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 Posted: Sun Dec 26, 2021 7:35 pm
Although they hadn't been asked to bring anything with them, Aliez thought it would have been a shame not to at least bring the fresh stuffed pasta shells that he'd made. Even if they didn't eat it, the Commodore could at least use some fresh food. Probably. It was all vegetarian, of course. Cheese and spinach and tomato sauce. His first attempt had the shells a bit crunchy, but these were perfect.
And they helped him think of something other than the fact that the Commodore had requested himself and Andreiya and Vyn to meet with him.
He hadn't been sent home when Vyn asked the Commodore for an intervention of sorts. Instead, he received his vambrace in place of a blaster, which so far had worked much better for him, and was useful in shielding his friends from attacks. Like that poor, scared owl.
But while he hadn't been sent home then, he wasn't sure if he'd done something to warrant it now. Maybe they were in trouble for gossiping about how soft the Commodore's hair was (thanks to Vyn's detailed description), or maybe they weren't doing enough to help find a solution to their world's problems.
Either way, Aliez used holding the large ceramic dish as something to hide behind when they warped onto the pad in the Commodore's house in the Dark Kingdom.
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Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 8:21 am
Andreiya hadn’t done anything wrong. He knew he hadn’t done anything wrong. He’d been submitting reports on his research, he’d been studying soil quality and growth, he’d been attending classes and researching–he was being good!
So, this couldn’t be about anything bad.
Like, the state of his room, which–now that he thought about it, was a little cluttered. Maybe even childish. Oh, the Commodore might be upset about that, it wasn’t very practical. But Andreiya hadn’t let anyone in, so how would the Commodore know about his growing collections? OH, but the Commodore knew everything.
Maybe he knew that Andreiya hadn’t exactly been eating very healthy. Or, maybe he knew that Andreiya was even sort of liking parts of Earth.
But Aliez was here, and Vyn, and they were perfect, right? So this couldn’t be anything bad.
He side-eyed Aliez, though, and wondered if he should have brought something to try and bribe the Commodore or soften whatever wrath he might have earned.
He hadn’t been back to this place since they’d first arrived, and it was a little strange to see tables laid out with the Commodore’s projects, but he didn't see him. He recognized bits and pieces of things, but whatever he was working on was obviously foreign and unknown. Maybe he just needed help!
Oh, or maybe they were in trouble.
Andreiya didn’t know, he was just trying hard not to squirm.
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Posted: Wed Dec 29, 2021 10:41 am
Vyn was just as apprehensive as Aliez and Andreiya seemed to be.
He told himself he had no reason to be. Aliez was always apprehensive; he worried the Commodore would send him home over the issue with the blaster, but that turned out not to be the case. (Obviously. Why would the Commodore ever do such a thing?) And Andreiya never did anything that necessitated any sort of reprimand, as far as Vyn could tell. They were all putting far too much thought into this, worrying for nothing.
“Relax,” Vyn whispered to them. “Everything’s fine.”
Everything was not fine. Vyn thought he might throw up from nerves. Fortunately, he managed to keep some of the anxiety out of his expression.
Mostly. He couldn't be sure there wasn’t an edge of hysteria in his voice.
To settle himself, Vyn called to mind the last time he’d been here. If he was lucky, maybe he could snag another hug. Even in the event that the Commodore was disappointed about something any of them had done, surely he’d try to soften the blow. A hug would do that nicely.
Thus, Vyn was the first to step forward, glancing over what he could see of the Commodore’s projects.
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Posted: Sat Jan 08, 2022 6:21 am
There seemed to be a number of unfinished projects and notes lying across nearly every flat surface, but it was almost impossible to tell exactly what Lyndin had been working on. Nor was there any immediate sign of him. His presence filled the area, but it wasn’t as if he’d turned himself invisible; there was something on the stove in the kitchen downstairs, but he wasn’t there. Something hit the floor above them, and there was the sound of something mechanical and whirring. It wasn’t an unpleasant hum, but it wasn’t clear what it was–nor did Lyndin seem to have any intention of expanding on what project he had going on up there when he appeared atop the stairs. “Oh, you’re right on time. Welcome,” he greeted. He wasn’t wearing his cape, but he still wore his uniform with pride. He descended the stairs in only a second and smiled when he made his way to stand in front of the three. “I’m glad you could all come. You look worried. Has something happened in Destiny City?”
