(closed) parents of the year over here

[churning]

[ At first, Michiru hadn't been sure if the uneasy feeling drifting on the waves was merely this strange plant's sea speaking to her in its way, waiting for her to learn its melody, or a legitimate premonition of the very same end she and Haruka had left their own planet to prevent (and even that story is unraveling the more she speaks to others, a string tuned too tight amidst the perfect lines of her memory). But Michiru's instinct draws tight across her skin, impossible to ignore, and it's with the strange blue lights of evening within the base that she looks out upon the sea, wondering if the unchaseable wind might be chasing her mental voice when she reaches out, precise as a needle. She doesn't need to say anything, and so she doesn't, her back turned to the doorway as she watches the night sea live through the glass of one of the base's smaller observatories. ]

Comments

[upturning]

[The summons is clarion - high and resounding above all other sounds. It might even exist independently of the telepathic link newly forged between them. Hers is a call Haruka has always been compelled to answer.

The battle that killed the Reefback wasn't theirs, did not demand the whole of their effort or their ultimate sacrifice.

That should stifle the guilt a little better.

The lighting in the base observatories sucks some of the mystery out of her entrance. It's striking, still, but foreign. Her expression is pensive and cold. Lately, she's felt ill with unease.]

Any answers from the sea?

[churning]

[ Michiru has long since learned to still her expressions, her thought dwelling deep beneath water as still as glass. That expression draws tight and honest now as she turns her body toward Haruka, her eyes following the whip-quick movement of a creature among the plants before they follow, and she looks at her partner. ]

It speaks only of storms.

[ Lifting her hand, she rests her fingertips against the curve of the glass. ]

It's a familiar refrain. A different planet, far from Earth... and still the sea rages.

[upturning]

We knew the day'd come where we had to face this.

[She lays her hand against the glass to mirror Michiru's, not touching but reflecting her own. Between the glass and the sea, the shapes of objects in the water grow shadowed and small. They'd always known.]

We know what we have to do. There could be an even more dangerous agent among us. [Their loyalties can only go so far, and Haruka doesn't trust a comradeship that comprises mostly aliens. And when no one else will see the threat in something without too many teeth.

Her fingers curl down into a fist. Haruka's champing at the bit to act.]

[churning]

[ She nods. There isn't a shred of the girl whose reputation she's cultivated since their arrival left in her reflection on the glass. It's apt that this particular duty could never - can never - be truly left behind. They're the only ones capable of it.

Michiru's hand moves swiftly, and her fingers lay across the back of Haruka's hand, fingertips glass-cold against her knuckles. ]

There's no time to waste, [ she agrees, soft as breathing. ]

[upturning]

[The coming Silence poses a danger to whatever world it comes into contact with. Haruka has only one loyalty, but...] Save this planet, and we'll protect our own.

Her index finger flexes slightly, acknowledging the contact. Standing around and talking dramatically is their lot. Most of their conversations come here eventually, but Haruka's trained not to dream of alternatives. What if Michiru could talk about her dreams, not premonitions? It's difficult for a single flex to communicate that.]

This expedition has enough threats to be worried about.

how to write michiru in two steps: be gay, plot child murder

[churning]

It's our duty to prevent anything from threatening the Earth.

[ And they've already failed at so much of that. There is already so much that cannot be undone. The Silence cannot be allowed to move beyond them. Whatever symphony the Earth creates must continue - there are too many lives at stake, too much peace to protect.

Her fingers trace the back of Haruka's hand in a wandering arc, and she pulls free, overpowering the magnetism that binds her here still. ]

I wonder... [ The only thing Michiru knows well about their crewmates is that too many of them have hearts too faint for necessity. Michiru wishes they had the luxury.

Her voice continues, nonverbally. ] We have to be careful. If we can be just beyond the range of telepathic connection...

[upturning]

I know. Into the ocean, then.

[Deep and far enough would weaken the bonds, as long as their lungs could handle it. There are always the sea crafts, but they're communal and would leave a trace in their absence.

She's the first to turn away.]

Michiru. What if the computer can...? [Stop it? Reverse it? The right word hovers just out a reach. URSULA, intent on keeping her crew alive this time, has had enough tricks up her sleeves already. What if there's no end to this? They'll go against the machine if they have to, but, like an old habit coming back from its early death, she's thinking too much about the consequences.]

[churning]

Beyond even where we first arrived.

[ She watches Haruka turn, eyes fixed on what she can see of her expression. Her own tightens a fraction into a frown. ]

We'll simply have to make sure it doesn't. Perhaps if we're out of range of her communications - ? [ The uptone of her question darkens again. ] And there have been disappearances already, so I don't think she can do just anything.

[upturning]

No, she can't.

