Mysterious Circumstances (pm to discuss joining)

[Othermoose]

Austin snuggled up against April and held her as she cried herself to sleep. "I'll do it for you. I love you." He whispered as he gently kissed April. He wanted nothing more than to fall asleep next to April, but that ran the risk of her waking up and thinking he was someone else. After April had been silent for a few minutes Austin quietly got out of the bed. He gave April one last gentle kiss before leaving the room.

Austin walked down the stairs and found Kate. "I'm going to Hilde's house. April's asleep right now, but she knew who I was earlier. Ask Yuet about that. I'll see you later." Austin said as he walked out the door.

He made his way towards Hilde's house, dreading every step of the way. He didn't want to deal with the old woman, or help the colony people. He didn't care if they lived or died. "But I have to. For April." He thought to himself. He repeated the words "for April" with every step he took until he found himself at Hilde's door. "Fuck me." He groaned as he knocked on the door.

 

[slippedhalo]

Hilde was just about to take her usual afternoon stroll when a knock at the door interrupted her preparations. "Come in!" She called out, getting her bag packed and key out to lock the door behind her on the way out. Her cane was in her other hand, supporting her as she made her way toward the opening portal. It was surprising to see Austin standing there, looking gloomy but determined.

She grimaced, "You? Well, hello, Austin. I wasn't expecting to see you anytime in the near future. Walk with me?" She asked, ushering him out with her as she locked up and carefully approached the porch steps with the motions of the frail and arthritic. "I've got to move these old bones a bit every day because I think if I don't use it I might lose it,mobility, I mean." She said, taking his arm on the last two steps.

 

[Othermoose]

Erik stood back panting as the group surveyed their handiwork. The first floor of house two was complete. They second story would take a few more days, in addition to furnishing the house, but it was a start. "Well look at that. We've built ourselves a respectable little shack." Erik panted. "I think Natalia and I are going to call dibs on this one." Erik joked. "Not on your life. Yuet and I will need a place to stay very soon." Aziz joked back. "We'll leave it up to Kate, but I think everyone here needs a break. How about we all head down to the beach and see Adrianna? I'm sure she'd love a visit, and maybe she can catch us some fish for a nice beach cookout. How does that sound?" David asked the group. He smiled as he was met unanimous votes to go to the beach. "Alright. You guys head down, and I'll see where Kate, Yuet, and May are. And I guess someone has to volunteer to stay behind with April." David said as the group left the second house. David left the others and walked into his house and found Kate sitting at the table. "Hey hot stuff. We're going to head down to the beach to see Adrianna and have a little cookout. Do you want to come with us, or do you want to stay behind with April?" David asked walking behind Kate and gently massaging her shoulders.

=============================================================

Adrianna smiled as Valarie and her new born son swam after a school of fish. Adrianna rubbed her own belly and her face split with joy, as it did every time, when she touched the slight bump. "That will be me soon." She though excitedly as she watched Valarie and her son play.

Adrianna turned away from the mother and son playing when she heard her name being called from above the water. She swam up to the beach to find most of the group gathered and waiting for her. "There you are! How's it going?" Erik asked as he waded into the water to give Adrianna a hug. "Good. So good. I'm going to have a baby!" Adrianna said happily showing off her small baby bump with pride. "That's great! It's good that one of us likes it here." Erik said. "So we were hoping to have a cookout. Is there any chance you could catch us some fish?" Erik asked not wanting to ruin the moment by giving Adrianna the news about April. "I'd love to! I'll catch you guys some right now! And while I get the fish you can get clams. There are a bunch in that little stream over there. It's hard for us to swim up and get them because it's so shallow, but you guys can get them no problem. I'll be right back with your fish." Adrianna said giving Erik a quick kiss before diving back into the water. "You heard her guys! Let's get some clams!" Erik shouted to the others as he waded towards the stream.

 

[slippedhalo]

Kate smiled, "I can't just yet. April's due for medication in about ten, then I should wait another good quarter hour to be sure she's sound asleep before going anywhere. May and Yuet are almost finished so I want to give them time...I'll come meet you with May in tow in about a half hour, maybe forty-five minutes. Is that ok? Oh, abd put some aside to bring back for Yuet and April, and Austin. He deserves it. I'm proud of him. He's gone looking for Hildegarde. April, in her gibberish, managed to talk some sense and convinced him to try working with Hilde."

