Returning to Arms

[in_the_cracks]

The Nexus has caught Telrim off-guard for the first time in a while. Rolling with the interruption, she’s seated in front of a table with a small scanner in hand, checking her Dracon beam’s workings with methodical precision. She doesn’t look up as she speaks. “I’m coming to… let’s call it the end of an interlude. It’s likely I’ll be returning to

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[mind_your_elder]

((Sorry I missed your last post. I'd thought Sages more-or-less dead back in June, and only checked back today on a whim.))

I have often found that it is often well to begin by preparing the simple things--seeing that one's tools are all in good repair and arranged for convenience, allowing useful old habits of the task to reawaken--and to conclude with the difficult: the questions.

*The old bird's eyes narrow, skin crinkling around the edges, in a smile.*

I hope you have been well?

[in_the_cracks]

((No worries! It has been pretty much dead. I've just set it to track and wandered by once or twice in case. That said, it seems to have worked out. ;) Good to see you!))

She sets down her work at that voice, and gives Kian'shar a nod of greeting, a faintly curious look. She wouldn't dream of not attending to the Chozo's presence, but now she's especially watchful. So much has changed - so many mistakes have come to light, in her people's handling of aliens.

"Well enough." Her smile might be a little thin. The Yeerk's calm is a rather solid cover, but beneath it her host is much less easy. No protest, no fight, just helplessly unhappy. "Though things have turned interesting lately. And you?"

[mind_your_elder]

I have no complaints. There is a certain placidity to my state which can recommend itself. At the same time, the gardens I watch have bloomed and grown as is their way, and that has been an excitement.

*The looming bird crouches, settling to sit with its long legs folded comfortably.*

Interesting? My curiosity unfurls. What has happened?

[in_the_cracks]

"No, I can't imagine much disturbing you," she mutters as Kian'shar sits down. Considering how to answer. Whether to answer.

"First, what did you mean about preparing questions?"

[mind_your_elder]

((Likewise, it's good to see you. There's a bit of a storm in my area, if I drop suddenly and don't return for days, that's why.))

I spoke of the questions one does well to ask oneself, when about to resume an old enterprise. "Is this still who I wish to be?" and the like.

[in_the_cracks]

((Ah, understood. I hope it doesn't cause too much trouble.))

Telrim stares at Kian'shar for a moment. That's a terrible question for a Yeerk to ask. But she swiftly gathers herself and chuckles.

"Fortunately such things aren't a question for us." She clasps her hands on the table. Sharing news suddenly seems like the lesser evil. "As for what's happened: let's say that humanity's proven trickier than was... widely believed. Our leaders have decided a more direct approach is needed."

[mind_your_elder]

((Thanks. I seem to be lucking out so far--which is good, after last year's end-of-October storm left me without power for eight and a half days. Looks like this storm is probably going to just brush its edges over my area, though. But climate change is a myth, right?))

*Kian'shar meets Telrim's stare calmly. It had described such questions as the more difficult part.*

"A more direct approach." Does one dare to hope for diplomacy?

[in_the_cracks]

((Oh, anything inconvenient you can't physically replicate on a lab table is a myth, don'tchaknow?))

She can't help a burst of laughter. "With Visser Three in charge? I really don't think so."

[mind_your_elder]

((Ha! You know, that reminds me of the argument that, based on two weeks of observation, toddlers definitely do not mature into adults--there is no missing link. On another note, less than twenty-four hours without power! I am a happy bird! Last year, it was eight and a half days.))

*Kian'shar does not quite sigh.*

I see. And how do you perceive the new situation?

[in_the_cracks]

((Hah, I like that! And glad you didn't have a repeat of last year! That sounds like it was rotten.))

She'll try harder next time.

Telrim's amusement quietens, but she's not unsettled this time. Instead she chooses to look mildly puzzled, as if uncertain what Kian'shar's getting at. "Something like this had to happen eventually. I'm a little sorry to see it end, but Earth was never going to be more than an interlude." One can never afford to lose sight of the end goal. "More time... more forewarning would have been useful, that's all."

[mind_your_elder]

I see. And how do you feel, Natasha?

[in_the_cracks]

"Unenthusiastic. How do you think she feels?" The answer is swift, flat and cool.

[mind_your_elder]

So that is the way of things.

*A long-fingered hand scoops up a handful of pebbles and dust, depositing them absently in a spiraling, radial design.*

What will you do?

[in_the_cracks]

"Whatever is asked of us." As ever. Though she's hoping, this time, things will go easier. If only she didn't know humans. "Who knows what that will be, by the time the dust settles?"

Telrim's eyes narrow faintly as she watches the drawing, trying to gauge... anything. "Or did you mean in the short term?"

[mind_your_elder]

That as well.

*It could be anything. An abstract doodle, a galaxy, an expression of chaos, an expression of order. It all seems quite deliberate, though, pebbles placed with care and curves traced unerringly in the dust by a talon-tip.*

[in_the_cracks]

Why, she wonders, does that bother her so much? Or perhaps that's the influence of Natasha's presence, unimpressed at being spoken for, though too conflicted with herself right now to start arguing with the Yeerk.

"We have to finish our current projects, of course. And assist the preparations. My co-workers and I have been to areas our fellow Yeerks haven't, so quite likely they'll need our advice for when the invasion reaches them." She tilts her head. "We will try to prevent any unnecessary waste. I haven't forgotten- we could still learn a great deal from this planet."