NationStates Jolt Archive

ooc Thread:http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=553280

Who am I?

What is my purpose, the reason for my existence?

What will my future hold?

These are the questions that every sent sentient being asks itself, the question that drives us, makes us who we are, and ultimately defines us.

Efira’s vision blurred, it took her a moment of concentration to bring the world around her back into focus. She found that she was staring down at her hands; she was surprised to find that they were covered in blood. This revelation brought new confusion, doubt, and even fear. Her mind raced, calculating the origins, the root cause of her blood stained hands, she had no idea as to where she was, or ever how she had come to this place, or more importantly what had happened.

Moving past her initial shock, Efira began examining her surroundings in search of any thing that may giver any clues as to what was happening. She was standing waist deep in a shallow creek bed, cold murky water rushed passed her body, its cold grasp cut deep into her body, she felt numb almost from the waist down. As she tried to move forward her muscles moaned in protest and in pain, but she pushed past it, slowly making her way towards the shore. Bit by bit she made her way forward, each step became easier then the last. Suddenly something floating in the river smashed head long her, almost knocking her down. She had been surprise both by the impact and its force, but was able to catch her footing at the last possible moment. More out of curiosity then any thing else she pulled what ever had hit out from murky depth of the water, and quickly wish that she hadn’t.

She had found a lifeless body; its vacant eyes starred up her in, a look of fear had been permanently etched into its face. As gained her composure and as a sign of respect she closed the mans eyes, then gently let him slide back into the water, “Let your journey into the afterlife be peaceful, may you not get lost along the way.” she said this to no one other then her self as watched the body float away. It was prayer that she had learned as child. In Calnuxian religion it was believed that after death a soul would have to complete seven tasks before gaining entrance into the heavens, and that along the way forces of the evil would tempt a soul into giving up or trick them into failing their task. Once again she felt something brush up against her, spinning her turned just in time to see another body float past her, looking up stream she many more victims all floating towards her. Then the came to the realization that the water was not murky due to mud, but in fact it was red with blood. She pushed her leg now even harder to get out of the river.

Collecting her thoughts Efira made her way up the banks and quickly out of the water. The soil was coarse and filled with rocks, while the sky was a pale in green with a slight orange haze just over the horizon; there were no clouds in the sky. There was little vegetation in the area, bush here and there but nothing more then that. The air seemed to be a touch stale, with a strange odor filling the air. She was surrounded by mountain on all sides, there looked sharp and jagged as they cut high into the sky. An eerie silence greeted her; she paused for a moment trying to listen for anything, another person, an animal, anything that would prove that she was not alone in this desolate place.

There was something, something was screaming. There was no sound; it was if the scream could only felt by her, heard only within her soul. Something was calling out her, and it was suffering or even being tormented. Despite any reservations that she may have had she pushed forward into the unknown.

Making her way to wherever it was that she was going it had become abundantly that a battle of some kind had taken place here. Blacken craters could been seen here and there, and a nearby rock face had been scared by blast marks. As she moved along the way, bodies of the dead could seen, some had died from blaster fire, but for most it looked as if they had killed in the jaws of hand to hand combat. Whatever the reason for the fight, the damaged left behind showed that had been fierce, and had claimed many on both sides. Efira stopped for moment to look at two of dead, one from each side. It appeared that one was had Tappee crest on his shoulder, but she did not recognize the uniform, it was far more advance then any she had seen. As for the other she could not place the national crest, but the uniform was similar to the other mans. A though came to her, but she quickly pushed it out her mind. What ever was calling to her was growing stronger.

Her attention was drawn toward a strange rock formation that served as an entrance to pathway that led up the mountain, that was they way that she had to go, she could feel it. There was a natural archway made out of rock, on both side stood two pillars. While it did not appear that anything had been carved into either pillar, each had a natural shape to it. On the right pillar it almost looked like a face, with two hollowed out eyes, and nose pushing out, there was no mouth though. The other looked somewhat similar to an hourglass, wide at both top and bottom, becoming increasing narrower towards the center. Pushing any deeper analysis out her mind Efira made her past the archway and started her journey up the mountain.

As the day went alone the sun bore down on Efira as she made her way up the mountainside. Sweat poured off her brow as she continued her assent, despite the now increasing heat she carried forward knowing that she was now not far from the end of her journey, she could not explain why but just felt it.

