Kent/Feldspar

[videointhenoise]

"Just once more," they had said when Ellie's team petitioned for it. She was busy with Palmer, falling in love with science while he fell in love with God, and Kent was left to pick up the pieces. He wanted another damn go at it. The Machine had a pricetag in the billions; it was begging to be used again.

But they wouldn't let Ellie go. They wouldn't let just anyone go. They wanted someone who knew how it worked, who had been there from the beginning, but someone who isn't completely taken in by Ellie's words.

That leads them to a dozen people and they end up with Kent. He's blind, but that's not what decides it. They claim that he wouldn't hallucinate the way Ellie did. That he has a unique perspective.

And, he's already proven himself steady and loyal.

He experiences it all the way that Ellie does, but something goes wrong on the other end. Maybe another terrorist attack. Maybe not. All he knows is that he's in the sphere and then, suddenly, he's floating, unable to find his footing until a great crash and he slams into the bottom of the machine.

He groans, pulling his helmet on with a grunt and a wince.

"Fuck this," he mutters, finding the edge of the sphere with his hands. There was a door there somewhere. He just - has to find it.

Comments

[videointhenoise]

Kent cackles softly and finds his way back to the bench, sitting and leaning back with his legs crossed.

"Get 'em!" he calls out, finding a mallow and placing it on the end of a stick.

[getfeldsparred]

It takes a few minutes before Kent gets company again, this time the gentle presence of Gneiss. They pluck a banjo in their lap and then set it down beside them, announcing their arrival in their own way.

“So. Feldspar.”

[videointhenoise]

Kent had been waiting for this sort of conversation, but he didn't expect it from Gneiss. It's a pleasant surprise.

"Hello, Gneiss."

[getfeldsparred]

Gneiss laughs softly and melodically. “Hi, Pebble. What a nice evening we’re all having because of you. Especially for one of us.”

[videointhenoise]

"Pebble," he says with a cheerful little laugh. "I like that. And uh - if you mean Feldspar, then I suppose so."

[getfeldsparred]

They smile and nod, picking up a stick to roast their own mallow. “How long has that been going on?”

[videointhenoise]

Kent shifts a little. "Ah, that depends on what you mean by 'that,'" he answers with a diplomatic smile.

[getfeldsparred]

“You and Felds,” they hum. “Are they treating you well? Are you happy?”

[videointhenoise]

"I am," he assures them. "I'm happy. And they do treat me well. They - feel like home to me. In a way that I felt was missing," he tries to explain.

[getfeldsparred]

Gneiss looks at Kent fondly, twisting their marshmallow roasting stick with a smile. “I’ve always had a soft spot for Feldspar. They’ve got a good heart, but their head’s always in the clouds. I’m just afraid it’ll always be that way, Kent. The stars were their first love.”

[videointhenoise]

"I'm not here to keep their feet on the ground," he assures them. "I'm not - that isn't what I want. I want them to be happy, but I want them to come back once in a while. Explore the stars, then come back to tell me about it," he explains.

"I'm happiest when they're exploring the solar system."

[getfeldsparred]

Gneiss leans against Kent, exhaling as they look out at the fire and the others still having a good time. They're quiet for a little while, the Attlerock sitting quietly over their heads.

"I think they just may keep coming back if you're here waiting for them."

[videointhenoise]

Kent nods, wrapping an arm around them. "I hope so," they mutter. "I hope that they do because there are a bunch of other people here who love them."

[getfeldsparred]

“They know that,” Gneiss tells him. “And I know they have a big heart. I just want to see you happy, Pebble. Keep seeing you happy.”

[videointhenoise]

"I'm happy," he assures them. "I've found a home here. A family. I like teaching the hatchlings."

[getfeldsparred]

“We like you too, Kent. And if we had to choose between you or Felds…”

They chuckle and nudge Kent playfully.

“You’re not a hatchling, you can make your own decisions. I just had to weigh in like the busybody I am.”

[videointhenoise]

"I like that you did," he assures them. "Means you care. Did you sic someone on Feldspar?"

[getfeldsparred]

“Rutile,” Gneiss says, almost apologetically. “They’re a little harsher, I fear, but Feldspars sometimes needs a firmer hand.”

[videointhenoise]

Kent chuckles. "I'm sure I'll hear about it later. I would wish him luck, but I think I appreciate the care."

He takes their hand and kisses it gently. "Go be with the others. I'm fine here."

[getfeldsparred]

“I know you are,” they smile. “Let me eat my marshmallow first and I’ll be on my way.”

Gneiss brings the stick up to their lips and blows on the marshmallow, still sitting close to Kent as they both listen to the chatter. “I’ve been meaning to ask you…do you want me to make you an instrument?”

[videointhenoise]

Kent just laughs a little sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. "I - I should learn an instrument first. I was never really into the band. Just - singing."

[getfeldsparred]

"You won't learn unless you try," they say, laughing into their hand. "What are you interested in? I've got all sorts of instruments in my cabin if you want to come by and test some out."

[videointhenoise]

He nods. "You know, Gneiss. I think I will. How's tomorrow sound?"

[getfeldsparred]

"Tomorrow sounds perfect." They finish off their marshmallow and get to their feet. "You should probably go find Feldspar. Rutile's probably through with them."

[videointhenoise]

Kent stands up and picks up his stick, leaning against it. "Thank you," he tells them sincerely, and he walks to the outside of the campfire. Feldspar will find him; they always do.