From owner-CRYSTAL@duke.poly.edu Tue Apr 18 11:12:47 1995 Return-Path: Received: from duke.poly.edu by netcom9.netcom.com (8.6.12/Netcom) id LAA14562; Tue, 18 Apr 1995 11:12:44 -0700 Received: from localhost by duke.poly.edu (8.6.9/1.34-032891-Polytechnic University) id OAA22744; Tue, 18 Apr 1995 14:08:20 -0400 Received: by duke.poly.edu (8.6.9/1.34-032891-Polytechnic University) id OAA22708; Tue, 18 Apr 1995 14:07:10 -0400 Message-Id: Date: Tue, 18 Apr 1995 14:07:10 -0400 (EDT) Sender: owner-CRYSTAL@duke.poly.edu From: Elliot Smorodinsky To: crystal@duke.poly.edu Subject: LOG: (Resend) Andros finds Berni (fwd) MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII X-Listprocessor-Version: 7.1 -- ListProcessor by CREN Status: O Archive-name: Andros_finds_Berni Intro ----- Growing up, Bernadette Marshall was very close to her brother, Andros. The two were best friends and nearly inseparable on their home planet of Chanuuk. Years ago, before Berni left Chanuuk to end up at Ballybran, they had a falling out. Hurtful, scathing words were exchanged, and although they had mended their fences, things weren't the same. Then, Berni's fiance died tragically. This, coupled with other factors, drove her into a deep depression and she left Chanuuk...without a goodbye to anyone. Not even her brother. Although she tried to keep in touch with her parents by sending them interstellar transmisions, she never received any replies...until she informed them she planned on marrying again. The resulting response from her father was negative, and the way he'd worded his message made Bernadette believe all of her family had pretty much disowned her. This log follows the exchange between Andros and Caldren Marshall, posted perviously... - * - Long distance to Andros: Bernadette finally emerges from the bathing room and checks on Kevlan. She wanders around the room a bit, going about her regular routine and passes the terminal, which she notices has a line blinking on it. Looking closer, she sees a communications link had been attempted...originating point: Shankill. Long distance to Andros: Bernadette frowns and mutters to herself "Who'd be calling me from Shankill?" >From afar, Andros, meanwhile, is sitting alone in the catering foyer, staring into a cup of coffee, wondering why his sister won't answer him. Long distance to Andros: Bernadette sighs and glances at Kevlan's sleeping form on the bed behind her, then turns to the terminal, unlocking it and responding the call. The communications officer on Shankill answers and checks his log after Bernadette states her reason for the transmission. "Yes, Singer...someone did try to contact you earlier. We'll check to see if he is still on Station." WIth that, the connection is closed and Berni stis back in her chair, frowning at the blank screen for a moment with a shrug. >From afar, Andros looks up as an official enters the caterring foyer and walks across to him. "Andros Marshall?" Andros nods. The official nods, "Please remain here while the Guild tries to establish a communications link for you." You can detect some crystal resonance in your bones. Non-singers around you see: If you happen to be near Bernadette, the hair on your arm stands on end. Long distance to Andros: Bernadette sits at the terminal, drumming her fingers idly on the desktop as the terminal chimes in muted tones. She answers the summons. "Yes?" The communications officer is on screen. "CS Marshall....please hold while we connect your party." Berni arches an eyebrow as the screen displays soothing tones of 'static', as she waits. >From afar, Andros waits patiently until the official returns. He does so and says, "You may take your call on one of the terminals in the Hostel. The cost of the call shall be automatically added to your bill." He nods once and leaves. Andros rises quickly, leaving his half finished coffee and enters the Hostel. He sits in front of a terminal as it blinks to life, showing his sister's face. "Berni?" he asks, a little surprised. Long distance to Andros: Bernadette looks up from inspecting her fingernails at the screen as she hears her name. She sits bolt upright as she sees who's on the other end. "Andy!" Bernadette looks a lot harder than you remember....she still looks like Bernice...but somehow...different. >From afar, Andros's face flashes with expressions of worry, surprise and finaly settles on a weak smile. "Berni, is everything alright. I've been trying to get in contact with you for days." Long distance to Andros: Bernadette continues staring at the screen, blinking frequently, as if she doesn't believe