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Posted: Mon Jan 17, 2022 8:22 pm
Aliez thought it was perfectly reasonable for them to look worried. They had been all called there with no explanation. They weren’t exactly the strongest or smartest of the group of cadets, or at least not in Aliez’s opinion. He’d even had his weapon changed -- his weapon taken away completely and changed out with a shield because he was inadequate with it.
On the other hand, Vyn seemed to be confident (outwardly) that everything was fine. He also looked like he was about to throw up. And Aliez had known him long enough to know what Vyn’s limits were. Even Andreiya looked more frazzled than usual. And they weren’t even being attacked by birds this time!
“No sir, nothing’s happened. We brought some food for you,” he said, holding up the ceramic dish to show him. If the Commodore didn’t like it, then he would of course explain that it was his own doing, and not pull Vyn or Andreiya into it.
He tried not to make it too obvious that he absolutely noticed the lack of cape, which made the Commodore seem… well… normal. Which of course wasn’t the case, because the Commodore was anything but normal. Aliez was also trying not to be too obvious that he was very curious about the Commodore’s projects. Vyn didn’t seem to mind looking around. He almost seemed comfortable there.
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Posted: Sun Feb 27, 2022 5:35 pm
Andreiya was practically squirming in his skin at the idea of being here alone. On one hand, the Commodore hadn’t seemed upset with them. He was smiling! He looked relaxed! Why wasn’t he wearing his cape. Was that the problem, had he lost it? Were they going to be sent on a special mission to find it?
His thoughts were racing, but all he could think was that if they weren’t in trouble, why were they here? He didn’t know if he wanted to be on some sort of special mission, or selected with a small group of his peers. There were too many chances of saying something silly, of messing up. If they weren’t in trouble yet, how close were they?
Or was he just being polite? Was he going to sit them down and scold them?
In his mind, he could only hear the sound of a little hamster scratching desperately at the bedding in its cage.
He wished he’d brought something to bribe the Commodore with, too, but he could only stand next to Aliez and hope that they weren’t disappointing him.
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Posted: Mon Feb 28, 2022 9:57 am
Whatever Aliez might think, Vyn was not comfortable. The house had an air of familiarity now, and the Commodore’s presence made it a more comforting place than it would be in his absence, but Vyn did not know that he would ever have the confidence to face the Commodore without a squirming stomach or a pounding heart, his posture tense with anticipation.
Still, a smile twitched onto Vyn’s face when the Commodore descended the stairs.
The Commodore was glad they were here, which meant this couldn’t be anything bad. Vyn tried to point this out with quick flicks of his eyes toward Aliez and Andreiya, but he wasn’t sure they picked up on his silent communication. The Commodore was so kind to be concerned about them.
Unless he thought they were incapable of looking after themselves, and the city they now resided in. Maybe the kindness and concern was just a front to disguise his disappointment. The Commodore never outright lied to them, but he certainly omitted things. What if he omitted his disapproval and dissatisfaction until a more appropriate time? Such as after Aliez handed over the food?
“You wanted to see us?” Vyn said.
His voice cracked at the end, gone a bit high with nerves. It took every last ounce of his self-control not to fidget. Vyn stood at attention instead, anxious and expectant.
