previous story Return to the Skies next story



<
Previous Story:
'In Memorium'

Shaking Things Up

Next Story:
'Meeting At The StreamBank'



Previous Story:
'In Memorium'

Shaking Things Up

Next Story:
'Meeting At The StreamBank'



Previous Story:
'In Memorium'

Shaking Things Up

Next Story:
'Meeting At The StreamBank'



Previous Story:
'In Memorium'

Shaking Things Up

Next Story:
'Meeting At The StreamBank'



Previous Story:
'In Memorium'

Shaking Things Up

Next Story:
'Meeting At The StreamBank'



Previous Story:
'In Memorium'

Shaking Things Up

Next Story:
'Meeting At The StreamBank'



Previous Story:
'In Memorium'

Shaking Things Up

Next Story:
'Meeting At The StreamBank'



P> Glyniss_McMasters turns shrugging her shoulders having still not seen any sign of the others...and begins limping towards the exit...deciding she needed some air.....fresh air not the maufactured kind...

[Flash_Guardian] A swirling vortex of bright yellow energy opens up in the hangar of the Triad, and shortly afterward several figures step through.

Devaine_Hawk stops the car on the deserted shoulder of the highway closest to the hill area he’s heading for and flings the door open jumping out . Quickly he scrambles over the rough terrain , slipping and sliding in cow boy boots not made for this kind of thing . Finally reaching the hill top out of breath and looking about he draws the Twin Desert Eagles searching the darkness around him .

Flash_Guardian emerges from the portal to stand in the familiar hangar of the Triad. Drones are hard at work making the final preparations, checking systems to make sure everything is working properly ... so far, all systems go.

Glyniss_McMasters hums softly as she continues to limp to the exit a lot more familiar with the craft now and guessing the others are off doing something soo she should be probably getting herself busy

Bida says, "I'll be right back," to Flash, and walks outside. She jumps up and spreads her wings, hoping to find Dev as quickly as possible.

Harlequinn walks around the hanger, her head bounding along behind her, "This all looks so different from this angle."

Devaine_Hawk races for the entrance , running right past the others on his way as they step out of the portal. He calls over his shoulder , “stay together and let me take point . He operates the familiar door mechanism and disappears down the hallway behind it , the sound of his footsteps as he runs thundering on the metal and echoing .

Glyniss_McMasters whisles as she limps into the workshop....reaching for the crowbar flipping it a little in her hand before turning to the exit...least the work get the kinks out of her body after last nights sleep

Flash_Guardian spots Glyniss, nods to Bida ... and then Devaine busts in, racing through the hangar and down the hallway. Flash just stands there, blinking. "Uhh ... aye aye, cap'n," Flash says, quickly following Devaine.

Bida sees Dev run in, and drops to the ground, running after him and up to the others, "What happened? What's going on?"

Harlequinn 's head spins as Dev raced past. It bounced up and she caught it, and set it on her shoulders, spinning it until it faced forwards, "What's burning?" she asked, remarking on Dev's haste, not on something actually burning.

[Flash_Guardian] The drones all bleep in annoyance as Devaine charges past them, his path forcing them to scatter to one side or risk dropping their loads as they move about the hallway. After dodging out of the way, they slowly continue.

Devaine_Hawk almost runs right into Glyniss , stopping and dropping the barrels o the guns toward the floor . “what the hell was that disappearing act you pulled out outside the pub ?!” he ask out of breath and in a semi tense tone .

Bida follows Dev closely, "Devaine, what's going on? What is it?" she was never one to stay put, nor to follow directions.

Flash_Guardian glances back to Bida once, then moves down the hallway to where Glyniss and Devaine are standing, listening from a short distance.

Glyniss_McMasters rises a brow fingers tightening on the crowbar before actually realising its.....well...Dev of all people...attention then going to the others as she slowly grins.." Shoo' yer guy' shoul' tr' ringin' ter bel' nex' tim'"

Bida stops before barrelling into Dev, "eep!" She turns to look behind her, towards Flash and Harley

Harlequinn walks up behind Flash, and leans over his shoulder, "so. . . what happened?"

Flash_Guardian shushes Harley and just listens to Devaine and Glyniss.

Glyniss_McMasters blinks at Dev..." Wha'......whe?"

Devaine_Hawk side steps Bida as she comes up behind him , causing her to barley brush his shoulder and glares at Glyniss , before slumping to the floor , winded . He shoves the pistols back in his double shoulder rig under his jacket and continues to glare up at her “I ask you a damn question “

Harlequinn zips her lip, again literally.

