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IC contact post
Jan. 1st, 2037 01:17 pm"Hi, you've reached Adia's PINpoint. Please leave me a message after the beep."
The Wedding.
May. 16th, 2019 07:55 pmThe wedding itself was a simple affair. No hordes of bridesmaids and groomsmen clustered about the dais of the small, non-denominational temple. Instead, there were only a handful of witnesses: Seth and Maggie and little Jason on the bride’s side, and Sharon, Julia, and Leoben on the groom’s.
Caspar had extended the invitation to the latter two as a peace offering of sorts, although he was mildly regretting Julia’s presence. The blonde was already crying into a tissue and the ceremony hadn’t even begun. Ignoring her, he absently smoothed out the non-existent wrinkles in his burgundy blazer and checked the small orange tulip boutonniere pinned to his lapel one last time, waiting for the arrival of the bride.
( Read more... )
Caspar had extended the invitation to the latter two as a peace offering of sorts, although he was mildly regretting Julia’s presence. The blonde was already crying into a tissue and the ceremony hadn’t even begun. Ignoring her, he absently smoothed out the non-existent wrinkles in his burgundy blazer and checked the small orange tulip boutonniere pinned to his lapel one last time, waiting for the arrival of the bride.
( Read more... )
Spring socializing. ((Open to anyone.))
Apr. 3rd, 2019 11:43 amIt has been a long winter, made longer by the fact that Adia could not reach any of her friends in the Nexus. When spring arrives and her PINpoint starts working again, she wastes little time in sending out a message.
Hello! This is Adia. Caspar and I were locked out of the Nexus until now. Please reply if you get this message and let me know how you're doing and if there's anything I can get you?
In the interest of efficiency, she sends it as a blind carbon copy to most of her Contact List.
((Feel free to tag once, play out a thread, or handwave your muse's reponse. Also, if you want me to know specifically that Adia can't/won't get a message, feel free to share. :) ))
Hello! This is Adia. Caspar and I were locked out of the Nexus until now. Please reply if you get this message and let me know how you're doing and if there's anything I can get you?
In the interest of efficiency, she sends it as a blind carbon copy to most of her Contact List.
((Feel free to tag once, play out a thread, or handwave your muse's reponse. Also, if you want me to know specifically that Adia can't/won't get a message, feel free to share. :) ))
Winter continued its reign on Atlantis, but all around, there were signs that spring was coming.
Songbirds returned to the woods, their chirps and whistles filling the air. Crocuses began to push their way out of the ground. Humans spent time in the growing daylight hours preparing the fields and their own gardens for the coming season.
There were signs that Caspar was getting better, too. He stopped freezing Adia out, or pretending he was okay when he wasn’t. Like a thawing river, he let his thoughts and emotions out, little by little, until he could share what was on his mind with her freely. The nightmares lessened, as did his desire to project.
At least, not without including her.
( Read more... )
Songbirds returned to the woods, their chirps and whistles filling the air. Crocuses began to push their way out of the ground. Humans spent time in the growing daylight hours preparing the fields and their own gardens for the coming season.
There were signs that Caspar was getting better, too. He stopped freezing Adia out, or pretending he was okay when he wasn’t. Like a thawing river, he let his thoughts and emotions out, little by little, until he could share what was on his mind with her freely. The nightmares lessened, as did his desire to project.
At least, not without including her.
( Read more... )
((Caspar's companion piece.))
Winter on Atlantis is mild, but it still gets cold in the evenings, and tonight is no exception. Adia curls up under the bedclothes while Caspar tends to the fire that keeps their cabin warm and toasty.
He spends a lot of nights tending to the fire, poking and prodding at it long after she has fallen asleep. She didn’t think much of it at first, but after over a month of this routine, she’s starting to get the impression that he’s avoiding sleep.
And possibly avoiding her.
( Read more... )
Winter on Atlantis is mild, but it still gets cold in the evenings, and tonight is no exception. Adia curls up under the bedclothes while Caspar tends to the fire that keeps their cabin warm and toasty.
He spends a lot of nights tending to the fire, poking and prodding at it long after she has fallen asleep. She didn’t think much of it at first, but after over a month of this routine, she’s starting to get the impression that he’s avoiding sleep.
And possibly avoiding her.
( Read more... )
Sweet dreams.
Jan. 16th, 2019 12:34 pmEvery month, when the moon is full, Adia has the strangest dreams.
Not the vivid nightmares that she occasionally has of Caspar dying from a poisoned spear, or Atlantis falling under a malevolent attack. And not the more mundane dreams of being back in school, except for some reason she hasn’t attended classes all semester and she has a final paper due and she can’t remember her locker combination. Those are normal dreams, or at least normal for what she’s lived through.
No, her dreams during a full moon are of a different nature entirely.
She is in the wilderness: a forest, a beach, the rolling foothills of a mountain. It is always night, and the stars in the sky are so close that if she reached up, she is sure that she could touch one. The moon hangs low and bright like a lantern. Wherever she goes, it lights her way.
Sometimes there is a deer, pale and skittish in the distance. Sometimes she is the deer, running swiftly across the wild terrain.
She feels a pull from the moon above her. A gentle beckoning. Look at what I have to show you, it calls to her. Open your eyes and see.
