Chapter Thirty: A Growing Affliction?
March 24, 2553 1936 hours
Adams Medical Facility
UNSC Reserve Base Camp Hayes
North America
"No, to him you're more than a soldier."
That comment, the last thing Laura heard before she slept, sparked a new dream, one she remembered when she woke up. As she thought about it, she realized it was actually another ancient memory.
&&
Alaya and Marin had been invited to attend a celebration by Alaya's friend Naryse, and her sister Eilinn. Alaya of course had planned on attending, but was quite surprised that Marin eagerly decided to join her, and even more surprised to see her younger brother dressed up.
"Well, Marin, who are we trying to impress this time?"
"No one you need worry about," Marin replied gruffly. Alaya smiled, guessing that young Eilinn was the cause. She was quite attractive, actually, with raven black hair and sparkling green eyes. Naryse was just as gorgeous, with blood red hair and emerald eyes. She also had an accurate eye and a singular wit, and more than once had brought peals of laughter from Alaya, who usually was stern and solemn.
Arriving at Naryse's home, Alaya knocked twice; Eilinn opened the door and blushed when she saw Marin. Aha, I was right, Alaya thought as she greeted the young girl in front of her.
"Alaya? Is that you crossing my threshold?" Naryse called from inside.
"It is indeed, dear friend," Alaya replied, her voice taking on its seldom-heard lilting melody. Naryse walked into the entrance, stopping short when she saw what Alaya was wearing.
"Oh, no, Alaya! You can't seriously be thinking of wearing that!"
"It's the best I own, Naryse, outside of my festival costume," Alaya replied, sounding slightly defensive as she indicated the plain cloth suit she wore. "I have nothing else, besides, it's practical."
"Nonsense!" Naryse exclaimed. "You'll never impress the men looking like that! Come with me, I have just the thing." She dragged Alaya through the residence to her bedroom, nearly running over her other guest. Alaya noticed him just before she was dragged through another door. Captain Corin! Why is he here?
Corin watched as Naryse literally dragged Alaya through her home, smiling at the humor of the situation. This may turn out to be a more interesting evening than I had anticipated. He resumed his seat as Marin walked through the doorway.
"Captain, I was unaware you were invited as well," Marin spoke quietly, glancing behind him as if looking for something.
"Naryse invited me along, and informed me that you would be attending as well. I thought that we could pass the time just as easily amongst these civilians."
"Perhaps, Corin, I attended for other reasons, as did you," Marin smiled knowingly; he and Corin were the best of friends and had been since training. "Did you come in hope of seeing my sister?"
"Did you come to see someone else?" Corin countered, a smile on his face that mirrored the one on Marin's. At that moment, they were distracted by a high-pitched, fearful voice coming from Naryse's room.
"No, definitely no! Naryse, you must be joking! This outfit can barely be called a dress—there's almost no fabric to it! I refuse to wear it! Absolutely not!" Alaya was clearly worried about the clothes Naryse had given her.
"Believe me, it looks better on than off, Alaya," Naryse's voice came through calm and soft. "Once you put it on, you'll see it covers everything while flattering your figure. Trust me, or else I'll call Marin in and ask him to help me put it on you." Her voice was lighthearted, but there was a definite threat to her words.
"It seems I have no choice. Very well," Alaya resignedly replied.
A few moments later, Naryse emerged from her room, followed by a chagrined Alaya. Corin could only gape in astonishment at the change: somehow her friend had transformed her from a plain, nearly-invisible scientist into a stunning model of womanly perfection. Her plain suit had been replaced by a royal blue dress, which fit her torso snugly and flowed out beneath her waist. Trimmed in silver at the hem, with little seams of silver thread at the bodice, it suited the young scientist well, and made her look more feminine. A necklace of silver and crystal hung around her throat, and Naryse had arranged her hair into a simple style which framed her face. A few moments later, moments that seemed to stretch into eternity, Corin noticed the reason for Alaya's discomfort. The dress only reached to just above her knees, while the neckline scooped down almost to her chest. It was clearly not what she was used to, but the style and color fit her well.
