[ORP] Finding the Blackbird

[Sen Cross]

Indeed they were getting closer to the crash site while crossing the plains. A few miles before reaching the outskirts of the forest, they saw the first immediate signs of the crash, small parts of the ship that had landed away from the crashsite itself, forming a trail of sorts that led them further on as the trees obscured thier view of the smoke.

They walked on for another two or three hours, the forest making it difficult for the two adults and children to pass through it, without paths made by humankind.
But they managed, and finally they got close enough to the camp to actually see the ship - or rather what remained of it.
The crashsite itself was quite vast and the wreckage was smoking profusely, but a bit further off, far enough away to be secure if there would be more explosions or flying debris, there was another smoke trail, a campfire.

There was noone in sight, but the four could spot two small makeshift tents. If there were any survivors, they would probably be there.  

[Cheekiebirdiee]

Benevolent concern, not likely from him, but there was a concern all the same. Slven while stubborn wasn't nearly as arrogant as he led others to likely believe, he knew his own bounds and he knew his strengths, while he was boastful of said strengths he had never really over credited himself or so he thought. This being the main reason why he and Amber didn't mesh well they both were stubborn and prideful souls. Slven rolled his eyes at the child's comment and before running off in his challenge too her he slipped in for the last words, "then you are a horrible student, I hope your skills improve there as well.." Smirking he was off.

It didn't take them long at that speed to get within rage of the outskirts, Slven's nose catching the faint whiff of burning wood caught and forced his gaze towards to the sky where he to noticed the smoke. Crunch, his foot caught and smashed what he could only imagine was some debris from the ship, this far out? It must had hit very hard he mused to himself. Slowing his pace, though carrying on with some caution knowing that if there were survivors, they were likely on edge from the crash. Heading into the trees he simply followed the makeshift debris trail..The walk was long and difficult due to the forest but they managed to get through seemingly unfazed, its wasn't to much further before they spotted the crash site.

Peering over the wreckage, he warned to anyone within ear shot, "keep your eyes open.." Though he warned them, even if one of the youngers were to get in trouble of some kind Slven really had no care, it would be their own fault for tagging along anyways and only prove that they could not handle it. A hand went up to shield his mouth and nose, blocking out some of the smoke that the wreckage was still giving off. Slven knew it wouldn't likely be safe to hang around the site much longer with it still smoking so glancing to the others he moved on, spotting the second trail of smoke and heading towards it till the two small makeshift tents came into view.

How quaint. Well at least the survivors were smart it would appear. As he moved towards the tents his pace became just a little slower, a knot formed in his stomach as he moved. This was...exciting. What other things would these genomes know that mother didn't from their voyage? Not only the extend of knowledge interested him, no..there was one main reason he had even came on this pathetic little rescue party. To see him.

Slven being a somewhat apathetic man, didn't fully understand the intense want to even see the body of his father. It was odd. Odd and something he needed to calm so he could get on with his training, besides if he seen it first well then Casshern didn't need to. He wasted no time in calling out to the survivors letting them know they were there mostly for his own gain of not being attacked, "Blackbird survivors..we've came to secure you. Respond immediately if you can hear my voice." He only assumed these tents belonged to the survivors considering he knew not of the other life outside of the dome with that in mind his hand went towards his back to rest of his swords handle.  

[Sen Cross]

All was silent for a few moments following Slvens call, before there was movement from one of the small tents as Zephyr stepped out into the open. Her eyes scanned the campsite and lit up upon seeing the small rescue party. She didn't waste much time wondering why there were children with them as well, she was happy enough that someone, anyone, had heard their call for help. It took her only a second to register that the four of them were Genomes as well, and her heart started to beat faster.
"Oh great Mother!"
She hurried towards them as quick as her tired body would allow her to, they were not standing far away as it was. Stopping in front of Slven, who seemed to be the leader of the small group, she took a moment to catch her breath.
"Thank the heavens you found us! A bit later and I fear ..." she stopped, rubbing her forehead. "I'm Zephyr, second in command of the Blackbird, but that ... doesn't matter anymore. The ship's destroyed, Mother is, too ... and there are few survivors. Only four, three if we don't hurry."
The Assassin let out a sigh that was strangely close to a sob if one would pay enough attention, but she brushed it off. Stretching her aching muscles she looked up at Slven, being only slightly smaller than the young adult, and gaped.
It was almost like looking at the familiar features of Aren, the slight differences were easy to overlook if one wanted to. She had heard that he had planned to have children, but hat never known that he and Zeal hat actually went through with it before one of them died. This was too much to be coincidence, this had to be a whim of fate. Not that she had ever believed in such things, but her hopes rose just slightly.
"Come! Time's running out as it is, I hope your ship's not far away. Did you bring medical supplies with you? I sure hope you did."
Wasting no more time, she grabbed his arm with surprising strenght for a woman exausted almost to the point of collapsing, and dragged him towards the tent she had emerged from, paying no further attention to the others.  