As she rounded a corner it quickly became clear that she had found whatever it was that she was looking for. A lone woman was kneeling before an entrance to cave; a sword had been drive through her abdomen and now acted as peg that held her body into place. Her uniform was Tappee in origin tattered and worn it had seen far too many battles. This woman had fought and died here alone, making one last stand against this unknown foe, she had died for her beliefs. Efira looked passed her towards the cave, it was sealed with what looked like a blast door, there was key panel to the side, but she knew that with out she stood little chance of being able to open the door. Suddenly out of no where a shrill filled the air, Efira could pain swell inside her head she dropped down to one knee crippled in pain. Looking up she and watched as a black shadow moved out from the behind the door, then split into four.

Each of the four creatures held a human shape, but appeared to be made from a black fluid more then a solid mass. They quickly formed up around her, each time one of them would scream pain would fill her body. She desperately want to rise up and fight but simply could not, something held her within its grasp.

“We all must face our inner daemons at some point in our lives” said a voice confused Efira looked over to see that it had come from the kneeling woman, only her lip moved, nothing else. “They will either save us, or destroy us, only you can decide your fate.”

As one of the creature screamed again Efira was crippled with pain. “What isgoing on, why is this happening?” she desperately pleaded, as the creatures moved closer and closer.

“Too know the future is to become trapped by it.” Answered the woman calmly, “You and you alone must find the answers that you seek.”

Efira went to ask another question but the four creatures had now surround her, one reached out touching her gently. She screamed out in pain, she had never felt anything like this before, slowly the wold around her began to fade into darkness, but through the darkness she heard the woman call out her.

“ To find the answers that seek you need to go the edge of all the is known to you, there you will find a man who will help you. This name is….” Everything was now black; Efira was alone in a black void.

“Dante.” Echoed the voice

Suddenly she felt a hand push on her should, and a new voice could be heard, “Lady Efira are you aright?”

Opening her eyes Efira could see that she was now in her meditation room, and three young priestess all had a look of concern on their faces. She went to stand but found her muscles were rather stiff, one of the other woman help her to her feet. “How long I have I been meditating?” she asked as gained her footing.

The three exchanged glances before one of them spoke up, “It has been nearly three days, we were worried about you, did you have another one of your vision?”

Efira thought for a moment about her answer, “Please arrange for my shuttle, there is somewhere that I must go.”


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Lady Efira

Tom took a moment to check his instrument panel, there was nothing wrong, and he was just bored. Most people see his line of work as adventurous and fun, what they don’t realize is that the time spend traveling to their destination is rather uneventful, and just rather dull. However, that was the life of a treasure hunter, he had known it was like this even before he signed on.

With his check of his instruments coming back clean he turned his attention back toward the book that he was reading. No sooner he had started reading when a red light on his panel started blinking, a message was coming through. Slamming his book on a near by ledge he turned on this Comm screen. A image slowly appeared on the screen, Tom could recognize the man as an old friend of the Captain, but could not remember his name.

“Hello Tom,” said the man before he could say anything. “Could you please get Dante for me, I need to talk to him about something important.”

“Hey Cap, you have a priority one call up here.” Said Tom over the intercom, as she was not actually sure as to where Dante actually was one the ship. He also avoided saying the callers name as he did not wanted appear to be stupid.

After a few minutes Dante made his way into the cabin. He was an older man, however the years had taken their toll on his, his graying hair made him look older then what he was. At six two, he carried a solid frame but intimating frame. “Ah Varak,” he said calmly as he looked at the screen. “Your are the last person that I would expect to hear. Last I heard you had started a mining company. Things not working out for you?”

A smile came over Varaks “Things are going great” he quickly answered “When just found a giant deposit, on a planet just outside the sector, we are set to make a killing with this.”

Dante shifted about uncomfortably for a moment “Then what do I owe the honor of this call then, as I have told you time and time again I am not interested in mining.”

“We found something after we set up camp, something that a person of your talent may find interesting.” Jabbed Varak.

Tom quickly saw Dante perk up at Varak’s insinuation, both Dante and Tom knew that he was referring to some sort of ancient ruins that they must have discovered on the planet. “What do you need my help for then, your people are already on the ground, why don’t you just take this one?” asked Dante probing Varak’s intent.

“We both know that when it come to alien artifacts, you’re the man. Not only do you have all the contact, but you would be able to move any merchandise fast enough not draw the attention of the authorities.”

Dante thought for a moment “ Ok, but what is in it for you? I assume that you are looking for some sort of finders fee?”

