Sky Trek: Over Still Waters

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"I'm sorry for being so cold to you," Sunset said to Luna. "I thought you were here for… other reasons than a friendly visit."

Princess Luna furrowed her brow in concern. "I assure you that I have no other intentions." She then glanced away from Sunset. "The incident with the Thestrals brought back many old memories. Including of…"

"Your sister?" Sunset asked.

She winced, before gradually giving Sunset a sad smile. "Yes."

Sunset sighed. "I understand. Truth be told, I miss her, too."

"She really did speak highly of you," Luna said. "She once said you were a genius when it came to 'gears and mana'."

"I'm… still kind of surprised about that," Sunset admitted.

"Oh?"

Sunset closed her eyes, a look of regret washing over her. "We weren't on the best of terms when I left for the Terran Continent. We were barely even talking to each other. Honestly, me doing the exchange program was more out of spite than curiosity."

"Spite?" Luna said, more curiosity in her tone than anything. "But why?"

"Long story short, I… felt like she was holding me back when it came to magic," Sunset said. "I guess I can't blame her. I was kind of a hothead back then - still am, in fact - and I guess she thought I'd lose control if I learned the higher tiers."

To Sunset's surprise, Luna actually chuckled. "Hothead, hm? You understand who you're talking to, yes?"

Sunset blinked, then returned the chuckle. "You know, she talked a lot about you, too, before you came back. When Aura was high at night, she'd take me out on her balcony and tell story after story.”

Luna swallowed hard, then took a deep breath. "I know." She then closed her eyes. "And right when I was getting to know her again after all those years, we were parted yet again. I suppose fate would have us remain separated across time and space." There were almost tears in her eyes as she continued with: "But it isn't unusual, yes? Many siblings grow up together - their bond stronger than steel - only for life to find ways of moving them apart. Perhaps I should just be grateful for the time we had, but..."

Sunset hesitated for a second, before finally saying: "Can I ask you something about that?"

Luna paused for a second, then nodded.

"What happened?" Sunset asked. "And I mean what really happened? Not the BS the media is saying. There is no way she just 'disappeared' one night. I know they suspected foul play, too, because they accused me of having something to do with it."

"You?" Luna said, taken aback. "W-Why?"

"Because of that stupid article I submitted to the Londinium Times," Sunset said.

"Article?" Luna said. "What article?"

"Princess Celestia: Enlightened Monarch or Selfish Despot, " Sunset quoted bitterly. "I wrote it when I found out Celestia had taken another student. While - and no offense - I’ve become pretty pro-democracy, with that article… I just wasn't thinking straight… all I wanted was to lash out at her. So I took every bad thing I could think about her rule and put it on paper. Didn’t even give a thought to all the good she did over the years."

"She… never mentioned this," Luna said.

Sunset glanced downward. “Then she must have been furious.”

"I wouldn't be so certain," Luna countered. “When she did something like that, it usually meant she wanted to put it behind her. Perhaps it did affect her for a time, but I don't believe she held it against you."

"Doesn't matter," Sunset said. "I hold it against myself." She then shook her head, a flood of baffling memories coming to her. "And so did 'Skyfleet Intelligence'."

Luna blinked. "What do you mean by 'Skyfleet Intelligence'."

"That's what he called himself." Sunset narrowed her eyes. "But I'm not sure he was.”

--

Gears whirled and pistons spewed steam in the Enterprise's engineering bay. At the rear of it, a transparent cylinder twirled rapidly, a twister of blue energy streaming from one end to the other within it. The latter end was attached to the mana drive, and the other nothing at all. Instead, a massive blue crystal stood before it - the origin of the magical energy being funneled into the drive.

Next to it was a large command console. Among its many dials and levers was a small note:

‘DO NOT TOUCH THE CRYSTAL WHEN ACTIVE!’ - Dr. McKay

Despite the spectacular sight, Chief Engineer Geordi LaForge and Lead Alchemist Alphonse Elric were concentrating on a smaller matter: a gear-like object and a plain sheet of metal sitting next to it on the grated floor.

