2022-12-15: Starlight Eclipse
- Log: Starlight Eclipse
- Cast: Anita Rosetta, Ennil El, Rita Bernal
- Where: Denver Colony
- OOC - IC Date: 12-15-0096 (OOC: 12/06)
- Summary: Hoping to prevent further fighting, Rita pulls Ennil and Anita into a shared dream.
<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.
They've had a long and difficult fight, all of them. But their trials in the newly-awakened Denver Colony have only just begun. It's important to rest and relax while they can. This is something that Anita believes in strongly and so, before heading off to look for her friends, she has elected to take a nap.
Drifting off... and finding herself, in her dreams, on the coast of a beach, accompanied by the sound of waves. To those familiar with such things, it's clearly recognizable as the sort of artificial beach one would find on colonies. To be specific, it's the one found in Winter Wonderland - a tourist trap sort of colony dedicated to December holidays, as well as the place she grew up after her incident.
The scenery is the same as she remembers it... though the artificial colony sky has since been replaced with the wide, open, infinite sky of the Earth Sphere. Her time spent there, flying through the skies whether it be through her Variable Fighter, EX-Gear, or Homo Avis, has had a great effect on her person.
And Anita herself... can be found lying on the sand of the beach, staring up at the sky with her hands propped underneath her head and a radio nearby, playing some easy-listening music.
Anita is dressed casually in a tank top and sweat pants. Even here in a dream her cybernetics are with her, most evident in the sturdy plastic prosthetic left arm. They've long since become a part of her ideal self.
This is what Anita's dreams are usually always like. She's a calm, go with the flow sort of person... and that, in a way, makes them quite a good neutral ground.
<Pose Tracker> Ennil El has posed.
In the cockpit of a 20 meter monster...
Ennil is curled against a cool metal wall, head in her knees. Her skin is unbroken again, though here and there raised an angry red. One hand dangles near the ankle of her boot, and the holster there. It's empty - the sidearm that belongs to it tossed against the opposite wall before she'd curled up here. The other clutches a long coat, draped over her as a makeshift blanket. Goosebumps stand on her arms as she softly breathes. But...
---
The beach is warmer. Slowly, she warms with it. She's got a heavy coat in one hand, thrown over a shoulder -- but she can't remember why she would need it. Even kitschy colonies like this never really make the weather uncomfortable - bad for business.
Her boots sink into the sand a little, and she frowns. Shouldn't she have something cuter to wear, for a place like this?
Well, she'll think about it later. For a tourist destination like this, the beach is pretty empty. She can just relax and enjoy the sound of the waves. After all, right now it's just her and...
"Hey. Do I know you?"
She feels like she should. Not that she's ever seen this lady before, that she can remember (and she ought to remember, not everyone has an arm like that,) but... Something about her feels familiar. Especially here, where everything feels so much clearer.
<Pose Tracker> Rita Bernal has posed.
The Phenex shimmers a bit more brightly in the darkness of the colony, that light spreading to touch the fallen crafts of her erstwhile companions. Maybe, like this, they could understand each other..
"Beaches sure are popular!" Comes a cheerful voice. "Hi, you two! My name is Rita. It's so nice to properly meet you!"
Approaching both women is a young lady clad in a simple white dress. Her feet are bare in the sand, and she seems to be taking great pleasure in squishing the grains through her toes. Blonde, cloud-like hair falls to her waist, and her eyes are a brilliant, unearthly green. It's difficult to make out in the brilliant daylight of the beach, but she glows, slightly.
"Anita. Thank you so much for fighting by my side." Rita says, a gentle smile affixed on her face. She kneels in the sand near the reclining pilot, reaching out to offer Anita her hand. "I've never flown with an ally before. It was wonderful to feel so cared for."
A pause.
Green eyes lift to Ennil's face. That smile is still there, gentle, beseeching. "Ennil El. You've wandered too far, haven't you? You can't find your way to the hearts that call to you." Rita's other hand raises, extends to Ennil. "I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I didn't want to hurt you, but I just couldn't risk it. But don't worry. Here, you can't hurt anyone at all."
Should they both take Rita's hands, both women will feel a jolt of connection. Of feeling what the other feels, even if just for a moment. It's a pure, perfected form of communication. Feelings shared without loss of meaning. What each woman chooses to express is up to her. As for Rita...
Gentle, peaceful love. Acceptance. Warmth, both spiritual and physical, emanating from where they touch Rita. "It's okay. You're both going to make it out of here, and back to the ones waiting for you."
