03/07/2020
With The Investigation behind us we return to XCM, I've got a few great ideas for scenes in these next few chapters, yay!
I actually wanted to get this chapter out far sooner but I had a bad day at work and I've been really tired lately. I spend way more time gaming than writing. This chapter just needed a once over and I could not commit to it till now. Hope ya'll enjoy it!
(Verb) Move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps.
Chapter Sixteen
Dance
Every day since Kumon's birthday has found Reaper's Quarters to be a den of musical noise and joy. Loud voices and laughter echoed down the halls as they all worked hard to master the instruments they'd lost sight of in the chaos of the last few years on Earth.
Kumon stood with his hands behind his back, a smile evident on his face as he walked through the room. Sagis and Alto were first, the former was playing on his bass while Alto picked at his rhythm guitar.
"I can't believe I ever forgot how much I loved this damn thing...it goes so low and it's so satisfying."
Sagis laughed to himself as he played a series of low rumbling notes. Kumon nodded to the Blood Brothers before moving on to Lyla and Jaynix.
The former was intently focused on her piano, fingers dancing along the keys as melodies filled the air. Whereas Lyla seemed to be at peace, Jaynix was anything but as she wailed on her drums, though the joy on her face could not be denied.
"I have to say General, the day they invented pianos capable of being compressed was a joyous day."
Kumon nodded.
"Sometimes I still find myself thinking about how hard it must've been to get pianos into certain homes. How did they do it?"
Lyla laughed at the thought as Kumon and Jaynix made brief eye contact, each nodding to the other before Kumon moved into the next room and heard the voices.
Tai Alistair sang with a tone and voice that could fit into any recognizable country song. The man continued to sing and Kumon couldn't help but note that it sounded as if his voice was coming from someone else entirely.
Eren's voice on the other hand was strong, loud, energetic. She could be the frontman of any band with the powerful tones she found herself able to hit. Kumon couldn't help but laugh as she transitioned to a familiar old pop song, a knowing smile on her face as Tai's singing came to a halt and he asked her to sing anything else.
She simply shook her head and sang louder.
"Where did your harmonica wind up Eren?"
The Strategist slowly let her voice fade out before searching her surroundings.
"It's somewhere...don't worry I'll have it in time for the big show!"
Kumon nodded.
"I have no doubts on that front...while the rest of you finish up I'm going to pay one more visit to the bridge and make sure nothing has happened that might change our plans, then I'm heading to the mess hall to get everything ready."
"You really think we'll have everything in place for tonight?."
Jaynix asked as she approached him.
"We are still missing a few instruments but the Blood Brothers say they have someone on the case. Right Sagis?"
The man looked up from his instrument, giving Kumon a thumbs up.
"She'll track down just what we need."
Alto sighed.
"That'll put us in her pocket. Can you imagine what she'd come up with for us to do?
Sagis merely shrugged as Alto turned his attention to the General.
"By the way, who's idea was this darn song? Who does the...what's it? Mandolin? Really?"
Lyla stood up from her piano.
"We'll, you lot best not be leaving me out of the song. This uses a piano and has more than enough parts for all of us."
"So you say, but with this song choice, I'm superfluous."
Alto stated as Sagis placed a hand on his shoulder.
"No worries brother, we've got more pieces than this one. We'll transition to something you can be a part of. Besides, if all of us are on stage at the same time, who's gonna dance?"
Kumon nodded.
"He's not wrong."
Alto sighed.
"I suppose. We'll be ready, sir."
With a smile, Kumon departed as the Reapers continued their practice.
Kruse and Harriet stepped out of the cargo station, now back in the First Quarter.
"What do you think Jaynix and the Reapers have planned?"
Kruse could only shrug.
"Not a clue...but knowing what I know of them, I don't doubt it'll be lively. Fun. And much more manageable than the Laras' party."
Harriet laughed.
"Come now, Kruse. It wasn't that bad."
"Those men aren't human."
Harriet continued to laugh as Kruse tried to forget the horrid hangover that kept him confined to Harriet's room for most of the day.
"I had fun."
"Really? Listening to me moan, groan and complain all day was fun?"
"It was charming seeing that side of you Kruse."
The man could only shake his head.
"I hope no one else ever has to witness that. No one."
"Well, well! Look who it is!"
Kruse froze in place, looking over to Harriet who was staring at the way they came from.
"Please Harriet. That isn't who it is, is it?"
"It is."
There were footsteps before Kruse found a hand slamming into his back.
"Well? Don't I get a hello?"
Letting out a long breath, Kruse turned to the woman behind him.
"Hey Sharon…"
She could only smirk.
"Sharon...yeah I definitely need to get rid of that name before starfall.."
"Hi Sharon!"
The woman looked over to Harriet and waved.
"What brings you to the First Quarter, Sinclair?"
"I'm not sure myself. Kruse suggested it, something about the Reapers planning...something."
Sharon nodded before turning her attention back to Kruse.
"The Reapers eh? Believe it or not, they're why I'm here as well."
Kruse raised an eyebrow.
"Since when are you friends with the Reapers?"
Sharon crossed her arms.
"Friends? No. Acquaintances more like. Specifically with the Blood Brothers. I help them with a few things from time to time and they help me. It's a give and take thing."
Kruse nodded, Harriet asking.
