"Is that really all you had said to Rush?",Young questioned. Looking slightly annoyed with what Ash had said. Or at least that's how the short android perceived the look on his face. He wasn't entirely sure what else to make of it. And he nodded his head in agreement. Ash answered,"That's really all I said to Rush, I swear."
"I really hadn't meant it as a threat or anything near it.",Ash promised. Still feeling like an idiot for his poor choice of words. And the way that he had said it to Nicholas. Oliver seemed to relax a little bit next to him. As did Ralph. Who carefully reached over to him and took his hand. Giving it a reassuring squeeze as he did so. Eli looked to a be a bit more at ease about this.
"Okay then, just pick your words more wisely next time. Along with your tone.",Everett scolded. Looking a little annoyed he would have to tell him that. And Ash somewhat understood why. Though he felt that it was at him rather than at Rush. Which Oliver guessed this wasn't the first time he had to. Or the first time that Rush overreacted to something like this. Nor would it be the last time. This definitely was something to ask Eli about sometime later. Maybe an hour later without Colonel Young around.
As the man seemed to care about the scrawny little jerk. Despite how much of an asshole he was. Ash nodded his head as he stared Everett in the eyes. Softly, he promised,"I will. This won't ever happen again. I will make absolutely sure of it."
Which was the truth, he would never do this again. Or speak to Rush the way that he had done earlier. In fact, he would limit the way that he spoke to him. This seemed to put him at ease and Young nodded. Then he stated,"Good. I won't be putting up with this kind of thing for a second time."
"I highly doubt it'll be a simple mistake the next time.",Young added. With that, he turned away and walked out of the cafeteria. Looking at Eli, Ash bit his bottom lip nervously. Hoping that the other man wouldn't be scared of him. Or at least he wasn't uncomfortable. Eli stated,"Rush is kind of a cautious guy. Gets suspicious sort of easy."
"I wouldn't be taking any of this personally, Ash.",he added. Giving Ash a gentle smile along with a light pat on the back. One that was just as reassuring for him as Ralph's squeeze. It felt so good to know that he believed him. That both humans believed he was telling the truth. Even if Everett seemed a little bit annoyed by it. It was good to know that he didn't screw everyone else over. And that they weren't going to die anytime soon. Ralph let go of Ash's hand as he turned to Eli. Calmly, he asked,"So should we just avoid him for a little bit then?"
"So we can avoid further misunderstandings like this?",Ralph added. It felt like the best option in Ralph's book. They give him a little space for a while. Not speak to him unless absolutely necessary. That way he could be calm when any of them interacted next time. Oliver felt it was a great at idea as well. Wished that he had come up with it. Since it felt like a really good solution. To this overblown problem that Rush had created.
Just give the easily spooked man some time away from them. Then try to talk with him and get his side. Ash would probably have to apologize once again. As this sometimes helped thing like this.
"Yeah, that probably would be for the best.",Eli admitted. These guys were trying so hard to make this work. Trying so hard to prove they were good people. And that everyone else had absolutely nothing to fear. Which he felt that no one else on board did. It was just a huge misunderstanding when everyone started shooting. No one was even all that hurt. Just a few grazes that were easily stitched or bandaged up. And that the androids were doing their best. That Ash wasn't deliberately trying to threaten the other man when they spoke.
It was definitely just an honest mistake that was made. Just a poor choice of words that Ash wouldn't do again. Eli made a mental note to talk to Rush about this. Try to get him to see Ash's point of view. Maybe if he could convince him that Ash meant no harm, he'd relax a little?
Though he doubted that Nicholas ever relaxed a day in his life.
Still, it would be for the best to try to talk with him. As it probably would help things. Probably? He had to believe it would do some form of help. And with this in mind, he asked,"So, you guys have any questions about the Destiny?"
