Further down the hall, Everett had taken Rush into his office. Ushering him over to his desk silently. Which Nicholas allowed without a complaint. Though he was a bit uncomfortable with the fact that they were alone. As he wasn't sure what to make of any of this. Or why Young needed him to be alone for. Though he felt that maybe he was using this as an excuse to not listen to Eli gush about Scott's children.
It was something that Rush would also run from.
Possibly making up some excuse along with as well. Then leaving too quickly for Mr. Wallace to try to convince him. Well, hopefully he would run off before then. But, he felt that this wasn't the case. That there was definitely something a bit more to this then that. Yet there was this feeling in the pit of his stomach. Like butterflies or something close to it. Rush wasn't entirely sure as he sat down. Watching Young move over to his seat. Calmly, Nicholas asked,"So, any reason you insisted upon us meeting in your office like this?"
"I wanted to talk to you a little more privately.",Everett answered as he sat down in his chair. It felt a little strange. But figured there was absolutely no harm in this. After all, there had to be a good reason for this. He and Young hadn't gotten into an argument in a long while. Or even slightly disagreed about anything. Well, aside from the androids that were on the ship. Just what could he possibly need from Rush? Why would he need them to be alone like this? What was so bad that he couldn't say around the androids? Say around Eli either?
"I wanted to speak to you about that threat you believed that Ash made against you.",Everett started. This nearly made Nicholas roll his eyes in annoyance. It had definitely been a threat. The little android may have folks fooled. But not him. And hopefully not his future self, either. He couldn't see himself becoming friends with him. Tolerating? Sure. But nothing in the area of being 'friends' like Eli and the trio.
He had to know why they were with them. Just how useful were they to the mission? They had been useful so far in a few repairs. Cleaning as well. But just what in the world else they could be good for? Rush could barely see the need for any of them if he were being honest. Or why they're even on the ship for. Other than to do tasks that humans feasibly couldn't.
"It certainly sounded like one, Everett.",Nicholas stated. What else was he supposed to take those words as? An actual accident? Watching him carefully, Rush wondered what he meant by this. Why even bring it up in the slightest bit? He questioned,"How else would you had taken those words as?"
"And how in the world can you believe that he wasn't threatening us?",Rush demanded. He wanted to know how that little android did to make Everett trust him. As the man didn't seem to trust anything all that easily. Just what the Hell did Ash do? And if it wasn't just Ash, then what have the other ones done to deserve Everett's trust? Earn everyone else's trust as well? He only prayed that his future self hadn't fallen for this bullshit. That he would understand his distrust of them. And would sympathize with him.
"Ash and the rest of them proved themselves, Rush.",Young answered. Giving him a calm smile as he sat up a little straighter. This slightly irked him, Young had fallen for some trick. Either it was by Ash himself or another android. One of the others that were currently back on Destiny. Maybe one of the little idiot's lovers that were with him. Rush wasn't entirely sure. But he wasn't going to trust him. Everett informed,"There's going to be a problem that you'll be dealing with soon."
"One that isn't going to be easily solved by just us alone.",he added. This wasn't entirely terrible in Rush's book. As they had dealt with terrible things in the past. Sure, it took a lot of thinking and planning. Along with some trial and error they did with. But from the look on Everett's face, he realized it was going to be more difficult than normal. Just what was it that could be that's so bad? Young informed,"I'm sorry, it has to be with the help of the androids."
"As it could kill any human being that you send out to deal with it.",Everett warned. Just what the Hell could that be? There were a few other missions that were like that. But not to the degree that Young would look like this. That made him worry as he stared at him. Just what the Hell was going to happen? Rush asked,"What in the world is going to happen? Did you see what had happened?"
"Just how long do we have until it happens?",he questioned. There were several more that Rush wanted to ask. Just how many humans were going to die? Would it be happening soon? Sort of like the water issue? Or would it be something else? Just what could possibly hurt them? And why would the androids be the safer option in this? Everett answered,"It's a planet you're going to try to do a supply run on."
"There's a giant creature that will try to attack everything.",he murmured. Running his fingers over his hand absentmindedly. So much so that Nicholas couldn't take his eyes off of it. That's when he noticed what his fingertips were running over. A small scar that looked to have not healed right for one reason or another. It was bright red and looked like some sort of chemical burn. There was something horrific about seeing the thing. Without context it was terrifying and he wondered what caused this. What kind of creature had done this for?
