Since the date story elsewhere was conducted primarily from Alice's point of view, a lot of subtext was missed from Inyme's perspective. Enough, I
thought, to write up the events from her perspective. While the lines are the same, this should fill in a few gaps. For those of you seeking context, this
takes place simultaneously with part 4 in this story thread.
***
As the movie started, Inyme occasionally asked questions, not always understanding certain references for which she had no frame of reference. She felt
Alice's curiosity about her homeworld, but kept a tight rein on what she let through her upper level of mental shields.
But as, on screen, Wall-E looked up at the distant stars, playing a song on his internal tape deck, Inyme was ambushed by emotions she couldn't deny.
Loneliness of being the only one of her kind she could deal with at the moment. Sadness, for being away from home. Creeping hints of despair as she considered
the possibility that she might never go home. She started slightly as Alice squeezed her hand, warmth and compassion flowing across the mental conversation.
Maybe you'll get to take me there some day.
Inyme idly considered the concept, thinking of what it might have been like in happier times....and noting that Alice still had no idea her homeworld was
blocked off by the magical barrier erected by the Omega Team. She had an odd pang of sympathy for the Traditionalists, knowing that only the Restructurists she
owed allegiance to had any idea how to pierce the barrier to a limited degree. Did they also look up at the stars and dream of home?
Inyme let the lingering link remain as it was, which helped with context she would have missed otherwise. When Wall-E fumbled around, it was overlaid perfectly
with the mental of Nene in her morning daze, stumbling around in a robe as Ifrit steered her with the voice of experience. Inyme actually cracked a smile at
that for a moment, letting herself forget the wider universe for a moment as she enjoyed the movie. The movie continued on, Alice giggling at Wall-E's
exploration of humanity's mess. Inyme had to admit she was probably missing half the humor of the movie, though some of the more obvious jokes amused her
nonetheless. More though, she enjoyed the feelings of her....date? Was that what this really was? Inyme wasn't sure.
As the the film's second character came into view, Inyme was almost bewildered by the degree of body language. She sensed the wonder from her companion,
but her comment got a mental chuckle out of the young woman.
I guess you don't always need words, she said, and Inyme knew she wasn't referring to the complicated
structure of the Rikti natural language, wherein concepts and emotions were presented more clearly due to mind to mind contact, but the idle similarity amused
her nonetheless.
No...not always.
Inyme savored the cuteness of Alice's confused expression as the catgirl worked that through, as well as the dawning realization. We're not actually talking, are we?
We haven't been for some time, she noted, chuckling at the sense of simple wonder that realization caused in
Alice. I thought you knew, she noted.
I had no idea, she said, which only amused Inyme more.
That's why the ticket person reacted like he did, she pointed out, gaining an embarassed blush from Alice.
Oh...that must have looked weird.
Inyme smiled, shifting her main attention back to the movie, with the occasional conversation that showed their different perspectives. While Alice paid
attention to Wall-E finding his world turned upside down, Inyme's attention was on Eve and her directive. The spy found herself sympathizing a good deal
with the exasperated probe droid dealing with the conflicts between her feelings and her duty. She barely noticed Alice resting her head on her shoulder,
though the sense of increased intimacy filtered through her mental processes. Engrossed in the movie as she was, she entirely missed Alice's
more...romantic daydreaming beside her.
As the movie wound on, however, the increasing prominence of the ship's auto-pilot began to leave Inyme feeling uneasy. While she understood what the movie
was conveying, the machine's single-minded dedication to its duty from its superiors, even to the detriment of those it was supposed to serve, due to
superseding orders, worried her a good deal. In Eve, Inyme could see what she felt like right now, but in Auto, she felt frightened of what she might be forced
to become. A part of her(one that had been much larger months ago) could see the end result of her mission. Of the sense of betrayal that Alice would feel
because she simply couldn't understand why Inyme had to do what she was doing. In a way, she envied Auto's machine-like lack of choice. She wished her
priorities were as clear now as his were. The rest of her mind evaded the question, hiding in denial that the day would ever come, but knowing it would.
