Shaye n Xandra (incomplete, Shaye left game)
May 31, 2020 21:49:06 GMT
Post by Admin on May 31, 2020 21:49:06 GMT
5.2020
Authors
Lieutenant Alexandra Prescott
Mission
Mission 13: Restfully Betrayed
Title
Dropping in - The dance of words (Back Post)
Location
Office of Second Officer Lt. Alexandria Prescott
Timeline
Content
Shaye carried the heavy beastie like a parent with a sleeping toddler. It's head rested on her right shoulder as it's body was wrapped in one of the furry blankets Shaye had asked Storm for. It was supposed to simulate the womb she'd read in one of the articles Carver had sent her. The fur was to help with lending comfort to simulate the mother dog type of thing. It was part of Nukes therapy. Not the carrying part of course but Shaye had someone she needed to find. So knowing Nuketta was not fond of being left alone a point he'd displayed loudly and clearly once being brought home by Shaye. He followed her everywhere. It was rather nice. She just needed to get him to stop running under her and tripping her and Shaye wouldn't mind it really. Failing in her efforts to locate Del or Nik now Shaye was feeling a little anxious. Still she quelled it not wanting to upset her little furry charge. She was just about to turn towards her room from the top of the stairs when she saw it.... Xandra's door was still open. The available light lit up brightly drawing Shaye like a moth to flame. Before she had time to even think about looking around or form a plan of any sort she slipped inside a feeling of relief washing over her. "Lieutenant! Your open late?" It was a question really. Was something wrong? Shaye tried to portray that as best as she could.
Xandra was at the desk, her heels up and perched on the front as she rested her head on her knees. One arm was wrapped around her legs and the other was moving her fingers around the cursor pad beside her monitor. As Shaye spoke up, she looked up at and smiled. "Bad night... come on in." She dropped her bare feet to the floor and stretched. True to always, she was in her uniform, but her boots were on the floor beside her chair. She stretched and then smiled and nodded to the couch. "It looks heavy. Have a seat." She smiled and cocked her head daring Shaye to say no, "What do you want to drink?" She laughed and headed for the replicator.
"Oh nothing thanks. I'm not very thirsty. I never got the opportunity to tell you how stunning you looked at the gala." Shaye said trying to sit down in such a way so as not to wake up the sleeping monster in her arms. It took a few moments and a bit of adjusting along with a few comforting scratches and soothing words but she managed it. The real trick would be getting back up. "Haven't had a chance yet to ask Delhashi how well he liked it yet. But I'll be sure to report in when he does." Shaye said with a wink. "I noticed that you had the honor of meeting Ranak. How did that go?" Yes Shaye wanted to know his response to Delhashi flaunting yet anther human female at him. The traditionalist fuck. Shaye remembered how hard he had tried to keep Ally and Del apart. Shaye wasn't going to let that happen again. No Shaye had a plan. It wasn't going to be like that for Alex. But how did she explain that to the woman in front of her. She'd already spoken with Saylin about it he had been the first one she needed to protect and with Del gone doing weirdo crap Shaye needed to watch Alex for him until he turned back up. When he did she planned to kick him in the ass for not at least giving her a heads up.
Xandra laughed and came to sit down. "Thank you. I admit it was strange not to be in my Dinner Dress. But the look on Del's face was worth it, after I got over blushing in places I didn't even know *could* flush." She laughed and shook her head.
When the woman brought up Ranak, she sighed and looked down at the leg tucked under her and absently picked at the seam. "I think I blew it there." She looked up. "Del may have found me charming in the dress. But something tells me all my points were lost in the introductions." She took a deep breath and sighed. "I got a little over protective. When Ranak arrived, Del's hand tensed on my arm. I went nuts, Shaye." Her voice suddenly sounded pained, and lost. "I wanted to push him behind me, stand up to Ranak and tell him if that as long as Del had that reaction to him, he wasn't allowed around him. But it was worse. I told him what a wonderful and strong son he had borne. The he was the most self sufficient man I knew." She leaned back on the couch and bit her lip. "I don't think I could have insulted him, or embarrassed Del more if I have brandished a dagger and chased the man off telling him to leave my man alone." She was trying to laugh but it didn't quite come out. She looked at Shaye with something that was rare, and hardly anyone had ever seen. Till now, certainly no one on the ship or Team... she looked helpless. "I blew it, Shaye."