Just what in the Hell had Everett been through?
"The thing is sort of a gel creature, I think. I never had a decent look at the damned thing.",he explained. There was this far away look to his eyes as he sat there. As if he were right back in that horrible moment. Rush figured this is probably what had stuck. Thanks to the injury and what it had done to him. To the others around him as well.
Though Eli seemed to be physically fine. Mentally? He quite possibly wasn't as good. Though, he felt it would be wise to not question the young man.
"I was one of the few humans who were relatively fine...not eaten at the very least.",he mumbled. His tone was equally detached like the look in his eye. That was fair. To be expected if he was one of the few who survived. Especially with that kind of injury on him. This deeply worried him as he stared at Everett. When he opened his mouth, the older man droned,"You, Eli, and a few others were on the ship."
"I can't remember where David had been at the start. But, he was there when I needed him the most...when the creature tried to swallow my whole arm.",he informed. It made him wonder how big the creature had been. If it nearly swallowed Everett's arm, it had to be big. The way that he doesn't remember time obviously meant trauma was messing with it. At least they could count on Telford for something. Even if it was just to pull Young's ass away from some strange blob alien.
One that Young didn't get a good look at in the slightest bit. Despite what it had done to him.
"I think it was around the size of my desk, if I'm remembering it right...",Young described. His hand gripped the scarred one a bit tightly. Knuckles turning white as Nicholas watched him. This worried him as he reached for Young's hand. Gently pulling them apart with a concerned look on his face.
It seemed that Young didn't really notice in the slightest bit. And he kept staring into space. As if he were the only one in that room at all. Like he couldn't see or notice that Rush were there. Another thing that worried him. Quietly, he added,"I was lingering back for things to use as medicine."
"A few seconds into looking for them, I heard folks screaming in pain and fear.",he added. Looking right back at Rush. As if he were remembering that the other man was with him at all. Then he noticed that they were holding hands and smiled to himself. Softly, Everett informed,"It moved so much faster than it looked like it should ever be able to."
"Listen to me, Rush. Never go to the planet and try to keep everyone on board.",Everett insisted. Voice growing thick with desperation and sadness. Fear evident in his eyes as well. Which were sort of, sort of watery? Like he were about to, about to start crying? Was he going crazy? How bad was the losses that Everett was going to weep about it? Quietly, Young pleaded,"Please. Just do anything that you can to convince me not to?"
"Lie about the planet's atmosphere isn't safe for humans.",he pleaded. That shouldn't be too hard to do at all. Though Rush worried that Eli would do something stupid to check it out. Like go behind Nicholas back to check if he were lying or not. As this seemed to bother the young man. For some odd reason. Everett added,"Send the androids instead."
"The thing can't seem to sense them at all.",Young explained. Probably thanks to them not technically being living beings. It probably would keep them safe from being eaten by the thing. Either because they have no human heat. In fact, he was sure they were cold to the touch. If he actually bothered to touch one of them.
Or because none of them have to breathe.
It wasn't anything that mattered to him in the slightest bit. All that mattered was keeping human crew members from being harmed. Keeping Everett from being scarred the way that he was. Even if it meant having to work with those stupid androids. Despite how much that he hated it, he knew it was the wiser option. Hell, Ash probably would volunteer to prove to Nicholas that he was safe. Rush stated,"Believe me, I can do that Everett."
"Soon as I get on board, I promise I will figure out the best lie that I can.",Nicholas promised. Feeling a little silly for saying it the way he did. But he wanted to let Everett know he was taking this seriously. After all, this was loss of a good amount of their crew. Maybe more than half of them. And he wanted Everett to know that this would be handled. Along with the fact his injury would be disappear and become some bad dream...well, maybe. Some of the tension in Young's shoulders eased up a little bit. Not by a whole lot but enough to make Nicholas happy. The older man's hands were also not trembling as much as they had been a minute ago.
That creature, it really must have killed quite a bit of the others. For him to be so terrified like this. As he had never seen Young in this much fear. Nicholas also prayed that he would never see it. Along with never having to personally deal with whatever this creature is, was. Whatever.