 

[Othermoose]

Hilde was just about to take her usual afternoon stroll when a knock at the door interrupted her preparations. "Come in!" She called out, getting her bag packed and key out to lock the door behind her on the way out. Her cane was in her other hand, supporting her as she made her way toward the opening portal. It was surprising to see Austin standing there, looking gloomy but determined.

She grimaced, "You? Well, hello, Austin. I wasn't expecting to see you anytime in the near future. Walk with me?" She asked, ushering him out with her as she locked up and carefully approached the porch steps with the motions of the frail and arthritic. "I've got to move these old bones a bit every day because I think if I don't use it I might lose it,mobility, I mean." She said, taking his arm on the last two steps.

Austin tensed, but didn't pull away as Hilde took his arm. After he was sure she wouldn't fall and break a hip, Austin gently pulled his arm away. He and Hilde walked in silence for a few minutes, until he decided to break the silence. "Do you know what happened to April after we left your house that night? Are there rumors floating around?" He asked quietly.

 

[Othermoose]

Kate smiled, "I can't just yet. April's due for medication in about ten, then I should wait another good quarter hour to be sure she's sound asleep before going anywhere. May and Yuet are almost finished so I want to give them time...I'll come meet you with May in tow in about a half hour, maybe forty-five minutes. Is that ok? Oh, abd put some aside to bring back for Yuet and April, and Austin. He deserves it. I'm proud of him. He's gone looking for Hildegarde. April, in her gibberish, managed to talk some sense and convinced him to try working with Hilde."

"Aye aye captain. Doggy bag duty it is." David said giving Kate a quick kiss before stepping out of the kitchen. He walked down to the beach and couldn't help but laugh at the spectacule he saw. Erik and Natalia were wrestling on the beach, both covered in sand, while Caleb, Jocelyn, and Aziz all collected clams and laughed at the couple. On the other side of the beach was an enormous pile of fish that continued to grow as Adrianna continued to toss every fish she caught onto the beach, where they all flopped around. "Adrianna! That's plenty! We don't need anymore than that. Thank you." David called to to Adrianna before walking over to the group. "Why are they wrestling?" David asked to no one in particular. "Erik splashed Natalia, she splashed him more, then he dunked her. She wasn't happy." Caleb chuckled as the couple continued to roll around on the beach. "I see." David said with a slight shake of his head. To be young again. "I'm going to run up to the woods and grab some fire wood. Anyone want to join me?" David asked the group.

 

[slippedhalo]

Austin tensed, but didn't pull away as Hilde took his arm. After he was sure she wouldn't fall and break a hip, Austin gently pulled his arm away. He and Hilde walked in silence for a few minutes, until he decided to break the silence. "Do you know what happened to April after we left your house that night? Are there rumors floating around?" He asked quietly.

"I try not to pay any mind to rumors." Hilde said. "...I'd heard she was the center of quite a bit of worry, was hurt. And, I was actually considering making my way out there today to see what is the status of that sweet girl. But, I suppose now you could indulge me on some of the more factual basics of what transpired after you all ran out of here the other day, leading to a burned down log cabin, an apparently injured young woman, and a missing, presumed dead, psychopathic, mentally defective man who'd had the I.Q. of a six year old and the scruples of a feral ferret."

 

[slippedhalo]

"Aye aye captain. Doggy bag duty it is." David said giving Kate a quick kiss before stepping out of the kitchen. He walked down to the beach and couldn't help but laugh at the spectacule he saw. Erik and Natalia were wrestling on the beach, both covered in sand, while Caleb, Jocelyn, and Aziz all collected clams and laughed at the couple. On the other side of the beach was an enormous pile of fish that continued to grow as Adrianna continued to toss every fish she caught onto the beach, where they all flopped around. "Adrianna! That's plenty! We don't need anymore than that. Thank you." David called to to Adrianna before walking over to the group. "Why are they wrestling?" David asked to no one in particular. "Erik splashed Natalia, she splashed him more, then he dunked her. She wasn't happy." Caleb chuckled as the couple continued to roll around on the beach. "I see." David said with a slight shake of his head. To be young again. "I'm going to run up to the woods and grab some fire wood. Anyone want to join me?" David asked the group.

