//Author's note:
//This chapter isn't as serious as usual - don't know what's gotten into
me.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Invader Zim.
Chapter Ten: A Space in Time
Silent within the shadows, a lank figure slunk through the long aisles of the library bookshelves. Brilliant red eyes brightened and an amused grin spread across a light green face. The figure slowly approached his target, and then jumped into the light. "Oh, this is pathetic!" he complained as he crossed his arms. "She's sleeping and you're reading a book?"
Purple looked up from the electronic pad he'd been reviewing and glanced over at Tah, who was passed out with her head on his shoulder. He shrugged. "We were talking and she fell asleep. I think she was working all night. Need anything?"
"Yeah, Empress Flegch called and she wants to talk to the both of us."
Purple raised one brow. "You mean the one with the three - you know?"
"Yeah." Red smirked and leaned toward his friend. "You know, you look very sexy in those robes."
"Don't say stuff like that!" Purple peered about as if someone was watching. "You don't want those rumors to start up again!"
Red chuckled at the remembrance and shook his head. "Naw - but it was funny." He hovered closer to Tah and examined her. "She's never going to get a good night's rest if she keeps napping like this."
Purple also looked down at her. "Yeah, but I didn't want to wake her. Huh?" He watched as Tah lifted her body up, half opening her eyes. She didn't seem to realize that anybody was with her. She just stood and walked over to one of the bookshelves. After a moment of walking with a sort of daze blanketed over her face she picked up a random book. It was a real one, and she flipped it over and began to shake it as if she were expecting something to fall out of the pages. "What's she doing?" Purple asked as he stood, joining Red by his side.
"Heh - I think she's sleepwalking. Look at her go!" Red seemed amused as he watched the investigator groggily wander around the room, performing various tasks. She picked up a pillow and set it by the couch and then started to walk away.
"Shouldn't we wake her up now?" asked Purple as he and Red followed her. "Hey, Tah!" He touched her shoulder, but she didn't seem to notice.
Red only laughed. "I don't think she's going to wake up."
"Pardon, my Tallest," said a voice from below. "Is there a problem?"
Red and Purple looked down to see a middle sized, rather pudgy Irken with sleepy eyes. "Uhh," Purple tried to identify him, "Oh yes! You're Tzen, Chief Researcher at the Hive, aren't you?"
The visitor nodded and wiggled his antennae respectfully. "Yes, my Tallest. You seem to have a former subordinate of mine with you. Is something the matter with her?"
Red looked back at Tah, who was currently stacking disks on one of the shelves, and smiled to himself. "Heh - she's sleepwalking."
Purple seemed more distressed. "We need to go receive a transmission, but we can't just leave her here."
Tzen nodded with understanding. "Well, don't worry, my Tallest. I know her and I'll be more than happy to escort her to her quarters. She should be safe there."
Red cocked his head to one side in thought. "No, that won't work. All her stuff is being sent to new quarters. There's probably a bunch of moving men there right now." He scratched his head, knowing that the Empress was waiting.
Tzen again nodded calmly. "Oh, I'll take her somewhere safe then until she wakes. Will that please your Tallness?" He looked up at them with a sedate expression.
Red looked at Purple, who responded. "Yeah, that'll be fine. We really need to go." The two Tallest began to hover out of the library, but before he left Purple looked back behind his shoulder. "Um, can you, er, send her to the transmission room when she wakes up?"
"As you wish, my Tallest." He watched as his two leaders left.
When Tah woke up she found herself in an unfamiliar room on an unfamiliar couch. She lifted herself up on her elbows and frantically looked around. She was in a room that belonged to someone with a slightly high rank, but she was had no idea whose room it was. Hanging from the walls and sitting in pots on the desk were a collection of plants, something rare to find on a ship. Bright sun lamps were stationed to help them grow, and Tah could tell that they indeed seemed very healthy. She sat up and rubbed her head, wondering where Purple had gone and how she'd gotten there. Someone walked into the room holding a silvery watering can. "Tzen?" she asked when she saw her former boss. "Are these your quarters?"
Tzen lifted his watering can and began to tend to his plants. He wore protective goggles and gloves to protect him lest the corrosive substance spilled, but aside from that he was his regular jolly self. He grinned over at Tah and gave her a slight smile. "Yes, these are mine. I see you've woken up."
Tah stood up, still somewhat disoriented. "How'd I get here? I was in the library and I think I fell asleep."
"You were sleepwalking," explained the researcher simply. "The Tallest had something urgent to do, so they left you in my care. Seems they couldn't wake you." A twinkle of amusement shined in his eyes as he began watering another one of his plants.