Shaye nodded sympathetically, it was just as she'd thought. "Blowing it with Ranak isn't something to be ashamed of. He tends to be very protective of his son as well so in a way you can be at ease that deep down you both have his best interests at heart in that regard. My father's rather protective too. I don't think I did Saylin any favors letting him escort me to the gala." Shaye was never good with eye contact but she made it with Alex now. "Which is why I was needing this private talk with you." Okay, so now what? The subject was at hand but Shaye knew she had no way of explaining anything to Xandra knowing that the ships AI was listening which meant her father or Gunner might be listening. How did Shaye get past that? She waited for her brilliant mind to give her a solution. There was no way to run off into the swamp like on Xerxes and get away from Mira to talk privately. Then it hit her! The solution get Xandra off the ship! They where at Earth! Then her brilliant mind delivered. "That is why I want to invite you to take shore leave with me. I want to show you something. We can get to know each other better and talk more openly." She put emphasis on the word 'openly'. Again depending on Xandra to catch the subtle clues.
The clues she definitely picked up on and nodded. "I'd like that. It's been a long time since I was here." She touched Shaye's arm gently to prove she understood. "How about ten hundred hours tomorrow? We'll have lunch there, too."
"Yes. That will be perfect, Just the two of us please. I know it's rude to decline if someone else asks to come." Which it's likely that could be a possable tactic used. What else? "We can leave the communicators here as well we don't need those kind of distractions where I want to take you. Dress for a bit of long distance hiking. The weather will be warm and humid." Shaye stroked the pups soft fur and watched his nose twitch in it's sleep. He was a cute little rascal she'd give him that. "So tell me what all the fuss was about down below earlier? Is it true that we have fresh greens for the salad?" She didn't want to leave to hastily. No truth was she wanted to stay here and air out her worries and fears lay out her evidence and see if Xandra could connect the dots and see what she was seeing. Tomorrow. She told herself. Still though she couldn't get herself to leave. Even found herself wondering if she asked nicely perhaps she'd find herself under that nice desk. She could fit under there with Nuke she was sure of it.
Xandra watched Shaye. She'd spooked her, moving too fast last time. So she remembered this time. "It's late, I'm gonna shut the door." She got up, reaching to pet the dog's head.
Once it was closed, she smiled. Moving back to sit down, careful not to wake the hound, she nodded. "That's what I've heard. Though I haven't been down to look. Probably because of who and what we are." She laughed.
Watching Shaye glance at the desk, she tilted her head slightly. "You know it's late. And that little furball is heavy. Why don't you stay here tonight?"
"If that's not to much trouble." Shaye said trying to mask the relief in her voice. She'd be safer here. She and Nuketta. Something told her that no one was watching Alex as closely as they should. It helped her relax more into the sofa. "Do umm you like music?" Shaye asked an idea forming in her mind. A way a code. Some way to communicate openly but not obviously. Music. "I am fond of it. I find music speaks to me in a very personal way. Is it like that for you?"
Xandra furrowed her brow. The obvious change in topic was for a reason, she was just trying to figure it out. "Ummm yes, I like music. And I think everyone finds it personal in some way."
Her hand went out to pet the dog gently. "Let me help you lay him down. He will be fine here and can join us if he wakes." She scooted a little closer to Shaye to hopefully get her to accept help to let go of the pup and rest her arms, if nothing else.
Shaye hesitated but only a moment. Her legs where falling asleep. The pup wasn't heavy really being malnourished but the weight he did have was cutting off circulation somewhere and Shaye was grateful for Xandra's help. "Thanks. He's a bit of a handful." Shaye was impressed at how smoothly Xandra was able to take the bundle. Nuketta didn't hardly twitch and didn't start crying. Shaye let out a sigh of relief. "Last few days I got to thinking. If this is what it's like for Del. Always trying to carry me and take care of me.". She reached out and stroked her fingers through the soft fur between the pups ears. "I never asked him too. He just decided one day he was tired of watching me get hurt I guess. Or maybe his honor wouldn't allow for him to leave me behind. Goddess knows his life would have been so much easier. I have never been what anyone might call normal. But I was looking at this pup and I just couldn't help but see just how much extra weight Del carries because of me. I know he'd never complain. But it must be exhausting. I need to find a way to .. to carry myself."