Natalia surrendered to the brute pinning her. Spitting sand and her own hair out of her mouth, she rushed to sit up only to have him bear down on her again, this time for a kiss which she gladly indulged.

Aziz called out, "I'll help!" To David's request for company in the gathering of wood. "So, our ladies are still too busy to have a break?" Aziz asked, making conversation as he filled his arms with beach wood.

 

[Othermoose]

"I try not to pay any mind to rumors." Hilde said. "...I'd heard she was the center of quite a bit of worry, was hurt. And, I was actually considering making my way out there today to see what is the status of that sweet girl. But, I suppose now you could indulge me on some of the more factual basics of what transpired after you all ran out of here the other day, leading to a burned down log cabin, an apparently injured young woman, and a missing, presumed dead, psychopathic, mentally defective man who'd had the I.Q. of a six year old and the scruples of a feral ferret."

"I killed him." Austin said emotionlessly. "I tortured him, and maimed him, and I let him bleed to death with his hands impaled on a meat hook." Austin said his voice growing quite. "After we left. She followed me. I feel off a cliff and... And he found her. He kept her locked in his basement and raped her. Over and over. And I saved her, but I was took late. He ruined her. He drove her crazy. He..." Austin stopped to regain his composer before continuing. "But she was her today. And she told me to come to you. I didn't want to. I don't want to be here. I don't like you, and I don't give a fuck about this colony. But if I help you, and if I help the colony, then maybe I can get her back. So what do I need to do?" Austin asked quietly.

 

[Othermoose]

"I don't know about you, but sex on the beach sounds great to me right now." Erik growled grinding against Natalia before giving her a deep kiss. Caleb cleared his throat before saying. "Um. We're still over here, you know that right?" "I don't mind an audience." Erik laughed. He kissed Natalia one more time before getting off of her. "Later." He whispered into her ear before standing. "So how many clams did you guys get?" Erik asked surveying the pile.

=============================================================

"Yea. Kate's staying with April, and Yuet and May are working on that machine. Kate is going to bring May down once April's meds kick in. Maybe you should bring some fish up and keep Yuet company?" David asked as he gathered firewood.

 

[slippedhalo]

Hilde listened as they walked the dirt road toward the lake, toward the woman they both ardently desired to see well again.

When he asked, "So, what do I need to do?" She stopped, sighed, took a step forward, then stopped again. "What you need to do, Austin, is learn. Just observe, listen, take things in, and learn from them. You can do that by assisting me. I'll tell you all I know about The Cousins but I'm not taking you anywhere near them so very angry. Your moody tendencies could undo a lot of hard work. We can't have that. So..." she began walking again, "...So, we get you to learn and to also learn how to go calm and impassive very quickly. It's necessary for our mission and could benefit your future relationships with all people if you can learn to gain some control of that rolling thunder in you, that storm always on the brink of causing a storm...You'll learn. Patience, is important. Not just in the job, in all things." She concluded, smiling and waving at those taking a break to play and lunch at the beach as they waved back. "The second house is coming along nicely, friends. You must be very proud of your work!" She yelled to them.

David thanked her and Aziz gave a thumbs up sign.

She walked onwards on the long, dusty road. "What do you know so far about The Cousins? Do you know of the Originators?" She asked him. The first house was in sight now, just up a small hill.

 

[slippedhalo]

"I don't know about you, but sex on the beach sounds great to me right now." Erik growled grinding against Natalia before giving her a deep kiss. Caleb cleared his throat before saying. "Um. We're still over here, you know that right?" "I don't mind an audience." Erik laughed. He kissed Natalia one more time before getting off of her. "Later." He whispered into her ear before standing. "So how many clams did you guys get?" Erik asked surveying the pile.

=============================================================

"Yea. Kate's staying with April, and Yuet and May are working on that machine. Kate is going to bring May down once April's meds kick in. Maybe you should bring some fish up and keep Yuet company?" David asked as he gathered firewood.

