Alone again (Solarballs earth angst)

Blast from the past

(Over 4.5 billion years ago)

The rocky planets were all in the middle of a meeting, trying to be civil about the problem at hand. 

"What are we supposed to do?" Mercury screams in a  frightened way 

"I dunno," Venus says indifferently

"Something has to change." Mercury looks around paranoid.

Theia giggles "Yeah, Proto and Mars can't keep saving our sorry butts every time the big douchebag gets bored." Theia says playfully, Mars looks past the asteroid belt worried, and Proto on the other hand just seems to not really like the conflict, making a face at Theia for talking for both of them.

"I don't really mind that much," Proto states trying to defuse the argument that he knew would be coming "It's not that big of a deal for me, but if Mars needs a break we can always try and talk to-" Proto halts mid-sentence by the harsh glares of Venus and Mercury. Mars looked like he somewhat agreed with what he was about to say, and Theia seemed interested.

"That isn't a great idea Proto, the gas giants are a lot more dangerous than the asteroids they throw at us," Venus says sternly, Proto backs away from the idea.

"Yeah not a good idea, that's how we all end up dead." Theia's face grimaces

"I just wanted to help," Proto says quietly not wanting to make the others mad.

"I think it can work" Mars agrees with Proto to his surprise "Plus, it'll leave me and him with more freedom and spare time. More time to bond." Proto smiles at Mars who returns it with a raised eyebrow. 

"Still seems dangerous to me," Mercury says still hesitant to the idea. The other gave their opinions by nodding. 

"How about asking the Sun for help?" Mars asks, then thinks about what he just said.

"Never mind," Sun was way more dangerous and unstable than the others. "back to the original idea then."

"Well you," She giggles again, making Proto feel intimidated. "If the both of you think it's such a good idea to go and talk to him why don't you just do it yourself?" Theia asks staring directly at Proto. He never knew why the two of them could never get along, they had such close orbits that you'd expect them to hang out a lot, but they never did, they couldn't stand each other.

They never got into physical fights there were just a lot of passive-aggressive comments thrown around by her. That wasn't the reason they weren't on good terms though, she often would tell the others stories about him making him even less popular with certain inner planets (Venus and Mercury) than before, which hurt, but hey maybe they can still be friends. After she sees how much work he and Mars put into keeping the others safe maybe she'll change her mind about him, it's wishful thinking, but he has to be the optimist here.

"That's an even worse idea Theia!" Venus shouts, he immediately regrets it and gives a sheepish chuckle "What I meant to say is that there are better options, safety in numbers." He clarifies. Theia gives him an accepting nudge.

"I honestly think the best option for all of us is for one *cough* Proto *cough* of us to go up and ask him," Theia says giving Proto a smirk.

"Are we really sure we should let- I mean make Proto go?" Venus asks, distrust oozing out of his mouth. 

"I also don't think we should send Proto-" The negativity continues with Mercury's comment.

"Shut up. I say we give Proto the choice here." Mars says annoyed with the other planets per usual.

"No, no it's good I don't even want to go," Proto responds getting anxious at the thought of him going alone. He would have never brought it up if he knew he was the only one going.

"You were the one who brought it up in the first place though. Did you expect us to just do it for you?" She questioned him, she was really starting to get on his nerves.

"I guess you just can't protect us, "

"s-shut up Theia," he says weakly trying not to cry

"No need to be a baby Proto, it was just a joke" She cheekily says

"Theia lay off him he just wants to help," Mars says defending him again, Theia gives him a 'what did I do wrong look' to which Mars frowns upon.

"Yeah I think you're going a bit far we can settle this another time," Venus says leaving the meeting before it gets any more heated.

"I also got to go!" Mercury's voice yells out as he heads back to his orbit.

"Okay, whatever, guess we're just not going to get anything done." She heads off in the same direction as Venus and Mercury. 

Proto was the last one there reflecting on what Theia had said. He was no baby, he could do this for them, he would protect them. 

He takes a deep breath and heads off toward the asteroid belt in pursuit of a hopefully peaceful solution and confrontation.