event } lime, coconut, explosions

[seeingyou]

WHO: All y’all
WHAT: A nice vacation to ease everyone in
WHERE: Various locations on Alkonost Island, including Navi
WHEN: Sept 12-30
WARNINGS: Use ‘em in your threads if needed!

Welcome to Alkonost, the beautiful tropical island on the planet Tetagari where you have just made an emergency crash landing! You’ll be here for a while, so settle in and get cozy with your new shipmates until Navi is repaired and ready for takeoff.

Alkonost is a small island with an eponymous beachfront village, with the rest of the land covered in tropical rainforest, dry forest, and grasslands. Most of the land is still wild, as the Alkonost population is centered at the beach, though ancient ruins can be found a bit more inland. Alkonostians are a humanoid, amphibious people, with light green skin, gills, and webbed fingers; they are friendly and welcoming to tourists, business contacts, and intergalactic refugees alike.

Speaking of business, the main exports of Alkonost are various types of fish, shell jewelry, and a unique, dark red pearl that is only cultivated in the waters surrounding the island. These red pearls are highly prized on other islands and provide the bulk of income for the Alkonost population. They’ve also recently attracted a band of pesky pirates, which has taken to raiding export ships and even the pearl farms themselves, on occasion. Warning signs are posted near the shoreline and will be explained by locals if asked.

While visiting, you can elect to work as part of a fishing or pearl farming crew, or with one of the island’s fruit collection squads, and you’ll be paid daily in fresh fish and equally fresh fruit. For necessities of the non-consumable sort, the village open-air market is open every day for all of your shopping needs. Otherwise, grab some sun on the beach, dance and sing around bonfires at night, get to know your fellow passengers, or just chill on the ship and get to know Navi.

Comments

[secreteary]

[there's a deep inhale and long exhale from under those hands.]

I.

[the waver in his voice is unmistakable, but Martin clears his throat and tries again.]

...I can't.

[no. not "can't". he won't.

finally pulling his hands away, Martin has tears in his eyes. more than that, there is a terrible fury written all over his face. his eyes are hard and very, very hurt.]

I'm getting answers. Now.

[Martin scrambles to his feet and turns towards the ship...

but doesn't start walking until he looks back at Jon, his expression some mixture of grief and hurt. then he heads for Navi purposefully, fists clenched.]

[eyediot]

What--

[NO WAIT. Hold on!!

Jon sees that look in Martin's eyes and wonders just what the hell he did to cause that. He wont' know unless Martin explains it.

Jon stumbles up to his feet, bag flip flopping around his frame trying desperately to follow.]

Martin- Wait! Just- just tell me what's going on?

[secreteary]

[Martin stops dead, and just yells:]

America!

[he turns around and throws his arms up in the air, exasperated. his volume doesn't change.]

Was almost two. Years ago. For me. Almost two, Jon! A... A mess of things have happened since then!

[he grins and laughs a little, but it's absolutely mirthless.]

I don't even know how it's possible! Maybe the stupid ship has answers, because otherwise I'm going to be convinced that I'm going mad.

[eyediot]

[The saving grace here is that Martin's never really been the jokster of their team. So Jon can at least know that Martin either fully believes this, or is panicked and freaking out and exaggerating. Neither scenario is ideal.

One hand he keeps on his bag's strap to keep it steady, the other he holds out, placating.]

All right- Yes, I-i agree. I... would like answers as well. So let's go get them.

[secreteary]

[well. that takes the wind right of Martin's sails. he deflates somewhat, still looking a bit belligerent but also a bit...relieved?]

...Fine.

[Martin pushes his glasses up, huffs, and turns around, power walking to Navi again.

after a minute, he visibly deflates some more, and slows down enough for Jon to catch up, but he doesn't stop. he looks at Jon, soft and worried.]

Are you...okay? Maybe there's salve for your burn somewhere?

[eyediot]

[When Martin slows, Jon takes the opportunity to catch up. Damn tall people.]

I-- Maybe? I didn't exactly take stock of this ship as we were crashing. But there's likely a medical station somewhere.

[secreteary]

[Martin nods and goes quiet for a while, his gait less determined.]

I'll look later.

[he doesn't offer to help. he doesn't offer to Fuss.]

[eyediot]

[Yeah, that is odd. Jon's accustomed to a certain level of Martin-fussing. He rubs at his palm a bit, feeling it send sparks of fresh throbbing through his hand.]

...I can look. It's all right.

[secreteary]

No, I mean-

[a ragged exhale.]

I'll look for anything that can help you.

[eyediot]

You don't have to, this is -- This whole thing is. U-unreal. Let's get answers first. All right?

[secreteary]

Yeah, obviously, but I'm not going to ignore your burn from Jude and the cut Daisy gave you.

[eyediot]

It's fine, they'll heal on their own.

I'm honestly more worried about you and, and whatever happened.

[secreteary]

Don't. --Wait, what am I saying. You're going to go crazy if I don't tell you.

[he almost laughs. almost.]

Well, too bad. ...You're better off not knowing.

[eyediot]

[Well now he does stop walking to just stare at him.]

Martin.

[secreteary]

[stops and turns. doesn't seem terribly surprised. maybe he's just tired.]

What.

[eyediot]

You do realize saying 'I'm better off not knowing', that just. Makes it worse.

[secreteary]

Probably? Yeah? Not sure I care. It's true.

[eyediot]

[WOW the attitude.]

I think I deserve at least something since you- [hhHhhhhhhHHHHHH] Some hello back there. 'Nice to see you again, Jon'.

[secreteary]

I'm not going to apologize for not thinking we'd be from different points in time! A lot has happened! Clearly!

[eyediot]

That's not--

[he presses both hands to his face to breathe for a moment.] It's not the point.

[BREATHE. Then he starts walking to the ship ahead of him.]

[secreteary]

[well, Martin's going to speed back up.]

Then what is the point, Jon? What, are you telling me that you can't figure out on your own why I kissed you? Is that it?

[eyediot]

[He sputters, stumbling half a step but keeps moving.]

Among other things.

[Martin's comment of 'your eyes' wasn't lost on him. If he really was from two years his future, then do his eyes look different? Oh god what happens to his eyes.]

he's mad and they're stupid

[secreteary]

Fine! Then let me spell it out for you, okay, are you ready? It's shocking to you, I know, but in my time? You and me? We're an "us". Sure, a lot happened between your Point A and my Point B, but we got there, and it's done both of us a lot of good through a lot of terrible things, and we were going to face even more terrible things but together. Okay? Is that clear enough for you? Do I need to write it down? Or give a statement?

1/2

[eyediot]

[Boy.]

[eyediot]

[Ask and ye shall receive, huh.]

So. Asking the ship for answers. Yes.