Devaine_Hawk waits

Glyniss_McMasters side steps not wanting the charging Bida to cannon into her....before her attention shifts back to Dev... a puzzled expression crossing her features..." Wha' ter hel' wron' wit' yer...I ain' lef' thi' craf' sinc' yesterda'..." her expression changing from puzzlement to one of concern...." Yer bee' drinkin'?"

Bida walks backwards towards Flash and Harley, stopping about 3 feet in front of them.

Devaine_Hawk shoves himself back to his feet , “I saw you with my own eyes in the pub you stood in the door and walked back out without saying a word , then when I followed you you disappeared , and what if I have ?”

Flash_Guardian looks between Devaine and Glyniss, staying close to Bida. "Yeah, what's going on, Dev? The way you're acting makes me think the very armies of hell are upon us! What's going on? And what does it have to do with Glyniss?"

Harlequinn shrugs and says, "mm-mph-mm-hmm-hmm-mph" Her mouth is still zipped up.

Glyniss_McMasters reaches out to help him up....." Jus' eas' up fello' yer ain' lookin' goo'....mayb' yer shoul' res' a litt' fer yer go chargin' abou'" she smiles " Don' won' yer belo' yer bes' no' do we"

Devaine_Hawk turns to Flash “remember that case I was telling you about ?” he asks.

Flash_Guardian looks down at Devaine. "The one you mentioned in the Garden just now?"

Devaine_Hawk moves away from the others , it’s clear he’s on edge . “yes that one , there’s people disappearing all over the place , when she did it I thought the worst had happened to her “ he looks to Glyniss “what where you doing out there at the pub ?”

[Flash_Guardian] Masses of electronic hues play about a small area nearby before the image of a small boy dressed in grey clothing appears, also listening to the conversation with much curiousity.

Bida says, "disappearing? Just vanishing?"

Harlequinn sees the boy appear. She waves and smiles, "hmm-hmm!"

Flash_Guardian gives Bida a strange look. "People disappearing?" He grasps her hand, as if to reassure himself that she's really there.

Glyniss_McMasters rises a brow...looking over at the others as he moves away...." I ain' go' a clu' wha' yer talkin' abou' I' bee' her'..." she nods to the droids..." As' the'"

[Flash_Guardian] The boy smiles and waves back, but doesn't speak, instead keeping his attention trained on Glyniss and Devaine.

[Flash_Guardian] The boy speaks up, nodding once in agreement to Glyniss's statement. "Indeed, Glyniss has been here for most of the day, and has never left the range of my scanners."

Devaine_Hawk shakes his head at Bida as he lights up and pulls a flask from his jacket .”not exactly it seems to be happening to people at night in the bar and club district , they just turn up missing . No blood , no calls for help , nothing just gone . I’m working on it I got a feeling this is bad real bad “

Bida smiles at Flash, her mind going to him for a moment as he grabs her hand, then going to Aiza. She looks worried and turns away, seeming to concentrate. She then looks relieved, and turns to Flash, "I've got to see Aiza. To see if she's alright"

Flash_Guardian squeezes Bida's hand. "Be careful, okay?" he tells her, releasing her. Turning back to Devaine, he looks thoughtful. "Is there any sort of pattern to the kinds of people that are disappearing? I mean, I'm sure there must be some sort of clues for you to go on in your investigation."

Bida kisses Flash quickly, and turns to the door, "I'll see you later, I promise I won't disappear on you!"

Devaine_Hawk throws the flask back , then takes a long draw of the smoke before shaking his head . “no , women girls boys , men , nothing in common except it happening at night , and around that part of the city.”

Glyniss_McMasters leans back attention shifting from one to the other just listening ..this was news to her....and she spends a damn lot of time in clubs and stuff

Flash_Guardian nods, seeming to calm down slightly. "Well, I'm sure that part of the city is nowhere near here ... and see? We're all fine, Dev. No need to worry." Flash gives Devaine a reassuring smile and helps Glyniss pull him to standing (if he isn't already).

