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fractalcloning · 5 months

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Time Troubles

"Alright, you three, let's keep this one simple and by the book, we're just here to collect some good, old fashioned surface telemetry. Maybe scan a few plants and see how well they cope with the weather," Pike said.

The junior lieutenants at the controls of the transporters were at the ready, the computer was tracking the ion storms around them, and still Pike felt a bit off. It was a bit excessive, having the room fully staffed for a simple survey mission, but Pike hadn't liked the look of those ion storms. From the moment they'd entered the system something about them had set him on edge. He was seasoned enough that he knew to listen to his gut in situations like this.

"Aye, aye, Sir," La'an answered automatically. Lieutenant Noonien-Singh stood at perfect attention, weapons stowed and expression even. Una stepped onto the platform and took position in front of her, her expression professional but knowing. Pike shared a look with her that noted her judgement about his overt paranoia, and then glanced between the three of them. Spock, as usual, looked prepared bordering on inscrutable. At least these three weren't the sort to willingly engage with trouble. That was probably the best he could hope for.

"We'll have another fifteen minute window in three hours," Pike explained to the assembled crew. "If there are any hostile species on this planet, try to play nice until then."

"We'll be on our best behavior," Una assured him, her tone mostly serious, and Pike gave her a long look.

"Alright, get out of here. Ensign: energize."

This system was uncharted, was well beyond the edges of Federation space, but even at a distance the readings it gave off were exceptional. The stellar phenomena were truly breathtaking to behold. This star system was sunk into a larger nebulae, formed out of the outer edges no doubt, and it had a haze about it. The particulate matter that permeated the open space between the celestial bodies was lovely, akin to colorful fog. Unfortunately, pretty as it was, it gummed up their sensors, their collection systems, and made engineering almost as paranoid as Pike, spiking the power in their deflector, shields, and the engines at random intervals. Closer to the planets, the fog coalesced into a perpetual storm of ion energy, swirling like clouds between the moons and the atmosphere, discharging bolts of energy across open space. The whole light show flooded their sensor data with an absurd amount of static and noise.

It was a good system to hide in and, more than anything, that was what had the Captain on edge.

They couldn't scan the surface, the surface (presumably) couldn't scan them, and everything outside the windows read on screen like electromagnetic soup. Pike couldn't have engineered a better location for an ambush if he had tried, but so far, there were no signs of any other ships. There were life signs on the planet, hazy though they appeared on Enterprise. In the absence of tangible danger, it was their responsibility as scientists to stop and take a look. So, with the usual Starfleet aplomb, they checked atmospheric composition and sent an away team. Unfortunately, advanced as the Enterprise was, they were at a disadvantage. They had no idea that they should have scanned for chronitons, nor did they technically have the capability to do so. They couldn't have known that those clouds were heavy with chronitons like they were getting ready to monsoon. It was a fluke, nothing more than pure chance that they managed to time their transporter signal just right to send it straight through a chroniton discharge. The temporal particles split the beam apart like a prism and all three officers ended up on different parts of the surface at different points in time. They weren't separated by much, either distance or time, so that was a spot of luck, but they most certainly didn't materialize where or when they'd expected. (A closed starter for @starfleetsxvulcan and SNW Spock)

#star trek roleplay #star trek rp #Soji and Spock #And also my mid Pike NPC #I promise my Una and La'an are a little better.#Time for time shenanigans

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voidsaber · 4 years

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swanto - downfall (nightclub)??? ;👀👀👀

ALRIGHT SO. (i’m grinning just thinking about this stupid au). This all started like nearly 2 years ago when my coworker invited me to go to a club with them. I’d never been to a club before (not my scene and with experience still isn’t). So I go home at a reasonable morning hour but I can’t get to sleep cause on the way back my brain is full of Eli/Cygni brainrot with the silliest idea that basically. what if Eli was undercover in a nightclub (because fanfic plot reasons). And Cygni was there. and then they flirt and hook up. and that was meant to be it. that was the plot. i just wanted random cute one-shot swantos.

and then my brain made angst happen by giving thrawn a bigger role and slapping in some one-sided thranto. so then the fic kept going and we have thrawn meeting eli in the hotel the next morning and being Concerned but also jealous and hurt. and so thrawn confesses he’s got feelings for Eli but eli basically has none of it cause he’s kinda fed up with the manipulation schtick. in this au Pryce and Thrawn never meet and thus never help one another and so eli is stuck as an ensign and we get a lot of thranto angst and possibly some very vindictive space cowboy. it was initally titled “nightclub au” for ages before I gave it the temp. name of “downfall”. I have a playlist for this au also. i just checked and there are 18k words i don’t remember writing all of :’) it’s really fun writing eli/cygni interactions with cygni being a lil snarky and eli getting riled up but also getting snarky right back at him. and also being soft n cute. and also thrawn just pining really hard. and also eli’s frustration at a stagnated career path.

uhhh select snippets under the cut?