<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.
Usually, the dream goes on like this. Tonight, however, she has company - and despite resting, she feels... awake. Anita sits up as she hears someone calling out to her, and she offers the other woman a casual wave of greeting. She thinks on her question for a moment.
"Don't think we've met, no. Nice meetin' you, all the same." Anita replies, shaking her head. ...But as soon as she says that, she gets the vague sense that her voice is familiar, somehow...
It's then that a third voice joins them - one bright and cheery. Anita looks toward her. With her eyes, she can catch the faint glow. She looks toward the young lady and while she's confused at first, her identity becomes clear when she speaks.
"That was you, then, huh?" Anita asks. Rita kneels next to her and offers a hand, so Anita takes it with her own. ...Though, she chuckles sheepishly when Rita continues, massaging the back of her neck with her free hand. "Aww, well... I hardly could've left you on your own, you know? Someone had to give you a hand."
...But then, if Rita here was the pilot of the Phenex, then the other woman... Anita looks her way, toward Ennil.
...And then, connection, if Ennil takes her hand as well. Anita's feelings are much like the ocean beyond the three of them - serene waves. Peace, calm. But like the ocean, there's the sense that they're capable of building into something greater, more intense, with the right stimuli - but right now, even after a fight, and realising that Ennil is the one she was fighting, aggressive thoughts are the further from her mind.
And from Rita, she feels those feelings. Perhaps it's that that helps her stay relaxed - though she is a fairly relaxed person, in general.
"...I hope so, too. Bet everyone's worried sick about me. I am for them, too." Anita admits. They might both feel a brief flash of worry and concern for a moment.
"...So, I guess we have met each other before. Uh... I'm Anita, like she said." Anita greets Ennil now, looking toward her.
<Pose Tracker> Ennil El has posed.
Ennil actually starts a bit when there's a third voice. Those big blue eyes go wide... and then narrow as the owner of that voice steps into her view. Rita is so graceful. She moves as if everything comes easy.
She knows this feeling, too, even if she couldn't name it. "Rita..." She's seen this face before, for a moment. But... she'd lost it, in the fog.
"I think I do know who you are." And once she's mentioned Anita's name, Ennil realizes who she must be, too. These two were her enemies. At least, it had felt that way, when she was --
Dreams so rarely make sense. She can't decide which memory feels more real right now. And Rita seems to understand her, a little. She's even apologizing, as if she'd been the one who messed up.
"I guess we do know each other. It's nice to meet you, anyway. Both of you."
When she steps forward, and holds onto Rita's hand... it's firm, and a little desperate. Where Rita is warm, and bright, and Anita is cool, and calm --
Ennil's heart is a muffled rumble of thunder, and the storm trapped behind it. She takes a deep, steady breath. "I'm sorry. It's not easy for me. But I'm glad you're both okay."
<Pose Tracker> Rita Bernal has posed.
Someone had to? Rita's smile brightens a bit at that. Anita must truly have a loving heart to be able to think that way. "It was me!" She says, simply.
Ennil accepts Anita, and Rita's presence. It's a relief -- though she knew everything would be okay by the end of this mission, Rita still doesn't know every detail of every interaction. People can still choose to make things difficult, if they want to, and Rita would just have to find a way to deal with it.
Rita seems to relax, feeling Anita's emotions. A calm sea -- still something to be wary of, in the wrong conditions, but beautiful and friendly here in the sunshine. "Your crew is safe." Rita assures her. "I led them somewhere they could find shelter. But they are worried. They care about you so much!"
Does Anita know how rare it is to love your ship-mates, and be loved so much by them in return? A quiet note of jealousy rings through Rita's spirit, though it's pushed away nearly immediately. That's is how it should be. And how it will be, once humanity reaches their full potential!
In contrast to Anita's heart, Ennil's is troubled, and much more obviously dangerous. It's not surprising, really, but Rita still turns to the other woman with eyes full of concern. "It's okay. I know you're conflicted right now. But it's okay to take a break while you're dreaming, right? Thank you for being so understanding, Ennil."
"Bad things happened here, in this Colony." Rita begins, looking down, though her smile never fades. "Many people suffered and died for the whims of people who never should've had power. I know you both heard the broadcasts. If you want to explore the Colony when you wake up, I can guide you through the safe areas. But you won't find anything but sadness. Whatever you choose, you'll be able to leave here safely when the time comes."
Rita looks from Anita to Ennil. "All you have to decide, for now, is how you'll spend your time while we're trapped together."
<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.
