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Post by clementine on Aug 13, 2009 1:04:15 GMT -5
"Will you just let me do it?" Epsilon demanded from his place on the ladder. He had just climbed up it to his brother's dismay. "Just let me hang the damn thing so we can get this done with." His brother, Mintaka was being so obnoxious about the banner hanging. The guy just kept insisting that Epsilon couldn't hold and tack up his end of the banner. He was just about to prove his brother wrong for the millionth time.
"I don't want you to fall Eppi. It'd be my fault if you did." Mintaka fussed from the top of his own ladder on the other side of the entryway.
"Well, Zeta isn't here and ma wants this up now. You gonna let her scream at you about it?"
The banner indicating a summer special at the resort hung slack between the two brothers before Mintaka finally decided to let Eppi help. "Just, be careful. Don't lean to far over." Epsilon just rolled his eyes. Nail and hammer in hand, he pounded the nail home, securing his side of the banner as Mintaka did the same. Really, his brother was so insane. Like he couldn't climb a ladder.
Satisfied with his work, he leaned back a little to admire it, looking out over the people below him already bustling in and out of the resort. It was definitely summer, the heat ushering out the off season and bringing with his scads of costumers. It was going to be busy and it made Epsilon jittery in excitement until he was grinning widely.
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Post by praiseofblood on Aug 13, 2009 8:48:56 GMT -5
Darren sighed, slightly depressed as he stepped off of his cruiser in Zercan fighter pilot uniform. He cursed himself for not packing lighter, more airy garmets, but supposed he would have to buy some. He was supposed to come in his uniform anyway, so the Sensaphorians at the resort could confirm his identity and yada yada blah blah. Instructing his A.I, Oren, to lock the cruiser, he headed out of the docks and towards town.
Darren hoped this wouldn't be another fruitless year. His ship had gained clearance to be docked there for six months until he got it re-approved. He walked slowly, taking in the beauty of Sensaphoria, marvelling at the many beautiful, slight, and colorful people. He had never visited this planet before, but found it utterly pleasurable to be on. There was something calming about the very air here.
Already there were hoards of people roaming about the city, and he noticed two people hanging a banner up that advertised a summer special as he drew nearer to the resort where he'd be staying. He had to hand it to the Shodan, he made sure people were comfortable off-world.
There was something about the young boy on the left ladder that caught his eye, but he brushed it off. That is, he tried to until he saw the ladder began to wobble as a couple of rambuncious children ran under it and knocked it around.
Darren moved before he could think, watching as the boy began to fall backwards and placing himself in the line of the boy's fall, catching him neatly. He seemed to weigh nothing. Darren looked into deep lilac eyes and surpressed a shudder. What was this feeling. After realizing he had been simply holding the boy, he set him down, noticing that he stood about a foot over the boy.
"It would probably be best if you had a person secure your ladder." He said, addressing the boy. How old was he? He didn't look a day over 15. "You're light, so your weight isn't enough to keep it stably rooted." he said helpfully, adjusting his bag on his shoulder, his hat covering the brim of his eyes and blocking his face from the sunlight.
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Post by clementine on Aug 13, 2009 13:35:19 GMT -5
Epsilon had felt the ladder wobble beneath him, but had paid it no mind until he was flung backwards into open air. He let out a startled yell, expecting to hit solid ground. Surprised flooded through him when he felt strong arms around him. Epsilon looked up into a wildly handsome face.
Astonished as he looked into that face, he was at a loss for words until the man set him down and began talking to him. He didn't miss that this strange Zercan pilot all but loomed over him. Epsilon resented him that. He didn't need another macho male telling him what to do.
"It was fine until those kids." Epsilon all but snapped, irritated at himself for falling. Even irritated, his voice had a soothing quality to it. "I'm not that light either. But, thank you for catching me." His brilliant smile lit up his whole face, making his lilac eyes sparkle. Whatever else the young Sensaphorian was about to say was cut off by his brother.
