05-07-2015, 06:53 PM
((Aria moded with permission))
Nikolai was a patient witness to their goodbyes. Aria's behavior elicited a measure of respect. Her composure in the face of uncertainty and probable fear was noteworthy. It exceeded that of the two men she was leaving behind. They tried to hide it, but Nikolai recognized the solemnity of separation writ on their faces. If they were to see their companion again it would be in the world of the dead, they assumed. Lucas asked for mercy and understanding like he was worthy to explain the noble cause of the Atharim. Nikolai did not explain himself, or highlight the boy's woeful ignorance of the subject. Aria said he was not Atharim and his diatribe proved it. Nox was less articulate in his pleadings, but Nikolai was resolute. He could not allow an Atharim with a warrant for his head wandering free in this world. He thought the extent of CCD surveillance was limited by men on the streets. The technologies at the Ascendancy's fingertips were beyond the imagination of mere mortals. Nox would not lose a minute of sleep over the welfare of anyone surveying him.
Aria started along the snow-cleared path that led to the helicopter and true to his word, Nikolai followed behind. Simon lingered to cover the rear and ensure the two men did nothing foolish, like attempt a rescue. He appreciated the isolation of their location, if not the view of an assassin, and maintained silence as they walked. Simon would have the best chance of hearing an unsolicited approach that way, although as power rumbled through his body, Nik would be the one to sense the crunch of snow first.
As soon as they reached the helicopter, Simon's approach hastened. He kept Aria under guard while boarding. She was to be strapped into a seat on a diagonal from Nikolai and as far from arm's reach as possible. Simon sat opposite her, continuing her guard. The two pilots looked at one another when they realized an extra passenger approached, but upon orders from the Ascendancy, prepared the aircraft to lift off.
She was given a headset for ear protection and communication, however Nik ordered her microphone muted. There was plenty he was going to ask her, but not on a four-way radio communication service. Their conversation required a more personal hand. Once all were secure and they were airborne, Nikolai double-checked his straps and gripped the seat tight. The initial sensation of leaving the earth's surface was tumultuous to say the least.
Several hours later they arrived at an airbase and Aria was placed under the more secure guard of military police. She was treated humanely, although she was stripped of anything that could be used as a weapon on her person. After a short time, a fresher Ascendancy visited the room where she was being held.
The room was empty but for her and an extra chair, which he spied blandly. His limbs ached to stretch through the waters of his swimming routine, but he was days off his usual schedule. A smooth gesture unbuttoned his suit jacket just before he sat opposite her. Power flowed through him, but nothing near the capacity to which he could wield, only enough to cast his aspect aggressive. "First question, why did your companions describe you as trapped by the Atharim?"
Nikolai was a patient witness to their goodbyes. Aria's behavior elicited a measure of respect. Her composure in the face of uncertainty and probable fear was noteworthy. It exceeded that of the two men she was leaving behind. They tried to hide it, but Nikolai recognized the solemnity of separation writ on their faces. If they were to see their companion again it would be in the world of the dead, they assumed. Lucas asked for mercy and understanding like he was worthy to explain the noble cause of the Atharim. Nikolai did not explain himself, or highlight the boy's woeful ignorance of the subject. Aria said he was not Atharim and his diatribe proved it. Nox was less articulate in his pleadings, but Nikolai was resolute. He could not allow an Atharim with a warrant for his head wandering free in this world. He thought the extent of CCD surveillance was limited by men on the streets. The technologies at the Ascendancy's fingertips were beyond the imagination of mere mortals. Nox would not lose a minute of sleep over the welfare of anyone surveying him.
Aria started along the snow-cleared path that led to the helicopter and true to his word, Nikolai followed behind. Simon lingered to cover the rear and ensure the two men did nothing foolish, like attempt a rescue. He appreciated the isolation of their location, if not the view of an assassin, and maintained silence as they walked. Simon would have the best chance of hearing an unsolicited approach that way, although as power rumbled through his body, Nik would be the one to sense the crunch of snow first.
As soon as they reached the helicopter, Simon's approach hastened. He kept Aria under guard while boarding. She was to be strapped into a seat on a diagonal from Nikolai and as far from arm's reach as possible. Simon sat opposite her, continuing her guard. The two pilots looked at one another when they realized an extra passenger approached, but upon orders from the Ascendancy, prepared the aircraft to lift off.
She was given a headset for ear protection and communication, however Nik ordered her microphone muted. There was plenty he was going to ask her, but not on a four-way radio communication service. Their conversation required a more personal hand. Once all were secure and they were airborne, Nikolai double-checked his straps and gripped the seat tight. The initial sensation of leaving the earth's surface was tumultuous to say the least.
Several hours later they arrived at an airbase and Aria was placed under the more secure guard of military police. She was treated humanely, although she was stripped of anything that could be used as a weapon on her person. After a short time, a fresher Ascendancy visited the room where she was being held.
The room was empty but for her and an extra chair, which he spied blandly. His limbs ached to stretch through the waters of his swimming routine, but he was days off his usual schedule. A smooth gesture unbuttoned his suit jacket just before he sat opposite her. Power flowed through him, but nothing near the capacity to which he could wield, only enough to cast his aspect aggressive. "First question, why did your companions describe you as trapped by the Atharim?"