NaNoWriMo: Day 25
Like whoa, I finally finished the numbered prompts from the table I started during NaNo! Total word count is now over 45,000! Search moves the story along a little further, building on things that have come before. I am now beyond excited to start on Homeland, the conclusion to this little series.
The usual warnings apply - this has not gone through any editing aside from spellcheck.
Prompt 25: Search
nbsp; Miriam took off her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to ward off the coming headache. Frustrated that her research was going nowhere, she pushed her chair away from the electron microscope and leaned back, staring at the double helix laser-etched on the golden ceiling of her laboratory.
nbsp; Why won’t the Alayas flowers give up their secrets to me? she mused. I’ve cracked their genetic code, but can’t seem to isolate the genes coding for their neurotoxic spores. If she could isolate those genes, there was a chance of engineering a strain that didn’t cause paranoid, nightmarish hallucinations in humans.
nbsp; Of course, even if she did get to that point, who in their right mind would be a willing test subject
nbsp; Her reverie was interrupted by a ring from the holo-com. Pressing the button to answer, she smiled as Summit’s face appeared.
nbsp; “Miri, you’re still in the lab?” he asked. “I thought you and Apex were getting ready for the Talent Show together?”
nbsp; Miriam chuckled, glad to take her mind off research troubles for a moment. “Summit, it doesn’t take five hours to get ready! There’s plenty of time.”
nbsp; Summit arched an eyebrow. “So you say. I’ve known you to spend all night in that lab when you get wrapped up in a project, though.”
nbsp; “Then I’ll be counting on hourly reminders from you,” Miriam quipped, remembering all the time she had woken up to find imprints of instruments on her face.
nbsp; "They're keeping most of the performers up front, but since I'm going last I'll be able to sit with you for most of the acts," Summit said. "Father said Z'neth is bringing Nocturna though, so perhaps don't bring that up with Apex while you're getting ready," he said with a chuckle.
nbsp; Miriam was intrigued. "The rumor is that Z'neth and Dragonator Two are taking her on an amber run very soon. Any word on that from the inside source?" she questioned.
nbsp; "Classified information as of right now," Summit replied. "I don't think Father wants Dread to know his ex-lieutenant might be dropping in for a visit."
nbsp; Miriam mock saluted. "Roger that, sir. By the way, have you given any thought to the mission we discussed earlier?"
nbsp; Summit looked uncomfortable. "I brought up another Alayas mission to Father, but he didn't seem too keen on the idea of anyone returning there, research or no."
nbsp; Miriam groaned. "I can't believe that after the successful Aristotle test flights he would be loath to turn its powers onto our closest possibility for a settlement."
nbsp; "It's not just Father," Summit continued. "The whole Council is skeptical about another mission there after the complete disaster that last one turned into."
nbsp; “But if I can’t get back to the mountain to study live specimens, I might never crack their genetic code!” Miriam huffed. “I can’t believe the Council would be so foolish to leave all the avenues unexplored with Mount Alayas.”
nbsp; Summit ran a hand through his blonde hair. “Miri, I understand your desire to do something, but I just don’t think you understand what it was like to have those hallucinations. Like you couldn’t trust anything you saw, including yourself.”
nbsp; Miriam bit her tongue, knowing she couldn’t challenge those who had actually lived through the experience.
nbsp; “I know it’s hard to leave Alayas on the table for now,” Summit said. “It was hard for everyone to have such a perfect paradise snatched away not by Dread Wing, but by a flower.”
nbsp; Miriam let out a breath. “Well, I’ll continue working with a data I’ve got. Hopefully I can make somebody see reason eventually.”
nbsp; “I know you will, love,” Summit said with a warm smile that melted her a little bit. “See you tonight.” He blew her a kiss before signing off.
nbsp; Miriam worked for a few more hours, giggling when Summit's hourly text reminders came through, each with increasingly humorous pictures of him pacing or pointing at the wall chrono attached.
nbsp; Finally shutting down her workstation, Miriam placed her samples back in storage and threw her lab jacket over the chair before making her way to Nora's quarters. The stroll was pleasant, and she had the opportunity to say hello to Eleazar as he was dragging a bunch of Old Earth soil samples back to his lab. When she reached the apartment, Miri could hear what sounded like a war going on on the other side of the door.