They were briefly interrupted by the sight of Austin and his...boss?...Hilde, the two most valuable humans in the colony, a concept which still blew Aziz's mind.

She complimented them on the house and the pair of men thanked her as the two Translators walked on and Aziz and David were left to return to their conversation and wood gathering. "I think I'll do that, actually. We've had the room to ourselves but hardly any time to talk. She's been so tired!" Aziz observed. "Not that I have any ungentlemanly plans, but some waking time together would be nice." Aziz remarked. "I'll bring the doggie bags once everything is cooked and stay to spend time with Yuet."

 

[Othermoose]

Hilde listened as they walked the dirt road toward the lake, toward the woman they both ardently desired to see well again.

When he asked, "So, what do I need to do?" She stopped, sighed, took a step forward, then stopped again. "What you need to do, Austin, is learn. Just observe, listen, take things in, and learn from them. You can do that by assisting me. I'll tell you all I know about The Cousins but I'm not taking you anywhere near them so very angry. Your moody tendencies could undo a lot of hard work. We can't have that. So..." she began walking again, "...So, we get you to learn and to also learn how to go calm and impassive very quickly. It's necessary for our mission and could benefit your future relationships with all people if you can learn to gain some control of that rolling thunder in you, that storm always on the brink of causing a storm...You'll learn. Patience, is important. Not just in the job, in all things." She concluded, smiling and waving at those taking a break to play and lunch at the beach as they waved back. "The second house is coming along nicely, friends. You must be very proud of your work!" She yelled to them.

David thanked her and Aziz gave a thumbs up sign.

She walked onwards on the long, dusty road. "What do you know so far about The Cousins? Do you know of the Originators?" She asked him. The first house was in sight now, just up a small hill.

"So sit down and shut up? This will be just like school." Austin said with a smirk as he and Hilde continued walking. "The Originators are the little grey dudes right? And the fucked some monkeys to makes us, and they fucked some birds to make the cousins. Then they dumped us all here." Austin said as the first house grew closer.

 

[Othermoose]

They were briefly interrupted by the sight of Austin and his...boss?...Hilde, the two most valuable humans in the colony, a concept which still blew Aziz's mind.

She complimented them on the house and the pair of men thanked her as the two Translators walked on and Aziz and David were left to return to their conversation and wood gathering. "I think I'll do that, actually. We've had the room to ourselves but hardly any time to talk. She's been so tired!" Aziz observed. "Not that I have any ungentlemanly plans, but some waking time together would be nice." Aziz remarked. "I'll bring the doggie bags once everything is cooked and stay to spend time with Yuet."

David chuckled at Aziz. "If it was up to half of the in our little group, we'd be having orgies everyday. Yuet is going to be your wife. No one will think any less of you two if you express your love physically." David pointed to Erik and Natalia who were passionately kissing on the beach. "I know things were different where you two came from, but here... Just do what's comfortable." David said slapping Aziz on the shoulder. "Now come on. Let's get a fire started, I'm starving." David said making his way towards the beach.

 

[slippedhalo]

"So sit down and shut up? This will be just like school." Austin said with a smirk as he and Hilde continued walking. "The Originators are the little grey dudes right? And the fucked some monkeys to makes us, and they fucked some birds to make the cousins. Then they dumped us all here." Austin said as the first house grew closer.

"No...they didn't exactly. It was more like work in a laboratory. Gene splicing stuff. More scientific. The Cousins have historical records of The Originators. They are meticulous record keepers and very carefully guarded of them. We, silly humans, we destroy previous civilization's monuments and records with every new takeover. We've lost so much of our history and knowledge through the centuries...And, it's why they have no illnesses and among themselves, haven't seen murder or war in centuries. I wish our kind could boast such a record. Keep the language clean when talking to them. They take offense to disrespectful tones quite quickly. When offended, they go silent for long periods and let nothing in or out of their villages. We need to keep them talking, and oprn to sharing." Explained Hilde as they followed the path from the road, up thr hill, toward the main house.