"Alright, Geordi," Alphonse said, taking a deep breath. "Here goes nothing."

He clapped his hands, then reached down to the metal sheet. There was a flash of light, and the metal sheet was no more: in its place a duplicate of the gear next to it.

"Hot damn," Geordi laughed, clearly impressed as he inspected the work. "And that is why it's good to have an alchemist aboard." He gazed at him curiously. "Though don't you guys usually have to draw a - what are they called? - Transmutation Circle to do that?"

"Usually we do," Al said. "Though with me… that would take some explaining."

"No worries," Geordi said. "I was just curious, really. Either way, thanks for this."

"No need to thank me," the alchemist said politely. "It was nothing."

"Nothing?" Geordi said, smirking. "Do you know how hard it'll be to get spare parts when we're going to be so far from home all the time?"

"Hard?" Al answered, already knowing the answer.

"You better believe it," Geordi said. "Skyfleet's usually good about keeping us stocked, but in this case… well, even the wildest captains would have second thoughts about running a supply ship to the edge of the known world."

"I'd be happy to help any time you need me," Al said.

Geordi gave him a wide smile. "You're going to make plenty of friends back here with that attitude."

Alphonse nearly blushed at that. Alchemists were certainly respected in his home nation of Amestris, but given their commonality, they didn't strike wonder into people the way they did elsewhere. "Do you need anything else made?"

"No, I've seen enough to know you've got us covered. Don't want to waste your time," Geordi said. "I've got some PM to do for now, but hey, a bunch of us are playing poker later if you want in."

"Poker?" Al blinked.

"Colonial Union card game," Geordi said. "Catching on like wildfire through the Federation. Don't worry, we always get a few newbies. You won't be walking into it blind."

"Oh, I don't know," Al said. "Never been too good at that sort of thing."

"Hey, no worries," Geordi said casually. "Buuuut we'll be in Ten-Forward at 2000 hours if you change your mind."

"Maybe if I feel brave enough," Al joked, earning a chuckle from Geordi. "I'll see you later!"

"Take care, Al, and thanks again."

At that, Al made his way up a series of lifts, over high hanging catwalks, and through a final corridor, before finally finding himself out of the engineering section …

… And face to face with Victor Stone.

While he was wary of the half-golem for a split-second, the apologetic look on his human half quickly made his intentions apparent.

“Oh hey!” Victor said, sheepishly putting a hand behind his head. “Your brother said you might be here.”

“You were looking for me?” Alphonse blinked.

“Yup,” Victor nodded. “You up for some grub?”

Alphonse paused for another second, before smiling wide.

--

While the Enterprise’s cafeteria was the main place to go for a quick bite, Ten Forward was where the crew dined in style. It was composed of homely, rustic wood and located near the front of the vessel. This allowed its various table-adorned alcoves hanging off it offered beautiful views of the sky and sea ahead.

And It was in one of these that Victor and Alphonse now sat, Alphonse downing a cup of tea and Victor 'golem juice': a glowing blue, mineral rich magical elixir.

“So wait, you thought I wanted to study you?” Alphonse chuckled.

“Yeah,” Victor admitted. “Like a new science project or something like that.”

“Can’t say I blame you,” Alphonse said. “A lot of alchemists are more curious than for their own good.” He took a deep breath. “Believe me, I’ve seen a lot of that. Could tell you a few horror stories, even. It's given me a lot of mixed feelings about the practice over the years."

“Your brother told me about your condition,” Victor said.

Al raised his eyebrows. "Really? I mean, I don't mind that much, but he's usually so protective."

"He was at first," Victor said. "But once I told him why I wanted to find you…"

"Ah, now that sounds more like him." Al closed his eyes. “Yeah. It was a pretty strange childhood to say the least. Don’t get me wrong - I don’t blame my brother for it at all. If I wasn’t put in that suit of armor, I wouldn’t be here right now. Still…”

“I feel you there,” Victor said.

“That’s kind of why I wanted to reach out to you,” Al said. “I saw the way you were looking at your hand. Let’s just say I knew it all too well.”

