[b]Solarel[/b]

“What does…language mean to me?” Lareth says its back out loud, changing the tone and inflection to muse. “It’s the uh, the words you say, I guess? I’m not sure, I only ever think about it when it’s a machine problem, like getting these drones to talk to the Kathresis.” She taps the drone with her foot, though looks like she’s decided better than lifting it with limited remaining energy. “I don’t really know how to answer that. I just like making friends, I think. Kind of feels like my son’s here when I’m talking to you, too. Older you get, the more you don’t see much difference between the signals and the hard metal in front of you. And anyway, talking like this has gotten me this far, so I figure I’ll just keep doing it. Need a good reason to learn something new at this age, once you’ve been through a few cycles, raised a kid, done the same work for so long, you go with what works unless you really get stuck I guess.” 

She offers a shrug. “I don’t feel like that really answered your question. I guess…maybe it’s a time thing? You spend twenty or thirty years with someone you love, you get to know them so well they become your idea for sorts of big vague things, even how you think I guess. Does that help?” 

***

[b]Mirror and Jade and Dolly connected by synthweave[/b]

There’s a rush, after the combat. The mixed feeling of euphoria and of relaxation. A reward for adrenaline used quickly, or a reward for technical protocols fulfilled effectively in concert with an expert pilot, or a…blessing for correct behavior in line with the rules and role of priestess and goddess.

This close, with three parties linked together, these things blur into emotions, your own, others. Existing in a world that went from sudden motion to silence and slow rotation. There is no air in space, but there is force and wind, and the movement of asteroid dust that refuses to follow a single planar line as you make your way to the research station that is a pirate station.

The code that it’s broadcasting for itself is solar flare observation post, but also [cave behind the waterfall whose treasure may be solid or may be the light of the sun in a thousand shards] and in this there is the hand of someone poetic who enjoys laughing to herself at her own creativity. 

The hangar is not large. It only had births for four mecha and a couple shuttles. One of the mecha was clearly away. Perhaps it could return later. The other three are now floating among the asteroids, their pilots bailing out for the slow spacewalk back to the station. The shuttle is still here. The interior is a light steel, almost silver, lit gently with a yellow tinge and not so harshly as the Terenians sometimes prefer. 

The side of the hangar is equipment storage, munitions, looted cargo, possibly even some actual solar observation equipment and chemical analysis machinery. Ahead, there is a luxurious hallway, its sides lined with woven Hybrasilian tapestry. Based on its size, it could probably house at most thirty pirates snugly although based on the reception and craft here, as well as Dolly’s impressions, you know it’s more like twenty. Now minus three. 

It’s not clear if anyone other than Valynia would intervene though. You’ve arrived in a powerful mecha that could wreck the station if it wanted, even with one arm, and has already defeated the defenders. The Red Band, isn’t going to go all in on comradery and unit cohesion to protect one of its members. Not at the cost of losing its only remaining transport out and being stranded in a ruined station out of revenge or frustration. It’s going to let you go for the kidnapper, claim your prize, and leave. Only Valynia herself is likely to offer opposition. The others will even point you toward the right door and offer compliments on the fight. One enterprising lioness shouts an offer of joining them. Of course, if you lose after the show on the way in, you can expect extensive taunting from the entire station. 

***

[b]Just Dolly[/b]

A pirate runs in to tell Valynia that the defenders have lost and the goddess mecha is coming into the hangar untouched. There’s a brief moment where Valynia’s tail swishes and you see her let out a stressed single crack of a laugh. Then it turns into a real laugh and she sighs and relaxes her shoulders, settling into her chair. She slides backwards, coming to rest leaning against you and stroking your face.

“Ha, a perfect plan ruined because I didn’t wait until the Stone of Dishai was repaired and your little goddess turned out to be too much for three huntresses. Where was that piloting skill against Erys, huh? Was she really that thrown by copying your outfit? No no, shhh, don’t try to speak, it’s a rhetorical question sweetie. I guess I’m going to have to give you up so she doesn’t wreck the whole station. But then, she’s a goddess, right? I’ll have to let her come to me. Or at least summon me. It would be rude to intrude on her, don’t you think?” She rubs your face affectionately. “Ah well, it’s been fun. And I’m sure I’ll see you around, Dolly~”

She gives you a big grin, and makes absolutely no efforts to loosen your bonds as she waits for Jade’s arrival. 

***

[b]Isabelle[/b]

Asil snorts a short sharp laugh. “We’re gonna have to work on your witty one-liners princess. Especially since the contract’s on the table already, you can do better.” She zips up your shirt for you, checking you over to make sure there’s no visible marks. “You go about your day, go take a walk maybe, do some studies. Let me handle this part. Here’s one for you, you couldn’t be in charge of a relationship even if you were hooked between 220 and ground.” She gives you a light little kiss on the cheek, barely more than a brush, leaving no sign. “I’ll make it simple. I will find you, and whatever you are doing, you will let me in if I ask. Even with that Zaldarian you kidnapped. Nice and easy, I think even you could handle it without getting confused. Now go, get outta here before someone catches us. Leave me to clean up the paperwork. Take the coffee, it will help get your mind straight.”

She puts your cup into your hand, makes sure you’re gripping it strongly enough, and gives you a little shove to get you moving out the door. 

And then you’re out and you’re going to have to go…somewhere. Can’t just stop walking in the middle of a hallway, people will gossip.