 

[Othermoose]

"So basically they're a bunch of over sensitive pussies, and if I don't sugar coat everything I say they'll throw a bitch fit and quit talking to us?" Austin asked. "And I'm the only person who can do this job? Because in case you haven't noticed, I'm not good at being nice. Even if I can understand their language, and even if I try, I'm still going to fuck up and kill everyone. And then April will..." Austin stopped talking, his mind grappling with the gravity of his situation. From the start he knew he wouldn't be a good ambasador, but dealing with people who were so easily offended would be even harder for him. Back on Earth Austin tried his hardest to piss off people like that, his clothes, his hair, his music, his attitude, almost everything he did was some form of rebellion to piss off the politically correct people.

"I can't do this. I've been telling everyone, but no one will listen. I can't be an ambassador. You've met me. If you put this colony in my hands, I'll get everyone killed. Even if I try, I'm still going to fuck up. I can't do this, and it's going to kill April." Austin said on the verge of bring overwhelmed by his anxiety.

 

[slippedhalo]

Hilde put a hand on Austin's and looked into his eyes. "I wasn't always this calm or self assured. I wasn't exactly a model citizen myself in my younger years. But, I've done what I had to do, I continue to do so. I'd love to say, "Fuck it all!" And, let the chips fall where they may. I don't, though. I don't want to be the reason anyone dies, especially not the last of our species. So, if my free will becomes moot, so what? One life of service to save ALL of humanity from now until who knows when...ok...ok, I can accept it. And, you'll learn, Austin, just as I did. And, by the time you're my age, looking back...you'll also find that more of the time than not it was actually not bad, better than that, you'll find yourself glad to have done it. People will treat you with dignity, respect, reverence even...and, you'll be proud enough of your accomplishments to begrudgingly accept the kindnesses of those whose lives depend upon your works. It feels surreal but it's nice too, in its own way. Hell, even The Cousins, strange as we may find them to be, they are pretty interesting and kind of nice once you know them. The hardest part is the training. But, soon you'll see it's a pretty good job."

 

[Othermoose]

Austin silently considered Hilde's words for a few moments. He wasn't sure if he agreed or not, but after a long debate with himself he finally sighed. "Fine. I'll try. But not for you or anyone else. I'll do it for April. And she wants me to do this, so how does my training start?" Austin asked.

 

[slippedhalo]

Austin silently considered Hilde's words for a few moments. He wasn't sure if he agreed or not, but after a long debate with himself he finally sighed. "Fine. I'll try. But not for you or anyone else. I'll do it for April. And she wants me to do this, so how does my training start?" Austin asked.

"Who do you trust to counsel you when you feel you need to unload some heavy feelings? I think at the start of each work week it helps to talk to someone, let the bad go, then shake that heavy mantle of ugliness off, and start the job a little lighter." Hilde replied. "So, after that is done, we begin with question and answer period and a brief history lesson over Cousin/Human relations on this planet since early colonization." She told him she wanted to see April and perhaps have a break for lunch, then would meet him at a place of his choosing, "Should we start this afternoon or do you prefer starting tomorrow at around nine am?"

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Jason looked at Joyce and realized he was behaving like a jealous boyfriend. He blushed and looked down at his feet. He really didn't have the right to be behaving that way especially after telling her that she would be exempt from any man trying to weedle his way into her good graces. He had offered her a safe place to stay so that wouldn't happen and here he was doing exactly what he was trying to prevent.

"Sorry Jocelyn. Guess I am allowing my own feelings towards my Father and my friendship with you to color the way things are going at the moment. I really don't have any right to be speaking the way I have been and I apologize for it.It's just my dad can be so annoying at times that it just drives me nuts and I really don't want you to get mixed up in his political games. However that's your decision and I will stay out of it."

Jason smiled at her and then got on his horse and rode back down to his farm. He had his own chores to do before he could rest for the night. Besides he wanted to come back later tonight and check up on May. She was not looking well and he was pretty sure she was not eating right. He knew that whatever she was working on must be important but he was going to make sure that tonight she ate a proper meal and got some decent sleep. She would not be of any use to anyone if she worked herself to death.