"Doesn't she look lovely, Captain?" Naryse purred. In that instant, Corin realized why he'd been invited: Naryse was trying to make a match between her friend and him. Absurd! As if she would even look in my direction. She is a scientist, and everyone knows how insufferably arrogant they are. The thoughts rang hollow once he remembered her father had been a soldier, and that Alaya had wanted to be a soldier, even more so when he remembered his visit to her quarters a few weeks previously.
"Naryse, you actually made her look human, I'm impressed," Marin joked.
"Marin!" Alaya blurted out suddenly, blushing furiously and looking more lovely (in Corin's eyes) with the color in her face. "You're not helping. I look ridiculous!"
"I think you look halfway decent," Corin heard himself saying. She does, too. She looks gorgeous.
"As if I should trust a soldier's opinion! Everyone knows the only thing a soldier finds attractive is the battlefield," she replied coolly, trying to hide the sudden panic she felt. He thinks me attractive! What next?
Once the other guests arrived, Alaya began to feel slightly more at ease, trying to blend in to the background amongst the other people. It had always been easy for her to disappear, sometimes all she had to do was stand with people and they looked around her and through her. Standing amongst people now, she watched as her brother asked Eilinn to dance with him; she accepted shyly, as was her way, and the two of them began to dance smoothly together. Ah, it seems I was right after all, she thought once more as she saw the way Marin looked at his partner. Perhaps they will wed before it's too late. Hearing footsteps behind her, she spoke quietly, her eyes fixed on Marin and Eilinn.
"They make a lovely couple, don't they, Naryse? I hope they wed soon, they deserve to be happy."
"Indeed, they do." The voice behind her was not Naryse's, and Alaya whirled around in surprise to find Corin standing behind her. He smiled lightly, but there was something else in his eyes that startled her, something she couldn't identify.
"Forgive me if I startled you. I was just wondering if you were interested in a dance later."
"My apologies, Captain, but I do not dance well, if indeed I dance at all."
"Don't play the fool with me, Alaya. I've seen you in the festivals, you move well." Alaya was flattered that he'd watched her, and surprised at his next words. "Alaya, I would consider myself honored to be your partner for the next dance."
"Very well, Captain. You may have the next dance with me." Right as she said this, a new dance tune twinkled out, and Corin offered her his hand. Somehow, Alaya took it and danced beside him. The way he held her indicated he knew something about the dances himself.
"I am surprised, Captain. Few military men know how to dance."
"My father taught me when I entered the age of courtship. He is most disappointed that I have no family yet."
"Many women would be more than happy to wed a military captain with your prestige," Alaya murmured, conscious of his arm around her waist, flushing when she realized she had spoken aloud.
"So I have noticed," Corin replied dryly, "but I have yet to find one who catches my interest."
"For myself, I think Naryse would suit you very well. Not only is she beautiful, but she is wise to the ways of the world."
"Perhaps," Corin replied, knowing full well how much both of them were lying. Alaya was purposely trying to distance herself for reasons he did not fully understand.
When the dance ended, Alaya politely excused herself and slipped out into the cool night air. Each of the HALO stations had been modeled after a planet capable of sustaining life, and the place where Alaya now walked was one of the pleasanter areas of the ringworld. She strolled about for a little while until she came to a small stream. Sitting down carefully, so as not to ruin the dress her friend had given her, Alaya listened to the chatter of the stream and the sounds of birds in the trees. She wasn't sure how long she had sat there when she heard a noise behind her. Turning around brought her to face a soldier in Marin's platoon, one who had consistently made her uneasy. Remembering how the Council had offered her an escort for social functions, she wished now that she had accepted their offer: Alaya had her doubts about whether or not this man would leave her alone.
"Well, I am surprised. I never thought Marin would ever let his lover go off alone. Doesn't he ever worry that you will betray him?" the soldier sneered.