The is or was didn't really matter in the moment.
What mattered was that he wouldn't allow anyone in danger. Wouldn't allow Everett to get in harm's way once again. Be mauled by whatever it really was. A giant blob of something corrosive that nearly ate Everett. Even if the other man hadn't seen the damned thing properly.
Having the androids do this was much better in his book.
In his mind, this would be one of the best uses for Ash. Sure, he is proving to be good at repairs. But he felt the short little jerk was better suited for this. To prove his worth in Rush's eyes at the very least. Just one of the ways. As making a supply run wouldn't be entirely enough to make up for that threat. It would at least help things a little bit. But, not entirely. If he were doing this to protect human life? That would at least win Ash some points in Rush's book. Just some. Not a lot.
"I'll tell them something about it being a poison that we can't handle. It really shouldn't be too difficult.",Nicholas informed. Convincing Ash wouldn't be too difficult either. And his two little body guards followed him around like obedient puppies. So those two wouldn't be too difficult to convince either. They probably would volunteer to go along with Ash if they felt it was necessary. Rush added,"Ash and his little body guards would probably be willing to do it. If it means protecting Eli."
"I definitely can talk them into going if I make it sound like it benefits him.",Nicholas informed. Which was something that he could do. Making sure that the supply run without a hitch. If Eli somehow says anything, he would be sure to think of a decent lie. Something to go along with what he just told the trio he recently befriended. And that it wouldn't seem too much like a lie. Everett nodded his head in agreement to this. Apparently liking what Nicholas had in mind. Young added,"This will be happening within a little over a week or so."
"If this doesn't work then we'll be losing, Lisa. Greer. Camile, and Vanessa.",he informed. Not looking at him like he was trying to guilt trip him. Or act like he was upset. It was strange that he was telling him about this. Why in the Hell was Young informing him of the victims? Just what in the world was going on? But maybe he guessed it was to inform him of what he would lose possibly? It felt unnecessary as he stared at the older man. Sitting up straighter, Rush questioned,"Why are you telling me this, Young?"
"I promised that I would do as you have asked of me. I won't let anything happen to them.",he added. Just, he wasn't entirely sure what to make of it. Other than he was hoping the knowledge of knowing would do something. Chewing his bottom lip as he stared into Everett's eyes. Trying to figure something out by his gaze. Wondering what was going on in his mind. Everett explained,"Just to inform you of whom you will lose if you don't do this right."
"I know you really didn't want to hear it but, you needed to.",Young added. It really sucked. But he felt that Rush absolutely had to hear about it. And that he had to be reminded of what they would lose. Who they would lose if they were to fail entirely. Even if it was something that was terrifying to hear for the both of them.
While the older men spoke together, the lovers were following Eli around the place. Oliver and Ralph asking Eli questions as they walked around. Keeping him from looking back at Ash as they moved. Who was looking for an opening to get away from the group as fast as he could. To find a way to contact Lucy in any other location in the place. A second later, the trio in front of him were stopped. Not moving as Eli looked over his shoulder at Ash. Making him freeze in place as he stared at him. In a calm voice, Wallace questioned,"Would you guys like to see Lucy?"
"Is that why you're trying so hard to distract me like this?",Eli teased. With that the rest of his friends froze in place. Looking as fearful as they turned to look at each other. Then looking at him with wide eyes. As if afraid their friend was going to tell on them or something. And he felt bad about how he joked about the whole thing. Gently patting Oliver's shoulder, he assured,"Hey, hey, it's okay guys. I promise that I'm still your friend even now."
"I can take you to see Lucy if you really need to. It's absolutely no problem.",he promised. This was something that they had spoken about before. A conversation about who opened the gate for them to leave. And that she hadn't been able to come with them. He felt so bad for her. It also took him forever to convince Everett to allow him to speak to her. That he needed to see how she was to tell the trio if possible. Maybe getting to let them see her if they came in as well. Which took forever for Eli to manage but, Everett allowed it.
Right now, he knew they could easily get to her. Without any issue or without someone raising too big of a fuss. Thankfully, no one would harm any of these three. As long as Eli was with them at least. A tiny smile came to his face as Ash glanced at Oliver then Ralph. Both were looking at him and then at each other. It nearly made him giggle. If it weren't for the fact they were so serious about this. Oliver questioned,"It wouldn't get you into any serious amount of trouble, Eli?"
"It won't. I promise you guys that it really won't.",Eli answered. Probably not. It might get him chewed out for doing stupid things. Which is something that he's dealt with on more than one occasion. And he can handle anything that Young said to him fairly easily. For a moment, none of the group said anything at all. Then Ralph did something that he hadn't expected. Ralph walked up to him and pulled him into a tight bear hug. A huge grin on his face as he did so. Gently patting Eli's back as he held him close. In a low voice, he said,"Thank you so much, Eli. We really appreciate this."
"You're such a good friend to all of us.",Ralph added. Sounding so very grateful for all of this. Eli hugged him back with a giant grin on his face. Giving his back a very gentle pat on the back. When they pulled away, he lead them towards the hall that lead to the room. Keeping his face calm as he walked with the group. Acting like it was perfectly normal of him to be doing this. That nothing was wrong in the slightest bit. Which was the best in this situation. That way they could pull this off without a hitch. It was something that Matt taught him on Destiny. Act like you're confident in what you're doing and you'll be fine. Walk with your head held high.
It was definitely working right now.
None of the others around them really paid them all that much mind. Or even really glanced in their direction as they walked past them. It still made the group nervous as they made their way to Lucy's cell. Oliver carefully took both of his lovers hands as they neared it.
Once they neared her cell, the group ran around him to it. Pressing up to the plastic wall of it. Lucy looked to be perfectly fine in her cell. Which was full of nice furniture that Ash wondered how Young got for her. It wasn't much. There was a small book case and a desk with a chair. She wasn't all that different. Her head injury wasn't better or worse. Just the same that it had been in a long while. Which was good to see. Though she was wearing a different outfit than before. Which was a new uniform that fit her pretty well. Well, it didn't look too loose on her slender frame.
She also looked to be very confused by the group in front of her. Her brows drawn together as she glanced around at them.
"I'm sorry but, who in the world are any of you?",Lucy questioned. Looking very uncomfortable with the three in front of her. It took them a second to realize why she couldn't recognize them. After all, they were in different bodies. If Ralph had to bargain, he would say Oliver's borrowed face was making her the most uncomfortable. Ash answered,"It's us, Lucy. Ash, Oliver, and Ralph."
"We came to see you and how you were doing in this place.",Ralph explained. It wasn't an ideal way to see them. But it was really the only one that they had any access to in the moment. Oliver noticed that Lucy wasn't really believing any of them. Her mouth set in a deep frown as she turned hear head from one to another. A bit of worry crossing her features as well. Then Oliver informed,"The last time we were together, you helped me patch up a child android."
"You needed her to hold still and she was just too scared and in pain.",he continued. Letting go of Ash's hand to set it on the glass in front of him. Feeling if she wanted to check his memories, she could. He gave her a gentle smile as he continued,"I told her the story about the 'Princess and the Frog'."
"She sat there listening to me as you patched her up the best you could.",Oliver finished. It was something that no one else would know about. As they were the only ones there aside from the child. Which the young girl would never tell anyone at all. Since she was so damn shy. The poor thing was also somewhere in hiding with some of the other androids. Hopefully they were all in Canada or something. Anywhere that the U.S military would never be able to...well, be able to find at least. Oliver just prayed that this would get through to Lucy.
That she would believe that he was who Ash said he was.
To his relief, it seemed to work. As she smiled warmly at the trio. Standing up from her chair to walk over to the plastic wall. She pressed a hand to where Oliver had pressed his. Looking him in the eyes as she did so. Clearly not liking that he was in a unit like Connor. And seemed deeply concerned as to why this was happening. In a soft voice, she asked,"Why are you three like this right now? What happened to your bodies?"
"We used these things called Communication Stones.",Ralph explained. Giddy to inform her of all these inventions they came across. And how much fun they were to use to do this sort of thing. It felt so freeing in a strange sort of way. He continued,"We're simply borrowing these bodies while they're using ours."
"It's so much fun and Ralph wishes that you could try it.",Ralph sighed. Though he doubted he could convince Eli. As it was definitely out of his control. And it would more than likely just get him into a world of trouble. Which was something he wanted to avoid at all costs.