 

[Aussie_Wolf]

Alec had enjoyed the ride out to the house with Jocelyn. He had expected Jason to come and pick him up so it was a pleasant surprise when she had arrived to take him to view the place. Of course he had been upset that his son had not taken the time to come himself. He had wanted to discuss several issues with him in relation to the council and the newcomers and how they could use the rumors of wrongdoing against certain members. Even now Hilde had failed to start training her replacement and it looked as if he had no interest in taking up his mantle. He could use this leverage against her in the next elections.

However upon seeing the pretty woman his plans changed and he began to talk to her about her life and what she thought of the planet. By the time he arrived at the site he was half smitten with the woman and was even considering going after her himself, instead of guiding her towards his son. He had determined she would indeed make a good catch for him and help strengthen his line. Still he could not help flirting with her. There was just something about her.

As she guided him around the house and showed off the lower story, he caught his son glaring at him on more than one occasion. Well good, at least he knew the boy had taken an interest in the woman. Maybe if he continued to flirt with her he may make a move. Alec moved closer to Jocelyn and flirted with her, touching her arm more than necessary, guiding her with his arm around her, not being overly possessive but just little moves.

Finally it seemed his son had enough and made certain comments and Jocelyn looked at him. The two had an exchange he could not hear and Jason rode away. As Jocelyn walked back towards him Alec sighed. "It seems my Son had better things to do I see. I have no idea why he would leave such a pretty woman like you here without making sure you were okay, but his loss is my gain. Care to continue the tour?"

 

[SlySparrow0003]

May sighed. It worked! They had finally finished it and they decided to test it on a raw Apple first, and sure enough it worked. They had to fix a few things awarded a few failed test but now that it worked that was all that mattered. She went back in the house and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She was definitely looking a bit underweight, she had very large dark circles under her eyes and she went and brushed her teeth for some good hygiene. She probably needed water, but that didn't matter to her. She went up to Kate "Anything I can do to help April?" Her voice was raspy and she used a wall for support on standing.

 

[Othermoose]

"Who do you trust to counsel you when you feel you need to unload some heavy feelings? I think at the start of each work week it helps to talk to someone, let the bad go, then shake that heavy mantle of ugliness off, and start the job a little lighter." Hilde replied. "So, after that is done, we begin with question and answer period and a brief history lesson over Cousin/Human relations on this planet since early colonization." She told him she wanted to see April and perhaps have a break for lunch, then would meet him at a place of his choosing, "Should we start this afternoon or do you prefer starting tomorrow at around nine am?"

"Normally I'd say April, but she can't really do anything right now, so Kate is my next best choice. We can go see April right now, if she's up to it, and someone probably has made lunch by now. After we've eaten we might as well start. You're not getting any younger." Austin said in a tone that wasn't meant to be insulting.

 

[slippedhalo]

"Normally I'd say April, but she can't really do anything right now, so Kate is my next best choice. We can go see April right now, if she's up to it, and someone probably has made lunch by now. After we've eaten we might as well start. You're not getting any younger." Austin said in a tone that wasn't meant to be insulting.

Hilde laughed in response. "True!" She agreed.

Kate greeted them with mild surprise, telling Austin quietly, "Well done, Austin, I'm proud of you!" She welcomed Hilde, making the woman some tea and giving her a cozy seat in the lounge."April wants to come down for lunch today. She's dressing herself now. Austin, she's had more lucid moments than flashbacks today. Hilde, she'd be pleased to see you and Austin getting along, I'm sure."

 

[slippedhalo]

May sighed. It worked! They had finally finished it and they decided to test it on a raw Apple first, and sure enough it worked. They had to fix a few things awarded a few failed test but now that it worked that was all that mattered. She went back in the house and caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. She was definitely looking a bit underweight, she had very large dark circles under her eyes and she went and brushed her teeth for some good hygiene. She probably needed water, but that didn't matter to her. She went up to Kate "Anything I can do to help April?" Her voice was raspy and she used a wall for support on standing.

Kate bade May to take a seat, also getting her a drink and a full plate. "Eat, dear. April's coming down to eat with us. I may need a hand if she has another freak out...And, we'll test the machine afterward." She said.

Yuet had gone on a break to eat in the patio with Aziz who'd nearly had to tear her away from her patient.