Remnants of the Earth

Just as Sparrow was about to melt into a full-on panic a familiar voice snapped her back to reality. In a flash, the simulation ended and Sparrow slipped off the visor, revealing that she wasn't actually in a cave but standing before Grisham with a fake gun. The rest of what had happened already seemed like an unimportant blur.

"Listen..."

She could only guess what the 'We need to talk' bit was about. She had upset his best friend and now... well now was time for her to pay the price.

"I already sent out an apology message. I know I was wrong and I know that I antagonized them. I don't know what came over me. I was just so mad and I felt like...." She stopped, swallowing the last bit down.

"It doesn't matter what I felt because I was wrong and I am a trained Pilot. I know better."

Sparrow had even terrified herself on why she did it. It was like something just took over and she couldn't control it. Just how she was terrified by what had just happened in the simulation. She knew it was social suicide if she ever let it show she was losing control like that. Pilots that couldn't control themselves were defective merchandise. She had to fall in line again... she just didn't know exactly how to do that.

"It won't happen again."

She knew she had fucked up, and not just a minor fuck up either. Sparrow had managed to not only outrage the entire Valkyries squad with a small comment but also their commander. Their commander who also happened to be a very near and dear friend to her own. She had already sent out her apology, but even she knew that wouldn't protect her from Grisham once he found out. Ever since she could remember he had been the one to reprimand her for such outbursts. Between him and Seiteki Sparrow could feel the shame stares on her back, even if they didn't know yet. They had that much of an influence over her.

Back in Candyland Sparrow having an outburst like that would have been nothing out of the normal. But that was years ago and she had been taught better than that. She knew better.

So why did she do it?

Another question Sparrow didn't have an answer to as she stepped into the simulation room. Maybe if Grisham saw she was working his wrath would be less horrifying. Doubtful, but something she hoped for nonetheless. There was a new batch of assault rifles that needed testing anyways, so why not do it now while trying to hide?

Leaving little time to worry about anything else Sparrow grabbed a sim version of the rifle and signaled for the simulation to begin. Quickly the room twisted into what looked like the inside of a cave. The sound of condensed water dripping in the distance with the musty scent of wet and aged stone filtering through. She was fine for the first few minutes, walking through the cave with the site of the rifle up. Thankfully the scope had night vision, meaning that as long as she held it up, she wasn't affected by the darkness.

"Everything's okay, everything's okay, everything's okay." Her whispers reverberating off the cavern walls as she continued pushing forwards.

With arms shaking and unsure footsteps with each stride Sparrow was clearly not herself as she advanced. It would have been almost like watching a Candidate go through a sim for the first time.

In Sparrow's mind she wasn't walking through a cave anymore, but tucked away in the small rock outcropping she lived in for almost a week. The smell was almost the same, triggering her version of reality to take over. That lizard was out there, watching her. It was flicking its tongue tasting her through the air.

"Someone will come they always come I'm not going to die out here I'm not going to let it get me. Can't let it get me. Don't fall asleep don't fall asleep. You're not tired stay away, don't close your eyes. Don't let it get you." More rambling as she tensed up. Sparrow had completely forgotten she was even in a simulation. As if she was never rescued and never brought to safety.

Then a flash across the site of the rifle. Something was ahead and so she pulled it up close but took a step back as her movements grew more frantic. Sweeping from side to side she tried to catch glimpse of it again, only scaring herself by the lack of anything coming up as she continued to back up.

Then she bumped into something....

All at once all the tension released as her finger pulled the trigger, releasing round after round of nerf bullets into the air at the emptiness in front of her. From her throat came a blood-curdling scream as she continued to let round after round go before the clip finally ran out.

"Come out you son of a bitch!"

Yavul,
   First and foremost I want to apologize for my unprofessional response in the pilot chat. It was wrong of me to taunt your squadmates in the way that I did and I am sorry. It is no one's fault but my own on how my messages are received by others. I cannot expect everyone to understand the sense of humor I carry nor should I expect them to go along with it. My actions were inexcusable.

   Despite what you may think of me I do not hate you nor your squad. I know that at the end of the day we are all on the same team. I realize my actions have fractured the trust the Hellions and Valkyries should hold for one another. I also realize that one day this could cost any one of us our lives if we do not trust one another. Please accept this apology as it is sincere. I know I have been through a lot this past month but it is no one's problem but mine and as such, I should not deflect it on others like I have.

I am a soldier and should act like one at all times.

