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cliban · 4 years

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Stitches: Chapter 2

Turns out it’s actually a week you have to wait, sorry!

“ Glinn looked around subtly, then pulled out her knife and started to hack away at the edge of the crow's nest.”

“She doesn’t…”

“She can’t. Lox, please don’t..”

“Jala…”

“Like brainwashing…”

“Broken!”

“No more than we were.”

Voices slipped through the boards above Seventeen, and she curled closer to herself. Occasionally somebody would take a step, and she'd stiffen, stop breathing, until no other steps were taken. This cycle of hostility and tense behavior repeated several times before Seventeen, exhausted by the recent events, curled her tail around her, and slipped into a darkness previously almost unknown to her.

Glinn marched away from the group to the mast, her steps brisk and deliberate and hard. That was nothing compared to the rage that boiled inside her stomach, her arms and shoulders, tense in such a way it made her muscles hurt to finally relax in preparation to haul herself up to the crow's nest. She grabbed a rope and steadied herself against the mast before racing up it, arms burning as she reached roughly three quarters of the way up. She grunted, dissatisfied, and reached up, clinging to the nest with her finger tips and steadying her legs as she hauled herself up. She sprawled onto the floor and rolled onto her back, sliding into a sitting position in one smooth motion.

Glinn looked around subtly, then pulled out her knife and started to hack away at the edge of the crow's nest. How dare he, how dare he? Her mind howled at her. Torturing them, hurting them, brainwashing them against you! She shivered unexpectedly, sinking the blade again and again into the softest parts of the wood. Moxie's gone, so now what do you have? A- she cut herself off, feeling slightly guilty. It wasn't her fault… but still. She wasn't strong enough, you don't deserve this poor excuse of a replacement! She spat and stabbed the wood a final time, and tucked into her belt and stood. She wrapped a rope partially around her hand and leaned over to the edge, taking in the sight, before simply… jumping.

Her skirt billowed in the wind as she swung down, Glinn knew that much. Lox had commented on it god knew how many times - she always punched him. It was always exciting, falling for a short while before the rope stretched taught and she lowered herself to the deck, landing lightly. She unwrapped the rope from her hand and continued to walk towards the stern of the ship, where Narali and Mara were talking quietly together.

"Captain? What's the plan?" Narali looked at Glinn, and Glinn felt cold as she saw the sadness in her captain's eyes. It was gone in a second. "First off, just Narali. Told you that a thousand times. Second… How we've always done it. We journey to the wilderness before the wasteland and we show her how the world is. Then we'll fly to Mars and check in on the rest of the team. I was just telling Em when we'd try to be there." Glinn sighed. “Yes, captain.” She breezed off, not looking back in case they spotted the dread on her face.

Seventeen was still curled up into a ball when she heard footsteps approach. She whimpered, shying away from whatever was coming towards her. There was a soft hum, and the footsteps stopped, followed by a slow shifting of weight. Crouching? Maybe sitting. She took a peek. It was Mara, sitting quietly cross legged a few meters away from her.

“I’m not here to convince you your viewpoint on the world is wrong, or hurt you.” He said quietly. He had a nice voice, calm and soothing. “My companions are a little rowdy, and my partner, Narali, is always full of energy. I can see that would be overwhelming to you, right?” Seventeen didn’t recognize his accent, but it was warm, adding a soft lilt to his words.

“I was just as confused as you when I began to explore the world, finding out things I wish I didn’t, and secrets that were hidden for a reason. I lost an eye for it.” He ran a finger over the metal plate, and the lights twinkled.

“I believe what I’m trying to say is… Take your time to think about things. You don’t have to believe whatever someone tells you. More people than you think only have their own interests at heart. I’ll make sure nobody bothers you.” Mara unfolded his legs in preparation to stand. His movements were slow, precise. Thoughtful. “Try thinking about your name first.” He stood quietly, and walked away with light footsteps.

Seventeen lifted her head and frowned. Her name? What about it? She didn’t really… have a name. It was a number, her number. She was Subject 0-17, and helpful to the rulers. She would help the authority, explore, perhaps even find new planets. She was strong, and would hopefully survive her training. That was who she was, nothing more, nothing less. Why would she need to think about it? She’d be going back to the lab eventually… Yet the crew of the Licienta had names, proper names. Maybe she needed one to be happy while they took her back? But why would she need to be happy? It was confusing. She sat there, thinking.

