Hey… I'm writing this fic until I get some cool ideas for Perfect Dark Kids. I will update both stories maybe, it depends on how ideas come. As the title implies this is after Perfect Dark. Joanna has returned from the Skedar planet just over a month ago. Maian/Human talks had well and truly taken place, but trouble looms yet again… Well it has to otherwise there would be no story…
One typical day at the Institute, Joanna and Jonathan were talking with Carrington about negotiations.
"How's it going sir?" Jonathan asked
"Quite well…" Carrington replied
"Is there anything else, there seems to be a but" Joanna said
"Well, it's just taking a little longer then I'd like. I mean I know breaking to the world that aliens exist isn't going to be easy. Just as Elvis and Bea Tles had feared there may be arguments, wars even against us or the Maians themselves when they arrive. The President personally wants to keep it a secret, he's amazed that we had our agent up there for nearly 8 years" Carrington said
"How is Sean anyway?" Jonathan asked
"So that's where Sean ended up?" Joanna said
"Yes, just under 8 years ago Sean agreed to live on the main Maian planet for two reasons, one to protect himself and Earth from the Skedar and two to research the planet in a way. He's doing alright. Of course he is glad that the Skedar threat is removed, however something doesn't seem right about him" Carrington said
"How do you mean?" Jonathan asked
"Well, he has hardly aged, if at all. He looks just like when he was 19, not that I am concerned by this, but it could explain why Maians live for such a long time if the stuff they drink, eat, breath is in their system from birth" Carrington said
"That's amazing. No wonder Elvis is so old, well for us anyway" Joanna said
"It's only a guess but it's a fairly strong one. I'm about to speak to him again, any of you got anything to say?" Carrington asked
"Sure" Jonathan replied
Carrington turned his chair and faced his computer and started typing into it and clicking away with the mouse.
"Hi Sir" Sean's picture came up. Carrington was right, Jonathan had a picture taken with him before he left, he had hardly changed at all.
"Sean, how are you doing?" Carrington asked
"Great. According to Elvis, Protectors are forty percent more efficient. Are negotiations going well?" Sean asked
"Well they are going okay, pretty slow process" Carrington said
"Hey shouldn't you be there?" Sean asked
"No, they aren't chatting today" Carrington replied.
A Maian appeared on Sean's side, it begun talking in Maian. Sean replied in fluent Maian and it nodded its head in agreement.
"Well that's new" Jonathan said
"Yeah, it took a while but I can speak Maian. Anyway my Maian friend just told me to tell you that I can return home. I had be trying to work it out for the past month since the Skedar King had been killed but the Maians insisted they still needed my skills. However I have finally got what I wanted so I'll be coming home anytime soon. That is if I'm still welcome" Sean said
"Of course you are. We had been wondering why you hadn't returned sooner. Although are all the Skedar eliminated? What information have you got" Carrington asked
"The Maians have located small amounts of Skedar and we were effective for a while thanks to the Skedar diplomats turned spies but they got found out and had to run for their lives" Sean said
"Skedar diplomats?" Joanna asked
"Yes, not all Skedar are savage beasts, there were some who protested the King's violent actions but they were all killed. However these certain Skedar became diplomats in a way and helped negotiate the ceasefire, and since the King's death they have been giving us some information. Before the King's death they were controlled by fear of their own lives" Carrington explained
"In fact they have just arrived. So they are alive and well" Sean said
"It's great you are coming back" Jonathan said
"It's been a long time, I'm glad too… This planet may be advanced but I still can't get used to the lack of weather change and climate here. It's always around 25 degrees Celsius and sunny in the middle of the day, around 20 degrees and slightly foggy in the early morning but it clears around what would be 8am, and in the evening it goes to around 22 and then it all repeats again, every day. I perfectly understand why Elvis was so fascinated by our weather. The food is good though, any meal takes 2 seconds to prepare and eat. I'll be glad to be back though, anyway my transport awaits see you in 9 hours." Sean said and he faded from on the screen.
Just as Sean had finished talking there was knocking on the door.
"Come" Carrington said as Foster walked in
"Oh, I didn't know you were having a meeting" Foster said
"No we weren't having meeting, if I was I wouldn't have told you to come in" Carrington replied
"I suppose, err anyway, the Maian grenade is available in the firing range" Foster said
A/N: Some trivia, the Maian grenade was going to be a weapon in Perfect Dark but it was removed. I made a guess of what it would be like.