nbsp; When ringing the bell produced no response, Miriam cautiously opened the door, and then promptly ducked to avoid being hit in the head by flying clothes.
nbsp; "What's going on in here?" she cried, taking in the scene of Apex digging through Nora's closet in an attempt to find something suitable to wear.
nbsp; "She's gone mad, that's what!" Nora said, clinging to Miriam for dear life.
nbsp; Apex waved a hand in dismissal. "Nonsense! I'm simply trying to find something suitable for Nora to wear to the Talent Show tonight. It's her first official ate with Peak, after all."
nbsp; Miriam grinned as she wandered into the room. "Well, that changes everything, doesn't it?"
nbsp; Nora groaned. "What’s gotten you two all hot under the exo-wings all of the sudden? Peak and I have hung out loads of times. What makes this any different?"
nbsp; “It’s just that this night will set a…” Miriam searched for the words, “tone. Yes, it will set the tone for your future relationship with Peak going forward.”
nbsp; Nora snorted. “Who says we’re going on more dates after tonight?”
nbsp; “Oh, you’re going,” Apex said as she continued to paw Nora’s paltry selection of clothes. “Nora, don’t you have any formal dresses? All I’m finding is your dress uniform.”
nbsp; Nora flopped down on the sofa while Miriam went to the beverage dispenser and made a hot cup of tea. “Apex, I’ve never had any occasion to wear things like that. I just wore my dress uniform for the first time since induction at the dragonator ball last year.”
nbsp; Apex poked her head out of the closet, giving Nora a bewildered look. Miriam chuckled, knowing Apex’s fondness for clothes and fashion (a habit the dragonator didn’t get to indulge in too often). “You’ve got to be kidding,” Apex said.
nbsp; “Uh oh, you’ve awoken the beast,” Miriam remarked before taking a delicate sip of the delicious Darjeeling.
nbsp; "I just...have no words. It's just tragic," Apex said.
nbsp; Miriam rolled her eyes at her friend's dramatics. "Not everyone has your need for a huge wardrobe, Apex."
nbsp; "Don't get me started about how you live in that lab jacket," Apex snapped back, and Nora giggled. "At any rate, we're abandoning this clothing wasteland and you're coming over to raid my closet. I'm sure we can find something elegant for both of you in there."
nbsp; Miriam barely had time to finish her tea before Apex drug them across Airlandis to her family’s set of quarters. Once inside, they poked in on Aaron to say hello before Apex marched them to her room. Miriam always enjoyed visiting Apex’s closet - the girl had collected fashions (many which Miriam knew had belonged to Iranda, and held powerful memories) and scraps of material for years, sometimes weaving them into outfits, other times just laying them out and enjoyed the lovely patterns and textures. Miriam knew Apex didn’t actually wear most of the clothes - in fact, her old friend usually dressed down and chose comfortable clothes after endless hours in her flight suit. Still, Apex employed her vast wardrobe whenever possible.
nbsp; “What do you think, Miri? For Nora, something in green would go lovely with her long red hair,” Apex said, pulling out a sparkling green dress that pooled on the floor like water.
nbsp; Nora made a gagging noise. “I think I would lose all respect for myself if I was seen in public wearing something so…slinky.”
nbsp; “Agree to disagree on the ‘slinky’ comment,” Apex retorted, “but perhaps it is a little much for the talent show.”
nbsp; Miriam ran her hands over a pale green velvet jacket, savoring the feel of the cloth. “What about this? Maybe with a nice pair of slacks?”
nbsp; Miriam helped Nora into the jacket before stepping back to survey with Apex. “Good eye, Miri,” Apex said. The dragonator pulled a pair of cream-colored slacks and a pair of boots from the other side of the closet, holding them up to Nora. “Yes, yes, I think this will do quite nicely.”
nbsp; Nora wiped her brow. “Whew, I thought we might be here all day. Nice save, Miriam.”
nbsp; “We still need to find something to wear too!” Apex replied, eyes flashing in mild annoyance.
nbsp; Miriam settled herself as Apex brought out scads of outfits, each more impressive than the last. Apex herself decided on a lovely off-the-shoulder midnight blue dress - nothing as fancy as she had worn for the Dragonator Ball, but lovely nonetheless. Miriam was the last to make up her mind, choosing a flowing wine red dress.