Once the dog was soundly resting on the couch, the blanket loose enough it could get out if it wanted, Xandra stood up slowly and reached for Shaye's hand. "Come on... you need to rest." She looked at the woman before her and couldn't imagine the things she had been thru and endured in her life. "You aren't a burden and Del isn't burdened because he looks after you." She smiled. "Do you feel burdened when you cradle a flower in your hand and shelter it from the battering of the storm?" She twitched her fingers to coax Shaye to take her hand.
Shaye took the offered hand and very carefully got up as well. It was amazing what an extra twenty five pounds did when strapped to your chest. Shaye couldn't even deny she was tired. She was past tired with all the anxiety of everything. She knew she was probably just being paranoid. But still better to error on the side of caution. There were just to many pieces though for it to be paranoia... Wasn't there?
Xandra led Shaye slowly to the bedroom. She shut the light off, leaving the living room light on so she could see if she wanted. "Come on...lay down." She pointed to the bed, tossing the covers back. "You need to sleep. And I know you haven't been." She was looking at Shaye without judgement, merely an observation of one friend to another. "Come on... scoot..." she smiled and laughed and nodded to the bed. It was a queen size, up against the wall, with deep blue sheets and black bedspread with silver ivy and dragons chasing along the hem line.
The bed was beautiful. It looked comfortable. But Shaye had a severe hate for all beds great or small. To her it was like a snake luring her to a false sense of security. Leaving her vulnerable to anyone who might come in the night to hurt her. She'd stopped, like a statue her feet rooted in place as her eyes swept the unfamiliar surroundings. Looking for a place to curl up and hide. Not from Alex... But from everything else. There was a vent in the wall...no Storm would throw a fit if she started prying pieces off him...again. her eyes went to the door... No she couldn't go running to Saylin..he wasn't happy with her right now and she couldn't blame him for it. They looked at the bed again and shuddered. What dirty things they were.. she didn't even share one with Saylin unless he asked her too. But he never did because he knew. "I should probably sleep near Nuke." Shaye suggested trying to keep the terror that assaulted her at bay. She didn't have to sleep in the bed after all Alex was just being friendly. Shaye swallowed hard.
Xandra had seen the woman eyeing the desk earlier. And she caught the lingered look on the vent. Without knowing why, she grabbed the bedspread, cover and sheet and moved into the bathroom. The shower was clean and dry and big enough for two people to enjoy it comfortably. She tossed the blankets in and shuffled the material till it made a small nest. Still squatting beside it, three walls contained by a fourth that was the door, she reached for Shaye's hand. "Will this work?" Because the sides went to the ceiling, it was like a small enclosed closet.
Shaye had watched her work with a mixture of confusion and amusement at first. Once she caught on to what Alex was doing something of a shy but grateful smile crossed her lips. "It's perfect." Shaye said stepping in she found a place with her back to the car wall so she faced the door. It was spacious compared to her locker. More room to breath. The blanket gave a luxurious padding to the hard floor. It was the Hilton of hideaways. "I can secure the door when you're settled." Shaye said already pulling out small spools of wire from a pocket she looked for the best places to put the attachments.
Xandra watched her relax and settle herself. "I'll be right back." She moved out of the room and returned a second later with a couple bottles of water and sandwich. She handed the plate to Shaye. "You haven't eaten recently." It was a simple statement. No judgement, just matter of fact. She then closed the door and held her hand for the wire. "It's ok, you can watch." Her smile softened. "Let me help you tonight. You need to breathe, hun." She wasn't sure why, but small things about the woman before her made Xandra realize why Del and the others looked after her like they did. She wasn't family, like the others, but if she could get Shaye to rest, even for a short time, then it was worth the learning.