Rita confirms it for her - and so, too, does Ennil's reaction. It's so strange, meeting them like this what feels like so soon after such a vicious fight... But, she's okay with that. Anita much more prefers this.
"Yeah, nice meetin' you." She repeats - now that she can truly say they have met, with introductions taken care of. She can feel Rita relax, then - and she assures her that her friends are safe.
"Really...? Thanks. I appreciate that." She replies gratefully. There's another sheepish chuckle, though, as she points out how much they care about her. "...Yeah. They're, uh. They're the closest friends I've got."
And then there's Ennil. Through Rita, she can experience her feelings. Ennil apologizes, and Anita shakes her head.
"Nah. It's okay. I'm guessin'... things are pretty complicated for you, huh?" She asks. "For what it's worth, I'm sorry, too."
Rita explains, then, that bad things happened here. Anita nods grimly, at that. Indeed, she heard. Looking at the state of it, she kind of got the feeling that something had to have gone down. She considers the question, though, with a frown.
"...Well, I guess, first thing's first, I'm gonna go look for my friends. If there's only sadness here, better we face it together than have to do it all alone, right?" Anita says. "...That's only after I wake up, though. Me, I'm a big fan of taking your naps where you can get 'em. 'Specially when you've got something big you gotta go."
She chuckles, then.
"And as far as naps go, this one's been pretty good so far." She says.
<Pose Tracker> Ennil El has posed.
It's funny. How many times has Ennil told someone the same thing? That they're allowed to take a break. That they can take a breath, and let it all out. Treat themselves kindly. Get away from whatever was eating them.
And where did it go, after they did? Out, into the atmosphere, or...
She does smile, when both women offer their kindness -- and like this, she couldn't pretend it isn't genuine even if she wanted to. Her feelings are slow and slip out like a faraway echo, but they are hers. "Complicated's one way to put it. Sometimes what you want to do and what you've gotta do aren't the same thing at all, y'know?"
This colony is a sad place. She remembers the broadcasts... and the ships that didn't make it. Of those who had been trapped here as the doors closed, how many of them wished they could have been the one to escape?
And how many of those who escaped, looking back at this terribly sad place --
When Rita offers to guide them, she nods. "Even if it's sad, I... want to understand this place. I don't want anyone else getting hurt by the things they did here. And I don't want anyone's memories just... left out here to rot, either."
<Pose Tracker> Rita Bernal has posed.
Rita laughs along with Anita, her eyes squishing closed in delight. "They're all good people. Most of the crew has entered the Colony, along with their captain. They're searching for you -- and answers, as well. The last I saw, they were near the entrance. The Ra Mari has taken significant damage."
"Of course." Rita says, softly, in response to Ennil's explanation. "I understand. If we're lucky, the things we need and want will come back into harmony. I hope it'll be that way for you, too."
It's so comforting, to see Anita and Ennil able to get along. Maybe this will put an end to the fighting? Hope flickers in Rita's heart, passing through her connection to the other two women.
Ennil wishes to explore the colony, to honor the memories and lives of those who died here. Rita looks at her with a smile of approval and pride. "You're a good person, Ennil. What you find here will hurt you, and it isn't something you'll be able to forget. It will haunt you in quiet moments, and make you think twice for some decisions. Are you sure their memories are worth your peace?"
"If you'd like to keep dreaming, for now..." After Ennil replies, Rita softly lets go of Ennil and Anita's hands, closing their connection. "Why don't we play? We're at the beach, after all!"
Standing abruptly, Rita runs into the water, laughing with delight. She spins, letting her hair flare out around her shoulders. "The waves are so cool! And..." She reaches down into the water. If they look closely, Anita and Ennil may be able to see a glimmer of rainbowy light, before Rita straightens again. "There's seashells!"
Indeed, she seems to have found a particularly fantastic example. Pink and orange, it swirls up to a gentle point. Rita beams at it, holding the shell close as she jumps over the next wave to roll in. "Ah--! They're going to get me!"
<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.
"...Yeah. I get that." Anita agrees with a nod, as Ennil comments that sometimes what one wants and what one has to do aren't the same thing. "Sucks, but... that's how it is sometimes."
She nods, too, as Rita expresses her wish that those things come into harmony.
"Yeah, me too." She agrees.
Rita tells her that most of the crew has entered the colony, looking for both her and answers. And, that the Ra Mari has taken significant damage... Anita frowns at that.