***
As the pair walked home from the movie, Inyme let her thoughts wander away from depressing concepts and more towards enjoying the feel of the warm air on her
skin. She should have let Alice talk her into removing her armor a lot sooner. Fingers intertwined with Alice's, she could almost feel freer than she had
in years.
Interesting movie, Alice said, still speaking through the telepathic channel they'd continued to use even after
the movie ended. In a way, the contact made Inyme less homesick, speaking in the way she remembered the best.
Yes, it really was, Inyme agreed. As Alice leaned against her, Inyme unconciously went with the motion and the mood,
putting an arm around the other woman's waist. Smiling slightly at Alice's rather overt enjoyment of the proximity, Inyme sharply suppressed a surge of
guilt. I might see it again some time, she added. Thanks for inviting me.
I wouldn't invite anyone else, Alice replied, and Inyme's own self control was all that kept her from
staggering at the sudden feeling of emotion from the girl. Affection...compassion...need.....love? Several months ago, such things would have made Inyme
extremely pleased with herself for managing to insinuate herself so perfectly into Alice's life. Now, they frightened her, because she knew how easy it
would be to shatter those feelings and wound Alice deep to the heart....and she didn't know that she wouldn't ever do that.
So, who was your favorite? Alice asked, startling Inyme out of her self-contemplation.
I...I'm not sure. Either Eve, or maybe the auto-pilot... Inyme could feel the curiosity about that decision
bubbling in her companion, and decided that just keeping quiet wouldn't discourage her from seeking an answer. I mean, I
used to be a soldier. I can understand his perspective...he was obeying orders.
Yeah, but... Alice said, confusion with Inyme's opinion clear in her mind, as well as the thought that maybe
Inyme's perspective as an outsider had had her miss part of the movie's intent. The situation had changed.
His...commander...was dead and gone. The situation was different.
Inyme sighed, glancing over at her worried expression fondly. Yes...but sometimes it's hard to change.
I guess, when it's all you know... Alice admitted, and Inyme's attempts to shield her own worries were
obviously not sufficient given the fact that she could clearly feel the worry from the other girl about what was bothering her.
And he didn't have the time Eve did....to learn...to adapt...to change....he was forced to make a choice before he was
ready... she said.
Except the minute she arrived, he ordered the plant destroyed. He had Gopher take it before he woke up the captain. He
wasn't willing to adapt, Alice countered.
Inyme stayed silent for a long moment, not sure how to respond. How did one explain her feelings when half the reason for those feelings couldn't be
admitted out loud?
What's wrong? Alice asked, clearly concerned by her friend's mood.
I....I guess I saw a little of myself in him, Inyme admitted, trying her best to explain. Alice looked at her,
confusion passing between them. Like I said...I used to be a soldier...I could understand that mindset....I could understand
it a little too well for comfort.
Alice looked at her, then nodded. Well, if you ever have a choice like that ... you don't have to make it alone.
Inyme's senses easily detected the intent behind that statement...the fact that helping her was at the top of Alice's priorities, no matter the cost.
Only the strongest sense of self-control kept her from shedding tears right then. Why did she have to say all the right things because she didn't
know? It wasn't fair....
Despite her depressed mood, Inyme couldn't help but be comforted as Alice purred and rubbed closer against her. The affectionate rumble brought images to
mind that would've caused her to blush under other circumstances. As it was, she didn't really let herself think too hard, struggling to keep her
expression and emotions under control as they walked. She barely noticed when they reached Alice's apartment, before blinking and looking up. Oh...we're here.
Already? Alice asked, and Inyme almost detected a hint of....disappointment?
Yeah...short walk, huh?
Too short, Alice replied, and this time the disappointment was much more obvious. As were the feelings as she slipped
around in front of her, sliding her fingers through Inyme's again. ...I had fun.