[Cheekiebirdiee]

The silence was awkward to say the least, it left him wondering and this was something Slven didn't particularly care for. When a head peeked from one of the tents Slven gripped the hilt of his sword, waiting till the woman emerged before lowering his hand to his side again with her exclamation of oh great mother, these were the survivors. Taking a step back as she approached, his amber eyes rolled over her form assessing any visual damage on her person...for the most part. " Slven...I have no title to offer you otherwise, we have been sent here by the Operator, Ghost."

Slven's eyes narrowed in mild interest as she caught her breath, that exhausted? He knew they hadn't been camped for long, but still. Slven remained silent watching her and listening to her as she spoke to him. Zephyr. Second in command..this meant she would likely know him. Now was not the time to question her however he knew that and really there weren't many questions he wanted to ask her other than if he was or was not alive.

He did take notice of the look he was given by the female before continuing on, " Of course... are the others in the rest of the tents? You two, go check on them..." Slven peered behind him quickly to Amber and Argent when adding the last part, then gestured towards the tents with his head. They could go and check them out while he dealt with the one in charge. Hopefully they could at least handle that, with the help of the other adult. Slven's attention was pulled back to the female genome when his hand was grabbed and she started to speak again.

The genome visibly twitched at being touched so suddenly, barely able to control himself from removing her hand from his arm.

"Ah.." He didn't have much time to respond however he did nod to the fact that they had medical supplies, Ghost had at least thought enough to give them good supplies even if their team was less than acceptable. "The ships not far off..we made it here in only a few hours." He replied while being dragged towards the tent, though while it was meant to reassure his tone wasn't really as warm as most would use in the type of situation. Slven reached his free hand out and pulled the tent open following her inside with mounting curiosity...  

[Lural]

Argent watched as Slven hurried ahead. Were they really supposed to follow such a rash leader? But he picked his way after Slven as fast and carefully as he could.

When the elder boy stopped and reached for his sword, Argent's grip on his staff tightened. The woman who appeared said something about mother, but he wasn't as easy to relax as Slven as the stranger began to talk to the party leader. What was she talking about? He got closer to hear. She asked if they had supplies. Of course they did. He straightened up when Slven addressed him, and he assumed Amber. Check on... the others? He glanced behind him to Amber and the quiet boy before looking back to Slven. "Sir." He acknowledged the order as Slven was dragged off by the woman. He hiked up over to the other tent, the one away from where Slven and the woman were going and peeked in. "Hello?"  

[Sen Cross]

The inside of the tent was only barely lit by the light that fell though the now open plane so that Slven hat to wait a short while to adjust his sight to the dim light. What he saw when he entered was the body of a person, obviously male, half covered in makeshift bandages and what looked like the tattered remains of some sort of coat.
"We have to get him back to your ship, hopefully somewhere with proper medical support. Do you have that on board? Is your ship still functioning?" Zephyr kept talking, obviously to both provide him with the necessary information and to keep herself busy enough not to give in to exhaustion, walking over to the other side of the small tent to pull the other plane free to let in more light.
Only then was Slven able to get a clear view of the injured operator, who still looked unconscious. It must have been kind of like looking into a mirror, really.
Zephyr had turned back to him, fists clenched tightly hat her side.
"He won't survive if we don't."  

[Cheekiebirdiee]

Taking a moment to adjust to the dimly lit tent he stood silent, blinking once or twice before he was able to focus on the body of another male. Amber's flickering from the poorly constructed bandages in his opinion to the tattered clothing. His attention shifted from the man to Zephyr's movement, following her as she moved back some of the tent to give the place more light. Much better now, Slven slowly turned his head back towards the obviously injured occupant of the tent.