Shaye exchanged the wires for the plate and the water. Shaye had wondered if it had become noticeable yet. She was already small and all that baby weight she'd gained was long gone. She'd woken up a healthy 134 stone and in the last few days shed dropped four stone. Shaye ate when she had too. Food was precious and torturous. Shaye hated being rude and her first instinct was to check the food for signs of poison or glass. Glass was the worst. Or other tampering. And to look was to indicate she didn't really trust Xandra. While Shaye also knew she would not be able to take a bite until she'd investigated it. Years of experience broke down Shaye's moral bandwagon and she opened the top and rummaged through the thing thoroughly and finding it to be safe as far as she could tell she settled back to eat and watch Xandra secure the weak point of their safe'room. "Wait!" Shaye said suddenly bounding up she set the already half gone sandwich and plate down as she scurried out. A minute or so later she came back with Nuke in her arms and settled him on the shower floor she then tossed a handful of caltrops out onto the bathroom floor before arranging herself into the now more compacted space. "We almost left him behind. I'm going to need to be more careful. But they won't get into here." Shaye went to pick up the plate and food but found it empty as the chewing noises and soft sniffles of a snoot searching for crumbs made it clear that Nuke was now awake. Shaye smiled and stroked him and he was silent for the most part sniffling around curiously examining Xandra with interest before letting out a bark that reverberated like a thunder clap in the small space. Shaye had him practicing the "lay down" command to no avail she started to giggle. It turned from a soft breathy hissing to a rolling belly laugh. She didn't know why but this all seemed very comical. Then she remembered why it was necessary to survive. Because the minute your guard was down that's when the monsters came for you. They never fought fair, they never stopped coming. By the end of it all her laughter had been reduced to soft sobbing and the sounds of puppy noises clamoring around.
Xandra had remained still the whole time. When Shaye had come back in, she had made sure the woman could see her secure the door closed with the wire between several screws and the hinges. As the giggling turned to sobs, Xandra slowly moved closer and held her arms out. "Come here, hun... I got you..." She had her arms open if the woman wanted to take advantage. If not, Xan would find another way.
Shaye surprised even herself by moving over to curl up next to Alex. She was so tired and so worried. Panic and fear were her constant companions for as long as she could ever remember. That and a great deal of shame. The pup crawled over them and around them exploring the new space. And Shaye clung to Alex and tried to settle down to sleep because there was someone else here to help keep the monsters away. She thanked the mother goddess for this moment of reprieve and for sending her someone to help her in Delhashi's absence. Something was wrong. The CO and XO we're missing... Meni was missing... Her father was here...Gunnar was here... Shayes eyes popped open and she looked up in a moment of panic at the empty space above them. No! It's too small! He'd never fit. Shaye relaxed again. Her shaking breath easing.. no if they came they'd have to drag them out. Xandra wasn't going to go missing. At least.. not right now.
"Shhhh... easy love..." Xandra soothed her as she startled. "It's just us. And I swear no other can enter. Del has helped me set a lock which only he, Nik and the Medical Chief can override. You are safe here." She stroked the woman's hair to calm her and slowly lowered them till they were laying on the blankets. She kissed the top of Shaye's head and soothed her the best she could. "Relax, Shaye... try and sleep. I will not let anyone harm you here." She had no clue of the fears that left the poor girl always on edge. But without Del here, Shaye needed to sleep. Her bloodshot eyes and her jumpiness here let Xandra know she was taking the missing Teammates far worse than the SO was. "Sssssshhhhh.... easy..."
It took a while. But soon Shayes tears faded into deep heavy breaths and her small frame became heavy with sleep. Her fingers however moved her fingers slowly touched the tip of her thumb. Her lips moved without sound. As her mind drifted through the world of dreams.
Xandra didn't sleep much. Every time the woman twitched or whimpered, Xan was awake to soothe her back into sleep. It was far into morning before she dozed a little deeper.
*****
Shaye helped to clean up the bathroom and after coffee and actually eating a donut for breakfast, Shaye had left only long enough to change into civilian clothes. Sporty clothes for off trail hiking. She met up with Alex at the shuttle with Nuketta and off they went.
Xandra was in her uniform before she realized she had put it on. Frowning slightly, and glad Shaye hadn't seen her hesitation, she shifted into an outfit she hadn't worn in ages. She had on hiking boots, with a special sheath inside the right one to hold a small flat dagger. She had on denims, and a tshirt tucked in with a black button up shirt over it. Her small side arm was in a holster inside the belt line in the back of her pants and her arms both had knife sheaths on them. To anyone else, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, she was just another hiker. She slipped a backpack on with a couple more weapons, some rations and water. It was habit. She never left her ship, or station, or base, without the go bag. It was her achilie's heel. The need to always be prepared, and ready, and able.