So did I, Inyme said, wanting at the same time to be out of there as soon as possible and to linger even longer. The
smile on Alice's face as she leaned forward warned Inyme, but she didn't move. Her body wanted this, and it'd help her mission extraordinarily in
the end, but it'd mean Alice would be hurt even more when she betrayed her, but it'd also hurt her now if she refused....so frozen by indecision was
Inyme that she didn't react at first when Alice planted the kiss on her lips.
The shock of feeling through them both, a bond between telepaths that couldn't be explained but which Inyme had always heard older, more experienced Rikti
speak of, pulled Inyme out of her stupor. She could feel Alice, practically was Alice for a split second, all the tears, happiness, and pain. Pragmatic to the
last, Inyme felt herself instinctively shut herself off from her deeper memories before Alice saw them. If Alice had any clue she'd been denied a deeper
look at Inyme's soul and psyche, she gave no indication as she broke the kiss with a gasp, leaving Inyme focusing on breathing, her mind still reeling from
the shock.
"I..." she said aloud, not able to muster the concentration to speak through their bond, but she was interrupted as Alice went for broke and kissed
her again. Better prepared, Inyme was already shielded from her deeper memories this time, and allowed herself a chance to enjoy it, despite her complete
inexperience with this sort of thing, physically and mentally. Despite that, she was able to feel Alice's enjoyment of the kiss, as well as her own
inexperience.
The sound of the wind blowing some pebbles down the street snapped Inyme back to reality,especially to the possibility of someone seeing them. By sympathetic
reaction, this caused Alice to break the kiss as she realized this as well, looking flushed. Uh...I'll see you
tomorrow? she asked.
Part of Inyme's mind suggested pressing the advantage, getting into Alice's bed as well while the moment was right, even as she was relieved Alice
hadn't invited her in. Yes..
Mum might get a litte too overprotective, Alice noted, and Inyme realized that she hadn't shielded that
thought's generalities as strongly as she'd thought.
Mum? she asked, changing the subject to pull it away from her own thoughts.
Alice blinked in return. Uh, Ifrit, she said, and Inyme could tell that the catgirl had no idea what was up with her
Freudian slip than Inyme did. Anyway, I should get going... she said, clearly wanting to stay.
"...yeah," Inyme said, bending in to give her a kiss on the cheek and breaking the embrace of their hands. "I'll see you tomorrow
then." Heading off, Inyme could feel Alice's attention on her, and she continued to hold her thoughts and emotions in tight check, even into the train
to Galaxy. So distracted by this was she, she didn't realize the feeling of Alice's thoughts still in her mind.
Climbing the steps to the discount flat that she'd been assigned in Galaxy as a new hero and DDP, Inyme continued to savagely keep herself presentable
until after she closed and locked the door, flipping on the sound dampeners she used to disguise her long nights working on her armor.
And then she fell on her bed and sobbed.
The emotions that she'd kept bottled up the entire walk home boiled out, stronger for being restrained, and Inyme didn't bother trying to restrain
them. She cried for having to deceive her friend, for being the poison that would inevitably kill their relationship. She cried at the unfairness of this
stupid war that kept them apart. She screamed in frustration at the monsters this world hailed as the heroic Freedom Phalanx, for their slaughter on her
homeworld that'd forced her people into this war. She snarled in disgust at Hro'Dtohz for failing to be the great leader and savior her people had
thought he was, and forcing her into this horrible situation. She cursed the damned movie makers that'd made the film that'd gotten under her skin so
easily where everything else failed. And she wailed for her mother, a scared and confused little girl again who desperately wanted to confide in someone so
that she could ask advice for what she could possibly do now.
Eventually, exhausted by her emotional outburst, Inyme stripped off and collapsed into bed, quickly falling into a fitful sleep. She barely noticed the renewed
presence of a close friend seemingly slipping into her bed with her in her mind's eye, and barely felt the astral sensation of Alice's arms around her.
But as her doubt-ridden conscious mind faded, the rest of her took comfort in it, finally dropping into blissful, comfortable unconsciousness....
