Alina and "Ghost" as he described himself had been traveling for about eight days. They managed to cobble together a van yesterday from a town called Oswego and were cruising southwest towards a hidden stockpile designated for new guardians like her. "There, we will find some basic weapons, food, and most importantly a ship to get us to the Last City." Alina had found that she didn't neccesarily require sleep, and so continued pestering her ghost about anything and everything day and night about the City, the golden age, aliens, the Void, moon wizards, the Traveler, Oryx, the collapse, lost colonies, and many many other questions that ghost had enthusiastically answered. He seemed eager to catch his Guardian up to speed, chattering happily above the passenger seat. Alina was having a hard time processing everything and each question lead to more questions. Eventually their chatter was interrupted by a ding and a low tank warning.
"Hmm... need gas. Is that something you can do with your magic light powers?"
"Sadly no. There are limitations to what I can do, but I can point us to the closest gas station, maybe we'll get lucky?
They got a little lucky. They were able to syphon some gas at an abandoned fueling station but the place had been picked clean eons ago by past scavengers. They drove on what fuel they had and went back to walking.
"When we get to the tower, we can get you a sparrow and a ship. This wont ever be a problem again!" Ghost chirped happily bobbing up and down beside Alina. "Its been a very long time since I've been there, I wonder how much has changed?"
It suddenly dawned on Nat, Ghost had said the Traveler made him at the beginning of the collapse, implying that this wasnt just mere history he had read from a book, but something he had witnessed first hand. "Ghost, how long have you been looking for me?
"Oh I dont know. I took a few 50 year breaks to assist in scouting operations around Jupiters moons but all together a few thousand years."
"Ghost I...I cannot imagine looking for someone for so long and... I do not have the proper words to express my gratitude for giving me this life. Thank you for finding me." And with as much sincerity as she could muster, Alina bowed. "I will do my upmost to earn this."
"Stop that, I'd be blushing if I could. And although you are VERY welcome and I am humbled and honored, you do know my name isn't 'Ghost' right?"
"You dont have a name? What did others call you at the Tower?"
"Oh you know the usual; 'Hey ghost!' Or 'You there!' Or if I didn't know that they were talking to me 'hey stupid!' You could say I'm a ghost of many names."
"Hmmmm... we will have to change that sooner rather than later I think. How much longer do we have until we reach that stash?"
"I'd say three days without sleep."
"I'd like to sleep tonight. Besides, I want to spend an extra day or two exploring these 'powers' you say I have. First impressions are important and I would like to show that I can hold my own a little and you should have a proper name for your return. I wont stand for anyone calling MY Ghost stupid."
" Oh good!" 'Ghost' twirled giddily, "I've always wanted a name!"