"Ohgodohgodohgod." Mintaka wailed in a single panicked streamed as he rushed over to scoop his baby brother up in his arms. "I thought you were going to die! I saw you fall and couldn't do anything!" This brother was roughly the same size as Darren and engulfed Epsilon's tiny frame in much the same way as he nuzzled the boy, kissing his cheek. The difference in the two men were vast and one wouldn't even call them brother's at first glance. "Thank you sir. So very much for saving little Eppi here."
"Little Eppi" looked about as happy as a drowned cat. His usually lush mouth was drawn into a tight line as his eyes flashed in anger and embarrassment. He stayed silent though, letting his bear of a brother fuss over him like a worried mate.
After Mintaka got a hold of himself, he realized who he was looking at. "You're not by any chance the Zercan pilot staying in the Presidential Suite are you?" Even Epsilon look at Darren with interest after that.
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Post by praiseofblood on Aug 13, 2009 13:48:19 GMT -5
Darren smiled, his dimples making his face much less severe. "Why, yes I am. First Mate Darren Kirle of the starship Isis." he said kindly, despite his military posture. "Pleasure to meet you both." he said, holding out his hand to shake.
The Cheetah was highly amused by the little "Eppi's" face as he was engulfed by his...mate? Darren was disappointed. The boy was entirely adorable.
"It was also no problem to catch him. I'm just happy your...friend(?) is safe." he said, slightly confused as he replied to the other man's thanks.
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Post by clementine on Aug 13, 2009 14:00:48 GMT -5
"Wonderful! The pleasure is ours" Mintaka cried. "Your room is all ready sir, please come right this way so I can get you checked in." The Sensaphorian did an about face, walking into the elaborate lobby with Epsilon still in his arms. The entryway was gorgeous to say the least, everything tastefully done, right down to the black and white checked tiled floor leading up to the front desk. There was even an indoor pond, gurgling quietly to the far right, complete with brightly colored fish.
Eppi's arms were around his brother's neck so that he was able to peer over Mintaka's shoulder at the First Mate Darren Kirle with large, expressive eyes. He smiled to himself, liking the look of Mr. Kirle very much...even if he was seemingly huge.
Epsilon was set on top of the front desk as Mintaka rifled around for all the paper work and the guest book.
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Post by praiseofblood on Aug 13, 2009 14:17:26 GMT -5
Darren's eyes connected with the boy's and he smiled at him, before the boy was set on the counter like a large doll. He found the scene highly amusing, but didn't laugh as he removed his hat, his long spotted hair falling free from it knotted mass. He shook out his tresses, running a hand through them as he tucked his hat under his arm and looked around the hotel. It was gorgeous.
"Your resort is absolutely beautiful," he smiled slightly, address the other men. "Also, Darren or Kirle is fine to call me. It'd be nice not to hear 'sir' all day for once." he said kindly.
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Post by clementine on Aug 13, 2009 14:31:07 GMT -5
Epsilon was pleased that Darren hadn't laughed and smiled at the man thankfully. The boy did feel like a doll sometimes. Everyone was always protecting him and keeping him from things he wanted to do himself. He wasn't useless and perfectly capable of taking care of himself. If only his family could get it through there thick skulls.
"Uh...Darren." Epsilon said a little shyly as his brother prepared everything. "Do you enjoy being a pilot? What's it like? Is it fun?" The questions were fired off excitedly, a fierce glint in Epislon's eyes. He had only dreamed over ever doing such a a thing.
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Post by praiseofblood on Aug 13, 2009 14:39:52 GMT -5
Darren blinked at the random question. "It's interesting. I've seen nearly every planet so far in the alliance, save for Jeskara, Mentsquar and of course the rest of this one. It's challenging though, Prasidion attacks happen frequently, and we lose a lot of good men." he sighed, thinking of a few friends he'd lost. "I'd think you'd enjoy it, though. We alway need brave young fighters out there." he smiled.
He saw the man behind the counter's eyes darken and wondered if he'd somehow caused offense.
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Post by clementine on Aug 13, 2009 14:51:20 GMT -5
Epsilon listened in rapt attention, a big smile plastered on his face. He preened at Darren's comment, thinking himself brave. It was sad that many people died, but it was still very exciting. Anything to get off planet.
"Here's your room key sir." Mintaka interjected before Epsilon could ask anymore question. Whether he was being openly rude to Darren was not wholly clear. No brother of his would become a fighter pilot.