Too much of this didn’t make sense for Seventeen. She had always been at the lab, but now that she was away from it, she almost felt happier. But this new place was scarier, and she didn’t like it. Is that what you feel, or what you’re telling yourself? her mind whispered to her traitorously. Her tail thumped, frustrated, dislodging a plank from the floor. Frowning, Seventeen turned and pulled at it, revealing a book. It was small, and leather-bound. Curiously, she opened to the third page.

I’m… confused, I have to admit. I’ve been over there my entire life, but now I’m over here. Narali and Mara seem nice, but I’m terrified of them. Narali is unpredictable, volatile, according to everything I’ve been taught, but she they have treated me with kindness since they took me here. I’m… angry. Not the usual way. I’ve looked out on the bow of the Licienta as she flies through the open sky, and it’s beautiful. I’ve watched the sunrise from the crow’s nest. It’s so much better than the pictures. Yet my mind tells me I’m still in danger. That these people are dangerous, and I will die in the wilderness. I’ll have to go back, and continue my training to be able to control-

Footsteps.

Seventeen’s ears pricked up and she shoved the book back under the plank. It was Mara again. “Narali wishes to speak with you.” He said softly, and Seventeen stood straight up and to attention. Mara sighed, and made a follow me gesture. Seventeen followed him to the deck, and through a door. Narali sat inside. “Heya.” They motioned for Mara to close the door and waved Seventeen over to sit beside them. They had something in their hands, but they were fiddling too much with it for Seventeen to figure out what it was.

“So.” Narali had been silent for all of three seconds. “You’re pretty confused right now, huh?” Seventeen shrugged. “Maybe.” Narali nodded. “You know very little about me, but, not to sound creepy or anything, we know a lot about you. You are the seventeenth in a long line of experiments to create a super-powered being, capable of crowd control, space travel, and incredible fighting skills.” Seventeen looked away, through the window at the rear of the ship. It was a big window, taking up pretty much the entire wall of the cabin. They were facing it, the light of the setting sun on their faces. “Our goal is to rescue these people.” Narali said gently. “Rescue them? But from what?” Seventeen burst out. “I was perfectly happy there! I was going to be important, and helpful! Aren’t you going to take me back? Please take me back! I don’t want to be stuck here!” She clutched at Narali’s cufflinks and Narali took her hands in theirs.

“Were you taught about the Third War?” Narali asked, quietly, and Seventeen nodded slowly. “When the rulers saw that the people were uprising, they decided they needed a weapon, and quickly. Jala was given this project, and started taking people from their homes, experimenting on them, and when they ultimately died or escaped, taking new people. It’s an awful cycle of torture that you’ve been sucked into.” Narali’s face was bright with passion and sadness. “You were one of them, but you were turned, and I assume you lost your memories.” Seventeen looked away. “I think you’re lying. I was created there, and I need to go back.”

Narali shook their head, and squeezed Seventeen’s hands gently. “That’s what you were taught from the moment your mind was reset and you were stitched back together. Your aversion to neurodivergent people? Taught to you by Jala because they are the only people that he can’t use his mind control on. Our minds are configured in mysterious ways, and it’s how he finds and takes us.” Seventeen went tense. “What do you mean, our?” Narali bit their lip, mixing red with the purple lipstick. “We… The crew are all neurodivergent. We stick together because there’s nowhere else for us. I was failed and cast out for the impulsivity that my ADHD causes. Mara was almost beaten to death for misreading someone’s body language and not getting out when he could. Lox was thought to be a conman with his separate personalities, and nobody associates with them. Glinn has a very short temper, and tended to snap, once too many times.”

Seventeen ripped her hands away from Narali’s like they were poisoned. “Don’t.” Narali said softly, watching Seventeen’s mouth open. She twirled her hair nervously. “Think about it. If all the subjects have been neurodivergent…” Narali trailed off. “No. No…..” Seventeen felt her mind struggle to comprehend the information. And she knew she didn’t want to go back to the lab, but it was the only thing she’d ever known. “Prisoner..” she whispered. Her fears didn’t disappear. Her habits, her thought patterns, they were still there. But she knew. Maybe. But being here felt right, and the lab felt wrong. But she wasn’t supposed to have feelings…

Seventeen buried her face in her hands. “I don’t understand…” she whispered. Narali stood up. “Come on.” Seventeen took her hands away. A single stream of tears flowed steadily down her face, and Narali smiled sadly. They outstretched a hand and Seventeen looked at it, confused. Narali shrugged, and led the way out of the cabin to the very stern of the ship, hooking their legs over the railing and watching the sun begin to disappear below the clouds.

