Time: Homecoming Ch. 31 – 32
POV: Endellion Shaik
Recommended Chapter(s) : Up to Homecoming Ch.38
No. of Chapters for Tale: 2
Backstory: Running out of places to go, and still disturbed by the effects of Saboteur Alea Shea'kal, Endellion Shaik directs her crew towards Earth, aiming for her home village of Kinlochleven in the search for answers and possible leads.
Chapter 31 and 32 of Homecoming were originally written in the POV of Gideon Shaik, in order to hide the reveal of a major character later in the book. 'Where it All Began' will be in Endellion's POV and starts at the same point as Chapter 31.
"Glasgow Control, this is the RSS-2 Starquake, requesting permission to land," Lanster called with an irritated tone. I smiled a touch, hovering near his shoulder as I bounced on my toes. A glance out the window revealing Carlisle, not that far from the Scottish Border. I was nearly home. My heart fluttered, my nerves tingling as anxiety only grew. I licked my lips, trying to rejuvenate them from their chapped state. It wasn't working.
"RSS-2 Starquake, this is Glasgow Control. We uh, don't normally have frigates docking here, we're mostly domestic traffic. I would recommend either Edinburgh or Prestwick," the controller responded, his accent definitely of Highland origin, maybe Inverness? I frowned, distracting myself with the…wait, did he say Prestwick? Prestwick for frigates and not small shuttles? What the hell had happened in 170 odd years?!
"Prestwick? Ha!" I snickered, the image of the small airport booming with military traffic. It was far, far too odd for me. "Gate to Gate from Pestwick to Dublin, 8 minutes," I grinned. "Quickest damn flight I know of," Lanster grumbled loudly, ignoring my attempt to cheer him up. I scowled at him.
"This is why I hate docking in non-international docks! 'Oh, you can't dock here, oh but we can send you back to the international port or this port in the middle of nowhere'. Seriously, we should have stayed in London and taken the shuttles up!" Lanster snapped. My shoulders quivered, hackles threatening to rock me. Oh, I am sure the Starquake would be perfectly fine in London, I'm sure, I snorted dryly. After the engines got nicked or god knows what else. I dread to think how much London had changed. There had been the beginning of an exodus of Brits out of the city from the property prices alone when I was last here! Nearly two centuries on…I shuddered.
"This ship does not dock in Heathrow or any other London spaceport. Do I make myself clear? Jesus, I dread to think what state London is in now…The Starquake will probably have its engines nicked in a heartbeat," I muttered audibly, hoping Lanster caught my distaste.
"So what do we do? Do we even have charts for these damn places?" Lanster cried. I gagged on his words for a heartbeat.
"Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, so yeah, I would expect you to at least have a chart of that one," I grumbled subtly. Although, as muttered as I spotted Dumfries off to one side, we were getting far too close to risk being turned away now… "Oh give it here!" I snapped, nearly shoving Lanster away from the radio. Let one Scot talk to another. I prayed it would work. "Glasgow Control, this is the captain of the RSS-2 Starquake. My apologies, but we are on a Spectre mission, are you able to take frigates at all?" I asked, nearly pleading.
"Och, awright 'er, hen!" the controller cheered, hearing my accent. It brought a smile to face, nearly making my eyes sting from the sheer familiarity. It had barely changed at all... "Aye, we kin tak' 'er. Spectre run, eh? Ach, cannae be guid," I grimaced at the words. That was putting it mildly, to be kind. I noticed Lanster's vacant expression, ogling at me. I rolled my eyes.
"He said yes, they can take the ship," I simplified. Lanster just wagged his mandibles, jaw dropped. I turned back to the radio, noticing something on the horizon. My heart cracked against my ribs violently. "Cheers, big man. Appreciate it,"
"Ach, nae bother, hen. Juist need tae check yer Spectre 'n a' that. Sendin' docking vectors noo," he responded. I eased myself straight, moving away from the radio. I smirked down at Laster.
"Now was that difficult?" I asked playfully. Lani looked around the flight deck for a moment, expression torn.
"Did anyone understand him? Anyone?!" He begged.
"Sounded Irish to me," Connor shrugged. I gawked in horror. Irish?! Irish?! Oh, Oh I was going to kick his ass! I heard a faint snigger nearby. I whipped out my finger, already whirling around to point it at the blond devil next to me.
"Don't you agree with him, Gideon!" I scolded sharply. Gideon just smirked cheekily.
"He kinda did," he mocked. I dragged a breath in, if only to prevent me from kicking his ass as well. That would teach the little bugger!
