driftfleet | (no subject)

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Who: Apollo and Whoever
Broadcast: Just some SHOUTING but yes
Action: Y; newbie on board the Marsiva
When: Sept 8th? At Some Point^TM

A
[One lawyer is jerking awake with a start in the Hospitality Bunker. His eyes dart around as his mind tries to catch up and figure out what he was last doing. The case is over, right? Is he late for Starbuck's launch? Wait no, that already happened. Right? Right. Crap, did he black out again from his wounds--?

He reaches down, touching his arms and patting his chest. Well, dang. There's scarring from the blast, and he's still sore as hell, but nothing seems to be in danger of reopening and bleeding out again. . .huh.]

. . .Did Trucy and Athena knock me out to put me on bedrest? That seems like something they would do.

[He frowns at the thought. But why would they send him back to the hospital in a nice clean suit?? Weird.

He sits there mulling over scenarios and possibilities, trying to figure out what he was last doing as the overhead speaker drones on and on about game shows this, reality shows that, blah blah blah. . .it's making concentrating a bit hard. Eventually Apollo snaps, unable to hear himself think, and he exclaims to no one in particular--]

OBJECTION!!

[--hopefully that doesn't draw too much attention.]

B
[LAWYER IS UP AND EXPLORING THE DECK. . .somewhat. As soon as he passes one of the wide windows on the ship and stares into the void that is space, Apollo nearly goes as white as his blouse and threatens to faint. Or throw up. Maybe both!! Maybe you just find him passed out face first on the floor. The possibilities are endless.]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[There -

There he is! Apollo looks a bit out of it and not really looking at the comm, but - that's okay! It's him, it's really him! Right here - right there, in the flesh! Clay thought he'd never see him again! And - And he was fine with that, really, he knew Apollo would hate being out here, but the fact that he's here and no longer billions of light-years away is just -

He can feel his cheeks ache from how much he's smiling right now, but that doesn't really matter. He's just so happy.]

I can't believe you're here! Here - Look at the communicator! I'm here!

[And he waves excitedly, because waving at comm devices is the cool thing to do.]

Hey!

[Apollo's just so damn tired. Sure, everything turned out. . .fine back home, but it was one hell of a rocky road. And does he get time to recuperate? Nope, thrown into whatever publicity stunt this is supposed to be. He's had enough space for an eternity. But whoever this is, they're so enthusiastic, it's somewhat catching. And familiar.

He breathes out a light, laugh of a sigh as he finally properly acknowledges the comm.]

Yes, yes, I can't believe I'm here either. Who is--. . .

[Pardon him, he's just going to stare for far too long at the face on the screen.]

[And then he attempts to hurl his communicator as far as away as humanly possible. Enjoy that blurring scenery and clanking, Clay!!

Apollo's soon on his feet, as if he needs to get even further away from it. He leans over, hands on his knees, and heart suddenly beating a mile a minute. That was--no, logically, it can't be. It's a trick, or an old video feed or--something. Ha ha, funny right, he's in space, it's supposedly a TV set, someone thought it'd be a riot to get his dead friend in on the theme, right? The people in the space center wouldn't be so distasteful, would they?

Apollo clenches his fists, and just. Yells.]

What the. . .what the hell is this?! What kind of screwed up prank was that supposed to be!

[WELP. THAT HAPPENED.

Clay holds the communicator away at an angle because look, he's done some space training and thus has been hurled in a circle many many times, but that's still just plain unpleasant to look at, man! And it's... definitely unexpected. Sure, he didn't expect Apollo to be happy, what with being miles and miles above any planet's surface, but that's kinda... extreme.

When the comm has settled and Apollo yells, Clay... tries to tilt his own comm device and tilt his head as if doing that will get it to turn somehow to actually look at his friend. Yeah, it hasn't worked for over a year now, but it's still kind of an automatic thing, as if he were actually there. Apollo sounds so angry and - kind of distressed, too - the heck?]