"...Guess we'd be stuck here for a while then anyway, even if this place wasn't shut down." She says with a shrug. All the more reason to look into this place while they wait for repairs to be done. "But if Eight went in with 'em too, then that means they're all in good hands. Don't gotta worry as much, now - thanks."
She listens to Rita's question to Ennil, though. She's interested in the answer, but she doesn't interrupt - what she says speaks volumes of who she is as a person.
And so, Rita lets go of their hands. The connection closes... and she suggests they play!
"Sure." Anita says. She's been sitting in the sand this whole time so she stands up, brushing herself off, striding into the waves with her hands in her pockets. In a dream, she doesn't have to worry about drying off her clothes afterward.
"Right?" She says of the beach, and whistles appreciatively as Rita shows off her find. "Wow, that's a nice one."
She watches as Rita deals with the waves, chuckling good-naturedly.
"Hahah, careful." She says, moving in to give her a hand. She's much more of a passive, low-energy play participant, but she makes her presence felt all the same.
<Pose Tracker> Ennil El has posed.
Ennil smiles through the praise, enjoying Rita's warmth. It'll be hard, yes. That's nothing new. But then the question --
She sucks in a thin breath through her teeth. "I... I have to..."
Rita had assured her she can't hurt anyone here, but... It's hard to be sure of that. And explaining why... Even if she suspects Rita already knows, it's hard to put it into words. Still, something stills in her, and she's able to return to that soft smile. "No. I want to. But explaining why is kinda hard, so. Ask me again? Before we leave? I know I can figure it out once I stop thinking about it so hard."
The girl dashes for the beach, and Ennil decides to join her. The coat is whipped away from her shoulder, it twists around her, and -- like a trick right out of an anime cutting between frames -- Ennil El is in something a little more appropriate for throwing herself into the surf. The swimsuit itself is bright and daring, sunburst yellows and oranges -- but it wraps softly around her middle in slender cuts of cloth, and there's a pale pink sarong around her hips, so it manages to expose very little all the same.
The comfortable warmth of a sunset.
The refreshing blue of the ocean.
She steps out into the waves with a deep breath, leans forward, and lets herself go, splashing into the water and letting it spray up around her. Her hands slip into the sand and...
She comes up smiling, gripping a colorful seashell of her own, red hair tossed behind her shoulders.
<Pose Tracker> Rita Bernal has posed.
Rita nods to Anita, that smile ever-present. "You're welcome. Your captain seems like a wonderful and capable person! Please give her my best when you return. She did her best to help me, too. I'll be watching over all of you, whenever I'm near."
It's spoken like a promise, in Rita's sweet, breathy voice.
As if to prove to Ennil that she can't hurt her, Rita moves closer, wrapping her arms around the other woman. She holds her close, very still, and waits. Moments pass. All seems to be well. "This is who you really are. You choose how you exist, in a place like this, Ennil. And you chose to be someone who can't hurt me." Rita pulls back, leaving her hands on Ennil's shoulders, looking her in the eyes. "I'll ask you again. And whatever answer you have for me is the right one. I'll be here to remember those who suffered here, even if nobody else does. You don't have to carry that burden."
Ennil's transformation gets a cheer from Rita. Her own white dress seems waterproof, fluttering around her thighs no matter how Rita dances in the ocean. "Ennil! You look amazing!" Rita laughs, reaching down to gather some water in her hands, and playfully, lightly splashing her new friend. "So vibrant!"
Both women take up on her offer to play, and Rita laughs in delight, bringing her hands together in a pleased clap. Anita stables Rita as the waves nearly send her tumbling, which earns her a thankful grin. "Then, let's really make this spectacular..! I can't go as wild as I could if we were in my space, but..."
Rita holds her seashell close, then tosses it into the air. Time seems to accelerate. The sun soars across the sky, sinking toward the horizon. The same colors that painted Rita's seashell paint the clouds -- pink and orange, soft and dreamy. Time pauses just as dusk begins to set. The clouds still keep their color, but the beginnings of stars can be seen, and the air is still warm and sweet.
"How's this? I always wanted to see a beach sunset. Like something from one of those romantic movies!" Rita clasps her hands together, laughing in delight. "Oh, it's just like I thought it would be."
...probably because she created it. But it's still a fantastic sight.
As Ennil raises her own seashell, Rita hurries over to examine it, nodding in approval. "Ooh, that's a good one. Anita, any luck on finding one? I'm sure there must be a one made just for you around here somewhere!"
<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.
"She's great. Couldn't think of anyone better to follow." Anita agrees, cheering up a little as Rita speaks of Eight's good points. "Did she now...? Yeah, I'll be sure to do that, then."
