Souls Through Time (EzioxOC/DesmondxOC)

Chapter 8 - Claire

Day 7

The interior of the Gulfstream G550 was nothing short of luxurious, blending sleek modernity with understated elegance. Soft, ambient lighting cast a warm glow throughout, illuminating the plush cream-colored leather seats and polished wood paneling that lined the cabin. The floors were carpeted in a deep gray, adding a sense of coziness to the spacious interior while muffling footsteps, creating an almost serene atmosphere.

Toward the front of the plane, two large, reclining chairs were positioned on either side of the aisle, each with a built-in console and small tables. Soft gray blankets and pillows were neatly arranged on the seats, giving it a touch of comfort. The windows, large and oval, allowed just enough of the dim airport lights to filter through, adding to the soft, warm atmosphere.

Beyond the main seating area, the layout opened up into a lounge-like space. A pair of long sofas ran parallel to each other, upholstered in the same cream leather and each accented with plush pillows in muted tones of gray and beige. Between them was a sleek glass table, adorned with a small vase of white flowers and a few magazines, though this part of the plane felt more like a living room than the inside of an aircraft.

A black partition wall separated the main cabin from the back modular area where the Animus rigs had been set up. This area had been specifically cleared, with the usual seating removed to allow for a more utilitarian setup. The walls back here were more functional, with medical equipment mounted and small compartments stocked with basic supplies.

The modular cabin itself felt quiet and insulated, with the door able to slide shut, sealing off the rest of the plane and providing a sense of privacy. The lack of standard seating here gave it an almost clinical feel, the walls a bit more subdued in color, painted in shades of dark gray and black. It was a stark contrast to the luxury outside, more like a makeshift medical bay than part of a jet.

The team moved quickly, each step precise as they prepared to board the chartered plane. The sleek Gulfstream G550 awaited them on the tarmac, the silver exterior gleaming under the dim airport lights. The interior was prepped for their needs, with the back modular cabin cleared to accommodate the Animus rigs for both Desmond and Claire.

Getting Desmond onboard, however, was a delicate operation. He was still strapped into the Animus, unconscious and wired to the IV and catheter they'd rigged to keep him stable. Removing him from the machine, even for a few minutes, was too risky, so they had to find a way to transport him without disconnecting anything. The flight deck crew members were briefed quickly, a look of wariness crossing their faces as they saw the complex setup, but they agreed to help, their professionalism keeping questions to a minimum.

"Careful with him," Claire muttered as they lifted Desmond, her voice tense as she watched each of the crew's movements with eagle-eyed intensity. They maneuvered the rig through the cabin door, adjusting their angles and lifting carefully to ensure no cables were disturbed. Claire moved alongside them, occasionally reaching out to steady Desmond's shoulder or check the Animus monitor, the glow casting a pale blue light over her face.

They reached the back of the plane, where the modular cabin had been emptied. The couches and usual seating arrangements were gone, replaced by a wide, open space that allowed them to position the Animus rigs side by side. The crew lowered Desmond's rig into place with controlled precision, settling it on the floor as Claire let out a breath she hadn't realized she'd been holding.

"Good work," William murmured, his voice low and steady as he gave the crew a curt nod of approval. They returned his acknowledgment, backing away to allow the team their space.

Claire's gaze shifted to the other Animus rig, knowing that she'd soon be joining Desmond in the virtual world once more. She ran a hand over the top of the machine, her fingers tracing its sleek edges, steeling herself for the long journey ahead. Desmond lay beside her, his face serene, oblivious to the storm of emotions that swirled within her.