Shortly she was at the shuttle waiting for Shaye, she smiled when she showed up. They boarded and were off with minimal fuss.
Authors
Lieutenant Alexandra Prescott
Mission
Mission 13: Restfully Betrayed
Title
Dropping in - The dance of words (Back Post)
Location
Office of Second Officer Lt. Alexandria Prescott
Timeline
Content
Shaye carried the heavy beastie like a parent with a sleeping toddler. It's head rested on her right shoulder as it's body was wrapped in one of the furry blankets Shaye had asked Storm for. It was supposed to simulate the womb she'd read in one of the articles Carver had sent her. The fur was to help with lending comfort to simulate the mother dog type of thing. It was part of Nukes therapy. Not the carrying part of course but Shaye had someone she needed to find. So knowing Nuketta was not fond of being left alone a point he'd displayed loudly and clearly once being brought home by Shaye. He followed her everywhere. It was rather nice. She just needed to get him to stop running under her and tripping her and Shaye wouldn't mind it really. Failing in her efforts to locate Del or Nik now Shaye was feeling a little anxious. Still she quelled it not wanting to upset her little furry charge. She was just about to turn towards her room from the top of the stairs when she saw it.... Xandra's door was still open. The available light lit up brightly drawing Shaye like a moth to flame. Before she had time to even think about looking around or form a plan of any sort she slipped inside a feeling of relief washing over her. "Lieutenant! Your open late?" It was a question really. Was something wrong? Shaye tried to portray that as best as she could.
Xandra was at the desk, her heels up and perched on the front as she rested her head on her knees. One arm was wrapped around her legs and the other was moving her fingers around the cursor pad beside her monitor. As Shaye spoke up, she looked up at and smiled. "Bad night... come on in." She dropped her bare feet to the floor and stretched. True to always, she was in her uniform, but her boots were on the floor beside her chair. She stretched and then smiled and nodded to the couch. "It looks heavy. Have a seat." She smiled and cocked her head daring Shaye to say no, "What do you want to drink?" She laughed and headed for the replicator.
"Oh nothing thanks. I'm not very thirsty. I never got the opportunity to tell you how stunning you looked at the gala." Shaye said trying to sit down in such a way so as not to wake up the sleeping monster in her arms. It took a few moments and a bit of adjusting along with a few comforting scratches and soothing words but she managed it. The real trick would be getting back up. "Haven't had a chance yet to ask Delhashi how well he liked it yet. But I'll be sure to report in when he does." Shaye said with a wink. "I noticed that you had the honor of meeting Ranak. How did that go?" Yes Shaye wanted to know his response to Delhashi flaunting yet anther human female at him. The traditionalist fuck. Shaye remembered how hard he had tried to keep Ally and Del apart. Shaye wasn't going to let that happen again. No Shaye had a plan. It wasn't going to be like that for Alex. But how did she explain that to the woman in front of her. She'd already spoken with Saylin about it he had been the first one she needed to protect and with Del gone doing weirdo crap Shaye needed to watch Alex for him until he turned back up. When he did she planned to kick him in the ass for not at least giving her a heads up.
Xandra laughed and came to sit down. "Thank you. I admit it was strange not to be in my Dinner Dress. But the look on Del's face was worth it, after I got over blushing in places I didn't even know *could* flush." She laughed and shook her head.
When the woman brought up Ranak, she sighed and looked down at the leg tucked under her and absently picked at the seam. "I think I blew it there." She looked up. "Del may have found me charming in the dress. But something tells me all my points were lost in the introductions." She took a deep breath and sighed. "I got a little over protective. When Ranak arrived, Del's hand tensed on my arm. I went nuts, Shaye." Her voice suddenly sounded pained, and lost. "I wanted to push him behind me, stand up to Ranak and tell him if that as long as Del had that reaction to him, he wasn't allowed around him. But it was worse. I told him what a wonderful and strong son he had borne. The he was the most self sufficient man I knew." She leaned back on the couch and bit her lip. "I don't think I could have insulted him, or embarrassed Del more if I have brandished a dagger and chased the man off telling him to leave my man alone." She was trying to laugh but it didn't quite come out. She looked at Shaye with something that was rare, and hardly anyone had ever seen. Till now, certainly no one on the ship or Team... she looked helpless. "I blew it, Shaye."
