trans_9 | [Hanger

By this point Aeneas had gotten lost enough times to not worry about it anymore. At first he was untrusting of Stacy, afraid that if he got too far away from the crowd the tentacles would snatch him up for some nefarious purpose; but from what he’d been through so far, that scenario was looking much more unlikely. As a matter of fact, almost every time Aeneas had gotten turned around Stacy somehow managed to lead him to places of necessity (or at least to people who could show him to these places).

Now Aeneas had built up enough nerve to just…take a casual stroll. No intended destination, really. His only requirement was that he could find his way back to some sort of sleeping area when he got tired, because that was all he needed. Aeneas was, despite his situation and past stresses, completely content.

The area he found himself in was large, almost as large as the Pod Caverns or Sleeping Halls, but in a way it was more…vacuous. There was just way too much vacant space, as if the place was waiting to be filled with something larger, and yet constantly expanding so that there was just enough room to make it uncomfortably empty. A cool draft wafted just above head-level, occasionally swirling towards the ground, if you had the patience to wait. Aeneas found some sort of relief from this breeze; the warm, muggy atmosphere of Stacy’s entrails was enough to make him long for the crisp air that accompanied snowfall (a climate that the alien was much better suited for).
But this would do for now.

Quiet steps echoed up ahead.

Aeneas stopped mid-stride. All of his eyes locked on a figure in front of him—extremely tall, but oddly shaped being bulky in some areas but thin in others, and clad in some sort of glowing, patchy white armor. It wasn’t far ahead; if Aeneas got its attention, then maybe…

It went inside a nearby cruiser.

He was sufficiently curious now. Aeneas had been around the humans for long enough now that it almost seemed odd to see some other sentient creature (at least one that wasn’t humanoid in shape), so getting to know it would be a worthwhile escapade. And considering its recognition of this spaceship, perhaps it had traveled enough to encounter his species—if Aeneas’s species existed in this other alien’s universe, that is.

Only one way to find out, right?

A pair of ears poked in from around the corner of the port-side hatch.

Tapping one of the control consoles in the transport's bay, the holographic display glowing to life and casting a soft purple glow over the Sangheili's form as he studied the display for a moment. As he touched another control, more lights winked on in the ships bay, the Sangheili giving an approving 'hmm' as he cast his gaze about, glad of the familiarity of the vessel. It was no Shadow of Intent, but it could prove useful, but for now 'Vadum allowed himself to relax a little in the familiarity of the surrounding troop transport, letting mind wander to the many times he had spent in a similar such craft.

Looking up from the console after a few moments, satisfied with what it could tell him. He couldn't fully power up the ships systems from it, for those controls he took a step away toward the ramp that led down to a door that led into the cockpit. Stopping mid-stride though he turned his head to look at those two ears that now poked from the outside of the hatch.

"You need not hide, come out," Speaking up with his usual, calm and somewhat formal tone, though he was curious as to what manner of creature the ears belonged to.

Aeneas jumped a little. He was expecting the other creature to see him, sure—that was why he’d stuck his ears out in the first place, to avoid accidentally sneaking up—but that didn’t make him any less jumpy.

The other’s voice was translated as an assertive, low baritone register. It not only assured Aeneas of this person’s calmness and familiarity in this particular vessel, but it also suggested that the alien was male. Of course this idea was cemented as soon as Aeneas got a proper view of the guy. He just screamed male hormones.

”Must’ve been in the military,” he thought, and then immediately smacked himself on the head for being so rude.

After that moment of indecision, Aeneas turned the corner and met the alien face-to-face. Well, almost face-to-face; Aeneas was a good two heads shorter than him, despite being ten feet long. Yet another reason to be polite to him, apparently.

“Sorry. I assumed that you were busy,” he partially lied, “But now that you’re not, I suppose I can introduce myself formally. You may call me Aeneas.”

Out of habit he offered the fellow alien a webbed handshake.

The Sangheili turned to face the other as he waited that moment patiently for the other to reveal itself, not having seen any in the hanger as he had entered he wondered at the identity of the other as they appeared to hesitate a moment.