- - -

Cygni shrugged. "Spice, Dust, people... not my modus operandi."

"And I'm to believe you?"

"I told you - I'm in no position to lie. Besides, why would I? Is it that difficult to believe I'm not keen on those who profit off of the stuff? I've seen what it does to people. And I'm just me tonight."

"Just 'you'?" A flat statement more than a question. He didn't understand Cygni's words.

"Yes." The damn smirk was equal parts infuriating and attractive and infuriatingly attractive. Clearly there was a punchline he wasn't getting. Whatever. Eli pushed it aside, not caring for games. He cleared his throat.

"So," Eli ventured. "Whatever you're doing, it's not some kind of play. Or trap."

"Of course not. How would I even know you were to be here tonight?" Cygni smiled wryly. "You think if I knew I would show up, considering our previous encounter?"

"No. I don't think you'd be that bold. Or that stupid."

Cygni snorted from across the table. "Well, I'm glad you think so, at least. I'd say we're getting along just fine, wouldn't you?"

(at the hotel)

He watched as Cygni shuffled backwards to sit cross-legged on the wide bed. He followed suit and made himself comfortable facing him. The way he leant back and propped himself on his hands was very appealing. Eli let his gaze wander, down along the scrunched creases of his shirt at the shoulder, his arms, a little more muscular than he'd first thought, pale scars catching on his dark skin that gave Eli a twinge of cold uneasy recognition, of remembrance, and to those solid hands that had felt so good on his scalp. He dropped lower down to the drape of his shirt - really if he'd wanted to blend in at the venue he could have worn something a little more... exciting - past the strained fabric of his trousers, nicely fitting, quite tight, actually, and a strange blue-green colour that Eli wasn't sure blended well whatsoever with the pale shirt or dark skin but really he was just focussed on the want for their absence; and then with rising heat down elsewhere, to Cygni's feet. Eli suddenly felt very strange for wearing his shoes whilst on the bed. He gulped, getting back to the matter at hand - that being the growing desire inside of him for the man before him. He raked his eyes back up to Cygni's wry grin, though not entirely free of tension.

He must've had a strange expression on his face because Cygni spoke up in a jovial tone. "Not going to try and weasel some information out of me are you, Vanto?"

Eli huffed quietly, tension lifting. "As if you'd fall for that. And it's Eli," he said, and leant forward to kiss him again. "You can call me Eli."

(thrawn confronting eli the morning after. which is very rude of him)

"You are well aware it is against protocol--"

"I know, sir," Eli muttered, pained.

"--and more so it was unwise. There is conduct to follow, Ensign."

Eli flinched. He knew better than to try answering that.

"However, I do not expect any individual to solely rid themselves of any desires they have. As you said, the path of duty can oft impede or interrupt chances at proper rest or indeed.. indulgence. What I wish to understand is that it seems there are those on the Thunder Wasp who would respond positively from such an advance from yourself, and despite regulations I see no reason why you could not engage in sexual activity with those you wish to, whoever they may be,//such colleagues albeit within appropriate timeframes, provided it does not impact your work. Yet you have chosen to ignore this in favour of a different party. I do, of course, notice these things."

Gods what the fucking weirdest thing Thrawn was saying.

"Oh yeah," Eli replied sarcastically, unable to help it now. "I'm sure the Empire’s finest are dying to get a shot at screwing a Wild Space hick who barely made the cut at the Royal Academy and is getting such special treatment – all for being bilingual. Care to name a few?”

"I myself, am one such example."

"What."

(after thrawn and eli’s fallout)

Oh right - Thrawn was talking to him. Of course he was. And didn't seem to care that Eli wasn't listening. It's not like he wouldn't notice. He just expected Eli to pay attention to him. Like usual, he expected Eli to give him every waking moment. No time to think for himself, about himself, lest it lead to foolishness.

"Sir?" Eli said bitterly. All of this clamouring in his head was driving him mad. He felt sick. He couldn't remember half of what he'd been driving round and round in his skull, and from the rest of it he couldn't tell if it was his own spiteful hyperbole or if it was truthful. He didn't know which was worse.

A small flicker of something crossed Thrawn's impeccable features. Eli didn't know and didn't care what. He supposed he should. He paid attention. "I was suggesting, Ensign, that you be taken as ill. I have noticed your demeanour becoming--" he paused. muttered something, or maybe just mouthed it. Eli was frowning at him, hardly trying to stop himself, and could see the word was Sy Bisti. Still on translation duty after all these years. Only useful because it wasn't worth the hour programming a droid. Eli's existence could be quantified in a measly number of credits in that regard. And yet he hadn't even bothered to say the word, to ask Eli for that translation. Was he trying to be nice, or polite? What a first. Or maybe he wasn't even worth that anymore.

tldr: what if... we hooked up in a nightclub while i was undercover on a mission... and the encounter really gets to some hidden emotional part of me for reasons unknown... and then it turned out my commanding officer has been madly in love with me the whole time but my head’s too busy with whatever spell you put on me when we had sex that one time to even look his way... haha jk.... unless..?