When she tries to look, she catches the faintest glimpse of something. A tapestry made of endless silver threads, scrolling out into infinity.
But that’s all she gets before she wakes up.
~*~
Babysitting Hera was always a welcome break from Adia’s typical routine. She loved spending time with Karl and Sharon’s daughter, and though Hera had plenty of aunties and uncles to watch over her, it gave Adia a special warm feeling to know that she was one of Hera’s favorite caretakers.
It was probably because of the stories. Adia had started a tradition of telling elaborate tales about the Nexus to Hera. Keeping the Nexus a secret on Atlantis was taxing at times, so it was a relief to share what she could, albeit couched in the pretense of fiction.
She was wrapping up a tale about Princess Hera introducing a lightning-wielding king to hot chocolate, when the the little girl tugged at her sleeve, urging her to stand up. “Auntie, I want to show you something, okay?”
Adia smiled and obliged. “What is it?” she asked, expecting another hand-drawn picture.
The world around them shifted into the Nexus. Adia blinked and stared at the familiar sight of the Plaza, complete with couches, fountains, and vending machines. “Wh—“
“I’m projecting,” Hera said with a proud smile. “Like Mommy.”
Projecting. It was a skill that Cylons had of creating powerful mental images that they could share with other Cylons. But not humans. Their brains weren’t wired for it. “How… how am I seeing it, too?”
Hera’s smile grew. “You’re dreaming.”
Oh.
Wait, what?
Her wide-eyed stare returned to Hera, who suddenly didn’t seem anything like the little girl she knew. The expression on her face was far too mature, and her eyes were silver, nothing like their usual dark brown.
“But you don’t have to be,” she continued. “You can do this, too, Adia.” Her eyes shined like moonlight. “You just have to open your eyes and see.”
~*~
Adia woke with a start, her heart pounding in her chest.
What was that all about?
“Hey. You okay?” Caspar was lying next to her in the early dawn light, his expression alert. On edge. For a moment, she thought she could hear the crashing waves of the beach and smell the sharp tang of seawater. But when she blinked, the sensation disappeared.
“I’m fine.” She snuggled into the warm flannel sheets. “Just another strange dream. I was reading Hera a story and… then we were in the Nexus, I think? But… she wasn’t Hera, and then she told me something…”
Adia sighed in frustration. Why did these dreams disappear from her so quickly?
Caspar leaned over and kissed her forehead. “I’ll get the fire started,” he murmured, then left the bed to do just that. Anastasia quickly took his place, hopping up and finding a warm spot against Adia’s side. In moments, the kneazle dozed off again, purring contentedly in her sleep.
Adia smiled wistfully at the sight. If only it were that easy.
Not the vivid nightmares that she occasionally has of Caspar dying from a poisoned spear, or Atlantis falling under a malevolent attack. And not the more mundane dreams of being back in school, except for some reason she hasn’t attended classes all semester and she has a final paper due and she can’t remember her locker combination. Those are normal dreams, or at least normal for what she’s lived through.
No, her dreams during a full moon are of a different nature entirely.
She is in the wilderness: a forest, a beach, the rolling foothills of a mountain. It is always night, and the stars in the sky are so close that if she reached up, she is sure that she could touch one. The moon hangs low and bright like a lantern. Wherever she goes, it lights her way.
Sometimes there is a deer, pale and skittish in the distance. Sometimes she is the deer, running swiftly across the wild terrain.
She feels a pull from the moon above her. A gentle beckoning. Look at what I have to show you, it calls to her. Open your eyes and see.
When she tries to look, she catches the faintest glimpse of something. A tapestry made of endless silver threads, scrolling out into infinity.
But that’s all she gets before she wakes up.
~*~
Babysitting Hera was always a welcome break from Adia’s typical routine. She loved spending time with Karl and Sharon’s daughter, and though Hera had plenty of aunties and uncles to watch over her, it gave Adia a special warm feeling to know that she was one of Hera’s favorite caretakers.
It was probably because of the stories. Adia had started a tradition of telling elaborate tales about the Nexus to Hera. Keeping the Nexus a secret on Atlantis was taxing at times, so it was a relief to share what she could, albeit couched in the pretense of fiction.
She was wrapping up a tale about Princess Hera introducing a lightning-wielding king to hot chocolate, when the the little girl tugged at her sleeve, urging her to stand up. “Auntie, I want to show you something, okay?”
Adia smiled and obliged. “What is it?” she asked, expecting another hand-drawn picture.
The world around them shifted into the Nexus. Adia blinked and stared at the familiar sight of the Plaza, complete with couches, fountains, and vending machines. “Wh—“
“I’m projecting,” Hera said with a proud smile. “Like Mommy.”
Projecting. It was a skill that Cylons had of creating powerful mental images that they could share with other Cylons. But not humans. Their brains weren’t wired for it. “How… how am I seeing it, too?”
Hera’s smile grew. “You’re dreaming.”
Oh.
Wait, what?
Her wide-eyed stare returned to Hera, who suddenly didn’t seem anything like the little girl she knew. The expression on her face was far too mature, and her eyes were silver, nothing like their usual dark brown.
