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An old jacket she’d had for who knew how many years rested in Zion’s hands as she listened to Xiro’s attempts at conversation. She would allow herself a smile of remembrance, holding back a shudder at the man who had made their life a literal hell. Anytime plugged into the matrix programs seemed to be like heaven for Xiro and the other members of the sect. Unfortunately, Zion didn’t have that little ticket to freedom, always having the Sergeant over her shoulder, pointing out the obvious, spitting in her face when he yelled. However, compared to the others, he treated her the best though was the hardest on her as far as work went, if that made any sense. Perhaps it was because she was such an easy target, being a woman. Or maybe there was the chance that he saw the diamond in the rough.
Who knew? Zion watched Xiro as he sat in shock at the lack of rust on their new beds, which she would have added, were quite comfortable. At his last words, she shook her head and stifled a laugh “That’s because I’d been doing it five years longer than they had.” she pointed out. A silence came from out of nowhere and seemed to envelop the room in its mysterious quiet, settling between them. Only Zion had the strength to break it, asking quietly “Can I tell you something?” It seemed to have come from the blue, perhaps it was carried in with the moment of lost speech, could it have been that there had been a whisper on the wind of sober silence? Without looking or even listening for a response from Xiro, she began to speak once more in a secretive manner. “When I sleep….I see the coding” she traced her thin fingers over the zipper of her jacket, her eyes a million miles away “I…dream in it….not all the time, but often…and I’m….” she looked up, her eyes meeting his, finally dilating back to reality “In the matrix.” It didn’t really mean much, but for some reason she felt the need to say it, to get it off her chest. It seemed nothing else was going to be coming off lately, so that would have to go, to lighten the load. Somehow, saying such a pointless thing had an odd effect of…helping. Maybe it was just Xiro, or maybe it was having verbal contact with someone who would try to understand. Maybe it was just……admitting it.
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Xiro sat quiet, giving a nod that wasn't recognized as she continued with what she was saying anyways. What she spoke of wasn't uncommon, those born in Zion wishing to be apart of the other world that they were missing, some feeling of being apart of others. But something in him doubted that it was simply envy. It had to be the mentioning of the code, something about it made it seem more surreal. He had heard people joking about seeing the code in their sleep, but to actually do it? It didn't settle right with him. Xiro put a finger to his lip and tapped it as he thought about what he could say to her, finally leaning forward as he talked in a low voice, making sure that no one heard him.
"Tell me... Tell me what it's like describe the feeling of the place, and how your brain feels. And go ahead and tell me some of the dreams." The chances of her describing accurately what he was waiting to hear were astronomically against it, but still he asked. He dared not to question her dreams, because if anyone was sane on this ship it would have to be Zion. "Most importantly, tell me the frequency of these dreams. I'm not dissecting you mentally, and I sure as hell don't think you're crazy. I just want to see if I can help." The sound of a small beeping noise woke the captain from his slumber. He had slept for far more than 15 minutes, having wasted away at least 3 hours. He slowly hopped to the area that was beeping to discover a monitor that he had completely missed his first time walking into the room. Flipping the little glowing red switch he jumped as the screen turned on, showing a black and white image of the bunker, a voice coming through, that of Zion's. Picking up the headphones, he began to listen into their conversation. He felt bad at first for breaking his crew's trust, but nonetheless he was the captain, and he had the right to know. Quote:
That was normal, many people had spoken of occasionally seeing the falling green materials. It seemed that this was just a regular conversation. He was about to turn off the switch when he listened to the rest of what she had to say, leaning back and crossing one leg over the other as he stared at the screen. This had just become more intriguing.
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 This is my Mudkip Charlie. He needs to be fed. Please click!
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Zion pulled her legs up, crossing them “Indian style” as she leaned forward, putting the jacket in her lap and leaving it alone for the time being.
Thinking for a moment, she started to speak “Tall buildings everywhere, but not like the ones here. They’re covered in dirt and no one lives in them any more. I don’t carry weapons like you and Glytch, but I sit at a computer and for some reason…I always see some sort of black bird before I wake up. In my dreams I…” she adjusted her sitting position, slouching over as she picked invisible dirt out from under her nails “I can taste things, and see them clearly, as though I’m not really dreaming. I can hear things as well.” she looked at Xiro to make sure he wasn’t rolling on his bed laughing “I used to have them as a child, once or twice a month. Now I have them almost every other night. I…” she paused “I can’t explain it. I feel like I’m living two lives.”