"So, what do they have you doing?"
"Eh. Nothing much. I was hoping it was another high stakes spar given that I missed the last one because someone didn't see fit to fill me in."
Kruse moved away from Sharon.
"Sorry about that, it didn't really occur to me. Sagis and Alto ran the betting pool anyway."
Sharon sighed.
"Of course they did. Lightweights probably didn't even rake in as much as I could have…"
Kruse adjusted his clothes before speaking.
"What do they have you doing?"
"...instruments…"
"Instruments?"
Sharon nodded.
"I can't get into it but I was asked to track down some people who can use specific instruments so that's what I'm doing. If I help the Blood Brothers with this, they have to promise their aid to me in the future for whatever crosses my mind. I can't pass on that now can I?"
Kruse sighed.
"I wouldn't want to owe you a favor."
Sharon smiled, a smile that forced Kruse to take another step back as she whispered.
"We'll see…"
Sharon then looked over to Harriet who gave her a bright smile.
"I'm hoping the best for you, Sharon."
"Thanks Sinclair. Kruse. Now, I have work to get to."
Kruse stepped aside.
"Don't let us stop you."
Sharon laughed.
"As if you could. See you around."
With that, Sharon took off, disappearing around a corner. Kruse looked to Harriet who smiled.
"I consider that a friendly interaction."
He sighed.
"She's a lot to deal with."
"Could be worse."
Harriet giggled as Kruse rolled his eyes, the woman then took hold of his arm and pulled him along.
"Anyway, let's go find the old wolf. Been too long since I spoke to him face to face."
Pushing Sharon out of his mind, Kruse smiled, allowing Harriet to pull him through the halls as he directed her to the Alpha Wolf lab.
The White Whale's bridge was always full of activity, though at the same time it was quieter than most other parts of the ship.
Many of the bridge staff sat at their monitors running countless calculations and ensuring that the White Whale was operating at optimal measures. The Lifehold Archives stationed at various points of the ship helped maintain and control much of the data and information on their own but there was no sense in being careless.
Nagi watched the starmap on display as more information was filled in thanks to the bridge staff's digilent observations. Skell scout teams were uncommon but in their place was a legion of automated probes that operated one group at a time.
The first group that was sent out gathered information and returned for the data to be analyzed while a second was deployed and so this process was repeated throughout the day.
The information the probes brought back to the White Whale allowed them to more accurately map out the space around them, mark asteroids, meteorites and all sorts of debris. In addition, the larger probes are sent towards planets the While Whale passes by to ensure that they still know where they were according to the starmap provided by Elma and Aeon.
The map wasn't as detailed as it could be but it highlighted enough for them to keep their bearings. Much of it was formed by Elma and Aeon's first trip to Earth and more was filled in from Aeon's repeated trips out into the farthest reaches of space.
Nagi couldn't help but note that if they continued on their current course, it would only take a few months before they were completely off the map.
Turning to his side he spotted Elma approaching.
"Are you having second thoughts, Nagi?"
"About?"
"About my desire to just...continue on our course. No jumping. No attempt at starfall…"
Nagi looked back at the map, thinking.
"I don't doubt you thought this was the best approach. I just find it amusing that all across those three decades and beyond that when you and Aeon were on your own...no destination was set…"
Elma sighed.
"We had one set early on but the more we thought about it, we feared it was too obvious. The conditions were similar to Earth and while you'd all be comfortable there, the same problem continued to arise. The possibility that the Ganglion or the Ghosts would track you down...the logistics of settling on a planet for a few years, even a few decades just to have to flee once again…"
Elma could only shake her head, Nagi placed a hand on her shoulder.
"We all understand. Sometimes I think we should just make starfall anyway and...fight for our new home when the xenoforms return but after having witnessed their might during the Exodus...I doubt we'd stand a chance."
Elma recalled Kriss suggesting something similar being possible if the Dark Matter could be solved. Unfortunately, the solution wouldn't matter when they were all scattered and hopelessly outnumbered.
The pair stood in silence, thinking over the situation they found themselves in when someone else made their presence known.
"Colonel. Captain."
Turning to the voice, Nagi smiled.
"General. Good to see you."
With a smile of his own, Kumon bowed his head to the pair.
"I take it you're here about the event that you and the Reapers are planning, yes?"
"That is indeed why I am here. I wanted to check one last time to ensure everything was still approved."
Nagi could only laugh.
"I see no reason to back out now. Feel free to move forward, I myself am very excited."
Kumon crossed his arms.
"I hope you know that I expect to see you on the dance floor, even if I have to drag you there myself."
Nagi laughed again as Elma spoke.
"Do you have anything left to do for preparations?"
Kumon tilted his head.
"Not much but I will need to borrow some of the staff from a few of the units to help with the last of it. If that's okay."
"Go right ahead, I'm sure they'll be eager to do anything."
Nagi stated.
"I'm well aware how busy you two are but if you have the time, your presence would be greatly appreciated."
Nagi nodded to Kumon, Elma chuckling.
"I wouldn't miss it."
After the General left, Nagi looked over to Elma. The pair remained silent before their gaze returned to the starmap.
There was another silence, this one however was much more comfortable as they both thought about the coming night.
Nagi sighed before asking another question.