Uh... It's not a prank, bud! I mean, I know it kind of seems that way, but - yeah, you're actually in space! Pretty stellar, huh?

[Is that what he's upset about? The whole space thing?]

[. . .well that gets his attention. He looks to the thrown communicator to make such a face. He's got puns. Did Aura program it? He bets she did. Her idea of a 'gift'--though how she could while she's er, away, that'd be another mystery.

Apollo breathes in and out, trying to collect himself. It's a sick, twisted joke, but--another glance at the communicator--even so, it's Clay. It's his voice, it's his face! That's something, right? The closest he'll ever get again.

Another deep breath, and he finally walks over to pick up the comm proper, and plops back down. His expression is deadpan and resigned, but hey, he's responsive.]

That was horrible, you know that, right?

[That's a good sign! Clay's smile had lessened thanks to all that, but now it's right back on. There he is again! Sure, he still doesn't look happy, but Clay didn't really expect him to be anyway. He laughs at that question, then gives a little two-fingered salute from his visor.]

That's what makes them so hilarious! And I've got plenty of space for more!

This is so weird.

[Not space he means, but Clay, he mumbles. At the salute though, he perks slightly and can't help but give a twitch of a nostalgic smile. That's his buddy, always beaming like a bright star. He rolls his eyes jokingly.]

I'm going to space out if you keep this up. . .!

[. . .it's also starting to dawn on him that wow, for a prank, this tech is very responsive. Just how much dialogue could it have??]

[Ah, ah, a twitch of a smile; is he getting to him?!]

I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation here!

[... Though actually, that reminds him - right, right, this isn't LA, this is the fleet. Clay glances up at that thought, then tones his grin down a bit as he leans forward, hand on his chin.]

Oh, hey, speaking of that - Did anyone tell you what's going on? You know, the whole... being in space thing, why you're here, et cetera?

[This fake Clay is getting a bit too real!! Apollo huffs, he's really entertaining this too much. He shakes his head.]

I'm going to choose to believe this is just an elaborate set piece--and if it's a show, it's a dumb one. I bet Prosecutor Gavin threw money into it.

Okay, look, I get it now--[He's less talking to Clay than he is just out loud, assuming he's being recorded.]--haha, super funny, prank the lawyer. It's really cute using Clay to give me the rundown. Really classy, not disrespectful or nightmare inducing or anything like that! I'm sort of done now.

[Oop. And he lost him again. But... he's getting a little more confusing now; why would Clay talking to Apollo be disrespectful or nightmare inducing? Like... damn, that's rude. His smile falters, a small one, but still doesn't fall away. The fact that Apollo's trajectory of thought isn't one that Clay's following doesn't mean he's any less happy to see him.]

What are you talking about, Pollo? This really is space - and I'm the astronaut, I can verify that 100%, even if it gets kind of weird. And what's so nightmare inducing about me? I haven't cut my hair in a while, but it's not that bad!

[... He so does need a haircut though. THANKS FOR THE REMINDER.]

[Do you have a mullet Clay DOES APOLLO NEED TO GET SOME SCISSORS.

Apollo raises a hand to fuss at his hair, raking it in frustration. Why is this thing still talking.]

Yes, jeeze, I wonder what could be so wrong about using my dead best friend as a friendly PSA about space travel and bad puns! How could I possibly take that the wrong way--........

[Wait.

His hair has grown out.

Dead people don't--

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

HOLD PLEASE AS THIS LAWYER'S BRAIN BEGINS TO MAKE A HORRIFYING REALIZATION]

[Nah his hair just poofs out like this other shonen loser but hair is not important right now because - what.

That smile stays frozen on Clay's face, but his face pales. Because... he knows he heard that right. There was no mistaking it. Dead best friend as a friendly - whatever, PSA, that's not -

That -

...

Something clicks in Clay's head. No, more like something breaks, something that makes dread rise in his chest, like his own mind is trying to use whatever defense possible to prevent what's happening right now. His smile twitches, then falls, and he's pretty sure the room is starting to spin a little. It's like the induced gravity isn't working anymore.]