her eyes. FInally she nods. "I'm fine, Andros..." and with a little frown, "What are you doing on Shankill?" >From afar, Andros's smile fades a little. "I was looking for you. Berni, you gotta believe me when I say, I didn't even know you were here. Father kept it secret." Long distance to Andros: Bernadette's frown deepens. "Stay right there. I'll be on the next shuttle out..." She breaks the connection neatly. Long distance to Andros: Bernadette sets about making sure Tamber is able to stand watch over Kevlan and books herself passage on the next shuttle to Shankill....her brother being perhaps the only thing that would pry her away from Kevlan's side. The computer responds to your query with a pleasant voice, "You are a confirmed passenger for the shuttle to Shankill which will be leaving in 6 minute(s). Please make sure that you are in the shuttle area at least 2 minutes ahead of time. Your account has been billed." You step out into the hallway. >From afar, Andros looks a little shocked and hurt as the connection is abruptly sevred. He sits back in his chair, a worried expression on his face, perhaps he shouldn't have come after all. Perhaps she still hasn't forgiven him for what happened. Shuttle bound for Shankill The inside of the shuttle feels confining. The seats are set close together and there are no ports which allow viewing of the outside of the shuttle. The forward section contains the pilot and is closed off. Each seat is equipped with a sturdy buckle. All passengers must be 'buckle'ed in before the shuttle will take off. You pass through the portal and into the shuttle destined for Shankill. Bernadette securely buckles in. Long distance to Andros: Bernadette waits in her seat on the shuttle, tapping her foot impatiently. An official discreetly checks the occupants of the shuttle against the passenger list. >From afar, Andros wanders round the small hostel room, anxiously awaiting his sister's arrival. He should meet her in the shuttle area. But what should he say to her. it's been over two years and something about her a changed." The shuttle shudders with the vibration of its powerful crystalline drive as it launches from the bay. You rise slightly in your seat with the weightlessness of space and are held securely by your buckle. Long distance to Andros: Bernadette settles back, though still tense, as the shuttle launches on its way to Shankill. 'Why is he here?' keeps repeating in her mind. You settle comfortably back into the long rather tedious journey. You awake from a slight doze at the feel of the shuttle descending and slowing with some retroblasts. The Shuttle pilot announces over the intercom system, "Welcome to Shankill Moon Base!" The shuttle opens its airlock and the pressure pops in your ears as the entry is unsealed. >From afar, Andros walks quickly to the shuttle area to await his sister. His mind constanly going over events as they had happened and what he might have been able to do differently. This time he has to get it right. Bernadette releases the buckle around her. Long distance to Andros: Bernadette unbuckles as she arrives on Shankill and makes her way out of the craft. >From afar, Andros stands back as he sees the shuttle arrive. You step through the portal and onto the debarkation area on Shankill. Shuttle Area on Shankill A huge area filled with bustling people and noise. Periodically a shuttle launches from its bay with a whine of its crystaline drive into space. The area is kept scrupulously clean. Towards the north is the large, opaque force screen of the debarkation arch, a panel to the left of it blinking a small red light. This Moon Base is still under construction, so pardon any lapses for now. Contents: Andros Shuttle arriving from Ballybran Rose Shuttle Control Officer Luigi's Flowers Obvious exits: Cargo Area Debarkation arch A shuttle launches from its bay. A shuttlecraft has left. Bernadette stands at the base of the ramp, blinking uncertainly at Andros. Andros watches Bernadette from the other side of the room, seemingly hesitant to move. He smiles weakly at Bernadette. Bernadette jumps a bit as she realizes Andros is looking at her, and glances around her for a moment, before starting across the floor towards him, a small smile on her face. Andros moves from the wall, his smile broadening a little. As he nears you he holds his arms out to hug you, a grin now plastered on his face. Bernadette blushes a little, and glances around the area again, before she breaks into a jog and more or less throws herself into your arms, clinging tightly. Andros hugs you tightly. "Hiya