Devaine_Hawk looks around watching as Bida leaves “it ‘s starting to get worse , more people in a night , some pretty capable people too, a bouncer , a security guard , others , you all should stick together as much a possible in groups until I solve this “

Devaine_Hawk turns to Triad , “as long as we’re all here why don’t we get our boy here in the air already? I need to get back and start watching the streets . “

Glyniss_McMasters rises a brow....not actually keen on having what amounts to a body guard shaking her head a little..." I wa' jus' gonn' go do som' liftin'"

Flash_Guardian nods at Devaine. "Thanks for the warning. I'll do just that." The boy pipes up also, offering a suggestion. "If you like, you all are of course welcome to stay aboard. While you're here, I can keep track of your presence with my sensors. The moment one of you leaves, I will know about it." At Devaine's further words, the boy breaks into a smile. "It has been a while since I've been able to fly ... I miss it. One could say I've even been ... dreaming about it." He cocks his head to one side musingly. "At least I think that's what you call them."

Devaine_Hawk moves to the monitors and instruments . Looking them over and making small adjustments , he turns to the others “well let’s do it , who or what ever is still out there right now , I need to get back”

Glyniss_McMasters takes a deep breathe and sighs letting it out quickly as she looks about...turning and limping off to where she was yesterday...

Flash_Guardian agrees, just as five drones move past everyone down the hall and into the bridge. The boy watches them go, smiling. "Ranashe tells me everything is ready. We will now commence. Glyniss, if you're ready, I've been instructed to direct you to the bridge's mind/machine interface. Flash, the others are asking for you down in the hangar." Flash moves a flat hand to his forehead in a sort of salute, skipping backwards down the hall a short ways. "See you topside, Triad," he says with a grin, then turns and runs swiftly to the far end of the hallway.

Devaine_Hawk looks to Triad , “and I just watch the monitors right?”

[Flash_Guardian] The boy walks over to Devaine, nodding once to him and, as he does, the main screen of the bridge springs to life, displaying all kinds of images, numbers, and statistics, including power levels, status on the existing modifications, a pictorial representation of a sound wave that is almost flatlined, and another diagram showing the Triad's location relative to the surrounding rock and, of all things, a progress bar that is currently sitting at 0

[Flash_Guardian] ... and shield strength, of course.

Glyniss_McMasters shrugs as she heads to the bridge and the mind interface....looking at the readings again slowly running her finger over the paper making sure the pitches and notes hadnt changed or in another place...licking her lips as she commits them to memory

Devaine_Hawk takes a seat in the captains chair where he can watch the information close and call it to the others if he has to ,. Focused and alert he knows how bad a mistake would being this .

[Flash_Guardian] A drone directs Glyniss towards the chair with a metallic head-harness at the back, helping her to sit. Triad explains, "The drones have rigged it so your mind will be connected directly to a series of oscillators scattered about the ship, each attached to several key bulkheads. As you sing, your voice will be mentally projected over the ship's systems, reach the oscillators, and causing the ship's hull to vibrate with matching frequency and intensity. Just think of it as singing like always, but with a much more powerful set of lungs."

[Flash_Guardian] Lydia pipes up over the ship's intercom system. "Lydia here. Flash, the rest of the drones, and I are ready on our end."

[Flash_Guardian] The boy turns to look at Devaine sitting in the captain's chair. A wry smile crosses his face. "Captian Hawk? Your orders?"

[Flash_Guardian] All the drones hover at attention at their various workstations, ready to go.

Glyniss_McMasters frowns a little remembering the last person in this place who hooked up to something like this.....hand rising as she lifts her stetson off....shaking her head a little before limping over to the seat...placing the stetson on her lap as she nods...saying nothing as she just watches as she gets hooked up...shifting a little in the seat the loud click of metal resounding a little in the room

Devaine_Hawk looks to the boy, “write this down . Double cheese burger, no lettuce, extra tomatoes, light on the ketchup, heavy on the mayo” Then he gets serious. “bring the shields up, Triad , Glyniss sing us a song, Flash, support the hull with a protective spell ”before looking back to Triad , “that everything?”

[Flash_Guardian] The boy looks over to Glyniss, reassuring her. "Don't worry, Lydia ran a full diagnostic yesterday, and I performed a scan for viruses just minutes ago. I am fully in control of my systems now, you have nothing to fear." The boy smiles, turning back to Devaine and laughing. The drones quickly work at their stations, and the main screen comes to life, the diagram of the Triad now surrounded by an outline of red light, slowly growing in intensity. "Heat shielding activated, modifications are performing as predicted. External temperature at 100 degrees and rising ..."

[Flash_Guardian whispers to Glyniss_McMasters] Glyniss feels her mind being drawn into the machine ... a mildly uncomfortable sensation, but it lasts only a moment. She finds herself in a comfortable space of some kind ... and the little boy is there, watching and smiling. "Everyone is ready. You may begin." The boy looks onward expectantly.