"I'll show Darren to his room." Epsilon chirped, completely aware of what Mintaka was trying to do. He scooped up the key to his brother's protests as he jumped off the counter. "C'mon Mr. Kirle." Epsilon said to Darren, tugging the man towards a set of stairs. He stuck his tongue out at his sputtering brother.
Mintaka was about to charge after Epsilon and drag him back but was unfortunately caught by some customers. The young Sensaphorian smirked, as he took Darren to his room.
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Post by praiseofblood on Aug 13, 2009 15:46:37 GMT -5
Darren rose an eyebrow as he finally figured out the bond between the two. "Ah, so he's your elder brother?" he asked, eyes shining in mirth as he followed the boy. "I didn't mean to cause offense," he grinned, a spark in his eyes now that he knew the boy was unmated.
"I assume you pulled me away to ask me more questions, so...shoot." he said, noticing that the boy had not yet let go of his arm.
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Post by clementine on Aug 13, 2009 16:01:18 GMT -5
Epsilon dropped Darren's arm quickly, a pink blush brushing the tops of his cheeks. "Sorry about that." He had the audacity to look sheepish before smiling again. "You're right. He is my older brother. He doesn't think I can do anything at all." The young boy rolled his eyes as he practically floated up the stairs to Darren's room.
"But I do have so many more questions for you. Without Mintaka and everyone around I can ask them too." He grinned. "Are you in lots of battles? Does Earth really look like Sensaphoria? Have you ever met a real vampire?" Epsilon spoke a mile a minute, literally taking Darren's request to "shoot." The kid was definitively perky and he seemed to bounce as he walked.
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Post by praiseofblood on Aug 13, 2009 16:09:44 GMT -5
"No problem." Darren smiled. "Well, Earth is large, a huge blue ball surrounded by clouds. It's really beautiful, their land is split up into seven continents and they have many oceans and seas, with rivers and lakes and streams. It's really gorgeous. Humans aren't as bad as everyone says, either. As for a vampire, yeah. I've met a halfling. He's a real bastard," Darren said, his tone telling the kid to drop the subject.
"As for the battles, yeah, I've been in quite alot. It's exhilerating and frightening, the thrill of being in space and dodging Prasidion lasers. It's an amazing feeling when you come back alive, when you realize you had really survived something so terrifying. It's an amazing thrill." he grinned.
"Okay, so here's a question for you: How old are you?" he asked.
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Post by clementine on Aug 13, 2009 16:39:07 GMT -5
Epsilon listened eagerly, eyes bright as he took in everything that Darren said and logging it away for latter. He had only ever imagined such places, pictures and books his only tools to see what other's did. Epsilon couldn't help but smile at Darren's opinion of a halfling vampire. He wondered if all vampires were bastards.
"That's so exciting." Epsilon sighed, face flushed with excitement. He lived for such tales. At Darren's own question, he answered proudly, "I'm sixteen."
The room was close now, and Epsilon unlocked it, ushering Darren into it. "And welcome to your room. This room has the best view." And it did. Wide windows opened up on a Veranda overlooking the ocean.
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Post by praiseofblood on Aug 13, 2009 16:45:00 GMT -5
"Sixteen huh?" He asked, smiling at the boy. "I went into training at that age. I'm twenty three now," he said as the boy opened the door.
"Wow...I have to remember to thank the Shodan." Darren said, taking in the view. "This is amazing," he said, turning and smiling at the boy. "Thank you," he said kindly. The kid was really adorable.
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Post by clementine on Aug 13, 2009 16:53:41 GMT -5
"No problem." Epsilon beamed, rushing over and jumping onto the bed he had just made that morning. He sat up, making himself comfortable as he folded his legs beneath him. "I'm glad you like it."
"I'd love to do what you do." He sighed wistfully. "I dunno who'd kill me first though. Mintaka or my mom." Epsilon paused, cocking his head curiously at Darren. "What is a Shodan? Is that what you call your mother?" He really had no idea, never having heard or read the term before as his eyes flicked over Darren's spotted hair for the millionth time. He couldn't get enough of it.
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