squirt." He holds you back from him to look at you. "God, its been so long." His eyes mist a little as he pulls you back to him and hugs you again. Bernadette sniffles a little as she returns your hug. Then she pulls away while she slaps her hands down gently on your shoulders. "What are you DOING here?" Andros smiles again, "I was looking for you." He looks around the crowded shuttle area. "Is there somewhere we can talk?" Bernadette nods. "Sure...sure....This way." She heads out of the shuttle area. You submit your wrist to the identity plate at debarkation control. The arch dilates to permit you access to Shankill Moon Base and you pass through into the lobby area. Lobby of Shankill Station(#0RJs) This is the small lobby area on Shankill, one of the three moons of Ballybran. There are five irised exits leading off into the rest of the moon station, and an archway which leads to the shuttle area. The arch has an opaque force screen below it which occasionally dilates to let people through. This is a central spot on the moon base and there seems to always be someone walking swiftly through the small area, intent upon their business. Obvious exits: Shuttle Area Meeting Hall Administration Transients' hostel Catering Foyer Guild Hall Andros enters from the shuttle area. Andros has arrived. Bernadette smiles over her shoulder to make sure you're following. You enter the Guild Hall. The Heptite Guild Reception Area - Shankill This is an enormous hall of an unusual shape. It is twelve-sided and 5-6 meters high. Lighted display niches which can be +viewed are set at random levels on the sidewalls and a curved computer console is the only furnishing in the open chamber. By far the most striking feature of this room is a crystal chandelier. Looking closer at it you notice that it is slowly rotating, its luminous ends sending motes of light about the room. The softly dancing lights are accompanied by an almost subliminal chiming. The effect is rather hypnotic if you stand here too long. Contents: Interview Terminal Guild Programmer Obvious exits: Guild Lawyer Locked Door Lobby Small Door Andros enters from the Lobby area. Andros has arrived. Bernadette turns and glances at you. "This okay?" Andros looks around. "It looks alright to me." Bernadette nods and heads for someplace to sit. Bernadette rambles over to the tables. Andros rambles over to the tables. Bernadette sits down at table one. Bernadette looks up at you. "Do you want someting to eat, Andy?" Andros shakes his head, "No, I'm fine, Berni." He looks around again. "How'd you get here?" Bernadette frowns a little. "By shuttle, of course..." She doesn't meet your eyes. Andros grins, "I guessed that much." He looks a little more serious, "When you left though...I mean...why here?" Bernadette sighs and shrugs her shoulders, not looking up. "I went a lot of places. The rest of my credits took me here." She shrugs again. Andros looks down at the table. "None of us knew what had happened to you." He looks up again, "You had me worried sick, mother as well." Bernadette manages to hang her head a little lower, blushing. She mutters "I'm sorry...but I couldn't stay." She peeks up from beneath her bangs. "I sent word when I got here." She shrugs and looks back down at the table. "No one responded." Andros sounds both frustrated and upset as he continues. "_Father_ didn't tell us. I only found out you were here a few weeks back. He won't even let mother send a message to you. And he's requested Cannuk's communications link be checked. SO I couldn't respond either." He looks across at you. "I had to get in touch with you somehow." Bernadette looks up warily. "Why?" Andros seems unsure of how to continue. "You have to see mother. She's so worried about you. And I...." he trials off. Bernadette frowns. "I can't go see her right now, Andy." She pauses a moment. "But I will...someday." Andros says "What do you mean someday? She was almost out of her mind, wondering what was happening to you." Bernadette stands up and starts pacing. Bernadette stands up from table one. You say "I mean, I can't go just now." Andros takes a deep breath and lowers his voice again. "Sorry, Berni. It's just, after all this time, and finally finding you like this...." Bernadette looks at you. "I'm needed here." Bernadette shrugs. "Yell at me if you want. You've probably earned the right to do so." Andros shakes his head, "No, we did that last time, remember? Just explain to me, what's so important here, that _it_ can't wait?" Bernadette sighs and tips her head back, looking at the ceiling. "It's a _who_, not a what." She pulls her head forward to look at you again. "Kevlan needs me right now." Andros lets out a soft, "oh" He looks away for a moment. "He's your fiancee, right?" Bernadette nods, looking at you almost defiantly as if challenging you to say anything negative. "He is. ANd he's not well right now." Andros nods calmly, showing more restraint than you might expect from him. "Will he be alright?" Bernadette folds her arms across her chest and sighs. "Eventually, yes. And when he's better...we'll both come home to visit mother. And you." Andros sighs, "I hope so, for mother's sake. I might not be there though." Bernadette frowns. "And where will you be?" Bernadette continues, "Father's already going to be steamed you came after me..." she adds in a mutter almost too low for you to hear "...finally." Andros shrugs, "Don't know. Father sort of made it pretty plain I wasn't welcome aroung home though." He stands and wanders over to the catering unit. Bernadette shakes her head. "You have your own land, Andy. He can't keep you from it." She pauses again and sighs. "And you'll have to go back. If mother was worried about me...think of how she feels now with you gone, too, and left to deal with Simon and dad?" Andros spins the menufax around to display the drink selections. Andros peruses the selection of drinks, and orders a cup of coffee. Andros takes his coffee and wanders back to the table. "I told mother where I was going." Bernadette raises an eyebrow, obviously not satisfied. "And if you don't go back? I don't think she'll like that much." She sighs. "Two runaways in the family is too much." Andros sits down adding sugar to the coffee and stirring it. Andros sighs, "You don't know what its like back there though. Since you left. The family rarely even speaks to each other anymore. Just me and mother or Simon and father." Bernadette frowns and sits down next to you. "Why did you really come, Andy? You wouldn't have come all this way just to tell me to come home and see mother." Her brown eyes search your face. Andros tries to look away and eventually ends up staring into his coffee as it cools. "I..i don't know. When I heard where you were and that you were getting married again. I just had to see you." He shakes his head. "It sounds stupid but...it was almost liek a second chance...to make things right between us." Bernadette puts a hand on your arm. "Nothing's wrong between us..." she says, but she doesn't sound too convinced herself. Andros put his hand on yours, shaking his head. "Ever since Dennis, things haven't been the same. I..I shouldn't have said those things about you, Berni." Bernadette looks down at her lap with a shrug. "Maybe you were right." Andros says "What happened to it?" Bernadette pulls her hand out from under yours and sits with her hands clasped tightly in her lap. She says tightly "That's my Andy....not one to beat around the bush." Andros looks down at his coffee again, "I'm sorry, I thought I should ask." Bernadette sighs. "I lost him." She shrugs. Andros sits quietly. Bernadette looks at you, her face rather blank and devoid of emotion. "Seemed to be appropriate, don't you think? Lose one...lose them all?" Andros looks a little shocked, "No Berni, you can't think like that." Bernadette chuckles...but it isn't a pleasant sound. "I don't anymore." She shrugs again and looks away. "It's all in the past." Andros looks at you, "Is it? Really? When you left..." Bernadette glances at you again. "WHen I left what?" Andros shakes his head and almost whispers, "It was like you were leaving everything behind...everything that hurt you." Bernadette may have had trouble hearing you if she hadn't been adapted, but she catches your words clearly and sighs as she puts an arm around your shoulder. "No. I didn't mean it that way. I just simply couldn't stay." Andros looks up at you again. "I understand. Doesn't make it much easier though. Are you happy here?" Bernadette sighs and presses her forehead to yours. "I'm sorry I hurt you, Andy. I really did't mean to. I wasn't thinking." She sits back and contemplates your question. "Most of the time, yes." Andros nods, "You're happier here than at home though, aren't you? That's all that realy matters." Bernadette nods, almost sadly, "Yes, I am." She lowers her voice and her eyes and continues "I miss you, though." Andros smiles, "I miss you to, sis." he reaches round the table to hug you again. "But there's no reason why we can't talk to each other anymore." Bernadette leans against your side. "There is if father isn't letting my messages through...or yours out." Andros shakes his head, "He