"Anything at all?",Eli added. There were a few things he wanted to show them. Places that he liked to hang out in. Along with a few people that they would enjoy talking to. Like Chloe and Matt. Who he felt would like the three androids. As the pair were pretty friendly. They seemed to easily make friends anywhere.
These guys probably would get along with either of them. Ash and Chloe would probably become good friends. And maybe he could introduce them to Ronald. Though he felt that he would need to talk to him about them first. Convince Greer that the trio were safe to be around. Even if Ralph was allegedly scary to most folks. Which he felt was utter bullshit. Just because he had scars and spoke differently didn't mean he was dangerous. At least no more so then any human onboard the Destiny. Ash asked,"So is there any way that you guys communicate with Earth? Like any form of telephone thing?"
"We use these things called the communication stones.",Eli answered. Something that he doubted that the androids could ever be able to use. As he wasn't sure non-organic beings could use it. Though he kind of hoped that they could. It would be interesting to see it happen. He added,"They allow us to temporarily swap bodies with someone on Earth."
"I don't know if you guys can use it but we can test that later.",Eli promised. Maybe with Matt or Chloe present. As he felt that one of them could be a good witness. Mostly, having Scott there as a supervisor over it.
"Can we meet some of your friends, Eli?",Oliver asked. He felt that Eli probably had a good amount of friends. The dude seemed pretty sweet and friendly. It would be hard to picture him not having any at all. Part of him felt that he was even friends with Rush.
Despite how much of a paranoid snob that he was. He doubted that he could resist Eli's kindness.
"Yeah, we can.",Eli agreed. Glad that Oliver brought that up. As he wasn't entirely sure how to do it himself. This was just perfect for his plan. And he knew exactly who to introduce all three of them to first. He added,"I can introduce you to a few of them."
"Let's go see what he's up to right now.",Eli stated. With this, he lead them down a hallway that he saw Scott walking earlier. Hoping that they would run into him at some point. As they walked, Marcus passed them in the hall. Briefly taking a second to flash the three androids a polite smile. And giving Eli a slight nod as he passed the group. Figuring that the human probably wasn't a threat. As the trio looked to be completely relaxed in his presence.
And Ralph was never one to hide his distrust of humans.
Still, he made a mental note to speak to this human. Get a feel for what he was really like. See how trustworthy the young man was in his book. And if he was truly kind or not.
With this, he headed towards the cafeteria. As he had asked Simon and Josh to meet him there. See what happened from their point of view. Since North's was a little clouded by anger. And, as much as he loved her, he felt she wasn't a good judge of the situation. Also it seemed wise to get their point of view as well.
Soon as he entered the cafeteria, he slightly regretted it. As the other Colonel was there. What was his name again? David something. Telford? Oh yes, David Telford. The man looked to be a bit annoyed by something at the moment. What that could be? He wasn't entirely sure of and wasn't sure he wanted to. It seemed like the man had a hair trigger temper went off at anytime. Even the smallest of slights could be seen as snub.
If he were reading the other man right that is.
Either way, Markus was going to give him some space. Not even attempt to engage him in conversation. Unfortunately, David seemed to have other ideas. He gave an annoyed grunt when they accidentally made eye contact. Something that Markus gave an internal groan about. Doing his best to not convey his emotions towards this man. Walking up to Markus, he snapped,"You need to control your people. I won't tolerate any more of them yelling at Everett the way North did."
"I've talked with her and she won't do that again, sir.",Marcus promised. There wouldn't be another situation like the one she created. And she won't go anywhere near that man. Or near Greer. And that if anything like that happened again, she would walk away. Calm down and then come back to solve the issue once she did. She wasn't an angry person by nature. Just very stressed out by this whole situation and needed a plan. Though, Markus doubted that David would believe this. He continued,"She promised me that. We won't have to deal with this again."