" - Thanks," said Tah as she wandered over to one of the flowering specimens. She examined it closely, mesmerized by its strong color and delicate shape. "You like to grow things?" she asked absently.
"Yes, I find it relaxing." He reached up and lightly touched one of the leaves. "It's a wonderful, quiet hobby."
Tah found herself grinning at the thought that her lethargic former- superior would need to relax. She shrugged and continued to examine his collection. "They're very nice. I, um, didn't say anything weird in my sleep, did I?"
Tzen chuckled and shook his head. "No, dear, no. You were just walking." He set his watering can down and began to pull off his protective gear. "Would you like some tea?"
Tah shook her head. "No, there are a few things I've just thought of and I need to get to work."
She could hear Tzen tsk to himself in a well-natured way. "Dreaming of work. Such a shame. Maybe you should take up a hobby?" he suggested mildly. He shrugged and moved closer to her. "The Tallest wanted me to inform you they want you at the transmission room as soon as you wake up."
"Thank you." Tah wiggled her antennae at him and headed for the door. "Thanks for taking care of me."
Tzen waved goodbye at her. "It was a pleasure," he said as she walked out of his room.
Tah couldn't believe her luck. It had just occurred to her that she had not checked Prime Admiral Tark's room for anything suspicious and cursed herself for not thinking of it earlier. She knew that the Tallest didn't want her to do any work that day, but the lure of potential evidence was too strong. Besides, it wouldn't take long and she could always report to her Tallest when she was done. She giggled to herself as she made her way to Tark's rooms, feeling a bit mischievous at disobeying her orders to rest. She easily passed the guards at his doors, considering she'd been given complete access to the ship, and excitedly began to search. She was thrilled to see that his room looked as if it had been lived in, unlike the mysterious Admiral Queue. She hurried to look through his drawers and closet, scouring every inch of his living quarters. She took note of everything she saw, but nothing seemed unusual until she came across a box. The box had been stored high up on a shelf in his closet and looked as if it was either very old or frequently used. She opened the lid and searched inside, but glowered when she found nothing strange. That is, nothing strange from an investigator's point of view. There were a number of pictures, all dated and cataloged. As Tah examined them all she saw were numerous images of a beautiful woman dressed in a pilot's uniform. Tah figured that she was some relative of his or possibly an old lover, but she supposed everyone was allowed to have secret passions. She snickered to herself when she thought of the hard admiral caring deeply for anyone, but then stopped when a new thought came to her. Maybe he was harsh because he'd lost someone dear - perhaps this woman. Tah frowned at the pictures and considered them for a moment. She quietly put them back and searched about for more substantial clues, but found nothing incriminating. Disappointed, she left his quarters and left for the transmission room.
As she walked in she could see the Tallest having a conversation. Both seemed rather squeamish and pale as they spoke. "I wonder how she got three of them. Is that something particular with her race?"
Purple shook his head. "I don't think so. I - I just don't want to know."
Tah flushed when she saw Purple again, remembering their time in the library. She still couldn't believe he'd actually kissed her - and what a kiss! Afterwards neither of them really knew what to do, so they just sat for a while and began to talk about nothing in particular. She wished now that they had talked about their friendship or relationship or whatever it was. No actual words of love had been spoken between them, and Tah desperately wanted to know what he thought of her. He was a Tallest, but if she had some sort of confirmation about his feelings than Tah felt she might be brave enough to encourage him. She flushed deeper when she noticed him looking in her direction, and then swallowed hard before approaching. A tension grew in her squiggly pooch as she realized that if he didn't love her, she'd be simply miserable. "Yes, my Tallest?" she asked, marching toward her leaders.
"No Tallest stuff today," reminded Purple as she walked beside him. "We were just talking to Empress Flegch - did you have a good rest?" He folded his claws together and smiled.
"Yes my Ta - um, Purple. Good to see you, Red." She nodded in the other Tallest's direction.
Red nodded back to her before extending a long arm around his partner. "Well, I've got everything under control now. It's your day off, Pur, so why don't you go play? Off now! There you go!" Red shooed his friend away, and Purple glared at him for treating him like a child, but his expression lightened when he turned back to Tah. She was standing as strait as a toy soldier, but he did notice the violet tinge in her cheeks. He just hoped she liked him too - things would surely get awkward if she didn't.
"Will you accompany me?" he asked in an almost shy tone. She nodded and walked next to him as he left the transmission room. He suddenly became nervous. "So, um, what would you like to do?"
"Eat," she said before she could think. She hadn't eaten since breakfast and it was already mid-morning, which was pretty bad for someone her height. She grimaced at how stupid she sounded, but was relieved when Purple didn't seem to mind.
