Mysterious Circumstances (pm to discuss joining)

[SlySparrow0003]

May sighed a little in relief, at Jason's words. She felt comforted by Jason's look of concern for her. She stood up and faced him, "Hey... Uh thanks for being so nice and all when.. You know I kinda ... Threw a knife into your dads leg..." She said sheepishly. Smiling a little. Just then Kate and everyone walked in, looking as weary and sad as everyone else.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Jason smiled back at May shyly as well." Like I said, He kind of deserved it. Well maybe not a knife," he admitted. "But certainly a slap or a punch in the mouth," he chuckled.

Standing up he spoke a bit more loudly. "Okay looks like my Dad gave you guys the bad news as well, but maybe he didn't tell you as much as I did to your fellow crew mates. In fact I am pretty sure he didn't. Why don't you sit down and go over everything together while we leave you alone. I am sorry to tell you but there will be a police guard on your house for the next little while. It is standard procedure for all newcomers. Something else I don't agree with." He said shaking his head. "I will be back at dinner time and it is on me. I hope you all like steak, but I will also be bringing a lot of vegetables so that should work for any that don't."

He then gestured the security out of the house and moved to the door himself. "Well until tonight. Oh and dinner is normally at sundown here." He waved goodbye, closed the door and began the walk home as the security force spread out along the perimeter of the plateau and a couple entered the barn.

 

[SlySparrow0003]

May was disappointed as Jason left. Then realizing her crazed thoughts about wanting him to come back, focused her attention on everyone else. Guessing the talk ahead with all of them would not be lighthearted, and not wanting to face confrontation about earlier. She bluntly said aloud "Sooo I'm just gonna go upstairs, and choose a room, and yeaaah, so bye." She spoke quickly and had the tone when a little kid said "Noooooo" when they were guilty. She started up the stairs.

 

[slippedhalo]

Kate called out, "May, stop and get your arse downstairs. We are all having a family meeting here. Like it or not, you're a part of this family. Get comfy downstairs while we all talk."

 

[SlySparrow0003]

May was halfway upstairs when Kate stopped her. She slowly turned around and headed back downstairs. She glumly plopped in a chair at the table. On the right of Celeb, and left of a upset Natalie. Still feeling guilty, May did not say a word.

 

[slippedhalo]

Jocelyn spoke up, "Besides, May, even sleeping arrangements need deciding before you can go find your own.****** because with this house having just four bedrooms there's going to be a lot of bunking."

April nodded, "Yes, the floor plans for the houses have three to four bedrooms. We have jst this house for now, the other four they left us materials for but it'll take a few weeks to have them built and move in ready."

 

[SlySparrow0003]

"I'll share a room with whoever. Not a bed though. And if you all intented to live like one large family, with only two or three houses, I call dibs on living alone, If not, I tried, but anything works. " May simply said, she didn't want to live with people that either yelled at her to man up, or do therapy sessions. Or baby's. She certainly did not want baby's crying at 3 am in the morning, and didn't know how to play a big sister role, or family role for that sake. And after earlier, isolation seemed like a key at the moment.

 

[slippedhalo]

"Do you ever even try to put yourself in other people's shoes?" April asked but she got shhed by a couple of others in the room. "Yeah, let's not upset the petulant child..." she murmured, crossing her arms in frustration. "Well, nobody's going to live comfortably for a while. We'll have to work together and work hard to make these houses if we want more personal space. Nobody's happy about it but if we all sat around sulking it would never be done."

 

[slippedhalo]

"Again, April...harsh." said Kate but April only shrugged this time.

"That said, May, we are the people keeping you from prison or whatever these people do for those who attack their leaders. You could show some gratefulness or at least not give us a harder time during an already difficult time for us all. If you'd rather take your chances on your own, feel free to go outside and tell those officers guarding this house that. I won't stop you. We're not going to force you to stay with us if you're so determined to do things your own way. Just, no more stunts that will put us all in harm's way." Said Kate, before paying no more mind to May for the moment because therapy had to be desired to work. It wouldn't work if forced. Kate sat at the table and asked, "What's been told to you all about what to expect in the coming months?"