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Hamtaro was never the same again.
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Xiro nodded as he thought it over, trying to remember everything he could about the cities he had been in. Large, expansive. dirty and abandoned. That described every single one, for the most part. Save for those in the center of the commercial and business districts. The description of a raven threw him off as well. What could that mean? She had nailed one thing, the feeling that of a dream, but too real to tell the difference between. It didn't make sense though. A dream was what you made it. Why wouldn't she have weapons, and why of all things would she be in some crappy building stationed in front of some computer? All dreams meant something, from the most insane and stupid (The thing to take from those was to be careful what you ate before you slept) to the most cryptic, which always carried a secret within the subconscious.
"I don't know what to say. It could mean a hundred different things. I'll be thinking about this, that's for certain. If you want, I can bring it up with the oracle at our next chance meeting. We're due for our visit, that's for certain. She might be limited to just The Matrix, but she can explain many things not even left here." He was about to say that she would know that, having been an operator, but he realized that no operator could ever hear what the Oracle said, everything in that area was scrambled in transmission. Whatever was spoken was always spoken for that person and that person's ears only. "Don't tell me no, and that you shouldn't have brought it up in the first place (He knew those words would be out in a heartbeat.) I'll just bring it up in conversation, and whatever is to be said will be said about it." Xiro thought about it for a moment before crossing his legs much like hers, tilting his head. "Do these dreams increase a certain time of the week, or year? Is it usually when we're on a big mission? It's possible that you're remembering key bits of code and carrying them with you when you go to sleep. Then again, that's just me rambling. Also, has it always been the room with the computer since you were younger? Or have there been other areas?"
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This is my Mudkip Charlie. He needs to be fed. Please click!
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“I wouldn’t mind if you brought it up to the Oracle.” Zion admitted quietly, almost…shyly? It was becoming more and more obvious in blatancy that Zion wasn’t being herself. Had you asked her why, she would have told you it was because….she didn’t know exactly who “herself” was supposed to be, or if, for that matter, it even existed.
“The missions would explain why I’ve had them more now since when I was a child.” she replied, then thought it out even more “But I don’t dream about the missions, that’s the thing that confuses me. I don’t dream I’m in a mission or even talking to you all while you’re on a mission. I’m dreaming that I’m someone in the matrix, someone“ she searched for the jargon “…unplugged.”Thinking back to his question, she shrugged lightly “Its always been in the same city. I used to be in a school, at least I believe so” now she was doubting her sanity, falling backwards on the bed, her legs still crossed Indian style as she stared up at the silver bars that held up the bed above her. “But for the past couple of years, its been the apartment.” “City? School? Apartment? What? Zion are you leading a secret life?” Glytch asked as he walked in, “I wouldn’t be surprised, you know.” Zion rolled her eyes before she closed them “Where have you been?” “Ah, curious to my whereabouts, I see.” He looked over at Xiro “Told ya she digs me.” “I’m right here, you testosterone overloaded grease monkey.” “I’m taking that as a complement” Glytch replied, setting a small toolbox at the foot of a bed across the room, opposite of Xiro’s. “Anyway, AS I WAS SAYING.” He sat down on his bed and began to unlace his boots “I was doing a maintenance check, you know, actual work. You two wouldn’t know what that is since, well, you’re having too much fun playing campfire stories.” Zion suddenly laughed, a very sweet and melodious laugh that was quite unexpected, her stomach aching from the outburst of emotion, her hands going to her stomach. Glytch grinned upon hearing the delicacy of the sound, looking over at Xiro and seeming to reaffirm his earlier statement. “Oh and we’ve got another new crewmember, too. Don’t worry, Z, I’ve already let him know you’re all mine and he needs to keep his paws off.” Zion’s laughter faded and she sighed “Oh you’re so kind, Glytch.” she said with her trademark sarcasm. ((Another note for thread readers: New Writer!!! Everyone welcome Ark to the plot  Check page 1 for his character sheet.))
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Hamtaro was never the same again.
