Radiance: Part One

V5: Change Of Focus

Aut the 16th, 5694 CE; 1000 hrs

It had been so long since Vyrik had spent even a day outside of the kingdom- and now he'd be off-planet for two months. He'd packed his bags, alone- he'd stressed himself out to no end, after finding that his original packing had to be cut almost in half, what with the ship's finite storage space. It did help, though, when he was informed that there would be no dress code, and no need for formal dinner wear. He'd removed most of his suits and several pairs of shoes, but that left him, still, with quite the list to narrow down. He admitted to himself that he would have liked Hettie's help with this, but after the commotion he'd just made about not needing aid at all times, he wasn't about to go crying for help. Perhaps it was his pride, but so be it.

In the nick of time, he'd decided he was ready, and his baggage just barely fell under the weight and volume limit that he'd been allowed. He boarded the small ship with his people- eleven of them; including himself, General Ormyn Wei, Dr. Gainee Dre'hy, Dr. Phan'ree Dohr, Dr. Sybil Pike, Healer Sin Mae Cahn, and Healer Ezrii Dai. Four of his fathers' engineers would be there less than a day, only there to help with the shielding, then returning home. He would act as one of the healers- an ability he hadn't much explored since he'd found out he would ascend to the throne after his father Ascended. He was quite the skilled healer- he truly cared for his people and everything that he did was rooted in that fact. He wanted them to thrive.

The ride lasted only a few minutes before they docked their ship to the Avalon ZC and requested permission to board. Unlike his last trip, they couldn't just materialize aboard the ship- that only worked for his body and the clothing touching it- not his many belongings. They had to take a ship that would allow for physical boarding and unboarding. Luckily, the Avalon had no trouble accommodating them. When the door dropped down for them to exit, Vyrik took notice of the ball of excitement that had begun to form in his center. He was ready to see her again.

To his dismay, though, Captain Lydaleigh was not present in the docking bay when he descended. The dark skinned woman, YmarAh, and the thinner-built man, Lane, were the only two to meet them. They all exited the craft in a militant fashion, Vyrik at the head, followed by Wei, the three scientists, and the two healers.

"I apologize in advance," Ymarah broke their silence, "We've not received any sort of rosters, so aside from Grand Prince Vyrik and General Wei, I'm not aware of your names nor your duties, so if you'd kindly split off; science and mechanical help to this side," she gestured towards Lane, "Healers with me, and General Wei, you'll also be coming with me." They all made various affirmatives and followed directions, leaving Vyrik standing with his baggage. He raised his brow.

"Grand prince," Lane, with his yellow hair, garnered his attention, "I apologize for our disorganization, Captain Lydaleigh was supposed to meet us down here, but she was seeing to something- she's to show you to your quarters. We all decided it would be fitting, given your similar levels of authority. Does this offend?" He was a bit under a head shorter than Vyrik, so he had to look up. Human beings were all so short statured...

Vyrik shook his head. "No worries, Leader Lane, I understand the chaos, believe me, you've no reason to fret. I shall wait for the Captain to arrive." he smiled down at the man, who curtly nodded before following his colleague through a doorway and out of sight, directing his people to their new quarters for the next two moon cycles.

He didn't have to wait long before her familiar red hair came into view. Where anticipation had been bubbling, just moments earlier, now sat a heavy disdain. Not for the captain, but for the captain. He could see more clearly now, in person, just how tired she was. There were dark circles under her vibrant eyes, and her mouth was fixed into a tight frown- her easygoing demeanour having faded over the past few days. It saddened him, but leadership did that to you. He wanted to be there to help her, however she needed him to- he told himself he would make the best effort not to let his feelings get in the way of their duties.