Among the Stars

Friendly Questions

Agony sees someone in full armor and can't see anything underneath, but the voice is female. Agony feels uncomfortable but keeps her back straight and shoulders back. Agony can't let anyone here see her sweat, or it's game over. She never realized how nice it was living in the Tower and having the knowledge that not everyone is trying to kill you and you have at least one ally nearby who'll support you if anyone does try to kill you.

"Yes, ma'am." Agony replies as she follows the soldier.

She must be some sort of captain... she holds herself differently than all the soldiers I can see, yet she wears their gear. Agony thinks to herself as she continues to look around while trying to keep up with this mystery person. They walk into a small office, Casey walks in behind Agony and closes the door.

"This isn't an order, but could you take off your helmet?" The woman asks while taking a seat.

"Sorry, ma'am I can't do that. I assure you I am not your enemy. I just want to fix my ship." Agony replied in all honestly. The woman looks her over then nods before lacing her fingers together and resting her chin on them.

"My name is Operator Pax."

"This is the person I went to talk too. She used to be in charge here until she decided she wanted to join the fun." Casey explained, unbeknownst to Agony that wasn't the truth, but it was one way at looking at Pax's situation.

"Which is why I don't understand why you dragged me into this. Anything you say about Agony will be followed." Pax sighed rubbing the temple of her helmet.

"Old habits die hard," Casey said with a shrug.

Agony positioned herself so she was looking at both Operator Pax and Casey and bowed. "I thank you two for your hospitality. I promise to work as quickly as possible. However, I will need some supplies... and I have no way to pay you... unless you accept glimmer." Casey and Pax glanced at each other before returning their attention to Agony.

"Glimmer? Sounds like glitter," Casey commented.

Agony stood up and looked at Casey. "It does but that's not what it is. It's the name of the currency I used back home. If there is any other way I can repay you please let me know."

"I'll be thinking about that Agony," Casy said with a smile. Agony felt a surge of happiness, it had been so long since she had seen a friendly face. Since she had seen a genuine smile. "C'mon, let's go check out your ship. Reaver has it in one of the garages in the back of the base." Casey swiftly stood up and was out the door in one fluid motion. Agony turned to look at Operator Pax wanting to thank again but was interrupted before she could get a word out of her mouth.

"You better follow him honey, when it comes to technology he has a one-track mind." Operator Pax said as she got up and shooed Agony out of the door. Once out the door Agony had to run to catch up to Casey. Agony had never seen someone casually walk so fast. It took a bit before it dawned on Agony. Casey wasn't walking fast, he had long legs which meant he took long strides. Because Agony was in her mind she almost missed Casey walking into a building, she quickly jogged inside only to end up running straight into Casey's back. The two of them fell to the floor, alerting those inside that they had company.

"Casey! Is this our visit- what is that thing?" A man asked pointing at Tenebris.

"He's a ghost." Agony said as she got up to her feet. She helped Casey up to his feet then dusted herself off.

"Well, it's nice to meet you. Agony right? That your birthname or your callsign?"

"My birth name. Why, what's your name?"

"Reaver." The man said as he held his hand out to her. Agony looked him over while shaking his hand, nothing about his appearance stood out.

"I've got a few questions for your Agony," Reaver began "who built your ship?"

"Where I come from we all have the same ship."

"Alright, second question. Was the piloting mechanism always a steering wheel from a car?" At this question, Casey ran over to check out Agony's ship.

"No. The first one broke and that was the only thing I could find."

"Follow up, how in the hell did you get it to work."

"Honestly, I don't know. I just forced it on there." Agony said nonchalantly, "so who do I talk to for supplies?"

"That would be me. If you ever need anything, no matter how rare or strange, I can get my hands on it." Reaver boasted with a smile, "do you have any of the original parts of your ship to see if we have those parts in stock or anything similar?"

"Yeah, everything is in the back and for anything that's missing Tenebris can make a list. Tenebris can you get started on that?"

"Right away," Tenebris said as he flew over and began to scan the ship.

Agony spent the rest of the day with Casey and Reaver telling them what parts she needed, what said parts did, how they all fit together to make her ship. Reaver and Casey couldn't help but notice how outdated her technology was. Agony didn't care, resources in the Reef weren't of the best quality but the ships flew true. The two tried asking her personal questions-why did you leave home, what did you do before traveling-but Agony avoided each question. Once all the questioning stopped Agony noticed how tired she was as she unsuccessfully tried to stifle a yawn.

"Alright, if that's everything I'll get these supplies in a couple of days. I'll see you then Agony." Reaver said as he left

"Alright Agony, let me take you to your room," Casey said as he walked towards the door, Agony shook her head.

"I'll sleep in my ship." Agony said.

"That can't be comfortable. Probably bad for your neck and back too. Besides, the beds here aren't that bad, no matter what everyone else says." Casey teased

"I'm sleeping in my ship." Agony protested crossing her arms. Casey put his hands up in defeat, usually he'd try his luck but Agony's tone of voice and body language told him she was done with the events of today. Also, she was probably exhausted which could be adding to her grumpiness.

"Alright. I'll come to get you tomorrow, give you a tour of the place?" Casey asked tentatively. Agony nodded before walking over to her ship.

"Goodnight Casey."

"Goodnight Agony. You too Tenebris."

"I don't sleep, but thank you for the sentiment." Tenebris expressed before flying over to join Agony.