“But you don’t have to be,” she continued. “You can do this, too, Adia.” Her eyes shined like moonlight. “You just have to open your eyes and see.”
~*~
Adia woke with a start, her heart pounding in her chest.
What was that all about?
“Hey. You okay?” Caspar was lying next to her in the early dawn light, his expression alert. On edge. For a moment, she thought she could hear the crashing waves of the beach and smell the sharp tang of seawater. But when she blinked, the sensation disappeared.
“I’m fine.” She snuggled into the warm flannel sheets. “Just another strange dream. I was reading Hera a story and… then we were in the Nexus, I think? But… she wasn’t Hera, and then she told me something…”
Adia sighed in frustration. Why did these dreams disappear from her so quickly?
Caspar leaned over and kissed her forehead. “I’ll get the fire started,” he murmured, then left the bed to do just that. Anastasia quickly took his place, hopping up and finding a warm spot against Adia’s side. In moments, the kneazle dozed off again, purring contentedly in her sleep.
Adia smiled wistfully at the sight. If only it were that easy.
On the day that Amelia is supposed to visit, Adia spends more time than usual cleaning up the cabin, outpacing even Caspar as she bustles about their tiny home to make sure everything is in its proper place. This is the first time she's having a Nexus friend see where she lives, and she wants it to look its best.
Caspar sweeps the floor methodically. Even a little sluggishly. He's been quieter than usual since the New Year began. Maybe it's because he hasn't a good glass of wine since the Solstice; Seth's attempt at sparkling apple cider didn't go much better than his previous attempts at brandy.
Or maybe it's something else. She's been giving him the chance to tell her in his own time. Regardless, she hopes Amelia's visit will improve his mood.
The coordinates she sends Amelia are not for the inside of the cabin, even though that would be the most cautious. Instead, they teleport her to the garden behind it. It's dormant now, the perennials resting until it's their turn to blossom once more, but there is plenty of evergreen forest further in the distance to give the landscape some color. From this spot, Amelia will get a lovely view of her friends' cabin, made of wood but surprisingly modern in its design, with a slanted roof and a large, open-air patio attached.
"Hi, Amelia," Adia greets her when she arrives. "Welcome to Atlantis."
Caspar sweeps the floor methodically. Even a little sluggishly. He's been quieter than usual since the New Year began. Maybe it's because he hasn't a good glass of wine since the Solstice; Seth's attempt at sparkling apple cider didn't go much better than his previous attempts at brandy.
Or maybe it's something else. She's been giving him the chance to tell her in his own time. Regardless, she hopes Amelia's visit will improve his mood.
The coordinates she sends Amelia are not for the inside of the cabin, even though that would be the most cautious. Instead, they teleport her to the garden behind it. It's dormant now, the perennials resting until it's their turn to blossom once more, but there is plenty of evergreen forest further in the distance to give the landscape some color. From this spot, Amelia will get a lovely view of her friends' cabin, made of wood but surprisingly modern in its design, with a slanted roof and a large, open-air patio attached.
"Hi, Amelia," Adia greets her when she arrives. "Welcome to Atlantis."
A little divine intervention
Dec. 17th, 2018 10:06 amAfter weeks of preparation, it was finally time to relocate Zelus and Princess to Atlantis.
It was tempting — for Adia, especially — to stall a little longer. Introducing any element from the Nexus to her home world always carried the risk of exposing the secret that she had diligently kept for over four years now. But as winter approached, she felt the longing to keep those precious to her close to home. Close to the hearth. And so, she and Caspar decided to take the risk, so that their animal companions could join Anastasia in their little cabin in the woods.
( Read more... )
It was tempting — for Adia, especially — to stall a little longer. Introducing any element from the Nexus to her home world always carried the risk of exposing the secret that she had diligently kept for over four years now. But as winter approached, she felt the longing to keep those precious to her close to home. Close to the hearth. And so, she and Caspar decided to take the risk, so that their animal companions could join Anastasia in their little cabin in the woods.
( Read more... )
The stretch of beach that Adia teleports herself and Cricket to is sparse and pristine. There are no boats in the sky blue water, no signs of human life anywhere around them. The sand itself looks soft enough to sleep on, and the sea breeze is mild. only a hint of the chill that will settle in once the harvest season ends.
"Here we are," Adia says softly, peering at Cricket with a nervous excitement. She's curious to see what he thinks of her home. "We used this spot for some research when we first arrived, but we've left it alone since. Only my boyfriend and I come here."
Once he seems comfortable with the sand beneath his feet, she'll let go of his hand and go about setting up the camping chairs she brought with her. They unfold with only a little effort, and she sets them side by side on the sand. In between, she puts a small cooler with a couple bottles of apple juice, because what kind of hostess would she be otherwise? She just wishes she had more of a selection, but when you grow a lot of apples, that's what you get.
"Here we are," Adia says softly, peering at Cricket with a nervous excitement. She's curious to see what he thinks of her home. "We used this spot for some research when we first arrived, but we've left it alone since. Only my boyfriend and I come here."
