[2247] Counting Stars

Orion:

I pace around Klaus’s room - that still smelled like SLOTH MURDER mind you.

I keep looking back at that vase he had propped up and then pull myself together and go back to pacing.

The longer I stayed here, the sooner I would be caught!

Klaus BETTER have made some productive choices out and about.

I wonder if he sold any of that stolen tech I gave him..  

Then we could get some cash and get off this death trap.

I sense someone walking near the hall and dart into the closet unsure if it was him or another vampire coming after me.

Klaus:

I come into the apartment with the cash.

It was mad out there.

*Stops when I don't see Joseph.*

............

Orion:

I try not to sneeze from all the sloth hair on these tiny little lithe clothes.

"Aaaaa choooo!" I sneeze anyway and come out wiping my bloody nose. I was surprised to see Klaus did the sale AND got a gun.

"Wow you were busy."
I wasnt really sure about him getting close to the King's bratty son (Bash), but I guess he just has a charm about him.

"No one suspects anything right?"

Klaus:

I hear a sneeze and get ready to attack when I see it was only Orion.

What was he doing in there?

Orion asks if anyone suspected anything.

"If they do, we'll be ready for them."

I cock the gun and take my vase.

"Did you have a visitor or something?"

I ask with respect to his hiding place in the closet.

Orion:

I flinch at the gun's sound. I never saw one up close before. I try to relax, hes not gonna shoot me..

Maybe.

"No, I did sneak out of your room...to get some clothes and pills though. In my defense you we're gone a really long time and I was literally dying." I wipe my nose again.

Plus I cant just leave wearing tiny sloth pants after all.

"I dont think anyone caught me, and I used my shield cloaks so I didn't trigger a camera."
I lean on the wall thoughtfully, wondering why in the world he was picking up his vase and holding it like that.

What was he planning?

Klaus:

"I'm sorry I was held up ok?"

I frown when I catch him staring at the vase.

What?

I look him over

Were those clothes really the best he could do?

"Are we heading out or not?"

Orion:

I put on a hat - it will make me stand out less

"Ready."
I follow him nervously outside into the hall way uncloaked for the first time.
On the way to the hover- bus we face interruption!

(Blythe): "Hey Klaus. Just wanted to check up on you...whats up?"
I gulp and stay very close to him.

Klaus:

On our way to steal Bash we are interrupted by his sister.

Foiled.

"Check on me? How very kind."

I glance over at Orion somewhat annoyed at his lack of participation.

"We are just going for a walk. My friend here is helping me explore the city."

I hug the vase close reconsidering my decision to take it.

Orion:

Klaus gives me a look, but come on he's been more infiltrated into this city then I have been!

"Yeah, alot of fun...all the victory parties..this week."

I smile awkwardly really hoping she doesn't know what a Xern smells like.
It was totally a good move to bring up the victory party because IF I was a Xern I wouldn't be happy about my own people's destruction.
Right? Right?

(Blythe): "Yeah, soldiers really know how to party. Try not to get shot pretty boy?"
She replied back not really looking at me but Klaus.

Klaus:

Orion puts in a half effort which I assumed was acceptable considering what little I knew of him.

I try to use Blythe's flirt to Orion as a segway for us to leave the conversation.

"I will make sure nothing happens to him."

I flash her a devilish grin while backing away to get us back on track.

Please don't follow, please don't follow, please don't follow.

Orion:

I take a big breath of relief when we get away from the female.

((That was ClOSE!)) I say not really having been in worst scraps

Klaus:

((Shame it wasn't her brother.))

I comment as we wander around in search for him.

((Remind me of this plan again?))

Joseph:

((I wanted to find a REAL vampire, not a yearling like you. I mean uh.. you know an old OLD one.. ))

I don't ask about his sire again, might be touchy.

((So I can not die.. and I gave you some tech to sell so you'll help me. AND I have more I can offer you too. If you make sure I dont DIE before then.))

I had no idea why he needed the prince..hes the one whose been working that kid over like he has.
I'm sure Klaus has his own plan really. I just was along for the ride..

Klaus:

?

Oh god whatever!

((Well you aren't going to find any oldies on this planet. We need a ship! Only way to get one of those is with someone we know.))

Hopefully Bash will remain civil.

I subconsciously touch the end of my gun in thought.