"It's definitely an interesting weapon" Jonathan said
"What's it do?" Joanna asked
"Identical to a normal grenade in most respects but the explosion range is less, but rather than blowing it up, it absorbs anything in range" Foster explained "Of course this doesn't include walls and boxes and things" Foster chuckled
"How'd you make a test for something that absorbs rather than blows up?" Joanna asked
"Not easy, but that's why I told you it was finished" Foster said
"Nice work Foster" Carrington said
12am, 9 hours later.
The Maian ship had started to land while invisible in the Institute hangar through the helipad doors. It became visible as it landed. A walkway appeared in front of the ship, Sean stepped out. It seemed only Jonathan was around, it was late after all. Elvis gave a quick wave and headed out.
"Hey Jonathan" Sean said
"Hey, how are you" Jonathan said as both patted each other on the back
"Is everybody gone?" Sean said slightly surprised that not even Carrington was around.
"Pretty much" Jonathan gave a bit of a sigh
"Ah well, I'll see Carrington tomorrow" Sean said, one thing Jonathan did notice that was different, Sean seemed a lot more physically toned. By his face and his appearance he looked no different to how he was 8 years ago.
"Where's Elvis going anyway, he seemed a little eager to leave didn't he?" Jonathan asked
"Oh, Elvis has to be at a meeting with the President tomorrow so he has to meet up with his Maian friends. How are things here?" Sean asked
"Well I'm still doing UC missions, but come we'll chat in the cafeteria" Jonathan said
"How long has that been here?" Sean asked
"About a month" Jonathan replied
"Well that's not too old, trying to get it like the old Institute again?" Sean asked as they walked to the cafeteria, the lights in the Institute were a bit dimmer probably because nobody was around, Sean thought to himself.
"Yes, it's coming along well. With the Skedar threat on the most part removed we have been building" Jonathan said as they walked into the cafeteria.
Just as they walked in, Sean heard a shout of…
"Surprise!!!"
Sean was definitely surprised as Carrington, Joanna, Velvet, were present. The shout made it seem it was a lot more… but in truth it was only Carrington, Joanna and Velvet.
"Well I am welcome then" Sean gave a smile "You had me worried sir" Sean said
"Yes, it was a bit cruel. I was going to be the person who greeted you but believe it or not, I'm not very good at surprises… Jonathan seemed to do great though" Carrington said
"Hey where did everybody go?" Velvet said
"What?" Carrington looked around
"What? What?" Sean replied not understanding what Velvet said, nor why Carrington was looking around.
"Err, let's say a few other people were going to be here, I swear if I get my hands on Wendy" Carrington said
"Who's Wendy? Not that it matters, I wasn't really expecting anybody" Sean said
"Well I guess it's for the best, none of them really knew you anyway. I suppose it was unfair for me to ask them to come to this at midnight and then come back the next day at 7.30" Carrington said
"Just a bit, I wasn't expecting anything as I said" Sean replied. In a way he was relieved that he didn't have to meet all these new people.
"Yeah, they've all escaped through the front door, while we couldn't see them. Nice idea leaving the cafeteria door open" Joanna said as she and Velvet looked out the Institute.
"Oh, I can't be brilliant all the time" Carrington moaned "I didn't think Wendy would give everybody a cloaking device to get out, she's smart I'll give her that"
"Wendy is the device lab tech I take it?" Sean asked
"Oh of course, yes" Carrington replied
"I have to ask you Sean, how come you look like you've barely aged, but you look a lot more well… physically able then I remember, not that you weren't strong before" Jonathan asked
"Firstly, the Maian food or drink as you can call it; it somehow slows the process of aging, causing you to age at one tenth the usual rate. Whether that's a good thing for me or not at this stage of my life, I'm not sure. Secondly, training Maian protectors is as tough on me as it is on them, since I have to do the tasks they do as well. If anybody thought training for the Institute was hard, that was nothing, protectors go through so many tests, physical, mental, shooting ability the usual, but it is more frequent, much harder and the training lasts longer. On a Maian the effects are not visible by looks due to their body structure but on me, it is more obvious. However regardless of the appearance the effects are definitely there" Sean explained, Carrington was fascinated.