Devaine_Hawk watches the screen closely, eyes awash with blue white sparks as the read out changes . He flips the intercom on, “Flash it’s working just be sure you keep that spell focused on the hull, Glyniss let it rip “

Glyniss_McMasters leans back relaxing in the chair her arms resting on its metalic ones....eyes closing as she takes a deep breathe slowly releasing it before she begins to concentrate another deep breathe...paused...before suddenly her mouth opens...

Flash_Guardian 's voice comes back over the intercom. "Everything looks smooth so far ... Triad, don't let those shields heat up too fast or we'll lose 'em!" The boy nods, and the shield's rate of intensification slows slightly. "External temperature at 300 degrees ... 350 ... 400 ..."

[Glyniss_McMasters] " If youuu see your brother standing by the road.....Wittth a heavy load from the seeds that heeees sowed....Annnd if you seee your sister falling by the waayyy ....Just stoop and say....heeey your going the wrooong way"

Devaine_Hawk watches the tempature rise on the screen , taking a draw of his smoke.

Glyniss_McMasters voice soars upwards the sound bouncing and resounding about the craft...the song notes very catchy...light....her left foot begins tapping to the music....the rhymn picking up

[Flash_Guardian] As Glyniss begins to sing, the sonic display on the main screen springs to life, giving a perfect pictorial representation of the waves of sound. A subtle sort of vibration is felt on the floor as the reaction begins ... "500 degrees ... 600 ... partial melting occuring near rear of ship close to surface ..." And indeed the display shows the rock beginning to turn red from the heat.

[Glyniss_McMasters] " Youuuuve got to tryyy a little kindnesss ...Yesss showww a little kindnesss....Just shine yooour light for everyooone to seee.....Annnnd if you tryyy a little kindneees....Theen youu'l overlook the blindnees...Of the narrow minded people on the narrow minded streets

Flash_Guardian adjusts to the changing conditions quickly, redirecting the shield's energy to the surface rock that seems to be heating up the fastest. The reaction continues. "External temperature now at 700 degrees ... 750 ... 775 ... 800 degrees and holding. Partial melting now occuring across entire lithic surface."

Devaine_Hawk sees the sonic feed back on the screen and feels it through the deck. He looks at Glyniss to make sure she’s stable in the chair” here we go boys and girl”

[Flash_Guardian] Lydia pipes up over the intercom. "It's working! The structural integrity of the surrounding rock is critical! Triad, bring those turbine lifts online!" The boy closes his eyes, his thoughts growing distant ... the entire ship can be felt rising slightly ... a sharp impact, and the ship shakes, the main screen lighting up in red all along Triad's upper hull. Triad continues to push up against the now molten roof above it, the whole room shaking dangerously.

[Flash_Guardian] The shield's energy quickly redirects in response to Flash's work, moving to protect the more critical areas. Suddenly a warning siren sounds, and something unexpected appears on the monitor ... a faint trickle of red, indicating a secondary flow of magma, is slowly working its way UP from BELOW the Triad!

Devaine_Hawk grips the arms on the chair tight and holds on “we got trouble there’s a secondary flow of magma coming at us from below can we transfer power to the hull and shields to the rear ?” he asks Triad.

Glyniss_McMasters brace foot begins tapping matching the ryhmn with the other the music filling her mind as she ...sings..a casing surrounding her as the music takes over..." Doont walk around the doown and outt....Lendd a helpiing hand insteaddd of doubt....Annd if the kindness that youu showww every day....Willl help soomeone along their way....Yooou got too tryy a little kindness...Yesss show a little kindness...Jusst shine yourr light for everyoone to see....Annnd if you try a little kindness....Theeen you'll overlook the blindness...Of theee narrow minded people on the narrow minded streets"

[Flash_Guardian] The sound wave's intensity increases, the whole ship vibrating and shaking, a combination of an earthquake and Glyniss's amplified voice. Flash sounds over the intercom. "I'm already stretching what shielding we've got, but I'll try! Lydia, give me a hand!" As Devaine watches, the main sections of the shields divide and reorient, over half still on the Triad's top half, and a smaller portion now redirected to intercept the incoming magma rising from below. The whole ship's shaking so hard you feel like it's going to fall apart!

[Flash_Guardian] The boy seems to be straining, as if making a supreme effort. Several cracks appear along the bright reddish display atop the Triad. "Shields at 72and dropping ... primary surface breech will occur in ten seconds ..."