"You'll be getting a smacked bottom at this rate," I warned. He just smiled sweetly at me, dragging a groan from my lips. "Alright people, let's dock and get the shuttles up to Kinlochleven ASAP. I…I want this over and done with," I managed, pausing as I spotted Glasgow grow upon the horizon. My whole body was tingling now, muscles tense in all the wrong places. "The less time I have to deal with Kinlochleven, the better," I admitted. Just saying the word this close to home was surfacing so many memories, of the friends I had, the adventures over the moors…I shook my head firmly.
"Roger that. You chose the team?" Lanster asked curiously.
I hesitated, glancing around the flight deck. That was the tricky question I had been fighting with all week. I needed to keep people here on the Starquake to protect it, but I didn't know the new crew members anywhere near enough to trust them with seeing me in a broken state. That was a high possibility. I swallowed, gathering myself. There was only one solution I could agree on.
"Aye. Mari, I'd like you the pilot the shuttle, Lanster can babysit the Starquake," I ordered. I wanted familiar faces around me, faces that had gone through some serious shit with me and were still here. Mari stared at me, frowning at my words.
"O- Of course, Captain but…isn't Bralem, Una and Lesley the usual shuttle pilots?" Mari asked, rolling her shoulders slightly. I managed to give her a hesitant smile.
"I want to keep this mission…personal. I don't know what kind of state I'll be in. I don't doubt their abilities I'd just rather have…more familiar faces," I shrugged. "Just in case I break down," I heard Lanster sigh softly as he turned to face me.
"Dell, no one is going to judge you," Lanster assured. I chewed my lip until it threatened to bleed, bouncing lightly as a new wave of tingles demanded movement. I rubbed my arms a touch too. As sweet as the words were, it barely comforted me. My pride took more than that to soothe. "We were briefed last night, we know that this is going to hit you hard," I paused, the tingles forgotten for a time.
"Wait, there was a briefing last night? When? I wasn't informed," I gagged, spinning in the cockpit, trying to find someone to blame for the embarrassed flush threatening burn into my cheeks.
"XO Raisha thought you might get distressed. After Thessia, everyone is a little wary in case your Reaper suddenly decides to take control. She thought it best to fill us in," Connor explained.
"And what was said?" I nearly squeaked. Oh great, now they were talking about me behind my back, paranoid that even a tiny fish would send me into a fit with my Reaper. Touching in a way, frustrating in others. I hope Nyryntha was satisfied with herself, I grumbled.
"Just that this was very personal to you and to follow the commanders if anything should happen, to give you space and stuff," Gideon shrugged loosely, probably struggling to see the issue. I didn't blame him, I wasn't sure I understood the issue myself. I kept my tongue, trying to find words adequate to the situation. Nothing short of screaming and hiding in a corner was appearing though.
"I'll speak with Raisha later," I coughed, clearing the hard lump forming in my throat. "Alright, let's get the team assembled," I turned away from the cockpit, away from the sights of the city to return to the CIC, struggling to keep my step lively. Gideon was hot on my feels, blinking up at me curiously. Once in the CR, I touched the intercom system to gather the crew. If I didn't move now, I would never go...
"Attentional all crew. Crew assignment time. We are docking in Glasgow within the next few minutes, so I need Shual, Andria, Saldan, Jarlan, Henry, Phylla, Anthon, Mari, Spectre Bargatus and Commanders Autillin, Delern and Thermi'a to suit up. We move as soon as we have cleared our Spectres with the controllers. Suit up people and report on the cargo hold. We're taking the 20-seater shuttle. Dismissed," I ordered, shoulders sagging as I struggled to pull myself together. I was going home. I was going home whether I liked it or not!
"Can I come?" Gideon pleaded, bounding beside me like a mini Indira. I scowled down at him.
"Absolutely not," she snorted. The hell was he coming! If I start crying…if there was something waiting for me down there…no, no I could stand the images appearing in my head. I shook my head firmly. The maternal instinct was apparently strong in me. "If there is a trap waiting for me there, I want you as far away from it as I can," I almost pleaded, making my way to the elevator.
"Aw, c'mon, please! I never get to go anywhere! I just wanna go out of the ship for a while!" He begged, using his best whining voice. I groaned softly. Why now, why did he have to be so insistent when I was at my weakest? I couldn't throw him into danger, I had no idea what was down there! I hit the button to the top floor a little harder than needed, but that was the tension creeping out of my chest speaking.
"No," I repeated firmly, trying to make him back down. God, why did he have to be as stubborn as a Shaik?