"But why does it seem that Maians are equal to humans in combat if their training is so much more intense" Carrington asked
"With respect sir, I think the others will fall asleep out of boredom" Sean said
"Ha. If you want to go you can, I'll bombard you with my questions tomorrow" Carrington chuckled
"I'll answer the last question, I shouldn't be so rude, I guess I am a little tired as well as hungry. Anyway the Maian, Human combat thing is rather strange because the fact is a Maian is in fact by physical abilities, level of fitness, and all that is only about as half the level of a standard human, however their potential for all of these things is equal to a human. Through rigorous training they over come these weaknesses. This is why Maians can't summon men in a quick amount of time and why they train so many protectors, and even more of what our equal is of the army, simply because the Maians can't simply pick some of their race off the street and train them in a short amount of time even for basic combat." Sean continued his lecture, Carrington was still highly interested.
"It would be really great if I can talk a little more about this, since it's very interesting" Carrington said
"Yeah so interesting Joanna has fallen asleep on the microwave" Sean said, Jonathan let out a laugh
"What? What? I'm awake" Joanna raised her head from the microwave
"Don't mind her, she's been very busy lately even after the Skedar mission. No wonder she's exhausted" Carrington said
"Oh is there something going on?" Sean asked
"Well yes, but don't let it concern you. But are you working as an agent now?" Carrington asked
"Well I guess, I mean yes, but the Maians are still paying me, rather well in fact. Even though I'm not working the Maians are giving me a good amount of money every 2 Earth weeks for at least 5 Earth years" Sean explained
"Well that's great" Jonathan said as Sean took a donut
"It's been so long, sorry guys" Sean took a bite of the donut "Oh yeah, I can't believe I've been missing out on this, I can actually enjoy it" Sean said as he was chewing.
"Anyway, you can tell us, or me all your stories tomorrow" Carrington said "I think all of us want to go home" Carrington continued
"Agreed" Velvet said. She too was exhausted.
"Very well, see you all tomorrow" Carrington said
Joanna, Velvet and Carrington walked off.
"Hey you got somewhere to stay?" Jonathan asked, since where Sean had lived 8 years ago was sold when he moved to the Maian planet by his own wish.
"Well Yes and no" Sean replied
"What does that mean" Jonathan asked puzzled
"It means no, but I don't mind it. I lived like this always on the Maian planet" Sean said
"You mean you lived at various what would be hotels and stuff or at the training areas where you worked?" Jonathan asked still not getting what Sean was saying.
"No, basically I camped out, every night. One I couldn't stand the inner city, Maians are used to it, I tried to sleep but I couldn't, far too disruptive, and the same went for every city, it's very different there. Secondly I needed some kind of release away from work, since I only talked to Carrington once a month and he was my only human contact, and as such I did get a little homesick, but I never showed it to Carrington, unfortunately Elvis wasn't fooled. He showed me what he called the place that was most like Earth, although he denies it and says it was always there I think he created it with a group of Maians somehow. Anyway it wasn't home but it had a good amount of grass, with a bit of water, not that I couldn't shower in the city of course, and some actual seasons and climate change it was really a great place to be, no Maian likes it there so I wouldn't get disturbed, so I camped out in these areas every night, now I'm used to it" Sean said
"Wow you have changed a lot over the years" Jonathan replied
"All for the good I reckon" Sean said
"Still where are you going to go?" Jonathan asked
"I've found a place, I did a quick map check before I got here" Sean said
"Alright, I still can't believe you slept without a roof over your head for the best part of 8 years" Jonathan smiled as they walked over to the new car park. "How are you getting there?" Jonathan asked
"I'll probably make do for tonight somewhere else until I get a car or something" Sean said
"That side of you hasn't changed at all get in the car before I make you" Jonathan said being serious but keeping his smile
Sean was tempted to ask Jonathan to try it but didn't want to be too arrogant even in joking terms so didn't argue as he got in the car and showed Jonathan the map.
"That's a nice place, I think…" Jonathan said not being really the camping type, he didn't mind it but it wasn't something he'd do very often.
After about 30 minutes of driving they arrived at a rather large and hilly field with a few trees.
"You sure you can stay here?" Jonathan said as Sean got his backpack out of the car.
"Positive, anyway thanks" Sean closed the back of the car up
"Come let me help you set up" Jonathan said
"Do you want to tuck me in and read me a bed time story too?" Sean asked
"If you'd like" Jonathan replied with a smile
"You haven't changed either I guess, Joanna tells me you've got worse" Sean said as he walked in the darkened park.