nbsp; Nora looked at her chrono. “Um, we’ve only got half an hour before the show starts.”
nbsp; Full panic mode started at that point, with Apex directing Miriam and Nora to her brothers’ open sonic showers. Apex burned herself with a curler, and Nora may have fallen over attempting to squish her feet into Apex’s boots. Miriam laughed until her sides hurt at the ridiculousness of the situation, remembering Summit’s warnings about time.
nbsp; The end result was fabulous, though.
nbsp; The trio dashed to the concert hall, barely making it to their reserved box in time. All around them, Airlandeans dressed up for the musical and dramatic event of the season filtered into the plush red seats, and above them all a gorgeous cut amber chandelier gave off warm, merry light that made the golden walls seem to glow. As she enjoyed the view Miriam realized she didn’t come to programs here nearly often enough.
Miriam kissed her brother Zarkan and his boyfriend Amod, while Apex made a small noise in her throat, noticing that Z’neth and Nocturna were sitting together. Miriam privately thought it was nice, but wisely chose to not share those feelings with Apex. Peak looked quite handsome, and Nora greeted him with a kiss on the cheek, smiling as the young dragonator’s face reddened.
nbsp; Miriam hugged Aaron and her Uncle Orak before settling into a chair beside them. “Summit said to tell you he’ll be along shortly,” Aaron said, eyes crinkling in a warm smile.
nbsp; They chatted amicably for a few minutes before the house lights dimmed and applause rang out across the hall as Councilman Joshua stepped out as master of ceremonies for the evening
nbsp; Suddenly, Miriam felt a breath on her neck and a light kiss as Summit whispered, “Sorry I’m late,” into her ear. He reached across her to squeeze his father’s hand before settling into the seat to enjoy what he could of the show.
nbsp; Joshua’s voice boomed across the crowd. “Welcome to the eighty-sixth annual Talent Show! As head of the Council, it is my privilege to be your host for this evening of the very best in Airlandean-produced performance art. Tonight you will be swept away with story, dance, music, and song.”
nbsp; And swept away Miriam was. Dancers executed flawless pirouettes, songstresses let their voices flow like water over the crowd, dramatic actors both entertained and inspired with vignettes.
nbsp; Summit disappeared about midway through the show, and Miriam clapped louder than anyone when he reappeared on stage as the last number for the evening
“This song is dedicated to Miriam,” he said to the crowd, “my love.” Miriam blushed, suddenly aware of eyes in the crowd trying to get a glimpse of her. She watched Summit settle himself at the keyboard on stage, take a deep breath, then begin to play.
The song started out soft, with graceful trills and arpeggios, before Summit abruptly changed to dark minor chords. Miriam could practically see the bubbling lava pits of Old Earth. Summit sped up, his hands flying on the keys as the song reached its climax, chords resounding and reverberating off of the concert hall’s walls. Then, gentle as a breeze, Summit wove Iranda’s theme into the finale. Miriam looked over at Aaron, whose tearstained face matched her own. She grasped the old man’s hand in a tight grip.
As the last echoes faded, the concert hall was silent for a moment before erupting into standing ovation. Summit wiped his own eyes before taking a quick bow and exiting stage left. Joshua made a few closing remarks before officially ending the performance.
As the house lights came up, Miriam could see there wasn’t a dry eye in their box. The hall began to empty, and their group decided to stop by the Replimat for a cup of coffee to end their night out. Summit rejoined them, to many accolades and a deep kiss from Miriam.
The Replimat was full of performance-goers, but they were easily able to secure a few tables. Miriam chatted with Nocturna for a bit, trying to make the mutant-woman feel at ease.
When they were finally all settled, Aaron stood up and raised his glass. “A toast to Summit’s excellent performance this evening, and for reminding me of something I should never lose sight of - the importance of my family and friends. Cheers.”
The group chatted amicably for a few hours, simply relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. As the night was winding down, however, a call came through.
“Skywatch to Aaron; come in please,” the Skywatch operator said, his voice practically shaking.
Aaron, always the calm leader replied, “Skywatch, this is Aaron. What’s the matter?”