Orion:


((Well I helped with the cash didn't I?!)) I snap back and look around the crowded halls.
Theres alot of germs here.

((Where too next?)) I ask wondering if his boyfriend was near by.

Klaus:

I pull out the cash and hand it to Orion along with the vase.

"Drop this and you really are dead. I promise you I will find a way."

I warn, tired of carrying everything as I tuck the gun away in a more secure spot.

((Let's see if we can buy a ship with your massive contribution to our cause.))

I respond in all sarcasm, not knowing where Bash was.

If we can get away without his help then we should do so. I was not in the mood to grovel nor did I want to take Bash as a hostage if things started to escalate.

Orion:

I'm sure it would be really easy to kill me...
I try not to think about it as I shove the cash in my coat pocket.

I look at him nervously, he wants ME to do the talking???
All these soldiers just came back from bombing my people. I try not to question if Bellatrix or the kids got.. hurt. They'll probably locked in the bunker its fine.

"Its just, I..." I shut up knowing he wasnt in the mood for excuses. I look around at the soldiers with big beer steins toasting around the ships.

"Congrats! Is.. there any room in the next crusier we wanta go off world and kick ass too."
I wave a dollar bill (not knowing it was the lesser of the bills since the Xerns dont use money)

(Solider 1): "What is that skinny bloke doing?"

(Solider 2): "Aye I think he thinks your a proustite and hes trying to tempt you with a oner!"

They laugh taking another swig. I pocket the money awkwardly.

Bash:
I listen wide eyed at a solider talking about what he did to a bat found half in his ship's window wiper.

"That is so..gross."

I am distracted when a NEW face comes over and tries to offer soldiers money for something. They laugh finding it funny thinking he was trying to buy 'services'

"Hey?"

I blink wondering what Klaus was getting up into over there.
Was he a hooker now? Man life got tough fast.

Klaus:

I massage my temples trying to understand how Orion made it this far in his life.

The guy was so bloody awkward, it was cringeworthy really.

Luckily for us both, Bash recognizes us.

I approach him embarrassed by Orion's behavior.

"I think my friend and I are lost. We are looking for a ship. Nothing spectacular, just something to visit relatives. Do you know where we can acquire one?"

Bash:

I look at them surprised they wanted to go out into space, most people come here and never want to leave the terrors going on around this sector.

"Well that's brave, with the war and all."

(Klaus's friend): "Yes we are VERY brave." He adds in to remind me of something his tone clearly did not believe.

"I think the bus shuttles have been closed down, in case the Xerns counter attack." I note the empty bus stop and try to think. Civilian traffic was low.

(Klaus's friend): "Its VERY imperative."


"Well I'm leaving back to my village's planet. you two could come along ...if you really need too and get back out in the galaxy from there?"

Klaus:

I bow my head ever so slightly in gratitude.

"How very kind. We would be honored to accompany you."

Would have preferred if he offered us our own vessel but I'm sure this will do..

"When do you leave?"

Orion:

I listen not liking the idea of being driven somewhere, but it looked really hard to leave.
He also implied it was dangerous out there... how dangerous??

(Bash): "I'm waiting on my sister."

Oh hes waiting on his sister..

((WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO SHE WAS TOTALY ON TO US BEFORE!!))

I try not to heavy breath.

(Bash): "Is your friend.. ok??"

Klaus:

((It's fine Orion. Surely you have some tricks up your sleeve to keep them off their guard? Remember what you are.))

The war was intense yes, but 2 vampires against 2 humans in the same shuttle? I'll take those odds.

"He's fine. He just has travel anxiety... among other things."

I turn to Orion reminding him to keep his eye on the prize (the vase).

Blythe:

I drag along the last cargo over to the shuttle, how I detested the cruddy village.


Bash was not alone.

"Hey." I greet not taking my eyes off the two males.

(Bash): "Hey, is it ok if we take them along? They want to get off world.

"Oh leaving so soon, did something disappoint you?" I ask Klaus.

(Orion): "I'll just..find a seat.."

He nearly trips inside the shuttle and I hear him struggling with seabelts.

Klaus:

I turn to Blythe as she makes her entrance.

Too soon after Orion disappears to be seated.

*Sighs.*

"Far from it."

I respond to Blythe's initial comment before kissing her hand.

"Our journey is far from a one way trip. In fact, I personally quite enjoy your planet and wish to make a home here."