"Please! I wanna see where you grew up! I'll be so careful! I'll stay close to everyone! I swear!" Gideon whined, bouncing in circles around me like a puppy. I rubbed my eyes with the heel of my hands, feeling my resolve weaken as his words sent memories flooding through me. Swimming in the loch, climbing the trees, sledging down the slopes…
"Gideon-" I began, shoving the memories to one side. I turned to look at him, seeing his upturned eyebrows and pleading pout. My resolve cracked. I moaned softly.
"Please?" he simpered. I sighed, trying to breathe through his pleading. Please, stop, Gideon. I didn't need you breaking my heart more than the Scotland already was. He whimpered softly, shattering my resolve. I dropped my shoulders, defeated. He immediately perked.
"Fine, but you stay next to Mat'al and you do not leave his side, do I make myself clear?" I waved my finger firmly, frowning at him. His brilliant smile dropped very quickly. I prayed this would drive him away.
"Sassy!? B-But why Sassy?" he pleaded. I ignored him as I continued down the corridor to my room. He seemed to fall behind for a moment but he jumped forward quickly, the pleading look back on his face. "Can't Cops look after me?"
"No, Cops can't look after you," I heard Val snort. I paused as he strolled out his room, decked in his armour. He gave me a slight grin, noting my expression. "Cops is busy babysitting everyone else," he smirked a touch. He waved his mandibles gently when he turned to me. "See you down there, Dell," he said meaningfully. I smiled shakenly, understanding. I patted his shoulder.
"Thanks Val, I appreciate it," my heart melted, relieved by his support. He grinned as he turned to leave, Gideon whimpering after him.
"But-" he began.
"But nothing. Now if you really want to come, go put your armour on, you are not going out there in the middle of November dressed like that! You'll freeze!" I cried, mortified by the thought. Although my mind was rocking with so many other problems other than the November chill. "And if there is a trap, at least you'll have some protection," That was the more potent of my concerns. I didn't want him hurt, I definitely didn't need him used against me either!
"Yes, mum," he pouted. I nodded, relieved before walking into my room. I scrubbed my face hard with my hands as I slunk up the stairs to the wardrobe. I hauled the purple armour out, clinging to it for a moment before reluctantly changing into it. Once I had the more less-respectful pieces in place, I glanced up to the camera in the corner of the room.
"Lanster, can you ask Mat'al to come and see me please," I asked quietly, snapping my boots in place.
"Of course, Dell. Need anything else?" Lanster asked eagerly. I smiled slowly.
"For this day to end," I sighed, checking the clamps before starting to slip my gauntlets on. I don't think Lanster could think of a good response, but he was spared from having to by the timely entrance of Mat'al. I fussed with my glove while Mat'al mounted the steps.
"Dell, Lanster informed me you needed to see me urgently," Mat'al informed. I blinked. Urgently? …Oh, Lanster, you lovable lug.
"I have a huge favour," I managed, slowly standing to ensure everything was snapped on correctly. Mat'al waited patiently, his chilled eyes curious yet concerned. "Gideon is coming on the mission," Mat'al raised a brow.
"Why?" he asked coolly.
"Because he pleaded and I couldn't…I couldn't keep saying no," My upper body sagged. "God, I'm a wreck," my voice pitched high, my throat swelling with a bubble of emotions. I buried the bridge of my nose into the heel of a hand. What the hell was I doing? I shuddered until I felt Mat'al wrap his arms around me. I was never so relieved to get a hug from this psychotic bastard in my entire life.
"You don't have to do this, Dell. Direct us from here, let us deal with the weather," Mat'al soothed. I mutely shook my head, struggling to find my voice.
"I need to," I whimpered. Mat'al breathed slowly, calculating.
"I'll keep an eye on Gideon. You just worry about yourself," he pressed. I nodded quickly. Trying to pull myself into some semblance of normality, I finally pulled away, shaking myself out.
"Right, I had best get down there and see how everything is," I cleared my throat. "Thank you, Mat'al,"
"Just don't be surprised if there are some bruises in the morning," he grinned. I coughed out a laugh, trying to morph it into a scowl. I failed.
"Go easy on him," I stressed as I strode out of the room. Mat'al chuckled softly as he leaned against the wall beside Gideon's room. I dread to think what he would do, but I knew Gideon would be alright. I prayed.
The ride down the cargo hold was a slow one, which only worsened my anxiety. I bounced in place, nearly gnawing my lip clean off as I struggled to put my Captain face on. I don't think I succeeded by the time I got down to the cargo hold. I breathed slowly as the doors opened, revealing the crew arming themselves up. I strode forward, walking over to Val as he passed me my guns. I was horrified that having them in my hands didn't comfort me in any sense. I nearly hugged him.