Sorry,
   Pilot Echo Sparrow Anderson

For a moment Havanah felt that maybe she had said too much, reinforced by Nadine's reaction. Alec's mother did have a point though. How long would it take Aspen to graduate? She had been stage 3 for a while now, and after that who knew how long it would take her to get through the rest of the stages. Stringing Alec along during that entire time though was never her intention. She guessed she really hadn't ever had to think about anything like that until now.

Just as she was about to respond Alec jumped in, putting his mother in her place. It was a very short-lived relief as Nadine began to speak again, almost as if Havanah and her own opinions were irrelevant for the time being.

Shifting her sights onto Alec she pursed her lips at the thought he placed in her mind. 'She must really like you if she's this upset'. Well, surely this was a funny way of showing it.

She was about to reach for Alec's hand as he went on about how they were still young but he beat her to it. Grabbing her own instead and squeezing it before sending out one of the things she lov-... liked most about him. That smile was enough to make any negativity within her to melt away. Combined with those baby blues of his it was a force to be reckoned with.

"Listen..." Havanah cleared her throat while she tried to think of what was best to say. "One day I want to have a wedding and babies and all of that. I'm sure you and my mother could sit for hours gushing over what style of dress I should wear or what color Alec's tie should be. However, just as I want that I also have to think about how Aspen will never have that. Her mother will never be that for her. I'm it for her. There is no one else. So I'm sorry, just as you are concerned for Alec and his happiness above anything else I am putting Aspen's happiness and wellbeing above anything else. Because If I don't... no one else will."

The sushi rolls had arrived just in the nick of time and Havanah was nothing short of impressed by the variety being presented to her. All of them looked amazingly delicious. Well all of them but the one with tentacles wrapped around it. No thank you.

"You know one of the very first meals Alec and I had together was sushi rolls." It was clear Havanah was trying to get off the subject of weddings and babies and Aspen. "We ran into each other at the gym and went out for omelets first. Or at least I got an omelet. Alec got everything else on the menu. But the meal I remember most was when I got Rayne and Beau. He came over to help me set them up and brought Sushi rolls. It was so sweet."

She would spare Nadine the details of the whipped cream and Notepad desert the followed after.

Her plan was to just be a straight up smartass when he opened the door. It was going to be nothing more than a quick 'I'm back asshole' before she turned foot and went to her own apartment. However, the moment he opened the door and she laid eyes on him that plan quickly melted away. So much for coming back and acting like nothing at all had happened, Accident or otherwise.

"You know me... Inconvenient as ever."

Accepting his invitation Sparrow stepped past him, letting her bag drop to the floor. It felt like it had been ages since she had been in his apartment. In reality, it had only been a few weeks. At least not since they had gotten into that argument the day before she left.

"But yeah, I'm home." She tried to offer him a sure smile. "Grisham had his transplant so I wasn't needed anymore. Had to face the reality of coming home sooner or later anyway."

Drawing in a deep breath Dez finished tying her jacket around her waist as Swan spoke.

"A handful of credits?" A small laugh made its way up her throat. If only he knew how little credits she actually possessed.

"Other things are also nice." She winked, her eyes darting towards that glorious blade of his again.

She paid no mind to the number of teeth he possessed or how drunk he actually was. All of that was irrelevant at this point. All she had her eyes one was what was so beautifully attached to his belt.
"Keep drinking" she thought to herself.

"Havanah!" Aspen's voice was sharp as she shot her a look. Clearly, Havanah had to go and point out something so simple and make it into something it was not. It had ruined the entire moment along with causing Aspen's normally ashy skin to redden.

Meanwhile, all Havanah did was roll her eyes at her sister. How embarrassed she was wasn't important, there was a more pressing matter at hand.

"Soleas Baliska it is a pleasure to meet you!" smiling Havanah extended her own hand and shook his. She saw the joke in his statement and honestly found it refreshing, despite how embarrassed Aspen was.

"Chill out Aspen, you're allowed to have friends that are boys." Still grinning she winked at her sister. "Even if you find yourself wrapped in their arms from time to time." After that, she turned her attention back to Soleas.

"Pilot Echo Havanah Brookes, it is a pleasure to meet you Soleas."

While Havanah seemed to be the essence of calm she was studying Soleas for everything she could see. He was good-looking, taller than both of the sisters by at least a few inches. Yes, he would make a fine husband for her baby sister one day. Matthew had made it clear he was going another route and so, Havanah had to ship Aspen with someone else. Soleas would do just fine.

"So, do you often find my little sister in the comfort of your arms?" another wink as she leaned back again.

"Are you kidding me!?" Aspen slammed her hands on the table, clearly agitated with Havanah. "Would it kill you to just come here and act normal for once!?" It was obvious that Aspen was dying on the inside right now. Havanah always had a knack for embarrassing her, it was almost like she got a thrill out of it.