"Joanna, she's funny… at times like she can be the most annoying person, but she's doesn't intend to be it took me quite some time to pick up on that" Jonathan sighed deeply
"Is it true she got perfect in the training?" Sean asked
"Yup you bet she didn't beat the King on fluke you know. Although Jo is quite nice, when you know her" Jonathan said
"Alright this will do" Sean stopped suddenly and dropped his pack and opened it taking out a sleeping bag. Jonathan shook his head.
"What?" Sean asked looking up at Jonathan
"Huh? How'd you see me, it's nearly pitch black" Jonathan said out of surprise
"I don't know, but I could tell you were doing that. It's not that unbelievable, it wasn't like I never went outside before" Sean said
"Yeah but it's 2023, very few people do that kind of stuff now. Also you lived a fairly quiet life, you were either at Carrington's Villa, school or the Institute, that was your life" Jonathan said
That made Sean think… had he really missed out on so much when he was younger. He wasn't really bored, but he didn't really socialize with the other kids, he didn't really fit in since there was so much of his life he wasn't allowed to discuss.
"I'm sorry. You're more than old enough I should leave you to your own decisions" Jonathan said after Sean's silence
"No it's alright. You just made me think about something" Sean replied
"I might go then" Jonathan said
"Thanks again for your help" Sean said
"No problem, see you tomorrow" Jonathan walked off.
Sean took out his flash light from his bag, it could stand up so the light could go in all directions like a fire, and also like a fire it would go out after a set time period. Sean knew the place he was in used to be a popular park about 10 years ago, but it lost popularity to better advertised and places with better functions, nobody even ran it anymore. He would explore tomorrow and find out if he could have a more traditional fire rather than a battery run substitute, but it would do for tonight.
He took off his jacket and put it inside his bag and sat up for a moment thinking about what Jonathan had said. It wasn't Jonathan's intention and Sean knew this, but it made him think about how he missed out a good part of his life as a teenager and to a lesser extend as a kid. Being 26 you just couldn't get that back, there was nothing he could do about it. However he was always grateful that his life could have been far worse if Carrington had just ignored him all those years ago when his mother was killed by a savage Skedar attack which was assisted by his father which was unknown to him at the time who Sean thought had also died. Life had turned out quite good, he thought. He was rich, he had a good group of friends and he could do almost whatever he wanted. On those thoughts he lay down and went to sleep…
One typical day at the Institute, Joanna and Jonathan were talking with Carrington about negotiations.
"How's it going sir?" Jonathan asked
"Quite well…" Carrington replied
"Is there anything else, there seems to be a but" Joanna said
"Well, it's just taking a little longer then I'd like. I mean I know breaking to the world that aliens exist isn't going to be easy. Just as Elvis and Bea Tles had feared there may be arguments, wars even against us or the Maians themselves when they arrive. The President personally wants to keep it a secret, he's amazed that we had our agent up there for nearly 8 years" Carrington said
"How is Sean anyway?" Jonathan asked
"So that's where Sean ended up?" Joanna said
"Yes, just under 8 years ago Sean agreed to live on the main Maian planet for two reasons, one to protect himself and Earth from the Skedar and two to research the planet in a way. He's doing alright. Of course he is glad that the Skedar threat is removed, however something doesn't seem right about him" Carrington said
"How do you mean?" Jonathan asked
"Well, he has hardly aged, if at all. He looks just like when he was 19, not that I am concerned by this, but it could explain why Maians live for such a long time if the stuff they drink, eat, breath is in their system from birth" Carrington said
"That's amazing. No wonder Elvis is so old, well for us anyway" Joanna said
"It's only a guess but it's a fairly strong one. I'm about to speak to him again, any of you got anything to say?" Carrington asked
"Sure" Jonathan replied
Carrington turned his chair and faced his computer and started typing into it and clicking away with the mouse.
"Hi Sir" Sean's picture came up. Carrington was right, Jonathan had a picture taken with him before he left, he had hardly changed at all.
"Sean, how are you doing?" Carrington asked
"Great. According to Elvis, Protectors are forty percent more efficient. Are negotiations going well?" Sean asked
"Well they are going okay, pretty slow process" Carrington said
"Hey shouldn't you be there?" Sean asked
"No, they aren't chatting today" Carrington replied.
A Maian appeared on Sean's side, it begun talking in Maian. Sean replied in fluent Maian and it nodded its head in agreement.