[Flash_Guardian] The magma stream from below begins to widen, now pressing directly against the Triad's heat shielding, slowly filling the hollow chamber where the Triad used to be ... pressure is increasing rapidly ... "Shields down to 53.." A violent shake. "48.. surface breech in 3 ... 2 ... 1 ..." The cracks in the stone reach a peak, and then, like a cork from a wine bottle, the pressure explodes, the force of the eruption propelling the Triad up through the rock at incredible speeds, causing the whole ship to tilt dangerously forward, the force of the momentum pressing everyone to the floor ...

Glyniss_McMasters voice suddenly without warning changes tempo as without an outward sign the rhymn of the song changes.." Hummingbird Hummingbird shoould be your nameee.....Tooo restless tooo settle too wild too tame....Tooo restless to settle ..too willd to tame...Hummingbird Hummingbird should beee your name

Devaine_Hawk glances back over to Glyniss , checking on her. He looks back to the screen “just a little bit more and we’re home free”

[Flash_Guardian] The screen shows distance rapidly decreasing ... 200 meters remaining ... 150 ... the heat shields have reached dangerous levels and the room continues to lean in one direction, the ship shaking dangerously with a new vibration ... Lydia calls out from the hangar. "What's going on? Glyniss's singing has changed, it's starting to have an adverse affect on the hull!" The image of the boy, grunts and strains, eventually flickering out of sight.

Devaine_Hawk feels himself pitchout of the seat and watches his smoke fly across the bridge , “ come on. Come on..” he grits his teeth “I don’t know she switches tunes in mid stream , can you talk to her through the interface ?”

[Flash_Guardian whispers to Glyniss_McMasters] The Triad speaks in Glyniss's mind through the connection. "Glyniss ... it hurts ... not so fast ..."

Glyniss_McMasters has no idea whats going on about her....only what she can see in her minds eye....her feet tapping to the changed rhymn...her fingers darting as they tap the arm rests...the music swirling high and loud filling the air..." Hummingbird hummingbird wingiiing aloong....No tender young blossom can hoold you for longg....Nooo tender young blossomm can hold youuu for longg.....Hummingbird hummingbirdd winging along....

[Flash_Guardian] "100 meters remaining ... 50 meters ... shields down to 32.."

Devaine_Hawk crawls across the bridge , the force not letting him rise toward Glyniss “you have to switch the song back…the shields are going out …we’re not coming up straight we’re at an angle”

[Flash_Guardian] An explosion is heard over the intercom from the hangar, accompanied by Flash screaming. Lydia cries out, "Flash! Oh god, the wall just exploded! Flash, are you okay?" The shields begin to drop in power much faster now, and the temperature inside the ship begins to rise noticably.

[Glyniss_McMasters whispers to Flash_Guardian] her image that's in her mind has her dancing....jumping and swirling...something she's never been able to do in actual life...completely free from any restraints..head back laughing...seeming in esatic....a wave of happiness (( if thats allowed))

Devaine_Hawk slams a hand on her chair trying to get her attention ,it wouldn’t do any good to unjack her.”shit” he exclaims before try ingot work his way toward the hanger, sweating from the heat,” Lydia, Flash are you guys still with us?” he yells

[Flash_Guardian whispers to Glyniss_McMasters] The Triad continues to cry out in agony. "Glyniss! Stop! Please!!" In the midst of her happiness, Glyniss is suddenly acutely aware of what the Triad is sensing ... a lot like being dragged behind a moving vehicle at 50 kph across hot, jagged rocks.

[Flash_Guardian] No response from the hangar ... the intercom fades to static. All at once, the shaking stops almost entirely, now vibrating only at the whim of Glyniss's song. That same feeling of upward rushing motion is felt, and the Triad begins to balance itself, first leaning back, then overcorrecting and leaning to far, then just seeming to rock like a ship on a stormy sea.

Devaine_Hawk calls to Triad, pour everything but the life support and the power to Glyniss’s chair to the shields the lava is catching up we need to get through the surface before it floods the ship through that breach in the hull!”

[Glyniss_McMasters] " Hummmingbird hummingbird fly right byyy.....Sooome folks likeee to gamblle but darling noot I......Sooome folks liike to gamble but darlling noot I....Humminbird hummingbird fllly right byyy...I'd rather beee loneeely I'd ratherrr be blueee....Yeees I'd ratherrr spend myyy wholle life withoout youuu...Theen feather a nest too be shattered apartttt. By thee humming humming of yourr humminbird hearttt..

