Carpathia V: Episode 17 - Squeak
Revenant's Quarters, NCCS Shadowdancer
Revenant entered his quarters and breathed a heavy sigh. He made it, through the colony, the shuttle ride, and the walk to his quarters with the creature nestled in the bottom of his tool bag. Was this a pet now? He had no idea. He had heard talk of pets before, only in passing, but really didn't understand the concept. The creature seemed surprisingly well-behaved to him and he knew that some people trained their pets. This one seemed to understand language, or, at least, have enough of a comprehension to follow instructions. Now, the real test. Would it behave in his quarters?
It was time to find out. The creature had been in his tool bag quite long enough, so Revenant set it on the floor and opened it, immediately removing all the gear. Before he was even finished, the creature popped his head out of the top of the bag, sending the smaller bits and bobs scattering everywhere.
Creature: Squeak!
The creature jumped out of the bag and immediately set about giving himself a shake and a stretch, unfurling his wings to their full width with Revenant watching, enthralled, the entire time. After the creature finished his stretch, he started sniffing at the carpet. Just one small area at first, but soon it became clear that he was intent on giving the entire room a proper sniff-down.
With an eye on the creature as he made his way to the wall, Revenant started to disrobe so that he could change into something more comfortable. Simple shorts and a t-shirt would suffice, but once he got down to his underwear, he realized it had been hours since he last had himself a pee. As he made his way to the bathroom, the creature's ears flicked up and he turned his head. Revenant, constantly glancing over his shoulder, noticed as the creature started to follow.
Revenant worried about having the creature out of his sight while he used the toilet, but it wasn't a problem after all. Revenant entered his bathroom, dropped his drawers, and relieved himself. Not long into his constitutional, he could feel a pair of eyes boring into the back of his head. A quick glance and Revenant caught the creature's gaze as he sat right outside the door, observing.
Slightly unnerved, Revenant finished and, after giving it a little shake, hiked up his drawers and flushed the toilet. With a steady eye on the creature, he stepped out of the bathroom. However, before he could close the door, the creature rushed inside and hopped onto the rim of the toilet and started to pee himself. A rather curious sight as he spread his wings wide to gain balance on the rim of the bowl, but the creature completed the task without getting a mess on the floor. When he finished, he stretched his body high and pulled down on the flush lever.
Revenant: I wonder if training is usually this easy.
The creature hopped down from the bowl and out of the bathroom, looking very pleased with himself indeed.
Creature: Squeak!
Revenant: I suppose I'll have to teach you to wash your paws, but you need a name first.
The creature squeaked again and started insinuating himself between Revenant's legs. At first, Revenant considered what other people name their pets and he quickly conceded to himself that he had no idea. However, another name came to mind, something from demon mythology that he read about in his youth. It was a story about a demon who fought a monster and defeated it, then received a long-eared companion animal as a prize. The animal in the story had a horn on its head rather than wings, but something about it seemed to fit. Best of all, the animal had a name.
Revenant: How about Miraj?
Miraj: Squeak?
Miraj, perhaps not his name, tilted his head and looked at Revenant quizzically. Either he didn't care for the name or he didn't understand. Until now, Revenant was second-guessing himself about this decision, but still not enough to change his mind. He knew enough of the CEF's policy that they would have done nothing if he'd reported that there was a creature, the last of its kind, living on the planet. Now, however, he was even more determined to see this through and to land on a name that suited him. Cuteness was disturbingly entrancing, he discovered, almost like a drug. He even allowed himself a little smile.
Revenant: For now, Miraj, if you don't mind. I need to do research on appropriate names.
Revenant's stomach grumbled, which instantly caused him to consider that it was likely that Miraj was hungry too. But what does Miraj eat? The scan he took on the planet indicated that he was possibly herbivorous, but he didn't know for sure. What he could do was go to the canteen and return with a wide variety of foods for Miraj to investigate.
Revenant turned and opened a drawer, pulling out a pair of neat, cotton pants and a simple t-shirt. Comfort over style was always first, mostly because Revenant didn't know anything about style. Once dressed, Revenant turned to Miraj again and squatted close to him.
Revenant: I'm going to bring you some food and I need you to wait here for me. You can't go through that door. Can you do that?