Once he seems comfortable with the sand beneath his feet, she'll let go of his hand and go about setting up the camping chairs she brought with her. They unfold with only a little effort, and she sets them side by side on the sand. In between, she puts a small cooler with a couple bottles of apple juice, because what kind of hostess would she be otherwise? She just wishes she had more of a selection, but when you grow a lot of apples, that's what you get.
How do you like them apples?
Sep. 27th, 2018 11:43 amApple-picking on Atlantis was nothing like apple-picking on Leonis.
There were no cider doughnuts, hayrides, or other amusements. Just lots and lots of apple trees that needed to be picked. It was a bountiful harvest, of which Adia was thankful…
…but did it have to be so darn hot?
The temperate weather was taking a break, apparently, as the sea breeze shifted and left stifling humidity in its wake. There was a thunderstorm in the evening’s forecast, but for now the sun beat down on them between the rows of trees. Nobody was comfortable except for Maggie’s son Jason, gnawing ineffectively on an apple under the shade of his bonnet, strapped to his mother’s back so she could help with the harvest.
Even Caspar had a light sheen of sweat upon him that refused to evaporate. It caused the fabric of his gray t-shirt to cling to his back, and though the sight distracted Adia from the heat for a while, eventually she had to admit that this was terrible weather for apple-picking.
“Ugh,” groaned Maggie, finally giving voice to the drudgery of their afternoon. “Why do we have to do this today?”
( Read more... )
There were no cider doughnuts, hayrides, or other amusements. Just lots and lots of apple trees that needed to be picked. It was a bountiful harvest, of which Adia was thankful…
…but did it have to be so darn hot?
The temperate weather was taking a break, apparently, as the sea breeze shifted and left stifling humidity in its wake. There was a thunderstorm in the evening’s forecast, but for now the sun beat down on them between the rows of trees. Nobody was comfortable except for Maggie’s son Jason, gnawing ineffectively on an apple under the shade of his bonnet, strapped to his mother’s back so she could help with the harvest.
Even Caspar had a light sheen of sweat upon him that refused to evaporate. It caused the fabric of his gray t-shirt to cling to his back, and though the sight distracted Adia from the heat for a while, eventually she had to admit that this was terrible weather for apple-picking.
“Ugh,” groaned Maggie, finally giving voice to the drudgery of their afternoon. “Why do we have to do this today?”
( Read more... )
Visiting Old Haunts
Jul. 3rd, 2018 11:02 pmThe entrance to the pokémon cave hasn’t changed much since I was here with Caspar and Professor Madrone. It looks like the Professor fixed the part of the wooden fence that had been chewed through, but otherwise, it’s the same. A cool, quiet entrance in the middle of the bustling forest that abuts the back of the Professor’s lab.
I take a deep breath of the heady summer air before stepping inside.
There’s no Magnemite to light the way this way this time, so I have to settle for a flashlight. I keep the beam low to not startle the roosting Zubats or the Woobats who hold fast to the wall with their heart-shaped noses. I’m sure both Caspar and the Professor would have wanted to accompany me on this second trip, or at least send me off with a Pokémon companion, but this is something I need to do alone.
Besides, it’s not dangerous. Or, at least, not dangerous for me. I don’t know where Caspar got the idea that I like to rush headlong into danger. Danger finds me, no matter how hard I try to protect myself against it. At least for this situation, I know what to expect.
Hi! Hello! Hi, Adia! Adia! Hi hi!
A chorus of telepathic voices greet me when I step into the next cavern. I smile at the gathering of Solosis and pat their round, green bodies as they roll up to my feet, but I tell them that I can’t stay long, there’s something I need to do in the next room. They whine disappointedly and I try not to giggle because it reminds me too much of Anastasia when she wants attention. I promise that I’ll come back soon, hopefully to watch them compete in another stacking contest with Wobbuffet. They chatter their goodbyes, then roll over to the shallow pool in the middle of the cavern for another soak. It must be how they maintain their sticky, gelatinous coating. Although they’re able to control their stickiness, so maybe —
Ah, my mind’s wandering. It’s far too easy to get caught up in questions about pokémon physiology. I make a note to ask Professor Madrone about it, then continue on.
The last time I was in this cavern, I was lucky enough to witness an evolution ceremony. But now, the cavern is empty — no dancing Clefairy, no Magnemite and Magneton hovering in the eaves. I shine my light on the two large stones in the center of the space — one glimmers like dark metal, the other glows a cool greenish-gray — but otherwise, there is nothing but silence and shadows.
I sit down on a low, smooth ledge and pull out a box of Poké Puffs from my messenger bag. The cashier at the bakery assured me that pokémon find them nearly impossible to resist, and I can see why. They’re like little cupcakes, frosted in a variety of bright colors, and smell delicious. I fold back the lid, and put them beside me.
And then, I wait.
( Read more... )
I take a deep breath of the heady summer air before stepping inside.
There’s no Magnemite to light the way this way this time, so I have to settle for a flashlight. I keep the beam low to not startle the roosting Zubats or the Woobats who hold fast to the wall with their heart-shaped noses. I’m sure both Caspar and the Professor would have wanted to accompany me on this second trip, or at least send me off with a Pokémon companion, but this is something I need to do alone.
Besides, it’s not dangerous. Or, at least, not dangerous for me. I don’t know where Caspar got the idea that I like to rush headlong into danger. Danger finds me, no matter how hard I try to protect myself against it. At least for this situation, I know what to expect.