---
"Oh, silver blade, forged in the depths of the beyond. Heed my summons and purge those who stand in my way. Lay
waste."
thought, to write up the events from her perspective. While the lines are the same, this should fill in a few gaps. For those of you seeking context, this
takes place simultaneously with part 4 in this story thread.
***
As the movie started, Inyme occasionally asked questions, not always understanding certain references for which she had no frame of reference. She felt
Alice's curiosity about her homeworld, but kept a tight rein on what she let through her upper level of mental shields.
But as, on screen, Wall-E looked up at the distant stars, playing a song on his internal tape deck, Inyme was ambushed by emotions she couldn't deny.
Loneliness of being the only one of her kind she could deal with at the moment. Sadness, for being away from home. Creeping hints of despair as she considered
the possibility that she might never go home. She started slightly as Alice squeezed her hand, warmth and compassion flowing across the mental conversation.
Maybe you'll get to take me there some day.
Inyme idly considered the concept, thinking of what it might have been like in happier times....and noting that Alice still had no idea her homeworld was
blocked off by the magical barrier erected by the Omega Team. She had an odd pang of sympathy for the Traditionalists, knowing that only the Restructurists she
owed allegiance to had any idea how to pierce the barrier to a limited degree. Did they also look up at the stars and dream of home?
Inyme let the lingering link remain as it was, which helped with context she would have missed otherwise. When Wall-E fumbled around, it was overlaid perfectly
with the mental of Nene in her morning daze, stumbling around in a robe as Ifrit steered her with the voice of experience. Inyme actually cracked a smile at
that for a moment, letting herself forget the wider universe for a moment as she enjoyed the movie. The movie continued on, Alice giggling at Wall-E's
exploration of humanity's mess. Inyme had to admit she was probably missing half the humor of the movie, though some of the more obvious jokes amused her
nonetheless. More though, she enjoyed the feelings of her....date? Was that what this really was? Inyme wasn't sure.
As the the film's second character came into view, Inyme was almost bewildered by the degree of body language. She sensed the wonder from her companion,
but her comment got a mental chuckle out of the young woman.
I guess you don't always need words, she said, and Inyme knew she wasn't referring to the complicated
structure of the Rikti natural language, wherein concepts and emotions were presented more clearly due to mind to mind contact, but the idle similarity amused
her nonetheless.
No...not always.
Inyme savored the cuteness of Alice's confused expression as the catgirl worked that through, as well as the dawning realization. We're not actually talking, are we?
We haven't been for some time, she noted, chuckling at the sense of simple wonder that realization caused in
Alice. I thought you knew, she noted.
I had no idea, she said, which only amused Inyme more.
That's why the ticket person reacted like he did, she pointed out, gaining an embarassed blush from Alice.
Oh...that must have looked weird.
Inyme smiled, shifting her main attention back to the movie, with the occasional conversation that showed their different perspectives. While Alice paid
attention to Wall-E finding his world turned upside down, Inyme's attention was on Eve and her directive. The spy found herself sympathizing a good deal
with the exasperated probe droid dealing with the conflicts between her feelings and her duty. She barely noticed Alice resting her head on her shoulder,
though the sense of increased intimacy filtered through her mental processes. Engrossed in the movie as she was, she entirely missed Alice's
more...romantic daydreaming beside her.
As the movie wound on, however, the increasing prominence of the ship's auto-pilot began to leave Inyme feeling uneasy. While she understood what the movie
was conveying, the machine's single-minded dedication to its duty from its superiors, even to the detriment of those it was supposed to serve, due to
superseding orders, worried her a good deal. In Eve, Inyme could see what she felt like right now, but in Auto, she felt frightened of what she might be forced
to become. A part of her(one that had been much larger months ago) could see the end result of her mission. Of the sense of betrayal that Alice would feel
because she simply couldn't understand why Inyme had to do what she was doing. In a way, she envied Auto's machine-like lack of choice. She wished her
priorities were as clear now as his were. The rest of her mind evaded the question, hiding in denial that the day would ever come, but knowing it would.