“Been like this for nearly fifteen years now,” Victor said. “You’d think I’d have gotten used to it…”

“You never will… not completely,” Al said. “But as time goes on…”

“Doesn't heal scars, but it can heal wounds?”

“Something like that,” Al smiled.

“You think I’ll ever be able to cure the biggest one?” Victor asked.

Al sat back in his chair, a slightly remorseful look on him. “I’m… not sure.”

“You got your body back, though,” Victor pointed out.

“My body was taken from me as punishment, I suppose you could say,” Alphonse said. “And only given back when my brother gave penance.”

“While mine… mine was taken by accident,” Victor sighed. “Pretty much ripped to pieces.”

“I wouldn’t say it’s completely out of the question,” Al admitted. “Nothing really is, these days. But I don’t want to get your hopes up.”

“Nikolai said pretty much the same thing,” Victor said.

“Nikolai… Tekla, right?” Al asked.

“The Colonial Union's… well, probably the Federation now’s top alchemist, scientist… hell, top everything,” Victor said. “Only thing he could never learn was how to play soccer.”

“Wait, what?” Al said, blinking rapidly. “When did he play soccer?”

Victor chuckled. “It was like trying to coax a scared turtle out of its shell, but I got him to try one time.”

“And?”

“ Let's just say he never wanted to try again,” Victor smirked.

“That’s one for the biography,” Al laughed. “So did you play a lot of it?”

“It’s what got me the scholarship to UAE,” Victor smiled. “Originally I was on the road to play professionally, but Dr. Tekla… well, guess he coaxed a different side out of me. Went into electronics instead." His voice turned slightly bitter. "Sure made my dad happy..”

Al paused for a second, as if debating with himself over something. “My apologies if I’m prying too much, but… do you blame him at all for what happened?”

"Nikolai? No,” Victor said immediately. “No, it wasn’t his fault. That was... “ He winced. “Well, I’d like to say it was the ghosts of the Great War, but…”

“That’s alright,” Al said. “You don’t have to--”

“It’s good, man,” Victor said. “But no. Despite the rumors about Dr. Tekla being a mad scientist and all that BS, the only person he usually put at risk was himself. Can’t say the same for my father. He’s pretty much the reason why the Federation banned teleportation, portal, all those types of experiments. He would have gone to jail if not for...”

The half-golem drew silent, glancing away from Al, who seemed to not know what to say.

“But hey, at least I got to be part of the Titans cus of all that jazz,” Victor continued. “Was it worth it? Dunno. But it was a hell of a ride.”

“And now here you are on the Enterprise for a second one,” Al said, giving a light smile.

“Heh, so far, it hasn’t been too crazy,” Victor said. “But--”

“Ensign Stone to the Bridge. Ensign Stone to the Bridge, ” the intercom suddenly blurted.

“Damn,” Victor grumbled. “There I go jinxing myself. Wonder what they want?”

Al gestured towards one of the windows. “Maybe something to do with that?”

Victor’s human eye widened. In the distance, an unnaturally large rolling mass of black storm clouds inched towards the Enterprise, flashes of lightning blaring from them. “Hooo boy. I’m in trouble.”

--

A few tables nearby, Leia noted Victor's sudden departure with a raised eyebrow. "Wonder where he's off to in such a hurry?"

"The bridge is a busy place from what I hear," Ben noted, unenthusiastically taking another bite of his specially made Jogan Fruit Tart.

"It can be," Leia said. "Luckily, I'm not needed at the moment. Diplomats aren't much help when you're just charting the waves."

"Still, I'm sure you have paperwork and stuff to catch up on, don't you?" Ben said, his tone indicative of a suggestion rather than a question.

"I do, but it can wait," Leia said patiently. "So, how are you liking the Enterprise so far?"

"It's fine," Ben said nonchalantly.

"No sky sickness or anything?" Leia asked. "I know skyships aren't as bad as airships, but it can still creep up on you."

"Nope, I'm good."

Leia resisted sighing, trying to think of something else to talk about. To say the following bout of silence was awkward would be an understatement.