'Vadum gave only a curious 'hmm' as the other stepped around the corner, taking in the other alien's much longer form with his gaze, thoughtful but unphased as he stood there tall and calm.

"No matter, I was merely ensuring the systems of this Phantom were operational," 'Vadum replied as he cast his gaze about the interior before returning to the other, who he could only assume to be male as he introduced himself.

"An honour, Aeneas, I am Rtas 'Vadum," The Sangheili replied formally, at the offered hand he took it with his much larger hand, giving a brief yet firm handshake, a gesture that he had encountered before among humans.

Aeneas’s eyes creased with a smile. The alien had two thumbs—finally, something a little more familiar! Although these hands were much bigger than those of the Awesonians, and Aeneas’s tiny palms were nearly swallowed in them, but they were close enough to bring some amount of comfort.

“To you as well,” purred the alien, bowing his head. There was something about Rtas ‘Vadum that commanded respect; perhaps it was his formal tone, or his towering stature. Or maybe Aeneas just felt for him because he wasn’t human, I dunno.

In any case:

“…’Phantom’? Is that the name of this vessel or the model?” he blinked, snatching on to the subject that the other alien seemed most interested in. He did this mainly to keep him from asking why he was sneaking around. The answer was by no means incriminating, but it would make Aeneas feel a little embarrassed anyways.

'Vadum inclined his head briefly in turn in response to the other alien's respectful motion. Though the other may not be of a species he knew not of he found some comfort in the other's mannerisms. The fact that the other was also non-human a slight respite from the many humans aboard.

"'Phantom' is the class of vessel to which this one belongs, a transport of my kind," the Sangheili replied with ease, taking up the new topic Aenea put forth, "This one in particular Hailed from the Assault Carrier, Shadow of Intent a ship that I commanded," 'Vadum explained calmly, though with a slight hint of pride given at mention of the Shadow of Intent.

"the name of this Phantom would appear to be the Twilight Advance "

Aeneas never got a chance to talk about spaceships. To tell the truth he wasn’t that familiar with them himself—perhaps he would be had he not lost all of his memories—but it was the thought that counts, yeah? Besides, in a way, it was something that he was actually interested in, even without the readily accessible knowledge to banter back with.

“You commanded a ship?” Aeneas perked his ears curiously, “Or rather, if it had more of these Phantoms that hailed from it, would it be considered a 'fleet' instead?”

"Indeed, I am the shipmaster of the Shadow of Intent, as well as Fleet master of the Fleet of Retribution, the fleet to which the Shadow of Intent was a flagship, a craft capable of carrying many hundreds of skilled crew and warriors," 'Vadum replied with some pride, taking a step to the console behind him he brought up a small hologram of the ship to which the phantom belonged, as well as a small speck next to it, that small speck? That was the phantom.

"These Phantom's serve as transports and drop-ships to the warriors and crew aboard their home vessel, and while they are space worthy, they rely on their home craft for long distance transportation," The sangheili went on deactivating the hologram after a moment.

"The Shadow of Intent had a large complement of such transports, along with Seraph fighters and many other craft and vehicles,"

Aeneas followed Rtas ‘Vadum into the Phantom, marveling at its interior. It was all so interesting, and yet somehow it seemed…somewhat familiar. It was by no means recognizable, of course, but it was something that Aeneas felt he could get used to in a hurry. It might even spur some memories if he tried hard enough.

Perhaps later. That was not something he wanted to do in good company.

The Shadow of Intent, however, was a different sight entirely. The sheer size…it may as well have been a traveling city! Self-supporting, was it? That was not surprising to hear.

Maybe…maybe Aeneas had once lived on a ship like this? Maybe that was the ship that had crashed, even—the Hedon government never got those records back, so how could they know for sure?...

But there was no way Aeneas came from one of these specifically. He knew for certain that he wasn’t a military type, and from what Rtas ‘Vadum had just described, these were most definitely military vessels.

Now this would be a silly question, but…

“So you have been in battle before with your fleet, yes?”

The Sangheili took in the other's reaction to both the interior of the craft they stood in and of the Shadow of Intent as he watched the other calmly as he'd explained.