***
As the pair walked home from the movie, Inyme let her thoughts wander away from depressing concepts and more towards enjoying the feel of the warm air on her
skin. She should have let Alice talk her into removing her armor a lot sooner. Fingers intertwined with Alice's, she could almost feel freer than she had
in years.
Interesting movie, Alice said, still speaking through the telepathic channel they'd continued to use even after
the movie ended. In a way, the contact made Inyme less homesick, speaking in the way she remembered the best.
Yes, it really was, Inyme agreed. As Alice leaned against her, Inyme unconciously went with the motion and the mood,
putting an arm around the other woman's waist. Smiling slightly at Alice's rather overt enjoyment of the proximity, Inyme sharply suppressed a surge of
guilt. I might see it again some time, she added. Thanks for inviting me.
I wouldn't invite anyone else, Alice replied, and Inyme's own self control was all that kept her from
staggering at the sudden feeling of emotion from the girl. Affection...compassion...need.....love? Several months ago, such things would have made Inyme
extremely pleased with herself for managing to insinuate herself so perfectly into Alice's life. Now, they frightened her, because she knew how easy it
would be to shatter those feelings and wound Alice deep to the heart....and she didn't know that she wouldn't ever do that.
So, who was your favorite? Alice asked, startling Inyme out of her self-contemplation.
I...I'm not sure. Either Eve, or maybe the auto-pilot... Inyme could feel the curiosity about that decision
bubbling in her companion, and decided that just keeping quiet wouldn't discourage her from seeking an answer. I mean, I
used to be a soldier. I can understand his perspective...he was obeying orders.
Yeah, but... Alice said, confusion with Inyme's opinion clear in her mind, as well as the thought that maybe
Inyme's perspective as an outsider had had her miss part of the movie's intent. The situation had changed.
His...commander...was dead and gone. The situation was different.
Inyme sighed, glancing over at her worried expression fondly. Yes...but sometimes it's hard to change.
I guess, when it's all you know... Alice admitted, and Inyme's attempts to shield her own worries were
obviously not sufficient given the fact that she could clearly feel the worry from the other girl about what was bothering her.
And he didn't have the time Eve did....to learn...to adapt...to change....he was forced to make a choice before he was
ready... she said.
Except the minute she arrived, he ordered the plant destroyed. He had Gopher take it before he woke up the captain. He
wasn't willing to adapt, Alice countered.
Inyme stayed silent for a long moment, not sure how to respond. How did one explain her feelings when half the reason for those feelings couldn't be
admitted out loud?
What's wrong? Alice asked, clearly concerned by her friend's mood.
I....I guess I saw a little of myself in him, Inyme admitted, trying her best to explain. Alice looked at her,
confusion passing between them. Like I said...I used to be a soldier...I could understand that mindset....I could understand
it a little too well for comfort.
Alice looked at her, then nodded. Well, if you ever have a choice like that ... you don't have to make it alone.
Inyme's senses easily detected the intent behind that statement...the fact that helping her was at the top of Alice's priorities, no matter the cost.
Only the strongest sense of self-control kept her from shedding tears right then. Why did she have to say all the right things because she didn't
know? It wasn't fair....
Despite her depressed mood, Inyme couldn't help but be comforted as Alice purred and rubbed closer against her. The affectionate rumble brought images to
mind that would've caused her to blush under other circumstances. As it was, she didn't really let herself think too hard, struggling to keep her
expression and emotions under control as they walked. She barely noticed when they reached Alice's apartment, before blinking and looking up. Oh...we're here.
Already? Alice asked, and Inyme almost detected a hint of....disappointment?
Yeah...short walk, huh?
Too short, Alice replied, and this time the disappointment was much more obvious. As were the feelings as she slipped
around in front of her, sliding her fingers through Inyme's again. ...I had fun.
