Aaron sat up and glanced around; his mates seemed unharmed and the dark stranger was nowhere to be found. Must have meant they passed the stranger's little "test". He gave his limbs and crotch a quick pat; all the important equipment was still attached. So far so good.
Feels like I got dry-humped by a rhino. Aaron scratched the back of his head, the memory of his parents still echoing in his mind. He got up and dusted off his backside. [/color]
What did I miss?
Marcus shook his head at Viego. "No. He wasn't cold to you. He was always distant to all of us on some level. You just weren't … his. If I were you, I'd think about who was overly connected to you. Because when you nail that down, you might find that person who is directly connected to you."
He looks over at the LT and then to the brother. A smirk forms on his face as he calls over to Aaron, "You missed the whole damn fight! Just fainting right before it started. Damn little brother." Marcus shook his head, trying to keep a straight face.
Aaron snorted and deadpanned in reply. I can't be doing all the work around here. Were my amazing diplomatic skills weren't enough the first time around? He swept his eyes around at area, then at the group. Well nobody died, so I guess we passed the test. The young man's gaze lingered on a few select individuals, for he had awakened long enough to catch most of their post-encounter conversation, though he wasn't suspicious or judgmental. Nothing he learned thus far changed his feelings about anyone in a negative way. Any other questions, comments and/or concerns he may have had about the recent revelations, he kept to himself for now.
We can sort the rest of our dirty laundry after the mission. Preferably over several bottles of jet-fuel grade alcohol.
Viegos nods to Marcus taking those words to heart. "I have a lot to ponder I think." He says.
Listening to the boys talking about the emperor, he muttered, Keep your friends close, he then shifted gaze back to the LT, as if waiting for an answer.
Nolan stands slowly facing the Sergeant. He chooses his next words carefully. These men had spent their entire lives being fed Coalition propaganda, it may nyt be so easily set aside.
"I am a mage."
"in my research to find out how to counter the Federation, I.. well found that te best tool to counter magic, is magic."
As he says this his appearance slightly alters. His lips take on a bluish tinge, and his frame changes to be just slightly more slender. His face is more angular and the tips of his ears are pointed.
"I am not entirely human. Fey blood runs strong in my family."
The Master Sergeant simply nodded to Nolan when the other man opened up and revealed himself, then to everyone he said, I don't know what you all heard about me, but apparently, I am Atlantean. He shrugged his wide shoulders and actually chuckled a bit, which I guess would honestly explain a lot of things.
But what I am most curious about is how much the emperor knows about each of our individual backgrounds. The hierarchy and its racism notwithstanding, I wouldn't put it past the old man to assemble a team of non-humans to do his dirty work.
Viego took all that in, he almost said something a few times opening his mouth and closing it again. Finally he shook himself, and just asked. After all he was a dragon. "Permission to speak freely sir." He said addressing the Lt. but also the Sarge.
"I think we're beyond that Viego.You've nothing to fear from me."
"We are going to have to have everything buttoned down before we go near the sisters and the dog-boys. Do not mistake where their loyalties lie."
Agreed, then as if he'd just realized it, Those fucking dog boys know I'm not exactly human, they've known all along. He said, then chuckled unable to surprise the rising humor, I don't think they know what I am, but whatever it is, it sets their teeth on edge whenever I am around, which is why they've always been so cold around me.
What's on your mind Viego?