"We better not. I'm not in the mood to deal with anymore bullshit from any of you.",David spat. Tone rubbing Markus in the completely wrong way as he stood there. Not saying a word as he did his best to keep his calm. Knowing that this wouldn't help their situation in the slightest bit. Or make anything easier to handle. Nodding his head in agreement to what Telford had told him. Staring straight in front of him as he did so. Keeping his mouth shut as the man walked past him. Deliberately bumping shoulders as he walked past him. Which Markus didn't do anything about. Feeling he was being goaded into some form of fight with the man.
That was a bait that he wouldn't take.
A few seconds later, Simon and Josh came into the cafeteria. Both looked to be somewhat stressed. But, not enough that Markus felt that he had to be worried. Just enough for him to take note of it. Simon gently squeezed Josh's left shoulder as they walked up to him. Silently assuring him that he was fine. That everything was going to be alright and they were okay. Josh's shoulders seemed to relax a little once they approached him. Soon as they did, Josh stated,"I'm so sorry about this, Markus. I promise that I didn't say anything terrible to Greer and did as he asked."
"North just didn't like his tone and their argument got a little out of hand.",he added. Trying to downplay what happened a little bit. As he felt it wasn't necessary but, he could see North's point. Along with why she did what she did. Sure, Greer's tone was a little harsh in his book. But his tone wasn't worth a shouting match with him. Even Simon agreed with him about this.
"She said as much but, I would still like to see your perspective on this. If that's okay?",Markus questioned. Not wanting to make the other android uncomfortable. Josh wordlessly held out his hand for Markus to take. Markus closed his eyes to see what had happened. And it was exactly what the both of them had described.
Greer asked him to move some boxes to another room. His tone was a little curt but, not entirely disrespectful. North got between him and Josh. Immediately yelling at him for what he had said. Ronald yelling back. Both getting in each other's faces over it. Thankfully, it hadn't gotten worse than that. Neither had gotten physical with each other. So, that was one thing to be grateful for.
Hopefully when tensions eased a little bit, Greer and North could apologize to each other. Maybe come to an understanding about what happened.
That would be when things were a whole lot calmer. And both felt they could talk to each other peacefully. With North apologizing for starting the argument in the first place. With this, Markus let go of Josh's arm gently. Sighing as he pinched the bridge of his nose. Barely noticing that Simon was taking a step forward. Right until he touched Markus's left shoulder. Simon stated,"I also have something I need to tell you."
"Ash and Rush had a little bit of a misunderstanding earlier today.",he informed. Markus felt he would have had a headache if possible. Groaning, he made a motion for him to go on. Knowing full well that this wasn't going to be good. And worried what Ash had done. Simon continued,"He warned Rush to treat us with respect and Rush thought it was a threat."
"Of course he did...",Markus mumbled. He briefly thought of talking with Ash about it. But, figured that someone else had probably done that. Though Markus felt it would be good to touch base with him and see what had happened. As he preferred to stay in the loop. It would be something they would have to do later. As he felt that Ash probably already apologized to Rush over it. Knowing him, he probably over-apologized for what he had said to Rush. Probably over at least a million times over.
For now, they were going to find a spot to sit down. Talk to each other over what they did during the day. Mostly, how the humans had been treating them while they worked. And compare notes to how to avoid the humans who hurt them. As well as help those who were kinder to them. Markus hoped that there were more than just a small handful of them.
On the other side of the Destiny, Eli was introducing Matthew to the trio. All of them seemed to be doing fine with him. Oliver and Matt seemed to be hitting it off pretty quickly. Both were making a few jokes that he found a little funny.
Ralph was a little uncomfortable with the gun that Matthew had. But that was easily remedied by Scott putting it away. Other than that, they were on very good terms with each other.
And he seemed to be pretty damn friendly with Ash. Which made him a little bit uncomfortable. Though he ignored that feeling as he watched them. It was probably just him being nervous about them liking each other. As the other people on the Destiny were a little terrified of him. Also Ash had already made someone uncomfortable by accident. It was probably just him being concerned about that happening again.