“Well” Answered Varak, “It looks to be a class four find, and I left the finding out of my survey report, so the two of us are the only people that know, so given everything that I have done for I was thinking about 40%.”

“40 %” scoffed Dante in surprise. “No, I don’t think so. Given that it is a class four I will need to bring some additional crew on board. 20%”

“Is that all that you are willing to offer” responded Varak within a hint of anger in voice. “We go way back, and 20% is all your willing to go.” He paused for a moment examining Dantes face. “Ok, how about 30%”

“Because I know you, 25%. Final offer. We don’t really need the work, so take it or leave it.” Shot Dante back. This was blatant lie, they really did need the money, but he could show it.

“Fine” snapped Varak “Only because I owe you one, after this we are even. Got it.” The connection went dead, as Varak ended the conversation.

Dante and Tom exchanged glances, both knew what this meant, a class four find would mean huge profits for everyone involved. Not to mention a release from their mundane routine.

“How far are we from Pax Pacis?” inquired Dante.

“A few hours” answered Tom as he referenced his star charts.

“Good set course for Pax Pacis, and forward a recruiting add to the station, I want to pick up the crew and be on our way ASAP.” He flipped open the Comm switch. “He Truikor, we are heading into port, we just got a job. Put together a listing of anything you think you might need, but try to keep it as cheap as possible.” He could feel the ship change direction underneath him. This was about to make them a ton of money he could hardly contain his excitement.

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Captain Dante

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Tom

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Varak

As the Captains voice came over the intercom Truikor tries to had to strain the listen to what was being said, which was easier said then done, for a someone who had their head deep into panel trying to the fluxuators working.

From what he could hear they were heading into port, and the captain wanted him to get a list of things that they would need. While working on a nest of wires Truikor tried to thing of what the need, and as his thoughts drifted so did his attention.

His hand brushed up against an exposed wire sending an electric jolt racing up his. He cried out in pain, jumping away from the shock he hit his head hard against the top of the panel. I nothing short of a fit of anger and frustration gave the wall a quick kick as he swore in his native language.

“How about a new ship” he said to no one other then himself. He was sure that they would over to another backwater world, and not so sure that the ship would be able to make the atmospheric entery. He would have to get some new parts at the port, despite what the captian had to say.

“Easy Tom” said Dante calmly as Tom maneuvered the ship into the stations dock “I would hate to for you to get a chip in the ships new paint job”

Tom glanced over at section of the hull, and with array of colors, mostly rust, chuckled at the irony of Dantes comment. However, Tom had allowed his concentration to drift a little too much. Alarms began going off as the ship came to close to the stations hull, panicked Tom raced with the control, pushing the ship thruster the max. Still the ship slammed into the side of the station almost knocking Dante off his feet.“Sorry” said Tom wincing a bit.

“Attention Pilot, There while be a 2000 credit fine for damages done” squawked a voice over the radio

Tom let his shoulders drop as he looked over at Dante. “You deal with” order Dante” with a hint of disapproval in his voice “I am going to the station to see if anyone has answered our crew add yet”

There was a bit of a thud as Dante slammed his drink down, to say things were not going his way would have been a understatement. They had been docked for more then two days and not a single person had signed up to join his crew.

“Give Me another!” he snapped angrily at the bar tender. The man shot Dante an annoyed glance then turned quickly placed the drink down in front of Dante before walking away. “Can’t get nay could help around here” jabbed Dante.

“Excuse, but are you Dante?” asked a gentle voice.

“Who’s asking, you better…” He turned to find a beautiful woman standing there. She had long blond hair that flowed passed her shoulders, sparkling green eyes, he was sure that if she had been smiling he might have fallen off his chair. He adjusted his posture as well as his tone. “Why yes I am, and how may I be of service.”

She let her shoulder drop ever so slightly, and could not hide the annoyed expression on her face “My name is Efira, a I noticed that add looking for crew, I would like join. That is unless all the positions where filled?”

Dante could not help but be please at his luck, it was not every day that someone as attractive as this want to join his crew. He hide no idea as what skills she may or may not have, but he liked to look at her, and that if nothing else she would be good for crew moral, if ay more joined. “Sure, welcome aboard. We are dock at port 256, see a man named Tom, he will get up set up with everything you.”

With that the two parted ways, as she left Dante was struck by something odd, she had not asked him more information. He suddenly became worried that there might be more to this woman then what he might have first thought. He put any fears that he might have had and went back to his drink.

