srwug_alpha_rp | Walkabout - Journey's Middle And End

[1]

A large bonfire had been built in the middle of a forest, giving the people who came along for the ride time to reflect as Dita poured a handful of dust into their hands.

"The natives who taught me this said that sending your wishes and worries into the fire, revived them as well wishes for others. Focus your thoughts, your desires and your worries, and cast them into the flame."

[2]

Mountainside. You've been climbing for the better part of the day, and while the end seemed in sight, there was also a lot of whispers and questions for you. People in the shape of your own friends and family were asking you questions. "What is your goal? What do you feel is right?" You are hearing the whisper of the spirits on this scared mountain as Dita waited for you at the top of it.

[3]

Xing Village. A small village known for its ore deposits on the old China/Gucun border. Now under attack. Warlords have battled over this area, and now with Adventus broken up, it was also ready to be taken by a larger, stronger power. Currently, half the village was in flames as people shot it up with large generic Adventus mooks stolen from their resources. At the forefront was a large portly man of Chinese descent who was barking orders.

"Our mission is to defeat them. You'll find your final answers in this sacred village. Everyone ready?" inquired Dita.

[4]

Returning to the Chalice after the battle to deal with the aftermath of the violence. And yet, there's a happy aura from everyone, like they had found answers they sought. It was to say the least, welcoming. They're also at IS Academy now as well.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Wow.

[Laura tries to keep herself from working out who Dita's strongest combinations have been with.]

That must... complicate things. Decisions in battle.

Sometimes it does. But it does pay off in the end, especially when everyone works together to make the outcome worth it!

The power of friendship, huh? Or - well.

It suits you.

[Dita giggled at that.] Thanks. I hope everyone's okay though with the uniting though.

I'm sure if anyone's uncomfortable with it they'll say something. So long as no one gets jealous over it...

That's true. Let's hope everyone is okay with it.

Mhm.

[They've reached a map - Laura takes the opportunity to shift focus from that slightly awkward topic to study it.]

They have some open lectures... one on aerial tactics starting soon that looks interesting. And the route there goes by a lake. What do you think?

Oh that open lecture sounds nice. Let's go do that. And if it's by a lake, even better!

[Laura steers them in the appropriate direction. It's not far, and the scenery's nice.]

So did you get to see or do anything exciting while you were away? Ah, if you can say. If it's not... shaman/patient confidentiality or anything.

Well first we visited the Great Wall. And then had a bonfire on Monday. Tuesday we climbed a sacred mountain and wednesday we fought against a warlord.

Wow.

I, uh... okay, I've had weeks that eventful, but they were when I was on the Chalice. I guess it's a good thing I didn't come along, after all.

Yes, everyone who we helped on the walkabout seemed to come out of it stronger, more focused.

What about you?

I feel like I've learned a lot about these people who came with me. Grew closer, and understand them better now.

It seems like a lot of responsibility to take on. Are you going to be all right, trying to help so many others at once? I mean...

[Laura looks sheepish; has she overstepped?]

You're one of the most... balanced people I know, but it's not like the Chalice has any shortage of problems. I can't imagine... I mean, I have enough trouble keeping myself together. I guess that's the difference between us.

[Dita smiled, shaking her head.] That's why I talk to people, Laura. To make sure I can handle this. I wouldn't be able to do this without everyone supporting me. And I supporting them.

...I gave someone very similar advice not long ago. I guess that means I was making sense.

I'm sorry. I mean - you know what you're doing. I just... worry.

I need someone to worry for me, Laura. I'm always smiling, despite everything. Sometimes I need people to do the things I can't do well either. [She squeezed her arm a little, reassuringly.]

[Laura squeezes back, grateful for the reassurance.]

Well, I'm managing to turn a day like this, in such pleasant company, to an occasion for worry. So I guess I must have a talent for it, and if that's something you need, I'd better deliver, hadn't I?

If it helps keep you smiling, a little worry is nothing.

Thank you, Laura. I'll try not to make you worry as well.

I wonder if I'll be able to follow this lecture at all. All the formal training I have in flight comes from the 501st. They may use completely different terms here...

[Yeah, she's changing the subject a bit as you near the end of the walk.]

Did you study much theory when learning to pilot or was it all hands-on?

It was mostly all hands on actually. There wasn't much to learn except how to work on your machines back home, but then again we didn't go on raids until we were ready.

If I am confused, at least I won't be alone, then. Well, I'm not sure that's a good thing but somehow it's comforting.

Hmph. If all my classes had been like this I might have been a better student...

[Laura's looking enviously around at the lakeside "classroom", which is more like a small high-tech amphitheater. And of course, full of good-looking young women.]

[There were good looking young women everywhere, and a couple of them were looking towards the pair as well. Dita nodded.]

It is a nice place, and the people are easy on the eyes.