 

[slippedhalo]

Aziz and Yuet,who'd been having their own private moment up until then returned to the table all smiles. "We're going to go with it. We'll marry. Yuet won't accept anyone but me." Announced Aziz proudly.

Yuet nodded, "We'll marry and try for baby as long as I can return to work within six months of having baby." She said, hoping they'd have no fertility problems. "We were thinking along those lines anyways, this just forced us to decide a bit soon."

The others congratulated the couple on their new engagement.

 

[Othermoose]

David had stayed silent for most of the time, his mind reeling from all the information that had been piled onto him. It almost felt like time had skipped forward and the group was sitting at the large table in their shared house congratulating Aziz and Yuet on their impending marriage. "It should be better than this." David thought sadly. He'd imagined his purposal to Kate being much more romantic. Flowers, candles, music, a big ring, everything. "I'll do my best for a little romance." He thought looking at Kate as she smiled and praised Yuet on how well she'd been doing since waking up. David had avoided answering Kate's question about marriage. He'd been planning it since the ship, but this whole forced marriage law had thrown more than a few kinks in David's plan. He still had a few days (or at least he hoped he did) to plan something special for her, and he planned to make use of that time.

The moment Natalia walked in crying and shell-shocked, Erik was at her side. He guided her to a small couch near the table and held her close to his chest. He was just as scared as she was, but at the same time he was certain it would work out for himself and Natalia. His mind went back to the vision he'd seen as he was held between life and death. The word soulmate had crossed his mind more than once since he'd met Natalia, and he considered the term as he cradled her to his chest. As always when he thought about their future he was unsure of what would happen between them, but Erik swore to himself that he would be a better man for her. And a better father.

Austin stayed by April after Jason had left. He'd been watching May, and he was finding it easier and easier to see from April's perspective, which made the fight even worse. He remembered when fighting with her had been fun, but now it was like being stabbed in the stomach. She wasn't very warm towards him, but he was happy she didn't push him away. "I'm beginning to think you were right about her. It only took me a couple slaps to figure out the basics. She's just not getting it. Sorry. And I love you." Austin typed to April's personal comm.

After the news of Yuet's and Aziz's marriage died down Austin stood up. "We're all pretty worn down from today. This place has... Fuck it. I don't know. We've all got a lot to digest and we need to discuss it with each other. I think we all agree that Kate gets first dibs on whatever room she wants. Her, the baby, and David will count for three. April and I will share with Caleb or Joceyln, April and May can't be together. Erik and Natalia will bunk together, and so will Aziz and Yuet. That just leaves Joceyln, Caleb, and May to choose or be chosen where to sleep. Everyone good with that?" His wrist computer asked as he typed the words. "Fucking diplomacy." Austin thought before sitting back down. Peace keeper did not suit him well.

 

[slippedhalo]

Kate squeezed David's hand at his words and smiled softly at him. She suspected he had his own plans in mind and the practical, no nonsense approach of the ever pragmatic asian pair in their group wasn't his style. She would be patient. But, she'd decided to herself that if David hadn't proposed by Friday, she'd ask him herself.

Erik whispered comforting words to Natalia and she hung onto them to find her way back as tightly as her fingers hung on his shirt. She was terrified of the "swapping". It brought back all the discomfort of losing her humanity to forced prostitution. But, Erik promised her he wouldn't allow things to come to that and she thought perhaps she could buy some time with a donation of a couple of eggs to the clinic and plenty of therapy.

April hugged Austin, forgiving him instantly once he admitted to seeing her perspective. She was proud of his growth. "I love you too." She whispered.

Kate congratulated Austin on a good plan. Her approval was basically accepted as household law for the time being. "We can sort our belongings to the rooms and take private time. Meet again in two hours for lunch and discussion of jobs?" She asked.

 

[slippedhalo]

Caleb volunteered, "I'll bunk in the room with Austin and April, then. I think May would prefer a female roomie. Joc, that ok with you?"

Jocelyn regarded May for a moment and nodded, "Yeah, bro, that's fine. You're very considerate. I hope May appreciates your consideration. I would've rather bunked with my baby brother but...I see your point. I'll go along with a more peaceful option for the sake of the group."

