gave Amenaru a swat with his dishrag while Darius did his best to hide himself.
James: We all know, knucklehead. Now don't embarrass the boy.
Sylvar: Speaking of, Mikado and Meri have been putting the train in the station lately.
James: What?!
Even with Mikado's reflexes, he couldn't run away fast enough, for James reached out and snatched the bottom of both of his ears and squeezed them together. Mikado let out a little squeak of protest, but there was otherwise nothing he could do.
James: Boy, you'd better know what a condom is because I do not need a bunch of surprise catbunnies running around here.
Mikado: No sir. I mean, yes sir! Yes, we are using them!
Meri: Dad, don't be hard on him. We're taking all possible precautions.
Mikado: No worries, Mr. Pendergast. I would never do anything that Meri didn't want.
Seemingly satisfied, James released Mikado's ears and he instinctively took two steps out of James's reach.
James: See that you don't. Reckon that goes for Darius too.
Darius: Maybe a dumb question, but is everyone in this family at tokki levels of horny?
Amenaru: Not all of us. You haven't met my older sister, but she has very little interest in sex. She straight up said so.
James: As for the rest of you pervs, I gave up ages ago. I just buy tissues by the gross and let it go.
Meri turned with a wide grin, large bowl containing a green, curry-like substance in her hand, and placed it in front of Kit.
Meri: Spinach Dahl for you!
Kit: Thank you!
Kit lifted a spoonful to his mouth.
Kit: It's good!
James: Well then, I know that you don't want any sort of celebration or anything, so what are you planning for today?
Yes, Amenaru thought. He did say that, but he was starting to re-think that position now.
Amenaru: Maybe a little celebration? There's a good Indian place in town. Lots of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes there, so something for everyone. Our treat.
Amenaru glanced at Kit while he said the last part and he, with another mouthful of dahl, nodded.
James: Aw, can't let you do that! Not on a spaceboy salary. You need to save...
Amenaru: No, Dad. Really. It is absolutely fine.
James froze and raised an eyebrow, a bit shocked at Amenaru's forcefulness.
James: Alrighty then. If it's okay for you, then it's okay with us. Whatever you all are doing today, just be back by six. We'll head out together then.
Amenaru: I think I'd just like to putter around, watch TV, and play games today.
Sylvar: I've been going out every day. I think I'd like a day at home too.
The others nodded, and it was also a weekend, so nobody had classes. A family day for the Pendergasts and guests.
Commissioned art in this episode from:
AvareonArt
Zelbunnii
Less_End
Thatwildmary
Colourbrand
Falke2009