"Alright then," he pulled out a portable monitor from his robes and activated it. "Yes," he said to someone on the other side, "I'd like some food sent to my quarters. Yes, for two." He deactivated the monitor and stuffed it back in his pocket before tuning back to Tah. "Something wrong?"
Tah had been surprised when he'd ordered the food to be sent to his quarters, but then mentally kicked herself when she realized that a Tallest wasn't about to head off to the dining hall to eat cafeteria food. "No, nothing." The two continued on to his quarters where a selection of edibles awaited. Tah couldn't suppress a growl from her stomach as her gaze passed over all that was laid before them. She sat with Purple on the couch and picked up one of many sandwiches stacked on one of the plates. As she chewed she could feel Purple's eyes on her. She swallowed and tried to start a conversation - which she didn't find to be too difficult with someone like Purple. "What's it like being a Tallest?"
Purple held a bag of chips in his hand while his other arm rested casually on the armrest of the couch. He leaned back and thought for a moment, never taking his eyes off his companion. "Well, it is hard work and all. Lots of worrying to do, and planning, and revising, and stuff. I mean, Red and I are in control of one of the most powerful Empires in the known universe -" He cringed again, again saying something he hadn't wanted too. He certainly didn't want to intimidate her. "It's good that Red is just as tall. It's good to have somebody to help. He likes to order people around, so he does that while I worry. Good pairing." He let a relieved smile spread across his face when he heard Tah giggle at his explanation. Usually people didn't laugh at his jokes, though Purple wasn't sure whether that was because he was a Tallest or if he just wasn't funny.
"It must be hard with all that stuff you need to do. I suppose you have to keep tabs on a lot of different planetary leaders, keeping track of their political status and everything -"
Purple shook his head. "Oh no, that's what the researchers do. I mean, when we invaded Umber we needed a lot of information on it. The battle would have been a lot more difficult without them."
Tah nodded. She'd never really considered how important researchers really were, and she felt glad she'd worked as one even if it'd been for a brief time. Still, she much preferred her current position. She finished her sandwich and immediately grabbed another.
Purple glanced at his chips, for once in his life not hungry. He shrugged and continued to empty its contents. Only when the last chip was devoured did he wipe off his claws and begin to stand. "Would you like to hear me play while you eat?" he suggested apprehensively. He was considered skilled at his instrument, but he was still timid about performing. Tah nodded and he approached his K'dor, sitting at a stool placed before it and wrapping his arms around its many stringed surfaces as if in an embrace.
The moment his back was turned Tah began scarfing down food at a quicker pace, doing what she could to satiate her hunger. Although she was comfortable around Purple, she didn't feel like being a pig around him. When she was finally full she leaned back on the comfy couch and listened to the chords that began to drift through the air. She closed her eyes, sure that this time she'd finally hear an entire song out of him. She let her mind wander a little, and her thoughts naturally turned to the man performing behind her. Purple had been nice to her from the first time they'd met and had made a real effort to get to know her. Tah still was amazed that he'd asked to touch her after the banquet, and she was thankful for his forwardness. She'd always been a little distant with people, which would explain why Dak had been her only close friend for so long. Now she had Clay, but nothing could compare with this new relationship she was forming with Purple. Suddenly she wondered if she'd shown any signs of affection toward him at all. It was hard to imagine, considering how she felt, but when she thought back all she could remember was trying not to show any signs. She contorted her face in thought and came to a decision: she was going to tell him how she felt, and if he didn't feel the same way, then she'd just have to live with the consequences. She cleared her throat, interrupting Purple's song once again. "Purple," she mumbled in a voice she wished didn't sound so weak.
"Hrmm?" He stopped playing and looked over his shoulder at her.
"Can you, uh, come here for a moment?" Purple stood and sat next to her, curious about why she'd called him over. She averted her gaze for a moment before asking in a hesitant voice, "Can I touch you?"
A broad smile came across Purple's features as his eyes widened with delight. "I thought we were past the asking stage," he said half jokingly. He noticed her tenseness and reached up to massage one of her shoulders. He scooted closer to her, and she finally looked toward him. She blushed as she took her first glove off, and he blushed when she took off her second. He grinned nervously, wondering what she was planning to do with two exposed hands.