The operator continued, “Sir, we’re receiving a coded transmission on an old frequency from Old Earth. The transmitter is claiming to be your wife, sir.”
The usual warnings apply - this has not gone through any editing aside from spellcheck.
Prompt 25: Search
nbsp; Miriam took off her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose, trying to ward off the coming headache. Frustrated that her research was going nowhere, she pushed her chair away from the electron microscope and leaned back, staring at the double helix laser-etched on the golden ceiling of her laboratory.
nbsp; Why won’t the Alayas flowers give up their secrets to me? she mused. I’ve cracked their genetic code, but can’t seem to isolate the genes coding for their neurotoxic spores. If she could isolate those genes, there was a chance of engineering a strain that didn’t cause paranoid, nightmarish hallucinations in humans.
nbsp; Of course, even if she did get to that point, who in their right mind would be a willing test subject
nbsp; Her reverie was interrupted by a ring from the holo-com. Pressing the button to answer, she smiled as Summit’s face appeared.
nbsp; “Miri, you’re still in the lab?” he asked. “I thought you and Apex were getting ready for the Talent Show together?”
nbsp; Miriam chuckled, glad to take her mind off research troubles for a moment. “Summit, it doesn’t take five hours to get ready! There’s plenty of time.”
nbsp; Summit arched an eyebrow. “So you say. I’ve known you to spend all night in that lab when you get wrapped up in a project, though.”
nbsp; “Then I’ll be counting on hourly reminders from you,” Miriam quipped, remembering all the time she had woken up to find imprints of instruments on her face.
nbsp; "They're keeping most of the performers up front, but since I'm going last I'll be able to sit with you for most of the acts," Summit said. "Father said Z'neth is bringing Nocturna though, so perhaps don't bring that up with Apex while you're getting ready," he said with a chuckle.
nbsp; Miriam was intrigued. "The rumor is that Z'neth and Dragonator Two are taking her on an amber run very soon. Any word on that from the inside source?" she questioned.
nbsp; "Classified information as of right now," Summit replied. "I don't think Father wants Dread to know his ex-lieutenant might be dropping in for a visit."
nbsp; Miriam mock saluted. "Roger that, sir. By the way, have you given any thought to the mission we discussed earlier?"
nbsp; Summit looked uncomfortable. "I brought up another Alayas mission to Father, but he didn't seem too keen on the idea of anyone returning there, research or no."
nbsp; Miriam groaned. "I can't believe that after the successful Aristotle test flights he would be loath to turn its powers onto our closest possibility for a settlement."
nbsp; "It's not just Father," Summit continued. "The whole Council is skeptical about another mission there after the complete disaster that last one turned into."
nbsp; “But if I can’t get back to the mountain to study live specimens, I might never crack their genetic code!” Miriam huffed. “I can’t believe the Council would be so foolish to leave all the avenues unexplored with Mount Alayas.”
nbsp; Summit ran a hand through his blonde hair. “Miri, I understand your desire to do something, but I just don’t think you understand what it was like to have those hallucinations. Like you couldn’t trust anything you saw, including yourself.”
nbsp; Miriam bit her tongue, knowing she couldn’t challenge those who had actually lived through the experience.
nbsp; “I know it’s hard to leave Alayas on the table for now,” Summit said. “It was hard for everyone to have such a perfect paradise snatched away not by Dread Wing, but by a flower.”
nbsp; Miriam let out a breath. “Well, I’ll continue working with a data I’ve got. Hopefully I can make somebody see reason eventually.”
nbsp; “I know you will, love,” Summit said with a warm smile that melted her a little bit. “See you tonight.” He blew her a kiss before signing off.
nbsp; Miriam worked for a few more hours, giggling when Summit's hourly text reminders came through, each with increasingly humorous pictures of him pacing or pointing at the wall chrono attached.
nbsp; Finally shutting down her workstation, Miriam placed her samples back in storage and threw her lab jacket over the chair before making her way to Nora's quarters. The stroll was pleasant, and she had the opportunity to say hello to Eleazar as he was dragging a bunch of Old Earth soil samples back to his lab. When she reached the apartment, Miri could hear what sounded like a war going on on the other side of the door.
nbsp; When ringing the bell produced no response, Miriam cautiously opened the door, and then promptly ducked to avoid being hit in the head by flying clothes.