Finishing his drink Jordon looked into his wallet, only to find nothing. He did not what he had expected, it was empty the last time he looked in it, it was not like it had magically filled since then. He needed to find work, and find fast, or this drink would be the last thing of substance he would be having for some time.

Catching a nearby conversation Jordon ears picked up on a conversation that might lead him to some work. He looked over just in time to see the woman leave. He hesitated for a moment, but feeling that he had no choice he walked over the man sitting at the bar.

“I could not help but over hear your conversation, are you still looking to hire crew?”

“Yes I am” quickly shot Dante in response to the man question. “I am still looking for a general crew, the job will entail some work on remote planetary locations, and a lot of lifting” Truth be told Dante did not need much in terms of skill from his crew. With his line of archeology, things of value that could turn a quick profit were the only import things, everything else could just get tossed aside. All he need was for some to carry the things that he found from point A to B, and most of the time with the assistance of lift.

Jordon nodded “Sounds good, count me in.” Lifting did not sound too bad to, a rumble in his empty stomach reminded him of that. It was work, and it paid, that was the only thing that seemed to matter him. He got the directions to ship and off he went with what little things that he had. Things were getting better he could feel it.

Truikor finished moving the last of supplies into the ship as he suddenly became aware that he was not alone. He smelt the strange woman even before he heard her footsteps. He turned find her standing there, from the look of confidence on her face he knew that she was not here by mistake, that she had to have been one of the new crew member that Dante had hired.

Octabian’s tended to keep to them selves as much as possible, Truikor had never fully adjusted to meeting strangers, feeling the most were alarmed by his appearance. Shy he tried to take refuge in the shadows, he scurried behind a nearby bulkhead.

“You must be looking for Tom” he quietly said from his new found sanctuary. “If you were to continue down this corridor. He looked up to see another man join them. “you will both find him there, he will provide you with answers for question you might have.”

Jordon was surprised to hear a voice from coming from behind the bulk. Ahead of him he could see the woman from the bar, he was indeed in the right place.

He could not make out of face of whom ever was speaking, but from the silhouette that was cast, he knew that it could not human. He had never worked with anyone who was not human before, though he had met plenty on the station, this would be a first for him. More and more his excitement grew. Following the instructions that we given he hurried down the hallway to meet this Tom person that he had been directed to.

As the strange man rushed passed her to meet this ‘Tom’ fellow’ Efira lingered for a moment. Not so much out of curiosity, more as attempt to make this creature that was hidden in the shadow more comfortable. She would have had to be blind to not to see the creature apprehension was she got there. It could be longer trip, and it would be a good idea to make sure that she was on the best terms with everyone before they left.

From the creatures silhouette she could tell that he was humanoid, after a moment or two she remember the species. He was Octabian, a race known to be reclusive at best.

“Hi there.” She kept a gentle tone to her voice. “My name is Efira, don’t be afraid, I have meet your kind before.”

From the safety of his vale Truikor looked out at the woman standing before him. It was to that he was afraid, but instead ashamed of his appearance. For a moment he stood there, frozen, not sure what he should do. He was safe here, and could keep him self out of sight for most of the trip if need be.

However, there was something about Efira the drew his interest, about the way the spoke and even moved. He felt as he could trust her, that no matter what his appearance that she would not judge him. Truikor could not explain the way that he felt. He went to move out from behind the shadows, he hesitated for a brief moment, but then made his way into the light. Reviling a huge scar that ran down the side of face, he had more that were hidden cloths.

“Hello Efira” he said as he bowed his head “My Name is Truikor, and it is a honour to meet you.”

“As it for me” answered Efira bowing her head slightly in response. She took a moment to look over the Octabian, from the scar on his face she could understand the creature’s apprehension. From what she knew about Octabian culture, great emphasis was place on ones appearance. Truikor scar would have been seen as a deformity and most likely would have been treated as social castaway, which would explain why he was here on this ship.

She went to go say some thing but was interrupted by Dante as he came storming on to the ship. It was visible from his appearance that he was upset.

“Truikor make the preparation to leave. You!” he said pointing at Efira, it was clear that he didn’t fully remember her name. “Come with me.” Efira struggled to keep up with his pace as he rushed towards the bridge. So naturally it didn’t take long for the two of them to make their way to bridge.

Efira recognized one of the men from their encounter earlier, and she could only guess that the other man was the ‘Ton that Truikor had referred to.

“Tom why have you not shown the new crew to the quarters.

“Why they just got…” it was clear the Tom was shaken by Dante sudden appearance.