Finally, it was Ben that broke it.

“Mom, this is nice and all, but I know how into your work you are,” Ben said, annoyance now clearly in his voice. “We don’t have to spend time together if you don’t want to.”

Leia frowned. “Who said I didn’t want to? We could all use a break from time to time.”

Ben eyed him suspiciously. “Is that what this is about? Did Ahsoka tell you I’m not at ‘100% chill’?”

“What do you mean?" Leia asked. “I haven't talked with Ahsoka recently. Just thought we’d make up for a little lost time.”

“Uh huh,” Ben said.

Leia paused, debating for a second whether or not she should press the topic. “Though… is everything going okay with Jedi training?"

With that, Ben angrily stood up, a look of spite on his face. “I knew it.”

“Knew what?”

“That this was what this is about,” Ben grumbled. “It’s all you and dad want, after all. That I become a great jedi knight." With that, he turned and began to make his way out of Ten-Forward. "Whelp, better get back to it, then."

"Ben, wait!" Leia called, following him into the nearby corridor. “That’s not true and you know it.”

“Oh yeah?” Ben snapped, twirling about. “If it’s not, how come you didn't even bat an eye when Uncle Like came knocking? 'Hey, your kid has the Force. Want me to take him off your hands-- I MEAN send him to my school? I promise it’s not gonna be a creepy cult this time!’ 'Of course! we already packed his bags.'" He paused a tick. "Don’t get me wrong, I think Uncle Luke is doing the best he can, but it's like you had everything planned for me. Did you even once think I might want to do something else with my life?”

She sat a hand on his shoulder, putting on the softest tone she could muster. “Ben, I’m sure Luke has explained how important it is for you to learn to control your powers.”

“Right, like you did?” Ben said snidely, ripping the hand off it.

“By the time I learned what I was, it was too late for me to start training,” Leia said.

“Uncle Luke learned,” Ben shot back. “What was he? Like, late 20s when he trained with Master Yoda?”

“And he's very fortunate he did,” Leia said softly. “Just like you will be.”

“Uh huh,” Ben growled, turning away from her completely now. “Must have been convenient for you and paps - a free spirit and a busy diplomat - to find out you could just shoot me off to the middle of nowhere.”

“Ben…” Leia said, a hint of tears forming in her eyes. “Is… that why you’ve been avoiding me? Because you think I didn’t want you?”

“I’m sure you did want me,” Ben said. “Til you found out that it wasn’t all fun and games. Then, when you realized just how much time a kid takes from you, you did everything you could to get back to basics. Hell, even now, you probably did all you could to keep me off this ship!"

“No, not at all!” Leia said, feeling as if she had just taken a stun blast. “The opposite!”

“Yeah, that’s what I--” He paused, twirling about. His eyes searched his mother for lies. “Wait… wait what?”

“I don’t regret sending you off for training,” Leia gulped, her voice calming. “Your father fought against it even harder than he fought against the Empire, but I knew that if you didn’t, you would regret it down the line.” She then raised a finger. “However, if there’s one thing I do regret… it’s not being able to be there more for you.”

“Then why didn’t you visit more often?” Ben asked, folding his arms.

“I should have,” Leia said. “But with the New Republic joining the Federation…”

“Always with the excuses,” Ben grumbled.

“You’re right, and they’re bad ones,” Leia said. “Which is why I wanted to make it up to you. Luke told me how much you wanted to go out and explore the world. So I thought… maybe we could do it together. I might not be able to go to the Jedi Academy too often, but maybe I could bring a piece of it to me. So I pulled a few strings, asked Ahsoka nicely, and here we are - together, like it should be.”

“I…” Ben said, glancing about for some reason. “I don't know what to say. I think I just… maybe I need some time alone.”

“Take all the time you need,” Leia said.

“Doesn’t mean I forgive you,” Ben said, lifting a finger. “Just that I’ll have to… think about forgiving you.”

With that, he turned and walked silently away, leaving a reeling Leia staring at his back.

--

“Yes!” Undyne shouted triumphantly. “This is perfect! Soon we will be ONE WITH THE STORM!”

As if to punctuate her pronouncement, a brilliant bolt of lightning ripped from the rolling clouds in the distance.

“One with the storm! One with the storm!” Undyne chanted, giving a toothy grin.

Tasha glanced ahead worriedly. The two of them stood at the bow of the ship, In particular, under her primary tri-cannon turret, their massive forms casting a shadow over them. With the wind blowing through their uniforms, it would have looked quite dramatic if anyone was around to see it.

“As Chief of Security, I really should be escorting myself out of here, you know,” Tasha said. “It isn’t exactly safe to be here even at cruise speed.”

“Pffft, we’ll be fine. And remember, you’re a part Vila Chief of Security,” Undyne corrected. “Trust me, there’s no better place to unlock your magic than in the middle of a storm."

“Well, I s’pose the Enterprise has lightning rods and all that,” Tasha sighed. “You said I’d be in the source of my magic, though? What does that mean?”

“Alphys explained this to me one time,” Undyne said. “All magical energies - mana, that is - come from somewhere. We Monsters can draw it directly from our SOULs. Some humans like my little punk friend Frisk can draw it from there, too. However, there's a lot of other places to draw from, depending on the type of magic. Am I… am I making any sense?”

“I think so,” Tasha said.

“Nice,” Undyne smiled. “So for someone who can wield elemental magic, where do you think they get their power from?”

“The elements?”

“Friggin’ A Plus,” Undyne cheered. “Alphys says that it’s often the channelling part of it that’s the hardest. The uh, drawing of energy. So the closer and elementalist is to the source, the easier it should be.”

“I still don’t get how you’re so sure I can do this,” Tasha said.

Undyne coughed. “Weeeell…”

“Well what?”

She scratched the back of her head. “I didn’t want to say it earlier cus’ humans can get a little weirded out by it sometimes, but Monsters can sort of… read SOULs.”

Tasha blinked in confusion. “What?”

Undyne chuckled. “Don’t ask me how it works cus I couldn’t tell you, but we can tell a lot about people by doing it. Their magical potential, their LV - level of violence, which usually means how cruel someone is - et cetera.”

“Sounds like reading minds,” Tasha said.

“Sort of,” Undyne said. “Though it goes a little deeper than that.” She then glanced at Tasha hesitantly. “You sound surprisingly cool with this. Are you?”

“Well, it is a little invasive…”

Undyne winced. “I’m sorry. Monsters read each other all the time, but I really do try to keep from peaking around humans too much. Guess I couldn't resist looking at yours to see… Well, let's just say I still sort of have trust issues with humans."

“Honestly?” Tasha said. “With my line of work, I’m not sure if I’d hold back that much. Being able to just… tell whether someone’s a violent psychopath or not would make my job a lot easier. Anyway, my point is I can’t really be that hypocritical about it.” She then smiled slightly. “Besides, I’m not someone who keeps their cards against their chest.”

“Huh?”

“Means I don’t hide who I am too often,” Tasha explained. “For better or worse, what you see is what you get.”

Undyne laughed. “Girl, you’re right about that.”

“Oh?”

“Means I think you have a good SOUL,” Undyne said. “Don’t get me wrong, as much as I hate to admit it, most humans deep down are pretty decent. It’s partially why Alphys and I have been trying to make more non-monster friends. Few are brave enough to show it, though.”

Tasha couldn’t help but raise her eyebrows. “Wish you were there when we were talking to those Thestrals.”

“Hah!” Undyne cackled. “Me? Get captured? Yeah right.”

Tasha rolled her eyes, chuckling. “Okay, Ms. Modesty.”

“If you got it, flaunt it,” Undyne smirked, before gesturing towards the storm once more. “But don’t worry, if you learn sky magic you’ll be able to take down something like a Thestral in no time.”

Tasha smiled slightly. “Well, I guess we should get to it, then.”

“That’s the spirit!” Undyne said, giving her a friendly (though still slightly painful) slap on the back. “Just remember: ONE WITH THE STORM!”