Hi! Hello! Hi, Adia! Adia! Hi hi!
A chorus of telepathic voices greet me when I step into the next cavern. I smile at the gathering of Solosis and pat their round, green bodies as they roll up to my feet, but I tell them that I can’t stay long, there’s something I need to do in the next room. They whine disappointedly and I try not to giggle because it reminds me too much of Anastasia when she wants attention. I promise that I’ll come back soon, hopefully to watch them compete in another stacking contest with Wobbuffet. They chatter their goodbyes, then roll over to the shallow pool in the middle of the cavern for another soak. It must be how they maintain their sticky, gelatinous coating. Although they’re able to control their stickiness, so maybe —
Ah, my mind’s wandering. It’s far too easy to get caught up in questions about pokémon physiology. I make a note to ask Professor Madrone about it, then continue on.
The last time I was in this cavern, I was lucky enough to witness an evolution ceremony. But now, the cavern is empty — no dancing Clefairy, no Magnemite and Magneton hovering in the eaves. I shine my light on the two large stones in the center of the space — one glimmers like dark metal, the other glows a cool greenish-gray — but otherwise, there is nothing but silence and shadows.
I sit down on a low, smooth ledge and pull out a box of Poké Puffs from my messenger bag. The cashier at the bakery assured me that pokémon find them nearly impossible to resist, and I can see why. They’re like little cupcakes, frosted in a variety of bright colors, and smell delicious. I fold back the lid, and put them beside me.
And then, I wait.
( Read more... )
Happy Valentine's Day
Feb. 18th, 2018 07:48 pmA half-block away from their destination, Caspar had told Adia to close her eyes, that he would guide her the rest of the way. She asked jokingly if she should make a wish, too, but she knew that it was unnecessary. Whatever thoughtful, romantic surprise he had planned — on Valentine’s Day, no less — was sure to be more than enough.
“Door,” Caspar said helpfully as he led her through it. A pleasant jingle rang from above and she was enveloped in the sweet, comforting aroma of chocolate. “Okay. Open your eyes.”
She was inside a fancy chocolate shop, its counters and shelves festooned with red ribbons, all the better to show off the merchandise. The confections looked as good as they smelled, and Adia would have smiled in delight if she hadn’t suddenly realized to her horror and dismay that she had already been here once before.
On this very same holiday.
With a lovestruck Shark.
( Read more... )
“Door,” Caspar said helpfully as he led her through it. A pleasant jingle rang from above and she was enveloped in the sweet, comforting aroma of chocolate. “Okay. Open your eyes.”
She was inside a fancy chocolate shop, its counters and shelves festooned with red ribbons, all the better to show off the merchandise. The confections looked as good as they smelled, and Adia would have smiled in delight if she hadn’t suddenly realized to her horror and dismay that she had already been here once before.
On this very same holiday.
With a lovestruck Shark.
( Read more... )
It has been a little over a week since Adia learned the unfortunate news that someone she considered a friend had turned out to be her stalker and a serial killer to boot. She hasn't set foot in the Nexus or contacted any of her friends since, aside from a message to Stratos letting him know the full details of the situation.
She focuses on her work instead. Microbes, field samples, research on gardening and beehives. She puts on a smile for Seth and Maggie and makes funny faces for baby Jason. When she wakes up in the middle of the night, shaking and crying silently from the nightmares, Caspar comforts her. When she is sitting at her desk, her thoughts in disarray, her kneazle kitten Anastasia curls up in her lap, a warm, purring reminder that she is not alone. That she is safe.
The nightmares ease, but the feelings do not. She's angry, hurt, disappointed, ashamed... terrified. She catalogs each one, tries to identify its source. Some of the emotions aren't even her own. Caspar's fury and guilt bleed into her more than once. But one feeling dominates all the others -- doubt. Doubt in her empathic powers, both mundane and supernatural. How can she say that she truly understands anyone else when someone so troubled can fool her so easily? Josh was obsessed with her. How did she fail to notice?
It's tempting to dismiss her newfound abilities. But one night, a curious sensation tugs at the back of her mind. She thinks of Harley, wonders how her friend is doing. She left her so abruptly...
Before she knows it, her PINpoint is in her hands and she's sending the other woman a message.
Hi, Harley. I'm sorry for not texting you sooner. I needed some time to deal with the news. Are you free at all? I'd like to talk to you.
She focuses on her work instead. Microbes, field samples, research on gardening and beehives. She puts on a smile for Seth and Maggie and makes funny faces for baby Jason. When she wakes up in the middle of the night, shaking and crying silently from the nightmares, Caspar comforts her. When she is sitting at her desk, her thoughts in disarray, her kneazle kitten Anastasia curls up in her lap, a warm, purring reminder that she is not alone. That she is safe.
The nightmares ease, but the feelings do not. She's angry, hurt, disappointed, ashamed... terrified. She catalogs each one, tries to identify its source. Some of the emotions aren't even her own. Caspar's fury and guilt bleed into her more than once. But one feeling dominates all the others -- doubt. Doubt in her empathic powers, both mundane and supernatural. How can she say that she truly understands anyone else when someone so troubled can fool her so easily? Josh was obsessed with her. How did she fail to notice?