Slamming her own palms on the table Havanah met her sister's glare, except with a brow raised. However, Havanah didn't address Aspen but instead tilted her head towards Soleas. "She's adorable isn't she?"

It was actually working quite nicely. By now Havanah had gotten Aspen to completely forget everything that had just transpired before she got there.

Enjoy Herself. Funny.

Air escaping her lungs and through her lips Sparrow just pulled her sunglasses back down, leaning further back in the chair. With arms crossed behind her head and knees propped up, she looked up at the awning while she ran everything else she could be doing right now through her head.

Why was she here again? Oh right, because she fucked up. She really wasn't quite sure how many times she had cursed herself for throwing that damn coffee the week before. It had done nothing but cause her more trouble than it was worth.

The sound of Grisham moving next to her caused Sparrow to sit up, only to slap a hand over her mouth to keep the laughter in. Leave it to Grisham to even at poolside have more balls than anyone around. That red missile speedo had to be a custom-made piece of work just for him.

Regardless of how hysterical she found it, Sparrow realized she was now alone. No company other than the chair that now held Grisham's towel and sweating glass next to it. Some may have seen this as an opportunity for a free drink, but Sparrow was no idiot.

Pulling her legs in Sparrow sat with them crossed as she watched the pool and flurry of people around it. She thought that now may be the time to run while no one was paying attention.

So far Tamia had gathered one crucial thing about Solarta. It was hot. Not just annoying hot either, but unbelievably hot. The sun seemed to carry an extra sort of vengeance with it from the moment it rose in the morning until it set with the night. She had only been here for two days and already had a sunscreen and protective clothing regime. It would definitely take some getting used to that's for sure, but if Mia could be known for anything it would be adapting.

And so she did, waiting until the late afternoon to go for a stroll and try to get a feel for the city once more. It wasn't like she had anything else to do anyway. She was still on her 'mini vacation' after graduating the ATC before she started with the Valkyries. As far as she was concerned she was going to take advantage of every minute of this freedom, indulging in all the things she had been deprived of in the ATC. Yesterday it was good food and now today, good liquor. In fact, she was on her way to such a place when disaster struck.

There standing before her on the sidewalk was a beast like no other, yet no one seemed to pay it any mind. Tamia found herself frozen in fear, naked knees shaking beneath the seam of her denim and frayed shorts. Her sunglasses reflecting the very image of the beast back at it.

"You are a trained soldier Mia, you can do this!"

With a sense of determination, she drew in a heavy breath, slowly turning to walk in the opposite direction... big mistake.

Like a white flash, the beast began chasing her, causing the poor girl to run as fast as she could for the safest landing. It was no use though as the beast quickened its pace, even managing to get a lick in on her ankle before she managed to climb a light pole while screaming at the top of her lungs. Thankfully with her magnetism, she was able to easily hold herself up against it, as far away from the beast as she could manage.

"Someone help! Please!"

Mia looked down, the poodle baring dark brown eyes, staring into her soul surely so it could eat it. "Get away!", another screech as she managed to reach down and slip off one of her sandals to throw at it.

It was no use as the poodle merely yelped before going back to jumping at the light pole, trying to devour her foot no doubt. Tamia was terrified, her arms shaking as she held onto the pole for dear life.

Still beaming Havanah brushed off the comment of her family being so proud. It was a partial truth, her mother was quite proud of her. However, Aspen was not as fortunate. Her father and stepmother saw it as more of an inconvenience. None of that mattered though as Havanah held enough pride for Aspen to make up for it. She would always be what they couldn't, someone had to be.

With a glass of champaign now in hand Havanah took a sip, closing her eyes in complete awe as the bubbles formed in her throat. But then, disaster.

"You're going to make such beautiful babies..."

She heard Alec choke as she sat motionless, champaign still in hand. Thankfully Alec jumped in and salvaged the conversation, or at least attempted to. Havanah was in the middle releasing a breath she hadn't realized she was holding when Nadine mentioned babies again. Clearing her own throat she placed the glass on the table and curled her hands in her lap.

"Actually I don't plan on doing anything that life-changing until Aspen graduates." Her eyes flicked towards Alec, informing him as well of the resolve she held so dear. They hadn't ever really talked about any of this before so why not talk about it now, in front of his mother no less!

"Aspen is my priority. Once I know she is settled and can take care of herself then I can start worrying about babies and all that other stuff."

Taking another sip of her champaign Havanah looked at Alec, attempting to gauge how what she had just said affected him.

"But maybe one day in the far and distant future."