#confuzing #swanto #thranto #listen.... nightclub au is good.... i just need to write it #thank u for asking about it...#i need to express my feelings for this ship somehow #mine #voidfic

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grandtheftstarship · 5 years

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Adorkable (Pavel Chekov x Young!Fem!Reader)

Summary: [y/n] boards the Enterprise as a new recruit and meets a flustered Pavel Chekov.

Word Count: 2000+ Warnings: reader is like, 15, though it’s probably not possible but that doesn’t really matter; fluffy af :) also cursing but that’s a given Posted: Tumblr, Wattpad Requested: No

A/n: Sorry if the Russian is incorrect, I used Google translate. I also left some un-translated because some of my favorite Chekov fics made me look it up myself and it made me smile. It’s also more fun that way :)

Today was the day. Today was the day you were finally going to be boarding the Enterprise and working as a full-time ensign, as well as training to be a backup engineer. You were so excited you could barely sleep, and once you woke up the next morning you already had so much energy you had no idea what to do with yourself.

After stress-eating several bowls of [your favorite cereal] and pacing so long you could've worn holes in your floor, it was time to leave your home in San Francisco. You smoothed out your new gold uniform, making sure it wasn't riding up and tugged on your boots. Deeming yourself acceptable, you grabbed your things and left.

After reveling in the beauty of the massive starship, you boarded successfully and started looking for your quarters. You had to admit you were a little self-conscious. The Enterprise had already been flying for five months and everybody seemed to know each other already. You clutched your backpack straps, keeping your head down as you navigated through the crowd of officers.

Chekov stood awkwardly by Sulu who was talking with someone he had never met. He scanned the crowd, seeing the same usual faces... Except for one. Her [hair length] [hair color] hair shielded her face for a moment until she suddenly looked up and scanned the room. Butterflies exploded in his chest, sending his heart pumping at a furious pace as he caught a glimpse of her features. He was unable to move, unable to breathe, as the same four words echoed in his mind.

You're in love.

She suddenly made eye contact and her face burst into pink and she hastily looked away, causing his own face to redden as he averted his eyes. Unfortunately, Sulu noticed.

"Hey, it was nice talking to you, but I gotta go," he waved goodbye to the person he was talking with and dragged Chekov to the side.

"Who are you looking at?" he smirked.

"N-no one," Chekov tried desperately to get his heartbeat to calm down. "It's nothing."

"Okay, I know that you know that I'm 'batting for the other team'," Sulu made quotes with his fingers. "But I really want to know who you're looking at. Is it someone I know?"

Chekov shook his head. "I've never seen her before." Sulu sighed.

"What color uniform does she have?" he asked.

"Gold," Chekov gulped. "Like us."

"Excellent," Sulu snickered. "Easier to find."

" о боже, помоги мне, " Chekov muttered. (Oh god, help me)

You scurried down a random hall, gripping your PADD with a map of the Enterprise in one hand and the other randomly twirling the hem of your dress.

What just happened?

That boy was outrageously attractive and he was staring at you. You tried your best to brush it off and continue to find your quarters. The captain had requested that you meet him on the bridge so he could let you know what you were supposed to do and you really did not want to show up with your face a blushing mess and your backpack.

When you finally found it, you tossed your backpack down, splashed water on your face, and you were back out the door. Your heart raced and your palms were sweaty as you entered the turbolift.

"Bridge, please," you said, trying to sound confident. The lift went faster than you expected and before you knew it the doors hissed open to reveal the busy space.

Quickly remembering protocol, you called; "Permission to enter the bridge, sir?"

The captain turned around, immediately grinning.

"Ah, Ensign [y/l/n]! So glad you made it aboard," ha pat you on the shoulder. "Let me introduce you to some people."

Does he do this with all the crew?

"Bones, this is Ensign [y/l/n], the fifteen-year-old Ensign I told you about!" Kirk led you over to a tired looking man arguing with a Vulcan. They both looked up when you approached.

"Dammit Jim, since when are we letting fifteen-year-olds join the crew?" Bones grumbled. "Chekov's seventeen and I'm already fed up."

"This is our Cheif Medical Officer, Bones McCoy," Jim introduced.

"The name's Leonard," he muttered, sticking his hand out to shake. You gladly shook it.

"And this here is the First Officer, Commander Spock."