[Only a fraction of a hesitation could get them all killed, and as soon as the concern appeared, it vanishes again. There's no opportunity to look for alternatives, because no alternatives exist.]

Don't worry. I'm not worried about a computer program.

[Haruka shouldn't need the reminded, and she mentally digs into herself for causing the distraction in the first place.]

She's pretty pale, isn't she? [she speaks out loud.] I don't think she gets out often.

[churning]

A computer program, certainly not. The implants, however...

[ Well, they'll simply have to make sure that kind of evidence isn't found, or - at least - isn't connected to their public faces.

A soft wave of comfort radiates for a moment from Michiru. ]

If that's so, then perhaps we should change that. Don't you think? Someone without skill might run into trouble if they had to look after her.

[upturning]

[It's a much more difficult mission with a second layer of secrecy added. Being exposed once on Earth had stalled them enough, and those too-gentle, idealistic girls are a different group entirely from this assorted bunch, extraterrestrial and human alike. Haruka would rather act openly. In the end, that rashness could expose them.

She stretches one arm straight above her head and holds her elbow, flexing one side and then the other as if preparing for some vigorous physical activity. She's limber, graceful - every movement comes naturally.]

That's true. Too bad there's really no land. [Actually, that part is...true.] Have you spoken with her recently? I think she wants to help out.

[churning]

[ Michiru is, by contrast, small movements, swift and delicate, as she taps at her chin. ]

I'm sure you'll be able to run again soon - [ it's said with surety, but who knows if it's tease or truth? ] I'm afraid I haven't. Perhaps I'll drop by to visit her.

[upturning]

Is that one of your predictions?

[She doesn't even care about running on the ground. It's the wind in her hair, between her joints, that seems more and more absent the longer they move between sea and base. Moments on the seacraft are fleeting, but make enough of a substitute.

She stretches again, beginning to feel, in the absence of luxury, just how uncomfortable sleeping in these cramped quarters has become. Afterwards, she drops her arm to lay it across Michiru's shoulders comfortably. Now they just look like a pair of sightseers.]

Sounds good. It's hard to make friends in this place.

[churning]

Perhaps.

[ She leans into Haruka's side, the action rote to an observer but, really, anything but, her fingers brushing down Haruka's spine to lay soft at her hip.

On some girls, that routine might have worked. On Michiru, it simply carries her eyebrows upward, and she smiles. ]

Well, at least I know I don't have to worry about you making friends with any young ladies, then?

[ The question drips with humor. ]

[upturning]

Hey...

[Her protests, too, are made with humor.] It's hard enough. If the opportunity presents itself, shouldn't I get to know who I can?

[Haruka's fingers close gently on Michiru's upper arm, drawing her gently near. People would make assumptions about them even if they didn't act this way, but that's the goal here: Any of their other feelings will have to wait until their work is done.]

Or maybe you're jealous?

[churning]

[ Michiru laughs, looking down as she's drawn in, and looks back up as she touches her fingertips to Haruka's elbow. ]

Of course not, unless you intend on getting to know them a little too well.

worst field trip or best field trip

[superseding]

[ Hotaru wants to be useful. Is there any reason for her existence otherwise? When everyone else at the base is so capable or has some kind of charm, what could she do to add to that?

That's where scavenging comes in. She's under no illusions that she'll be the best at it, as weak and frail as she is, but that doesn't mean she can't try. It's something she's been warring with lately, how much she thinks she's worth and how much she is worth. It's very easy to give up on herself, but the memory of a girl with pink pigtails and a bright and happy laugh is still strong in her mind.

Hotaru isn't unintelligent, and she doesn't usually try to run head on into danger, which is why she's going to head out into the deep ocean with others. Everyone she's met so far has been kind or accepting of her so far, and she can only hope it continues to be that way, but the cynical part of her brain tells her not to hold her breath.

In her issued wetsuit, she waits for her scavenging partners. She's nervous but not undetermined. ]

how abt best worst field trip

[churning]

[ Michiru is first, her wetsuit half-zipped up her chest over a swimsuit, her gear hooked to her belt, and she tucks a lock of hair behind her ear as she nears the base's most familiar exit. Scavenging, truthfully, isn't her favorite job. She's more interested in exploration and the practical applications of wildlife. Meals, poisons, medicine. And, of course, learning the songs of the reefbacks.

She's been careful not to get too close to - to this girl. If what she's sensed is real, the very last option she's interested in allowing is seeing her latent powers activate, and being around one another had hurried the process for the Princess' immediate guardians, and Haruka - Haruka's awakening, denied or not, had been nearly simultaneous to her own. But whatever her preparations, there's an image Michiru's careful to hold in her civilian guise that settles a smile on her face during her approach. ]

Miss Tomoe. [ Nothing about Michiru's gait or posture suggests anything but ease. She's the picture of a natural. Be at ease, young and possibly world-ending lady. ]

where's the frizz

[upturning]

[Of the two of them, Haruka typically wears her emotions more open-faced. She is quicker to anger, louder, easier to startle. But she can hide most of it when push comes to shove.