"I realize this may not matter but...do you have any idea what the Ganglion or Ghost homeworlds are like? They both come from somewhere correct?"
Elma crossed her arms, keeping her eyes on the starmap.
"The Ganglion are an amalgamation of many alien species. As such they have homeworlds everywhere. The leading figures of that faction operate out of a central fleet."
"I take it that was the fleet back during the Exodus?"
Elma nodded.
"Very likely. As for the Ghosts, Aeon was able to gather most of the intelligence on them during his trips. It's how we learned of the Vita's existence. According to him, the Ghost homeworld is like a hive. A central processing unit. A brain. Ghosts that suffer most forms of damage are capable of repairing their bodies from nearly any state and Ghost bodies that are destroyed yet leave their Dark Matter Cores behind...those cores return to the hive to be reconstituted...their army is infinite."
Nagi narrowed his eyes.
"Unless we destroy their cores."
"It's not the easiest thing to do...the collision of matter and Dark Matter results in explosions akin to both forces. Multiplied. It's why Earth was devastated so quickly and eventually destroyed…"
Nagi shook his head.
"Is there nothing we can do?"
"...Aeon heard whispers about ways to truly destroy their cores...but the method of which is foreign to us. The only thing I can say for certain is that the Tandem Ares is capable of it…"
"One versus one million."
Nagi and Elma fell silent once more. Elma spared a glance at the man to see him lost in thought. He didn't like to ask too much about the specifics regarding the hostile xenoforms given that none of it was optimistic. Yet at the same time, he had to know.
For all of humanity's advancements, replicating Tandem Skell technology was still a ways off.
"Ms. Hills. I didn't expect to see you today."
The Professor took a small step back as Eren walked up to her and placed a kiss on her cheek before proceeding into the room.
Kriss looked out into the hall, unsure of what the emotion she felt in that moment meant. Shaking her head she closed the door and turned to the Strategist.
"Me neither but...well, we're having our little event tonight."
"Ah I see. So you are here to tell me you'll be unavailable for our research tonight…"
Eren nodded.
"Sort of...but…"
Kriss walked over to their gathered notes and began flipping through them.
"If that's the case then that's all there is too it...is that all?"
"Well...I'd like you to show up, Kriss."
The Professor looked at her, curious.
"Me? If I'm not here and you're not here, our research will stop."
Eren chuckled.
"Yeah, it tends to do that...but you can't just do research all day and nothing else."
Kriss shook her head.
"I can't help but feel that you saying that to me is a little hypocritical, Ms. Hills."
The Strategist shrugged.
"Maybe so...but I'm asking you as your…partner."
Kriss looked away from Eren who then stepped closer and wrapped her arms around the Professor.
"Please."
While Kriss didn't like the idea of putting a full stop on any progress they could make. She also didn't like the idea of disappointing Eren. Oddly enough.
"I suppose one night can't hurt...but only one."
"One is all I need!"
Kriss nodded.
"Very well then Ms. Hills. I…"
The Professor trailed off, Eren pulling her arms away. She gave her a curious look. However, before she could speak, Kriss turned to face her.
"Eren."
The Strategist's heart skipped a beat.
"I'll be there."
Eren couldn't ignore the burning sensation all over her face, all over her entire body as she nodded quickly and whispered a barely audible.
"See you there…"
"Kruse! Good to see you back! Ah, Harriet!"
Constantine approached the pair, smiling as he took Harriet's hand in his own and kissed the back of it.
"How have you been, dear?"
"Very well Constantine. Kruse here made sure of that."
Constantine chuckled.
"Somehow I feel that the reverse is more true."
Kruse could only shrug.
"Those days in the Third Quarter were full of her dragging me to and fro. It was about what I expected."
Harriet gave Kruse a light shrug.
"You weren't complaining then."
The pair shared a laugh before Kruse looked around the empty lab.
"Did the rest of the team not come back yet?"
Constantine shook his head.
"As always it seems you are the one too eager to get to work Kruse. We have a few more days, they'll be back then."
"What have you been up to, Constantine?"
Following Harriet's question, the man gestured for Kruse and Harriet to follow as he left the lab, now heading for the Habitat Unit's observation platform.
"I've been brainstorming as to better ways to reinforce our humble homes, especially the Habitat Unit as a whole."
"Any specific reason?"
Kruse asked to which the older man sighed.
"Call me a pessimist but the longer we spend in space the more I worry that starfall won't be a voluntary action."
Harriet looked to him, concerned.
"You think we'll get shot down?"
Constantine shrugged.
"Maybe? Or a simple accident could lead to a crash. Who knows. I brought my worries up with Nagi and he understood. At the same time though he had a brilliant idea if a situation like that was ever to arise."
Kruse raised an eyebrow as Constantine chuckled.
"The idea is just...well, only Nagi could've come up with it. Regardless, the procedures are still the same. Whoever can make it to the Habitat Unit is to report to it in case of an emergency. Beyond that, we have the Lifepod stations all over the White Whale for those who can't. I of course hope we never have to use any of this but it doesn't hurt to be prepared."
As the three looked out over the Habitat Unit, another pair showed up.
"Hey Blue! Good to see ya again!"
Turning the man spotted Jaynix and Lyla.
"Hey! What brings you two here?"
Jaynix placed her hands on her hips.
"What do you think?"
"Is it your little event?"