"Pleased to meet you, Ensign," he greeted. "I understand that you have taken the record of youngest Starfleet officer, am I correct?"

"I understand that you have taken the record of youngest Starfleet officer, am I correct?"

Chekov tensed.

That was my record.

He stood up suddenly to approach the person who had taken his prized possession but stopped in his tracks.

дерьмо. (Shit)

It was her. It was the girl from before. Before he could go back to his seat unnoticed, the captain called him over.

"Keep cool," Chekov muttered, getting desperate to calm his reddening face. He tried not to look her way, in fear he would freeze up like the last time he beheld her.

"Ensign [your full name], this is Ensign Pavel Chekov," Kirk introduced.

He finally allowed himself to look at her, which was an immediate mistake. Her smile launched butterflies in his stomach and, if it was possible, his eyes reflected hearts.

"Hi! It's nice to meet you Pavel!" she beamed at him, and held out her hand. Chekov shook his head slightly and reached out to shake her hand.

" Это хорошо для - I mean, Its good to meet you," He stuttered awkwardly, muttering, "Я испортил это." (I messed it up)

"You too!"

"Chekov, sorry to tell you this but this Ensign has beaten your record for 'youngest crew member'," Kirk said with a grin. "I'm lucky to have the two youngest members of Starfleet aboard my ship!"

"Wait, how old are you, if you don't mind me asking?" she cocked her head a bit as she looked up at him.

О боже, почему она такая красивая.

"I-umm," he struggled.

"He's seventeen," Kirk winked at him.

"Wow! Seventeen! That's amazing!"

Oh god, that smile.

"Ты великолепен (you’re wonderful)- I mean, you're amazing," they both turned red. "I- I mean that you're amazing for getting in at fifteen."

"Thank you," she smiled sheepishly.

"Chekov why don't you escort Ensign [last name] to her quarters," Kirk instructed slyly.

Sulu didn't tell him, did he?

дерьмо.(Shit)

"O-of course Keptin," Chekov stuttered. He was gonna kill Sulu.

"Thank you," Kirk clapped her on the back and started walking away. "Have fun you two, but not too much fun."

They both stood there awkwardly.

"Um- ladies first," Chekov said when the turbolift opened.

"Thanks," she said softly. The lift was silent before you started speaking.

"So, you're the navigator?" She asked him.

"да- I mean, yes," Chekov cursed himself. "I am also shadowing the Cheif Engineer."

"Hey me too!" she said, smiling. "I actually have to go down there next... Do you wanna come with?"

"S-Sure," Chekov gave a small smile. "I would love too."

"Great!"

There were a couple moments of silence.

"Are you-" she started.

"How did-" Chekov interrupted.

"Sorry!" they both said at the same time.

"You first," she giggled as the turbolift opened.

"No, ladies first," he insisted, smiling as he let you out of the turbolift first.

"Okay fine then," she sighed. "Are you from Russia? I mean of course you are- I mean-"

"It's okay," Chekov chuckled. "I am from Russia. I was born there in 2241."

"I see," she nodded. "I was born in [birthplace], 2244."

"You're fifteen, yes?" Chekov asked.

"Yeah, but I'm turning sixteen in a few weeks," she replied. "Anyway, your turn. What were you going to say?"

"Oh, uh," Chekov rubbed the back of his neck. "I was going to ask how your parents let you join Starfleet so young. Mine barely let me go to America."

"Well it took a lot of convincing by me and my teachers, but once I skipped to the ninth grade when I was ten, my parents agreed to enroll me," she explained.

"That is amazing," Chekov blushed at his words. "Well, we are in engineering. This is where I leave you."

"I'll see you later?" she cocked her head to the side again, making Chekov's insides turn to mush.

"да- I mean, yes," he stuttered. "I can meet you for dinner?"

"Its a date then!" and she disappeared into engineering.

Your face was so hot you were sure it would explode. Grateful for the door that now separated you from Chekov, you started towards the Cheif Engineer's office.

Once you got there, he shook your hand and started explaining a whole bunch of things that he was going to teach you later and started showing you around the basic parts of engineering. You couldn't focus. All you could think of was Pavel and how flustered he looked when you looked him in the eye. Four words bounced around your mind for the duration of Scotty's tour.

You're in love.

"Well, that seems to be it. Your first day down here will be in a few days. You'll know the exact date later," he concluded, handing you your PADD back. "Can't wait to work with you, [l/n]."

"You too Mr. Scott," you smiled at him before moving away. Your thoughts went back to your dinner "date" with Pavel, and your cheeks flushed. Unsure when dinner was, you looked on the map on your PADD.

~спустя два дня~

(two days later)

You waited patiently for your new best friend on the ship by the turbolift. You were both going to shadow Scotty for the day, and you were anxious and excited to work next to him.