Which it wouldn't, Ash promised he'd be more careful. And Matt wasn't the type to be paranoid over every tiny word. Not unless the person did something that was super suspicious. Or overtly violent. Which Ash, Ralph, and Oliver hadn't done. So, he did his best to smother his worry as he listened to them.
"Have you been to a lot of planets before this?",Oliver asked. A little curious as to what experience that Matthew had. Figuring it would be more than one or two. Maybe three or so at most. Matthew nodded his head in agreement about it. Scott answered,"Yeah, a few."
"We could take you to one if you want?",he offered. Which seemed to make Oliver smile a tiny bit. As if he were excited by the very idea. And in all honesty, Eli couldn't blame him. It was fun the first time he went to another planet. Though it went from being cool to being really stressful really fast. Ignoring this, he nodded his head in agreement. Oliver answered,"Yeah, that'd be really great."
"Maybe the next supply run you can come with.",Eli informed. Which would probably be for the best for everyone. And he could help with getting supplies for everyone as well. Which might help his relationships with the other humans on board. Not just civilians like himself but, military folk might appreciate it. Ash raised an eyebrow at this sentence. Then he asked,"Supply run? Don't you guys have everything here on the ship?"
"Sometimes we need more stuff as it runs out after a while.",Scott explained. That didn't sound good. It also explained why they needed a garden in the first place. So that way they had enough food to not need supply runs for that. Well, as far as Ash knew they wouldn't. But guessed they probably would need a little more supplies than that. He glanced over at Oliver then at Ralph. Who were giving him similar looks as well.
Probably thinking the same thing that he was thinking.
What else were they limited in? Just how badly were they limited? Did the androids have to worry over them? Should they be worried about them? Ash felt they should keep an eye on everything onboard of the Destiny. That way they could do their own supply runs. Keep the humans safe from whatever planet that was nearby. Ash asked,'Should we be doing inventory for them?'
'Nah, that would be a huge overstep.',Oliver replied. It definitely was one in his book. And they seemed to be able to handle it. For the most part, they didn't need androids to overlook their needs or things. After all, they weren't their parents. Just their unexpected new arrivals. He added,'I believe they have a system in place and we don't need to butt in.'
'Ralph agrees. It isn't our place to do that.',Ralph chimes in. So Ash didn't propose this to the two humans in the room. Feeling they didn't need to know about what he was thinking. Or worry them with anything about it. Feeling that both of his lovers were right. And concluded that if they needed their help with it, they would ask. So he just kept this idea to himself instead.
"You guys alright?",Matthew asked. Looking a little confused by the looks they were giving each other. They could hear the uneasiness in his tone. Ash gave him a polite smile as he nodded. Ralph smiled a little as well. To try to help put the Lieutenant at ease. Though he was vaguely sure that it had worked. And Oliver answered,"Yeah. Just talking about our next tasks is all."
"Nothing to be worried about.",he added. A little white lie that they didn't have to worry about. At least in his mind there was nothing to worry over. And he wanted to convey this to the pair. Ash decided now it was best to change the subject. That way the pair didn't overthink what really happened. He asked,"So, Eli. Can we go see those communication stones now?"
"I kinda want to see if we can use them or not.",Ash continued. Giving a little smile at the idea of them working. Wanting to be able to see if they did. And, most importantly, whether or not they would be in their time or not. Or if the stones would somehow send them back to the period Eli and Matthew came from. Though he hoped that it wouldn't. As he wanted to see his Mother, creator...whatever. Ash just wanted to see if it was plausible. Matthew raised an eyebrow at this question. Turning to look at Eli for a moment. Then he stated,"Sure, I don't see why not. Let's go see if it works."
"You sure? Is that really okay with you, Matt?",Eli asked. Wanting to be sure that Matthew was fine with it. And that they could do it later if necessary. Since he didn't want to make Matthew uncomfortable. Or put him in a tight spot. Matthew answered,"It's fine, Eli. I promise that it's fine."