Harriet asked to which Lyla nodded.
"It's tonight. Only a few hours away. We were actually coming by to see if Constantine knew when you'd be back from the Third Quarter...and here you are."
Kruse chuckled.
"I would've come sooner but well…"
He gave Harriet a look, to which she smacked his shoulder.
Jaynix laughed.
"Well then, if you're already here I guess we can get back to our last practice session."
Kruse looked to Jaynix.
"Right. We bumped into Sharon on the way here, she said something about finding instruments for you or...something."
Jaynix held a finger to her lips.
"Secret."
"But-"
"Secret."
Kruse made a move to speak again when Lyla joined Jaynix with placing a finger on her lips.
Kruse sighed as Jaynix tilted her head.
"Sharon eh? Not the person I expected but if she's as good at her job as Sagis and Alto say she is, then we'll have everything in the bag."
There was a beep then, Jaynix and Lyla looked down to their datapads, Lyla nodding.
"I see...well then, let's go stop by the Skelletons."
"Right! See you tonight Blue! Harriet! Constantine!"
The women waved and walked off, talking amongst themselves quietly.
Kruse crossed his arms.
"They're being much more secretive about this than I expected."
"Worried?"
Looking at Harriet, he could only shrug.
"Maybe? After Elma and Jaynix's spar, what else can I expect from them when they all get together. Maybe they'll be what causes us to crash."
Harriet shook her head as Constantine chuckled.
"Wouldn't that be something to see."
The time for the event came quickly, the Reapers arrived at the mess hall first in order to go through final preparations. A simple stage was constructed at one end of the hall with room for most of them as well as a separate platform for Lyla's piano.
Kumon stood in the center of the room looking at his datapad, making some final observations as the Reapers took their positions and began testing their instruments.
"Let's run through the checklist for this song…"
Kumon stated before clearing his throat.
"On the mic."
Tai raised his hand.
"I'm all over it."
Kumon nodded, checking it off.
"Piano."
Lyla clapped her hands, excited.
"Harmonica. Bass Guitar."
Eren called out as Sagis played several notes on his guitar.
"I'll handle the acoustic...drums-"
Jaynix cut him off with a freestyle jam on her drums, the fierce sounds filling the room before she finished with a crash on her cymbals.
Kumon shook his head as the other Reapers laughed.
"Accordion and mandolin."
"That would be us."
Kumon turned as two Skelletons entered the room, the one in the lead, Danny, looked about at the light decorations and the stage while whistling.
Boris headed straight for the General.
"Sorry about the delay, Danny misplaced his mandolin so we had to fabricate a new one."
Danny moved towards them quickly.
"That's a lie! Someone took it!"
Boris rolled his eyes as Kumon raised his hands.
"It's alright. The important thing is that you're all here. This is very short notice for the two of you. The song we're going to open with is...well, it's old."
Boris nodded.
"1973 right? Why go with something so old?"
"Excuse me!"
The three men turned to Tai who stood up, Lyla moving to his side.
"Excuse us! At least we have an appreciation for the classics."
Danny shook his head.
"I think a classic would qualify as something from the 2010s. The 1970s is ancient. You know I'm right. Last I checked, none of us were even alive back then."
"I won't have any of that slander on this stage!"
Lyla called out, Tai nodding his head.
Boris placed a hand on Danny's shoulder, smiling.
"Let's just go with it. It's not complex at all y'know. Leave it to our pianist and harmonica player to carry the weight. We're just the support."
Danny sighed.
"Yeah, yeah. I'm sorry. I'm just surprised that's all."
Boris and Danny made their way to the stage, taking their positions.
Kumon retrieved his acoustic and held one hand up, everyone getting ready.
"We can go through the song twice before everyone starts showing up. Ready?"
The Reapers and Skelletons all nodded. With a smile Kumon joined them on stage and counted them off.
A little over half an hour later, officers, engineers and soldiers began to fill the mess hall.
Nagi and Elma walked in with some of the Bridge staff, talking amongst themselves.
Off leaning against a wall was Sharon. A playful smirk on her face as she spotted Kruse, Constantine and Harriet enter. Raising one hand she gave them a small wave, which Harriet returned while Kruse awkwardly scratched the back of his head.
Irina and Gwin followed shortly after with Kriss trailing far behind them and keeping herself far removed from the crowd.
Irina noted a wide smile on Gwin's face, before she could question him, he pointed to the main entrance as Vandham strolled in. Talking loudly to his much quieter and seemingly uncomfortable companion, Chausson.
Spotting them, Nagi excused himself and headed towards them, Elma walking towards Irina and Gwin.
"How have you two been?"
"Good. Hard to be anything but with not much else going on."
Irina stated. Gwin nodded in agreement.
"All our scouting trips end the same way...cool space debris and interesting looking planets...star formations. But once you've seen that kinda stuff all day, every day for almost two years, it loses some of its awe."
Elma smiled, she's been all over and around space most of her life. It never failed to fill her with wonder.
"If you say so Gwin."
The man smiled as Elma turned, spotting Kriss in the back talking with the bartender. Nodding to herself, she approached as Irina began to ask Gwin if he knew where Danny and Boris snuck off to.
"Kriss."
The bartender left to mix the Professor's drink, leaving her to face the Colonel.
"Elma."