"Breathe, Dell," Val crooned, seemingly able to sense what I needed, dragging me into a hug, I quaked in his arms. "We're all here for you," he muttered.
"Thank you," I whispered, clinging to the hug a moment longer than I probably should have before slowly pulling away to fuss with my guns. The elevator binged behind me and a quick glance confirmed it was Mat'al and Gideon. He did look awfully cute in that armour though…dammit, why was he coming again?!
"Took your time, Delern," Val called. Mat'al shrugged.
"Elevator malfunctioned, decided it wanted to slow down," Mat'al responded frostily as he strode over the weapons bench. I finally secured my guns to hips, the bouncing demanding too much from me now.
"Grab your gear and let's move," I ordered, jumping into the shuttle before I could change my mind. Val was right behind me, sitting next to me as I took the window seat. Gideon powered in, securing the seat opposite me. Wonderful…Mat'al and Indira were last, securing the outer door. "Alright Mari, we're ready. Raisha is handling the whole Spectre business with Rosmani and Sitoln so we shouldn't need to worry too much about that," I swallowed. I'd much rather be doing Raisha's job right now.
"Aye, aye, Captain. Co-ordinates set for Kinlochleven," Mari informed. The crane hummed as it swung us into position over the cargo hold, finally releasing the shackles. Mari gently coaxed the shuttle out of the Starquake and into the dull November cloud.
"You had much practice with the Paladin yet?" Val asked suddenly, I jumped a touch, cursing my inattention as I gave him a small smile.
"Some. It's…well, it isn't too different from the Carnifex. I'll get used to…it," my throat seized up at the end, my eyes capturing the sight of the city below me, of the city I had spent a good few years at for university.
Oh God, I was back in Glasgow.
The River Clyde was still continuing on its lazily course through the city, although the glass and metal skyscrapers that piled high into the sky were new. I shuddered when I saw them, chocking as my nostalgia was bombarded by reality, my own imagination of the future city skewed beyond belief. Some of the smaller, old stone and brick buildings that had stood there for as long as I had been there still stood, blessedly. They city centre had barely changed from the looks of things. The remains of the M8 and M74 motorways also appeared to have found a use in the day of shuttles and aircars; vegetation was still struggling to break down the tarmac, but above any vegetation that did manage to make it though were metal columns topped with lights, to direct air traffic. But the old part of Glasgow remained. It might have received a face lift, new stores, aliens and shiny, tall new neighbours, but it was still there.
But it didn't feel right to me.
I had been expecting only a sprinkling of skyscrapers, I had completely forgotten about flying cars and shuttles, I didn't anticipate the complete overhaul everything outside the CBD had received. Away from the city centre, I barely recognised anything. Old buildings had been torn down long ago, probably due to the collapse of the underground coal mines. The only buildings I could make out were things like Kelvingrove Museum, Glasgow Cathedral and my old university, Glasgow University. More affectionally known as Hogwarts to our bitter rivals, Strathclyde University.
"T-That's my old university. I spent four years of my life cursing that blasted place. Oh Christ, Hogwarts hasn't changed a bit. A-And that's where I stayed in halls, although…although those flats are long gone now. Oh Jesus, is that bar still open? How hell is that rip-off piece of shit still open?" I bit my thumb, trying to distract myself from the pain of the home that had moved on without me. "God, everything is…I-I barely recognise anything. Apart from my uni, Kelvingrove Museum, parts of the city centre…I didn't think Glasgow could get such a facelift,"
"You alright?" Val muttered quietly. I quivered as my eyes drifted over the window. We were slowly moving north, away from Glasgow. Away from the stranger with a familiar face.
"Y-yeah. I-it's like meeting a friend you haven't spoken to in years…only they've had massive plastic surgery," I shrugged, not really sure what I was saying. Val smirked a touch, patting my knee.
"Don't forget the sex change!" Indira added suddenly. I chocked on her words, taken aback. I turned to the city, suddenly realising that she probably was a lot closer to the truth than I thought. I offered a small smile.
"Absolutely, you can't forget the sex change," I agreed. I turned to the window, towards the towering peaks that drifted ever closer to me. I was going to have to deal with a whole host of pain now, going home. That including having to fly over the the West Highland Way several times…I could already feel the dagger stabbing my heart out as I saw that blond bastard's face. Family indeed…
A/N: A quick little change for the next two weeks! I'm getting busier and busier with uni, so hopefully focusing on that will be able to kick me into writing more Revenant. Next chapter will be out next Friday!