"It'll just be a quick test and no one will ever be the wiser.",he added. What would be the harm in it? A quick test that probably wouldn't result in anything happening. Aside from sating their curiosity about whether it was possible or not. And he was fairly certain that it wouldn't work in the slightest bit.
Though there was no harm in letting Ash, Oliver, and Ralph try. It wasn't like they would break the stones or anything.
With this, they hurried towards the room that had the communication stones. All wanting them to see what was going to happen. Once they were in the room, Eli informed,"I don't know if you guys will be able to use them."
"As I'm not sure how well it could work with non-organic sentient beings.",he continued. Then again, they hadn't had the opportunity to test them on that. And Eli wished that they would work for them. That way Ash could visit his Mom and Elijah. Who he felt he had heard from somewhere before. Some super smart little kid in a school somewhere. Eli just couldn't remember entirely where. Matthew asked,"Well, why don't we test that?"
"One of us can go with them and we see if it worked.",he added. It felt like the best way to test that. And if it didn't work then there was no harm, right? Right. So why not give it their best shot. A test. See if it was in the slightest bit possible for the trio.
Just what could possibly go wrong?
Calmly, Oliver reached out for one of the stones. The second that his fingertips made contact, he found himself elsewhere. Jolting a little as he stood in an unfamiliar room. Wearing clothe that were a lot like Connor's. Skin the same color as well. And he froze when he spotted himself in the shiny surface of a kettle. The face looked like Connor's. But the eyes were an icy blue color. While Connor's were a warmer brown.
"Hello, there.",a voice called to him. He turned to spot a blonde woman near the door. There were two other androids in the room, two men. Along with a human officer who stared at him in silence. Looking a little uncomfortable as he did so. The woman near the door realized he swapped. But probably didn't know who he was. Not, that this mattered. What mattered was if the others were coming or not. A second later, he heard a soft gasp coming from one of the other androids. A ginger man wearing a janitor uniform. He stared down at his hands in slight wonder. Oliver asked,"Ash or Ralph?"
"It's Ralph, Oliver.",Ralph answered. Looking a little happy with what was going on. Right until he looked up at Oliver's new form. Then there was a tense expression on his face. He muttered,"You look a little spooky, Oliver. Like that Deviant Hunter..."
"I know but, try to ignore it.",Oliver encouraged. Trying to not scare his lover as he stared at the other android. Who was looking around the room with a sweet smile. Ash had finally come down. The human officer suddenly looked a little alarmed as he glanced around. Possibly Eli? Oliver asked,"You okay, Eli?"
"Yeah, yeah...just feels weird being in the future.",Eli answered. While Ash didn't really pay this any mind. Instead he just stared at himself in the nearby tea kettle with a frown. Probably not liking that he had black hair now. But, ignored it as he spotted the blonde woman in the room. A huge grin grew across his face as he turned around to her. Rushing right over to her as he threw his arms out. Hugging her immediately as he stated,"Mama. It's me, Ash. Oh god I missed you so much."
"I missed you too, Starshine. It's so good to see you.",she informed. Even if it was just him in someone else's body. She pulled him in close for a tight squeeze. Grin growing on her own face as small tears rolled down her cheeks. Clearly, she missed her child since he had left. Quietly, she asked,"Are you guys doing alright on the ship? No one's mistreating you, right?"
"Yeah, we're okay. They've been really fair to us.",Ash answered. It wasn't the entire truth. But it was better than saying they were there on probation. Eli felt that he would have told his own Mom this, too. That way she wouldn't be scared for them. Before he could do anything or say anything, he found himself back on the Destiny. Telford was holding the stones in his hand. Looking very irritated that they had used them without telling him. Young standing to the side of them with a similar look with his hands on his hips. Calmly, Everett demanded,"You better explain why you did what you did."
"And fast."