middleofsomewhere | Enemy Unknown: Conclusion

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Enemy Unknown: Conclusion

The third night is as long and creepy as the others...

It might be that they found the engine room, solved the puzzles and found themselves in the hangar bay with no way out. It might be that they were still in the station hiding from the invisible monsters. Or it might be that they had been plucked from the mission and were waiting in their holding room.

Either way morning dawns on the fourth day...

ENEMY: UNKNOWN

DAY FOUR

the trapped. THOSE WHO SOLVED THE ENGINE ROOM SPENT THE NIGHT IN A LARGE HANGAR THAT DOES NOT SEEM TO HAVE ANY DOORS. Their SCA's are working, so they can still communicate with those in the station, perhaps talk them through the engine room puzzles or tell them to stay clear. As morning comes all the lights in the hangar come on. Brighter than any lights so far in the station, harsh white light after the eerie red of the rest of the mission.

Everyone still in the station wakes where they fell asleep - if they slept at all. It's not long after most people are up and about that they will hear a high-pitched beep from their SCA, and then a blue light will envelop them and those around them. It might be they spot their friends vanishing before they too disappear.

They arrive in the hangar, reunited with those who spent the night there. All their gear is with them at least, but that doesn't solve the problem of being in a hangar with no obvious way out. Nor are any of those who vanished during the last three days here, their SCA's still go unanswered.

the vanished. FOR THOSE IN THE HOLDING ROOM, THEIR NIGHT HAS PROCEEDED MUCH LIKE THE NIGHTS BEFORE. One of the screens showed the hangar, and those that had succeeded in completing the engine room task. The lights had dimmed for sleeping and turned on again bright in the morning. For those watching the screens they will see those in the station vanish in blue light and turn up in the hangar.

Around half an hour later a voice sounds in the room. "Please gather your belongings and prepare for release."

It's another ten minutes, allowing them to make sure they have all their things before their SCA's beep. They are then surrounded by a blue light, taking them from the room they had spent the last few days in.

REUNITED

reunion. AN HOUR PASSES AFTER FIRST ARRIVALS PASS IN THE HANGAR. Suddenly, there is another flash of blue light, and the missing eighteen Voidtreckers appear with the rest of their crew. They will find they had all their gear as well, including their missing weapons.

They are left to their own devices for a small while, a time for reuniting with friends, but not long enough to exchange stories before a voice rings out in the hangar:

"THANK YOU CREW OF THE VOIDTRECKER EXPRESS FOR YOUR COMPLIANCE. YOU MAY RETURN TO YOUR CRAFT."
There is a loud mass of beeping as everyone's SCA's flashes at the same time, holographic messages popping up too fast to be able to read them in their entirety.

Voidtreckers come in.

All Voidtreckers return to the Voidtrecker Express
Voidtreckers evacuate now

Voidtreckers do you read?

Layers of holographic messages pile on top of each other but a moment later everyone's SCA's glow gold and everyone vanishes from the hangar...

LUGGAGE CARRIAGE

return. EVERYONE ARRIVES INSIDE THE LUGGAGE CARRIAGE, PACKED LIKE SARDINES BETWEEN SUITCASES AND TRUNKS. There is no announcement, no warning of returning to the void; just a lurch that is likely to throw anyone on the train unaware of what has just happened off their feet, no matter the carriage they're in.

They return to the void at what feels like breakneck speed. Colours fly past the windows, and it is a good few hours before they seem to slow to their normal travel speed.

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A familiar voice says his name. An unfamiliar form of panicked concern is recognized.

No, Elidibus remembers. Kiyoiri had also been distraught in a similar fashion, just not so energetic. It really is something he's not used to.

The Ascian sets aside the book and comes to the door of his cabin. Others might be inside and settling in or trying to catch some rest. Or maybe they're not. Either way, it would be best not to invite Rich in. There are reasons for this, ones which have the man looking down the corridor of the carriage one way, then the other before stepping out and closing the door behind him.

"I've been occupied with many tasks. Forgive me for not answering if you've messaged me." You did try to message him, right Rich? Not that he had answered any calls earlier but still. He is as courteous as ever though this time his calm is in hopes of helping to quiet Rich down a little bit. "I did not mean to alarm you. I was not aware I would be so missed in the confusion of our return."