nbsp; "What's going on in here?" she cried, taking in the scene of Apex digging through Nora's closet in an attempt to find something suitable to wear.
nbsp; "She's gone mad, that's what!" Nora said, clinging to Miriam for dear life.
nbsp; Apex waved a hand in dismissal. "Nonsense! I'm simply trying to find something suitable for Nora to wear to the Talent Show tonight. It's her first official ate with Peak, after all."
nbsp; Miriam grinned as she wandered into the room. "Well, that changes everything, doesn't it?"
nbsp; Nora groaned. "What’s gotten you two all hot under the exo-wings all of the sudden? Peak and I have hung out loads of times. What makes this any different?"
nbsp; “It’s just that this night will set a…” Miriam searched for the words, “tone. Yes, it will set the tone for your future relationship with Peak going forward.”
nbsp; Nora snorted. “Who says we’re going on more dates after tonight?”
nbsp; “Oh, you’re going,” Apex said as she continued to paw Nora’s paltry selection of clothes. “Nora, don’t you have any formal dresses? All I’m finding is your dress uniform.”
nbsp; Nora flopped down on the sofa while Miriam went to the beverage dispenser and made a hot cup of tea. “Apex, I’ve never had any occasion to wear things like that. I just wore my dress uniform for the first time since induction at the dragonator ball last year.”
nbsp; Apex poked her head out of the closet, giving Nora a bewildered look. Miriam chuckled, knowing Apex’s fondness for clothes and fashion (a habit the dragonator didn’t get to indulge in too often). “You’ve got to be kidding,” Apex said.
nbsp; “Uh oh, you’ve awoken the beast,” Miriam remarked before taking a delicate sip of the delicious Darjeeling.
nbsp; "I just...have no words. It's just tragic," Apex said.
nbsp; Miriam rolled her eyes at her friend's dramatics. "Not everyone has your need for a huge wardrobe, Apex."
nbsp; "Don't get me started about how you live in that lab jacket," Apex snapped back, and Nora giggled. "At any rate, we're abandoning this clothing wasteland and you're coming over to raid my closet. I'm sure we can find something elegant for both of you in there."
nbsp; Miriam barely had time to finish her tea before Apex drug them across Airlandis to her family’s set of quarters. Once inside, they poked in on Aaron to say hello before Apex marched them to her room. Miriam always enjoyed visiting Apex’s closet - the girl had collected fashions (many which Miriam knew had belonged to Iranda, and held powerful memories) and scraps of material for years, sometimes weaving them into outfits, other times just laying them out and enjoyed the lovely patterns and textures. Miriam knew Apex didn’t actually wear most of the clothes - in fact, her old friend usually dressed down and chose comfortable clothes after endless hours in her flight suit. Still, Apex employed her vast wardrobe whenever possible.
nbsp; “What do you think, Miri? For Nora, something in green would go lovely with her long red hair,” Apex said, pulling out a sparkling green dress that pooled on the floor like water.
nbsp; Nora made a gagging noise. “I think I would lose all respect for myself if I was seen in public wearing something so…slinky.”
nbsp; “Agree to disagree on the ‘slinky’ comment,” Apex retorted, “but perhaps it is a little much for the talent show.”
nbsp; Miriam ran her hands over a pale green velvet jacket, savoring the feel of the cloth. “What about this? Maybe with a nice pair of slacks?”
nbsp; Miriam helped Nora into the jacket before stepping back to survey with Apex. “Good eye, Miri,” Apex said. The dragonator pulled a pair of cream-colored slacks and a pair of boots from the other side of the closet, holding them up to Nora. “Yes, yes, I think this will do quite nicely.”
nbsp; Nora wiped her brow. “Whew, I thought we might be here all day. Nice save, Miriam.”
nbsp; “We still need to find something to wear too!” Apex replied, eyes flashing in mild annoyance.
nbsp; Miriam settled herself as Apex brought out scads of outfits, each more impressive than the last. Apex herself decided on a lovely off-the-shoulder midnight blue dress - nothing as fancy as she had worn for the Dragonator Ball, but lovely nonetheless. Miriam was the last to make up her mind, choosing a flowing wine red dress.