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As if on cue,Miak walked into the room,taking his place standing next to the talkative crewman Glytch,whom he had met a few moments earlier.Miak wore is normal attire.An old gray wife beater with a damp sweat spot in the middle of his back,along with his baggy blue cargo pants that were held onto his waist by a thin leather belt tied into a not which was hung to the side,his pant legs were tucked neatly into the legs of his brown boots that seemed to be many years old."Zion and Xiro I presume?Glytch told me...Along with a great many other things."Miak said striking a humorous tone.
"My name is Miak.It is privilege and honor to be apart of the Prometheus's crew."He dipped his head,choosing not to shake the others' hands and rise them from their comfortable sitting positions. Miak's mind was set free from the Matrix when he was a young child of nine years of age.Once he was old enough,he joined the crew of the ship called 'Storm'.He started his training and went threw it normally,his mind was able to adapt to the Matrix's passive world rules faster then other rookie's the captain of the Storm had seen...But it was the combat training that Miak excelled at.The ability to learn any man made martial arts style in a few moments,or attain any weapon,vehicle,clothing he so desired was a dream come true...But the life Miak experienced was far from a dream. His dark green eyes marveled at the beauty of a ship he stood within.His gaze drifted from the others who seemed quiet and across the sleek ceiling and walls.Miak jaw almost fell open at the beauty of the man made ship,having been used to old creaky ships from his former crew,this was like a diamond.Never before had he seen such a ship,let alone been on one.It was truly a privilege to be apart of this ship's crew. "This is a nice ship.But even that is an understatement." Miak was chosen to be apart of the Promethus because of his experience having been inside a ship since he was sixteen and now being twenty eight he has a few years under his belt.But his twelve years experience was nothing compared to the experience most captains had...But a twenty eight year old with some skill was better then a sixteen year old rook with none. "I have yet to have the pleasure of meeting Captain Ares.So it was nice meeting you all."Miak left the three and walked at a relaxed pace down a short hallway illuminated by a dim light,held in place by two metal bars above.His boots thudded against the metal floor beneath his feet surely alerting anyone inside the room ahead that he was about to enter.He turned the corner into the room and found an older man sitting comfortably upon a nice looking chair in front of a glowing monitor screen,head phones sat snugly upon his ears."Captain Ares?"
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Do not tempt me! *waves cookie* I said do not tempt me! Last edited by Ark : 06-19-2008 at 07:31 PM.
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Zion was still lying on her back with her legs crossed the same way when Miak entered the room. Her head was almost going over the edge of the bed, and she looked up at him with wary, but welcoming eyes. She raised her hand and lowered all of her fingers save for her index. “That’s us. Whatever Glytch said was a lie. As you can tell, he’s mentally disabled from sniffing exhaust fumes.”
Glytch rolled his eyes and set his boots aside, flexing his toes outwards with his socks still on (much to the relief of the other two. His feet weren’t exactly a bed of roses) Before he could object to what had been said, their newest comrade had gone, perhaps scared off. It wasn’t too unusual. Oh, he had said something about meeting the captain…a likely excuse in Glytch’s mind. Xiro scooted to the wall against his bed as he watched Miak leave, shaking his head. The guy was far more experienced than any of them, and had spent plenty of time in The Matrix. More than any of they had. Looking up to Glytch, he gave a grin as he stretched his arms in front of him, his fingers intertwined as he popped his knuckles and elbows at the same time. "Well compadre, I do believe we have been outclassed, outranked, and soon enough we'll more than likely be outsourced to another crew." He was joking of course, but it was quite obvious that this man would make chump change of either of them in a one on one fight. Looking over to Zion to see she was in happier spirits, he gave her a grin as he tilted his head to the side. “Three other crews.” Zion corrected, holding up three fingers now. “The Chambers, The Scion, and Storm.” she sighed and turned over on her side, gathering up her pillow beneath her head. “So much for being top dogs, huh?” she looked over at Xiro and gave him a weak smile in return to his grin before closing her pale blue eyes so she might catch some sleep. “Hey, less work for me to do.” Glytch shrugged, taking off his goggles from around his neck and putting them on top of his boots. “Except in the kitchen.” he realized with a groan, laying back on his bed with a soft “thud” "I guess this means that you've got another suitor, and Glytch has another contender. Don't you feel special?"Xion's grin grew a bit at his words as he flinched, expecting to be hit with the nearest projectile Zion could muster. She had a strong arm, and to be quite frank, it wasn't being even in the bit considered wussy to flinch at the thought of one of her attacks. Ares heard the door open and had already flipped the switch, the screen changing to that of security feed around the city before Miak had walked in. Standing up with a grunt, he turned to face his newest crew member with a solid face, giving the man a curt nod as he extended his hand for a handshake. "Welcome to my crew, Miak. I've been expecting you for quite some time. But let my greeting not be overshadowed by a quick note, the first order you will receive upon my ship. When addressing my room, you first knock before being allowed to enter. Do I make myself understood?" He waited for a response before nodding in confirmation to Miak's answer, looking him over really quickly. "You seem to be in great shape, and your previous captain spoke great things of your ability. Lucky for you, we shall be heading to our next mission." Stepping to the seat once more, he flipped another switch, holding up a microphone in front of him. "Attention crew, we're preparing for take off. Everyone to their stations." Turning back to Miak, he nodded to him. "You as well. I want you to take position of gunner." Xiro was out of his bunk and heading to the front of the ship in a heart beat, hopping into the brand new chair as he buckled himself in, flipping on some switches. "About time we took this mother f-" An alarm began to blare as Xiro hit the wrong button, flipping it off as he continued to talk. "-er out for a spin. You guys as stoked as I am?"