"[Y/n]!" He called as he jogged up to you.

"Hey Pavel!" you greeted cheerfully, getting into the turbolift. "Ready to be a shadow?"

"You bet!" he replied stepping in after you.

The ride was short but sweet, and before you knew it you were standing in front of Scotty.

"Okay, here are the rules," he said. "No running near the warp core, don't mess with the tools, and don't be making out while I'm not looking."

Both your faces erupted into blushing messes.

"Alright, off we go," Scotty waved over his shoulder as he walked away. You hurried after him.

Forty minutes in, you were bored to death. You could tell Pavel was too, judging by his slouching shoulders and sagging eyelids. Scotty barely did anything; signing reports, checking in on his underlings, etcetera, etcetera.

"Hey," he whispered. "I have an idea."

"I'm down for anything. Just end my suffering," you whispered back. He nodded.

"Mister Scott?" Chekov called.

"What is it, lad?" Scotty replied, looking slightly irritated.

"Can [y/n] and I take a break?" he asked, flashing his puppy eyes.

"Oh- alright. Just don't tell the captain," he warned though laughter twinkled in his eyes.

"Yay!" you and Pavel cheered. He grabbed your hand and started running in the other direction.

"Thanks, Mister Scott!" he called over his shoulder.

"No prob- Hey! No running...." he trailed off at the sounds of your laughter before chuckling to himself. "Kids these days."

"So, what are we doing?" you giggled, trying not to think of how perfectly Pavel's hand fit into yours.

"Jefferies Tube C," he huffed, still running. "The gravity control doesn't work there."

"So in other words," you smiled. "It's fun."

"Precisely," Chekov slowed to a stop, still gripping your hand. "Here's the entrance."

You climbed up the ladder first, praying you remembered to wear booty shorts under your uniform. You barely got the latch open before you felt your feet lift off the ladder rung.

"Whoa!" You yelped, gripping the latch as your feet rose higher, tipping you upside down.

"It's okay," Pavel chuckled, pushing himself lightly into the tube. "Here, grab my hand."

You blushed as you gripped his hand with one of yours and let go of the handle.

"You can do it," he encouraged. You nodded, slowly letting go of his hand. Before you knew it, you were flipping around and laughing your head off.

"Now you've got it!" He laughed.

You smiled at him, head full of bliss and heart fluttering.

"Thank you."

"You're always welcome."

~две недели спустя~

(two weeks later)

"I can't believe I'm doing this," Chekov grumbled as Sulu thrust a pink rose in his hand.

"You'll do great!" Sulu enthused, leading his friend into the dining hall. "There she is!"

Spending two weeks with his best-friend/ love of his life had been amazing and fun. But he couldn't wait anymore. He had to know.

Pavel's heart raced in his chest as he looked at her standing there. The mess hall was not the place he wanted to do this. He pushed the thornless stem of the rose into his waistband and quickly walked over to her.

"Hey, Pavel-"

"Follow me," he said, putting his hand on the small of her back as he led her out of the busy room.

"Pavel- where are we going?" she asked, struggling to keep up with him.

"It's a surprise," he said, tilting his head down at her small form and grinning. His cheeks turned pink at the sight of hers doing the same.

Once he found the room he was looking for, anxiety spiked through him.

I am really going to do this.

"Wow! Is this the astronomy room?" you gasped, looking around in wonder at the galaxy in front of you.

"Y-yes it is," Pavel stuttered. "[Y/n] I... Uh."

"What is it Pav?" you asked, cocking your head. His grip of the rose stem tightened.

"I-I just-" without thinking, he thrust the rose out in front of him and squeezed his eyes shut.

She's going to reject me. He thought desperately.

Oh God, she's going to reject me.

Instead of being slapped or hearing footsteps run from the room as he expected, he felt a hand cover his on the rose and soft lips touch his. His eyes fluttered open, but seeing hers tightly shut he closed them again. She pulled away.

"S-sorry-"

"No!" he interrupted, giving a soft laugh. "That's what I hoped would happen."

She beamed.

"Will you go on a date with me?" he asked sheepishly.

"Of course," she nodded. "Pasha."

With that, Pavel attacked her lips once again.

#CUTEEEEE #Star trek #star trek reader inserts #star trek x reader #star trek aos reader inserts #pavel chekov #pavel chekov x reader #pavel chekov aos #pavel chekov reader insert #pavel chekov x femreader #star trek imagines #pavel chekov imagines #why is he so cutteeee

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trixcuomo · 4 years

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Outtakes from: Boom! Pop! Pow!

Next on the Azeroth Movie Channel. In a world, where overpowered Horde beverage companies collide...

“Captain, sir! Alliance off the port bow!”

