A/N: Part Three of Unchained Melody. Avon and Vila's paths continue to diverge.
Disclaimer: I don't own these characters, but I do enjoy messing with their lives.
B7B7B7B7B7
YEAR TWO:
Tynus has returned. Our relationship is mutually satisfying, to say the least, and, while I do not have the emotional attachment for him that I had for Vila, I find there are intense feelings on both sides. It does help. The only problem is that Tynus tends to want to cling, something I don't like and have told him so on several occasions. He says it's because he loves me. I don't want anyone to fall in love with me! I feel there is danger along that path.
At least at the beginning of this year I had none of the problems with class schedules that I encountered during my first year. My records are such that I am almost allowed to choose courses from whatever catalogues I desire. Of course there are still requirements that rankle me, chief among them being the ones in humanities and fine arts. This year, it seems, I have the choice of a class in the drama department or one in music. Some choice! With the exception of Shakespeare and a few others, I've always considered the theatre to be a waste of time. However, I made some inquiries and I can fulfill the requirements by lending my computer expertise to the art of staging special effects. I find I am almost looking forward to seeing just what spectacular pyrotechnics I can produce. My reputation as a technician will be assured if I can pull it off.
I hadn't wanted to attend a class in psychosocial strategies, but it was a second year requirement. I find it a fascinating subject, now that I have delved into it a bit. The intricacies of the human mind are more complex than the most sophisticated of computers. I've even embarked on a paper for extra credit, paralleling the development of the human brain with the development of the so-called super computer. I've found some incredible material written by a scientist/inventor named Ensor. His theories are ones that, when I have the time, I will pursue as far as I am able. I would very much like to meet the man. However, I understand he has made it clear to everyone that he wishes to live the life of a hermit. No one is even quite sure where he is at this point in time, although rumors abound that he has hidden himself away on a distant world to complete his research and the invention of the ultimate computer, thereby linking human and machine. Now THAT is something I would like to get my hands on someday!
Tynus has returned to our suite and is asking me to accompany him. Apparently, there has been a challenge issued to me through him. Several upperclassmen have made disparaging remarks about us and about me in particular. Insults have never truly bothered me, for words are merely that and nothing more. However, Tynus doesn't see it that way. He's urging me to do something about it. I suppose if I'm to have any peace, I must take care of the situation personally.
/END/
"All right, Tynus." Avon blanked his computer and turned. "If I must, I must," he sighed. Really, must he keep proving himself to those lesser than himself? Sometimes he felt like he had a target painted on his back. It was probably because he was something of a loner while still being the star of the computer sciences department. That seemed to make others want to take him down a peg. Not that they had ever managed it. They couldn't touch him in his own field. He huffed a laugh at the very thought. They'd tried, but lived to regret it! So now, they seemed intent upon physically defeating him. He'd see about that!
The two men left their dorm room in silence, Avon leading the way. "Just where are these bullies that have you so cowed?" Avon asked.
"I was told they would be waiting for you behind the computer lab building. There are three of them, Avon," Tynus pointed out timidly. "Shouldn't we make sure there are at least four of us?"
Avon halted, turning to the other man. "Why, Tynus, you obviously have no confidence in my abilities. I think I should be insulted." His words were droll, his lips twisting in a wry smile at Tynus' discomfort.
"You're the one who's always trying to get out of any physical education classes, Avon," he quibbled. "Somehow I don't think the fencing course you took last term will be of much use against these three. They're not likely to be armed with foils."
Moving quickly, they left the dorm building and set off in the direction of the appointed battleground, each keeping his own thoughts.
"Well, at least we won't have to wait," Avon muttered as they rounded the corner and saw three upperclassmen standing astride their pathway. He stopped and turned away, presenting his back to the prospective attackers. He had shrugged out of his jacket and was handing it to Tynus when a meaty hand grabbed his shoulder, spinning him around. A fist came out of nowhere, blocked by a move Avon had first seen used in a Delta street fight.
Tynus made no move to interfere. Indeed, he backed away from the fray. This was Avon's fight. And if Avon didn't prevail, he, Tynus, would at least have a head start in his retreat.
Avon used the unexpected momentum of the spin to increase the force he used kicking his attacker in the temple. "That…" Avon raised his hand and smiled, "…was your second mistake." The smile widened as he waded into the fracas. "Your first was challenging me!" The remaining two attackers looked first at their fallen leader, next at each other, then, moving forward simultaneously, each latched onto one of Avon's arms. Scarcely breathing hard and still smiling, Avon smashed an elbow into each man's midsection, then brought both fists up to make contact with two noses, sending the men sprawling.
Avon glanced casually at his watch. "Hmmm. Twenty seconds…" He dusted his hands fastidiously on his pants and turned to Tynus, casually holding out one hand. "May I have my jacket, please?"