She leaned forward, her mouth pursed in a tense, serious expression. Her muscles were taut and she seemed slightly unsure of herself. Yet, she seemed determined too. She cleared her throat and looked up into his eyes, and he became a little worried at her expression. She seemed almost scared. He quickly unattached his hand guards and touched her hands, hoping to calm her. She grinned a little and leaned closer, releasing her hands and bringing up to his face. He gasped as she touched him, and after a moment of becoming used to the tender feeling, brought his hands up to cradle her face as well. They sat there for a moment before Purple began to feel Tah slowly rubbing the back of his neck with her bare claws. "Pur," she began in a soft voice, "I just wanted to let you know that I - OW! Ack!" She pulled away quickly as she rubbed her sore head. A black message ball landed in her hands, repeating that it had a message for her. "Of all the -" she muttered as she pushed its activation button.
"I hate these things!" rang out Clay's voice loud and clear. It was a recorded message. "I don't care who she's with!" she yelled at someone unknown, "I still think going to get her myself would be - what, it's on now?" The marauder could be heard clearing her throat in preparation. "Right. Um, there was an accident and Dak's in the infirmary. You should come by! Er, that's about it, so I'll just - end this. Yeah." The message ended and the little black ball zipped away.
Tah felt herself go cold at the news. The message hadn't said what kind of accident Dak had been in or how badly he was hurt, but if Clay felt moved to send for her she supposed it couldn't be good. She jumped up from the couch and began to yank on her gloves. "I, uh, I need to go!"
"Can I come?" Purple was snapping on his hand guards.
"Yes." Purple followed as Tah hurried to the infirmary, though she really didn't notice as she ran through the halls, trying her best not to knock anybody down. She screeched to a halt when she reached the check-in room of the infirmary. She reached the front counter and leaned down to face someone dressed like a nurse who seemed to work as a receptionist. "Excuse me. I'd like to see a Dak. He was checked in today."
The meek-looking receptionist paled when she saw Almighty Tallest Purple hover through the door and stand beside Tah. She nodded and turned to her monitor to look up the information. "Uh, third door to the right in G hall. There's a sign." Tah nodded and ran off while Purple stood before the desk, not sure whether he should accompany her. He held a lost expression for a moment before he glanced over at some chairs where other awkward bystanders waited. He shrugged and sat in one of the chairs, picking up a nearby magazine to read.
Tah exploded into Dak's room and looked about franticly. The first thing she noticed was Dak lying in the bed with one of his legs encased in a brace. Clay was standing next to him with her arms at her hips, looking as if she'd just been chewing him out. A sense of relief flooded over Tah as she began to realize that Dak's injuries were not serious. She walked over to the side of the bed and smiled down at him. "How's my Huk'ra?"
Dak grinned and was about to answer when Clay took the opportunity from him. "The idiot let himself be crushed by a vending machine. A vending machine of all things! A vending machine!"
Tah raised one brow at the upset marauder and glanced back over to her friend. He began to explain. "It was my break and I was getting a soda. The thing just fell. It wasn't my fault." This last sentence was directed toward Clay.
"What about the joining? Isn't it supposed to be tomorrow?"
Now Clay seemed especially angry. "It's being postponed until he heals!" She violently pointed toward her future mate. "I am NOT spending my joining night with a cripple!"
Tah flushed at the mention of the joining night but was otherwise happy. She motioned toward Dak's leg. "So, it's broken?"
"Yup."
"How do you feel?"
Dak shrugged. "I could be worse."
Tah smiled at her friend's optimistic point of view. She was so used to him being the other way, always depressed about one thing or another. It almost made her laugh to think that Clay's taunts were really what he needed. She brought her hand to her chin in a thoughtful stance. "I wonder how a vending machine could just fall like that. I mean, they're pretty big and sturdy."
Clay shook her head as if the whole incident had been of Dak's doing. "I don't want to know! ...Hey!" Tah jumped at Clay's sudden exclamation. "They said you were with Tallest Purple! What are you doing with him? They said you were in his quarters." She smirked maliciously. "Anything Dak and I should know about, Tah?"
Tah did what she could to keep her composure. "Uh - er - who are these 'they'?"
Clay rolled her pink eyes. "Well, is he here?" Tah nodded. "Well, send him in! If Shorty his going to get hurt, then he might as well be visited by a Tallest! Get him in her so he can wish us well!" She tilted her head toward Dak, who was just lying about looking amused. "Heh, I've never met a Tallest."
Shrugging her shoulders, Tah strolled out of the door and headed for the waiting room. She recalled leaving Purple there, and she thought he'd sat down somewhere, but when she scanned the area he wasn't there. She moved toward the receptionist and asked her, "What happened to Tallest Purple?"
The receptionist was diligently filing her claws. She looked up when Tah spoke to her. "Hmm? What was that, Hon?"
"Almighty Tallest Purple. Where'd he go?"
The receptionist glanced around a bit and looked confused. "I don't know. I don't remember him walking out, but then again, I wasn't watching."