'Vadum inclined his head in affirmative at the other alien's question, "I have indeed, my fleet engaged the Prophet of Truth's Fleet above the Ark, a fleet three times the size of the Fleet of Retribution" The Shipmaster recounted, with both a little contempt at the mention of the Prophet of Truth's fleet and pride at his own fleet's actions.

"With skill and courage we emerged triumphant, Truth's fleet lay shattered," 'Vadum finished with some pride.

‘Prophet of Truth’, eh? That…that was religious context, wasn’t it?

Now Aeneas was by no means religious (at least he hadn’t remembered being so), but that look of disdain in Rtas ‘Vadum’s green and orange eyes…had he and his fleet taken down a religious leader? Was the Prophet of Truth as innocent as this position would imply? No, Rtas ‘Vadum did not seem like the heretic sort—his formal tone actually implied that he was quite set in customs. Of course this would completely contradict that level of pragmatism, so how could he ever bring himself to—to—

Aeneas shook his head, lavender eyes squinting shut. An omnipresent buzzing rang annoyingly through his ears.

”…Spode…my head…what—what just—huh?”

A symbol flashed in front of him, stained onto his retinas. It did not stay long enough for him to easily make it out amongst the glowing backdrop of Phantom control systems. He blinked in confusion.

Aeneas noted that a few awkward moments had just passed of this. He quickly tried to get back on subject.

“That…that’s quite impressive! For comparison, about how many persons did you have under your command?”

'Vadum watched silently at the reaction of the other as he seemed to lose himself in thought, head tilting slightly as the other squinted his eyes shut and shook his head.

"Are you unwell?" The sangheili asked calmly, though the slightest hint of concern might be heard in the tone.

At Aeneas' attempt to continue the topic 'Vadum nodded, "Aboard the Shadow of Intent itself near a thousand warriors answered to me, many more amongst the ships in my fleet,"

Aeneas rubbed his temples, eyes drooping with a confused frown as he realized that his head was still throbbing painfully. It wasn’t an unusual feeling—oftentimes he would wake up to a pounding migraine, only faintly recalling having an odd dream during the night—but he had yet to experience it while awake. That much, at least, was new and mildly frightening.

For the moment he ignored Rtas ‘Vadum’s concern, if only because he took the bait and continued on with the conversation.

“Your fleet must have been…” Aeneas’s lavender eyes squinted shut with recurring discomfort, “…extremely skilled to have come out victorious in such a battle unfairly weighed in numbers…”

The symbol appeared out of the corner of his vision. His gaze darted towards the ceiling and it disappeared.

“…No, I am not well,” Aeneas groaned, a low grumbling sounding his distress as he pulled at the tufts of fur upon his head.

The Sangheili commander took in the signs of discomfort from the others actions as he spoke, that he still spoke despite the obvious discomfort was something to 'Vadum.

"The Sangheili warriors and crew of the Fleet of Retribution pride themselves in such skill, such is the way of the Sangheili," he replied with some pride though tempered by their current situation, thoughts briefly turning to the many Sangheili who had fought under his command and to those who had given all in their duties.

Though he quickly turned his thoughts back to the other alien before him at the growing signs of discomfort followed by the admittance of it, "What ails you?" the Sangheili asked with some concern, taking a step toward the other alien.

‘Sangheili’…was that the species Rtas ‘Vadum belonged to? Most likely—although if he was space-faring then his forces could’ve been comprised of just about anything.

Aeneas offered him a brief nod and a strained smile in recognition. He probably would’ve continued with such banter, but at the moment he was obviously preoccupied.

“I…”

The question is, give him the long version or the short one? Either way questions will arise, ones that Aeneas’s mind was unfit to answer at this point. Therefore, he chose secret option three.

“…must have consumed something bad in the Mess Hall earlier,” Aeneas resumed purring, voice cracking because his windpipe had gone dry, “I knew I should not have sampled the human slop, but I had to see if it was any better than my own.”

Hey, it wasn’t like he was lying. Aeneas didn’t know what was going on, either. He was merely giving the less likely extrapolation.

