Ensign Sairrek Syn - As long as nobody adds an M, the worst we can have is an 'oopsy'

[Ensign Sairrek Syn]

(( Alleged Monastery, Callis 1 ))

The hollow rattle of Syn's canteen rattled incessantly in their pounding skull. The metallic echoes seemed to taunt them.

oO I think the sound of a replicator might be the sweetest sound in the galaxy right now... Oo

Syn: ::sliding themselves back up to their feet against the wall:: Anyone else's water out? We could go make a run to the stream together to refill.

Each beat of their heart sent another rush of blood through their ears so violent, they struggled to hear the crew around them respond.

oO Water will make that feel better. Don't focus on it, it will go away. Oo

Brexis: Captain? Do you want me to go look for more food? Or… Anything. Something. ::dusting off her pants to no avail:: I am getting antsy just sitting here.

Captain MacKenzie grabbed the garment, which had held the spoils of her gathering, and slung it over her shoulder with a grace that made Syn pink with envy.

oO I'm not sure how the Captain manages to make this seem like a run of the mill mission. What I wouldn't give to project that kind of confidence... Oo

MacKenzie: You complain too much. It's a beautiful day - everyone follow me. Bring your canteens and something to hold supplies.

By the time her sentence was over, she was already walking out the door. Syn let slip some quiet curses in Suliban, grateful there was no universal translator to tell on them (for the time being) as they grabbed what they could and began to follow the captain.

Just as Sairrek got to the threshold, they heard shuffling behind them. Lieutenant Storm struggled through her injuries to try and reach her supplies before the rest of the group shot off. Before Syn could ask if she wanted help, she exclaimed,

Storm: Got it!

By the time Storm turned to see Syn watching, a knowing smile had donned their face. Whatever their situation, at least they were all brought together by the great leveler: misery. When they realize the group is probably getting away from them by now, they motion for Storm to follow.

Brexis/Cole: Response

The sun sank into Sairrek's skin like it was the only topical on the planet that could cure the afflictions they bore. They reveled in the sensation, even as the black hole in the pit of their stomach widened with realization.

oO Usually the sun feels nice, but this seems extreme. Whatever cranial injuries I suffered in the crash, I don't think they're going to get better without proper medical attention. I hope we get rescued soon. Maybe by one of those Olympus class ships... Oo

MacKenzie: Behold! All the water you could want.

The captain had a knack for pulling Syn back from their mental detours. Given the circumstances, Syn couldn't be any more grateful. They fell to their knees beside the stream, filled their canteen and secured it in their uniform. Only then did they begin to splash some on their face, hoping to force themselves awake.

Storm: You were right, Captain. It is a glorious day.

Syn: ::drinking water scooped from the stream:: Mmmm, mmmhmm!

The sounds were close enough to the affirmative that they hoped they got the message across to the crew. Full agreement from this side of the house.

Brexis/Cole: Response

MacKenzie: It's a beautiful day. Quit whining. If we're going to be here for a while, we might as well make the best of it.

Finally having had their fill, Syn stopped their tribute to hydration and leaned back on their knees, turning to face the rest of their group more directly.

Storm: But in your experience, how long do you think we are going to be here?

Suddenly, being immersed in the water again sounded just fine. Syn really didn't want to talk about this.

Syn: I don't mean to be a pessimist, but if there's no sign of anything unusual by now...

They didn't feel the need to continue the sentence. Everyone had already thought what Syn was saying, they just gave the words voice.

Brexis/Cole: Response

The conversation came to an abrupt halt when the tone of MacKenzie's voice changed.

MacKenzie: We have company.

Syn's head snapped-

oO OW! Oo

to follow the captain's gaze. There, feet planted firmly at the woodland's edge, was one of their monstrous pursuers. Its heart seized in their chest. Syn hadn't seen one this up-close before. It was so much... smaller than Syn had imagined.

Storm: It’s almost cute and all, but where there’s a baby… Mama’s likely lurking nearby.

Syn: ::stage whisper:: So that's just a little one?

They couldn't help but grab the handle of the sharpened rock they had begun to carry as their makeshift weapon. If this was baby, momma was going to be huge.

Brexis/Cole: Response

Storm: Maybe we should head back.

Syn: ::to Storm, still whispering:: We can't keep running forever, we have all the disadvantages and they have all the advantages. This may be our chance to tip the scales.

All the time they talked, Syn never took their eyes off the creature. From so far away, they couldn't tell if the little thing was simply curious, on a hunt, maybe injured... Why would it be observing them without attacking?

Brexis/Cole/MacKenzie: Response

The creature's gaze turned to Storm. It stared at the lieutenant and cocked its head.

Storm: Go away. Go find your mom and lead her home.

As if it could somehow comprehend their conversation, the little inkling turned to Syn now.

Syn: ::Whisper becoming gentle as Syn kneels, offering out a hand to the creature:: What's wrong, little buddy? Are you hurt?

oO SO not going to make me popular with the others... Oo

Brexis/Cole/MacKenzie: Response

Lt Storm balked at the party around her, moving her arms so that her palms were extended to the world around her.

Storm: I promise I’m NOT using telepathy.

That should have gone without saying.

Syn: ::reluctant:: Lieutenant, usually when one isn't using telepathy, they don't have to specify it.

Brexis/Cole/MacKenzie: Response

The inkling scanned the bipeds with inscrutable intention. The tension was thick enough to cut through, as if everyone held their breath for the other to make the next move. Finally, after looking back and forth between the opposed palm and the outstretched hand, the inkling pup slowly started shuffling towards Sairrek.

Their pride was short-lived, even if they tried not to show it. No room to appear afraid or weak in front of a predator. They rubbed their wet, empty fingers together as if they were calling a Rigellian mountain cat.

Syn: ::with a steadying breath:: That's right, little friend. We aren't going to hurt you. We just want to say hello.

Brexis/Cole/MacKenzie/Storm: Response

The closer the creature got, the more Syn could take in the details of its form. Up close, it had all the markings of a youth. Most of the limbs felt disproportionately sized for the body they were attached to, which is no small feat for something that already looks like an oil-slick Targ.

Syn: ::leaning slightly to one side to address the crew, not taking eyes off the creature:: Move as little and as quietly as you can, we don't want to spook 'em. Does anyone see any injuries on the lifeform?

Brexis/Cole/MacKenzie/Storm: Response

The creature finally stepped close enough to sniff at Syn's hand, it's seemingly innumerable yellow eyes blinking one by one as air expelled out their scaly snoot and flowed across Sairrek's hand.

oO They smell the water! Maybe they are thirsty! Oo

Syn: ::gesturing to the spring with their free hand:: Water? Is that what you want?

Moving with as much grace as they could manage, Syn gently steeped that palm into the cool stream and extracted a handful of fresh, lukewarm spring water. Their arm trembled as it returned the now-full palm to face the creature, sending tiny ripples across the surface of the micro-pond now formed in Sairrek's hand. Without realizing it, they held their breath as they waited to see how the creature reacted.

Brexis/Cole/MacKenzie/Storm: Response

Tag, TBC

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Ensign Sairrek Syn
Engineering Officer
USS Artemis-A
A240301SS3