nbsp; Nora looked at her chrono. “Um, we’ve only got half an hour before the show starts.”
nbsp; Full panic mode started at that point, with Apex directing Miriam and Nora to her brothers’ open sonic showers. Apex burned herself with a curler, and Nora may have fallen over attempting to squish her feet into Apex’s boots. Miriam laughed until her sides hurt at the ridiculousness of the situation, remembering Summit’s warnings about time.
nbsp; The end result was fabulous, though.
nbsp; The trio dashed to the concert hall, barely making it to their reserved box in time. All around them, Airlandeans dressed up for the musical and dramatic event of the season filtered into the plush red seats, and above them all a gorgeous cut amber chandelier gave off warm, merry light that made the golden walls seem to glow. As she enjoyed the view Miriam realized she didn’t come to programs here nearly often enough.
Miriam kissed her brother Zarkan and his boyfriend Amod, while Apex made a small noise in her throat, noticing that Z’neth and Nocturna were sitting together. Miriam privately thought it was nice, but wisely chose to not share those feelings with Apex. Peak looked quite handsome, and Nora greeted him with a kiss on the cheek, smiling as the young dragonator’s face reddened.
nbsp; Miriam hugged Aaron and her Uncle Orak before settling into a chair beside them. “Summit said to tell you he’ll be along shortly,” Aaron said, eyes crinkling in a warm smile.
nbsp; They chatted amicably for a few minutes before the house lights dimmed and applause rang out across the hall as Councilman Joshua stepped out as master of ceremonies for the evening
nbsp; Suddenly, Miriam felt a breath on her neck and a light kiss as Summit whispered, “Sorry I’m late,” into her ear. He reached across her to squeeze his father’s hand before settling into the seat to enjoy what he could of the show.
nbsp; Joshua’s voice boomed across the crowd. “Welcome to the eighty-sixth annual Talent Show! As head of the Council, it is my privilege to be your host for this evening of the very best in Airlandean-produced performance art. Tonight you will be swept away with story, dance, music, and song.”
nbsp; And swept away Miriam was. Dancers executed flawless pirouettes, songstresses let their voices flow like water over the crowd, dramatic actors both entertained and inspired with vignettes.
nbsp; Summit disappeared about midway through the show, and Miriam clapped louder than anyone when he reappeared on stage as the last number for the evening
“This song is dedicated to Miriam,” he said to the crowd, “my love.” Miriam blushed, suddenly aware of eyes in the crowd trying to get a glimpse of her. She watched Summit settle himself at the keyboard on stage, take a deep breath, then begin to play.
The song started out soft, with graceful trills and arpeggios, before Summit abruptly changed to dark minor chords. Miriam could practically see the bubbling lava pits of Old Earth. Summit sped up, his hands flying on the keys as the song reached its climax, chords resounding and reverberating off of the concert hall’s walls. Then, gentle as a breeze, Summit wove Iranda’s theme into the finale. Miriam looked over at Aaron, whose tearstained face matched her own. She grasped the old man’s hand in a tight grip.
As the last echoes faded, the concert hall was silent for a moment before erupting into standing ovation. Summit wiped his own eyes before taking a quick bow and exiting stage left. Joshua made a few closing remarks before officially ending the performance.
As the house lights came up, Miriam could see there wasn’t a dry eye in their box. The hall began to empty, and their group decided to stop by the Replimat for a cup of coffee to end their night out. Summit rejoined them, to many accolades and a deep kiss from Miriam.
The Replimat was full of performance-goers, but they were easily able to secure a few tables. Miriam chatted with Nocturna for a bit, trying to make the mutant-woman feel at ease.
When they were finally all settled, Aaron stood up and raised his glass. “A toast to Summit’s excellent performance this evening, and for reminding me of something I should never lose sight of - the importance of my family and friends. Cheers.”
The group chatted amicably for a few hours, simply relaxing and enjoying each other’s company. As the night was winding down, however, a call came through.
“Skywatch to Aaron; come in please,” the Skywatch operator said, his voice practically shaking.
Aaron, always the calm leader replied, “Skywatch, this is Aaron. What’s the matter?”
The operator continued, “Sir, we’re receiving a coded transmission on an old frequency from Old Earth. The transmitter is claiming to be your wife, sir.”