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FOLLOW THE NOSFERATU
* CHAPTER 1 * - Rainfall
* 5 * - Fight or Flight
NOS / CORE / FALL:
FALL: "Hey Crys. Is she okay? Her code's reading hectic and her heart's racing to match. In fact, put her on the line."
NOS / CONSTRUCT / VERITAS:
VERITAS takes the phone from CRYSTAL.
"I know it's entertaining, but I told you, I don't drive," she says into the phone, assuming it's FALL.
VERITAS makes a small turn on a curve of the street, but has a feeling CRYSTAL next to her is fearing for her life.
"I didn't work in Zion to make joyrides, I worked in defense!" she continues, a bit louder than she intends.
Instantly, she quiets down and assumes her newbie role again.
"So maybe an upload would be cleaner."
NOS / CORE / FALL:
FALL glares at the screen.
FALL (sharp): "Don't you snap at me! I loaded this because I assumed it was your weakest point, and obviously I was right.
What are you gonna do on a mission if Crys - our best driver, might I add - is hurt and can't get you to the nearest Hardline?"
FALL heaves a long-suffering sigh.
FALL: "And I don't find it amusing to see you struggle and scare Crys to death, so I'm going to give you a fucking upload.
Okay with you?"
Before VERITAS can answer, FALL uploads lower-level manual abilities into VERITAS' mind, hoping that the car doesn't crash
while she is incapacitated by the upload.
FALL: "Now do it properly for God's sake!"
FALL closes the line.
NOS / CONSTRUCT / CRYSTAL:
CRYSTAL stares a bit strangely at VERITAS as she grabs the phone out of her hand.
Has VERITAS heard what FALL has said, or was her reaction caused only by the heat of the moment, CRYSTAL wonders.
She isn't pleased about VERITAS' tone at all. She listens her words, imagining the other half of the discussion.
FALL must be in her element, she supposes, with a very slight smile, reading VERITAS' expression.
FALL always says what is on her mind. CRYSTAL guesses FALL won't miss another opportunity to speak her mind this time either.
Poor VERITAS, she feels suddenly pity for her. Troubles with driving, and experiencing FALL's strict self at the same time is not easy.
An upload for VER may come, she surmises.
That makes CRYSTAL a bit relieved. Though she is ready for any unexpected events coming, this upload is needed now indeed.
NOS / CONSTRUCT / VERITAS:
VERITAS makes a bit of a choking noise and hands the phone back to CRYSTAL.
She stops the car, knowing that the upload has changed things...
Wordlessly, she starts the car again, and this time, it's more appropriate.
VERITAS demonstrates her new knowledge without flair, and with only a few minor mistakes.
Don't show weakness!
She doesn't know when to stop... doesn't necessarily want to stop, because that would mean facing them again.
At least CRYSTAL hasn't said anything...
NOS / COCKPIT / ANDROMEDA:
ANDROMEDA looks at JAYMAN with concern and doubt.
"I know it was a dream. Are you okay?"
She rubs her arm. He had hurt her.
She leans back in her seat and punches a few buttons.
Then she looks back at him, and lets some air out. They have all been going through
something it seems.
"Want to talk?"
NOS / CORE / FALL:
FALL nods in approval as VERITAS finally demonstrates some capability behind the wheel.
In the background, the dual beeping of their hearts slow as the panic recedes. FALL allows herself to relax
in her chair. After a brief internal debate, FALL decides to throw in a little surprise for them both.
Her fingers are swift on the keyboard to create in the CONSTRUCT an extra dimension to the training -- drag-racing.
In the CONSTRUCT, the sky turns black and is dotted with a sprinkling of stars,
almost blotted out by the light pollution. The road VERITAS and CRYSTAL are driving on is bathed in an
orange glow from the street lamps. With a powerfully revving engine, an 'improved' drag car pulls up
beside them. Two teenage men inside taunt VERITAS and CRYSTAL.
FALL leans back and smiles in smug satisfaction.
FALL: "You're move, girls."
Knowing CRYSTAL, the race will soon be on.