"Well that's new" Jonathan said
"Yeah, it took a while but I can speak Maian. Anyway my Maian friend just told me to tell you that I can return home. I had be trying to work it out for the past month since the Skedar King had been killed but the Maians insisted they still needed my skills. However I have finally got what I wanted so I'll be coming home anytime soon. That is if I'm still welcome" Sean said
"Of course you are. We had been wondering why you hadn't returned sooner. Although are all the Skedar eliminated? What information have you got" Carrington asked
"The Maians have located small amounts of Skedar and we were effective for a while thanks to the Skedar diplomats turned spies but they got found out and had to run for their lives" Sean said
"Skedar diplomats?" Joanna asked
"Yes, not all Skedar are savage beasts, there were some who protested the King's violent actions but they were all killed. However these certain Skedar became diplomats in a way and helped negotiate the ceasefire, and since the King's death they have been giving us some information. Before the King's death they were controlled by fear of their own lives" Carrington explained
"In fact they have just arrived. So they are alive and well" Sean said
"It's great you are coming back" Jonathan said
"It's been a long time, I'm glad too… This planet may be advanced but I still can't get used to the lack of weather change and climate here. It's always around 25 degrees Celsius and sunny in the middle of the day, around 20 degrees and slightly foggy in the early morning but it clears around what would be 8am, and in the evening it goes to around 22 and then it all repeats again, every day. I perfectly understand why Elvis was so fascinated by our weather. The food is good though, any meal takes 2 seconds to prepare and eat. I'll be glad to be back though, anyway my transport awaits see you in 9 hours." Sean said and he faded from on the screen.
Just as Sean had finished talking there was knocking on the door.
"Come" Carrington said as Foster walked in
"Oh, I didn't know you were having a meeting" Foster said
"No we weren't having meeting, if I was I wouldn't have told you to come in" Carrington replied
"I suppose, err anyway, the Maian grenade is available in the firing range" Foster said
A/N: Some trivia, the Maian grenade was going to be a weapon in Perfect Dark but it was removed. I made a guess of what it would be like.
"It's definitely an interesting weapon" Jonathan said
"What's it do?" Joanna asked
"Identical to a normal grenade in most respects but the explosion range is less, but rather than blowing it up, it absorbs anything in range" Foster explained "Of course this doesn't include walls and boxes and things" Foster chuckled
"How'd you make a test for something that absorbs rather than blows up?" Joanna asked
"Not easy, but that's why I told you it was finished" Foster said
"Nice work Foster" Carrington said
12am, 9 hours later.
The Maian ship had started to land while invisible in the Institute hangar through the helipad doors. It became visible as it landed. A walkway appeared in front of the ship, Sean stepped out. It seemed only Jonathan was around, it was late after all. Elvis gave a quick wave and headed out.
"Hey Jonathan" Sean said
"Hey, how are you" Jonathan said as both patted each other on the back
"Is everybody gone?" Sean said slightly surprised that not even Carrington was around.
"Pretty much" Jonathan gave a bit of a sigh
"Ah well, I'll see Carrington tomorrow" Sean said, one thing Jonathan did notice that was different, Sean seemed a lot more physically toned. By his face and his appearance he looked no different to how he was 8 years ago.
"Where's Elvis going anyway, he seemed a little eager to leave didn't he?" Jonathan asked
"Oh, Elvis has to be at a meeting with the President tomorrow so he has to meet up with his Maian friends. How are things here?" Sean asked
"Well I'm still doing UC missions, but come we'll chat in the cafeteria" Jonathan said
"How long has that been here?" Sean asked
"About a month" Jonathan replied
"Well that's not too old, trying to get it like the old Institute again?" Sean asked as they walked to the cafeteria, the lights in the Institute were a bit dimmer probably because nobody was around, Sean thought to himself.
"Yes, it's coming along well. With the Skedar threat on the most part removed we have been building" Jonathan said as they walked into the cafeteria.
Just as they walked in, Sean heard a shout of…
"Surprise!!!"
Sean was definitely surprised as Carrington, Joanna, Velvet, were present. The shout made it seem it was a lot more… but in truth it was only Carrington, Joanna and Velvet.
"Well I am welcome then" Sean gave a smile "You had me worried sir" Sean said
"Yes, it was a bit cruel. I was going to be the person who greeted you but believe it or not, I'm not very good at surprises… Jonathan seemed to do great though" Carrington said
"Hey where did everybody go?" Velvet said
"What?" Carrington looked around
"What? What?" Sean replied not understanding what Velvet said, nor why Carrington was looking around.