“So this is it. We’re out-gunned. Captain Fiesta Lime Trixany... I may only be a sweet innocent country Tauren girl who rose through your ranks to become the latest Kaja-Cola flavor, Ensign Mega Meghan Mango... But I also feel like we’ve been through a lot together in this Kaja-war to end all other beverage competitors...”

“And Trixany, I wanted you to know. No matter what happens out here with the Alliance, or even the frightful Cherry Red Menace himself... I’ve considered you a... a special friend.”

“Oh, Meghan! I don’t care if you’re a Tauren, or what anyone thinks about us. Come over here!”

*smooching noises, then a boppin’ pop song starts to play*

“I kissed a Tauren girl and I liked iiit! Taste of her Mulgore spice-bread chapstick!”

“CUT!! Trixany, this isn’t going to work after all.”

“What? I did the scene, I sang the song... Do you have a problem with a Blood Elf and a Tauren girl kissing in a movie about an alt-universe Garrosh war on soft drinks?”

“No, that part was perfectly fine. Warchief Cherry Grog Garrosh’s stunt double got eaten by that dragon. We’ll have to run it again.”

((Hey, wouldn’t you know--those random screenshots from leveling my Tauren alt came in handy!))

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bffhreprise · 4 years

Text

Entry 316

“Hurry up and change!” exclaimed Cosette excitedly as she handed me a garment bag. She was wearing a flashy, fitted military uniform with glowing insignia. Why would military boots have several inches of heel… or a skirt for that matter? What were the devices on her belt? Knowing this place, they might actually be functional.

“Change?” I questioned, still trying to figure out what she was wearing and fearing what was in the bag.

“Yes. Did you read the briefing?” she questioned.

“Sorry, Cosette. I had thought you would want to inform him personally.” stated Mila from the intercom.

“Oh! Thank you!” exclaimed Cosette as she grinned at me. “For tonight, you stop being mere Dejon and become Ensign Dejon of the Hyawetin Imperial Defense Force. You’ll address me as Lieutenant Commander Cosette. I’ll explain the rules of the game on the way. You need changed. Now.” she ordered, stepping out of the way of my door.

I only hesitated for a second, before changing as quickly as I could manage. The uniform had a significant number of buttons, and I never wore boots at all. This was to be a trial assignment. If I did well, I’d be a step closer to officially working here.

“First, we jog!” exclaimed Cosette, jogging away just after I stepped into the hall.

There was a car waiting for us with incredibly tinted windows. Once we were inside, she immediately began explaining rules of a Live Action Role-Playing game to me. Apparently, one team was short on members for today’s battle, and bringing in fresh recruits wasn’t against the rules.

Our assignment was to play part of the command crew in the Hyawetin Imperial Defense Force. The game was divided into two parts. First, we’d be doing aerial maneuvers where we needed to react quickly as circumstances changed in the mock battle, such as assigning medical crews, ordering repairs, or evacuating areas. At least, that would be my task, taking orders and relaying them as logically as I could manage. Cosette didn’t want to confuse me with what she’d be doing, since I had so little time to practice.

The “car” was more of a mobile gaming system than a typical car. Mila was driving us while Cosette and I practiced maneuvers on the displays. Unfortunately, we couldn’t practice for the second part of the game. If we won the aerial maneuvers, we needed to board the enemy ship, which was more like a game of full-contact laser tag. Our flashy uniforms had sensors built into them. All I could study for tonight were the armaments of our possible opponents. Since the scenarios were randomized, we didn’t actually know who we were up against until the scenario started.

“Okay. We’ve arrived a little early, so practice your walk on the way inside.” stated Cosette.

“M-My walk?” I asked, unfortunately feeling nervous already. I couldn’t quite understand what she meant.

She rolled her eyes, and said, “Just step in unison with me as best as you can. They won’t judge. We’re just filling in.”

I performed the salute as Mila had shown me, left arm down at my side and the back of my hand to my forehead. She giggled and demonstrated the proper motion and position, adjusting my arm slightly. Then we marched, saluting our Captain once we stepped inside. The game had already begun without introductions other than a greeting from the Captain.

I had expected separate rooms simulating the ship bridges as shown in the videos of the game, but the early matches apparently used more basic, portable control panels to simulate the ship, facing head-to-head with the enemy. Still, I knew my job.

There was a briefing from an admiral, ordering us to investigate a possible enemy ship in our territory. Afterward, there were a few minutes of the Captain barking off general system checks he wanted before engaging a possible threat. Cosette had somehow anticipated them, running the checks before he even gave the order. Apparently, that was fair play. Several people were surprised, but no one commented. I just had to answer some questions on my console about battle preparations, like if we should shut down the mess hall or if combat wasn’t expected. I found hearing the enemy ship doing similar things to be distracting, but I was here to be part of the crew. This was a job.