[Flash_Guardian] The whole screen seems to light up as the surface is broken ... the Triad is airborne. Unstable, but airborne. Slowly the rising sensation comes to a halt and the Triad seems to rebalance, the floor at last level again ... but now the displays are reading a slow and steady drop in elevation. The hillside continues to erupt in the background, spewing hot chunks of lava and ash everywhere, the depleted heat shields more than compensating.

[Flash_Guardian] "Hull integrity at 92.."

[Glyniss_McMasters whispers to Flash_Guardian] in mid jump and swirl....she stops looking around in bewlderment....hands rushing to cover her ears

Glyniss_McMasters mouth opens her body arches a little in the chair....before her mouth closes not uttering a sound

Devaine_Hawk manages to find his feet and work his way down the hall to the hanger , looking in trying to find Flash and Lydia

[Flash_Guardian] At last, the sound wave display on the main screen goes dormant and the rest of the shaking stops. Powerful engines can be heard churning and whirring to life as the Triad takes to the wing, rising up to hide itself in the clouds. A pair of drones hurriedly disconnect Glyniss from the chair, the other three following Devaine down to the hangar where it seems a small fire has broken out. Three drones fight to contain the flames with some sort of flame retardant chemicals from hoses, while Lydia hovers over Flash, who is charred from head to toe, laying on his side on the ground and not looking too happy.

Devaine_Hawk makes his way to Flash , looking down at him ,”can you here me , ?” he asks looking to Lydia, “do you all have a sick bay or medical facility?”

Flash_Guardian coughs up a cloud of smoke at the sight of Devaine, sitting upright with a groan and looking right at him. "Sorry, Dev ... too much heat to compensate ... got caught in the energy backlash ... ow." He stratches his blackened hair, sending small flakes of black soot crumbling to the ground. Lydia turns to look back at Devaine. "No, we don't have a medical bay ... not yet, anyway." Lydia's trasmitter dish orients up at the ceiling, and shortly after the ground can be felt shaking ever so slightly. A new door pops up in the hallway which leads to a newly created medical bay, fully outfitted with the latest medical equipment, be they scientific or magical in nature.

[Flash_Guardian] The rest of the drones zip to the far corners of the room, returning with another pair of hoses and working as a team to try and keep the flames down. Flash slowly rolls over to hands and knees, then tries to stand, coughing a couple more times.

Devaine_Hawk looks over to the medical room” maybe we should get you and Glyniss both checked up,” he looks at the drones ”if either one of them argues ,use a tractor beam and drag them in to the med bay make sure they’re” he laughs before looking back to Flash” by the way we did it we’re in the clouds”

Flash_Guardian breaks into a great big smile, the whiteness of his teeth contrasting with the rest of his fire-blackened form. He manages to get his footing, helped along by a pair of drones as they lead him to the medical bay. The ones on the bridge follow suit, helping Glyniss out of her chair ... but before she is led out of the room, there is only one thing shown on the main screen ... the sight of the Keep and the surrounding countryside far, far below ... ahead of them and in all directions, open sky. The view is breathtaking, a sea of greens and browns far below beneath on ocean of blue with white wisps of cloud all around.

Glyniss_McMasters head's kinda fuzzy....being helped out the chair...she stoops scooping up her stetson slapping it onto her mop of hair eyes catching sight of the monitors....and blinks....stopping where she is...tugging away from the droids as she limps closer

[Flash_Guardian] The drones at last manage to put most of the flames out, quickly approaching the open circuitry embedded in the wall behind the panel and shutting off power to that section, effectively killing off the remaining flames. After that, the drones all busy themselves preparing to repair the internal and external damage caused during the break-out.

Devaine_Hawk watches the drones take them to the medical room and a slow grin plays across his lips.”it’s now or never “ he thinks as he makes his way back to the bridge and tries to manipulate the navigation controls for a different path.

Glyniss_McMasters gets tugged off to the medic bay it seems

[Flash_Guardian] The drones do not resist Glyniss, but hover closeby as she moves closer to the immense screen which reflects the world beyond in its incredible panoramic view. Everything is so small when seen from so far up. The only thing that would make the image more convincing would be to feel the cold wind rushing past. A flicker of color next to Glyniss, and then the boy is seen standing next to her, looking out at the view and beaming, just beaming.