"My brother knows I will never betray him, and he trusts me enough to let me do as I see fit," Alaya replied as she slowly got to her feet.
"When are the two of you going to stop playing your little game? Everyone knows General Petrarch only had one child: Marin."
"Just because everyone knows it doesn't mean it is true. Go into the records and you will find two children were born to General Petrarch. I am the elder of the two, and have looked out for Marin ever since our father died." She didn't like the way the man was looking at her, and her discomfort must have been plainer that she thought.
"That dress must be very uncomfortable. Perhaps you should take it off?" the man muttered lecherously.
"I'll not be removing it just yet, and never in your presence," Alaya declared, her words bolder than she felt.
"Oh no? I hardly doubt a maiden scientist would be able to stop me. Indeed, I daresay you'd be glad if I decide to assist you in its removal," the man sneered before he lunged. Alaya dodged, saw him dive headfirst into the stream, and bolted toward Naryse's home. She had almost made it when he caught her arm and yanked her back towards him, tearing at the dress she wore. Reverting to what her father had taught her, Alaya lashed out with her wrist, breaking his nose and sending him staggering backwards. She twisted away and assumed a fighting stance: her fear was rapidly giving way to anger. The soldier stopped staggering and stood still.
"You think you're too good for me?"
"When you behave like that, I know I am too good for you," Alaya rasped through clenched teeth. "Besides, my heart belongs to another, one who is more worthy of my heart and deserves better than my love." She had no real idea why she said this, but it seemed to make her attacker angry. He charged forward, and Alaya stood her ground.
Corin waited silently in the shadows of Naryse's home, watching for some glimpse of Alaya. He hadn't seen her since they'd parted after their dance, and it worried him a little. Spotting Naryse, he approached her and saw the worried look on her face.
"Naryse, where is Alaya? I have not seen her for some time."
"Captain, I don't know. She left to take a breath of air after your dance, and I haven't seen her since. No one knows where she could—" Naryse happened to look up and out of the window; her expression changed to cold fear. "Oh no! Heaven help her!"
Corin followed her gaze and saw one of his own men begin to charge Alaya; she stood her ground until the last minute, and then sidestepped and landed a blow on his neck. The man shook it off, and charged again. Even though he knew Alaya could protect herself, Corin felt an overwhelming urge to act, to protect her. He stepped outside angrily, followed by Marin, who had noticed Corin's face in passing. They were just in time: Alaya had stumbled, and her attacker was almost on top of her. Corin landed a fierce punch to his face; as the man staggered back, he and Marin positioned themselves in front of Alaya.
"What do you think you are doing, soldier?" Corin thundered.
"What difference is it to you, sir?" the man sneered back. "Has that little harlot wrapped you around her finger as well?"
Marin stepped forward and nailed the man across the face, hard. Blood flowed from an extremely broken nose and several cuts that Alaya had managed to inflict. Even Corin could tell he was angry at the insult--although to be fair, it took all of his self-control to keep from killing the man himself. When Marin spoke, his tones were laced with barely restrained anger and violence.
"You dare insult my sister, who saved your miserable hide twice over? If she hadn't done so, you wouldn't be here now, and you repay her like this? You are no soldier, you are a disgrace." He drew back his hand to deliver another blow, but the man bolted off into the shadows.
Alaya, meanwhile, was sitting off by herself, trying to regain control over her emotions. When Naryse and Eilinn approached, she began to cry, her tears quiet enough that Corin barely heard them.
"Oh, Alaya, I'm so sorry," Naryse was saying. "I've brought this on your head, you were right."
"I'm sorry about the dress, Naryse. It wasn't mine, and now it's ruined."
"Forget the dress, dear friend. Come, I will take you home." The women looked up as Corin approached.
"Madam Naryse, I am disgusted that one of my own men would attack one of your guests. Is there any way I could offer compensation?" His words came out awkwardly, but Naryse understood: he was attempting to make amends for the man's actions.