NOS / COCKPIT / JAYMAN:
As JAYMAN straightens and collects himself in his chair, the hardened expression on his face turns
into a small but warm smile, like the concealed sun peeking through the black clouds.
"Yeah, I'm okay," he answers. He notices how she rubs her arm and exhales... and he silently
winces in regret.
Maybe the nap was a bad idea, he thinks.
Then unexpectedly, ANDROMEDA asks him, "Want to talk?"
Hmmm, maybe it was good idea after all...
"Sure," JAYMAN softly agrees, then glances at the monitor with the red dots and dashes.
"We've got a little time." He guesses that they have about 20 minutes before the first landing.
JAYMAN lets his dark eyes wander forward, down the never-ending passageways.
"You first," he says with a serious tone... but with a sparkling eye.
NOS / COCKPIT / ANDROMEDA:
That wasn't what she meant. But if that's what it takes to get him to talk... she might as well.
"Well... it's nothing big, really. I just got thinking on things.... sometimes these metal walls
seem to close on you, you know? But they're just silly thoughts, that's all."
She breathes deeply and looks at JAYMAN.
NOS / COCKPIT / JAYMAN:
Silly thoughts... JAYMAN repeats her words in his mind.
JAYMAN senses that ANDROMEDA is still holding something back...
Silly thoughts don't seem to explain her sadness...
But he decides to go along with her.
"I know what you mean... sometimes it can feel like a coffin."
His mind shudders as he recalls the vivid images of his brief nightmare... the graveyard... the
shadows of death following him...
But he tries to forget it.
JAYMAN turns his still-tired gaze from the oncoming tunnel to the central monitors... and he
happens to glance at ANDROMEDA glancing back...
Their eyes lock for a moment...
NOS / COCKPIT / ANDROMEDA:
ANDROMEDA holds his gaze for a moment.
"I know," she says, then clears her throat and looks away.
"What did you dream about?"
He called my name... this life is too much.
NOS / CONSTRUCT / VERITAS:
VERITAS revs her engine accordingly, with a little less of a shaky outlook...
Though FALL seemed pretty pissed, a race has to mean she's not too mad, right?
Let's go, VERITAS thinks.
VERITAS turns to CRYSTAL and silently asks for the go-ahead.
A look is all she needs... and soon the race is underway.
NOS / CONSTRUCT / CRYSTAL:
CRYSTAL's eyes brighten with delight and satisfaction, as the scenery changes.
This is her world, actually. She can't help wishing to be all alone, speeding up the car, launching her fave CD,
turning the volume up, and rushing along the roads, dressed in orange lights.
Unfortunately, CRYSTAL can't do it, it's all about work now. Not having fun. She has to lead
VERITAS into the magical world of driving.
On her right, CRYSTAL notices the car with the teenage guys beside them. They are grinning broadly,
taunting them. She pretends not to pay attention to the guys, but she isn't someone who likes being the object
of stupid teen-jokes.
"Hey sweeties, wanna join us for a ride?" the driver guy teases them, his mouth full of
chewing gum. "We could have some fun together..."
CRYSTAL glances at VERITAS, and notices her enthusiasm about showing these guys who they're talking to.
"C'mon, chicks..." the other guy adds with a terrible grin.
CRYSTAL gets aggravated. How can these teenagers speak like this to us?
"Can you drive as big as your huge assholes?" she gives an inquiring, sneering look to the guys.
Their grins fade, turning into anger.
CRYSTAL gets some satisfaction, but the race will be on soon. She looks at VERITAS,
giving her an reassuring look. She truly hopes that VERITAS will manage it. The thought of these guys beating
them makes her shiver. Anyway, it'll be a good lesson for the newbie.
"You wanted it," the driver guy murmurs with rage, his eyes narrowing. "Move that wreck."
NOS / COCKPIT / JAYMAN:
For the longest moment, her words "I know" carry JAYMAN back to the soft melodic waves of warmth
that called to him through his black nightmare... and for that moment, he sees her in a different light, a
comforting light... as if ANDY came to him like... like...