As this might mean they wouldn't be able to see Lucy. Another thing that Ralph really, really, really wanted to avoid like the damned plague. Or whatever the Hell that was. Lucy knew just how it was like to be so heavily injured. And not looking up to someone else's standards.
At least his lovers didn't judge him in the slightest bit.
Then again Ash had sort of similar issues with his body. So did Markus. At least they somewhat got it. And he couldn't stand the thought of losing Lucy like them. It hurt to think of, so he tried not to. Instead he just thought of ways to get Lucy on board Destiny. That way she could see how everyone was and how much they missed her.
"I wish I could as well. To see where and how you all have been living.",Lucy stated. It was something that she had been wishing for a long while. To see if they were any safer there then they would be here. She felt they were a little safer there on Destiny. Just a little. Though she had this feeling something wasn't entirely right there. She asked,"Are things alright on Destiny? Are you guys being treated fair?"
"Oh, definitely. We're definitely being treated fairly.",Oliver informed. Not wanting to tell her about David and the others. As she didn't need to be more worried about them. Considering what was already going on in her life. She didn't need to know how bad things were for them in space. It wasn't like Lucy was going to be able to do anything at all.
"Ralph wishes that he could garden a little bit more. But, the humans are just not ready for it yet.",Ralph explained. Well, as far as he could tell it was the reason. And it really sucked for him. Though if he got the chance he would definitely do so. Sooner or later, Ralph would find a way to do something like that. Ash chimed in,"I've been doing repairs to the ship to the best of my ability."
"It's really been slow going but, I've really been enjoying it so far.",he chirped. It was a really difficult job for the shortest android. As he hadn't ever done anything like that before. But, Ash still found himself enjoying it. As it was nice being able to help the humans with it. There was also this fun with being able to fix something. It was almost sort of soothing for him. Maybe thanks to it taking his mind off of everything going on. Possibly, he wasn't entirely sure.
"That's very good, Ash and Ralph. I'm so very glad to hear that you're all doing so very well there.",Lucy stated. Though she had this feeling they weren't telling her the whole truth. There was something in the way that Ash was smiling. Which was too hard in her book. Ralph's eyes had this oddness about them. And Oliver wasn't meeting her gaze no matter how hard she tried to get him to. But something in Lucy told her to not push them harder. Fearing what would happen if she did. Lucy questioned,"So what is your view from space like?"
"Are any of you able to see Earth from where you're at?",she questioned. If so, she was positively worried. That would mean it could be easy for humans to get to them. Though if not, then they were probably going to be fine.
Probably safe from the military at the very least.
It worried her that folks could be in danger. Possibly get murdered by the military. And that they were only vaguely safe in that place. Her teeth dug into her bottom lip as she turned her head to stare at them one by one. Praying that he worst fears weren't coming true. That none of them could see Earth at all from where they were. Even if hat wasn't the best for them. A huge wave of relief washed over her as Oliver informed,"No, we can't. Destiny is so far from Earth and well, even if we did. I think we'd be fine."
"We're about twenty-seven years into the past. 2009 if I'm remembering it right.",Oliver explained. It felt weird to be saying that to her. And a little confusing as well. He didn't know why it had happened. And that it was still a mystery as to how it had, too.
No one on board knew or could find out.
"Oh, I suppose that's a little odd. At least your safe on board.",Lucy informed. This was strange to her. As she thought they were being placed on the current Destiny. Which was several galaxies away. And she initially thought that she had missed by a whole lot. Placing the group on some nearby moon by accident. That was all she thought she had done.
Not that she shoved them that many years into the past.
On some version that sounded broken and unsafe as Hell. More than she anticipated it would be. Sure, none of them were in any immediate danger. From the way that Ash had talked about it. It sounded like he was getting things somewhat better under control. Somewhat. Though she still feared what they were going to be doing. Just how they were going to manage, too. Who in the Hell was doing their repairs? Were they even going to be able to get any on that ship?
Were they just going to be out of luck if someone breaks down?