'Vadum gave a light nod as he watched the other as he spoke. His perceptive gaze looking for any further signs of discomfort even as the matter of the other's species flitted at his curiousity though he quelled it for the moment.

"Hmm, indeed? A possibility, the..slop is suited to the species consuming it, perhaps something from the human's was ill suited for you," The Sangheili mused thoughtfully, though he had noticed the others pause he did not press it. "The slop is for nutrition only it would seem, not enjoyment," he commented with a hint of wryness, he was not a fan of the slop either, he was used to such things however.

"Is your ailment such that you may wish treatment for it?" That hint of concern returning to his voice at that.

Unlikely. Aeneas could consume just about anything biological and synthetic without ill done to his systems, thanks to his caustic spit. Naturally this did not rule out the possibility that the humans required more of one nutrient than Aeneas did, therefore causing him to ‘overdose’ (such as an excess of sugar), but this was, again, improbable.

No need to convince himself that this was the reason for his headache.

“Thank you, but this has happened before,” Aeneas admitted, feeling the brunt of his migraine subside (along with the recurring image), “It should wear off on its own in a few minutes.”

This much was true.

“…Curiously, do you know if this ship has other means of providing us with sustenance besides the slop and Sensoriums?”

"It is of no concern, hmm indeed?" 'Vadum replied giving a light dip of his head to the other before tilting it slightly in curiosity at Aeneas' comment that his discomfort was not a once off ocurence, "Hmm very well then," The Sangheili replied with a nod.

At the other's question something someone had mentioned in passing sprang to mind, "I believe that proper meals may be served in the crew lounge every few days, if what I have heard is correct, I've not investigated myself as yet,"

He meant to investigate at some point, however more important matters had been on his mind and as such, normal food hadn't rated highly in his mind.

This most definitely caught Aeneas’s attention.

“I should ask to see when whoever is responsible for these meals will be preparing them again,” he purred thoughtfully, “I do not suppose you know what individual—or individuals—organized and put these gatherings into action, do you?”

'Vadum thought a moment on what he had heard in passing before a light shake of his head was given as he replied, "Unfortunately not, I have only heard of it in passing,"

"There are surely others who would know more however," 'Vadum commented after a short moment.

A deep, contemplative rumble sounded in Aeneas’s throat. “Hmm.”

Well, if it was really such a big deal, then perhaps there would be an announcement about it soon. If not, then he could always just ask around. What was the worst response he could get?

”OHGODWHATAREYOU”

Oh right.

“Your universe greatly intrigues me,” Aeneas purred pleasantly, getting back into a more casual conversation, “I would enjoy learning further about your world, but you seemed busy before I got here. I would hate to interrupt any further testing procedures that you wished to run.”

'Vadum tilted his head thoughtfully for a moment at Aeneas' interest in his universe, he was not adverse to discussing such things. Though he was curious as to the other's own background.

"Hmm, if you wish we may talk as I run the tests on this vessels systems, they do not require my full attention," The Sangheili replied surely, turning toward and taking a few steps toward the cockpit ramp, "If it is more convenient we could perhaps meet again somewhere more appropriate for such a discussion, I would be interested in hearing of your own tale, if you are willing to share,"

“Now is convenient for me,” the alien’s feathers ruffled with good humor, “I only found myself here because I had nothing better to do and decided to take a walk around. This is far more interesting than what I had planned for my day.”

He followed Rtas ‘Vadum into the cockpit, temporarily distracted by the many switches around him.

”BAD, Aeneas. No touching.”

He snapped back to attention.

“…Well…”

Aeneas’s tone suddenly turned mildly sarcastic. It was a morose kind of sarcasm; this topic was not something he often took lightly. But he would this time, for the sake of entertaining company.

“…I’m afraid there is not much of a story to tell,” the alien scratched his ear, “If you wish to hear what I know of it—and I am not a liability while you continue your tests—then I will gladly share it with you.”

'Vadum gave a light nod at that as he entered the cockpit, "Very well, that is understandable," the Sangheili replied with a hint of humor in his tone as he slid down into the large pilots seat.

Tapping a single holographic symbol, the previously dormant controls on the other consoles in the room lit up with power, his fingers dancing across a few more of the holographic controls before he glanced over his shoulder to the other as he spoke.