It's tempting to dismiss her newfound abilities. But one night, a curious sensation tugs at the back of her mind. She thinks of Harley, wonders how her friend is doing. She left her so abruptly...
Before she knows it, her PINpoint is in her hands and she's sending the other woman a message.
Hi, Harley. I'm sorry for not texting you sooner. I needed some time to deal with the news. Are you free at all? I'd like to talk to you.
Under a Full Moon
Jan. 29th, 2018 08:38 pmThe former Colonies all had several moons, but only one moon goddess.
There was Selene, of course, and Hecate, but both had long been supplanted by Artemis, a Lord of Kobol and a prominent figure in the Sacred Scrolls. She was the goddess of the hunt, of nature, and of truths found only in the night sky.
Adia never had cause to pray to her before the Nightmare. It was a thought brought on by the full moon hanging above her, the only thing that felt real in the that dark, twisted village.
The moon above her feels real, even if its face is new. She stares up at it, the light it reflects so strong that she doesn’t bother with the small camping lantern she brought with her when she wandered from her cabin to the edge of her property, down to where the cleared land meets the edge of the forest.
It’s beautiful, she thinks. Pale white and dark gray, an orb that hangs among the stars and bathes everything around her in a silvery light.
But it’s also a rock in space, full of craters and scars. There is no goddess pulling it along in her chariot, staring at the Earth below and listening for the prayers of a confused young woman.
Maybe in another universe.
And yet…
For all her belief that her universe is mundane, that her brushes with magic and Great Ones and scythe-wielding goddesses only happen in the Nexus and other universes, in this universe she still feels the pull of that moonlight. It’s as inexorable as gravity. How often has she come out to stare up at the moon? How much time has she lost wondering about the connections in her brain, the knowledge she now keeps? Why do things feel different now?
Why here?
The sound of footfalls breaks her reverie. She turns and sees Caspar, the worried lines of his face made sharper in the pale light. “You’re going to catch a cold out here,” he chastises, stepping up to her and wrapping a blanket around her shoulders.
She smiles softly. “I know you know that’s not how viruses work.”
Caspar huffs and fusses over the blanket so that it covers her back evenly. “Fine. Hypothermia, then.”
The temperature is well above freezing, and she is wearing her coat besides, but she doesn’t bother arguing the point. As he pulls the blanket closed around her front, she leans up and kisses him in apology. “I couldn’t sleep,” she murmurs against his lips.
He shuts his eyes. When he opens them, the worry has disappeared. He looks up at the moon once, then back at her. “Is she talking to you yet? Artemis or what’s-her-name? The scythe lady?”
“Caspar…”
Her tone is vexed, but he perks up anyway. He loves it when she says his name. “What? If you think it’s worth coming out here and listening, then it is.”
She sighs. “I’m agnostic. You’re agnostic. You don’t even believe in your own god.”
“True.” He smiles and kisses her forehead. “But I believe in you.”
A warmth spreads through her and she opens the blanket as invitation for him to join her underneath it. They fit together, her head tucked under his chin, tilted enough so she can keep gazing at the moon.
And when her eyelids become too heavy to do even that, he scoops her up and carries her back to their cabin.
There was Selene, of course, and Hecate, but both had long been supplanted by Artemis, a Lord of Kobol and a prominent figure in the Sacred Scrolls. She was the goddess of the hunt, of nature, and of truths found only in the night sky.
Adia never had cause to pray to her before the Nightmare. It was a thought brought on by the full moon hanging above her, the only thing that felt real in the that dark, twisted village.
The moon above her feels real, even if its face is new. She stares up at it, the light it reflects so strong that she doesn’t bother with the small camping lantern she brought with her when she wandered from her cabin to the edge of her property, down to where the cleared land meets the edge of the forest.
It’s beautiful, she thinks. Pale white and dark gray, an orb that hangs among the stars and bathes everything around her in a silvery light.
But it’s also a rock in space, full of craters and scars. There is no goddess pulling it along in her chariot, staring at the Earth below and listening for the prayers of a confused young woman.
Maybe in another universe.
And yet…
For all her belief that her universe is mundane, that her brushes with magic and Great Ones and scythe-wielding goddesses only happen in the Nexus and other universes, in this universe she still feels the pull of that moonlight. It’s as inexorable as gravity. How often has she come out to stare up at the moon? How much time has she lost wondering about the connections in her brain, the knowledge she now keeps? Why do things feel different now?
Why here?
The sound of footfalls breaks her reverie. She turns and sees Caspar, the worried lines of his face made sharper in the pale light. “You’re going to catch a cold out here,” he chastises, stepping up to her and wrapping a blanket around her shoulders.
She smiles softly. “I know you know that’s not how viruses work.”
Caspar huffs and fusses over the blanket so that it covers her back evenly. “Fine. Hypothermia, then.”
The temperature is well above freezing, and she is wearing her coat besides, but she doesn’t bother arguing the point. As he pulls the blanket closed around her front, she leans up and kisses him in apology. “I couldn’t sleep,” she murmurs against his lips.