Shaye nodded sympathetically, it was just as she'd thought. "Blowing it with Ranak isn't something to be ashamed of. He tends to be very protective of his son as well so in a way you can be at ease that deep down you both have his best interests at heart in that regard. My father's rather protective too. I don't think I did Saylin any favors letting him escort me to the gala." Shaye was never good with eye contact but she made it with Alex now. "Which is why I was needing this private talk with you." Okay, so now what? The subject was at hand but Shaye knew she had no way of explaining anything to Xandra knowing that the ships AI was listening which meant her father or Gunner might be listening. How did Shaye get past that? She waited for her brilliant mind to give her a solution. There was no way to run off into the swamp like on Xerxes and get away from Mira to talk privately. Then it hit her! The solution get Xandra off the ship! They where at Earth! Then her brilliant mind delivered. "That is why I want to invite you to take shore leave with me. I want to show you something. We can get to know each other better and talk more openly." She put emphasis on the word 'openly'. Again depending on Xandra to catch the subtle clues.
The clues she definitely picked up on and nodded. "I'd like that. It's been a long time since I was here." She touched Shaye's arm gently to prove she understood. "How about ten hundred hours tomorrow? We'll have lunch there, too."
"Yes. That will be perfect, Just the two of us please. I know it's rude to decline if someone else asks to come." Which it's likely that could be a possable tactic used. What else? "We can leave the communicators here as well we don't need those kind of distractions where I want to take you. Dress for a bit of long distance hiking. The weather will be warm and humid." Shaye stroked the pups soft fur and watched his nose twitch in it's sleep. He was a cute little rascal she'd give him that. "So tell me what all the fuss was about down below earlier? Is it true that we have fresh greens for the salad?" She didn't want to leave to hastily. No truth was she wanted to stay here and air out her worries and fears lay out her evidence and see if Xandra could connect the dots and see what she was seeing. Tomorrow. She told herself. Still though she couldn't get herself to leave. Even found herself wondering if she asked nicely perhaps she'd find herself under that nice desk. She could fit under there with Nuke she was sure of it.
Xandra watched Shaye. She'd spooked her, moving too fast last time. So she remembered this time. "It's late, I'm gonna shut the door." She got up, reaching to pet the dog's head.
Once it was closed, she smiled. Moving back to sit down, careful not to wake the hound, she nodded. "That's what I've heard. Though I haven't been down to look. Probably because of who and what we are." She laughed.
Watching Shaye glance at the desk, she tilted her head slightly. "You know it's late. And that little furball is heavy. Why don't you stay here tonight?"
"If that's not to much trouble." Shaye said trying to mask the relief in her voice. She'd be safer here. She and Nuketta. Something told her that no one was watching Alex as closely as they should. It helped her relax more into the sofa. "Do umm you like music?" Shaye asked an idea forming in her mind. A way a code. Some way to communicate openly but not obviously. Music. "I am fond of it. I find music speaks to me in a very personal way. Is it like that for you?"
Xandra furrowed her brow. The obvious change in topic was for a reason, she was just trying to figure it out. "Ummm yes, I like music. And I think everyone finds it personal in some way."
Her hand went out to pet the dog gently. "Let me help you lay him down. He will be fine here and can join us if he wakes." She scooted a little closer to Shaye to hopefully get her to accept help to let go of the pup and rest her arms, if nothing else.
Shaye hesitated but only a moment. Her legs where falling asleep. The pup wasn't heavy really being malnourished but the weight he did have was cutting off circulation somewhere and Shaye was grateful for Xandra's help. "Thanks. He's a bit of a handful." Shaye was impressed at how smoothly Xandra was able to take the bundle. Nuketta didn't hardly twitch and didn't start crying. Shaye let out a sigh of relief. "Last few days I got to thinking. If this is what it's like for Del. Always trying to carry me and take care of me.". She reached out and stroked her fingers through the soft fur between the pups ears. "I never asked him too. He just decided one day he was tired of watching me get hurt I guess. Or maybe his honor wouldn't allow for him to leave me behind. Goddess knows his life would have been so much easier. I have never been what anyone might call normal. But I was looking at this pup and I just couldn't help but see just how much extra weight Del carries because of me. I know he'd never complain. But it must be exhausting. I need to find a way to .. to carry myself."