A squeak and a hop signalled what Revenant hoped was an affirmative response. For a few moments, they just stared at each other, with Revenant looking down and Miraj looking up. Hesitantly, Revenant held out his hand, unsure if it would be okay to touch him. Even if he did pet Miraj on the planet, this was still entirely unfamiliar to him. As he got close, Miraj answered by nuzzling his head into Revenant's palm. Again, he smiled, for Miraj's fur was delightfully soft and soothing to the touch.
Satisfied, Revenant stood, ready to head to the door.
Revenant: I'll be back soon.
With that, Revenant turned and headed to the door. With one last glance behind him to make sure Miraj wasn't following, he tapped the control to open the door and leave.
Bridge, NCCS Shadowdancer
Even as the light faded on the colony, the bridge of the Shadowdancer in orbit still abounded with activity with officers taking requests from the surface and recently, shift changes. Ivy only arrived on the bridge herself just an hour ago and had already witnessed several of her officers come and go. The next to come was Rayna who stepped out of the lift with her usual spear in her hand.
Ivy: Ah, Rayna. Have a seat. I know you want to eat and have a rest, but I'd like to hear about the colony.
Rayna: Yes, Captain.
Rayna marched past the security console to the first officer's chair, straight and stiff the entire way, and sat without touching her back to the rear.
Ivy: I suppose I'm going to be reminding you rather often that this isn't the Toski Kari and you can loosen up a bit. Make that a lot.
Rayna: I shall do my utmost, Captain, but I have been trained in this manner since I was a small child.
Ivy: No rush, Commander. We all have to find our own way that works best for us on this ship. I'm sure you'll find yours. Anyway, how are things at the colony?
Despite her declaration that she would do her utmost, Rayna still remained seated straight in her chair as she answered.
Rayna: Most of the colony is in order, with only a few minor issues to take care of. The exception is the water pumping station. Ensign Revenant did a good job of analyzing the state of the system and it has unfortunately attracted harmful microorganisms and an obscene number of turtles.
Ivy: Turtles! Someone will be interested in that. I'm glad things are going well. I also wanted to let you know that a tokki ship is already on the way to bring a group of the colonists back. We've been passing a lot of tokki ships recently. Queen Maoh told me that the tokki were keen to help out, but I didn't expect this much.
Rayna: I'm afraid I don't know any more than you do. I was never high-ranked enough for that. I am glad we are finally helping. The enclaves should have sent more ships to the battle. I think some only understood the reality of the danger after the battle. Others just hide their heads and pretend nothing is wrong.
Ivy: The story of every culture, really. I won't keep you. Go have something to eat and try socializing when you're off-duty.
Rayna stood, again, straight as the spear that she held in her left hand.
Rayna: Understood. I shall do my best.
Bridge, NCCS Shadowdancer, 3 days later
With only minutes from the scheduled departure time from Moonbrooke, Ivy rode the lift to the bridge. As she reached her destination, the doors parted and she stepped out. Closest to her was Rayna, standing behind the security station, spear in hand. Right away, she whirled around and tamped the butt of her spear on the deck.
Rayna: Captain on the bridge!
While the rest of the bridge rose from their chairs, Ivy allowed herself a grin. Though she had told Rayna before to loosen up, this was, by no stretch, loose, but it was still a tantalizing gesture nonetheless. Ivy rounded the security console to her chair, taking time to meet every eye in the room with hers.
Ivy: It wasn't a difficult mission, but it was our first since the war and the Shadowdancer tallies another successful mission before her retirement. Let's give her a few more, shall we? As you were.
All officers dutifully returned to work, preparing for departure. After a few minutes, the callouts started.
Kau: The tokki ship reports that they're ready to take over the operation.
Sena: Systems nominal. Ready for departure.
Zaos: Tactical clear.
Teren: Helm, set course for New Berengaria.
Riku: Course set, Commander.
Ivy: Let's pay a little visit to home. Q7, Riku.
Riku pulled the throttle and the ship sped away to its new destination.
Commissioned art in Carpathia from:
AvareonArt
Zelbunnii
Less_End
Colourbrand
Falke2009
Nalaxa Art