And when ANDROMEDA breaks her gaze, JAYMAN blinks and quickly turns away.
She asks him about his dream.
JAYMAN pauses, gathering his dispersed and distracted thoughts, and he lies,
"I'm not sure... it's hard to remember... probably something about death... as usual."
Then JAYMAN freezes for an instant.
Shit... I didn't say something in my dream, did I? Something I shouldn't have said?
Without a change on his stubbled face, JAYMAN adjusts his cap and forces himself to forget
his thoughts and focus on the tunnel... and their mission.
Goddammit, Captain! he silently yells at himself in his mind, Pull yourself together!
And as calmly and collectedly as he can, JAYMAN turns to his monitors.
"No sentinel activity in the vicinity... The Nos is running smooth and steady."
NOS / COCKPIT / ANDROMEDA:
"...it's hard to remember..." Why won't he talk?
In her mind, ANDROMEDA sighs. She of all people should understand him, his unwillingess to talk.
Maybe she should just leave him alone?
I can't... She saw that look of his.
ANDROMEDA sneaks a look at the tunnel, and is glad to see it's still a straight road ahead.
She unbuckles her seatbelts and reaches for JAYMAN's hand with hers.
ANDROMEDA holds his hand and with a sad smile, she says...
"I know she is. That's why you'll have the time to tell me what's happening to you."
NOS / COCKPIT / JAYMAN:
With an electric jolt that both terrifies and comforts him, JAYMAN is startled by the delicate
fingers that find his right hand.
JAYMAN struggles to keep his blinking eyes straight ahead, away from her.
She asks him to tell her what's happening...
No, I can't, he tells himself, burdened with all the anger and fear and guilt and regret and
frustration and responsibility and exhaustion bottled inside his mind and heart... I wish I could... but I can't...
Regretfully, his eyes closed, JAYMAN pulls his hand away...
Pull yourself together!
And he slowly gathers himself together...
JAYMAN grabs the ship intercom, and calmly announces, "E.T.A. 15 minutes..."
Then turning off the intercom, he faintly whispers, "I'm sorry, Andy."
NOS / COCKPIT / ANDROMEDA:
ANDROMEDA gasps quietly as if to stop a sob, when JAYMAN pulls his hand from hers.
She swallows hard and pulls her hand back. But she refuses to stop looking at him.
Filled with determination, she strains to stop her tears. Her starting to cry isn't going to help.
Then his voice calmly utters the simple, routine words that declare their ETA for
hitting broadcast depth.
"I'm sorry, Andy," he says.
ANDROMEDA turns back to piloting the Nos. She flicks a couple of switches,
turning the ship sharply to the left at a bend.
Then she breathes deep and without looking at JAYMAN says, "Me too."
NOS / CONSTRUCT / VERITAS:
VERITAS laughs for a moment at the taunts they've just received.
"Good programming," she notes with a smile that quickly fades.
The guys let fly their last taunt and VERITAS is ready to go. As long as she can keep
in mind that it's a construct -- a fairly well-programmed one -- then she can keep a level head.
NOS / CONSTRUCT / CRYSTAL:
"Come on, Ver."
CRYSTAL looks at VERITAS with a warm smile. She wants her to feel her trust.
"Let's show these losers how a real resistance fighter drives!"
CRYSTAL's eyes are full of enthusiasm and determination, and she
shoots a threathening glance at the guys on her right.
"Watch out, assholes!" she grins.
NOS / CORE / FALL:
FALL perks up at JAYMAN's announcement, and sets a countdown going on one of the many
computer screens in front of her. Finally, she will get to do something requiring more effort than running the CONSTRUCT.
She watches as VERITAS shifts the car into upper gear and slams her foot to the accelerator.
FALL: "This is starting to be entertaining."
NOS / COCKPIT / JAYMAN:
Just when JAYMAN feels as if he's gathered more of himself together, her words "Me too"
stabs into him like a cold knife into his heart... He closes his eyes, trying to close everything,
block everything, all of the things swirling and flying in his mind...