"I'm really sorry guys but, this is all the time that we have.",Eli apologized to them. Bringing Lucy's attention to him and causing her to look blankly at him. Which was fair in his book. As she had possibly forgotten that he was there. Or made herself not acknowledge him in the slightest bit. And he hated that he had to drag the trio away from her as well. But, he wasn't sure how Everett would react to him doing this. And he didn't want to anger the man for doing this behind his back. Or having the older man, and Rush as Rush probably wouldn't like this, scold him in front of his friends.
It would be way too embarrassing for him.
"Goodbye Lucy. We promise that we will try to visit you soon.",Ralph vowed. Hating the idea of leaving her there like this. As he wasn't sure if they would be able to make another visit soon. Or one that wouldn't be a week or so. Which was something that he wanted to talk to the leaders about. If they could do anything about this. Then squashed it. As North hadn't been allowed to come with them to see Lucy. Young had told her to her face that she wasn't for some reason. Ralph admittedly hadn't been paying attention in the slightest bit.
As Ash had been telling him and Oliver about it earlier.
"We're so sorry that we can't do more for you. Or get you on Destiny.",Ash apologized. Feeling like an asshole about what he had said. As it wasn't anywhere near enough in the slightest bit. She deserved way more then just this stupid apology. But it was really the best he could offer her. Lucky for him, she didn't seem to be angry about it. In fact, she seemed to understand what Ash was getting at. Calmly, Lucy stated,"It's not your fault, it will be okay."
"I'm going to be fine, Ash. After all, they're treating me very well thanks to Mr. Young.",she informed. Hoping that what she said wasn't going to be an entire lie. After all, Everett had been very kind to her. Doing his best to treat her in a super gentle manner. Giving her thirium if she needed it. Though she feared what was going to come next. In a soft voice, Oliver muttered,"Stay strong, Lucy. We'll try for a longer visit soon."
"I promise that I'm going to find a way to get you to see Destiny.",he whispered. Making absolutely sure that Lucy was the only one to hear him. Her eyes looked so sad. If she could cry, he bet that she would be weeping. A tiny smile came to her face as he felt their gazes hold. Letting her hand drop, she walked over to her chair and sat back down. Sadly waving them goodbye as she called,"Goodbye, I love you all so much."
It was hard to drag the androids away from the cell after that. But, Eli managed to do so. He hated having to do this to them. As it was so sad seeing them heartbroken like this. Walking them down the hallway slower than they had before. Right towards to where Everett had left them before. Which he wasn't still back yet for some reason. This was both good and bad in Eli's book. Good as this meant that Everett didn't know they had left the spot. Bad as he couldn't remember where Everett had gone to in that moment. Since he couldn't entirely recall this moment after twenty-seen years.
Not as accurately as he ever wanted to. It was sort of annoying for him.
"Eli? What in the world are you doing here?",A voice called out to him. Turning slightly to his left, he spotted someone that he hadn't seen in a week or so. And someone that these three had not see in at least an hour or so. Maybe a little longer than that.
David Telford.
When the group noticed David coming over, they tensed up. Each of them moving to stand behind Eli. Holding onto each others hands as they did so. He felt a little worried for them. They don't know that he's changed since then. Or that the older version of David was in therapy. Trying to be a lot calmer then before.
"Oh! You got these guys with you, I almost forgot they were coming.",David stated. A huge grin on his face as he got super close Oliver. Who avoided eye contact with him. As did Ralph and Ash. Which he didn't take notice of at first. But frowned when Ralph carefully pushed Ash behind him. Looking angry as he did so. Looking at Eli, Telford asked,"I take it that my younger self dragged Ash around yesterday?"
"Yeah, that happened yesterday. They're still a little...y'know.",Eli informed. He guessed that David was hoping to get here before then. Probably forgot what exact day it had been when he did this as well. And part of him wondered what he would tell the younger Telford. If he would yell at him for hurting Ash the way he did or not. Or try to calm himself down with the therapy he was learning. Calmly, he asked,"So. Why are you here? Were you coming to see Everett for something?"
"Oh, I just wanted to see if Everett wanted to go out for lunch with me and Rush.",David answered. Trying to look around Ralph to look at Ash. Still frowning as he did so. As if he were debating on what to do or say next. When he opened his mouth to speak, he froze for a second. Then he closed it once again. Glancing between Ralph and Oliver. Eli prayed he wouldn't say anything dumb. Otherwise he'll be in the middle of a fist fight. One that he knew David would lose.