The women stood facing each other, Elma searching herself for the words.
"I really did misjudge you back on Earth, Elma."
"Did I disappoint you?"
Kriss shook her head.
"Not much can disappoint me...even people I hate like Benton and Lao. I can't deny their ambition. You didn't disappoint. You surprised me."
Elma raised an eyebrow.
"In a good way?"
Kriss shrugged.
"Doesn't matter. I will say, Colonel. I don't feel the need to harbor ill will towards you anymore."
Elma waited as Kriss was handed her drink.
"Not because you told me about killing Benton but because…"
Kriss thought about Eren briefly. Shaking her head she gave the Colonel a smile.
"I have something else to dedicate myself to...I have no room in my heart anymore for a grudge…"
Elma nodded.
"I see...I wish I had met you sooner, Professor. Perhaps if you were around before...what happened to Nantucket wouldn't have…"
Elma watched Kriss' face. There was uncertainty, followed by curiosity and finally realization. Before Kriss could speak, someone stepped out from behind the curtains on stage and approached the mic.
"We'll discuss this later. Colonel."
Elma nodded, leaving the Professor's side as she took a sip from her drink.
"Howdy ladies and gents."
Alto said, waving to the crowd as some voices responded with various greetings.
"I'm Alto Moore, member of the 2nd Soldier Unit. The Reapers. We've all been on this here...trip...for a mite bit longer than we anticipated."
There were scattered words thrown about from the crowd.
"You can say that again!"
One person called out loudly, drawing laughter from his neighbors. Alto himself couldn't fight off a chuckle.
"Well, knowing how long it's been. We all decided to do a little something for you lot. Lift your spirits, morale, what have you. Put a smile on your faces."
Alto cleared his throat.
"We all could do with a little fun, yeah?"
Many members of the crowd responded positively.
"Besides, it's not like every Quarter has a Lara right? Or do they. Are we sure there are only two?"
Laughter broke out from the crowd, Alto was particularly proud of himself when a hand poked out from the curtain and tapped his shoulder.
"Yeah, yeah."
With a deep breath he continued.
"Enough out of me. The Reapers with the help of a few Skelletons are here today with the gift of music and dance. No need to be shy, if the music carries you, let it carry you to the dance floor! These lovely melodies were provided to us by one Billy Joel as performed now, by our own, Tai Alistair."
As Alto stepped off the stage, the curtains opened revealing the rest of the Reapers as well as Boris and Danny at their instruments. Kumon made a motion with his hand and a silent count off before they began.
The first notes to fill the silence was from Lyla's piano. Her hands moved along the keys with precision before Eren came in on her harmonica.
Jaynix began to hit her drums, calmy, providing the backing percussion with just the right force as Tai stepped up to the mic, his voice rustic and quiet.
"It's nine o'clock on a Saturday, the regular crowd shuffles in…"
Tai gestured out to the crowd before him, drawing laughter.
"There's an old man sitting next to me, makin' love to his tonic and gin."
Alto raised his glass to his comrade, taking a drink as Tai's voice burst from him, loud, energetic and a smile on his face.
Several of the gathered officers began to sway and tap their feet. Even Kriss leaning up against the counter couldn't help but crack a smile.
Her eyes however were focused on Eren, the woman seemed so happy to be playing her instrument. Tai's voice continued to fill the hall as several members of the gathered crowd took to the floor.
Elma turned to see Harriet pulling Kruse to the dance floor, the man apologizing for what she was about to see. Elma could only laugh as Gwin moved past her as well, gesturing for her and Irina to follow.
Elma looked back to Irina who was unsure. Elma nodded, mostly to herself as she took hold of Gwin's hand. The pair moved to the floor to dance with Kruse and Harriet not far off.
As Tai's voice picked up once more, Irina felt a tap on her shoulder and turned to see Nagi, the man held his hand out to her. The Lieutenant spared a look at everyone having fun on the dance floor and sighed. Her stance loosened up as she took Nagi's hand, the older man leading her to the dance floor.
Alto, now finished with his drink, made his way into the crowd until he found his own target, Sharon. With a confident smile he held his hand out to her, the woman rolling her eyes.
Her attitude did nothing to diminish Alto's good spirits as he spoke, a smile still evident on his face.
"C'mon! Just this once."
Sharon tapped her foot for a few moments before relenting. Holding up one finger and speaking very deliberately.
"You owe me. Big."
"I know, I know. Sagis does too. We're in your debt."
With a heavy sigh she took his hand.
"If any pictures of this exist..."
"They won't! Promise."
The sounds of music, the sound of Tai's voice and the joyful sounds of happy White Whale crew members filled the redecorated mess hall.
Kriss continued to observe this all from the back. The Reapers' goal for this whole secret venture, Eren's excitement and desire for Kriss to attend now made sense. In any other situation she would've passed on this but at least for now, she was glad she didn't.
Not that she'd ever tell anyone that.
Harriet and Gwin spun their partners around and released them, Elma catching Kruse as he stumbled towards her. Harriet and Gwin in turn met up, laughing amongst themselves as they continued their dance without missing a beat.
Elma looked to Kruse, the man was shocked to say the least.
"Hey."
"Hello, Kruse. You aren't much of a dancer are you?"
The man couldn't help but laugh, Elma taking that opportunity to lead their movements.
"No. I'm afraid not. I mean...I can move around to music kind of but...that's it, really. Harriet probably had a dozen opportunities to kill me."
Elma laughed at that.
"I don't doubt it. Just relax. We're all companions here. We're all we've got."
Despite his nerves, Kruse smiled.
"We are."
He did his best to focus on that feeling, the camaraderie they all shared and found himself growing comfortable.
"Elma, have you ever run out of things to say?"
Elma tilted her head.
"As in?"
"I just...it feels like for as long as we've been up here, meaningful conversations are few and far between."
Kruse thought for a moment.
"I mean, if you were to ask me what I was up to one day I'd say...I worked on the Habitat Unit. It's 80% complete, it was 79% yesterday. Then if you asked me the next day...I'd say the same thing. It's 81% complete."
Elma couldn't help but laugh.
"The progress is appreciated but...you're right. There isn't much that we can do out here, is there?"
"Visiting the Third Quarter was nice. Seeing less familiar faces, hanging with different people. That was good but in the end, most of the people on this ship who aren't engineers don't have a lot going on and even us engineers only have one thing that we focus on. Be it the Habitat Unit or the White Whale's various systems...it's almost like we weren't meant to live on the Ark."
Elma sighed.
"You're not wrong."
"I'm not complaining! It's just...hard to deepen connections when we don't have a lot to discuss..."
Elma and Kruse continued to sway as she thought her next words through.
"I'll admit...I spend most of my alone time thinking about Earth. I'm lost in thoughts of 2053 and 2054 even though I told myself to bury those years and focus on the future. They left such a mark on me...and everyone if I'm being honest."
Kruse nodded as Elma thought more about the last years they spent on Earth.
"I seldom think about...entertaining myself aboard the White Whale. I'm more distracted by thoughts of how to keep everyone alive...though the spar I had with Jaynix was a welcome distraction."
Kruse chuckled.
"Was it?"
"Oh yes. Even after the beating I took, when the spar was over...I don't think I've been that happy in a good while. It was...fun. Truly."
Kruse thought back to the spar, despite the effort both women put into bringing the other down, he noted that neither of them could keep the smiles off their faces. It was quite a scene.
"What about you Kruse? What things have been floating through your head these days?"
The man immediately thought back to his talk with Jaynix before leaving for the Third Quarter.
"I've started thinking about my own origins. The family I don't remember."
"...did something happen with Constantine?"
Kruse chuckled.
"No. Not at all. Which is exactly the point. I don't know why I just...care about my blood family. I can only guess that I'm thinking about them because I don't have much else to occupy my free time with...so stray thoughts about people whose faces I can't even recall just...pop into my head."
Elma nodded slowly.
"It doesn't really matter what I think of them or even if I remember them but the thoughts are there all the same…I'd appreciate any ideas you may have as to how to stop thinking about it."
Kruse looked to Elma who smiled.
"Well...dancing is a good way to do that."
Kruse chuckled.
"It is...I didn't mean for the talk to get so pessimistic."
"No need to worry about that Kruse. I understand where you're coming from. Things will get better...until they do, let's enjoy the moment."
Kruse nodded once more before he and Elma shared a smile. The pair continued across the dance floor, letting their thoughts and concerns fade away, focusing on the music.
Over the course of their five minute opening song, the Reapers saw the crowd before them go from tired, unsure and curious, to joyous, hopeful and bright.
Aside from all those dancing in front of the stage, many more began to turn their attention to the bar and to one another. They all wore smiles as they discussed with their comrades and friends, all that they've accomplished during the White Whale's trip so far. Spirits had indeed been lifted, just as they'd intended.
As Tai closed out the song and Lyla hit the final notes on her keys, the crowd cheered with a good many asking for more to continue their dancing.
Kumon took that opportunity to approach the mic and shake Tai's hands.
"This is for all of you. All of us. Alto get on up here, we've got some instrumental pieces for you to fill the air with while we all take our turns dancing."
Alto laughed and approached the stage, retrieving his rhythm guitar and instructing the others.
Jaynix stepped out from behind her drums and approached Lyla, Boris and Danny, the group exchanged a few words followed by thanks. Though Lyla couldn't help but ask.
"Why do you guys know all of this?"
The pair laughed before Boris answered her question.
"We were band kids before we joined up with the military.. Never could settle on any one thing so we went with a lot, almost everything to be honest. After all that work and now getting to use our old talents again? How could we say no?"
With that, Alto led the rest of the Reapers including Boris and Danny into a line of instrumental pieces. Boris now filling in for Jaynix on drums and Danny on the piano as Jaynix and Lyla moved to the dance floor, Eren following closely behind.
Jaynix twirled Lyla with ease, placing a hand on her hip and smiling, joining the dancing crowd while Eren disappeared into it.
"This was a really good idea."
Jaynix stated, drawing laughter from Lyla.
"Are you taking the credit for it?"
"Nah, group effort. Though I wish I could've come up with it!"
As they continued to sway, Jaynix looked over Lyla's shoulder a wide smile forming on her face. Lyla spun them around so she was now facing in the direction Jaynix had been to see the rest of the crowd.
Kruse was still dancing with Elma as best he could, while Irina and Gwin were now paired up. Nagi and Harriet were not far off and even Vandham himself had taken to the floor with Constantine. Neither man knew the first thing about dancing but they were having a good time, that much was clear.
At the bar, Kriss smiled as Eren appeared, the Strategist greeting her softly.
"Hey...you're here."
Standing, Kriss approached her.
"I said I would be, right?"
Eren nodded.
"Right...do you…"
Kriss tilted her head.
"Do I? Want to dance?"
Eren nodded once again, Kriss giving it some thought.
"I don't see why not...I have to say, I was under the assumption that our relationship was some sort of secret."
Eren chuckled.
"I can see why you'd think that...but our...relationship, whatever it is. I don't want it to be a secret. But you have to be fine with it too, Kriss."
The Professor tilted her head before turning back to the bar and retrieving her drink. With one long gulp, she finished it off and now gave her full attention to the Strategist.
"I've never been particularly afraid of anything...Eren. If you want to be open about us. Very well."
With a smile, Eren held her hand out, Kriss taking it and allowing herself to be led through the crowd to the dance floor.
The next wave of music from the Reapers and Skelletons on stage was faster than before, several staff members taking the time to show off a myriad of hidden talents that many never thought they'd have the opportunity to use again.
A small field opened amidst the crowds where the First Quarter's more accomplished dancers showed their moves. Jaynix gave Lyla a quick kiss before stepping in the middle herself, a powerful, fast and energetic dance came from her. One that left her sweating and fulfilled. In that moment she remembered why it is she loved dancing so much and wanted nothing more than to ensure they could all do such activities in peace in the future.
Once she stepped out, others filled her place and those watching continued to clap and encourage the performers while others cheered.
Even with this rowdy activity and upbeat music, several couples continued to dance on their own, lost in their personal rhythms and conversations, unaware of everything else that was going on.
Noting this, Kumon stepped closer to Alto and whispered something to him. With a nod the man signaled the group to change their current setlist and opted for a series of softer and more soothing tracks.
The ones exhausted from their solo performances took the time to retreat to the bar, relax and talk amongst themselves while the couples now took over the floor.
At the bar Jaynix wore a wide smile, looking at Lyla as the woman held a drink out to her.
Jaynix took a sip and thanked her before looking around to see who else was taking a break. She spotted Kruse, Elma and Harriet talking with each other as well as Vandham on a far end, his loud voice immediately recognizable.
Sharon stood off on her own and not too far from her were Irina and Gwin.
"This is wonderful. Isn't it Jaynix?"
Turning her attention to her wife, Jaynix nodded.
"It really is...we all needed something like this."
"Wish this idea would've come to us sooner."
Jaynix chuckled.
"Me too...but as they say, it's better late than never."
Lyla leaned against Jaynix's shoulder and closed her eyes, Jaynix placed one of her arms around her shoulders.
"Any chance to just enjoy a day or a night with you...well, there's nothing better."
The pair sat there in silence as the night continued. It wasn't too long before Lyla opened her eyes to see something peculiar among the couples in the crowd.
"Jaynix?"
Hearing the whisper, Jaynix looked to Lyla. Before she could ask, she saw Lyla gesture out into the crowd. Following her line of sight, Jaynix found what Lyla was looking at.
Among the dancing couples was Eren and the Professor, Kriss. Both women were pressed up against one another, hands on each other's hips and Eren's head resting comfortably against Kriss' shoulder, eyes closed.
The couple swayed with the music, calmly and slowly. An easy rotation as they continued to move along the floor, at peace.
In any other situation Jaynix would've stood up, pointed at them and yelled "I knew it!"
But seeing the comfort they had with each other, the ease. Jaynix could only smile.
Instead, she whispered, so quietly only Lyla could hear her.
"I knew it."
Comfortable with her own position, Jaynix remained still, kissing the top of Lyla's head.
Eren and Kriss continued their slow dance as Eren moved away from the Professor's shoulder.
"I used to be a little jealous over how much taller than me you were…"
Kriss chuckled.
"I could tell."
Spotting Eren's grin, Kriss couldn't help but groan.
"Hearing you laugh. Seeing you smile. You're getting soft Ms. Amoral Monster."
"No I'm not. I'm merely choosing to take it easy for tonight. Tomorrow it's business as usual."
Eren shook her head.
"I doubt it."
Kriss couldn't fight off a smile as Eren briefly looked over to the stage, spotting Kumon giving her a signal.
"Do you have to go?"
"Only for a song. You'll still be here, right?"
Kriss nodded.
"I don't see why I would leave."
"Good. Cause you haven't heard me sing yet."
Slowly, Eren pulled away from Kriss and headed towards the stage. Kriss wasn't on her own for too long, turning to see Elma nearby.
"Colonel."
"I had a few guesses as to why she was in your room. That was not one of them."
Kriss looked away.
"I think…"
Elma remained silent as Kriss continued to think. Facing the Colonel again.
"I think we can try being friends again…"
Elma tilted her head.
"...it was much more convenient for my research opportunities you know."
Kriss watched Elma laugh.
"I'm sure it was...in time Kriss there are things I know I'll be able to tell you that will make everything clear. Until then I would like to have your friendship again. Even if only for the research rights."
The Professor held her hand out.
"Then we have a deal."