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Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2022 7:06 pm
Lyndin was observant, more than enough to notice the way Vyn’s voice was different from normal. He gave him a careful look before he reached out to accept the ceramic dish. “Thank you, Aliez. Perhaps you will all stay and have some with me. I haven’t had a meal in a few hours.” Longer than that, but he wasn’t going to give them any reason to worry. He was just busy. “If you have time, at least. I’ve been keeping an eye on everyone,” he began, not one to waste time, and certainly not one to let them all stand there squirming. “I’ve been considering our options here on Earth. If we were back on Velencya, there would be Corporals, Commanders. People the Vanguard can rely on. People I can rely on. I’ve been thinking that I’m doing the Vanguard here a disservice by limiting leadership to myself. I can’t be there all the time. I’m busy down here, and everyone is more than welcome to come see me when they like, but I’m no fool. I know that there are those that still don’t trust me. I don’t blame them,” he said, because it was important for these three to know that he had no animosity towards anyone, “But it means that we are still fractured in a way I can’t correct myself. So I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about things, and looking at who was doing what. Aliez, you’re making great strides with your study in medicine and first aid. Andreiya, I appreciate your research on soil quality and health. Vyn, you’ve already proven that you’re looking out for the rest of the Vanguard.” He gave them a few seconds to process before he continued, “You all have admirable traits, and I’ve seen you grow since we arrived here on Earth. You’ve all been working hard to adapt, and you’re balancing everything incredibly well. You’ve earned recognition, and I need your help. I’d like to promote you.” There was something of a question in his voice; he’d expressed what he wanted, but as he set down Aliez’ ceramic in an empty space atop a nearby table, he gave them a moment to consider the proposition. He wouldn’t force it on them, but he wanted them to think about it. There would be more responsibilities, he knew they were already aware of this. More power, both physically and within the Vanguard, but he trusted them with that power. He trusted them in general.
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Posted: Sat Mar 26, 2022 11:48 am
Aliez pressed his lips together, but didn’t look away from the Commodore as he took the food and commented about having not eaten in a few hours. He hoped it wasn’t obvious that he didn’t quite believe the Commodore, but he wasn’t going to say anything. Yet. Maybe if it started obviously affecting his health he could bring others’ attention to the problem. But for now, he would keep his concerns between himself and the Commodore.
Not that the Commodore seemed to want to listen.
But whatever the Commodore had called them there for, Aliez hadn’t expected the offer of promotion.
He stared with wide eyes at the Commodore first, and then turned to both Vyn and Andreiya to try and determine if they had any idea that was what the Commodore wanted. If anyone would have known, it would have been Vyn, but he seemed just as surprised as he and Andreiya.
At some point in his surprise he’d opened his mouth, but quickly pressed his lips back into an even tighter line than before. He was skeptical of the decision, even if he trusted the Commodore to know what was best. If they were unable to make it home, and they didn’t have their Commanders any more… then of course the Commodore would be looking to fill out their ranks as best as he could.
He didn’t think he deserved the recognition, but if that was what the Commodore wanted, then he wasn’t going to try and make his life more difficult. After all, the sooner they found a way to save Velencya and the Commodore, the sooner they could go home.
“If it will help, then it would be my honor,” he accepted, even if he looked like he wanted to say more. It wasn’t his place to question the Commodore’s decisions.
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Posted: Wed Mar 30, 2022 6:19 pm
Was he ready for a promotion? No. Probably not. Well–he had to be, the Commodore was offering it, and he didn’t make mistakes. Andreiya stared, silent and confused for a few seconds too long before he blurted, “Mine, too. Yes. Please. I will do whatever I can to help the Vanguard.”
Oh, but maybe he wasn’t ready for the responsibility. Maybe he was going to make a mistake, maybe he’d make a fool of himself. Maybe it was a test. What if he was failing? –No, this couldn’t be a test, Vyn and Aliez were here. The Commodore wouldn’t do that. Would he?
Andreiya didn’t know; his heart was pounding out of his chest and he seemed flustered and frantic. It wasn’t bad. He was just nervous. He didn’t want to let anyone down.
But, he wanted to help.
He wanted to be proud of himself.
He wanted to make the Commodore proud, too.
So, he’d have done anything he asked, really.
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Posted: Sat Apr 09, 2022 1:21 pm
A promotion?
In all his panicked thinking, Vyn never once thought a promotion would be in the cards.
It made sense, to a degree. Their Commanders were gone. Here on Earth, the Vanguard was little more than the Commodore and a scattering of Cadets. Surely the Commodore, with his centuries of experience, could manage well enough of his own — but why should he have to? Certainly the Vanguard would function better for all of them if their ranks were filled out as they were meant to be.