So did I, Inyme said, wanting at the same time to be out of there as soon as possible and to linger even longer. The
smile on Alice's face as she leaned forward warned Inyme, but she didn't move. Her body wanted this, and it'd help her mission extraordinarily in
the end, but it'd mean Alice would be hurt even more when she betrayed her, but it'd also hurt her now if she refused....so frozen by indecision was
Inyme that she didn't react at first when Alice planted the kiss on her lips.
The shock of feeling through them both, a bond between telepaths that couldn't be explained but which Inyme had always heard older, more experienced Rikti
speak of, pulled Inyme out of her stupor. She could feel Alice, practically was Alice for a split second, all the tears, happiness, and pain. Pragmatic to the
last, Inyme felt herself instinctively shut herself off from her deeper memories before Alice saw them. If Alice had any clue she'd been denied a deeper
look at Inyme's soul and psyche, she gave no indication as she broke the kiss with a gasp, leaving Inyme focusing on breathing, her mind still reeling from
the shock.
"I..." she said aloud, not able to muster the concentration to speak through their bond, but she was interrupted as Alice went for broke and kissed
her again. Better prepared, Inyme was already shielded from her deeper memories this time, and allowed herself a chance to enjoy it, despite her complete
inexperience with this sort of thing, physically and mentally. Despite that, she was able to feel Alice's enjoyment of the kiss, as well as her own
inexperience.
The sound of the wind blowing some pebbles down the street snapped Inyme back to reality,especially to the possibility of someone seeing them. By sympathetic
reaction, this caused Alice to break the kiss as she realized this as well, looking flushed. Uh...I'll see you
tomorrow? she asked.
Part of Inyme's mind suggested pressing the advantage, getting into Alice's bed as well while the moment was right, even as she was relieved Alice
hadn't invited her in. Yes..
Mum might get a litte too overprotective, Alice noted, and Inyme realized that she hadn't shielded that
thought's generalities as strongly as she'd thought.
Mum? she asked, changing the subject to pull it away from her own thoughts.
Alice blinked in return. Uh, Ifrit, she said, and Inyme could tell that the catgirl had no idea what was up with her
Freudian slip than Inyme did. Anyway, I should get going... she said, clearly wanting to stay.
"...yeah," Inyme said, bending in to give her a kiss on the cheek and breaking the embrace of their hands. "I'll see you tomorrow
then." Heading off, Inyme could feel Alice's attention on her, and she continued to hold her thoughts and emotions in tight check, even into the train
to Galaxy. So distracted by this was she, she didn't realize the feeling of Alice's thoughts still in her mind.
Climbing the steps to the discount flat that she'd been assigned in Galaxy as a new hero and DDP, Inyme continued to savagely keep herself presentable
until after she closed and locked the door, flipping on the sound dampeners she used to disguise her long nights working on her armor.
And then she fell on her bed and sobbed.
The emotions that she'd kept bottled up the entire walk home boiled out, stronger for being restrained, and Inyme didn't bother trying to restrain
them. She cried for having to deceive her friend, for being the poison that would inevitably kill their relationship. She cried at the unfairness of this
stupid war that kept them apart. She screamed in frustration at the monsters this world hailed as the heroic Freedom Phalanx, for their slaughter on her
homeworld that'd forced her people into this war. She snarled in disgust at Hro'Dtohz for failing to be the great leader and savior her people had
thought he was, and forcing her into this horrible situation. She cursed the damned movie makers that'd made the film that'd gotten under her skin so
easily where everything else failed. And she wailed for her mother, a scared and confused little girl again who desperately wanted to confide in someone so
that she could ask advice for what she could possibly do now.
Eventually, exhausted by her emotional outburst, Inyme stripped off and collapsed into bed, quickly falling into a fitful sleep. She barely noticed the renewed
presence of a close friend seemingly slipping into her bed with her in her mind's eye, and barely felt the astral sensation of Alice's arms around her.
But as her doubt-ridden conscious mind faded, the rest of her took comfort in it, finally dropping into blissful, comfortable unconsciousness....
---
"Oh, silver blade, forged in the depths of the beyond. Heed my summons and purge those who stand in my way. Lay
waste."