With a nod, Elma shook her hand before turning to see Jaynix and Lyla at the bar, whispering sweet nothings to one another as everyone on stage began changing their positions, Eren in the center, testing the mic.
Approaching the couple, Elma spoke.
"You are quite a dancer, Jaynix."
"Hey Elma. Having fun?"
Elma nodded.
"I am...if it isn't too much trouble for your wife, I'd like to ask you for a dance."
Jaynix looked to Lyla.
"Will you be fine on your own?"
"As if I'm going to stop you from having fun. I'll take the opportunity to dance with a few friends too."
Standing Jaynix nodded.
"Then let's have fun until we collapse from it."
Lyla laughed.
"Sounds like a plan!"
The pair shared a kiss before Lyla headed towards Kruse and Harriet, calling out to them.
Jaynix looked to Elma's outstretched hand as the Reapers began playing once more. With a smile, Jaynix took Elma's hand and returned to the dance floor.
The instruments hit first as Jaynix and Elma held onto one another and began to dance. Couples and pairs all around them swaying to the new song, the two women shared a smile.
Eren's voice came in, as opposed to the loud energy from their practice sessions, she was much softer.
"Train roll on, on down the line, won't you please take me far away?"
Her eyes were focused squarely on Kriss the entire time.
"Now I feel the wind blow outside my door. Means I'm, I'm leaving my woman at home"
The song faded into the background as Elma took a deep breath.
"Six years. That's how long we've known each other."
Jaynix thought for a moment.
"Sometimes I think that's too little...and other times it seems like half my life and still other times I think about meeting Lyla back in 2038...closing in on twenty years since I first met her and that's just...unreal."
"I can only imagine."
The pair continued to move, Jaynix tilting her head.
"Have you ever felt that way about someone, Elma?"
"What way?"
Jaynix laughed.
"Romantic. Longing. Love. Any of that?"
Elma thought for a moment, starting to speak but then shaking her head.
"No...not really."
"That wasn't convincing at all."
Despite it all, Elma laughed.
"You're right...it's a long story. Would probably take me six years to tell."
Jaynix smiled.
"At least it'll keep us occupied."
Elma looked over to see Lyla and Kruse dancing with Harriet and Irina not far behind while Gwin seemed to be having a very unsuccessful chat with Sharon.
"Jaynix."
"Yeah?"
"I know this is a strange thing to bring up now and we'd rather not talk about it but I'm curious."
Jaynix raised an eyebrow.
"Since...2054. That anger. That rage. Do you think it's gone?"
Jaynix thought for a moment. The monster within, born from the loss of her parents that drove her most violent tendencies. She'd relied on it heavily in the Lawless Sectors and even more in the battles against the Lawless themselves.
"I hadn't really...I don't know...the reason for it is long gone but…"
Elma watched Jaynix as she thought about it once more.
"If anything. The last time it happened proves that it's not just those who caused me pain but the idea of pain being inflicted to those close to me...I can't allow that."
Elma could only nod. After losing her parents, Jaynix had absolutely no desire to lose anyone else. At that moment Elma remembered their final showdown with the Lawless. With Lao. She remembered how Jaynix had stepped in front of her, protectively and held her arm out, pushing her back.
"You've stolen enough from me. I won't let you take her too."
"I'm sure you know Jaynix. That Lyla. The Reapers. Me. We're strong."
"I know. I just wish what was in me understood that too...it's a powerful rage born of fear and loss...not really something that just goes away...but I haven't felt it since 2054 and after everything...it really did feel like a huge weight was lifted off of me when it all ended. If we can continue on like this, I'll never have to rely on it again."
Elma smiled.
"I hope so...you deserve to be happy."
"With all my friends, the Reapers, my wife, you...how could I not be?"
Jaynix looked down for a moment.
"The only thing missing is Flame...but I have her gift with me. She's never too far away…"
It was then that something struck Elma. Something she couldn't believe.
"I'm a fool."
"Huh?"
The communications device Kriss had given Elma. While it's true its main purpose is to contact Aeon. It was only now that she realized she could've used it to give Jaynix the opportunity to communicate with Flame.
Before Elma could speak her mind, she thought about it again. What if the Pequod was shot down? What then? That would do Jaynix no good. Sighing, she shook her head.
"I just thought of something...don't worry about it."
"You sure? You know you can talk to me, Elma."
"I know. Thank you. I just need to sit on it for a bit."
Jaynix nodded. Elma noted once more, how much the other woman trusted her.
The pair's dance came to an end as the Reapers' performance of Tuesday's Gone ended. The crowd cheered as Eren left the stage almost immediately, the crowd parting to allow her to walk through with ease, right up to Kriss.
With no hesitation, Eren wrapped arms around the Professor and kissed her in full view of all the gathered staff, soldiers and officers, all of whom just cheered. For many things.
For the Reapers' concert, for each other, for their shared success, for Eren and Kriss, for everything.
Kumon took to the mic once more and thanked everyone, wishing them all the best for the rest of the night and for the rest of their journey.
Separating from one another, Jaynix and Elma shared a smile. Hearing a voice call out to her, Jaynix looked to see Lyla, Kruse and Harriet, her wife waving her over.
Elma also had her attention pulled to Irina and Gwin who were now with Boris and Danny as they got off the stage.
The Corporal and Colonel shared one last look and a smile before going their separate ways.