Tah could do nothing but return to Dak empty-handed, wondering where Purple could have gone.
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Invader Zim.
Chapter Ten: A Space in Time
Silent within the shadows, a lank figure slunk through the long aisles of the library bookshelves. Brilliant red eyes brightened and an amused grin spread across a light green face. The figure slowly approached his target, and then jumped into the light. "Oh, this is pathetic!" he complained as he crossed his arms. "She's sleeping and you're reading a book?"
Purple looked up from the electronic pad he'd been reviewing and glanced over at Tah, who was passed out with her head on his shoulder. He shrugged. "We were talking and she fell asleep. I think she was working all night. Need anything?"
"Yeah, Empress Flegch called and she wants to talk to the both of us."
Purple raised one brow. "You mean the one with the three - you know?"
"Yeah." Red smirked and leaned toward his friend. "You know, you look very sexy in those robes."
"Don't say stuff like that!" Purple peered about as if someone was watching. "You don't want those rumors to start up again!"
Red chuckled at the remembrance and shook his head. "Naw - but it was funny." He hovered closer to Tah and examined her. "She's never going to get a good night's rest if she keeps napping like this."
Purple also looked down at her. "Yeah, but I didn't want to wake her. Huh?" He watched as Tah lifted her body up, half opening her eyes. She didn't seem to realize that anybody was with her. She just stood and walked over to one of the bookshelves. After a moment of walking with a sort of daze blanketed over her face she picked up a random book. It was a real one, and she flipped it over and began to shake it as if she were expecting something to fall out of the pages. "What's she doing?" Purple asked as he stood, joining Red by his side.
"Heh - I think she's sleepwalking. Look at her go!" Red seemed amused as he watched the investigator groggily wander around the room, performing various tasks. She picked up a pillow and set it by the couch and then started to walk away.
"Shouldn't we wake her up now?" asked Purple as he and Red followed her. "Hey, Tah!" He touched her shoulder, but she didn't seem to notice.
Red only laughed. "I don't think she's going to wake up."
"Pardon, my Tallest," said a voice from below. "Is there a problem?"
Red and Purple looked down to see a middle sized, rather pudgy Irken with sleepy eyes. "Uhh," Purple tried to identify him, "Oh yes! You're Tzen, Chief Researcher at the Hive, aren't you?"
The visitor nodded and wiggled his antennae respectfully. "Yes, my Tallest. You seem to have a former subordinate of mine with you. Is something the matter with her?"
Red looked back at Tah, who was currently stacking disks on one of the shelves, and smiled to himself. "Heh - she's sleepwalking."
Purple seemed more distressed. "We need to go receive a transmission, but we can't just leave her here."
Tzen nodded with understanding. "Well, don't worry, my Tallest. I know her and I'll be more than happy to escort her to her quarters. She should be safe there."
Red cocked his head to one side in thought. "No, that won't work. All her stuff is being sent to new quarters. There's probably a bunch of moving men there right now." He scratched his head, knowing that the Empress was waiting.
Tzen again nodded calmly. "Oh, I'll take her somewhere safe then until she wakes. Will that please your Tallness?" He looked up at them with a sedate expression.
Red looked at Purple, who responded. "Yeah, that'll be fine. We really need to go." The two Tallest began to hover out of the library, but before he left Purple looked back behind his shoulder. "Um, can you, er, send her to the transmission room when she wakes up?"
"As you wish, my Tallest." He watched as his two leaders left.
When Tah woke up she found herself in an unfamiliar room on an unfamiliar couch. She lifted herself up on her elbows and frantically looked around. She was in a room that belonged to someone with a slightly high rank, but she was had no idea whose room it was. Hanging from the walls and sitting in pots on the desk were a collection of plants, something rare to find on a ship. Bright sun lamps were stationed to help them grow, and Tah could tell that they indeed seemed very healthy. She sat up and rubbed her head, wondering where Purple had gone and how she'd gotten there. Someone walked into the room holding a silvery watering can. "Tzen?" she asked when she saw her former boss. "Are these your quarters?"
Tzen lifted his watering can and began to tend to his plants. He wore protective goggles and gloves to protect him lest the corrosive substance spilled, but aside from that he was his regular jolly self. He grinned over at Tah and gave her a slight smile. "Yes, these are mine. I see you've woken up."
Tah stood up, still somewhat disoriented. "How'd I get here? I was in the library and I think I fell asleep."
"You were sleepwalking," explained the researcher simply. "The Tallest had something urgent to do, so they left you in my care. Seems they couldn't wake you." A twinkle of amusement shined in his eyes as he began watering another one of his plants.