I pause.

Blythe was quite beautiful. It was rather hard not to stare.

"Just have a few loose ends to wrap up back home. I'm sure you understand?"

I smile at them both innocently.

Blythe:

This Klaus sure has a way with words and performance.
I thought at his very polite hand gesture and that accent He was however a little cold to the touch.


"Oh course, I understand that. I wish you luck then."

I smile back at him before following Nash inside. I eye the other male, who was NOT as graceful as his friend.

"And what's your name?"

(Klaus's friend): "Errr ahhhrm... Joe!"

(Bash): "Jo what?" He puts him on the spot, like the annoying brat he is as I roll my eyes and go to the cockpit to fly this sucker out of here.

Klaus:

I follow Bash and Blythe inside the shuttle just in time to hear their interrogation of Orion.

I remind myself that Orion was still young and needed encouragement despite at times, I myself feeling no older than he was.

"Sharpton. His name is Joseph Sharpton. No need to be shy my friend, it is a good strong name."

I flash a dazzling smile at Bash before wrapping my left arm around his shoulder and guiding him towards a nearby window.

"I am assuming you are well travelled?"

I remove my arm from his shoulder to keep our interactions polite and comfortable.

"Have you been to many worlds? Please, do tell."

Bash:

Klaus cuts in for his weird fired, he tells me the man’s name is Joseph Sharpton. I don’t recognize the last name at all.

Klaus distracts me as he leads me over to the window. He wants to know about places I’ve been! I flush a little embarrassed because I really haven't gotten out to go anywhere. I barely got to enjoy Neo-Planet before getting dragged back to this village.

“Oh, not as often as I’d like..being a Prince..and with all the dangers outside..”

Boren’s ugly hybrid monstrities, vampires, pirates’ and slavers...and of course gypsies

So many ways to get kidnapped really.

“Slothiana is the planet my village is on, it got raided by vampire’s recently..theres still some in the woods too. They haven't been rounded up yet, but they also could have left..there's quite a trading center where all sorts of travelers gather and trade goods, you can get a ship there..the surrounding planets aren’t taken yet by Boren since my Father’s forces protect the area but because of the abundance of pure human settlements and villages, theres many raids by stronger creatures now and again who make stops and try to get a piece. Its not as dangerous as the war more like alot of selfish people and mild squabbles right now...the vampire attack was the first mass death we've had in awhile..”

Klaus:

"Slothiana."

I try sounding out the city's name in order to familiarize myself with it.

Bash describes the world and I smile a little, eager to explore it.

I'm sure "Joseph" won't mind

The mention of humans would surely mean a vampire or two nearby wouldn't it?

"What is your favorite thing to do in.. Slothiana?"

Orion:

Oh great MORE Sloths...
Klaus can become a furry serial killer there.

(Bash): "Er well.." He tries to think of something fun on 'Slothiana' so that tells me nothing was fun there. I kinda felt bad for him I guess since he said he does not travel much being royal. Though his father let him have far more freedom then me! I guess this is how it is when you have a father not fully psychotic!

(Bash): "I like hunting in the woods, I dont go to the market much since so many outsiders come around but when I can get away and sneak around I do enjoy hearing about much more advenerous times from their stories."

"Like whats the percentage of humans compared to sloths?" I cut in.

(Bash): "Maybe more then 60% human, since alot of sloths moved here..but like I said if you go to the market you'll find alot of offworlders of all kinds too...so few stay though."

Klaus:

I tilt my head at Bash's distaste for the "outsiders".

Personally I would find meeting some new folk a breath of fresh air, figuratively speaking of course.

Joseph inquires of the human population and Bash confirms a majority.

"If you are lucky you might find a girlfriend."

I tease "Joseph" so that Bash does not misconstrue his interest in humans to mean something else.

Bash:

Klaus teases his friend about finding a girlfriends.

"The girls are , pretty intense there...all they want to do is train and practice throwing knives at you.."

I sigh from past bad experiences ...

(Orion): "I'm married."

Klaus:

I raise my eyebrows in amusement at Bash's caution.

Would love to hear the story behind that one.

Orion completely misses my intent, but that wasn't the shocking part by far.

(("You're married?))

I turn to Bash trying to not look so surprised.