"Not much to tell? Hmm very well, tell me what you do know of it," 'Vadum replied thoughtfully with a nod, in the background the thrum of the Phantom's powerplant whirred to life, the Sangheili looking across the readouts for any anomalies.

It was unusual for Aeneas to tell this story so casually. These circumstances, however, were much different from the ones he had so far encountered; and, by this point, the tale was not so…pressing as it used to be. If one wanted to know, then what was stopping Aeneas from elaborating?

Holographic buttons blipped in and out of existence along the main control panel. Aeneas watched unknown code scroll down the mainframe with a transfixed gaze for several minutes, broken only by his own realization that he was deliberately trying to avoid the subject. Disgusted with himself, the alien shook his head and began reciting:

“I was reborn in the remains of a crashed escape pod two years ago on the planet Walrum, fully grown and covered in engine fuel and my own blood. When the natives—calling themselves ‘Awesonians’—found me, I realized that I knew not of my place of origin, name, or even species. My mind was…wiped clean. I had only my instincts, a vague sense of cultural norms, and a few items that I could salvage from the wreck.”

Aeneas paused, casting a nervous glance at the floor.

“The Awesonian villagers restored my health and kept me hidden from their ignorant, feuding governments. It stayed this way for two years. And then I woke up on this ship.”

That was the gist of it.

'Vadum's large hands kept busy as they moved deftly from control to control. After each series of actions checking the readouts that were given, a satisfied 'hmm' given at the condition he had found the ship in so far.

As the other began recounting his tale the Sangheili listened on with much interest, despite continuing various tests throughout the Aeneas's tale. Reborn? Such a fate not to have any memory of one's race or history lost to ones knowledge.

A slight tilt of his head was given at the mention of another race, Awesonian's another race he had heard nor seen anything about. A soft shake of his head was given at the end of his tale. "An interesting, yet sad tale you tell, you have no prior memory of yourself or your people?" 'Vadum replied with a somber tone.

"Perhaps among those aboard there may be one who might aid in the recovery of your memories?" The Sangheili suggested after a moment of thought as he half turned toward the other Alien.

[ooc: Sorry about the delay]

Aeneas nodded, eyes glued to the floor with a mixture of embarrassment and shame.

“Your statements are correct,” he mumbled in a distorted purr, “I have been directed (”http://community.livejournal.com/trans_9/212472.html?thread=16594424#t16594424”) to one ‘Doctor Jean Grey’ about specific memories, but I have…yet to contact her.”

There were other things he had to attend to first.

((ooc: It's okay, everyone is allowed to have a life during the holidays! :3 ~~BUT ONLY THEN.~~))

The Sangheili gave a thoughtful 'hmm' as he watched the other for a moment, noting the others cast down look before turning back to the main console.

"Hmm, indeed?" 'Vadum replied lightly, a name he had perhaps seen in parting on the team lists, though the doctor part he did not dismiss lightly, among some of his people doctors could be looked down upon for sake of their honor. 'Vadum however had a slight bit more trust in them then most of his people if only so that they could do their duty.

"Has something kept you from such contact?" The Sangheili queried as he engaged another system, a slight shiver/vibration and shift in the air might be felt as the Phantom's internal artificial gravity came online as 'Vadum put it through some tests.

Aeneas felt his feet lock into place. Rtas ‘Vadum must’ve been working on the artificial gravity systems.

“Only my own lack of persistence,” the alien shrugged, “That, and I have other, more…”

He searched for the right word, glancing thoughtfully at the ceiling.

“…conventional options available.”

Aeneas paused. He was forgetting something…ah!

“—Speaking of which, I plan on locating said option at the ’Chemistry Safety Lab’ (”http://community.livejournal.com/trans_9/215402.html”) in about twenty minutes,” the creature’s eyes smiled thankfully, “I should probably be heading out now in case I get lost.”

He offered his hand again. “It was a pleasure meeting you, Rtas ‘Vadum.”

'Vadum nodded lightly as the other spoke, looking over readouts before he once more deactivated the artificial gravity, letting Stacy's own gravity come back into effect.