Mouth gaping, Tynus slowly held the jacket out in Avon's direction, keeping a respectful distance between himself and his roommate, making a mental note to be sure he stayed on Avon's 'good' side. He regarded the three still forms at their feet and raised his eyes to Avon's. "This isn't the first time you've done this, is it?"
"No, but it IS the fastest."
The crowd that had gathered, expecting bloodshed, hastily parted, allowing the victor and his escort to leave the area. Word spread; there were no future challenges.
As I near the end of my second year here, I find myself reflecting on what has occurred. Academically, there were few problems. I did have a major disagreement with a history professor. I objected to the curriculum used in the course, as I felt it did not give an accurate picture of recent history. Of course, I've always known that the government has suppressed much of the knowledge of old-calendar Earth, but to actually say it in public is not always a good idea, I found. Now it seems I've been branded as a subversive, with all that may go along with the label. As if I cared one way or the other who holds the reins of power. My only concern has been and will ever be simply who controls the purse strings. That, along with my feeling that suppression of ANY knowledge is wrong, was my major argument with the instructor. Now though I realize he had to take the view he did. His position was on the line, as this is a Federation-sponsored facility. Someday I may learn to keep my mouth shut, toe the party line, but I sincerely doubt it!
/END/
Well, the drama department was impressed, to say the least. They were staging some sort of musical extravaganza with accompanying fireworks and laser effects. With the ones I was able to produce, it was the event of the semester! Now it seems I have acquired yet another reputation.
/END/
It's been over three months since I received any communication from Vila and I'm a little concerned. Except for some overnight stays, I've never been held for any length of time in a security installation. The place that Vila is in has a nasty reputation for being one of the roughest prisons on the planet. I made some discreet inquiries via a code I discovered quite by accident and found that he is still a prisoner. Unfortunately, my presence in the system was almost discovered and I had to pull out before I found out anything else. There are days when I miss him more than I ever thought possible. Then there are days when Tynus keeps me completely distracted. Between affairs of the heart and my studies, I find the days passing quickly. The year is more than half over and I have hardly felt the time go by. I must admit, however, that while my first year here was an easy one, the course work I've been involved in this term has been more of a challenge, something I greatly appreciate. It's kept me from becoming bored anyway. I've already begun to put together my class schedule for next term and am looking forward even more to it. It leaves little time for socializing, but that is not an important part of my life. I seem to have developed a reputation for being somewhat of a recluse anyway, due to my single-minded pursuit of knowledge, no doubt. People seem almost to be afraid of me, though, and I have no idea as to why that is. Perhaps Tynus can enlighten me sometime.
/END/
Dearest Avon,
I wish we could be together now. I just got a letter from Gabriella. Did you know she was married? Even though she's only 16, she found a man she loved.
She wrote to tell me Mum and Da had died. There was an accident in their part of the Delta dome and my…their house was destroyed. I don't know if it was caused by rebel terrorists or Federation neglect. The result is the same, though.
Gaby wrote the other kids had scattered to their own lives, and I was all the family she had left. What with the other kids being years older and Gaby being 6 years younger than me, it often seemed we were only kids together – at least until I left with you.
She sent me a picture of herself, too. You wouldn't believe how beautiful she is. I hope I get to see her again someday.
I 'belong' to a tough named Oltav now. It seems I'm considered quite a prize in here, what with my 'clever hands' and ability with locks. Oh, I get to practice quite a lot. Besides, I keep learning more from other thieves as they come through. I've had any number of inmates tell me I only have to ask to get a job with them when I get out. Maybe I'll take one of them up on the offer, whenever I'm released, but that won't be for awhile yet. I've only been in 2 years out of 8. Guess I have plenty of time to decide, huh?
I've managed to get a letter or two out to you, in your fancy school, but I seldom get an answer. I guess you're too busy.
Be happy, Beloved,
Vila
My second year is coming to a close now. Tynus has invited me to spend the break period with him and I've accepted. Our relationship has become closer than ever I thought it would. I did, however, finally receive one very sort letter from Vila, telling me that he was 'all right'. I got the impression he was trying to say something more, but couldn't quite figure the best way to do it. In not so many words, he apparently wanted me to know that he had found another 'protector'. I guess that's his way of telling me he would understand if I did the same. I haven't mentioned Tynus to him, not as my lover. It's hard to look back on how close Vila and I once were and see how things are now. I hope I didn't hurt him too badly. We were so young then.
I finished the year at the top of my class for the second time, but it was not as easy as before. Because of extra classes and extra credit projects, I now find myself on the same level as Tynus. While he says he doesn't resent it, I think perhaps he might, just a little bit. The students that I tutored during the semester are following close behind me and the competition gives me an impetus I obviously needed. Even though I am looking forward to some free time away from this place, I am also looking forward to returning for the third year. That will be the time when my specialized studies can begin and I can start to plan for my life after I graduate.
/END/