Rita promises that she'll be watching over them, and Anita nods.
"Yeah? In that case... if I'm around and you find yourself in another bind, I'll lend a hand again. How about that?" She replies.
She listens, then, as Ennil and Rita speak. Again, she doesn't interrupt - just takes it all in. It's important to give them their space like that. But, Ennil decides to join in too... and Anita watches in surprise as she suddenly transforms, her outfit becoming more suitable for the beach environment.
"Wow, you look great." Anita remarks, impressed. It's good to see herself let go a little - and smiling, too.
Rita decides, then, that they should make this spectacular. Anita's eyebrow raises curiously when she remarks on 'her space', but it goes away quickly as she watches Rita toss her seashell into the air. Time accelerates, the sky sooon painted in beautiful colors. Anita lets out an appreciate whistle.
"Wow... that's incredible." She says. She never expected to see anything like this. She chuckles, then. "Yeah, it is, huh?"
...She catches that wording, though. She's curious about it but lets it slide for now, instead turning her attention to the seafloor.
"Well now, let's see..." Anita replies, 'hm'ing to herself as she bends down. She digs around and eventually... "...Ah, here we go. I think I like this one."
She holds up a seashell so they both can see it. The one she found is fairly small but smooth, its surface glimmering with faint prismatic colors. It's a small thing, but Anita's good at appreciating small things.
<Pose Tracker> Ennil El has posed.
Ennil grins, holding the seashell ahead of her for Rita to inspect, one of those simple scallop shells but dappled with soft oranges and pinks, vibrant -- and when she catches sight of the splendid sunset, she actually laughs, a little.
And then blushes, as the compliments sink in. There's a lot she hasn't made time for in a while. The last time she'd dressed up, she'd hardly gotten anyone to appreciate it! She splashes back down into the water, letting the cool spray hit her warm face (and softly spraying Rita in the process) and surfaces a couple feet away, twisting herself around and sprawling out in the pleasant sea, letting the waves drag her along as she floats. She's still holding that seashell, brushing a finger against the smooth inner side.
"I wish it could be like this, more often." There's a wistful tone in her voice, despite everything. "Or maybe... It's more that I wish it had been like this. I'm so happy to be here, Rita, but..."
She tilts her head, looking at the blonde as best she can from this relaxed angle.
"There are a lot of people... I wish I could have brought with me. So they could see things the way you do."
<Pose Tracker> Rita Bernal has posed.
Rita spins, rushing to Anita and taking her hands softly. "Thank you. Thank you! I never thought I'd have an ally, this is amazing!" She laughs in delight, genuinely thrilled. "I'll do my best. Thank you!"
Shrieking with delight, Rita lets the water splash over her. This seems to actually affect her, soaking Rita's blonde hair until it lays against her shoulders heavily. Ennil's blush is lovely, and even more lovely are the emotions echoing from her heart. She really is enjoying herself... Rita smiles, bringing her hands over her heart. She succeeded. Both Anita and Ennil seem to have gotten a genuine break from the fear and pain of reality.
With an eager look on her face, Rita watches Anita search for a seashell. "Ah, that's a perfect choice. It's beautiful, and so shiny. It reminds me of the light Miracles bring. So many colors -- so many possibilities, all contained in one small object."
Ennil speaks up, and Rita wades out to her, listening. "I wish it could too. Most of the time, it's just me and the Phenex. Having company... having friends! It's so comforting. It makes me remember when I was like you, when I was very small."
As though floating on the breeze, the laughter of small children echoes through the beach scene.
"Maybe someday I'll meet them, Ennil. Then we could all play together." Rita says, wistfully. "But... What would be better, is to bring them somewhere like this in the living world. The Earthsphere is so beautiful. We fight so hard to protect it. Just as we protect it, we should enjoy it, I think. It loves us so much, we should love it back."
Rita sits down in the water, floating, somehow. "Both of you have people you love. I'd be happy if you found a way to spend time with them like this." She looks at Anita. "Your captain -- all your friends on the Ra Mari. They work so hard. They deserve to play a little, I think. Somewhere safe, where everyone can be themselves... That'd be really wonderful."
Green eyes turn back to Ennil. "And the ones you love so dearly, they love you too. Not everyone can see into your heart, you know!" A soft touch to Ennil's nose. Boop. "You can do this. Keep going, and you'll find your own sunset. I promise."
The dreamspace wavers, like ripples touching the surface of a calm pond.