" - Thanks," said Tah as she wandered over to one of the flowering specimens. She examined it closely, mesmerized by its strong color and delicate shape. "You like to grow things?" she asked absently.
"Yes, I find it relaxing." He reached up and lightly touched one of the leaves. "It's a wonderful, quiet hobby."
Tah found herself grinning at the thought that her lethargic former- superior would need to relax. She shrugged and continued to examine his collection. "They're very nice. I, um, didn't say anything weird in my sleep, did I?"
Tzen chuckled and shook his head. "No, dear, no. You were just walking." He set his watering can down and began to pull off his protective gear. "Would you like some tea?"
Tah shook her head. "No, there are a few things I've just thought of and I need to get to work."
She could hear Tzen tsk to himself in a well-natured way. "Dreaming of work. Such a shame. Maybe you should take up a hobby?" he suggested mildly. He shrugged and moved closer to her. "The Tallest wanted me to inform you they want you at the transmission room as soon as you wake up."
"Thank you." Tah wiggled her antennae at him and headed for the door. "Thanks for taking care of me."
Tzen waved goodbye at her. "It was a pleasure," he said as she walked out of his room.
Tah couldn't believe her luck. It had just occurred to her that she had not checked Prime Admiral Tark's room for anything suspicious and cursed herself for not thinking of it earlier. She knew that the Tallest didn't want her to do any work that day, but the lure of potential evidence was too strong. Besides, it wouldn't take long and she could always report to her Tallest when she was done. She giggled to herself as she made her way to Tark's rooms, feeling a bit mischievous at disobeying her orders to rest. She easily passed the guards at his doors, considering she'd been given complete access to the ship, and excitedly began to search. She was thrilled to see that his room looked as if it had been lived in, unlike the mysterious Admiral Queue. She hurried to look through his drawers and closet, scouring every inch of his living quarters. She took note of everything she saw, but nothing seemed unusual until she came across a box. The box had been stored high up on a shelf in his closet and looked as if it was either very old or frequently used. She opened the lid and searched inside, but glowered when she found nothing strange. That is, nothing strange from an investigator's point of view. There were a number of pictures, all dated and cataloged. As Tah examined them all she saw were numerous images of a beautiful woman dressed in a pilot's uniform. Tah figured that she was some relative of his or possibly an old lover, but she supposed everyone was allowed to have secret passions. She snickered to herself when she thought of the hard admiral caring deeply for anyone, but then stopped when a new thought came to her. Maybe he was harsh because he'd lost someone dear - perhaps this woman. Tah frowned at the pictures and considered them for a moment. She quietly put them back and searched about for more substantial clues, but found nothing incriminating. Disappointed, she left his quarters and left for the transmission room.
As she walked in she could see the Tallest having a conversation. Both seemed rather squeamish and pale as they spoke. "I wonder how she got three of them. Is that something particular with her race?"
Purple shook his head. "I don't think so. I - I just don't want to know."
Tah flushed when she saw Purple again, remembering their time in the library. She still couldn't believe he'd actually kissed her - and what a kiss! Afterwards neither of them really knew what to do, so they just sat for a while and began to talk about nothing in particular. She wished now that they had talked about their friendship or relationship or whatever it was. No actual words of love had been spoken between them, and Tah desperately wanted to know what he thought of her. He was a Tallest, but if she had some sort of confirmation about his feelings than Tah felt she might be brave enough to encourage him. She flushed deeper when she noticed him looking in her direction, and then swallowed hard before approaching. A tension grew in her squiggly pooch as she realized that if he didn't love her, she'd be simply miserable. "Yes, my Tallest?" she asked, marching toward her leaders.
"No Tallest stuff today," reminded Purple as she walked beside him. "We were just talking to Empress Flegch - did you have a good rest?" He folded his claws together and smiled.
"Yes my Ta - um, Purple. Good to see you, Red." She nodded in the other Tallest's direction.
Red nodded back to her before extending a long arm around his partner. "Well, I've got everything under control now. It's your day off, Pur, so why don't you go play? Off now! There you go!" Red shooed his friend away, and Purple glared at him for treating him like a child, but his expression lightened when he turned back to Tah. She was standing as strait as a toy soldier, but he did notice the violet tinge in her cheeks. He just hoped she liked him too - things would surely get awkward if she didn't.
"Will you accompany me?" he asked in an almost shy tone. She nodded and walked next to him as he left the transmission room. He suddenly became nervous. "So, um, what would you like to do?"
"Eat," she said before she could think. She hadn't eaten since breakfast and it was already mid-morning, which was pretty bad for someone her height. She grimaced at how stupid she sounded, but was relieved when Purple didn't seem to mind.
