Ride the Lightning

[onemorebounty]

*Samus settled into her ship's seat with a sigh, setting her helmet aside and prodding the craft into motion. She ached, and a burning itch was spreading along her cheek and one side of her nose--she'd seen the veins of phazon corruption reflected in her visor. Realization struck like a blow: the LOL that had turned everyone into their worst enemy

Comments

[vicioussweetie]

"I--" The sight of the phazon in Samus' system, so obvious now, draws Ali up short for a moment. With a massive effort of will, she swallows the lump forming in her throat, and manages to keep the threatening tears at bay. Her eyes may look a little glassy, but they're all tired and stressed--she hopes Samus doesn't notice (or think much of it when she does).

"...I made you some brownies. And you have a new commanding officer."

[onemorebounty]

*She's tired, but with the stims working their way into her system, she's becoming more attentive. She can tell Ali's upset, but hasn't quite connected it with the latest developments on her face. Their situation in general is grim enough to warrant it.*

Brownies are good. A new commanding officer is... better? Or it wouldn't be on the good things list, I assume. Who is it?

[vicioussweetie]

"I should hope I'm better," Ali teases with a forced smile. "How did the mission go?"

[onemorebounty]

You?!

*Samus sits up, her expression brightening.*

You're my CO? How did you manage that?! Leviathan's dead, I can report the rest in a minute, you have to tell me!

[vicioussweetie]

"I bugged command until they wanted to get rid of me so much they gave in," Ali admits with a shrug. "I'm only your CO. Dane's still in charge of the fleet."

[onemorebounty]

Still an improvement. At least now I'm getting my orders from someone who knows what she's doing.

*She settles back, more pleased than she had been when she entered her ship.*

So. How much did the jar-brains show you of what happened?

[vicioussweetie]

"That depends on how much happened while you were out of contact," Ali points out. "Speaking of which, what happened?"

[onemorebounty]

Nothing bad. Just visited a temple. Very pretty, but not really a place for eavesdroppers.

*Samus' look says she'll tell Ali about it later.*

I was more curious how much they told you about the bomb.

[vicioussweetie]

"We skipped the technical details," for reasons Samus can guess, "but we do know it worked. I had every confidence in you. I'm guessing you need to resupply--do you want to come to us, or should we send someone to meet you someplace?"

[onemorebounty]

Did you know I had to ride that cracking bomb into position, to keep it from getting shot down? Or that the escape pod's launch circuits were all wrecked?

*That last has an unconcealed note of accusation, not directed at Ali.*

I'd like to know just what the Federation was supposed to supply on their end of the alliance, because it sure as starburn wasn't any help with maintenance.

[vicioussweetie]

"They didn't tell me that last part, no," she answers quietly.

"We'll have the lawyers start examining the alliance documents. I'm sure you're oh so very looking forward to suing the Federation again." Ali rolls her eyes. "But, assuming nothing's going to crash in the next few days, we do have more urgent matters to attend."

It would really help if Samus answered her question.

[onemorebounty]

Forthcoming little window-watchers, aren't they?

*She glares into a corner of the screen, intending to aim it at the Olympus' AU.*

We do. I'll swing by Norion to resupply--there are a few things I've been meaning to check on, down there. Then I'll check on the Valhalla, see what I can turn up. The pirate world already feels like a trap; I want to go in knowing everything I can.

[vicioussweetie]

Ali makes a noncommittal sound regarding the question; she agrees, but for now, she does have to work with them.

"I agree, that's a good plan. Are there any supplies you'll need that I can arrange?" Give her something useful to do, Samus, if you have a heart!

[onemorebounty]

*She has, and she nods.*

My ship took quite a beating from Ghor, and auto-repair can only do so much. It was leaking fuel gel after the fight; I'd like someone to look it over, have the parts ready to fix it, so I don't lose too much time.

[vicioussweetie]

"Of course. I'll make sure they bring more fuel, too."

[onemorebounty]

Thank you.

*Even through the phazon corruption, another of those looks is clear. With it comes a gratitude that runs deeper than fuel gel.*