Kate thanked her and let her join May in line behind her and David to get upstairs. "You two can put a pair of camping beds in the hallway if you're uncomfortable bunking in another room..."

Yuet spoke up, "The girls can put those beds in Aziz and my room, if it fits. We won't be...you know...until we have our own home." She blushed.

Aziz corrected, "Except on the wedding night. That's the only night I'd request the room for just the two of us."

Kate looked at the two young ladies, "Then, sorting that out can be up to you."

Jocelyn laughed, "Oh, yes, I'll give the newly married pair a couple of nights alone if they wish. I know I'd want such a garantee if I was a newlywed. I'll even sleep on the sofa downstairs for a while if need be. No worries. I can sleep anywhere. I sleep like a log."

 

[SlySparrow0003]

May looked at Jocelyn "It's up to you, thank you by the way, I'm fine with anything you decide." May said kindly. Laughing a little at Jocelyns joke, May looked to the door, she was hurt by everyone's words, or the growing tension between her and April. They all seemed to think she wanted attention. So May decided to only come back when she had too. She knew everyone was having a hard time, so she thought it was best to stay out of the way then fail to help. That wouldn't be attention right? She thought to herself.

 

[slippedhalo]

Caleb patted May on the shoulder supportively. "It'll be alright once everyone starts feeling more comfortable here, May. You'll see. I've been less welcomed in worse places." He said.

 

[SlySparrow0003]

Caleb patted May on the shoulder supportively. "It'll be alright once everyone starts feeling more comfortable here, May. You'll see. I've been less welcomed in worse places." He said.

May smiled brightly at Celeb, "Thank you Celeb." Feeling happy at some reassurance.

 

[Othermoose]

Austin stood up with April as the group began to disperse. "Give us some privacy? We've got a lot to deal with." Austin sent to Caleb's private comm. He followed April towards the stairs, but didn't follow her up them. "Water." He croaked before heading for the kitchen. The kitchen was rustic, but it was better than what Austin had been expecting. He searched the cupboards for a moment before finding where the glasses were kept. He took the glass to the sink and filled it up. He chugged three glass fulls of water and quickly drank one more. He then filled two glasses and walked back towards the stairs. "Hope this helps my throat." Austin thought sipping his water.

He climbed the stairs and found April unpacking in the first room on the left. "Hey." He croaked walking over to her. He handed her the second glass of water and then sat on the bed. He took a long drink before looking up at her. "So..." He finally croaked after a brief but awkward silence.

 

[Othermoose]

As Austin and April disappeared Erik decided it was his and Natalia's turn. He gently lifted Natalia into his arms bridal style before getting up off the couch. He carried her up the stairs and headed for the second bedroom on the left, passing the bedroom and bathroom on the right side of the hall. He gently placed Natalia under the bed's covers before shutting the door and climbing in next to her. He wrapped his large arms around her and pulled her to his chest. "We can talk later. Let's just sleep." Erik said softly.

 

[Othermoose]

David and Kate had claimed the master bedroom on the first floor. Partially because of its own half-bathroom and partially because Kate wouldn't have to climb stairs to get there. David and Kate politly said their goodbyes (Kate more polite than David) before making their way through the kitchen/dining room to the small hallway that had a closet and their bedroom. "I was expecting a hay mattress in a shack. This isn't so bad." David said helping Kate onto the bed. "Today has been... Interesting." David said as he began to unpack his and Kate's bags.

 

[slippedhalo]

Austin stood up with April as the group began to disperse. "Give us some privacy? We've got a lot to deal with." Austin sent to Caleb's private comm. He followed April towards the stairs, but didn't follow her up them. "Water." He croaked before heading for the kitchen. The kitchen was rustic, but it was better than what Austin had been expecting. He searched the cupboards for a moment before finding where the glasses were kept. He took the glass to the sink and filled it up. He chugged three glass fulls of water and quickly drank one more. He then filled two glasses and walked back towards the stairs. "Hope this helps my throat." Austin thought sipping his water.

He climbed the stairs and found April unpacking in the first room on the left. "Hey." He croaked walking over to her. He handed her the second glass of water and then sat on the bed. He took a long drink before looking up at her. "So..." He finally croaked after a brief but awkward silence.