won't be able to stop me if I'm not there, though. I'll get Stephan to set up a private link for mother." He smiles again, "Besides, you didn't think I was going to miss my little sister's wedding, did you?" Bernadette blinks. "I don't know when there's going to be a wedding, first of all..." she frowns a little. "Secondly, you have a farm to take care of, Andy...You can't just leave it...like I did." Andros shrugs, "I never did much there, just signed a few papers. Father was the one who wanted us to all be farmers." Bernadette sighs. "Tell me one thing, Andy. If I hadn't left, would you?" Andros smiles, "To tell you the truth, sis, I really don't know." Bernadette props her elbow on the table and rests her chin in her hand. "Just so long as you're doing this for you...and not because you think I need looking after." She smiles finally, a rather genuine smile, for a moment before it fades. "But you can't stay here...." Andros grins, "Of course you need looking after. Otherwise what reason would there be for big brothers, aay squirt? And I could probably try and get some work here, at least for a little while. Look at you, after two years, everyone I've spoken to seems to have heard of you." Bernadette smiles a little, but looks dubious. "Yeah, I guess I kind of have a reputation here." She shrugs. "What would you do here? You don't know anything but farming..." Andros chuckles, "And I don't even know much about that." He looks down at his nearly cold coffe and smiles. 'I guess I could serve drinks." Bernadette laughs. "That's what the catering unit is for," she teases. Then turns serious. "Maybe you should go back, Andy...at least for now." She pauses. "If you're short of credits to buy passage home, I can pay your way..." Andros shakes his head, "It's ok. I'll try to speak with mother tonight, let her know everything's ok." Bernadette frowns. "I, um...can't stay on the station much longer...I have to get back to Kevlan..." She sighs. "Wish I could take you with to show you around, but..." She shrugs. "Are you staying in the transient's hostel?" Andros nods, "Yeah, Alex showed me where I could stay." He smiles, "You know where you can find me, if you need anything." Bernadette smiles and nods. "That I do..." She stands up. "But first...." She crosses to the terminal in the room and places a call to the hostel foyer. "CS Bernadette Marshall here..." she addresses the young attendant on screen. "Yes, CS Marshall...what can I do for you?" She glances over her shoulder at Andros for a moment then back to the attendant, lowering her voice just a little. "I'd like you to upgrade the room for one Andros Marshall to the largest suite you have available. Get him out of the dinky hole I'm sure you guys stuffed him in..." The attendant looks mortified and about to protest. She holds up a hand. "Any charges he has accrued, his bill for the room, and anything further he should purchase or charge while on Shankill is to be charged to me. Is that clear?" The attendant nods. "Yes, Singer." Berni nods. "Good." And cuts the connection. Bernadette turns back to face you and walks over. "You should be a little more comfortable now..." Every now and again your mind wanders to thoughts of freshly cut crystal humming in your hands. Non-singers around you see: Bernadette seems to be elsewhere occasionally. Andros smiles at you as he stands from the table, "I see you haven't lost that spirit of yours." Bernadette smiles and shrugs. "Credit talks, I suppose. Gives you false feelings of authority." She grins. Andros grins, "Still the little hothead." He moves to hug. "Now go take care of your fiancee." Bernadette readily moves into your arms and returns the embrace. "I will. Now, you're my guest for the duration of your stay on Shankill...order anything you like from the catering unit or anywhere else. Dn't worry about expense." Bernadette stands utterly still for a moment and cocks her head to the side as if she's listening for something. She looks up at you finally and says, regretfully, "I dont know when I'll be able to make it back up here again...but if you need to talk to me, you can call me on Ballybran. My terminal will be set to accept your calls." Andros nods, "Ok, sis, you take care, alright." He smiles, "I'll see you to your shuttle." Bernadette chuckles and shakes her head. "You don't have to. It doesn't depart for awhile yet." Bernadette hugs Andros again and wanders. Andros yawns and smiles, "Well I best get this message off to mother, while you track down your shuttle." Bernadette smiles and nods. "Call me if you need anything." [ End log. ]