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This is my Mudkip Charlie. He needs to be fed. Please click!
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“Thrilled.” Zion said dryly as she took the seat beside him, using her expertise to flip the right switches that would be needed to get this monster out of the hangar. She had just fallen asleep when she heard the familiar voice of her aging captain over the clear speakers. Had she not been so tired, Xiro would have been walking to his chair with a limp for his earlier statement, instead only having received a glare of truthful warning.
She was anxious to get out of Zion, but at the moment all she wanted to do was go back to sleep. Maybe it was so she could dream, or maybe it was so she could just be alone with herself in the relative private of her mind. Either way, she didn’t want to be awake, and it was abundantly clear. “Why can’t I co captain?” Glytch whined as he took a seat at a station near Xiro, reading data screens and checking for abnormalities. Occasionally his eyes averted to the control boards with envy, wishing he was more knowledgeable and experienced. “You’re too young.” Zion replied, reaching up and flipping on a few more switches. Cairo walked in at that moment, sticking out a thumb and pointing back “Everything is clear downstairs. She’s purrin’ like a kitten.” he said, walking over to the control panel and reaching over Zion’s shoulder, flicking on a button as he turned his head, his face mere inches away from hers “You missed one.” he whispered lightly with a grin “You guys had charm school back on the Chambers?” Came Locke’s voice as she entered the room, her headset still around her neck from working in the other room with the computers. “They say we’re clear to go…” she glanced over at Miak and put a hand on her hip, but didn’t say anything, only offering him a light smile before looking back at the control board "Patch it in when you're ready." Cairo backed away, and went to go check monitors before having his back end fried off by Ares for flirting with his top communicator and co pilot. He busied himself with other work, avoiding Glytch who was giving him the death glare.
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Hamtaro was never the same again.
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Xiro's face went red as Cairo spoke to Zion, his hand gripping tight on the throttle as he lifted up, turning on the speakers as he talked to the receptionist. "Roger, Prometheus taking off." he said through clenched teeth as he maneuvered out of Zion, slowly gaining speed as he cleared the city zone, finding a new set of buttons that he had little knowledge on, grabbing the manual and reading a page extremely quickly as he adjusted the two, the large wings spreading as the ship gained even more speed. He pulled back as the ship suddenly found itself rising upwards, everyone thankfully buckled in per his request as they soon accelerated towards the sky, moving past a flock of squiddies, quickly doing a barrel roll to dodge one straggler, finally doing a loop-de-loop to gain speed, before diving straight down.
