Among Us: Salvation

Chapter 4: False Sense of Security

Weeks passed in an apprehensive breath, every crewmember of the Skeld expecting another murder. As time went on with no blood, the tensions lifted and the shouting matches melted into the past. The ship returned to its natural quiet harmony as the days carried them closer to Earth and home.

Nikolai's laugh filled the storage hold, gruff and yet charmingly sweet as it rumbled from his chest. Calming himself, he exhaled slowly and rubbed the amused tears from his eyes. "What did you do after that?"

"I picked up what little dignity I had left and excused myself from the room," Severn replied. "You should have seen the look on the other guy's face."

"I can imagine." The weeks of quiet had granted Nikolai time to get to know his fellow crewmate. Nights had sailed by in a movie-watching haze, and in their vulnerable moments, they'd begun to talk about their lives. Bit by bit, the veil of smoke cleared, and he felt safe enough to speak about his past. In turn, Severn revealed details of his large family and his loneliness, and his hopes for the future. Hours flew by in honest words and the occasional tears, both finding solace with the other.

"So," the smaller man said with a gleam of mischief in his wintery eyes. "What are you planning to do once we get back to Earth?"

Nikolai blew out a lengthy breath and puckered his lips. It wasn't as though he had anybody or anything to return to. Part of him wished the voyage would last a few months longer so that he might avoid home, but it thundered towards him like a train, and he was tied to the tracks waiting for the inevitable. "I'm not sure. I haven't really considered it."

"We have one month left on our contracts, and you haven't thought about what you want to do at all? I refuse to believe that."

"It's true."

Out of the corner of his eyes, Severn spotted the saddened expression, and he brushed his slim fingers against Nikolai's calloused ones. "I'm not planning on staying on Earth for long," he said. "Many of the Andromeda colonies are taking in new citizens, so I might apply to one of those. I could go travelling, see more of space." He nipped at the dry flecks on his lip and let his mind play out the thrilling trips he would embark on. Roaming through fields of strange flowers. Being the first to examine the forgotten worlds his ancestors dreamed of seeing and uncovering secrets. But as exciting as that prospect was, in his heart, he craved something simpler.

"Eventually, what I'd really like to do is find an unoccupied planet and settle down there. Build a home. A proper home. With a garden and windows overlooking a forest. Oh, and a wall lined with books." The idea lingered with him until he envisioned slow grass billowing towards a woodland. A modest cabin on the peripheries of the trees. Trails of smoke oozing from the chimney. A peach sky splattered with the first stars of the evening and little silver moons to watch over him at night. "You could come with me. I mean, only if you want to. You don't actually have to, because I can get quite annoying, and it would be difficult-"

"Sev." Cutting off the fussing man, Nikolai blocked the doors to the electrical hub and held onto his arms to subdue the anxious spiral. "I'd love to. I'm not exactly looking forward to getting back to Earth, and going somewhere quiet sounds a dream."

Timid breaths shuddered through Severn's throat and tears coated his lashes. For a crushing moment, he thought he might be joking. He'd spent his life as the burden, the person people collected for their own gains and then abandoned once his purpose had been served. Nikolai wouldn't be the first to play on his feelings to get what he wanted. "You want to stay with me?"

"I do."

"And you mean that? You actually mean that?"

"Yes. Why would I not mean it?" A smothered sob burst from Severn's lips and Nikolai guided him into the empty electrical room. "I apologise. I didn't wish to upset you."