Once the dog was soundly resting on the couch, the blanket loose enough it could get out if it wanted, Xandra stood up slowly and reached for Shaye's hand. "Come on... you need to rest." She looked at the woman before her and couldn't imagine the things she had been thru and endured in her life. "You aren't a burden and Del isn't burdened because he looks after you." She smiled. "Do you feel burdened when you cradle a flower in your hand and shelter it from the battering of the storm?" She twitched her fingers to coax Shaye to take her hand.
Shaye took the offered hand and very carefully got up as well. It was amazing what an extra twenty five pounds did when strapped to your chest. Shaye couldn't even deny she was tired. She was past tired with all the anxiety of everything. She knew she was probably just being paranoid. But still better to error on the side of caution. There were just to many pieces though for it to be paranoia... Wasn't there?
Xandra led Shaye slowly to the bedroom. She shut the light off, leaving the living room light on so she could see if she wanted. "Come on...lay down." She pointed to the bed, tossing the covers back. "You need to sleep. And I know you haven't been." She was looking at Shaye without judgement, merely an observation of one friend to another. "Come on... scoot..." she smiled and laughed and nodded to the bed. It was a queen size, up against the wall, with deep blue sheets and black bedspread with silver ivy and dragons chasing along the hem line.
The bed was beautiful. It looked comfortable. But Shaye had a severe hate for all beds great or small. To her it was like a snake luring her to a false sense of security. Leaving her vulnerable to anyone who might come in the night to hurt her. She'd stopped, like a statue her feet rooted in place as her eyes swept the unfamiliar surroundings. Looking for a place to curl up and hide. Not from Alex... But from everything else. There was a vent in the wall...no Storm would throw a fit if she started prying pieces off him...again. her eyes went to the door... No she couldn't go running to Saylin..he wasn't happy with her right now and she couldn't blame him for it. They looked at the bed again and shuddered. What dirty things they were.. she didn't even share one with Saylin unless he asked her too. But he never did because he knew. "I should probably sleep near Nuke." Shaye suggested trying to keep the terror that assaulted her at bay. She didn't have to sleep in the bed after all Alex was just being friendly. Shaye swallowed hard.
Xandra had seen the woman eyeing the desk earlier. And she caught the lingered look on the vent. Without knowing why, she grabbed the bedspread, cover and sheet and moved into the bathroom. The shower was clean and dry and big enough for two people to enjoy it comfortably. She tossed the blankets in and shuffled the material till it made a small nest. Still squatting beside it, three walls contained by a fourth that was the door, she reached for Shaye's hand. "Will this work?" Because the sides went to the ceiling, it was like a small enclosed closet.
Shaye had watched her work with a mixture of confusion and amusement at first. Once she caught on to what Alex was doing something of a shy but grateful smile crossed her lips. "It's perfect." Shaye said stepping in she found a place with her back to the car wall so she faced the door. It was spacious compared to her locker. More room to breath. The blanket gave a luxurious padding to the hard floor. It was the Hilton of hideaways. "I can secure the door when you're settled." Shaye said already pulling out small spools of wire from a pocket she looked for the best places to put the attachments.
Xandra watched her relax and settle herself. "I'll be right back." She moved out of the room and returned a second later with a couple bottles of water and sandwich. She handed the plate to Shaye. "You haven't eaten recently." It was a simple statement. No judgement, just matter of fact. She then closed the door and held her hand for the wire. "It's ok, you can watch." Her smile softened. "Let me help you tonight. You need to breathe, hun." She wasn't sure why, but small things about the woman before her made Xandra realize why Del and the others looked after her like they did. She wasn't family, like the others, but if she could get Shaye to rest, even for a short time, then it was worth the learning.