"Err, let's say a few other people were going to be here, I swear if I get my hands on Wendy" Carrington said
"Who's Wendy? Not that it matters, I wasn't really expecting anybody" Sean said
"Well I guess it's for the best, none of them really knew you anyway. I suppose it was unfair for me to ask them to come to this at midnight and then come back the next day at 7.30" Carrington said
"Just a bit, I wasn't expecting anything as I said" Sean replied. In a way he was relieved that he didn't have to meet all these new people.
"Yeah, they've all escaped through the front door, while we couldn't see them. Nice idea leaving the cafeteria door open" Joanna said as she and Velvet looked out the Institute.
"Oh, I can't be brilliant all the time" Carrington moaned "I didn't think Wendy would give everybody a cloaking device to get out, she's smart I'll give her that"
"Wendy is the device lab tech I take it?" Sean asked
"Oh of course, yes" Carrington replied
"I have to ask you Sean, how come you look like you've barely aged, but you look a lot more well… physically able then I remember, not that you weren't strong before" Jonathan asked
"Firstly, the Maian food or drink as you can call it; it somehow slows the process of aging, causing you to age at one tenth the usual rate. Whether that's a good thing for me or not at this stage of my life, I'm not sure. Secondly, training Maian protectors is as tough on me as it is on them, since I have to do the tasks they do as well. If anybody thought training for the Institute was hard, that was nothing, protectors go through so many tests, physical, mental, shooting ability the usual, but it is more frequent, much harder and the training lasts longer. On a Maian the effects are not visible by looks due to their body structure but on me, it is more obvious. However regardless of the appearance the effects are definitely there" Sean explained, Carrington was fascinated.
"But why does it seem that Maians are equal to humans in combat if their training is so much more intense" Carrington asked
"With respect sir, I think the others will fall asleep out of boredom" Sean said
"Ha. If you want to go you can, I'll bombard you with my questions tomorrow" Carrington chuckled
"I'll answer the last question, I shouldn't be so rude, I guess I am a little tired as well as hungry. Anyway the Maian, Human combat thing is rather strange because the fact is a Maian is in fact by physical abilities, level of fitness, and all that is only about as half the level of a standard human, however their potential for all of these things is equal to a human. Through rigorous training they over come these weaknesses. This is why Maians can't summon men in a quick amount of time and why they train so many protectors, and even more of what our equal is of the army, simply because the Maians can't simply pick some of their race off the street and train them in a short amount of time even for basic combat." Sean continued his lecture, Carrington was still highly interested.
"It would be really great if I can talk a little more about this, since it's very interesting" Carrington said
"Yeah so interesting Joanna has fallen asleep on the microwave" Sean said, Jonathan let out a laugh
"What? What? I'm awake" Joanna raised her head from the microwave
"Don't mind her, she's been very busy lately even after the Skedar mission. No wonder she's exhausted" Carrington said
"Oh is there something going on?" Sean asked
"Well yes, but don't let it concern you. But are you working as an agent now?" Carrington asked
"Well I guess, I mean yes, but the Maians are still paying me, rather well in fact. Even though I'm not working the Maians are giving me a good amount of money every 2 Earth weeks for at least 5 Earth years" Sean explained
"Well that's great" Jonathan said as Sean took a donut
"It's been so long, sorry guys" Sean took a bite of the donut "Oh yeah, I can't believe I've been missing out on this, I can actually enjoy it" Sean said as he was chewing.
"Anyway, you can tell us, or me all your stories tomorrow" Carrington said "I think all of us want to go home" Carrington continued
"Agreed" Velvet said. She too was exhausted.
"Very well, see you all tomorrow" Carrington said
Joanna, Velvet and Carrington walked off.
"Hey you got somewhere to stay?" Jonathan asked, since where Sean had lived 8 years ago was sold when he moved to the Maian planet by his own wish.
"Well Yes and no" Sean replied
"What does that mean" Jonathan asked puzzled
"It means no, but I don't mind it. I lived like this always on the Maian planet" Sean said
"You mean you lived at various what would be hotels and stuff or at the training areas where you worked?" Jonathan asked still not getting what Sean was saying.