He wasn't impressed.. He had expected something and yet nothing came as he stared down at the man whom could very well pass as a mirror image of himself. Slven's eyes narrowed slightly as he stared over the man, barely catching Zephyr's words. Taking back his previous feelings of nothing as a taste of disgust hit him, this was it, the man he had heard about? Thin lips twisted into a tight frown as yet another thought hit the raven, this man, he was unconscious? Or at least appeared to be..which meant he was not only a burned from being injured but he couldn't even walk himself.

Pitiful. At least if he was dead Slven wouldn't be able to think him as weak.

Troublesome. They would have to carry him well...someone would have to carry him, considering his party only consisted of himself, the other adult and two children...the options of the 'carrier' was limited to him since Zephyr was clearly running on steam and Meridian well..Slven wasn't to impressed with either and considering him as the babysitter more than anything.

Drawling in a deep breath he finally spoke out to the woman, tone calm and low, " Our ship is functional, medical support we have..however proper, well the extent of that is questionable..." Slven turned his gaze from the man finally, having not broken it since he laid eyes on him the second time, now looking at Zephyr he questioned "are any of the other survivors injured to this extent we may be in trouble if so...first thing we need to gather the ones that can move...if there is not something suitable to carry.." He motioned towards the injured operator, "then I'll carry him back myself...I cannot ensure he will make it but the odds would be more in his favor if we moved now rather than later..." Slven moved his hand up to pull the small bag from around his shoulders handing it to her, "medical bag...use it how you will." Slven didn't spare another glance to the man as he shifted back and awaited her move.

He was ready to move now, no doubt his ever ...'eager' team had already assessed the others and were tending to them. He was ready to get back..but not in a hurry just because of her words. It would be, a shame for him to die but if he had made it this long..perhaps if he could hold out till they reached the ship...Slven would be more impressed and at least be able to hear his story.  

[Sen Cross]

He woke to the sound of voices close by, slowly fighting the blackness and dragging his fuzzy mind back into the waking world. With awareness came the pain, hot and razor-sharp, but he refused to aknowledge it just jet. Never show weakness in the face of the unknown. Forcing his aching body to stay perfectly still, feighning unconsciousness a while longer until he would have figured out where he was and who was talking, he listened.
One voice was without a dobt Zephyr, he had known her long enough to recognize it anywhere. The other, male, was unknown to him, but listening to his words he must be one of them, from a different ship. So the other ship had landed more safely than they had, and there were survivors. Good.
Then there was something that caught his attention. Nothing one could grab hold of easily, more like a lingering feeling, a whisper of something he thought had been lost to him forever. The sense of belonging, a faint shadow that called out to him with the voice of his beloved as well as his very own. Then it was gone, and he frowned, trying to figure out exactly what had just happened ... when the feeling returned as the male voice started to talk again.
Willing his eyes to open he looked at the young adult who was currently facing Zephyr and showing him his profile. They had survived. Well, at least one of them. Maybe he would find out about the other later. The kid didn't seem to happy with the current situation. Figures, he thought. He wouldn't be, either. There was no way for him not to hear the very well concealed disappointment in the youths voice.
The mere thought of the kid, his kid, thinking poorly of him for whatever reason gave birth to strenght he hadn't thought he still possessed at the moment. Born from his stubborn will to live alone, but none the less strenght that he was in desperate need for.
Using his good arm to push himself up into a half sitting position, ruby eyes narrowed and ignoring the fresh waves of agony his body send out in protest, his lips curled upwards to a wry grin.
"Well now," he found his voice low, a whisper almost but surprisingly steady, although it hurt to speak even more than it did breathing, "this is what I'd call a pleasant surprise."  

[elfgurl1234]

Ugh, such a painfully long journey. More painfully long given the fact that they had to travel with Slven of all people. At least after their 'pleasant exchange' at the barrier dome the other hadn't had too many more stupid comments to make, for which she was grateful. On the flip-side though, his presence hadn't made for very much light conversation to pass the time either. Not that there was anything even remotely 'light' about this situation, but... Well, if they found any survivors, she'd consider that a pretty damn good thing. They could at least try to be a touch optimistic.

The sight of the wrecked ship was both impressive and disturbing.Would it be worth even attempting to check the wreckage for any survivors...? Fortunately a much more obvious sign of survivors came in the form of a camp fire and some tents, so the group was quick to make their way over there. They were met part-way by another of their kind, and she was quick to take them back to the campsite. Only four survivors though? On a ship that big? That was... sad. But even only one survivor would have been worth the trip, so she wasn't about to complain. Amber followed behind Argent as they moved on to the other tent. Now just to get everyone gathered and bring them back home...  