Wh... What? What did you...

[The video feed shakes as Clay starts to tremble a little, and every part of him says to turn it off, forget you heard anything, don't listen to him, don't listen, but this is...]

I. . .

[Clay's paling. He's breathing. There's a real person, an actual living being on the other side of this screen. And it's Clay freaking Terran.

Now it's Apollo's turn for a sudden spike of energy. He leans forward, and he's practically shaking the comm now--god, what did he do? Even if this is a trick, or an illusion, or--whatever, he might just be severing the last connection he'll ever have to his best friend. Clay was talking before! He's trailing off! Why isn't he speaking?! Damnit, Apollo needs to know beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the man on this comm is the real deal.]

Clay--Clay! If that's you, if it's really you, alive and well, I need to know! Right now, say it with me! Say you're fine! Come on! CLAY TERRAN IS FINE! Please!

[When Apollo first starts to talk, the camera tilts out of view as Clay lowers the comm to his side, his other hand reaching up to press hard against his forehead, the motion sliding his visor up in the process. He doesn't even hear Apollo at first; his head feels light, and it's like his sense of hearing's closed off because of it.

dead, dead, dead dead dead

no, we were safe, we were supposed to be

the glint of glasses in a dark room, the contradiction - no, there was a light, a

no no no no NO

CLAY TERRAN IS FINE!

It's that phrase right there that brings him back to Earth. Clay opens his eyes, suddenly very aware of what's going on around him, even if his ears are still ringing, even if he feels like falling to his knees again. He tilts the communicator a bit, just barely seeing Apollo, and - and -

Apollo's seen him at his worst already. He's seen him when he was broken to pieces, and he helped put him back together again to something even better. This... It reminds him of that time, when Clay was trying to push Apollo away, only for the boy to push on, relate to him, get him to shout.]

I... I, uh...

I'm Clay and... [He nods to himself, then takes in a deep, deep breath, lets it out slowly, then in again, before:] CLAY TERRAN IS FINE!!

!

[He responded! CLAY RESPONDED. He was worried for a moment there--well hell, he's still worried. Clay slowly drifting out of sight, he was about to lose him again. But no, there he is, and Apollo's look of desperation begins to melt away, and he allows himself an awkward, hopeful smile.]

Aha. . .haha! Ahahaha! Hahahaha--!!

[Apollo laughs, and keeps laughing a good bit. Then he's grinning like crazy, his emotions trying to get a handle on how he's feeling. Overwhelmed, relieved, hysterical--if this is a dream, it's simultaneously the best and cruelest one he's had in a long while.

And. Why does the comm look so blurry all of a sudden?? Oh, right. Tears...tears will do that...they're building up and he's trying his best to hold them back. WELP, BETTER COVER THOSE UP WITH MORE SHOUTING]

Th-that's! That's right! CLAY TERRAN IS FINE! And I'm fine too! [Another deep breath--] APOLLO JUSTICE IS FINE!!!

WE'RE BOTH FINE!!!

[RIP anyone's ears who just started tuning in.]

[Finally, Clay raises the comm back up to eye level. Finally, a shaky smile starts to come up again. Who... Who knows, maybe Apollo's from sometime in the future, even though he looks exactly as Clay remembered him, if a bit worse for wear. Maybe he was actually safe after all, despite the breaking in his head telling him otherwise. Maybe - Maybe -

Clay sees those tears in Apollo's eyes, but not for long, as his own vision blurs. He lets out a noise that sounds like a mix between a laugh and a sob, and he ducks his head to wipe at his eyes a bit. Not that he cares if Apollo sees him cry, hasn't really cared since they had that talk about his mother. In fact, despite the attempt wipe away the evidence, there's still tears that come down as he gives the best grin he can show in his state.]

Haha... What are you laughing about?! Ahahaha-! We're fine! WE'RE BOTH FINE! CLAY TERRAN IS FINE!! APOLLO JUSTICE IS FINE!!!