April was unpacking. The queen sized bed was raised about six feet off the ground and had a few shelves and baskets above the headboard so she'd climbed up to put most of their things up there where their most private space would be. Below, was a single bed and a chest of drawers she thought she'd let Caleb use. Across the room was a large closet for hanging clothes the trio could probably share. The room wasnt huge but it would do.

Austin passed her a glass of water. It tasted fresh, like spring water. He then seemed nervous. She raised her eyebrows, "So? What's on your mind." She asked.

 

[slippedhalo]

As Austin and April disappeared Erik decided it was his and Natalia's turn. He gently lifted Natalia into his arms bridal style before getting up off the couch. He carried her up the stairs and headed for the second bedroom on the left, passing the bedroom and bathroom on the right side of the hall. He gently placed Natalia under the bed's covers before shutting the door and climbing in next to her. He wrapped his large arms around her and pulled her to his chest. "We can talk later. Let's just sleep." Erik said softly.

Natalia had never been more grateful for Erik than she was at that moment. Her raw nerves couldn't take conversation. She huddled against her boyfriend and slept the sleep of the drained.

 

[slippedhalo]

David and Kate had claimed the master bedroom on the first floor. Partially because of its own half-bathroom and partially because Kate wouldn't have to climb stairs to get there. David and Kate politly said their goodbyes (Kate more polite than David) before making their way through the kitchen/dining room to the small hallway that had a closet and their bedroom. "I was expecting a hay mattress in a shack. This isn't so bad." David said helping Kate onto the bed. "Today has been... Interesting." David said as he began to unpack his and Kate's bags.

She sighed, "It's been a bloody awful start!" Kate exclaimed moving to hang clothes in the closet. "I dont know what to tell everyone about such personal decisions being pretty nearly forced upon them. Now, this project wasn't my idea, yet somehow I feel like I should apologize to everyone for bringing us here. And, for being fortunate enough to not have as much to lose as, Natalia or May. I've got you...I hope...I'm not so sure Erik is keen on fatherhood or marriage. Poor Natalia! And, May...what the heck are we going to do about her? Some moments she's fine. Then, I swear it's like some fourteen year old child crying out for attention at exactly the wrong moments to be...what was April's word? Petulant...yes...I want to help her. It's obvious she needs therapy. But, she's got to want it and cooperate or I can't even help and she'll get us into serious shite...Oh, David, this is just so not what I'd been expecting! I just wish it was a bad dream."

 

[slippedhalo]

Yuet smiled at Aziz as they found a room on the right, slightly like April, Austin, and Caleb's room, only beneath the queen sized bed were two single beds with about three feet of space between them. The chest of drawers was beneath a window looking out on the lake and then, there was the closet.

Yuet put hers and Aziz's meagre belongings all in the baskets and shelves above their bed up top. The girls could have the dresser and closet to thank them for being displaced when the couple would ask it. She told Jocelyn and May this then climbed to the top bunk with Aziz and they lay there whispering wedding ideas to each other until they dozed off.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Jason made his way back to his house. He had been expecting to get back here a bit earlier but it was still okay. He should be able to still finish his afternoon chores and then get back up to the newcomers and cook them a decent dinner. It would be the least he could do after springing all the bad news he had on them today. Maybe he could point out some of the good stuff the place had to offer.

He might invite that girl May out to see his farm sometime as well. Well actually all of them, but she seemed like she might benefit from it the most. Taking people for a tour of his holdings was always a lot of fun for him. Riding out on horseback to check his herds and fields was always a nice break from his usual routine. He was sure May would like the wide open spaces and the sense of freedom it inspired in a person. The problem would be if she would trust him enough to ride out with him.

Well this musing wouldn't get his work done. He made his way to the barn and began the first of his chores.

 

[SlySparrow0003]

May politely said goodbye to the remaining people wandering about, before heading outside, she decided she would take a walk, explore a little, she always liked enjoying the serenity of the peaceful outside, she never really got that peace living in a trailer park in her other life. She gave the security guards a nod, before walking down a long gravel road, she walked a little from the town, were a large pond was, with a little bridge that crossed it. She went to the center of the bridge, and stared out at the water, thinking about the peace and how she shouldcome here with a book sometime.