[Flash_Guardian] Devaine finds the navigation controls have been locked as he seats himself at the controls. The boy turns to look back at him curiously.

Devaine_Hawk glances back at the boy and Glyniss , “aww come on just one time , and a barrel roll when we go over “

[Flash_Guardian] The boy looks over at Glyniss, waiting to see if she approves.

Glyniss_McMasters is leaning against one of the chairs...and shrugs..." Boy' wil' be boy'....eve' ter critter' tha' ar' ful' grow' it seem'"

Devaine_Hawk looks at them again” well what can it hurt ?”

[Flash_Guardian] The boy looks back once at Devaine, still beaming that same smile, then looks back at the wide screen, watching the clouds slowly flow past. "It's exactly like I remember," he says airily. "It's like ... it feels like ... home." A few moments pass, and then a soft beep sounds from the helm where Devaine is sitting. Flight controls have been unlocked.

Devaine_Hawk grins” hang on “as he sets the coordinates for The White House , sending the ship in a barrel roll as they go over and letting out a “yeeee hawwww” before taking it back above the clouds

[Flash_Guardian] The Triad rotates in midair slowly, the view scrolling sideways, until the proper orientation is reached. Then, out of nowhere, the Triad drops and rapidly accelerates, rocketing along at blinding speeds, the scenery moving quickly past them ... the still erupting hill which they came out of, other mountains beyond, rivers, lakes, glaciers and forests, small towns and cities ...

Glyniss_McMasters slips into the chair she had been leaning against with a soft sigh.....eyes on the monitor..a kinda lopsided gentle smile on her lips..

[Flash_Guardian] The boy stands transfixed watching the scenery fly past, his unblinking eyes watching everything and the smile growing wider and wider. Eventually land gives way to ocean ... the Triad scoops down even lower, drifting dangerously close to the water until the rush of air disturbs the surface, sending tall wake in separate directions. The Triad then dips and bobs, dancing along the waves ... for as large as the Triad is, he sure can manuever! Eventually the view changes to look back at the rear of the ship ... dolphins can be seen dancing in the Triad's watery wake. Triad laughs happily as he sees them bob, weave and dive.

Devaine_Hawk settles back in the chair where he is and his mood shifts , he loses himself in thought. Looking back up after a minute he sighs” hate to be the party crasher, but I guess better be getting back ..the Keep needs us there”

[Flash_Guardian] Soon land comes into view once again ... well groomed lawns and ornate structures, gleaming white in the sunlight ... sure enough, it's Washington DC, and the White House is dead ahead. Suddenly the boy stops, turning to look back at Devaine curiously. "What does 'restricted airspace' mean?"

Glyniss_McMasters chuckles at the boy's obvoius happiness....though that seems to shift when Dev' speaks..she blinks....sooo this is where the president lives...mighty fine building for an itta bitta person

Devaine_Hawk grins” it means do it and get us back over the clouds before they ca scramble jets I know you can lose them in the higher atmosphere or use your cloaking field”

[Flash_Guardian] The boy turns back to the main screen view, just as they near the white house. Suddenly the world on the screen starts to spin upside-down ... curiously all that is felt by Devaine and Glyniss is a subtle downward pull towards the floor as the ship executes its barrel roll. "WHOOOO!!!!" Triad cries happily, slightly uncharacteristic for the young ship. At last the spinning stops and the Triad rights itself, veering back up and into the clouds. The boy closes his eyes and concentrates for a moment, eventually reporting, "Cloaking fields activated ... course laid in. Time to arrival: 56 minutes."

Glyniss_McMasters fingers tighten on the chair's arms as the ship spins....not used to this kinda thing at all....slowly letting them relaxe when she feels it straighten....licking her lips lightly..

Devaine_Hawk smirks and laughs” let’s see them deny UFO’s now” as he looks to Glyniss.

[Flash_Guardian] The Triad switches to auto-pilot, then the boy looks over at Glyniss and Devaine. He hasn't stopped grinning for a second. "I would like to offer you both my extreme gratitude ... thank you so much for freeing me from the stone prison and returning me to the skies once again." The boy bows low and respectfully, holding for a few seconds before straightening.

Glyniss_McMasters rises a brow questionally at Dev before her attention goes to the boy and his actions..unsure whether to laugh or take it seriously

Devaine_Hawk looks at the boy, and nods, “no problem hope you enjoy it, so how’s Flash in the med room, gonn be ok?’ what about you and the crew, what’s next for you all?”