His outward calm hanging by a thread, JAYMAN says,
"The Nos is yours... I'll see you at the Core when we land."
Quietly, JAYMAN climbs out of his chair, and without looking back,
escapes from the cockpit, past the gun stations, and onto the catwalk platform...
NOS / CATWALK / JAYMAN:
Grabbing the railing, JAYMAN stops to breathe, breathing as deeply as if he had
just been freed, freed from a power-pod...
For another moment, JAYMAN looks down at the Core below. FALL is monitoring
CRYS and VERITAS while they are laying back in their suspension chairs, plugged into the Construct.
Without another word, JAYMAN clunks his boots along the starboard catwalk to
the mid-level gun station [D], and takes the steps down to the Main Deck. He always favored stairs over ladders.
NOS / MAIN DECK / JAYMAN:
Without a look to FALL, JAYMAN steps around the suspension chairs to his quarters [G],
and swings the door shut with a faint but solid clank.
NOS / CAPT. QTRS. / JAYMAN:
Inside, JAYMAN distractedly removes his beaten old black cap, and carelessly flings
it onto the keyboard of his personal workstation. Silently, he drops into his bunk, lays back, turns,
and faces the rusty bulkhead. He can't seem to escape the emotions, the thoughts, the choices, the
consequences following him, building within him...
God fuck it! his mind screams within him, What the fuck is wrong with me!
And without warning, JAYMAN slams his clenched fist into the metal plating beside him.
SLAM! Despite its power, it is a slam that is drowned out by the soothing hum of
the EM engines and the random clinks and clanks throughout the shuddering decks.
And with his fiercest whisper, JAYMAN repeats, "What's wrong with me!"
NOS / COCKPIT / ANDROMEDA:
It's hard to stay focused, with JAYMAN just sitting there, acting like nothing happened.
But it's harder when he leaves.
ANDROMEDA feels like the metal walls are closing on her...
She wants to scream, to hit something or somebody, until they let her out of this terrible place!
Who are 'they'? You're not making sense... calm down...
But she just couldn't understand. Why would he start to talk and then shut her out like this?
Doesn't he know how much it hurts?
...Pilot and shut up already... It was no more than a thought anyway.
ANDROMEDA sighs. She wipes her eyes with one hand and closes the music with the other.
She wants nothing to disturb her piloting. They're coming close to broadcast depth, and
it's not safe anymore.
NOS / CORE / FALL:
FALL watches JAYMAN out of the corner of her eye.
He doesn't look too healthy, she notes to herself, but figures that her first duty is to
watch the CONSTRUCT before looking in on her captain.
He probably needs to calm down first anyway, she muses.
NOS / CAPT. QTRS. / JAYMAN:
What the fuck is wrong with me? JAYMAN repeats in his mind, in his bunk,
staring blankly up at the lines of cables and bolts and corrosion along the ceiling.
In the solitude and safety of his quarters, JAYMAN finally begins to digest and
dissect and delve into his thoughts. He recalls how he wanted to get ANDY to talk, and indeed they
talked, but all of a sudden, the conversation changed, he changed...
My nightmare! JAYMAN remembers.
His eyes wander back and forth along the edges of the ceiling.
Is that it? Is that what happened? He recalls the visions of his high-school
buddy, his best friend, Sean... and the shadow, the sentinel of death chasing him...
chasing him and ANDY as one person...
Could that be? Reluctantly, he sinks backward in time... shattered again
and again by the death of Sean 10 years ago... the deaths of his crewmates and friends,
Operator Flicker and Commander Sky, 4 years ago... the death of his noble teacher, Captain Kan-chiang
3 years ago... the deaths of two potentials, Waterfall and Valkyrie... death after death after death...
Is this why I've pushed away CRYS for all these years?
Is this why I'm pushing away ANDY now?
Shutting his tired watering eyes, JAYMAN tries to remember the comforting words of
his teacher, something about finding his center, his core, his stability...
He tries to remember... He searches and searches his mind...
But JAYMAN tightens his jaw in frustrating forgetfulness... and in utter failure...
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