Post by deatacita on Jun 1, 2014 22:07:02 GMT
The time in-which we inhabit is one of wonders, one where science and technology have reached their apex, and yet advancement claws forever forwards, determined to unlocked the secrets of the universe. Our universe is a haven, containing all that for which we care, everything our species has ever known and everything we love. Yet, despite these persistent and revolutionary advances, nature continues to outwit us, creating for us new challenges which seem insurmountable. Floating among a sea of stars, dust and gas lay our homes, our anchorages in this vast, hostile, life-smothering universe we call home.
These are truly places of beauty, shaped by our footsteps, the foot steps of those untold enigmas that soared the stars while we were but infants, hiding in our caves, and a boundless assembly of trillions of other influences. It is here that we hide, evading the omniscient gaze of those that seek to harm us and despoil our fragile peace.
An undimmed horizon, from Tyrian to amethyst stretched across these halcyon seas, dotted with the distant shadows of faraway, gargantuan nebulae decorates the distance, their blue,orange, red and yellow shapes spattering the heavens with a rainbow's worth of color. Few clouds exist in this exotic realm, the few that do being thin, wispy trails, barely capable of casting a shadow on the titanic sea below. It's shores reach far into the distance, almost beyond sight to the monumental mountain range at the edge of sight. Their shores end abruptly, pressed tightly against towering fjords of an imposing mountain. Across the titan's crest lay an outlandish form, massive towers reaching far into the sky nearly enough to caress the face of heaven itself, this spires are made not of rock, but of multicolor crystals, entire forests of these unusual formations camouflage the rock below. The spacious valleys below this leviathan seem humble in comparison, their unblemished natural beauty paling in comparison to the glittering spires of beauty miles above them . These hillsides are a strange sight, their evergreen slopes of grass bathed in patterns of light from light piercing the gem towers above.
Miles of thick, uncut grass shine a ranging spectrum of light in this remarkable display, tree's leaves adorned with reflective slabs of sap manifest as shining beacons of purple, blue, red, green and yellow as quickly as they vanish in the ever-shifting winds. Chameleon creatures, their skin wavering constantly into mind boggling patterns of dazzling colors, their motifs changing constantly, never the same for more than a moment forage warily in this elegant yet predatory land.
She stood alone, her spacesuit-clad body sitting solemnly upon the shattered crystal beaches along the long, calm shore. The exposed skin being the color of freshly fallen snow, and seemingly just as soft. Across her snow-painted face lay an ugly “Y” shaped scar stretching it's ugly dark-pink tendrils from just under her nose to the middle of her right cheek, where it branches in two, one continuing to just below her eye while the other continued it's grotesque path to just below her right ear. Clustered tightly around the scar and down to her thin, tender neck lay the trademark iron-gray specs of bionic implants, their dull iron surface seemingly absorbing all light directed towards it, somehow able to remain badly lit despite the shining sun around her.
Her eyes, the color of freshly wrought amethysts, surrounded by a sea of milk-white irises stared out at the sea with a sense of untamed and unmatched curiosity. All around seemed to interest her, from the massive spires miles above her and far into the distance to the quiet “Click clack” of skittering animals running from her strange presence in their habitat.
Before now, this girl's world was one of an artificial make, one made of titanium bulkheads, hardened glass, blast-doors, two man bunk beds, and cargo bays. A mechanical world for a girl with a mechanical calling, she had enjoyed it thus far because it had been all she knew. She did not know of small, cute animals, nor of beautiful seas like the one she gazed upon now. But now that she had, nothing would be the same. Star ships of plastic and metal could no-longer satisfy her, she would never again be able to call a vessel her home. To her, it was as if man saw nature's colossal creations made from pure beauty and carved from rock and desired to make it her own. But man's attempts always seemed to fall short, they were crude, graceless and would all fail eventually. Man was incapable of matching nature in any way, this was a new thought. But it was dreadfully obvious to her now.
A smile appeared on her thin lips, she had been alive for nineteen standard years and had never before felt this. For the first time in her life, she had no concern for the worries of others, or even for the worries of herself. The beauty of life was in the moment and it was incredible, for the past no-longer mattered and future was only moments away. Her footsteps had been the first upon this Eden, she had been the first to mar the surface of this utopia. This land was a work of art and she had managed to be in the painting, if only in the margins. This was enough, and she was satisfied.
The clear sea water flowed roughly up the beach, splashing her boots. The sea's constant bombardment reshaped the face of the crystal shards that composed the beach with every wave. She stood as the glassy water rose rapidly, overcoming her boots and rising up her leg quickly. For what must have been an eternity she stood, up to her slim hips in the translucent liquid, alone she pondered man's insignificance among this beautiful landmark. What was man truly worth if nature could just erect a paradise like this at the slightest whim?
The peaceful environment of the exotic beach was shattered as a roaring “HISSSSS” echoed through-out the cavernous valley, but it seemed to have little effect upon the enthralled girl. Her focus still directed solely upon her august surroundings. Enclosed within herself she pondered Humanity's stupidity, ignorance and their destructive instinct. “What hope do we have?” she stuttered, her voice choked by the torrential downpour of tears descending from her ruined eyes.
Three pairs of metal boots impacted the reinforced titanium door within moments of each other, a resounding “CLANG” ringing through the late afternoon air. Slowly, the three suited forms shuffled purposely towards the lone girl. Two of the outfit hanging tightly just feet behind the third, their armored and sealed exosuits lending them a daunting air of power. As they paraded through the alien forest, it's vitality seemed to vanish. Being drained by their artificial, unnatural existence.
The quiet, almost unnoticeable sound of cracking crystals accompanied their every step through the paradise surrounding the briny ocean. The fore amongst the three removed his helmet slowly, every motion being just as precise as it needs to be, taking no more energy than absolutely necessary. As the armored shroud lifted above and off of his tender cerulean skin he spoke, “Atalanta.....Time to go” a stiff and unwavering expression of certainty plastered across his Skrellian face. His huge, black Skrellian eyes blinking repeatedly, betraying his stoic exterior. Revealing sympathy for the poor girl's plight concealed behind his indomitable sneer.
Atalanta's strength drained from her lithe body, falling from limbs weakened by many long hours of work and few of meaningful rest. Falling from her boyish chest and pooling within her frail feet. Pinning her to the crystal sands. She couldn't leave, this world was perfect. How would any world compare to this place's pure excellence, it's majestic nature and enthralling beauty? She never wished to leave, spending an eternity among the crystal spires and glittering beaches would be a dream, one she desperately wanted.
Reality however, demanded otherwise. Escorted by armored men a head taller than her, she trudged reluctantly towards the avian silhouette of a Skrellian dropship. Feet dragging behind her, each step from this refuge of innocence became more and more difficult, but finally she stepped foot upon the silvery deck of the ship, and gazed out at the paradise.
Nalu, a giant of a Skrell looked at her, his uncompromising expression softening, “This world is yours” he smiles warmly, nearly ear to ear, “It's yours to name” a slight pause between each word, seeming to emphasis the importance of this, “What will it be?”
The grief of separation suddenly found itself lifted, replaced by a smile of contentment “Eleftheria” she answered, he voice barely audible over the howling engines of the small ship. “Freedom” she whispered, a single tear dropping from her tyrian purple eyes.