Hahahahaha!

S-sorry, I-I--you laughing is making me laugh more!! Th-this is a horrible cycle! But even still, APOLLO JUSTICE IS FINE!!

[Clay's a better man than Apollo because he doesn't even try to wipe his face when the building tears finally break through. He's gushing now, no doubt about it, but who cares?? If Athena and Trucy were here they'd likely start sobbing too. What an overly emotional agency, gosh.

He's still grinning hard though, still loud and laughing. IS THIS REAL, IS THIS REALITY? He's finally accepted it as such, and he clenches his fists, sitting there, in the middle of the floor, happily yelling at a comm screen. This is fine and there is no underlying traumatic stress whatsoever!! It takes a good bit for him to finally start trailing off.]

WE'RE FINE! And always will be. . .! I knew you had it in you!

[He keeps laughing, too, laughing and shouting and crying, even as the scene plays in his head over and over. Moving down the hall, making it to the lobby, falling to the floor, the glint of glasses in darkness, over and over, like he's trying to remember what happened after that. At the same time, he doesn't want to, wants to focus wholly on his best friend who's started crying right along with him. If... he's really dead, then Apollo seeing him afterwards, alive and well, that must be...

Shit. It makes a fresh wave of tears come through, and another hiccuping laugh. Still, he listens to Apollo. He clings to every word, because in times like these, he knows he can count on Apollo to help him, just as Apollo can count on him. God, they're both such a mess and not even caring.]

Always did! And - ha, I knew you'd come around...! [He places a hand over his chest, over his heart, over his scar, though of course Apollo can't see that.] I'm right here! It's me!

[Just don't think about it Clay don't think about it!

Gawd, this is getting messy. Apollo finally takes a moment to collect himself, sniffling, and aggressively shaking his head as if that will fling all the tears away. This is really putting a dent in his professional look. He drags a hand down his face, hoping he's regained a little bit of dignity. The smile he gives Clay is genuine, but so tired.

But like magicians, lawyers have to keep smiling, right?]

Y-yeah, it is you. Er. Sorry, I thought this was some sort of prank. But there you are, in the flesh. In space.

Ahaha, the shock must have really gotten to me--! I'm. Sorry, Clay.

It - It's okay, it's fine, it's...

[He lets out another chuckle as he lowers his head and drags a hand through his hair. Apollo looks tired, and the poor guy's in space. The one place Clay was sure he'd really hate being. Every time someone asked him if he wanted Apollo here, he'd say no. Every time, because he knows this is the last place Apollo wants to be. His feet belonged on Earth, and his dreams would keep being fulfilled there on Earth. Space was for Clay, not for him. Even though he knew he'd miss him like a missing limb, he was content with what he had before Apollo got here.

And now... and now...]

I'm sorry. You never should've been brought here. You hate heights, you like space but you'd hate being in it, and -

[He takes in a hitch of a breath, and his fingers twitch before he lowers them to rub at the bandage on his nose.]

And I'm. I'm dead, apparently?

[The reminder that they are very much drifting through space is enough to settle Apollo some. Not a good kind of settling, but it's definitely grounding him.]

I'll. I'll get used to it! T-technically space isn't being up high it's just.........like being in an infinite void with no bottom or ending whatsoever.

[He might go a little green saying that.

Why is this happening why space. WHY NOT AN UNDERGROUND CAVERN FULL OF MOLE PEOPLE. That would be slightly better! His mind drifts to a dozen other scenarios he'd rather be happening, until--

I'm dead.

Apollo's eyes snap back to attention, wide with alarm. There's that look of someone seeing a ghost again.]

You're. . .

[He grits his teeth. Yes, Clay's dead, this is a fact. He saw him with his own eyes, tracked down his killer, ganked his jacket, nearly destroyed his relations to the agency for him.

But, here's Clay now. And he sounded so happy to see Apollo, to meet up again. He sounded so excited and casual, like any other day of them hanging out. Like. . .