When the engagement started, the enemy decided to ignore our hail. Instead, they moved and fired immediately, which was displayed on our “view screen” as an obviously digital ship moving and firing some sort of blue energy weapon at us. I started reassigning an engineering team, and then second-guessing whether I was supposed to yet. The Captain was busy ordering our attack, so I just continued. Minutes passed, and I started to sweat. This felt more intense than I had expected, and I really didn’t want to screw up.

“Captain, fire torpedoes three meters above the aft thrusters, and you should disable the entire ship. There’s a design flaw we can exploit.” stated Cosette confidently.

Captain Aahan looked surprised, but he gave the orders to proceed. Luckily, she was right. A few more shots, and we won the aerial maneuvers. There was a ten minute break where people openly complimented our uniforms—the majority of them had likely stitched the uniform at home where ours looked professionally tailored—and we reviewed performances. Captain Aahan, surprisingly, complimented me as well, saying I was very efficient and deserved a commendation.

When the boarding maneuvers started, I felt a bit useless. I took a shot to the arm, losing us points, and only hit one of them. Cosette, however, was like a death machine, making these people look like amateurs, despite them having obvious training. I could attribute her precision at dodging invisible beams and perfect aim to her being a vampire, but… wow. She moved even higher on my list of people to never make angry.

After the battle, we did some formal handshaking between crews and had pizza together while points and rewards were assigned. Cosette and I both received a commendation for “best uniforms”, and she was given the VIP medal for our team. If they needed us again one day, I hoped I’d be able to improve.

,,,^._.^,,,

“Reporting for duty, sir!” I exclaimed, snapping to attention to salute James once I was in his office.

“At ease.” he told me, smirking.

“Yes, sir! Ready for the briefing?” I asked, still playing things serious.

“Yes, please. I would love to know from where this charade came.” replied James, still smiling.

I laughed and said, “Sorry. I couldn’t resist. Dejon and I were requested to fill in the ranks at a sort of LARP. Our commander was desperate for replacements, since a couple members of his crew were out sick.”

“Sounds entertaining. How did things go?” he questioned, looking serious.

“Dejon was stiff as ever, but I must say that actually worked for him. He was a perfectly uptight soldier all night. We each received a commendation for best kept uniforms, by the way, and our commander awarded me with a VIP medal. You’ll be happy to hear that he wanted to make us official members of his crew, even offering immediate promotion if we were to join.” I explained, searching his face for a reaction. James could be hard to read at times.

“Oh? The uniforms weren’t supplied?” he asked in surprise.

I shook my head and said, “No. They paid extra for us to bring our own, and Mila fabricated these instead of buying them in town. They’re far more durable and tailored to fit.”

“Did Dejon cheat?” inquired James all-too-seriously.

“Not that I noticed, but I did.” I admitted, grinning at him.

“What!?” he asked, shocked by the idea.

“Don’t worry. No one caught me, even the other vampire. I only cheated because he did. I noticed that he occasionally grew an extra finger to respond faster without moving faster, so I modified my palms to hit keys under them where people couldn’t see.” I explained.

He nodded and said, “I’ll admit that seems fairly safe and relatively harmless, though I am having trouble picturing this game.”

“Each group acts as part of a fleet. If you win the aerial maneuvers, then your team gets to attempt boarding maneuvers. Dejon desperately needs to learn how to fight. He was terrible at that part, but we did well enough. The commander had me leading the charge by the end. I’d wager the other vampire guessed at our shared nature at that point. He should have if he didn’t.” I teased, remembering the boy’s face as I shot him.

“You kept up with him fine then?” asked James, still all serious.

“Kept up with him?” I questioned indignantly. “I could mop the floor with ten of him. He was obviously fairly young for my kind, and he lacked combat training.”

“Sorry, but you’re younger than me, and I’ve met vampires that are thousands of years old. You’re still quite young for your kind.” he replied, as if I needed the reminder.

“You still have no idea how much that letter from Zachary Blood meant to me. I can’t believe you met him!” I exclaimed with a grin. Meeting the eldest would be overwhelming in the best way.

“Don’t forget his brothers. They’d be quite disappointed to be left out.” teased James, finally relaxing again.

“I know! I’m so jealous that you’ve met them.” I admitted.

“Don’t worry. You’ll have your chance. I believe they’re attending my wedding.” he replied, failing to suppress another smirk.

“Are they really!?” I exclaimed, leaning over his desk to stare him in the eyes.

“Aaliyah mentioned they were invited, so I imagine they’ll come.” he assured me.

“What am I going to wear!?” I exclaimed, honestly uncertain how to dress. I had paced away from him while thinking, so I spun to say, “James, thank you! For me, this is like meeting a rockstar. You have no idea how many stories my father told me about them.”

