5: Total Eclipse
HELEUS WRITING CONTEST!
To: Nexus/Initiative Colonies
Storytellers Wanted!
Do you have a great story to tell? A story filled with excitement? Intrigue? Let's create a classic for the ages! Media professionals are now scouting for talent to bring YOUR story to life!
We are looking for stories in the following genres:
ADVENTURE!*
ROMANCE!
DRAMA!
COMEDY!
Preferred themes are:
Interstellar exploration
Star-crossed lovers
Angara-Initiative collaborations
Note:
Stories MUST be fiction.**
Stories may contain some sex, but cannot be sexually explicit.***
Selection Process and Judges
We will read all entries submitted by the date on the entry form.
Your judges are:
Davis Qar—HNS Reporter and Producer. Known as "The Voice" of HNS. Journalism credentials include a week interning on Mars. Currently single!
Keri T'Vessa—Documentary-maker. Fearless Truth Seeker. Award-winning work includes: "The Ex-Files— The Truth is Out There: A Day in the Alliance's Divorce Court"
Hakim—Producer. Cameraman. Coffee runner.
Winners will be announced during an HNS broadcast on the date on the entry form and will see their masterpiece adapted into a riveting film or miniseries: the first by the Andromeda Initiative in Heleus!
Open to all Initiative members and angaran citizens. Contest judges, their families, and all HNS employees are not eligible.****
*But not too much adventure, because we have a limited special-effects budget.
** Some genius authorized a block of lawyers and lawmakers to come out of Cryo.
***See previous note.
****Seriously, Qar? You're the ONLY HNS employee. Don't forget to delete this note once you're done proofing.
/message filter: Spam
[Comments]
^Hey, Suvi! Weren't you saying you liked writing? Here's your big break! [Vetra]
^^I do! Looks interesting…but I don't know what I'd write about. [Suvi]
^^^You should write about a dashing Salarian pilot. [Kallo]
^^^^That's a great idea, Suvi. [Gil]
^^^^^Why am I bracing myself?... [Kallo]
^^^^^^After all, they did say they were looking for works of fiction. [Gil]
^^^^^^^You're the "dick" in predictable. [Kallo]
^^^^^^^^I'll think about it. I do like writing romances. [Suvi]
^^^^^^^^^Davis Qar invited me out for drinks once. It was a strange evening. [Vetra]
^Why is that? [Liam]
^^He'd keep ending his sentences with, 'And this is HNS.' He tried to pass it off as an occupational tic. I had Sid hail me and told him I had to leave because of a work emergency after he told me how he used to hide in the tram before the speakers were functional and deliver his news bulletins. All he did was talk about himself and HNS. [Vetra]
^^^Ha ha! We should set him up with Cora. They could get married and then HNS could stand for "Huntress News Service". [Peebee]
^^^^What's that supposed to mean? [Cora]
^^^^^Speaking of news, anyone heard from Ryder? [Lexi]
^^^^^^You don't know? [Peebee]
^^^^^^^She and Jaal had to attend an event Tann and Addison are hosting at the Cultural Center for the new angaran diplomatic corps on the Nexus. [Vetra]
^^^^^^^^I didn't realize that was tonight. Well, I'm glad Jaal went, too. I'm sure it's a relief for him to see fellow angarans on the Nexus, especially after everything that happened on Voeld with the Moshae. [Lexi]
^I never saw him so shaken after a mission. [Vetra]
^^THOSE KETT ARE SICK BASTARDS [Drack]
^^^JUST THINKING ABOUT IT MAKES ME WANT TO GO FIGHT SOME RIGHT NOW [Drack]
^^^^Hey Drack, I thought Kesh had returned your datapad when she was visiting earlier. [Vetra]
^^^^^SHE DID SHES GOOD TO HER OLD MAN MY RUSHAN [Drack]
^^^^^^Then why are you still writing in all caps? [Peebee]
^^^^^^^BECAUSE I PREFER TO [Drack]
^^^^^^^^THIS IS BETTER IT SOUNDS MORE LIKE ME [Drack]
^^^^^^^^^SMALL LETTERS ARENT LIKE ME I AM A BIG GUY [Drack]
^^^^^^^^^^THIS IS MORE LIKE A KROGAN [Drack]
^Yes. This is more like a krogan…who is having trouble seeing words on a small screen…[Lexi]
^^/LOG OFF [Drack]
^^^Drack, are you having trouble with your eyes again? I might need to adjust your prescription. Come to Med Bay. [Lexi]
^^^^/LOG OFF /LOG OFF /LOG OFF /LOG OFF [Drack]
^^^^^We wouldn't have to adjust your contacts' prescription if you agreed to get an optical implant. It's a quick procedure. I've done it hundreds of times and you wouldn't have to wear contacts anymore. I don't know why you fight me so much on this. Meet me at Med Bay. [Lexi]
^^^^^^DRACK IS OFFLINE NOW [Drack}
^^^^^^^AND OFF THE TEMPEST [Drack]
^^^^^^^^FAR AWAY [Drack]
^Hahaha! Leave a message after the beep! [Peebee]
