Aiur, Thursday

[moonbrain_tam]

Her human body restricted movement. Or perhaps it was just that she was no longer used to it, but for this it was a necessary mask, one that let her breathe less freely. Also, Kerrigan's presence wasn't as close as she had grown used to, and she had to focus not to let it make her feel... something. Lonely?

The small ship that Kerrigan had offered

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[on_her_korhal]

He had been discussing something with Fenix; it'd taken Jim a while to get used to the way the Protoss used his gigantic, metal 'body' to gesticulate, but having a voice in your head was kind of par for the course where the Protoss were involved.

He was distracted, though. That's what he'd blame as he ran, the servo motors in his suit increasing his speed, straight for the crash site. What was it? "This might be another attack!" he yelled at his men, joining him alongside. "Stand by!"

They'd barely recovered from keeping the Zerg off of Zeratul's back last week-- they couldn't stand another assault.

[moonbrain_tam]

They were approaching; she could sense it. Still crouched on the ground next to the ship River looked up, trying to make a fear she didn't feel visible on her face.

[on_her_korhal]

It was one of the marines up front that found her first. He lowered his rifle as soon as he'd spotted the girl, his eyes still wary, but his mind obviously concerned, even protective. "Captain Raynor, sir! There's a girl!"

Jim was there barely thirty seconds later-- "Miss?" he asked, then squinted his eyes. Finally, he just pressed the button, opening up the canopy of his helmet. "--Wait a minute. Well, f-- love me sideways."

[moonbrain_tam]

"Jim Raynor?" River's voice was clear even though she shivered. "Help me, please." If she could she would have let herself cry, but perhaps that would have been overdoing it anyway.

[on_her_korhal]

He rattled through his mind in search of the name. Something with-- "River?" Raynor asked, pushing down on his suit so that his knees bent down and he could crouch. "River Tam? You're Kerrigan's kid."

[moonbrain_tam]

"I want to go home," she said quietly. Yes, she wanted that, but not her current home and not for the reason he would have to believe in.

[on_her_korhal]

"It's gonna be alright, sweetheart," he sighed, offering her a hand. "How's the damage?" Jim studied the girl for a minute, some bruises, that's all he could see, but-- "McMurty! Get a medic down here!"

[moonbrain_tam]

She took his hand and pulled herself shakily to her feet. "I... I think I'm ok." She was, but she didn't want to seem too certain. There was doubtful a complete medical examination would be suggested, anyway.

"Don't let her find me."

[on_her_korhal]

That wasn't enough to stop Jim from motioning at the medic as she came running in. She knelt down by River's side. "Don't let who find you?" he asked, "What are you doin' all the way out here, hun?"

[moonbrain_tam]

"Kerrigan. I ran away. I want to go home." He had to buy this.

[on_her_korhal]

She hadn't--

"Did you come out here to find her?" he asked, as the medic reached over loosely for River's arm, to check how bad the injuries were.

[moonbrain_tam]

River let the medic examine her arm, watching her. "Missed her. But she wants me changed." She let her voice grow as quiet as she could while still being audible.

[on_her_korhal]

"She tried to infest you?!"

There hadn't been any love lost between him and Kerrigan since she changed, but still-- "Jesus Christ," he swore. "We're going to get you back home, don't worry."

The medic stuck a few bandages to River's arm.

[moonbrain_tam]

"I can't do it!" Here River did manage to burst into tears. "I can't... become what she is. I need... my home." As the medic let her go she pulled the arm closer.

[on_her_korhal]

"We'll find it," he repeated. "It'll be okay. Listen-- we'll get you all set up in camp, alright? We're leavin' soon, she won't be gettin' near you in a jiffy."

[moonbrain_tam]

River drew a deep breath, pretending to struggle holding back her tears. She nodded. "Thank you."