“True.” he conceded.

I laughed, rolling my eyes, and said, “Many. A great many, and he hadn’t even met them personally. I wish my parents could be alive for this. My father would probably worry about me getting dragged into politics, of course, but I know he’d want to meet them as well. The way he spoke about them was riveting.”

“I’m glad to have given you fair warning of their arrival then, but can you understand my confusion in regard to you and this other vampire you met?” he prodded.

I feigned confusion, deciding whether or not to explain, but this was James. “Oh. Yes. Sorry. Having been born instead of created, I’m significantly stronger than an average vampire my age. Furthermore, I have Slayer blood. Where Ai and Mai could easily outmatch a newly turned vampire, possibly even one approaching a hundred, I’m already physically their equal.” I admitted, knowing he could simply ask the brothers if he wanted vampire secrets. Anyone they trusted was perfectly trustworthy.

“Considering that you always hold back in practice, I’d wager that you’re a little stronger than either of them separately and even better at fighting than I had first guessed.” he suggested.

Smiling, I said, “Maybe. A girl deserves her secrets.”

“True, but I would enjoy seeing Joyeuse eventually if you’re ever willing to give that secret up.” he replied, smiling back at me.

Laughing, I said, “I slipped, didn’t I.” I had thought I was safe enough, suggesting what I did to tease the twins, but James could be very astute.

“I believe you fooled the twins. Your act was very convincing.” he insisted.

“Still, my father would be disappointed in my lapse. He could be rather strict regarding secrets.” I explained, still feeling an ache as I thought of my parents. One wrong friend, and they were executed. I wasn’t sure I’d ever fully move past their deaths, but I had forgiven Alma.

“I believe you. From what I’ve heard, Alma’s mother was incredibly strict with her regarding everything.” insisted James encouragingly.

“No doubt. Father wasn’t that strict. He simply wanted to help me perfect everything he knew, so he taught me constantly. I think you would have liked him, honestly.” I replied, sincerely wishing they could have met. My parents would adore him.

James smiled again as he said, “Going by you, I’m sure I would have. I hope he’d be happy with your new home.”

“He would. He’d marvel at everything just as I do. This place is amazing, James. Only you could bring such different people together with such success. I’m very grateful that you let me stay here.” I assured him, hoping he knew how true my words are. Without him, I certainly would have sought revenge, quite probably dying in the process.

“You’re welcome as long as I live. Considering that I don’t appear to be aging anymore, that could be a very long time.” he insisted.

I found myself staring at him before I fully registered moving. He seemed perfectly sincere. “You’re not aging? Are you certain?” I questioned in surprise.

“Having taken one of your secrets, I felt I should give one of mine as well. Don’t tell anyone. They’ll notice in time.” he replied with a small smile.

I had already started preparing myself for the eventuality of James’ demise. The world would lose something irreplaceable on that day, but… he wouldn’t die. “Friends forever?” I asked, holding out my hand to him.

“Friends forever.” he confirmed, shaking my hand.

We had eternity ahead of us. I wouldn’t be alone again. “In that case, I’ll show you Joyeuse right now if you have the time.” I offered.

“Certainly. The more of these weapons I see, the more impressed I’ve been with them. I have spent long periods just imagining the skill crafting such weapons would take.” he confided.

I guided him to my quarters, freely showing him the location of my vault. James would only have to ask Mila to know about it anyway. She surely wouldn’t keep secrets from him if he ordered her to reveal one. I also trusted that he wouldn’t. James respected each of us, despite the extreme differences in abilities. Of course, everyone here was exceptional in at least one way.

“Mila’s kind enough to watch over my things.” I told him conversationally as I opened the door.

He nodded, taking in the contents. A large pile of ancient coins covered the floor of one corner. Jewelry, precious documents, gems, paintings, statues, vases, books, and more were locked away throughout the room, my inheritance.

“Please excuse the mess. Aaliyah likes to play pirates.” I explained, motioning to the coins. Then I pulled open a large drawer to reveal Joyeuse next to its sheath. As I grasped the handle, I pictured the storm in my heart, turbulent still from my parents’ deaths. The blade illuminated as lightning coursed over it. James seemed intrigued, so I explained “Joyeuse produces different types of energy around the blade depending on the wielder’s mood. I imagine the creator wanted the sword to be difficult to defend against beyond its obvious sharpness.”

James absently nodded, studying every detail of the weapon. He surely saw even more than I did. I knew he had limits, being unable to compete with Raine, but they were too far above me for even a guess at their peaks. I demonstrated more of the energies for him as we discussed the blade, eventually putting it away. James always had more work demanding his attention.

#Best Friend For Hire Reprise #Best #Friend #For #Hire #Reprise #Jovial Times #Jovial #Times #Fantasy #Fiction

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