^^Goddess help me. I can see you sitting in the galley kitchen from the hallway. Get in here. [Lexi]
^^^FINE BUT NO IMPLANTS [Drack]
InfoBoard v. 3.4
/Restrictions: Nexus Security to Tempest/All
^Welcome back, Tempest. [Kandros]
^^Thanks! It's good to be back. [Vetra]
^^^Is Ryder still around or has she left for the Cultural Center dinner? [Kandros]
^^^^She and Jaal left about half an hour ago. [Peebee]
^^^^^Ah, well. One of my strike teams collected some intel I wanted to run by her. [Kandros]
^^^^^^Just upload it to SAM. [Gil]
^^^^^^^How come you're not at the fancy Initiative dinner, Kandros? [Vetra]
^^^^^^^^Probably for the same reason you aren't. [Kandros]
^^^^^^^^^Ha! Did I hit a sore spot? [Vetra]
^^^^^^^^^^You could say that. It's going to be a big spread. Tann and Addison are trying to show off to the angara leadership. But on a budget, I guess. So Kesh and I and a whole bunch of people who deserved to be there weren't invited. [Kandros]
^I don't know. There could be a bright side…I'd be willing to forgo some turian delicacies to avoid Addison's keynote address. [Vetra]
^^Heh. When you put it that way…[Kandros]
^^^What about you all? What do you have lined up for tonight? [Kandros]
^^^^I'm going to see if I can download some old vids at the Exchange. Maybe get a few beers. [Liam]
^^^^^Meeting my friend Jill at the Vortex. We might play a little poker. You know, nothing serious. You and your credits are all welcome.[Gil]
^^^^^^RIIIGHT! [Peebee]
^^^^^^^Nope, nope…[Vetra]
^^^^^^^^Count me out. [Kallo]
^I can't even [Cora]
/Cora is offline.
^^What about you, Kandros? You up for a few rounds? [Gil]
^^^Thanks, but those aren't my kind of rounds. Besides, I think I left my wallet back in the Milky Way…[Kandros]
^^^^Haha! [Vetra]
^^^^^I've seen you play. I'll pass. [Kandros]
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
* V., do I sense anything between you and our Director of Security? {Gil}
**What? Me and Tiran? Hardly! {Vetra}
***Oh, Tiran, is it?...{Gil}
****We get along pretty well, but it's nothing like that. {Gil}
*****Would you like it to be? {Gil}
******Why? Did you pick up on something? {Vetra}
*******Oh, the only one doing any picking up is going to be you. Let's get you a date with Kandros. {Gil}
********What? Stop it… {Vetra}
*********Kandros is hot! {Gil}
*If she won't, I'll go! {Peebee}
**No, you won't. All right, Gil. Let's see what you have up your sleeve. {Vetra}
^And you, V.? What are you up to tonight? Drinks with Davis Qar again? [Gil]
^^Davis Qar? I didn't know you and he had a thing going on! [Kandros]
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
*Gil…What are you doing? I said up your sleeve, not your ass! {Vetra}
^It's more of a nothing. We had drinks once. That's it. [Vetra]
^^A little odd, that guy. Arrested him on the tram once, months ago. He used to hide in the back and pretend he was broadcasting the news over the speakers. That was harmless enough, but it was making people nervous. [Kandros]
^^^Yeah, he mentioned the tram broadcasts, but not the arrest. The evening was a waste of drinks, to be honest. [Vetra]
^^^^Someone ought to make it up to you. [Gil]
^^^^^How about you, Kandros? [Gil]
^^^^^^Me?[Kandros]
^^^^^^^Sure! You busy? [Gil]
^^^^^^^^Well… Why not? What do you say, Nyx? Want to grab a drink with me after my shift, in about an hour? [Kandros]
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
*Boom! I'm THAT good. {Gil}
**And you better grab more than a drink. {Gil}
***Heh. I'm good too. Watch. {Vetra}
^Mm. Sounds nice, but there's just one problem…[Vetra]
^^What's that? [Kandros]
^^^I don't drink on an empty stomach…How about you take me out to dinner first? [Vetra]
^^^^Is that so?... All right: dinner, drinks…Anything else? [Kandros]
^^^^^Dessert?... [Vetra]
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
*BE that dessert, girl! {Gil}
^Ok. Let's do this: I'll pick you up at the Tempest in an hour. [Kandros]
^^See you then. And don't be late. [Vetra]
^^^Will I be in trouble if I am? [Kandros]
^^^^You know it: I'll have to handcuff you… [Vetra]
^^^^^Is that a promise or a threat? If that's a threat against a Nexus Security Officer, it could be considered a felony… [Kandros]
^^^^^^Then would I be the one in trouble?...[Vetra]
^^^^^^^Yes. And I'll be the one handcuffing you… [Kandros]
^^^^^^^^Either way, I really don't see how we could lose... [Vetra]
^^^^^^^^^Forget those vids! I'm just gonna sit here and read this chat. [Liam]
^I'm doing my best to stifle laughter during a very dull briefing, Nyx. [Kandros]
^^I'll see you in a bit. [Kandros]
/Kandros is offline.