A thoughtful 'hmm' was given at the others words, "That is understandable," 'Vadum replied before tilting his head as the other remembered they had to be somewhere.

"Then I wish you good fortune with it," The Sangheili replied as he got up from his seat, taking the others offered hand once more in his large, firm grip.

"Indeed, it was a pleasure, Aeneas, I shall not keep you from it then,"

The hangar was one of the few places Samus was confident she could work without interruption. Between patrol and training duties, she was hard-pressed to find time to come and perform maintenance on her ship, and she appreciated the time she had to herself here.

She wove through the rows of different space crafts, an impressive looking toolbox in tow over her shoulder. It looked quite heavy, but she seemed to have no problem carrying it.

One ship had caught her eye as she moved forward. She normally didn't encounter anyone else in the hangar, so an open ship looked a bit out of place. She had enough time to investigate, so she went over and poked her head through the hatch.

Having finished looking over one of the control panels in the troop bay, convinced that the systems for the gravity lift were operational, though not currently activated of course. Turning from the consoles he strode easily to the other end of the relatively large troop bay, and down the ramp to the cockpit, the door sliding out of the way with a soft hiss.

Taking a step into the cockpit he scanned over the various stations set about and the holographic panels that lay on standby, with the tap of a finger on one of the various familiar symbols the controls flared to life. Lights within and without the ship glowing to life as a thrum slowly built in the background as the Phantom's engines came to life.

Looking back through the still open door at that point, noticing now the other that had come to investigate, taking a step through the door to face the human female, "Hmm, greetings,"

Spotted! Ah well, it's not as if she had expected to find an open ship empty. She turned to the apparent occupant of this ship, giving him a professional sort of nod as a greeting. Confident, but not to arrogant. She also added a nice, straightforward "Hello."

Hmm, perhaps she should offer an explanation to why she was in his ship. That might be good, "I apologize for interrupting. It isn't often I find others in the hangar."

A similar professional nod was given in return from the tall Sangheili, his gaze quickly sweeping over the human as he stepped up into the troop bay where she had entered.

"No matter, it is a trivial task at the moment," 'Vadum replied with a nod as he stepped briefly over to the console in the rear of the bay, checking something before turning back to her, "Indeed, I did not see any others when I entered, not an oft travelled place for many it would appear,"

"I suppose that's understandable, though. Not many have business here," Not that that was a bad thing. Samus enjoyed the solitude.

She dropped the toolbox off her shoulder, grasping it in only one hand now. She gave a cursory glance around and asked, "Is this your vessel?"

The Sangheili gave a nod at that, "Indeed," Solitude was indeed good when one needed to think.

'Vadum eyed that toolbox briefly before nodding once more, "It is one of the transports that were part of the complement of the Ship I commanded, yes,"

Her eyes drifted across the consoles around her. She hadn't made a habit of examining ships other than her own, but curiosity is a funny thing, "Military, I assume?"

The Sangheili would not her wandering gaze before giving a brief nod at her question, his reply nearly just as brief, "Indeed so,"

She gave a curt nod back, "I see."

Samus saw no point in continuing a facade of socialization or asking questions that would probably be met with an answer of 'classified information.' She thought back to how much her own military had really told her, even when she was a highly respected officer in it.

"I'll let you return to your business then," she hoisted the toolbox back onto her shoulder. She had to take care of her own ship before having to go on patrol later.

'Vadum gave a light nod as she hoisted her toolbox, "It is of no concern, it is clear you have business of your own to attend to," he commented easily in return, indicating her toolbox, he would not keep her from her own work.

"Before you do, might I have your name?"

"Samus Aran, and your own?" She may not have had a reputation for being the most politem but she wasn't going to be rude for no reason.

"An honour to meet you, Samus Aran, I am Rtas 'Vadum," The Sangheili giving the other a small bow of his head at the introduction.

"The same to you, Rtas 'Vadum," She offered a respectful nod back. With that, she turned to make her leave out of the ship and back into the hangar to take care of her business.

[Hanger | open]

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Shameless bendy-timing

Re: Shameless bendy-timing

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