“I don’t care” snapped Dante cutting him off before time to say more. “Get them to their strapped in, we are running behind schedule.”

Tom knew better then argue, it was clear the Dante was just venting his frustrations out him. There were times when he felt that that he was Dantes whipping post. He looked at the two newest additions to the crew. “Grab your things and please come with me.”

As Jordon followed Tom towards the the crew quarter he started to rethink his decision to join the crew. Yes he was hunger, and yes he had no money. But this seemed to a bit on the difficult side to work with, he had watched helplessly as he had tore up one side of Tom and down another. He could not help but think that he had in some way gotten in over his. A glance over at the woman now walking beside him quickly made him change his mind.

Jordon found to be absolutely beautiful, to him at least she looked like an angel. Trying to play the mysterious cool guy he shot he a quick wink. “The Captain seems like a real ball buster hey!” commenting on the way Dante had treated Tom earlier.

“These are you quarters Jordon” Said Tom ignoring Jordon’s previous comments. “You should find everything that you need, I believe that the food processor should be working, if not let me know and I will have Truikor fix it for you. Now if you excuse me I must show Efira to her quarters.”

He gave Jordon a quick run down of how everything worked to started with Efira to her quarters. They had to duck under some bulkheads and step over exposed cables as they made their way through the ship. It had been designed with narrow corridors, but they were made worse by all the addition patchwork that had been done, it was clear ship had seen better days.

“Don’t let guys like Jordon both you” Tom had noticed Jordon wink, and Efira had been rather quiet.

Efira had not ignored Jordon, she had simply not taken note of the gesture, she had been lost in her own thoughts to notice. But she had heard Jordons statement, and Tom response. “I take that the Captain often acts like that, but the two of you are close?”

Tom relaxed a bit, this was proving to be change of conversation then what he was used too. “Everything on this ship owes Dante something, he was there when we needed someone the most, and will be there if we need him again. He maybe a bit on the edges, but there is a valid reason for that. Give it time and I am sure that you will see that too. I have seen so many crew come through here to know those that I like and those that I don’t, Jordon I don’t like.”

“And what exactly do you think of me?” Asked Efira with a bit of smile on her face.

Stopping Tom hit a series of buttons open a door “I am afraid this is the end, these are quarters.” He was purposely evading the question. “I am afraid that I am needed on the bridge, can’t keep the Captain waiting.”

There were several load thuds as Truikor dropped some equipment on the ground followed by a few profanities in his native language. The ships engine room was simply too small for Truikor size, and it prove to be a touch cumbersome for him to work. However, as the ships engineer it was his job to make sure that everything was running to the best of his ability before they left the station, the last thing that he wanted to was to have a critical break down mid job.

He to a moment to over the ship main system to make sure that everything was in order. he had to make some minor adjustments here in there, but felt that they would be good to go. The ship main system would hold together even though the ships hull might not, but that was a conversation for another day.

He quickly called up to Tom “Engineering to bridge, all systems are a go.” Then want to strap himself in. Manoeuvring away from any space station could be a touch rock to say the least.

Through the cockpit window Dante starred down at the planet below, it had taken them nearly two days to get here. They were in a political no mans land, following the duel wars the government had lost it grip on the outer regions, they simply did not have the man power to patrol the area, it simply cost them to much money over something that held little value. Their were those like Dante’s friend Varak, who saw this as opportunity, any mineral he mined, he would not have to pay tax on, could collect 100% of the profits. It was also a haven for criminal activity, which suited him fine since his profession was less then legal.

If Varak was correct in his findings then Dante could stand to make a lot of money moving anything that he had found. With a new emerging upper class in Tappee, they were willing to pay anything for rare expensive item, and he was more then willing to provide them as much he could.

However, he could not shake this feeling that there was more to this planet then he had suspected, some just did not feel right.

“Notify Varak that we are here. Then take us in.” said Dante as he put any reservation he may have had out his mind. He reached over grabbing the intercom. “Attention all crew, we are about to begin our landing cycle, please secure yourself for reentry. Once we are on the ground you will all have one day of shore leave.”

Out of the corner of Dante caught Tom give him a glance of disapproval. “What?” shot Dante. “I am going to make work hard after that so I hope that they all enjoy themselves.”

Tom could only shake his head as he brought the ship to land.

As Greg entered the bridge his arms were folded neatly behind his back, his clothes in perfect order, no detail over looked. Every thing was in order, six years of work was finally coming to end. As he entered the room he quickly gained everyone attention, went about their work nervously while other avid his gaze all together.