[Flash_Guardian] The boy stands there smiling with his hands at his side, looking over at Glyniss. Seeing her odd reaction, his stiff posture breaks and he runs over to Glyniss's side, wrapping his arms around her and laughing, for the moment seeming to be in every respect the child that he appears.

[Flash_Guardian] The boy breaks the hug just enough to turn and look at Devaine, eyes shining and grinning proudly. "It was wonderful, thank you! Flash's wounds are being tended to ... he seems to be recovering fairly quickly on his own. And he's singing," Triad informs him.

Devaine_Hawk nods , cringing at the thought of Flash singing, “and what about you and the crew?”

Glyniss_McMasters blinks as she gets hugged....arms going around him hugging before letting go.....nudging the little fellow over towards Dev for his hug..." Go ter it littl' fello'"

[Flash_Guardian] Triad just shrugs ... then tilts his head to one side, seeming to be listening to something. A moment later, the intercom crackles to life and Flash's voice can be heard singing over the speakers ... actually, he's not too bad as he sings in his rock and roll voice: o/' Deep in thirtyyy fortyy three, the refugees survive ... the whole of humanity lies in myyy hands ... give us the chance toniiight ... to prove to you what's in my eyes ... lead us to victory ... dreams becoooome realityyy! o/'

Devaine_Hawk stands and bows before the boy reaches him then sticks a hand out for a shake” put it there pal”

[Flash_Guardian] The Triad laughs, running quickly over to Devaine and disregarding his hand, instead giving him a great big hug also. In the background, Flash's voice continues: o/' It's my tuuuurn to fly, Father be with me tonight ... oooooh, I'm right on target, keep the dream alive ... it's my tuuuuuurn to fly, gotta prove this tonight ... o/'

Glyniss_McMasters grins broadly as the kid runs to Dev and hugs him....head tilting slightly as she listens to the words Flash seems to be singing..

Devaine_Hawk just stands there hand still stuck out , giving Glyniss the look over the boys head.”cute,very cute”

Glyniss_McMasters nods slowly her grin broadening even more..." Yer loo' goo' Dev.......mayb' yer shoul' thin' abou' it sometim'"

[Flash_Guardian] The boy closes his eyes, a blissful look on his face. At last, he parts from Devaine, taking a few steps back and announcing, "We've arrived. Please wait while I activate the landing sequence ..." With that, the image of the little boy fuzzes over and winks out.

Glyniss_McMasters flicks back the brim of the stetson as still grinning broadly...." Gues' yer ain' up fer a telly tubb' bi' hu' the'"

Devaine_Hawk pats the boy on the head, “ok that enough how bout them Raiders ?” right before he blinks out” well as soon as we get on the ground I better head on back, “

[Flash_Guardian] The landscape shown far below on the main screen slowly rises up, the details growing larger and being brought slowly into focus as the Triad descends slowly to land in a small ravine near the foot of the hills that once held the ship captive.

Glyniss_McMasters attention goes to the big screen....eyes narrowing as she watches it intently....sighing letting out a deep breathe as it lands...almost as soon as it has she's pushing herself up outta the chair....and turning towards the way to the exit

Devaine_Hawk makes his way toward the exit , “well you guys know where the office is , you got my number and all guess I’ll see you?” he asks Glyniss and Flash as he makes his way around them.

[Flash_Guardian] The hangar doors on both sides of the garage have been opened, letting some much needed fresh air circulate through the place ... the Triad is actually hovering a good five or six meters off the ground, but ramps have been extended to allow passengers to disembark with ease.

Flash_Guardian calls out from the medical bay. "Sure thing, Dev! Let's do it again sometime!"

Devaine_Hawk make his way down the ramp, "sure thing"

Glyniss_McMasters stops closing her eyes as she feels the sudden rush of call fresh air upon her face....taking big deep breathes of it...opening her eyes thankful....as she limps off towards the escape hachet...or whatever....a smile hovering now on lips..the clicking of metal as always following in her wake..

Devaine_Hawk stops at the bottom of the ramp looking back at Triad “ Lydia, old man if you can he me be safe where ever you go now“ he thinks before looking to Glyniss “so see you around town ?”

[Flash_Guardian whispers to Devaine_Hawk] A voice in Devaine's head. "Don't worry, young one ... we'll be around."

Glyniss_McMasters nods to Dev..." Sur' Dev' yer kno' wher' ter fin' me.." waiting for it to be safe to disembark...this girlie wants to feel the fresh air against her face

˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙˙