Age of Constructs

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Leaving Alric to his bench, Myra and Danger worked in cahoots to meet Alric's objective. The little girl gave a small giggle as the pair quietly snuck closer to the food court. Already the scent of various dishes and food were tickling their noses. Here, there were a few employees milling about, some stocking their wares while others were shopping for their own needs. Danger and Myra caught a few curious stares, but keeping in the mindset that they had to be quiet and sneaky to find the storefront that sold candy kept Myra from becoming too self conscious.

"Do you smell any candy?" Danger asked the little youngling, as they pressed against the wall to glance around the nearby court. They certainly made quite the sight, and if anyone would have told Danger that she'd been playing a game with a child out in public a decade ago, she'd have laughed. Her reputation had always been an concern for Danger. Not so much anymore, as the woman had come to terms with what was important in her life.

Myra gave a delicate little sniff, holding up her nose. It seemed that Mister Tuggles was also going to join in, for he mimicked the action -- save his focus was for the ground. Myra gave a slight cant of her head, as if considering the various scents. Then she scrunched her eyebrows tight. Reaching out to tug Danger's arm, she led the older woman down along the far end of the courtyard.

The hunt continued!

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric closed his eyes.

What else was he going to do?

Silence was often only found at night in their home, something that he was reminded of as a sudden tiredness fell over him. His eyes began to waver, his head slipping back as he tried to get a little rest before Myra and Danger came back. He smiled slightly though, knowing that he'd done good today.

This trip was a good thing. Myra needed to grow, needed to learn to interact with the wider world. He and Danger had talked about that not so long ago, had discussed it for several hours in fact. They hadn't fought, not really anyway since they'd both been on the same side, but they'd wanted to...well, oddly enough do the same thing. The frustration had come when neither of them had really been able to find a good solution to the problem, even more so when they realized that both of them were incredibly overprotective of Myra.

It had been an odd, and rather funny situation.

Eventually however they had settled on this trip, with both agreeing that they would watch Myra carefully. Of course, for now it was Danger's turn.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

It was once they came across a line of three stands that Myra began to hesitate. Up until now, she was doing well, however, not twenty meters from them was a line of hololight walls. That was when she gave a slight flinch. Memories were quick to come rushing, much like the hololight walls that had surrounded the encampment back on Dromund Kaas.

She froze, her smile fading. A slight trembling took her, along with the blanching of her heart-shaped face.

"Myra, honey?" Danger would inquire, sensing the sudden shift in Myra's demeanor. A hand came to rest along Myra's shoulder, only to have the little girl flinch.

"It's okay, sweetie. It's fine." Danger began, attempting to comfort the youngling as she knelt down beside her. "It's alright. Hey I'm here." she made reassuring coo's, reaching up to have the little girl turn to face her. Hands came to cup Myra's cheeks. They were so cold.

"Candies remember honey?" she tried to distract Myra again, to calm her down.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Alric was quite blissfully unaware of the problem currently plaguing Danger, though if he hadn't been he likely would have charged over to Myra to make sure she was okay. They were both incredibly protective of the girl, bordering on being helicopter parents.

There was of course reason for it. Myra was haunted by what had happened on Dromund Kaas. The Ghosts of those she saw walk there seemed to follow her, in the darkness, and sometimes even in the light. It was tragic, and oddly enough Alric was no stranger to being haunted. He frowned for a moment as that thought touched him, memories of days long passed. There was a part of him that still remembered them, the ghosts of his sisters in that tent.

It was a memory that no pain should carry.

A ghostly prickle ran over his back, the unfeeling nerves twitching slightly as a shiver rolled down his spine. Was that was Myra saw? Ghosts of her parents? Of the family she had? Or her friends and neighbors. His lips slowly pulled down into a frown.

None it mattered. Alric and Danger would see that she thought of nothing but her future, of the family she now had.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Myra wasn't so easily swayed. Instead, she shook her head, sinking down in a crouching position so as to cover her head with her hands. The sight alone was heart-breaking, her tiny body trembling and shaking. Tears stung Danger's eyes, but she had to control her own emotions. She had to think of Myra. On what was best for her. Part of her wanted to call out for Alric, but she knew that if she did, her voice would echo and they would only get more curious stares, which would in turn only make the youngling panic in her post traumatic stress anxiety.

So instead, the woman gently went wrapping her arms around her adoptive daughter. Quietly, she coo'd softly along her ear, holding her close.

"It's alright honey." she sang in a soft murmur to the child, trying to comfort and calm her. Rocking her gently from side to side, one hand came up and lightly ran a cafune through the long locks of brown hair. The soft tresses ran between her fingers with each gentle stroke.

"You're safe. Ain't nothin' goin' to get you, sweetie. I promise."

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He stretched again, finally deciding that he'd had enough of the silence.

That was the oddest thing about being a parent. You think that you want silence, you want peace, that you want to be away from all the noise and Chaos, but then...you miss it. Alric had first noticed that nearly two decades ago, when Lily and Rose had gone with Silara to the market. He had thought the opportunity a grand one, a day of serene silence and calm. Two daughters were a fury of a storm at a young age, and he'd barely managed to survive the strife.

Of course when they had been gone he'd found himself...bored.

Nothing to do, no one to talk to. It had been an odd feeling, and one that had eventually been relieved when his family returned.

He felt the same way now. Without the steady clickity clack of Mr. Tuggles claws, without the pitter patter of Myra's feet, and without the feel of Danger's fingers interlaced with his own. He frowned for a moment and slowly stood from the bench, stretching out his leg to let the brace settle into place for a moment. He waited for a moment then went off to go find his family.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Some would argue that non sentient creatures such as pets are unable to comprehend emotions. Danger would say otherwise with how the Tuggle, upon seeing Myra curl up, gave a small whimper and plopped himself beside her. His big triangular head flopped over against her shoulder, with the round black wet nose touching her sleeve. He did not know why the youngling felt as she did, but he was there to provide comfort.

That is how Alric would find them. Crouched low on the ground while Danger slowly rocked Myra, murmuring low comforting words to keep the trembling of the youngling at bay.

Truth be told, Danger never felt more helpless. Give her an opponent of flesh and blood, and she'd know what to do. How to act. Yet how does a parent combat that which attacked from the mind? Alric would know better, he had lived through his demons, not to mention, raised two little girls.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He found them surprisingly easily, though what he found made his stomach drop to the deepest pits. It didn't take a genius to figure out what had happened, and almost as soon as Alric saw he began to move into a faster step. The Titan didn't quite run, but his pace quickened, his knee aching as he moved faster then it should have allowed. He reached them in half a heartbeat, almost immediately crouching down besides Danger.

The Tuggle whipped around, staring up at Alric.

It seemed to assess him, then slowly turn around and point it's nose towards Myra. The little creature was smarter then Alric had expected, it was as though he knew exactly what needed to be done. Alric reached his arm around Danger first, letting her know that he was here. His voice rang out softly, almost in tandem with Danger. "Hey honey."

He was quiet.

Myra looked up to see him there, waiting a moment before slowly moving closer. She didn't budge away from Danger, but instead attempted to squeeze herself between the two of them, seeking the protection of both mother and father.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

There was a measure of relief at hearing Alric's voice beside her. At the sensation of his touch when he came over to gently murmur Myra's name. Her throat felt thick, that well of emotion rising. It felt awful. Not just because of what Myra was experiencing, but because of that helplessness in knowing that she couldn't simply make it better. Green eyes locked into blue for a moment, before the trio huddled ever closer together.

Myra slid her cheek along Alric's chest, snuggling in tighter. There they crushed together, an odd sight to be sure. A small murmur would draw curious eyes, before glancing away at the brief expression that Danger had. It didn't matter that they were making a scene. All Danger and Alric cared about was Myra. After a few minutes, the little girl gave a little sniffle. Her tiny arms gave a small brief squeeze, but at least she lifted her head.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

Before anything else could be said Alric lifted Myra into the air, scooping her up from beneath her arms and pulling the little girl into his arms. The weight wasn't too bad, lifting her like this wasn't much more straining then normally walking. His hand gently pressed on the small of Danger's back, urging her forward.

He didn't care about making a scene, nor did he care about anyone judging them, but he knew that Myra wouldn't be truly alright as long as they were here. It was best if they could simply step away for a while, and luckily they were close enough to one of the lifts that it was a simple matter to get out. The Titan moved quickly across the large chamber, Danger by his side and Mr. Tuggles following behind them, the clickity clack of his nails sounding out. The creatures head frequently turned up, black beady eyes watching Myra to ensure her safety.

They stepped into the lift a moment later.

His finger depressed the key for the command center, sending them rocketing down the spine of the station.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

The hum of the turbolift descending was the only sound that resonated within the small enclosure. That and the now and then whimpers coming from the throat within the Tuggles mouth. He would nudge his large wide head against Alric’s good knee, as if wanting to show that, he too, wanted to show a measure of affection and support.

Danger brought her bare hand up, lightly running her hands upon the brown of Myra’s hair, pushing the strands away from her face. Grey eyes met green for a moment, before Myra tucked her face against Alric’s shoulder.

There wouldn’t be as many employees down the section to where they were going. Which was exactly what they were searching for; a place for Myra to feel better without prying eyes. That would bother her and make her feel even more uncomfortable.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

The command center was mostly empty, save for perhaps one or two technicians that were working.

When The Foundry was actually up and running this place would see hundreds of people every day, each one coordinating, talking to, and moving shuttles to and from the station. It was really the heart of everything, the guidance system that would keep everything from crashing and burning. Right now though it was empty, since there wasn't any traffic to actually direct yet. Alric stepped off the turbo-lift first, head poking out as he prodded Danger forward with a gentle hand.

"Guy's." He spoke to the engineers, the two men poking their heads up. There was a glare of instant recognition from both of them. "Can you give us a few?"

They looked at one another, then nodded, quickly walking towards the other lift. "Thanks."

There wasn't really much to do when Alric Kuhn asked you to leave, especially when you were on a station that he technically owned the majority of.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

They were left to the silence of the command center. Alric strode to about the middle of the room, where he gently cradled Myra within his arms. After a moment, Danger watched him as he murmured something in her ear. It was too quiet for her to pick up, but a slight nodding motion from Myra came next.

The command center was a sight to behold. Each footstep here seemed to echo. The slow, steady tattoo of Danger's heels resonated throughout the chamber. There was still a knot in her throat, but seeing Alric there with Myra and soothing her made things a little bit better. A bit easier to bear.

Alric had been correct; coming to a far more isolated location would help in calming the youngling down. Coming to a stop beside the pair, Danger's hand rose. Gently she let her fingers run through the little girl's hair.

"Hey there." she began softly, a small encouraging smile upon her lips. There was still heavy concern in her gaze. Worry. The woes of a mother wanting to soothe the pain away of her child.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

They were alone now at the very least. The Command Center was intricately laced with dozens of computers, large holo-projectors, and seemingly an endless amount of wires. Alric knew of course that the scene would be cleaned up eventually, most everything would be made shiny and new, but for now everything was still a bit of a mess. At the center of the room was a massive holoprojection map, likely capable of creating an image of the entire station and everything around it.

He moved forward slightly, taking one step down the small staircase and then lowering himself down.

Standing there holding Myra was beginning to strain his knee, the pain flaring a bit as his strength began to wain. He let out a silent grunt, Danger shooting him a quick sympathetic look as he sat himself down on the small rise. Another groan passed through his throat as he finally settled down, Myra's weight finally shifting away from his knee.

The relief he felt was almost immediate. "Alright kiddo."

He said quietly.

"Look where we are." He tried to get Myra to focus on something else, specifically what was outside the massive viewport. It was the same scene that they had taken in earlier, the massive cloud like Nebula, but from here one could see the ring of The Foundry, it's massive curling arms.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

Danger set her hand against Alric's shoulder, giving it a light squeeze. Pain had briefly flashed across his face for a moment, and she was sure that the Tetan was likely feeling the strain on his knee. She had his medicine in her bag were he to want it, but it was unlikely right now as he was focused on Myra and distracting her.

The scene before them was certainly awe-inspiring. Quietly, the little girl would life her head, blinking a bit as she panned her gaze towards the direction of the expansive viewport. There was the Nebula, along with the massive ring of the Foundry. Seeing it here, near completion, was a sight to behold. For a moment, it felt as if she were standing at Kuat Drive yards. How strange, yet promising, that such a construct would be built within their lifetime that would match the most impressive shipyards of old.

"There's the nebula again, sweetie." Danger coo'd, "Isn't it pretty?" Within Alric's arms, the little girl's pulse would start to slow, as would her breathing. She was calming down now.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

"And the station." Alric chimed in.

The Nebula was impressive, but to Alric it was simply another cosmic wonder. There was something entirely different about the Foundry, at least to him. It seemed more significant, more worth. He didn't want to discount the massive Nebula of course, nor did he claim credit for The Foundry, but to him marvels made by man were always more impressive then those that occurred naturally. It was his own opinion, and one that he and Danger had playfully argued about once or twice.

"Look." He pointed to the center of the station. "There's our ship."

It was barely a spec, Alric had to squint to see it, but there on the horizon was their craft, nestled safely against one of the stations massive arms. He smiled slightly, encouragingly.

Myra looked up, trying to search the spot that Alric had pointed to. Comically, in that child like manner she placed her hands around her eyes, miming as though they were binoculars that would enhance her view.

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Alric Kuhn"]

That made her laugh.

Perhaps it was one borne of nervousness as much as concern. To be honest, the entire ordeal gave her a series of hot flashes. What it was to care for another and get old. And that was a fact; I am getting old.

There was a thought there, about what that meant. Alric and she were older now, not so much in their prime anyways. Mortality loomed overhead, that cognizant shroud of black that would take them all eventually. Staring down at Myra, who was squinting away and trying to make heads or tails of that tiny blur that was their ship, Danger realized that they were raising a child that could very well barely make it into her early twenties before they were gone.

What would happen then?

What would happen to Myra? Lily, Rose and Lissete handled their own matters, and would be women grown by then. But what about Myra? With both of their combined assets, there certainly wouldn't be a lack of financial stability. But what would happen then?

It was a thought that made her brows furrow in contemplation.

 

[Alric Kuhn]

[member="Danger Arceneau"]

He smiled at the little girl. It was odd how children seemed to do that almost instinctively. Lily and Rose had done the exact same thing. Perhaps they actually thought it made them see better, perhaps they actually did see better. Alric wasn't really sure, but as Danger laughed out loud he couldn't help but crack a small smile.

Alric shifted and then wrapped a hand around Danger's.

There was something on her mind, clearly, but he couldn't quite tell what it was. So instead of saying something he simply gave her palm a reassuring squeeze, then slowly pulled her down so that she would sit with him. Perhaps it wasn't entirely composed, and perhaps her dress would get a bit dirty, but in that moment he didn't really care.

He just wanted a nice moment.

A moment with his family.