"No, basically I camped out, every night. One I couldn't stand the inner city, Maians are used to it, I tried to sleep but I couldn't, far too disruptive, and the same went for every city, it's very different there. Secondly I needed some kind of release away from work, since I only talked to Carrington once a month and he was my only human contact, and as such I did get a little homesick, but I never showed it to Carrington, unfortunately Elvis wasn't fooled. He showed me what he called the place that was most like Earth, although he denies it and says it was always there I think he created it with a group of Maians somehow. Anyway it wasn't home but it had a good amount of grass, with a bit of water, not that I couldn't shower in the city of course, and some actual seasons and climate change it was really a great place to be, no Maian likes it there so I wouldn't get disturbed, so I camped out in these areas every night, now I'm used to it" Sean said
"Wow you have changed a lot over the years" Jonathan replied
"All for the good I reckon" Sean said
"Still where are you going to go?" Jonathan asked
"I've found a place, I did a quick map check before I got here" Sean said
"Alright, I still can't believe you slept without a roof over your head for the best part of 8 years" Jonathan smiled as they walked over to the new car park. "How are you getting there?" Jonathan asked
"I'll probably make do for tonight somewhere else until I get a car or something" Sean said
"That side of you hasn't changed at all get in the car before I make you" Jonathan said being serious but keeping his smile
Sean was tempted to ask Jonathan to try it but didn't want to be too arrogant even in joking terms so didn't argue as he got in the car and showed Jonathan the map.
"That's a nice place, I think…" Jonathan said not being really the camping type, he didn't mind it but it wasn't something he'd do very often.
After about 30 minutes of driving they arrived at a rather large and hilly field with a few trees.
"You sure you can stay here?" Jonathan said as Sean got his backpack out of the car.
"Positive, anyway thanks" Sean closed the back of the car up
"Come let me help you set up" Jonathan said
"Do you want to tuck me in and read me a bed time story too?" Sean asked
"If you'd like" Jonathan replied with a smile
"You haven't changed either I guess, Joanna tells me you've got worse" Sean said as he walked in the darkened park.
"Joanna, she's funny… at times like she can be the most annoying person, but she's doesn't intend to be it took me quite some time to pick up on that" Jonathan sighed deeply
"Is it true she got perfect in the training?" Sean asked
"Yup you bet she didn't beat the King on fluke you know. Although Jo is quite nice, when you know her" Jonathan said
"Alright this will do" Sean stopped suddenly and dropped his pack and opened it taking out a sleeping bag. Jonathan shook his head.
"What?" Sean asked looking up at Jonathan
"Huh? How'd you see me, it's nearly pitch black" Jonathan said out of surprise
"I don't know, but I could tell you were doing that. It's not that unbelievable, it wasn't like I never went outside before" Sean said
"Yeah but it's 2023, very few people do that kind of stuff now. Also you lived a fairly quiet life, you were either at Carrington's Villa, school or the Institute, that was your life" Jonathan said
That made Sean think… had he really missed out on so much when he was younger. He wasn't really bored, but he didn't really socialize with the other kids, he didn't really fit in since there was so much of his life he wasn't allowed to discuss.
"I'm sorry. You're more than old enough I should leave you to your own decisions" Jonathan said after Sean's silence
"No it's alright. You just made me think about something" Sean replied
"I might go then" Jonathan said
"Thanks again for your help" Sean said
"No problem, see you tomorrow" Jonathan walked off.
Sean took out his flash light from his bag, it could stand up so the light could go in all directions like a fire, and also like a fire it would go out after a set time period. Sean knew the place he was in used to be a popular park about 10 years ago, but it lost popularity to better advertised and places with better functions, nobody even ran it anymore. He would explore tomorrow and find out if he could have a more traditional fire rather than a battery run substitute, but it would do for tonight.
He took off his jacket and put it inside his bag and sat up for a moment thinking about what Jonathan had said. It wasn't Jonathan's intention and Sean knew this, but it made him think about how he missed out a good part of his life as a teenager and to a lesser extend as a kid. Being 26 you just couldn't get that back, there was nothing he could do about it. However he was always grateful that his life could have been far worse if Carrington had just ignored him all those years ago when his mother was killed by a savage Skedar attack which was assisted by his father which was unknown to him at the time who Sean thought had also died. Life had turned out quite good, he thought. He was rich, he had a good group of friends and he could do almost whatever he wanted. On those thoughts he lay down and went to sleep…