Shaye exchanged the wires for the plate and the water. Shaye had wondered if it had become noticeable yet. She was already small and all that baby weight she'd gained was long gone. She'd woken up a healthy 134 stone and in the last few days shed dropped four stone. Shaye ate when she had too. Food was precious and torturous. Shaye hated being rude and her first instinct was to check the food for signs of poison or glass. Glass was the worst. Or other tampering. And to look was to indicate she didn't really trust Xandra. While Shaye also knew she would not be able to take a bite until she'd investigated it. Years of experience broke down Shaye's moral bandwagon and she opened the top and rummaged through the thing thoroughly and finding it to be safe as far as she could tell she settled back to eat and watch Xandra secure the weak point of their safe'room. "Wait!" Shaye said suddenly bounding up she set the already half gone sandwich and plate down as she scurried out. A minute or so later she came back with Nuke in her arms and settled him on the shower floor she then tossed a handful of caltrops out onto the bathroom floor before arranging herself into the now more compacted space. "We almost left him behind. I'm going to need to be more careful. But they won't get into here." Shaye went to pick up the plate and food but found it empty as the chewing noises and soft sniffles of a snoot searching for crumbs made it clear that Nuke was now awake. Shaye smiled and stroked him and he was silent for the most part sniffling around curiously examining Xandra with interest before letting out a bark that reverberated like a thunder clap in the small space. Shaye had him practicing the "lay down" command to no avail she started to giggle. It turned from a soft breathy hissing to a rolling belly laugh. She didn't know why but this all seemed very comical. Then she remembered why it was necessary to survive. Because the minute your guard was down that's when the monsters came for you. They never fought fair, they never stopped coming. By the end of it all her laughter had been reduced to soft sobbing and the sounds of puppy noises clamoring around.
Xandra had remained still the whole time. When Shaye had come back in, she had made sure the woman could see her secure the door closed with the wire between several screws and the hinges. As the giggling turned to sobs, Xandra slowly moved closer and held her arms out. "Come here, hun... I got you..." She had her arms open if the woman wanted to take advantage. If not, Xan would find another way.
Shaye surprised even herself by moving over to curl up next to Alex. She was so tired and so worried. Panic and fear were her constant companions for as long as she could ever remember. That and a great deal of shame. The pup crawled over them and around them exploring the new space. And Shaye clung to Alex and tried to settle down to sleep because there was someone else here to help keep the monsters away. She thanked the mother goddess for this moment of reprieve and for sending her someone to help her in Delhashi's absence. Something was wrong. The CO and XO we're missing... Meni was missing... Her father was here...Gunnar was here... Shayes eyes popped open and she looked up in a moment of panic at the empty space above them. No! It's too small! He'd never fit. Shaye relaxed again. Her shaking breath easing.. no if they came they'd have to drag them out. Xandra wasn't going to go missing. At least.. not right now.
"Shhhh... easy love..." Xandra soothed her as she startled. "It's just us. And I swear no other can enter. Del has helped me set a lock which only he, Nik and the Medical Chief can override. You are safe here." She stroked the woman's hair to calm her and slowly lowered them till they were laying on the blankets. She kissed the top of Shaye's head and soothed her the best she could. "Relax, Shaye... try and sleep. I will not let anyone harm you here." She had no clue of the fears that left the poor girl always on edge. But without Del here, Shaye needed to sleep. Her bloodshot eyes and her jumpiness here let Xandra know she was taking the missing Teammates far worse than the SO was. "Sssssshhhhh.... easy..."
It took a while. But soon Shayes tears faded into deep heavy breaths and her small frame became heavy with sleep. Her fingers however moved her fingers slowly touched the tip of her thumb. Her lips moved without sound. As her mind drifted through the world of dreams.
Xandra didn't sleep much. Every time the woman twitched or whimpered, Xan was awake to soothe her back into sleep. It was far into morning before she dozed a little deeper.
*****
Shaye helped to clean up the bathroom and after coffee and actually eating a donut for breakfast, Shaye had left only long enough to change into civilian clothes. Sporty clothes for off trail hiking. She met up with Alex at the shuttle with Nuketta and off they went.
Xandra was in her uniform before she realized she had put it on. Frowning slightly, and glad Shaye hadn't seen her hesitation, she shifted into an outfit she hadn't worn in ages. She had on hiking boots, with a special sheath inside the right one to hold a small flat dagger. She had on denims, and a tshirt tucked in with a black button up shirt over it. Her small side arm was in a holster inside the belt line in the back of her pants and her arms both had knife sheaths on them. To anyone else, her hair pulled back in a ponytail, she was just another hiker. She slipped a backpack on with a couple more weapons, some rations and water. It was habit. She never left her ship, or station, or base, without the go bag. It was her achilie's heel. The need to always be prepared, and ready, and able.
Shortly she was at the shuttle waiting for Shaye, she smiled when she showed up. They boarded and were off with minimal fuss.