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
*Suvi, you taking notes for that story of yours? {Gil}
**Roguish maverick and Nexus security officer? I'd read it up. {Peebee}
***Especially if he's late to their dinner. (◕‿-) {Gil}
****There's potential. I'll think about it. {Suvi}
*****Don't you dare. I gotta go get ready. Later. [Vetra]
/Vetra is offline
/PM to "Jaal" from "Ryder"
^Hey, Jaal! I'm sorry we didn't get a chance to sit next to each other or really talk at the dinner tonight. I just wanted to let you know…I read the note you sent me earlier. [Ryder]
^^Oh? I hope I did not say anything inappropriate. [Jaal]
^^^No, no! Not at all! I would love to get more messages like that! [Ryder]
^^^^You would? [Jaal]
^^^^^Yes. I mean, from YOU! Not, from, like Tann. [Ryder]
^^^^^^Definitely not from Tann. [Ryder]
^^^^^^^I am glad you liked my message. [Jaal]
^Do you want to…talk? I think we should probably talk. [Ryder]
^^What do you wish to talk about? [Jaal]
^^^About us? I mean, I've been meaning to share some of my feelings as well. [Ryder]
^^^^Ah. Of course. [Jaal]
^^^^^I…You know…Kind of enjoy you as well. [Ryder]
^^^^^^I am so happy to hear it. Because I adore you. [Jaal]
^Oh, wow! Yes! Me too! I adore you! A lot! Maybe I should pop over to the Tech Lab and we could tell each other these things in person?...[Ryder]
^^What a perfect evening, Ryder. I adored it.[Jaal]
^^^All righty! I'll be there in five minutes! [Ryder]
^^^^I told my angara brethren to open their minds, to regard the Initiative with curiosity rather than fear. There is so much to learn and to enjoy. [Jaal]
^^^^^I'm all for the enjoyment part! [Ryder]
^^^^^^For example, tonight's banquet was fascinating…wonderful. [Jaal]
^Yeah? That's some high praise! Should I bring some wine? You seemed to like it at the dinner. [Ryder]
^^Ah, yes. "Wine". I enjoy it—but more than that, I adore its flavor, perfume, and potency. [Jaal]
^^^Really? That much…You know…That's kind of similar to what you said about me in your note… [Ryder]
^^^^It is? Well, I enjoy you, too!
^^^^^Ok, funny guy. Should I stop by with a bottle of my competition in a bit then? (Ha!Ha!) [Ryder]
^^^^^^Do you know what else I adore? [Jaal]
^^^^^^^Riding the tram. I find it…fascinating. [Jaal]
^^^^^^^^Wait…what? I thought you said *I* was fascinating. [Ryder]
^^^^^^^^^And what was that exquisite food they served at the end of the dinner? [Jaal]
^The dessert? [Ryder]
^^Yes! What was it? [Jaal]
^^^You mean the flan? [Ryder]
^^^^FLAN! I ADORE IT! [Jaal]
^^^^^Jaal, hang on…I'm really confused now…[Ryder]
/Jaal is offline.
^^^^^^Jaal? [Ryder]
/Ryder is offline.
/End of PM
"SAM…What…What just happened?" Ryder grimaced as she scratched her head in confusion. "Is the translator busted? Here I was, feeling all special because he said he adored me and now I find out he pretty much adores everything!"
"Pathfinder, this may be a cultural difference that manifests itself in the language. According to my databases on Shelesh's formal, conceptual, and lexical semantics, angarans' emotional and passionate nature finds expression in linguistic constructs. Indifference or even what we would understand as a middle ground do not have specific terminology. The language is such that one either detests or adores, enjoys or dislikes."