He shuts his eyes. When he opens them, the worry has disappeared. He looks up at the moon once, then back at her. “Is she talking to you yet? Artemis or what’s-her-name? The scythe lady?”
“Caspar…”
Her tone is vexed, but he perks up anyway. He loves it when she says his name. “What? If you think it’s worth coming out here and listening, then it is.”
She sighs. “I’m agnostic. You’re agnostic. You don’t even believe in your own god.”
“True.” He smiles and kisses her forehead. “But I believe in you.”
A warmth spreads through her and she opens the blanket as invitation for him to join her underneath it. They fit together, her head tucked under his chin, tilted enough so she can keep gazing at the moon.
And when her eyelids become too heavy to do even that, he scoops her up and carries her back to their cabin.
As soon as Professor Madrone confirms a good time to drop by his lab, Adia prepares for the visit. It entails little change from how she usually prepares to visit the Nexus -- the only delay is Caspar getting ready, too.
He asked to come with her, but she has to remind him not to wear a suit, not unless he wants it covered in pokémon fur, feathers, or who knows what else. So he needs a little more time to pick out something casual -- jeans and button-down, which he's not thrilled about.
Adia assures him that he looks as professional as always, and teleports them to the coordinates that the professor sent her.
He asked to come with her, but she has to remind him not to wear a suit, not unless he wants it covered in pokémon fur, feathers, or who knows what else. So he needs a little more time to pick out something casual -- jeans and button-down, which he's not thrilled about.
Adia assures him that he looks as professional as always, and teleports them to the coordinates that the professor sent her.
Winter Solstice.
Dec. 31st, 2017 03:33 pmFor the first time in three years, the Fleet can celebrate Winter Solstice.
The infrastructure for an island-wide electrical grid is not fully in place, but people make do with strings of battery-powered LED lights and colorful votive candles to decorate the inside and outside of their homes. The weather on Atlantis is mild, but every fire pit is lit, communal gathering points for friends and neighbors to share drinks and wish one another well.
The holiday is traditionally celebrated by a quiet dinner with family. Those that have no family (and there are many) break bread with friends and neighbors, or join other loners at the Temple of Persephone. The priests pray to her for a short winter and a joyous return to spring. The priests pray to her cousin, Apollo, for the sun to rise in the morning. A formality, of course, to even the most religious in the Fleet, but it doesn’t hurt to cover one’s bases.
The Cylons have no Solstice traditions, but many have grown close to at least one human, and are welcomed into their homes. Julia joins Adia’s little family for dinner, which adds an additional layer of awkwardness to the evening. But the food is good and filling and there’s a bottle of wine to share, so everyone remains on their best behavior.
(Except baby Jason, who is teething.)
( Read more... )
The infrastructure for an island-wide electrical grid is not fully in place, but people make do with strings of battery-powered LED lights and colorful votive candles to decorate the inside and outside of their homes. The weather on Atlantis is mild, but every fire pit is lit, communal gathering points for friends and neighbors to share drinks and wish one another well.
The holiday is traditionally celebrated by a quiet dinner with family. Those that have no family (and there are many) break bread with friends and neighbors, or join other loners at the Temple of Persephone. The priests pray to her for a short winter and a joyous return to spring. The priests pray to her cousin, Apollo, for the sun to rise in the morning. A formality, of course, to even the most religious in the Fleet, but it doesn’t hurt to cover one’s bases.
The Cylons have no Solstice traditions, but many have grown close to at least one human, and are welcomed into their homes. Julia joins Adia’s little family for dinner, which adds an additional layer of awkwardness to the evening. But the food is good and filling and there’s a bottle of wine to share, so everyone remains on their best behavior.
(Except baby Jason, who is teething.)
( Read more... )
Mid-afternoon on New Year's Day, and Crossroads Café is more or less empty.
The early birds and people nursing hangovers from the previous night's festivities have already cleared out, and the dinner rush has not yet begun. Adia has claimed a table in the corner -- by herself -- although Ice Bear had stopped by to bring her a chai latte and a blueberry muffin while she waits for Josh to join her.
Caspar had made noises about coming, but Adia insisted that he stay home this time. She had a lot of catching up to do with her friend, and Caspar would make it awkward. Her one concession is to keep her PINpoint out, and so when Josh arrives, he'll find her eyes on its smartphone screen instead of the door, texting quietly and smiling at whatever she reads in return.
The early birds and people nursing hangovers from the previous night's festivities have already cleared out, and the dinner rush has not yet begun. Adia has claimed a table in the corner -- by herself -- although Ice Bear had stopped by to bring her a chai latte and a blueberry muffin while she waits for Josh to join her.
Caspar had made noises about coming, but Adia insisted that he stay home this time. She had a lot of catching up to do with her friend, and Caspar would make it awkward. Her one concession is to keep her PINpoint out, and so when Josh arrives, he'll find her eyes on its smartphone screen instead of the door, texting quietly and smiling at whatever she reads in return.
It has been several days since Adia has been in the Nexus.
Truthfully, her visits to the Nexus this past month have been a little sparse. She spent most of her time working on her new home and processing the emotions unearthed by her time in her Nightmare, making peace with the death of her Cylon ex-boyfriend.
