Lt. Cmdr Alex Brodie “Touch Of Nature”
Alexander Brodie
“Touch Of Nature”
((Aba Ara, Eesse Vessel))
Brodie: We can only be diplomatic if they’re open to it though.
Coloom: ~These creatures are not part of the Eesse life cycle. ::beat:: they secretly attack the Eesse and kill without showing themselves. Too much time has passed and too many dead from the illness these creatures pose to the Eesse. They must be removed.~
It definitely seemed like they had arrived at a tipping point in regards to their relationship with their attackers. Diplomacy might be a remote chance on both sides.
Ecritier: ~Time for you has a different meaning. Perhaps the one Coloom touched could say. However, we know this is not normal and did not occur until recent days, and has never been a part of our lives for as long as the Great Memory has existed.~
Greaves: It may not seem like it, but that could be a good thing. If this other species isn’t settled in here they may be more willing to leave.
Basilia: Presuming that we can provide them a better alternative. It could be this species has their own struggle and that is why they have come here.
Brodie: A very good point.
It seemed that their hosts tired of their talk. There were a lot of sides to consider but one would only consider their own – he thought back to the negotiations with the Gamarians and how they were willing to talk but only open to the answer they wanted.
Brodie sighed internally. He wondered if it was nice to see things in black and white rather than the infinite shades of grey he inhabited.
Regardless, their host advanced upon them and moved towards Greaves.
Coloom: ~Greaves ::beat:: Violence is a last resort ::lowering a limb to Greaves shoulder:: However you know what is at stake here. ::beat:: do what you must to save our people.~
He realised, too late, what was about to happen. He darted towards Greaves but as soon as the contact was made he stopped short.
He knew the power of touch telepathy, even in a controlled and with someone who was prepared for it. These beings were powerful and, while Greaves was strong, he would not have been prepared for the assault that followed.
He held an arm back to prevent Basilia approaching – one mind meeting another was enough. Besides, no-one wanted some of his memories leaping into the mix – then they would know what violence looked like.
Once the contact ceased he stepped back and Izzy went to assist Greaves.
Basilia: Major, are you okay?
Alex held the mans head up and looked into his eyes. Focus – that was a good sign.
Brodie: First touch telepathy? You’ll not forget that in a hurry. How’re you feeling – fuzzy headed, everything a bit wonky?
Greaves: I’m… I’m fine. I just need a second.
Ecritier: ~Our people are willing to help.~
Coloom: ::raising his limbs and leaves to the highest point:: ~Shepherds ::beat:: Greaves will take you to remove these unwanted from our great vessel. ::beat:: Follow his direction to purge the Eesse of this illness.~
Greaves: Give us a chance to talk these others down. Get them to leave of their own accord. If that fails…
Ecritier: ~If that fails, then other methods will be used?~
The words hung in the air.
Brodie: Hopefully it won’t come to that…
Although he suspected it might.
Greaves: We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it then.
Ecritier: ~Very well. Then do as you have promised. And we will assist as needed.~
Basilia: Thank you.
Coloom: ~We are sorry this burden falls on you now Greaves. I am not able to stand alongside you against this unknown. ::beat:: the illness that has taken so many Eesse from us tries to eat at my own self. You must save my people.~
Brodie: We’ll do everything we can.
Ecritier: ~For now, I will confer with my beloved and my people. If you have need of us, you need but call upon us.~
Coloom: ~Yes, we must confer with our people.~
Basilia: Perhaps we should check in with the others, see if there are any updates on these life forms, something that can help us.
Brodie: Sounds like a wise move – perhaps there’s a way we can end this, if not without action, then without bloodshed?
Greaves: Agreed. It’s past time we circled the wagons with the rest of the senior staff. Let’s get back to the ship.
Wes motioned towards the group and they retreated to a respectful distance before turning back to the Esse.
Greaves: We need to confer with others from our vessel, but we’ll be back with a plan. In the meantime, my engineering teams will start making repairs to your solar sails. You’ll be on your way to the great light in no time.
Coloom: ::bending slightly towards Greaves:: ~You I trust to save my people.~
Brodie glanced at Wes with a look that suggested ‘No pressure’.
Greaves: =/\= ‘Oumuamua, four to beam up. =/\=
And as rapidly as they had arrived…they returned.
[[Brodie: End Act II]]