"Are you telling me I am somewhere on a scale of 0 to flan?"
"In a matter of speaking, yes, Pathfinder. But with flan being every number after 0."
"Fucking flan!"
"It is highly doubtful that his affection for flan is of that nature—"
"No, no, that's not what I meant by that—Look, just do me a favor: pull up Jaal's message again for me."
"The one you had me set as your monitor's background?"
"Yes!"
Ryder bit her lip as the message flickered against the dark background.
A communication from your friend Jaal
"Dearest,
In your culture, is "dearest" too strong a word to use when two people are fond of each other? And is "fond" too strong a word to use when two people enjoy flirting with each other?
I enjoy you. Even now, I smile picturing your face.
Angara are free with our emotions, and it feels normal for me to lay mine at your feet. I hope this is not too strange for your species and that you can comfortably accept them.
I enjoy you—but more than that, I adore your strength and courage and beauty.
Your dearest,
Jaal"
"Oh, SAM…"
"Yes?"
"What if…What if I've misunderstood everything? What if he was just being friendly?"
"Pathfinder, he did say in his message that he adores you. That was accurately translated from Shelesh."
"That's what I had inferred at first, as well…But…See here? Look: he wrote that he adores my strength, and courage, and beauty. Characteristics of mine. Parts. Not the whole. Not…Me. See the difference?"
"It is fairly safe to assume that Jaal nurtures romantic feelings for you."
"Fond!" Ryder cried out in anguish. "He wrote 'fond'. That's it. He is CLEARLY telling me he just wants to be friends. Fond is the verbal equivalent of a pat on the head."
"At this point, the exercise in interpretation seems to be purely academic and is yielding no significant discernments. If I may offer an insight: although I am not as familiar with fledgling relationships, as your father was already part of a well-established couple by the time he created me, I have observed that when it comes to sentimental issues, it is quite natural for people to feel vulnerable and second-guess intent. Perhaps it would be better if you addressed Jaal directly for clarifications on this matter."
"Like, just ask him?"
"Yes."
"Gosh, NO!"
"It was merely a suggestion. It would resolve this impasse by offering you a definitive interpretation."
"There's got to be a better way..."
"What do you have in mind?"
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
*Hi! Anyone still up? {Ryder}
**Hey Ryder! What's happening? {Gil}
***So, I have an interesting situation I'd like your thoughts on. {Ryder}
****Sounds serious! {Cora}
*****How serious can it be? Did you see the name of this chat channel? {Peebee}
******If it's serious, maybe you want to call a meeting in the Comm Room. {Vetra}
*It's more of a delicate matter than a serious one. I thought I'd run it by you guys. But I need to be able to count on your discretion. {Ryder}
**Sure. Go ahead. {Cora}
***How well do you all know angara culture? {Ryder}
****Why don't you just ask Jaal? {Vetra}
*****I can't. {Ryder}
******And…why can't you ask the one angara on the crew about angaran culture? {Peebee}
*******I'd rather not involve Jaal. It could place him in an awkward situation. You see, it's… It's about something that happened earlier…I can't go into details, but basically this is what you need to know: a member of the Initiative received a personal message from one of the members of the Angara Resistance before Tann's diplomatic dinner at the Cultural Center. {Ryder}
********You mean the fancy dinner? {Peebee}
*********Yes. {Ryder}
*The one the rest of us weren't invited to. {Peebee}
**I heard it was amazing! {Suvi}
***I know! Jaal came by and wouldn't stop talking about the flan. {Lexi}
****Haha! Jaal is so funny! He gets excited about everything. {Peebee}
*****Did you see him when Bradley brought us the first tomatoes grown in Prodromos? Jaal was acting like they were the most incredible delicacy: 'These tomatoes are exquisite! I adore them!' {Vetra}
******That is one intense fellow. He made them sound so darn marvelous, even I ate one… and I don't even like tomatoes. {Gil}
*******Hahaha! {Peebee}
********Hey, guys?... When did we get tomatoes? {Cora}
"I was right, SAM. He's just an enthusiastic person. He may adore me, but apparently, he also adores riding the tram, sampling tomatoes, wine, and freakin' flan."
"To be fair, flan is a traditionally popular dessert from Earth beloved by many Milky Way peoples, Pathfinder."
"You know, I'm starting to think the 'S' in SAM stands for Sarcastic."
*So tell us what happened, Ryder. {Vetra}
**Yes, especially since Vetra is being tight lipped about her date with Kandros. {Gil}
***You and Kandros? But I thought you and Davis Qar were dating. {Ryder}
****I had drinks with the guy ONCE. Why does everyone think we're a couple? {Vetra}
*****Maybe it's because he broadcast it all over HNS? {Gil}
******But to be fair, it was a slow news cycle. That "Stranded on a Doomed Space Station" headline for 14 months must have been brutal. {Gil}
*******That's so nice, Vetra! I like Kandros—he's a good guy. {Ryder}
********Thanks, Ryder. We had a great evening. We got some food to go from the caf and found a quiet spot beneath the stars overlooking hydroponics. We shared a bottle of turian ale and talked. {Vetra}
*And theeen?...{Gil}
**None of your business! {Vetra}
***Suvi, can you work with that? {Gil}
****I could try…It's very sweet, actually. {Suvi}
*****See? She can't work with that, Vetra. We need dishy details. {Gil}
******All you need to know is that we had a great time and we're doing it again. Soon. {Vetra}
*******If Suvi doesn't win that contest it'll be your fault. {Gil}
********So then what? {Peebee}
*********Yes! Don't hold out on us…like certain people. {Gil}
**********It's not a big deal. It's just that there's this woman—part of the Initiative—who has been working closely with an angara cohort. They get along great and she likes him a lot and hopes the feeling is mutual. Anyway, he recently sent her a message and she isn't sure if she's reading too much into it. {Ryder}
/PM "Gil" to "Vetra"
^You buying this? [Gil]
^^It's about her and Jaal. [Vetra]
/End of PM
/PM "Peebee" to "Gil"
^Seriously?[Peebee]
^^Let's roll with it…[Gil]
/End of PM
*You've come to the right place, Ryder. We can help. {Gil}
**I wonder who it could be…{Peebee}
***That's confidential. {Ryder}
****Let's think about it…How many members of the Initiative are currently working closely with angara? {Peebee}
*****Not that many. {Vetra}
******Could it be Liam…and Varand? {Gil}
*******Good call, but Ryder said the Initiative person is a woman and the angara is a man. {Peebee}
********Unless she was trying to throw us off…{Vetra}
*********Did you say this happened at the dinner party? {Peebee}
*Yes. But that's not relevant! {Ryder}
**Well, well! That narrows things down! {Gil}
***Let's see…A woman who is a leader in the Initiative…{Peebee}
****That's not what I said. I never said "leader'. {Ryder}
*****Yes, but no one else outside leadership was invited to the dinner. {Vetra}
******I just realized who it is! {Gil}
*******This is so exciting! {Suvi}
********Who is it, Gil? {Peebee}
*********Think about it! Who is a woman with a leadership position in the initiative who has been working closely with angara? {Gil}
*Could it BE? {Vetra}
**Yes, Vetra. It IS. {Gil}
***Very clever of you to try and hide this, Ryder, but we're excellent at what we do for a reason. {Gil}
/PM from "Vetra" to "Gil"
*Because we're nosey. [Vetra]
/End of PM
****Guys, the identity of the people involved isn't what's important right now. {Ryder]
*****Is it…RYDER AND JAAL? {Peebee}
*******That's just silly. It's obviously ADDISON. {Gil}
********Oh. My. Goddess. {Peebee}
*********Ok: No. We're not doing this. {Ryder}
**********But just as a point of curiosity, if it were Jaal and I, would that really be so outlandish? {Ryder}
*So, naturally, the man can only be one person. The one angara with whom Addison is in constant communication with about the outpost on Voeld. {Gil}
**Wow. {Peebee}
***That's right. {Gil}
****You don't say…{Vetra}
*****Evfra. {Gil}
******What? {Ryder}
*******It's all right, Ryder. We can keep it on the down low. {Gil}
*It makes perfect sense. {Vetra}
**Suvi, are you getting all this? {Peebee}
***Addison and Evfra? I could ship it. {Suvi}
****So, I am checking the Nexus' manifest from our last visit to Prodromos and I don't see any tomatoes reported. {Cora}
*****For the record: It's not Addison and Evfra! {Ryder}
******Be serious Ryder: who else could it possibly be?... {Gil}
/PM from "Gil" to "Vetra"
^I have to say, she's putting up a good front. [Gil]
^^Why doesn't she just come out and say it? [Vetra]
^^^Perhaps for the same reason a certain Tempest crew member won't say anything about her date with the hottest turian on the Nexus?
^^^^I doesn't kiss and tell…
^^^^^Kiss…and what else? [Gil]
^^^^^^Cute, Gil, but no cigar. [Vetra]
*Actually, I like it! I'm getting some good ideas! {Suvi}
**I'll have to change the names, of course. {Suvi}
***Hahaha! Oh no…Sounds like a bad turian soap opera! {Vetra}
****Hush! There in NO such thing! {Gil}
*****I do like all the musical numbers in those turian shows. {Suvi}
******Right? Me too! Especially in the middle of an intense pursuit scene. Someone really ought to convey our disappointment to the kett. I want to see more jazz hands when they jump out of their aircraft. {Gil}
*******Okay. Let's just forget I ever asked. Clearly, I did NOT think this through. {Ryder}
Anyone Still Up…
…And up for a game of Snakes and Ladders?
[Liam]
[Comments]
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
*You know what this chat needs? More Liam! {Gil}
**Can we not? I'd really, really rather Jaal didn't read about this on general chat! {Ryder}
***Don't worry, Ryder. What happens on T&A chat, STAYS in T&A chat. {Peebee}
****I have a workaround…Observe the power of the chat moderator! {Gil}
/ "Liam" has joined the private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
*****Whoa. What's goin' on?{Liam]
******Welcome aboard. {Gil}
*******Really? A secret channel? {Liam}
********It used to be girls only. {Peebee}
*********You do realize I am not a girl, right? {Liam}
**********Hmmm. You might have to strip down again for us to verify…{Peebee}
*So, what's everyone up to? {Liam}
**Scroll back and get caught up on the convo. {Peebee}
***Why don't you run that message you were talking about by us, Ryder? You might as well. {Vetra}
****Fine, but first I need you all to understand that this has nothing to do with Addison and Evfra. {Ryder}
*****Of course not! *wink wink *{Peebee}
******Wow, you guys. I just read up and this is crazy! {Liam}
*******This is out of control! {Liam}
********I was trying to tell them the same thing, Liam! {Ryder}
*********You all holding out on me? When did Auggie come by with those tomatoes? {Liam}
*EXACTLY! That's what *I* want to know! {Cora}
**This is bullshit. {Liam}
***Let's get back to the message. It's getting late. {Vetra}
****Show us what you've got, Ryder! {Peebee}
*****Here's a copy of the letter- without any personal identifying details to protect the involved party. Are we clear? {Ryder}
/Message sent to: Members of private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass"
/PM from "Gil" to "Peebee"
^Thoughts? [Gil]
^^I can almost hear Jaal reciting this. [Peebee]
^^^Why won't she just fess up? [Peebee]
^^^^Let's yank her chain a bit… [Gil]
/End of PM
/PM from "Peebee" to "Suvi"
^Suvi, that message was from Jaal. You got that, right? [Peebee]
^^OH! This gave me an idea: what if I wrote about a love triangle? Addison, Evfra, and Jaal? [Suvi]
^^^I LOVE IT. But why stop there? [Peebee]
^^^^You mean?... [Suvi]
^^^^^Yup. Put Ryder in it, too! [Peebee]
^^^^^^The possibilities!...[Suvi]
^^^^^^^ You better write the shit out of that story. I want lots of drama, smut: some of it occurring on the tram, and at least one good food fight. [Peebee]
/End of PM
/PM from "Liam" to "Cora"
^I didn't find anything about tomatoes on the ship manifest. [Liam]
^^It's baffling to me, as well. [Cora]
^^^Do you think someone could have….[Liam]
^^^^Disregarded docking protocols and not properly recorded everything in and outbound from the Nexus as they should have? Yes. [Cora]
^^^^^I was just going to say that someone must have eaten our share of tomatoes…But yeah, that's still some serious shit. [Liam]
^^^^^^You know what we have to do, right? [Cora]
^^^^^^^Yeah. Round people up. Interrogate them. We'll go with good cop, bad cop. I call dibs on playing bad cop. [Liam]
^^^^^^^^Um. No. We need to run an audit and check visitor logs. [Cora]
^^^^^^^^^Or that. [Liam]
*Well…what do you guys think? {Ryder}
**Hmm…{Vetra}
***Are you thinking what I'm thinking? {Gil}
****It's pretty obvious…{Vetra}
*****It's a love message, right? {Ryder}
******Right? {Ryder}
*******Nope. {Vetra}
********It's the biggest dis. {Gil}
*A dis? How so? {Ryder}
**Look at how he starts the message. {Vetra}
***"Dearest…uh…what's your face again?" {Gil}
****OH, COME ON! I don't know about that! Perhaps he feels so deeply for her that names are irrelevant. Maybe all that matters is how he feels! {Ryder}
*****Next, he's asking the questions about the terminology because he really doesn't know. He's simply curious. {Vetra}
******Exactly. This is purely an inquisitive message. {Gil}
*Totally. {Vetra}
**Now let's look at the next part: "I enjoy you. Even now I smile picturing your face." Basically he is stating that he thinks she is ridiculous and that her antics make him laugh. {Gil}
***It's an insult, if I ever heard one. {Vetra}
****I think you are wrong. Just because they are physically different does not mean he wouldn't be attracted to her! He acknowledged that they flirt, darn it! She's already attracted to him…I mean, probably, I suppose…What is so wrong about that? {Ryder}
*****On to the next bit: he is saying that he's going to tell her how it is from now on, so she has to deal with it. {Gil}
******What? Seriously? I understood it as his saying that he's open with his emotions and will suppress them no longer! {Ryder}
/PM "Vetra" to "Peebee"
^Where did you go? We're floundering here. [Vetra]
^^Sssh. I'm busy reading Suvi's ficlet. [Peebee]
^^^What ficlet? [Vetra]
^^^^ "Tram Rider" [Peebee]
^^^^^Oh, Spirits. [Vetra]
^^^^^^It's. So. Good. [Peebee]
^^^^^^^I don't even want to know, do I? [Vetra]
^^^^^^^^Oh, all right! Where is it? Send it to me! [Vetra]
/Copied content by "Peebee":
Tram Rider
They sized each other up as the tram's doors shut.
"You left the party early," Slyder, the intrepid human explorer remarked, eyeing the Angara Resistance leader as he sat in the seat facing hers.
"It was becoming stifling in there," he uttered in his deep voice, turning his face away.
"I think I understand." Slyder nodded and peered out the window. "I never expected Maddison and Taal to—Nevermind. It upsets me just to think of it."
They remained in silence until the tram came to a screeching halt, sending Slyder crashing into Eshra's strong, muscular chest. An announcement played on the speakers.
"Attention, Nexus personnel. We are experiencing a brief outage. Please remain calm. We anticipate the power will be restored shortly."
Ryder peered at the dim surroundings.
"Great. One more thing that didn't go right tonight."
Eshra contemplated her pensively.
"It appears both of us had disappointing evenings," he remarked. "I had hoped the night would have ended very differently," he continued, wistfully.
"Yes. Me too. But I have to move on…and so should you."
Slyder examined Eshra shrewdly.
"I thought you Angara were a deeply emotional people."
His eyes narrowed.
"We are. Very much so."
Slyder would not let her earlier disappointment crush her spirit. Before he could understand what was happening, Slyder straddled his hips. Yanking him by the rofjin, she leaned over and seductively whispered in his ear:
"Prove it."
Eshra raised his proud head and met her daring, defiant gaze for a few moments. Without a further word, he crushed her against him and they found themselves locked in a passionate embrace, their hands eagerly yanking off each other's clothing.
"What are these?" Eshra broke away from their ardent kisses to cup her full breasts. She sighed with delight as he squeezed them firmly. Mesmerized by the effect his caresses were having on her, he leaned over to kiss them.
"Have you never seen these before?"
"No," he murmured, entranced, flicking his tongue over her hard nipple.
"I find it hard to believe," she whispered, right before letting out a moan of pleasure. "What you're doing feels really good."
"Mm. Whatever these are: I adore them," he declared.
/End of copied content
^HAHAHAHAHA! Oh WOW! [Vetra]
^^It didn't just end there, did it? [Vetra]
^^^I need more. [Vetra]
^^^^Peebee? [Vetra]
/End of PM
*And look at the ending of that message. He didn't even bother to sign his name. {Gil}
**He was like, 'whatever'. {Gil}
***Isn't that so? Don't you all agree? {Gil}
****Where did you all go? {Gil}
***** I'm not buying it. I think you are all wrong. How can you jump to such outlandish conclusions? You know what? This is a straightforward love note from a man who is infatuated with a woman that he's established a playful, tender rapport with and he is tentatively trying to assert whether or not their relationship might progress from friendship to something more romantic! {Ryder}
******Well, then…I guess there's the answer to your conundrum. {Gil}
*******Huh! I guess you're right! {Ryder}
********Thanks, all. I'm out for the night. And please…be discreet. I'm counting on your professionalism. {Ryder}
*Don't you worry. It's all under control. {Gil}
/Ryder is offline
InfoBoard v. 3.4
^Good morning, everyone: you HAVE to read this! [Peebee]
/File "Tram Rider" shared by "Peebee" with "Tempest"/All
[Comments]
^WHAT THE HELL DID I JUST READ? [Drack]
^^It's Suvi's entry to the Heleus Writing Contest! [Peebee]
^^^I'm curious about the inspiration for the name "Eshra". [Jaal]
^^^^It's a work of fiction! Any resemblance to real, existing people is mere coincidence! [Suvi]
^^^^^Because…It means "hard" in our language. [Jaal]
^^^^^^That's what I call "foreshadowing." [Gil]
^^^^^^^Foreshadowing? [Jaal]
^^^^^^^^It's kind of like foreplay, but in literature. [Gil]
^^^^^^^^^Foreplay? [Jaal]
^^^^^^^^^^Yes…a hint of what's…to come. [Gil]
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
*HAHAHAHAHA! {Peebee}
**HAHAH! {Vetra}
***HAHAHA! {Liam}
/"Liam" removed from the channel
^Just like that? Oh, well: it was fun while it lasted. [Liam]
^^What was? [Kallo]
^^^Never mind. [Liam]
^^^^It is interesting that you have a distinct, separate term for this. We angara just consider what you call "foreplay" as a normal, expected part of the entire act. [Jaal]
^^^^^This has been quite educational. I'll look forward to more. [Jaal]
/ Welcome to private InfoBoard Chat Channel "Tits and Ass" moderated by "Peebee" and "Gil"
*So will we, Jaal…So will we… {Peebee}
**Educational indeed…{Vetra}
***We have much to learn from the angara, apparently. {Lexi}
****I'd rather do my learning with the angara. {Gil}
*****Is there more "Tram Rider" yet? {Vetra}
******I'm hitting the refresh button in my mailbox and no updates yet…{Lexi}
Reminder
Shifts begin on the hour they are scheduled. Not five minutes later. Not "Oh, I'll be up in a toaty bit, Kallo!" after.
[Kallo]
[Comments]
^Sorry, everyone. I won't be able to write the rest of my story until my shift is over. But here is something to tide you over! Liam helped me select a theme song for my submission, if I win! [Suvi]
^^You can listen and watch the vid here: File: "Total Eclipse of the Heart" by Bonnie Tyler [Suvi]
^^^It's a really good one and in the vid you'll notice they are also experiencing a power outage. [Liam]
^^^^And I'm about to experience a seizure. I've completely given up on any coherence from these vids by now. Speaking of which, I've been meaning to point out something in your fic, Suvi: if there was no power in the tram scene, how were they able to broadcast over the speakers that the power was out? [Kallo]
^^^^^Hmm. Good point, Kallo. I didn't think of that. [Suvi]
^^^^^^Oh, very well. If you insist: I'll be your beta reader. [Kallo]
"Pathfinder, you have new e-mail—"
"Holy crap, SAM! You scared me! Can't I even pee in peace?"
"Of course."
Ryder dried off her hands and pulled up her messages.
"What are the chances this "Tram Rider" thing is going to blow over soon?"
"Uncertain. Suvi's is the only entry to the contest so far. As such, her chances of winning are practically—"
"I'm never leaving my quarters again."
Apology
From: Jaal
To: Ryder
Dearest,
I apologize for last night. Your wine is deceivingly strong: although it appears weaker than tavum… it isn't. I may have had too much at the dinner; I somehow disconnected my datapad during our chat. Perhaps you will forgive me this once. My feelings for you are so intense that I adore everything—I am delighted by the smallest things, thanks to you. Such is your effect on me, my wonderful Ryder. You make me so happy and that in turn makes my world a better, more beautiful and hopeful place.
Your dearest,
Jaal
"Do you feel reassured, Pathfinder? That is an undeniable positive assertion of Jaal's romantic feelings towards you."
"Yeah." Ryder couldn't stop grinning. "Take that, flan!" she whispered gleefully, stepping out into the hallway and making her way towards the Tech Lab.
A/N: The message is obviously the original one in the game. I remember being all giddy after getting it, but then feeling all confused when my Ryder chatted with him afterward and he was all business as usual.
Davis Qar is in the Operations Center. If you talk to him, he'll admit that the most exciting thing that happened to him during his (incomplete!) training as a journalist was an internship on Mars. That cracked me up because it reminded me of trying desperately to beef up a resume. Poor Qar. Life skills!
I ship Kandros, who's hot, and Vetra, who's awesome. I think he'd bring her much needed stability and reliability in life and she'd get him to relax and enjoy himself more. And yes, I ponder these things deeply, usually while sitting in traffic.
The "Total Eclipse of the Heart" video is an 80s classic and is completely WTF bonkers. The formatting here on FF is a beast, but on AO3 I have clickable links up.