Like he didn't know.

There's a blink and you miss it grimace from Apollo, but then he's suddenly leaning forward again, desperate smile returning.]

YOU'RE FINE!

I mean--yes! That's. . .that's what I thought! You, ah. You disappeared for a long while, Clay. [A beat. HOW CAN HE SPIN THIS.] N-no one knew where you went! Did you know, Starbuck finally launched into space, too? I bet he hasn't gotten as far as you though, haha!

You just. . .you really had me worried. . .but look you're fine! You've just been kidnapped the whole time, apparently!

[SMOOTH]

[Clay listens to all of that, and at first, his head had lifted, a somewhat hopeful expression on his face. But just listening to Apollo for more than a couple of sentences has him lowering it again, expression hidden from view as he lowers the brim of his visor, fingers fiddling with the edge of it.

Nothing about what Apollo said adds up. Not the way he reacted, not the way he cried, not this. And he's obviously lying. When put on the spot, Apollo actually wasn't that great at lying. He stumbles through his words, tries too hard to reassure. Even Clay, who has a hard time picking up on things like that, knows that. It comes from being friends with him for so long, and even after not seeing him for, god, more than a year, he still knows that. It's honestly a bit of a relief. Or it would be, if that didn't just confirm what he'd been fearing.

Confronting Apollo head on about this might work, but it might just get him to deny it all the more. Instead, Clay sighs, and... realizes that this whole thing is public, that everyone can hear it.

Shit. Again. Well... maybe if someone's hearing this, they can just hear Apollo's explanation, while the rest... he fiddles with the comm until their thread is private, then goes back to what he was going to do.]

Apollo.

Two bombs went off on that rocket. I carried Starbuck through the hallway. I was so exhausted when I reached the lobby that I fell to the floor.

It was completely dark, but I still saw the shine of someone's glasses.

You're the one who works out contradictions. How was I able to see that?

[When Clay goes for his hat, Apollo can tell his story isn't going across so well. Maybe he's just thinking it over, he thinks to himself, frowning slightly. He's crap at lying under pressure, and that certainly wasn't one of his better cover ups.

Maybe he can smooth it out with more details. Or just--change the topic. There's plenty to talk about, right? . . .nah. When Clay speaks again, his tone is different. The jig's up.

He's quiet for a long moment, before straightening himself, letting out a sigh.]

Because the explosion gave you super powers.

[Said so flatly Apollo may as well be laying on the ground. He shakes his head.]

. . .

Do you recall why Director Cosmos conspired with you to stage the launch?

[He sure knows all about that drugging now, buddy.]

[He tenses. Apollo might not be in the same room as him, but the way his fingers run along the rim of the visor is familiar; it's the action Clay does when he's nervous, when he's trying to think up a lie.

He'd been sworn to secrecy, and Clay takes secrets and promises very seriously, even against his best friend.]

Uh...

[But...

Well, he already said a couple of bombs went off. The public was only supposed to know that the ship had malfunctioned, that he'd gotten Starbuck off the ship safely and heroically. Clay didn't really agree with doing it that way, but if it could sell the public, keep their attention away from the dangerous spy on the loose...

So, Clay lets out a sigh. His fingers relax, and he pushes his visor back up. He looks tired, and like he could really use a couple hours to just lay down.]

Because... we didn't want Mr. Starbuck to know what was going on. And the government wouldn't let Mr. Cosmos cancel the launch.

[In a world where the government would rather send their astronauts on a bomb-ridden rocket than cancel it entirely...]

[The action isn't lost on him, and Apollo almost lets out a dry laugh. Here they both are, two nerds who were so excited just moments ago, now contemplating trying to out-lie one another. They really cancel themselves out.

He nods, leaning back from the screen, looking more like his normally lawyery self, as he states the facts.]

Right, and aside from deceiving the public, it served as a gesture to protect you both, in a way.

But it didn't work. The spy he was warned about was actually after something you were going to take on board.

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