"Alright then," he pulled out a portable monitor from his robes and activated it. "Yes," he said to someone on the other side, "I'd like some food sent to my quarters. Yes, for two." He deactivated the monitor and stuffed it back in his pocket before tuning back to Tah. "Something wrong?"
Tah had been surprised when he'd ordered the food to be sent to his quarters, but then mentally kicked herself when she realized that a Tallest wasn't about to head off to the dining hall to eat cafeteria food. "No, nothing." The two continued on to his quarters where a selection of edibles awaited. Tah couldn't suppress a growl from her stomach as her gaze passed over all that was laid before them. She sat with Purple on the couch and picked up one of many sandwiches stacked on one of the plates. As she chewed she could feel Purple's eyes on her. She swallowed and tried to start a conversation - which she didn't find to be too difficult with someone like Purple. "What's it like being a Tallest?"
Purple held a bag of chips in his hand while his other arm rested casually on the armrest of the couch. He leaned back and thought for a moment, never taking his eyes off his companion. "Well, it is hard work and all. Lots of worrying to do, and planning, and revising, and stuff. I mean, Red and I are in control of one of the most powerful Empires in the known universe -" He cringed again, again saying something he hadn't wanted too. He certainly didn't want to intimidate her. "It's good that Red is just as tall. It's good to have somebody to help. He likes to order people around, so he does that while I worry. Good pairing." He let a relieved smile spread across his face when he heard Tah giggle at his explanation. Usually people didn't laugh at his jokes, though Purple wasn't sure whether that was because he was a Tallest or if he just wasn't funny.
"It must be hard with all that stuff you need to do. I suppose you have to keep tabs on a lot of different planetary leaders, keeping track of their political status and everything -"
Purple shook his head. "Oh no, that's what the researchers do. I mean, when we invaded Umber we needed a lot of information on it. The battle would have been a lot more difficult without them."
Tah nodded. She'd never really considered how important researchers really were, and she felt glad she'd worked as one even if it'd been for a brief time. Still, she much preferred her current position. She finished her sandwich and immediately grabbed another.
Purple glanced at his chips, for once in his life not hungry. He shrugged and continued to empty its contents. Only when the last chip was devoured did he wipe off his claws and begin to stand. "Would you like to hear me play while you eat?" he suggested apprehensively. He was considered skilled at his instrument, but he was still timid about performing. Tah nodded and he approached his K'dor, sitting at a stool placed before it and wrapping his arms around its many stringed surfaces as if in an embrace.
The moment his back was turned Tah began scarfing down food at a quicker pace, doing what she could to satiate her hunger. Although she was comfortable around Purple, she didn't feel like being a pig around him. When she was finally full she leaned back on the comfy couch and listened to the chords that began to drift through the air. She closed her eyes, sure that this time she'd finally hear an entire song out of him. She let her mind wander a little, and her thoughts naturally turned to the man performing behind her. Purple had been nice to her from the first time they'd met and had made a real effort to get to know her. Tah still was amazed that he'd asked to touch her after the banquet, and she was thankful for his forwardness. She'd always been a little distant with people, which would explain why Dak had been her only close friend for so long. Now she had Clay, but nothing could compare with this new relationship she was forming with Purple. Suddenly she wondered if she'd shown any signs of affection toward him at all. It was hard to imagine, considering how she felt, but when she thought back all she could remember was trying not to show any signs. She contorted her face in thought and came to a decision: she was going to tell him how she felt, and if he didn't feel the same way, then she'd just have to live with the consequences. She cleared her throat, interrupting Purple's song once again. "Purple," she mumbled in a voice she wished didn't sound so weak.
"Hrmm?" He stopped playing and looked over his shoulder at her.
"Can you, uh, come here for a moment?" Purple stood and sat next to her, curious about why she'd called him over. She averted her gaze for a moment before asking in a hesitant voice, "Can I touch you?"
A broad smile came across Purple's features as his eyes widened with delight. "I thought we were past the asking stage," he said half jokingly. He noticed her tenseness and reached up to massage one of her shoulders. He scooted closer to her, and she finally looked toward him. She blushed as she took her first glove off, and he blushed when she took off her second. He grinned nervously, wondering what she was planning to do with two exposed hands.
She leaned forward, her mouth pursed in a tense, serious expression. Her muscles were taut and she seemed slightly unsure of herself. Yet, she seemed determined too. She cleared her throat and looked up into his eyes, and he became a little worried at her expression. She seemed almost scared. He quickly unattached his hand guards and touched her hands, hoping to calm her. She grinned a little and leaned closer, releasing her hands and bringing up to his face. He gasped as she touched him, and after a moment of becoming used to the tender feeling, brought his hands up to cradle her face as well. They sat there for a moment before Purple began to feel Tah slowly rubbing the back of his neck with her bare claws. "Pur," she began in a soft voice, "I just wanted to let you know that I - OW! Ack!" She pulled away quickly as she rubbed her sore head. A black message ball landed in her hands, repeating that it had a message for her. "Of all the -" she muttered as she pushed its activation button.