[Kesmi]

As tired as she was from both the anxiety of the crash and the worry for the well being of her friend and commander, Zephyr couldn't help not the annoyance in the 'youths' voice and how things came out. Yes she was happy to have the help, it meant that they weren't alone on the planet and that they could get more help to Aren then what she could do with the scant supplies. Raking a hand through her hair she just barely caught the medical pack that Slven had tossed to her.

"The children have scraps and bruises, as far as I can tell. It will be best we get everyone back to your ship for a full medical look." Zephyr said as she turned back to Aren whom was starting to rouse from unconsciousness.

Worry edged away from her eyes as she watched as Aren started to stir after what seemed like ages since the crash. Almost dropping the bag, she moved over to his side as she tried and succeeded in lifting himself off the ground ever so much. Painful she was sure it was, but it looked like he had more strength then she first thought.

"Aren, please, lay back down." Zephyr moved to rest a hand on his shoulder, gently of course, not wanting to hurt him anymore then possible. "And don't you dare, scare me like that again! I thought I would have to set the kids to grave digging chores." While she was only joking, her voice wavered with the relief that washed over her. Or perhaps it was just the exhaustion kicking in even more.

Taking her hand from Aren's shoulder, she opened the bag Slven had given her and started redressing the bandages in crisp clean ones. Using what medical know-how she learned back in the field. Oh so many years ago.  

[Cheekiebirdiee]

His eyes were firmly locked on the bluenette watching her every move, waiting. They should go and she seemed to be in a hurry so this would suit them all would it not? Slven tilted his head at the word children. Great, just what he needed more children. Closing his eyes he brought a hand up to pinch the bridge of his nose in a most annoyed manner before mocking her words softy, "children.." Clearly this would give off the impression he was either a growing tired or b not pleased to hear the others would be of no use to him either. "....Yes, that would be the plan...we should get moving, more children, tired children, likely means our time could possibly be doubled getting back to the ship.." Slven's words slowly trailed off, eyes flickering open at the sound of a low male voice.

Curiosity lit his face as it peered towards the now sitting up man. Whats this? For a moment he couldn't believe his eyes and ears, steady speech and sitting up, then the man's next words hit him and a slightly dark grin spread over his lips for a moment. Really....now. Aren...Slven couldn't but help to give a signature ever so sweet reply of, "pleasant situation.. are you an optimistic man...father?" He hadn't really meant the word father in the sense that a loving child would say, it wasn't a word of bond, just one of what their literal relationship was. Amber eyes flickered towards Zephyr whom was now at Aren's side.

Slven noted the more relieved tone she was using however even if that man had found the strength to sit up and speak, while if just a bit admirable, was a bluff. Had to be. Watching till the bandages were finished the raven shifted on his heels and moved a hand to peer out of the tent. "If were done here..." Turning back he glanced over them both, gentle touches, tones of worry ? How well did they know one another? Not that it was really any of Slven's concern..but it could be interesting knowledge to possess. "We need to head out now...I suggest we find suitable transportation if not...well.." Slven had already offered to carry Aren, conscious or not if there wasn't something they could rig up to be stretcher like.
 

[Lural]

Argent had expected to find other adults. Hopefully not as arrogant as Slven, but still adults. So when he entered the makeshift tent to find children, perhaps younger than he was, he was quite surprised. He glanced at Amber, then back to the boys who didn't seem to know what to make of the situation. Argent wasn't one for small talk, kind, and reassuring words, no. He thought of himself as a man of action. So he pulled his sack off his back and reached in, pulling out some sweet, fruit-filled breads and offered one to each of the boys. "Here." Were they hungry? Probably. They probably hadn't been able to grab rations from the ship before it crashed. And if they hadn't eaten before the crash, well, it wouldn't due to have them decide they were hungry and start to whine.

As he held the snacks to the two boys, he looked around the small shelter. The situation was pretty bad. "Are either of you hurt?" He didn't have any experience with medical training or anything. Hopefully Amber did. She liked that healing side of things, right?  