"I daresay there's little that can be done, but I am sure you will handle the necessary…formalities." Her tone was clear; Naryse expected some justice for her friend's sake.
"I will see to it myself, Madam. However, it would ease my own mind if you would allow me to see Alaya safely home. There is no need for further trouble tonight." And I would prefer to be in her company, if only for a little while. He swore he saw a sly smile that formed on the other woman's face behind her worried look.
"Of course, Captain. I leave Alaya to your care." Naryse rose and went inside to inform the other guests that there was nothing more to fear. Corin held out his hand and helped the young scientist to her feet, conscious of the fact that she was still trembling.
"Are you all right? Did he hurt you?"
"Only my pride, Captain, nothing else. I'm just a little shaken at the moment," she replied with an effort. "I'm fit enough to travel by myself."
"And if he should come back and try again? Forgive me, madam, but I would feel more comfortable traveling with you, should he make another attempt." Alaya decided not to argue the point, and secretly was glad for the escort, but refused to admit it; she had her pride, after all, or what was left of it after her ordeal. The two walked on for some time before Alaya realized they were not nearing her quarters. Her mind flashed back to her earlier encounter, and she felt the fear returning. Corin noticed her trembling and placed a comforting hand on her arm, noting that she tensed but didn't pull away.
"Alaya, there is nothing to fear," he murmured in a low, soothing voice. Alaya was only slightly reassured, though.
"Where are we going?"
Corin's face quickly became grim. "One of my men assaulted you, and made the mistake of doing so in front of both myself and your brother. I'm not about to let him get off so lightly; the military tribunal will see justice done." If not, I will myself.
Some time later, they left the tribunal and continued towards Alaya's quarters. The tribunal had been shocked by Corin's story, especially since the intended victim was one of their leading experts on the Flood, and promised to look into the matter. Alaya was glad that justice would be served, but the look in Corin's eyes had frightened her. I've never seen him so furious before. Was it because one of his soldiers acted this way, or was it because of me? Her thoughts were scattered and confused by the time she reached her door.
"Thank you, Captain. I should be fine from here."
"It was no trouble, Alaya. However, I am not comfortable with leaving you alone."
"There is no one in there, I locked my door before I left it last, and will lock it again after I enter," she smiled slightly, touched by his concern.
"Very well then. Good night, Alaya." He raised her hand to his lips in farewell, a gentlemanly gesture that sent her heart singing, though she maintained composure.
"Good night, Captain."
As she entered and closed the door, making sure to lock it securely, Alaya sank down into a chair and closed her eyes. This has been one of the worst nights I've ever endured. So why am I so happy right now?
On the other side of her door, as he turned away to continue his own journeys, Corin recalled a private conversation with one of the members of the military tribunal.
"I could see what would drive a man to act in this way. She is a taking little thing, for a scientist."
"Perhaps, but lovely or no, there is no right for a man to accost her the way he did, not even if he is a soldier. Her brother said the same, and saw what I saw if you should wish to question him."
"Perhaps we shall, at that. Although I wonder at why she didn't come herself."
"I offered to provide escort, in case he returned again. And if he had I would have ensured he would regret it, laws or no laws."
"Strong words, Captain, too strong for simple justice. Has the pretty scientist caught your eye?"
"Not just my eye, and it appears to be the same with her, though she is too honorable to say it."
"If she is Petrarch's daughter, I can understand that. Good luck, Captain, and mayhap you'll catch her yet."
Corin walked to his quarters, wishing he were somewhere else.
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March 24, 2553 2312 hours
Laura sat up in her bed, ignoring the pain as she held her head in her hands; she was actually scared, which no one would have thought possible. What's happening to me? What's going on? It was becoming harder to separate the memories from the reality; she felt like Alaya was beginning to take control of her life, and take possession of her body. I have to learn to fight it, she decided. I have to learn to control the memories, before I lose control of myself. She doubted that she'd lose her mind, but where this thing was concerned, no one knew.