What didn’t make sense to Vyn was his own inclusion. Surely there were better candidates. Among the older Cadets, perhaps; they may not be any more experienced, but the extra decades at their disposal must lend them a certain maturity. Vyn always felt young and useless among his peers. They were so much wiser, and so much stronger, and so much better equipped for their mission. Vyn thought of himself as little more than a tagalong. He did his best, but never thought his best was good enough.
Even so, it didn’t cross his mind to say no.
“If… if you think it’s best,” Vyn said, “I’ll do anything I can, everything in my power to help.”
Though he couldn’t control the subtle widening of his eyes, Vyn at least managed to keep the sudden flood of tears at bay.
Perhaps, under normal circumstances, he would be as undeserving of this honor as he thought himself, but these were not normal circumstances they found themselves in.
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Posted: Sun Apr 10, 2022 4:22 pm
“I know,” Lyndin said kindly, proudly. “I didn’t make this decision lightly. I know I’m asking a lot of you three. But I know you’ll set a good example. And I know I can trust you. I’d feel much better knowing that I’ve got you three helping me out. I won’t say it isn’t a difficult job but I will say that it comes with respect and responsibility. But you three have proven yourself to me. So,” he paused only briefly and held out his hands. “I don’t know if you’ve ever seen me promote someone. We have ceremonial events on Velencya, sometimes. Most of the time I prefer to do it in private. I have Velencya’s blessing,” but this was no surprise. “It is my pride and obligation to share that. It won’t hurt. It’ll only take a moment. I’m sorry there isn’t more fanfare. I’ll be completely honest, I don’t know how much energy it’ll take out of me, so I only want to do this once for now. I need you all to take hands.” He needed them to make a chain, so that when the power flowed through him, it flowed through them, too. It wasn’t a dramatic change, not something that should completely wind him. He needed to see that their starseeds could properly channel as much energy as Velencya could give them. They were ready. He trusted them with that power. He was trusting them with Velencya, and the Vanguard, and their future.
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Posted: Tue Apr 19, 2022 1:26 pm
It didn’t seem like any of them were feeling very confident in the Commodore’s choice to have them promoted, and even the Commodore commented that he was asking a lot of them.
But he trusted them, and Aliez would trust the Commodore in return. He had to. They had to. After centuries of the Commodore protecting their home, how could they not trust him?
He glanced from Vyn to Andreiya, and then to the Commodore. Aliez knew where his place was when it came to his abilities and his usefulness. If anyone could use the boost of confidence from the Commodore, it would be his friends. They deserved every bit of praise and attention. Which was why Aliez gently took hold of both Vyn and Andreiya’s hands.
Did he want to hold the Commodore’s hand? More than anything. But he couldn’t afford to be selfish. Not when the Commodore’s life, and all of Velencya was on the line.
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Posted: Sun Apr 24, 2022 5:09 pm
Andreiya gave Aliez a look when he settled where he did, because he was certain that he would have been much more comfortable holding the Commodore’s hand than he was.
…Or maybe he was too nervous and afraid. Maybe his palms were sweating. Maybe he wasn’t feeling good.
Andreiya gave him a look and took his hand–gave it a little squeeze, even–and reached for Lyndin’s too.
He had to suck in a breath and stand up straight and hope he didn’t look as nervous as he felt.
He wanted to believe this was the right choice. Wanted to believe he wasn’t going to mess something up.
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Posted: Sat Jun 04, 2022 2:43 pm
Vyn was certain he’d faint.
First, they’d earned a promotion. Then, he was able to hold the Commodore’s hand.
He had Aliez to thank for that, of course. Aliez could have been selfish and jumped at the opportunity, but that wasn’t his way. If Vyn could think beyond his own desires for five seconds, he might have thought his friend deserved the honor more than he did. Alas, Vyn really wanted to hold the Commodore’s hand.
He would make it up to Aliez later, somehow.
Still, Vyn moved haltingly — nervous, perhaps, or embarrassed. He didn’t want to seem too eager, but he was sure his eyes were bright, and he couldn’t hold back the pleased little smile that twitched onto his face. He settled into place and took the Commodore’s hand. With the other, he gave Aliez’s hand a supportive squeeze.
Vyn took a breath and let it out slowly. He looked toward Aliez and Andreiya, then tentatively up at the Commodore, a bundle of nerves and excitement.
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