"I hate these things!" rang out Clay's voice loud and clear. It was a recorded message. "I don't care who she's with!" she yelled at someone unknown, "I still think going to get her myself would be - what, it's on now?" The marauder could be heard clearing her throat in preparation. "Right. Um, there was an accident and Dak's in the infirmary. You should come by! Er, that's about it, so I'll just - end this. Yeah." The message ended and the little black ball zipped away.
Tah felt herself go cold at the news. The message hadn't said what kind of accident Dak had been in or how badly he was hurt, but if Clay felt moved to send for her she supposed it couldn't be good. She jumped up from the couch and began to yank on her gloves. "I, uh, I need to go!"
"Can I come?" Purple was snapping on his hand guards.
"Yes." Purple followed as Tah hurried to the infirmary, though she really didn't notice as she ran through the halls, trying her best not to knock anybody down. She screeched to a halt when she reached the check-in room of the infirmary. She reached the front counter and leaned down to face someone dressed like a nurse who seemed to work as a receptionist. "Excuse me. I'd like to see a Dak. He was checked in today."
The meek-looking receptionist paled when she saw Almighty Tallest Purple hover through the door and stand beside Tah. She nodded and turned to her monitor to look up the information. "Uh, third door to the right in G hall. There's a sign." Tah nodded and ran off while Purple stood before the desk, not sure whether he should accompany her. He held a lost expression for a moment before he glanced over at some chairs where other awkward bystanders waited. He shrugged and sat in one of the chairs, picking up a nearby magazine to read.
Tah exploded into Dak's room and looked about franticly. The first thing she noticed was Dak lying in the bed with one of his legs encased in a brace. Clay was standing next to him with her arms at her hips, looking as if she'd just been chewing him out. A sense of relief flooded over Tah as she began to realize that Dak's injuries were not serious. She walked over to the side of the bed and smiled down at him. "How's my Huk'ra?"
Dak grinned and was about to answer when Clay took the opportunity from him. "The idiot let himself be crushed by a vending machine. A vending machine of all things! A vending machine!"
Tah raised one brow at the upset marauder and glanced back over to her friend. He began to explain. "It was my break and I was getting a soda. The thing just fell. It wasn't my fault." This last sentence was directed toward Clay.
"What about the joining? Isn't it supposed to be tomorrow?"
Now Clay seemed especially angry. "It's being postponed until he heals!" She violently pointed toward her future mate. "I am NOT spending my joining night with a cripple!"
Tah flushed at the mention of the joining night but was otherwise happy. She motioned toward Dak's leg. "So, it's broken?"
"Yup."
"How do you feel?"
Dak shrugged. "I could be worse."
Tah smiled at her friend's optimistic point of view. She was so used to him being the other way, always depressed about one thing or another. It almost made her laugh to think that Clay's taunts were really what he needed. She brought her hand to her chin in a thoughtful stance. "I wonder how a vending machine could just fall like that. I mean, they're pretty big and sturdy."
Clay shook her head as if the whole incident had been of Dak's doing. "I don't want to know! ...Hey!" Tah jumped at Clay's sudden exclamation. "They said you were with Tallest Purple! What are you doing with him? They said you were in his quarters." She smirked maliciously. "Anything Dak and I should know about, Tah?"
Tah did what she could to keep her composure. "Uh - er - who are these 'they'?"
Clay rolled her pink eyes. "Well, is he here?" Tah nodded. "Well, send him in! If Shorty his going to get hurt, then he might as well be visited by a Tallest! Get him in her so he can wish us well!" She tilted her head toward Dak, who was just lying about looking amused. "Heh, I've never met a Tallest."
Shrugging her shoulders, Tah strolled out of the door and headed for the waiting room. She recalled leaving Purple there, and she thought he'd sat down somewhere, but when she scanned the area he wasn't there. She moved toward the receptionist and asked her, "What happened to Tallest Purple?"
The receptionist was diligently filing her claws. She looked up when Tah spoke to her. "Hmm? What was that, Hon?"
"Almighty Tallest Purple. Where'd he go?"
The receptionist glanced around a bit and looked confused. "I don't know. I don't remember him walking out, but then again, I wasn't watching."
Tah could do nothing but return to Dak empty-handed, wondering where Purple could have gone.