As to his body, it's in perfect form. As if scrapes, bumps and injured arm never were. Even his clothing is repaired. Or he's changed into a new set. The point is any inspections will definitely make him seem in top shape.

Rich, for his part, at least looks a little sheepish when Elidibus comes out of the room. He had been so surprised to see the man that he'd kind of forgotten it was getting to be fairly late in the day. He gives a bit of a relieved smile when Elidibus apologizes, though he is still a bit worried. Isn't he going to burn out if he overworks himself right after a mission.

"It's okay. I left some messages, but they weren't anything big. I was just looking for you... I mean, I saw you in the holding cell, and you looked like you were kind of banged up, so..."

But Elidibus seems fine now. Maybe he got his hands on some healing potions or magic? Rich scans him thoroughly, but then nods to himself, satisfied. "You are training me, so obviously I'm gonna be worried if we can't do our regular meetings!"

Fortunately there wasn't anything about the mission to be burned out over. Being completely blocked from one's birthright and magic will do wonders for energy reserves. One could say any outburst afterward was a type of release for pent up energy. Yes.

Recognizing the once over from his earlier encounter with Kiyoiri, Elidibus gives Rich time to study him. Everything seems in top shape and he's not even looking tired.

"Yes. Unfortunately the binding they used to rob us of any power meant I couldn't make use of healing magicks. But there's been no lasting damage for the delay. The chirurgeon Mordin was a very capable individual."

Praise where praise is due.

"Ah yes, speaking of your training," Elidibus offers. Since the youth has brought it up, the Ascian may as well address it now. "When it comes to furthering your aether training, I would like you to rely on Q'uila and the other miqo'te passenger, K'zeka Tia. They are from my world and quite skilled. But most importantly, they have a mortal understanding which you're likely to find easier to comprehend."

Don't fret though, Rich! He's not completely abandoning you to the catte herd.

"I will still take charge of your martial training. But I think you will find they're better suited to help you further your skill in handling aether."

Rich doesn't have many powers, aside from the ones in Diagad that are still fairly repressed on a good day, so he doesn't get the idea of excess energy. All he knows is that he, and many others, were exhausted after the mission. He's glad to see Elidibus doesn't have that problem, really... and after a moment, he nods to himself, accepting Elidibus' explanation.

"I'm really glad you're okay. As long as you aren't hurt anymore, that's what matters."

Though his relief is tempered slightly when he hears Elidibus' other decision. He practically pouts in confusion, wondering how to disagree with him.

"I didn't think our aether training was going that bad, though! I felt like you understood me well enough without being mortal or whatever."

Elidibus nods politely. So far Rich's relief might be taken as a student's concern for their teacher. He knows better than to mistake it for only that but there's no reason to reject it either.

"Hmm, it's also good to see you've not taken lingering harm." Again polite, but he's always been a little (little?!) reserved.

There is a slight pause when Rich protests the change of teachers on his aether training. Then Elidibus offers a light sigh.

"I have taught many mortals, so that much is not unfamiliar to me. Yet all the ones I've trained have had some understanding of aether. I believe there may be insight they can offer you that I would not necessarily think to consider. I believe you'll do well under their tutelage."

While this is true, it's really a small portion of it. Elidibus grows thoughtful as he considers how much to add next. Finally he continues.

"In addition you'll be aiding them. I've taught them both how I awakened your awareness of aether so they might do so for others who seem suited to our Star's teachings. It'll do them good to let them experience your progress in learning how to use it like an extension of yourself."

Rich wouldn't even mean it as just that, even without Elidibus' influence. He tends to get a little overly worried once he finds he's attached to someone.

He doesn't mind the polite response, though, just grinning. "They went easy on me. Plus I... I thought they were trying to help."

He feels a little guilty about that, after how others have reacted and how badly it seemed their interviews went. He feels even more guilty when Elidibus explains his reasoning.

"I mean, I guess that makes sense... if you really think it'll help them as much as it'd help me, I'm willing to try it. Just feels a little weird. I was getting used to your energy, I guess."