"I jest, I do enjoy giving Joseph a hard time, despite how excellent a wingman he's always been."

I add another twist to my story in an attempt to save our cover.

((Don't say anything Orion))

'Joseph':

..oops was that not something I was supposed to say....

I clamp my jaw shut trying not to say anything more to throw us in another tight spot. Klaus was as slick as oil really at how he could counter everything. Bash wasnt the most intuitive though you could tell.

((Yessss, the vampires that rule us wont turn anyone till they had a wife and children first to carry on numbers...))

I did my duty...kinda... and they wont even let me have it yet!
So I need to get it from somewhere else, come back there POWERFUL and rip my father's heart out!

*twitches at how badass that sounded in my head yet seemed to impossible to do in reality*

(Bash): "What about where you're from? How are the girls?" He asks curiously not thinking much of me and my wife afterall.

Klaus:

I hide my disgusted expression in response to what Orion told me.

He had a wife and kids so he would be eligible to become a vampire?

Sick..

Bash asks about the women of my world and I pause in thought.

"There aren't many and most of them are taken. Which is understandable I suppose as the majority of them are quite talented and of course beautiful."

I subconsciously glance over at the vase before looking back at him.

"I'm sure you would have no trouble finding one though."

Bash, like his sister, was also quite attractive. It made me a bit hungry at times.

Bash:

I listen to Klaus tell me about his people's women, he didn't detail anything that specific about them that gave me a general picture though. His hair color was very RARE though so I'm not sure how many females with such a trait is left.

I got the impression the two men weren't from the same general clan either.

"Oh I'm not that great with girls, not really."

(Joseph): "You're a Prince wouldn't you be engaged by now??" He points out, and I've been noticing he only talks when we hit key certain points.

"Uh there was talk of that, but most of our allies ..get wiped out...fighting.."

I look out the window awkwardly as we moved though space.

Sometimes I think it will never end..

Klaus:

I glance at Orion not sure I pegged him right at all.

His last question seemed to hit a sensitive subject and Bash went quiet.

.......

Well this is awkward.

*Looks out the window for a moment trying to think of how to steer the conversation in a more positive direction.*

It was too bad Blythe wasn't here. I feel she would be a great help with the conversation. That is if she remains oblivious to Orion's subtle hints as Bash was.

"Perhaps when I go to visit my family you could tag along?"

I suggest to Bash, hoping to lose Orion at Slothiana to be perfectly honest.

OOC: WhOA KLAUS WAY TO MOVE ON ; )

Bash:

I am distracted out of a depressing moment by Klaus's invitation! I was so relived he did it here, where Blythe cant hear.

She wouldn't let me go somewhere most likely dangerous and vampire ridden.

"Yes!" I nearly squeal.

(Orion): "Oh look we're here.." He comments since he was staring at the window. The shuttle parks in a ship yard very crowded and full of commence.

(Blythe): "Did you boys have fun while I did all the work?" I hear her over the intercom to announce our departure.

The crowds only thicken at the sight of a royal ship with Sorin's crest on top.

Klaus:

I raise my eyebrows at how excited he got.

Royals are weird.

Blythe finally speaks up upon our arrival.

It was strange she had to fly the shuttle the whole way herself instead of shifting it to autopilot for awhile.

*Shrugs.*

"Not as much fun as if you were here, my lady."

I respond before getting up as the ship lands.

Blythe:

"Oh believe me, you haven't seen my fun." I tease back at the charming man.

Such exotic hair too

*lingers in the tight ship hallway to smell him*

(Joseph): "Righto. Time to sell the goods." He shakes his sack of some problem stolen tech merch and heads for the bazzar of trade / bar area.

These boys were SO not up to any good.

Klaus:

I give Blythe some space as soon as we leave the ship.

For a moment there I thought our cover was blown.

*Scratches back of head uneasily.*

“Where is the transport station to other worlds from here?”

I ask Blythe trying to play it smooth.

I still haven’t the slightest understanding how I have managed this far in my very cursed condition. Elgatha’s final act before my escape changed more than just my species, but my age too. For the next 10 years I would have to be on constant guard. It made me bitter to think of my “lost” youth but I suppose it wasn’t like I had a chance at that anyways.

A part of me wondered if I should just stay underground...

Blythe:

I look at Klaus even more intrigued at his next request, as his little 'buddy' was over there trying to barter for a ship. Was he planning to ditch him? The drama.

