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 turns away from them so they can't see the way his eyes water, the way his breath hitches.

It's so - Ellie.

That little creature deserved to experience the universe. Kent will make sure this one gets to. Even if it means the end.

"I'm sorry," he says after a moment. "Grief is - It's difficult for everyone. But - why are you telling me?"

[getfeldsparred]

Gneiss gives Kent his privacy, though they watch his posture for any sign that they might want a little comfort. When he turns back to them Gneiss smiles a little sadly.

“In case it happens again.”

[videointhenoise]

"It won't," he assures them and reaches out to put a hand on their shoulder. "I have faith this time. Realistic faith."

Something Kent hasn't been able to call on until just this moment.

[getfeldsparred]

Gneiss has no way of knowing how significant that is, but they can see Kent’s confidence. Their smiles turns slightly and they nod.

“Me too.”

They take another moment to just hold the shared touch, then pulls back to tend to the tea.

“Now let me go over some of these supplies and I’ll leave you alone for the night.”

[videointhenoise]

"Please do. I'm all ears," he says, gesturing towards the cabinets. He wants to learn. He wants to know.

Mostly, he wants Feldspar back so he can hold him.

[getfeldsparred]

Gneiss doesn’t overstay their welcome, but they do make sure all the supplies are safely put up and that Kent’s finished their tea before they say goodnight. They’ll check on them in the morning, hopefully before they head off to the observatory for the day.

Feldspar radios in as usual in the evening hours. They have a lot to share with Hornfels and Slate about their trip around the Ash Twins and what that’s done to the ship, but they hang on long after the conversation’s done in the hope of talking to Kent.

[videointhenoise]

Kent is happy to take the radio from them.

"Mm, whatever you said made tbem happy."

He's sure he will hear about it tomorrow.

[getfeldsparred]

"Slate just likes when I tell them that the ship hasn't exploded." They bring the radio up to their cheek, resting it briefly against their face as they listen to Kent speak. "How have you been?"

[videointhenoise]

"I'm fine," he assures them with a smile that can be heard in his words. "Never better. Gneiss brought some things for the hatchlings who will come through. Our pantry is so full."

[getfeldsparred]

Our pantry.

“So what does that mean, our pantry? Do you want me staying with you all the time now?” There’s a smile in their voice as they ask. “Helping you with the hatchlings? You’ll need the help, and I’m an expert.”

[videointhenoise]

They had talked about it once, but then Kent promptly fucked them into the bed, so he doesn't fault them for assuming otherwise.

"Nevermind," he deadpans. "I think I'd rather stay with Slate."

[getfeldsparred]

“Oh, you don’t want that. Have you been in Slate’s cabin before? There’s a reason they live outside of the village. They’re a health-hazard.”

[videointhenoise]

Kent laughs. "Okay, that was a bluff. But yes, I thought that's what we talked about. Or - sort of talked."

This line isn't private. He spares the details.

[getfeldsparred]

They talked about things a little bit, but it’s probably their fault for not asking any follow up questions.

“So…is that what you want? Being with me all the time when I’m back on Timber Hearth?”

[videointhenoise]

"Not all the time. I get real busy, you know," he teases.

[getfeldsparred]

“So when you’re busy I should sleep outside, gotcha,” they tease right back.

[videointhenoise]

"Exactly. Sleep under the stars like all pilots should. Ellie and I used to sleep out in the desert in the back of the truck. It was nice. Quiet."

He smiles. "She snores, though."

[getfeldsparred]

Feldspar laughs softly. “So does Slate, so you’re in luck. I sleep quiet as anything. But you’ll miss me if you force me to sleep outside, so I think this is another bluff.”

[videointhenoise]

"I suppose you'll have to wait and see."

He doesn't mind the silly banter here; it makes him feel comfortable. Like he belongs. Like Feldspar is right here with him.

"Where are you orbiting today?"

[getfeldsparred]

They chuckle quietly, enjoying the small talk just as much. Kent might not ever come back into space with them, but they can continue to keep him right there, right beside them.

“Still out by the Ash Twins. I think I’m gonna try something new for the journey back. I’ve been trying this maneuver out with Giant’s Deep - you build up a lot of speed as you approach, then pull back on the thrusters and allow yourself to be lured into the gravity. Then as you circle around the planet you hit those thrusters again and wham - you take off like a bolt of lightning!”

[videointhenoise]

"The slingshot manuever. Very clever. It usually works, too," he says. "Unless you compensate wrong and end up in another cyclone."

[getfeldsparred]

“That ain’t gonna happen though, for one really good reason.”

[videointhenoise]

Kent hesitates, but he walks right on in. "Uh huh. What really good reason is that?"

[getfeldsparred]

“Cuz I’m gonna slingshot around the sun.”

Said as casually as one can, of course.

[videointhenoise]

Silence. For a long moment, just silence. Then -

"Alright. That will give you a good boost."