It suited him just fine, he had never been one much for conversation anyway, there was more important things to worry about instead. “Status update” he demanded coldly.

“We are about 20 hours out” answered the helmsmen.

“Good the Commander will pleased” Greg handed the helmsmen a datapad containing all the information he would need.

“I will please once I have the item in my hand” said a voice from somewhere from behind Greg.He now knew why the crew had been so apprehensive when he had arrived, he turned to give the Commander a brief nod. “I want sweeper ready to be deployed the moment we get there. If there are any locals present I want them question then eliminated understand.”

“Yes sir” quickly answered Greg.

Jordon allowed him a breath of fresh air as he stepped of the ship touching the planets surface for the first time. There was in nice change from the stale air that was circulating in the ships atmospheric system.

He paused for a moment to look over his surroundings; they had landed at a remote mining colony. It seems fairly standard to him, a few buildings here and there. In the center it looked to be the administration building, several living barracks that all looked the same, and few shops that were focus around the one and only bar. Jordon could only assume that the main mining facility was located not to far from here.

He could not help but think what a giant waste mining this planet had to be, as the town was surrounded by thick forest. It seemed to be a healthy rainforest, and they were most likely simply stripping it away to get at the minerals hidden below.

They had all been given shore leave when they had arrived, and he indented to make to the most of it despite the fact that he had no money. Jordon start his journey of simply walking around the town, interested as to what he might find.

Dante and Varak walked side by side, it was dusk and the air was starting to cool, the sky was filled with oranges and pinks that dance on the horizon. There was something about the planet that Dante felt soothing, there were times that he simply grew weary of the emptiness of space.

“It is quiet the operation that you have going here” said Dante trying to start a conversation with an old friend.

Varak let out brief sigh “Yeah things are good, though there are different thing to worry about other then getting shot.” The two exchanged a brief chuckle at the reference to their younger days and their troubles with the law. It was times like this that the two felt the age. “How have you been, it has been so long since the last time that we spoke.”

“Well I have discovered that more legitimate the job, the harder you have to work.” Answered Dante as he stared of into the distance, he was purposely ignoring Varak’s gaze.

“That is not what I meant?” interrupted. There was an awkward few moment of silence between them. “Here is all information of on the find” said Varak when he realized the Dante was not going to answer his real question. He pulled a data crystal out his bag and handed it Dante. “Night only last about six hours, you and team should be ready to then.” With nothing more to say he turned to started to walk away.

Dante was surprised to have his information on a crystal, it was rare form of data storage, mostly to due to cost, but it did not degrade over time like some forms. He glanced up Varak walked away. “Thanks”

Truikor wondered around the complex, ever mindful to stay out of sight as much as possible. It was getting late and most of the mines worker had turned it in for the night, which made his task a touch easier. He was curious, since signing up with the captain a few years ago he had made a point of trying to explore new worlds as much as possible.

He had never been to a jungle world such as this before; the thick of new and exciting scents that found it easy to travel is the thick humid air. It was a big change from the almost hive like world that he had come from, there was a strange calming feeling that seemed to overwhelm him. He wanted to explore more of this strange new world.

“Truikor? said a voice as he walked around nearby building.

For a moment he was confused, not to sure to whom the voice belonged too, or where is was coming from. He heard the voice again, his time he was bit more focus. He turned looking just past the tree line, hidden just past was Efira. She sat alone in the clearing, her legs crossed, and arms dangling at her side. A new curiosity came to him; there was something about this new crewmember that struck him as being odd. Moving through the tree and into the clearing he joined her.

“What are you doing you alone” he asked as he was within distance. He looked down at her for a moment; her eye’s were closed. “Are you ok?”

“Yes… I am fine” she answered after a moment or two. “I am just meditating, and I found that it was much easier here, then tucked away on that ship”

“I see” Truikor shifted about uncomfortably, he was accustom to spend personal time with people he had just met.

“I am looking for something hidden within myself” said Efira, it was if she could almost sense Truikor next question. “Although I do not know what it is, I know it there. We all have our secrets, our own scars. While for some their scars are easy to see, for others they are much more terrible hidden deep within their souls.”

Against his better judgement Truikor sat down beside, to him see looked at peace, something that he had been searching for. “Perhaps you could teach me?”

Opening her eyes she turned to face him, a bit of smile on her face “I would love too.”