Today, she has all of that under control. She has an act perfectly set up and controlled. She can be charming to an ordinary, nonthreatening child. And to a nonthreatening sponsors, they should be supportive, even mentors.

Haruka stands a mere quarter step behind Michiru, offering a casual wave. Her posture bleeds confidence. Diving to scavenge is just another athletic pursuit.]

There you are, Kitten. Ready to get your feet wet?

please provide a magic school bus first

[superseding]

[ Being called Kitten gets a reaction out of her, eyes widening and a small blush. Even as subdued and as withdrawn as Hotaru can be, she'd have to blind and deaf not be affected by either Haruka and Michiru one way or another. They're both very beautiful, very graceful, very capable—and strong and sturdy, so many things she herself isn't. She'd like to be at ease, but she's still trying to find her place in this world. To be able to go along with two people such as Haruka and Michiru is something like out of a dream. ]

Miss Kaiou, Miss Tenou, thank you for letting me come with you. I don't know if I'm ready, but I hope I'm not any trouble.

[ Even now, Hotaru recalls those gaps in her memory, the allegations that she's harmed people, all moments she lost in time. She hopes nothing like that happens here. ]

I'll... I'll do my best.

hotaru doesn't take the bus she gets dropped off by helicopter

[churning]

[ Michiru's soft smile, tilted head, and half-curtained gaze are indulgent - of Haruka, but she makes eye contact with the girl afterward. Like they're sharing a joke, perhaps. ]

I wouldn't worry, Miss Tomoe. We'll all be in close contact. The only way to become comfortable working completely underwater is to practice.

[ She zips and snaps the suit closed in a smooth movement before she moves to gaze down at the water. ] Follow me when you're ready.

[ And with a snap of her goggles, a step, and a splash, she's gone. ]

[upturning]

[That leaves the two of them. She stands in the wake of Michiru's dive, wearing a wry smile that is half forced, half genuine.]

Leave it to her. That's Michiru for you. [It's fond. That sort of fondness doesn't seem like it can be faked.

She places her hand on Hotaru's shoulder. It lacks the warmth of her greeting - and her smile. Despite the connotations of the gesture, it's impersonal, supportive only insofar as they have business to take care of as soon as they set out into the water.]

After you, little lady. I'll be right behind you. [She'll keep an eye on her.]

[superseding]

[ Michiru's finesse is admirable, and Hotaru manages to nod before she watches the older girl disappear into the water. She switches her focus to Haruka, and the genuine fondness is heartwarming (but also enviable). Her smile is soft and warm in contrast to Haruka's gesture. ]

You two are good together... It'd be nice if I could learn from you. [ She breathes out some of her nerves. ] I'll try my best.

[ If she repeats it often enough, it'll become true eventually, won't it?

In a mimicry of Michiru, Hotaru snaps her goggles into place as well as her breathing apparatus. After one more deep breath, she submerges--and immediately looks to follow Michiru like a duckling. ]

[churning]

[ Michiru waits, turned toward the base in case Hotaru has trouble more quickly than expected, a mere kick or two away. They can't get separated (too early, anyway).

Her voice over the mental link is clear and pleasant. ] If you find yourself needing assistance, do make sure to say so, Miss Tomoe. Some of the materials we're supposed to be bringing back are of interest to the Stalkers, and fighting them off might be a little too much for any of us.

[ She's sure Haruka can't be too far behind, and turns to take in the ocean floor. ] Have you been outside since your - awakening - on the Aurora?

[upturning]

Michiru's the best swimmer you'll find here. [The best human swimmer, at least, and even that's up for debate. It's worth reiterating, in the hopes that Hotaru latches onto the information.] If you need to get out of here quick, you stick with her. I'll handle whatever gets dangerous.

[Since they're likely to separate, it sounds better to have a plan in case of separation. Now that she's established herself as the bodyguard,she's content to defer in the conversation. Let the ladies have their girl talk; she'll curiously listen in.]

[superseding]

[ Unsuspecting and very trustful, Hotaru nods. She can definitely see the grace with which Michiru swims. It's awe-inspiring in its own way, that Michiru could be stunning in every way. ]

I'll stick close. I've been outside a little but not too much. It's still a little scary, and I don't know what half of the creatures here are.

[ Everyone she's met so far has said they could handle danger one way or another. Is she the anomaly even more than usual? ]

I hope we don't run into any danger.