Ares yelled as he unbuckled himself, moving forward to another empty seat behind Xiro as he screamed in his ear. "I swear to the maker above you better know what the hell you're doing! You've never flown this thing before!" Xiro rolled his eyes as he retracted the wings, gaining more and more speed as he turned the ship to the left just slightly, diving into a rabbit hole that was well blended into the ground. Moments before it had seemed as if they were going to crash head on, but now it was revealed that Xiro had a few bolts left in his brain. Maneuvering the ship through various tunnels for a good hour, he finally set it down in a small cavern-like opening near the remains of an old subway station, turning off the thrusters as he jumped out of his seat. Ares shook his head. Xiro was reckless at times, but he managed to pull it off. But how long would it be before something like that would cost everyone their lives? Sighing as he unbuckled his seatbelt, he stood as he nodded to the crew."Alright, everyone get some sleep. Prepare for reentry into the Matrix in 8 hours. I'm giving you guys an extra hour of sleep for your work yesterday." And with that, the captain left for his room. Xiro gave a sigh of relief as he followed suit, unbuckling himself and looking over at Zion. "You have got to be the greatest co pilot ever, I'm saying it now." Standing up and stretching, he stopped as he leaned over, speaking in a voice only loud for her to hear. "I'm here if you want to talk about your dreams any more. I don't care what time it is, if you need to talk, come get me." Whistling as he walked, he threw a punch to Cairo, grinning. "Hey, if you need help with getting your seat belt next time, let someone know." Grabbing a loose belt for demonstration, he buckled it together, pressing the button on it, as it locked securely. "See, you missed a button right there." Giving a laugh, he left the room as he headed for his bunk, and within a minute he was already out like a light.
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This is my Mudkip Charlie. He needs to be fed. Please click!
Last edited by Sai Rhavan : 06-20-2008 at 11:35 AM.
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"Understood sir."Miak replied to the Captain straightening his back at attention,then relaxed when he felt his 'apology' had been accepted.That was possibly not the greatest move to have done within the first hour of being upon the ship,but it seemed the captain was forgiving enough.
Gunner was Miak's normal post on his old ship,though his old ship was nothing like the Prometheus,whether that would make his job easier or harder it didn't matter.At least he was in some what familiar waters."Yes sir."He turned and walked back down the hallway.He shot a glance toward some of the other crew members as he past by them on his way to the gunner's station and sat down upon the leather chair which was surprisingly comfortable,a welcomed change from what he was used to.Some of the switches and controls seemed familiar,though they were in different locations then he was used to.His fingers ran across the colorful switches flipping the systems online and set them to 'standby',he left the actual weapon joy sticks that controlled the cannons alone,Having only used them when he was in training,he never had used them on actually enemies before,and hoped to keep it that way... A pair of nice headphones with a microphone attached to it hung peacefully on a metal hook within reaching distance.He picked the thing up and threw it onto his head,an action he had done many times before.The leather coated speakers cupped around one of his ears nicely,the voices of the others came threw loud and clear."This is Miak.All weapon systems are ready to go ."He said into the microphone as he adjusted the small stick to the proper distance from his mouth...Soon the soothing growl of the Prometheus shook his seat,a rising butterfly like sensation tickled his gut which meant one thing...Were off... After a short hour of fancy flying and radio chatter the Prometheus started to slow down.Its melodious engines whined down,slowly like a dying wind.Clicks and beeps echoed from the stations of the other crew members as they made everything ready for their broadcasting point,it was not long before the ship found its way to its temporary home.Miak wobbled in his seat a bit as the ship stopped,he scanned the controls,flipped a few switches then waited for further orders from the captain.The comm was silent for what seemed to be an eternity,then the voice of the captain broke the quiet. "Alright, everyone get some sleep. Prepare for reentry into the Matrix in 8 hours. I'm giving you guys an extra hour of sleep for your work yesterday."Miak stood up and practically threw his headset at the hook upon which he found them,the headphones flew for half a second then missed and crashed to the metal floor of the Prometheus.Heat rose to his cheeks and he cringed his teeth,a fools move.Why couldn't he have just put them on gently?He walked over reluctantly and snatched the headset off the ground,slung it on the hook and made sure it didn't fall this time... Finding his bunk wasn't hard and to his surprise Xiro was already asleep in his own bunk not far from Miak's.It had been less them five minutes since they had arrived,obviously he must have been tired.What had they been up to the night before?Miak shrugged off the mystery and sat on his own bed.The bed absorbed his weight comfortably,his pillow-like cushion was superb as well...But even the comfiest of beds and cushions couldn't put him to sleep.For some reason slumber eluded him.It took an hour of staring at the bunk above him before he fell asleep...He swam in the darkness of his mind for a most of the night,then Pleasant dreams of his childhood mother clouded his mind,leaving the real world behind in a misty haze....
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Do not tempt me! *waves cookie* I said do not tempt me!
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