[Sen Cross]

Aren let out a choked laugh at her somewhat lame joke and shook his head. She had to work on that. "Don't be silly. I'm fine." Which he wasn't, obviously. But he had no intentions of furtheing her worry or continue to fuss.
Turning his gaze toward Slven as the youth spoke again, he smirked. "You'll find out one day that optimism often rewards you with a quite long life, kiddo." He kept his eyes fixed on his son while Zephyr looked after his injuries, refusing to show any sign of the agony that was coursing though his body at every touch, no matter how careful she was. Knowing quite well that his body wasn't even half as strong as his iron will, and no stubbornness would keep him alive much longer without the aid of medical supply. Aren was quite capable of hiding it, but he was getting weaker by the minute, and it wouldn't take much longer until his vital functions would shut down - permanently.
There was no telling if he would make the journey back to the other ship, and he spared a moment to take in the appearance of his child that he had never expected to see. His mirror image, indeed. But staring at him were Zeals eyes, bright glowing amber orbs that he had missed so much.
"I would advise we leave now." Aren stated as Zephyr finished bandaging his leg - or rather what remained of it - and forced a wry smile onto his face. "As much as I'd prefer to walk with you guys, that's obviously not an option right now. So I'll have to take your offer." As much as he detested showing weakness by being carried, there wasn't really much he could do, and they - he - didn't have the time to look for any suitable transportation. Not that it would change the carrying fact.

-----

The two boys were awakened quite suddenly by the intrusion of Amber and Argent, huddling close and staring at the two unfamiliar children with wide eyes.
They could tell that the children were scared, terrified even. Neither reacted upon Argents inquiry at first, until one of them shook his head as he asked if they were hurt. "We're fine ..." the other whispered. "But ..."
They stared at each other, the smaller of the two stubbornly rubbing his eyes before looking at Amber and Argent kind of pleading.  

[Cheekiebirdiee]

Optimism rewards you with quiet a long life and a fair share of disappointment, sure..that he would believe. Slven wasn't sure how to take his fathers, 'advice' but it seemed more than a bit naive for a genome his age. Instead of a counter comment Slven silently watched the pair having previously said all that he could. Having already expressed the need to get going, his amber eyes flickered in mild curiosity when his point was stressed again by the wounded Aren. Curiosity considering with wounds like that, and fading strength, Slven while imagining himself in his fathers shoes would have to say he would be stressing the fact a little more harshly since the point seemed to not be getting across to well.

Rather annoying, this was all getting old, boring even yes even in time of life or death one could still become bored and Slven was getting restless. He was outside the barrier, seen all he really wanted to see of his father for the moment considering Aren really wasn't in to great of shape for him to actually pick at his mind. Breaking away from his thoughts the raven nodded features turning stern as he moved towards the genome on the ground. "Obviously...Alright lets get going.." Slven snorted not shy as he leaned down and waited for Aren to place an arm around his shoulder knowing the other was smart enough to avoid the sword that rest on his back.

Without hesitation he gave a glance to Zephyr and slid a hand around Aren's back ready to hoist him and haul him out of the tent as soon as the other got a good hold around his neck to signal he was indeed ready. "Go round the children up.." It might have been a little rough sounding of a command but a demand to the woman none the less. Slven was taking into consideration that she was already stopped to wrap the bandages he didn't need her body succumbing to fatigue if she sat any longer. He did not need more dead weight to deal with. For a moment his mind flashed to Ghost, reminding himself of the talk he was going to have with the operator when he got back, this was ridiculious.  

[Kesmi]

Indeed Zephyr was finished bandaging up the wounds with clean wraps. Though giving a little extra tightness to the severed limb as Aren had laughed at her joke. She could have been dead serious if Slven and his small team hadn't shown up when they did. As the two talked, she packed what supplies she hadn't used and slung the pack over her shoulder. The two really looked alike, now that she got a good look at them. But this wasn't the time for family reunions with Aren still fading, though he had the strength to talk. That seemed like enough for the time being.

"Right, day light is wasting." Zephyr agreed as Slven proceeded to 'lift' Aren off the ground, though she gave a stern, 'mind your place' look as he barked to gather the kids. Leaving the tent, she headed over towards the second tent where the children had been resting.

"Alright kids, time to move out. We're headed back to the other ship that is here." She pulled back the tent flap to peer inside at the two come with them and the two that came with Slven. "Once there you can wash up and I'm sure get a better sleep then on this cold ground." She smiled before backing away from the opening to let the kids out without having to climb over her.