Or is that right? Rich has done his best to follow Elidibus' teachings, but he's still bad at pinpointing his life energy when Elidibus channels his into him.

"It's a possibility they are. I won't deny this, only ask that you consider they may not. And that their professed altruism may well come with another type of cost. But then, much of the same possibilities can be said for the Voidtrecker Express itself."

Elidibus isn't out to vilify the Void Ministry. But it is a very large and extremely powerful governing body. And what's considered in the multiverse's best interest does not mean it is in theirs. It is only wisdom to be cautious of an organization that allows for such heavy measures of detainment and interrogation.

"You've reached a point where practice will yield better results than chasing a sensation," the Ascian points out. "While you might not be able to sense it regularly, you can do so unaided. You've achieved considerable progress in a short time by mortal reckoning."

Elidibus doesn't give praise unwarranted and even if this could serve a double purpose; leading Rich in the direction he wishes for him to go at the moment, it is not without some sincerity. Somberly he continues.

"Even on my star, mortals have varying control over their either. Some are powerful and adept while others experience sickness attempting to manipulate it. One race has even lost its ability to manipulate aether at all, turning instead to technology to supplement their lack. You've adapted well and must now learn to grasp it without my intervention." There is a shake of the head.

"There is no reason to channel my aether to you and many why I should not. Not least which, it was one matter to help you understand what you should sense. It's another that you mistake my aether for your own."

"I guess... I felt like the Ministry wanted to give more answers than the train ever did, but I know I'm kind of biased."

That's a bit of an understatement, as he's hated it here almost since he first arrived. It's only expected that the minute he was offered some way out, he clung to it beyond any logic. He's not the wisest person on this train, certainly.

He does appreciate the praise, a soft smile lighting his features as he acknowledges how rare something like this is from Elidibus. "You really think so? I have been trying hard, but I don't really have any baseline for how long it takes to figure this aether stuff out. I guess I'm just lucky I'm not getting sick at all..."

Even with that explanation, though, Rich can't help but fuss when Elidibus continues on to explain just part of why he's cutting Rich off. So it's not just that he thinks the others have the right experience for the job... does he think his aether is different, somehow?

"What are the other reasons?" He asks a bit more forcefully than he intended to, concern clear in his soft frown.

"Yes. And you're not alone in such thoughts," Elidibus offers. There might be a hint of impatience though it's not solely directed at Rich. "But to be biased against the train doesn't mean you should trust the hands that reach out with a bounty of answers."

Well, people will do what they will do. And the Ascian knows this well. Has used it far too many times to count for his aims. He'll move on. Admittedly he doesn't have much of a baseline himself for these circumstances. Awakening someone's senses to their aether that was not of his world is as new to him as the experience is to Rich. It's fortunate the young man seems to have some aptitude for it.

Though he's probing after answers Elidibus doesn't want to explain right now. The Ascian favors the youth with a stern expression.

"I promise to explain in time. And you can be assured that if I do not, Q'uila and K'zeka will." He's certain of that much. "Perhaps... in a moon's time. A month by this train's calendar or a little more. I ask you to wait that long."

"I guess not. You need to remind yourself not to grab for the first olive branch you see." Which is certainly a bit of a problem for Rich. As much as he should know not to trust people easily, he can't help but throw himself into whatever seems to have all the answers.

And Elidibus certainly seems to have some. As frustrating as it will be to wait, Rich is slightly cowed by his mentor's frown, and moreso with the promise that there is an explanation coming in time.

"I can wait that long if I have to. I get that you need time."

"Thank you." While the inflection of gratitude seems mild, it is there under the normal reserve Elidibus has.

"For the time being if there's nothing more I will attend other business. Pray keep your routine of practice, both personal and what training we still meet for. Pray attend any lessons Q'uila or K'zeka impart."

He'll linger a moment, should Rich have anything to say, but soon departs to whatever tasks call to him.

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Enemy Unknown: Conclusion

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So you know... like around the beginning of Poi?

Sounds like the perfect time for a confrontation!

And going to close this one because you know. Confrontation goin on.