"Yes theres direct transportation in the embassy building, right here. they keep it very secure and safe... just perfect for refugees fleeing and looking for survivors of the carnage outthere ... you lost someone?" I try to pry as sweet dumb Bash comes back over to offer Klaus a map (King Sorin approved version anyway)

(Bash): "Its the latest update from the last battle!"

"Yes I hope the planet your visiting Klaus is still around, it seems like everyday borders change.."

I dont let my eyes look at the map for long not wanting to think of Boren side for now.
"You are SO brave to venture far." I try to distract myself by playing 'cute' and leaning back into his space

*Joseph notices Klaus isn't behind him anymore and panics looking around*

Season 1 Map aka if anything is placed wrong it was Soren propaganda

https://64.media.tumblr.com/796b5da009ed31d32607037dc2a9bbb0/12ad07da53583fed-55/s2048x3072/e58ee931ad11703935927c4c4f3bc2caff7cab8c.png

Klaus:

“I really hope I don’t need to.”

I respond to Blythe’s last remark while leaning back, pretending to hold the map at a certain angle to get a better view.

Joseph looks around surprised I was not behind him.

A part of me wanted to ditch him based on principle alone, but at this point, I could not afford such a reckless move. Like it or not we both needed each other for “cover”.

“Over here Joseph!”

I call out to him while waving the map.

“Thank you Bash. This is perfect.”

I finally respond to him in gratitude.

'Joseph':

*I hear Klaus say Joseph but forget it was my name*

I WAS UNDER HEAVY STRESS HEAVY STRESS

I sold one holoshade but when I tried to sell a cloaking bracelet someone reconized it from my home.

Uh oh..
He went off to find a slothish guard and I slink back feeling a nosebleed already.

(Blythe): "You dont look too good."

"Yeah..."
I snort it back up and couldn't take the medicine I got off her ship in front of her.

"I made...some currency."
I show Klaus my sad little bag.

((I think we'd make sure taking my tech apart and selling the parts - its too recognized to sell here.))

Unless the planet he wanted to go too was more sketchy and not protected by these Sorien goons that is.....oh who am I kidding no one likes my clan... for good reason.

Klaus:

I look down at his bag and had to commend his thinking.

There was little we could do for free in this galaxy that was for sure.

Ships, money a map. Was anything else required.

I readjust my bag from the weight of the vase.

“Come on, lets get a ship.”

I respond, already finding this world quite overwhelming.

'Joseph':

I look at Klaus worried as he was so quick to get a ship and stop selling, maybe he sensed trouble already from the stuff that just has circulated in the fresh market. I nod shakenly and make sure none of my tech junk is exposed any longer as I smuggle it into the bag.

*looks like a totally guilty basterd walking though the crowds flinching at everything*

We reach 'discount' ships at our price range.

"Oh my..."

I cringe looking over our options, one was neon pink with painted teeth on it and a sail fin (shark if Joseph knew what that was)

I move over to look at the other, they were all on sale discounted for a reason but the sign read they were all approved for flight and 'safe'. Did I trust these goons.. maybe I dont know..its not like my side is trustworthy...

(Blythe): "Oh yeah go for the pink one, it suits you guys." She makes a growl sound at Klaus (referencing the shark)

Klaus:

I blink at the fish ship hardly believing my eyes.

Well that’s just mean spirited..

“It seems the gods are humbling us this day as our options are indeed limited.”

I turn to “Joseph” in an attempt to ignore Blythe’s jest.

“Is it my turn to pay or yours?”

I ask as I rummage around my bag 

The vase made it quite hard to see inside...

Orion:

“I got this!” I smirk FINELY being able to do something constructive now. I felt like such a independent male at last and not a shut in prince brat.

I pay the gruff semi scaly alien man and sign the paper ‘Claws’ (thinking that's how you smell Klaus’s name) and ‘Joeshift’ (thinking that's Joseph) English is such a harsh written word after all.. I was more used to olden day Latin.

I come over WITH SUCH PRIDE to show the holo license to Klaus.

Polite as Bash is he couldn't help but laugh but I hardly notice.

(Blythe): “Well...I dont think your gonna be getting into too much trouble in that sucker bro.”
He stops laughing. I don't know what they are taking about it is a beautiful vessel.