And then her Cylon ex-boyfriend turned out not to be dead after all. And, well...
They had a lot of catching up to do.
But she is in the Nexus now, getting Caspar a PINpoint of his own. On a whim, she decides to get herself a new PINpoint, too, something that looks less like a stopwatch and more like a smartphone. As she transfers over her contact list, she realizes with a guilty start that she hasn't been very good at staying in touch with anyone lately.
Well, no time like the present. She'll start with the first person on her list, Amelia. She's actually seen Amelia a few times in the secluded garden near the library, but they haven't done much more than exchange pleasantries. No mention of what happened at the Halloween party. Adia didn't want to poke at fresh wounds.
But untreated wounds have a bad habit of festering...
Hi, Amelia. Thanks for the books you reserved for me, I'm returning them today. Would you like to meet up somewhere? I have some news to share.
Truthfully, her visits to the Nexus this past month have been a little sparse. She spent most of her time working on her new home and processing the emotions unearthed by her time in her Nightmare, making peace with the death of her Cylon ex-boyfriend.
And then her Cylon ex-boyfriend turned out not to be dead after all. And, well...
They had a lot of catching up to do.
But she is in the Nexus now, getting Caspar a PINpoint of his own. On a whim, she decides to get herself a new PINpoint, too, something that looks less like a stopwatch and more like a smartphone. As she transfers over her contact list, she realizes with a guilty start that she hasn't been very good at staying in touch with anyone lately.
Well, no time like the present. She'll start with the first person on her list, Amelia. She's actually seen Amelia a few times in the secluded garden near the library, but they haven't done much more than exchange pleasantries. No mention of what happened at the Halloween party. Adia didn't want to poke at fresh wounds.
But untreated wounds have a bad habit of festering...
Hi, Amelia. Thanks for the books you reserved for me, I'm returning them today. Would you like to meet up somewhere? I have some news to share.
Epilogue, Part III
Dec. 3rd, 2017 12:26 pm“No. Absolutely not. There is no way I am letting you waltz back into our lives like nothing happened!”
Adia had brought Caspar home. Specifically, the plot of land she shared with Seth and Maggie, and their baby Jason. Two wooden cabins sat on the property, along with a large garden and an outdoor cooking area. The space had a communal, welcoming feel to it, but unfortunately that was not the impression that Caspar was getting at the moment.
She had expected the yelling, but from Maggie. Instead it was Seth who was red in the face with anger, shouting like a madman as he stormed up to them. Maggie, by contrast, was watching Caspar with a cool, unreadable expression, her baby sleeping peacefully in a colorful sling wrapped across her chest.
“You’re a liar and a traitor! I don’t want you here!”
( Read more... )
Adia had brought Caspar home. Specifically, the plot of land she shared with Seth and Maggie, and their baby Jason. Two wooden cabins sat on the property, along with a large garden and an outdoor cooking area. The space had a communal, welcoming feel to it, but unfortunately that was not the impression that Caspar was getting at the moment.
She had expected the yelling, but from Maggie. Instead it was Seth who was red in the face with anger, shouting like a madman as he stormed up to them. Maggie, by contrast, was watching Caspar with a cool, unreadable expression, her baby sleeping peacefully in a colorful sling wrapped across her chest.
“You’re a liar and a traitor! I don’t want you here!”
( Read more... )
Epilogue, Part II
Nov. 30th, 2017 12:53 pmThe afternoon passes slowly, but not slowly enough.
Adia returns to her lab and works through her samples, but her thoughts are elsewhere. With each adjustment of the microscope knob, she has to breathe through the tight knot of nerves twisting her up inside. All the hypothetical conversations running through her head aren’t preparing her for seeing Caspar in the slightest.
What if he doesn’t apologize? What if he does, but it isn’t sincere?
What if he does everything right, and she still can’t forgive him?
She reaches for the tray of ocean water samples and accidentally knocks the whole thing over.
“Dammit!”
Grabbing her windbreaker and the tray (thank goodness nothing broke), she heads down to the beach to refill everything. There are children playing along the shore; a few beachcombers are gathering shells and driftwood. She collects her samples, answers questions about the ocean life. A gust of wind carries off a little girl’s hat and she helps chase after it.
By the time she returns to the lab, she is sandy and windswept, and her hair is a mess.
Caspar is there.
( Read more... )
Adia returns to her lab and works through her samples, but her thoughts are elsewhere. With each adjustment of the microscope knob, she has to breathe through the tight knot of nerves twisting her up inside. All the hypothetical conversations running through her head aren’t preparing her for seeing Caspar in the slightest.
What if he doesn’t apologize? What if he does, but it isn’t sincere?
What if he does everything right, and she still can’t forgive him?
She reaches for the tray of ocean water samples and accidentally knocks the whole thing over.
“Dammit!”
Grabbing her windbreaker and the tray (thank goodness nothing broke), she heads down to the beach to refill everything. There are children playing along the shore; a few beachcombers are gathering shells and driftwood. She collects her samples, answers questions about the ocean life. A gust of wind carries off a little girl’s hat and she helps chase after it.
By the time she returns to the lab, she is sandy and windswept, and her hair is a mess.
Caspar is there.
( Read more... )