"Ah." Rita stands, and her dress and hair are dry, again. "You're waking up, Anita. I'm afraid it's time for me to go."
Arms open, Rita approaches Anita, offering a hug. It's Anita's choice if she takes it. Should she choose to, Rita's body will feel warm as sunlight. Ennil comes next. A hug, from a young woman bearing sunlight itself.
"Thank you. Both of you. I loved this time." Rita steps up, onto the water. One hand reaches up to the sky, and a few of the stars glimmer. They grow larger, and brighter... "Please, once you wake... Let's not fight again. This place has seen enough suffering. No matter what, I'll do my best to guide you."
Starlight eclipses the setting sun, draining the pink-orange in shades of gold, haloed with azure irridescence. A Gundam lands in the sea, somehow not disturbing the water. It reaches a hand down, and Rita steps up into its palm. The golden armor raises its hand, and Rita ascends, waving.
"Thank you, Anita, Ennil! I hope I'll see you again!"
Once the hand raises halfway, Rita seems to fade from sight. The Phenex glows bright blue, consumed and surrounded by a feeling of pure, overwhelming power. It's the same as the energy that tore the Colony's doors open -- it lifts the golden Gundam. Looking down, she seems to take one last look at her friends. Abruptly, she soars into the sky, racing away from the dream as it fades.
<Pose Tracker> Anita Rosetta has posed.
Rita takes her hands and Anita smiles. She seems... actually really happy about that. How long as it been since anyone stood up for her...? She feels a little sad for her now - but also sure that she had made the right decision in going to help her.
"Least I could do." Anita replies simply, downplaying herself a little - and grins, as she compliments the shell she found. "You think so?"
She listens as Ennil laments that it can't be like this more often. ...She feels the same way too, a little. It would be nice - and Rita agrees.
"...That's a nice way to look at it." She comments, on her views on the Earth Sphere. She grins, too, when she comments on the people of the Ra Mari. "Yeah, I agree. It'd be great if we could all relax together sometime."
...But, the dream is beginning to fade. Anita can feel it too, as she begins to stir.
"Ah... yeah, looks like it." She comments. It's time for her to go, but before that, Rita approaches her for a hug. Anita gratefully accepts it, before letting her go to give Ennil one, too.
"Yeah, I agree. Let's not fight here more than we have to." She says, before glancing toward Ennil. "So, uh, hey... chances are we might end up having to fight each other again sometime, but before that... what do you say we grab a drink together? In the real world, I mean."
She looks toward Rita, then, as the Phenex descends. Rita steps into its palm and ascends, waving - and Anita waves back.
"And thank you. Yeah, hope to see you too!" She says, then offers Ennil a grin and a respectful but casual salute. "Well... see you later!"
...And with that, she gradually begins to stir once more in the cockpit of the VF-25 Messiah Rosetta, feeling renewed, refreshed... and with a warm heart.
<Pose Tracker> Ennil El has posed.
Ennil just listens, this time. To the words of her friends, and the gentle ocean. Even as Rita lightly taps her nose, she just smiles in response.
Because Rita is right. And she has her answer.
The dream ripples, and Ennil plunges down, through the blue, hugging the seashell to her chest as she vanishes beneath the waves, that smile still on her face --
---
The wall of the Skoll is cold. There's still a terrible ache in her shoulders, under her lungs, deep in her wrists. She can feel how easy it would be to slip into a different kind of sleep, one that promises to numb the hurt. Just slip back into the cockpit, take hold of your weapon. Do it now, while the other two are still waking. Ennil El stands up, walks on shaky legs to the other end of the empty cockpit, and picks up the pistol there.
And just as easily, she stows it in the compartment next to the pilot's chair, pulls the hatch lever, and lowers herself to the colony floor on a long black cable, waving as she emerges from the slumbering beast. It will come for her if she needs it. But these two girls aren't her enemies.
"It's nice to meet the two of you again!" And to Anita, "Let's definitely grab that drink. I'm gonna want one by the time we get out of here, anyway."
It's harder to feel the warmth here, away from that beach, back under the light of Dawn. And as much as she wishes she could reach out and hug Rita one more time...
For now, that's only a dream.
Rita. I know I can ask you to remember them. I know how big your heart is. But I want to bring them with me! All these people who didn't get to be happy. Because the people I thought I lost... Even the ones I thought I abandoned... were with me all this time. I wouldn't still be here without them! So, since I'm the one who lived... I want to be the one to bring them there! To wonderful places like the one you showed me! And to all the people who still love us!
For now.