Metal Boats

Posted on 31 May 2018 @ 3:35pm by Laeon Wylde

501 words; about a 3 minute read

"It's nice to be on a ship again," Laeon said lightly, leaning back in the chair, his legs pulled up in to it too, hugged against his body. "I mean, Earth was fine, but...well, it's just another planet," he shrugged.

He sipped his drink as he thought on it, a slight frown creasing his brow. He was still a juvenile by his people's standards, physically and mentally similar to a human of about 16 years old. But in truth, he was 52 human years old, and he'd seen a lot in that time. Including war.

"I...suppose that living on a planet, seeing people in their homes, just reminds you that you don't have yours anymore...when it's gone..." his frown deepened for a moment, his breath slowing and blue violet eyes shining.

"No, as the humans would say, we're all in the same boat on a ship," the youth's smile returned at that as he glanced to the screen recording his log. "Everyone's away from home. Just....a room, and some metal holding everything together, relying on a mixture of friends and strangers to stop it falling apart. You can't be an outsider if you're all the same."

He paused, considering for a long moment, rubbing the side of his thumb to his lower lip in thought. "I think Dad prefers it too," he admitted, but with a firm nod. "I'm not sure he'd admit it, but he does. I mean, I know being a doctor is just a job to him, that he never wanted to be one in the first place, but...he does it well. It gives him purpose. He needs that, when it's just us and Uncle Jaq."

Laeon grinned as he said the name, brightening up. "Jaq's new holofilm is launching soon. He said I'd probably find it boring...a romance set hundreds of years ago. I'll watch it though...." he looked down at that with an almost shy smile. "It's like...he's here then. Like I'm really seeing him."

He licked his lips, letting out a soft breath, resting his chin on his knees. "I need to convince Dad that I'm sleeping and eating right," he whispered, shaking his head. "He's threatening to make me see the counsellor otherwise," he grimaced, shaking his head. "They have no business knowing what is in my head...that's between me, the priests and the Brothers..."

His jaw set slightly with that, the stubbornness showing even though he knew it was different now. They had no priests of their people to hear their thoughts. He guessed counsellors served that purpose in this society, but it still felt...odd.

"Besides, he won't talk to one either, why should I?" Laeon shook his head, relaxing a little as he let out a long breath. "No, I just need to...settle. Let my mind rest. Stop thinking about home," he said the last in a whisper, taking a shaking breath before straightening a little, nodding firmly, resolve coming to him. "That's all."

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