“You’ve never seen this before, I bet? This sight… all the oranges and yellows.”

Seventeen shook her head. “Not these colours.”

Narali smiled thinly. “Wait until you see the nebulas we fly through. You’ll love them, I bet. And the rest of our crew: Em, Sere, Veroh, the gang.” They sounded… downcast, somehow, and Seventeen snuck a look to see their face. Unreadable, as per usual. Then Narali spoke again, and they were brighter, more cheerful. “I know it’s hard. Going away from everything you’ve ever known. But take a look at the sunset, and you tell me whether it’s worth it or not.” Seventeen opened her mouth and Narali shook their head. “You don’t have to tell me now. Take as long as you want, forget about it if you want.” They pulled their knees to their chest. “Would you like me to stay?” Seventeen shook her head, and Narali took off their hat. “That’s okay. I can put off our evening meal for a little while until you feel ready to come down and eat with us.” They stood up, hair blowing in the small breeze, and walked off.

The sunset was beautiful. Red bled out into orange, and orange turned into yellow, and then it disappeared behind the clouds. Orange light shone gently on Seventeen’s face, and her legs and tail dangled of the edge of the ship. Her legs trembled, and so did her hands. “Whether it’s worth it or not…. Names.” Seventeen whispered to herself, and her voice cut across the quiet sky. She was cold. What if she jumped from the ship, and tried to go to the horizon from here? Would the clouds catch her, or would she tumble straight through them as they drifted by with cruel indifference? A tear dripped onto her hand. She hadn’t even realised she was crying. Her limbs were still shaking, and she was still freezing. Perhaps… Perhaps they would make sure she was warm and safe. Maybe. Or was that just her wishful thinking, for them to do what Jala never did? She wrapped her arms around herself.

Jala wasn’t a bad person. He’d been nice to her some of the time. She loved him as a parent, as one of the ones who raised her. And she didn’t want to leave her family, her home. But how many times had she begged to go out? To meet people? For him to please love her as a daughter. How many times had she cried, then fallen into an emotionless state for months? More tears dripped down. Seventeen stared at them. Light reflected off them like a few scattered diamonds on her hand. This is what she had prayed for. People to come take her away, go on an adventure. Leave her old life behind. But now that it was happening… It hurt her. She didn’t want anything to change, but she did at the same time. She buried her face in her hands, and took a deep, shuddering breath. Then she stood, and put her hands by her sides, hair whipping in the wind, and sun shining its last few rays onto her face. As it disappeared, she blew it a kiss, trembling.

When she finally stepped below deck, she felt four sets of eyes on her. Glinn was peering over her large book, and Lox was wrapped up in a blanket. She wouldnt’ve known it was him if it weren’t for the glasses perched on the small gap in the sheets. Narali had their chin on Mara’s shoulder as he fiddled with some kind of device.

It was hard to keep herself from shivering, but under the deck it was warmer, and she gradually loosened her shoulders. She must still have been trembling, though, because Narali stood up, shrugging off their coat, and walked over to her. Underneath they were strong and pale and wore some kind of chest wrap. They held it out to her and she slipped it on. It was warm. Comforting. Narali smiled at her. “Thank you.” She bowed her head, and Narali exhaled slowly. “Would you like some food, Seventeen? Lord knows Lox has been complaining about it all night.” They rolled their eyes as a muffled exclamation came from the bundle of blankets. She shook her head. “I would like food, but I wouldn’t like to be Seventeen.” Down at the table, Mara hid a smile. Narali nodded. “What would you like to be known as?” She shrugged. “I have no idea.”

There was a snort from the bundle of blankets and Lox’s glasses changed colour to yellow. “Vrin name?” He said hopefully. He… or she? It was hard to tell. Narali glanced at them. “Vrin normally takes charge of naming people. He likes naming.” Every single instinct of her was telling her to run, but she walked over. “Hmm… Ess… Ss.” Vrin murmured. “Sahvanten… Sahlia!” The newly named Sahlia blinked. She liked that name. “Sahlia…” She smiled slightly. “Sahlia. I like that.” The glasses changed back to purple and Lox’s voice floated out of the bundle of blankets. “Now can we eat? I’m starving.” Glinn threw her book at him. “Ow.”

Narali chuckled, and disappeared into a room, returning a few seconds later with a container full of food. “I cooked tonight, Glinn’s on cleanup.” Glinn glanced at her nails and grimaced. Mara took out the plate covering his eye and put a tiny screwdriver onto it. Underneath the eyesocket was hollow, and scar tissue surrounded the bottom of it, normally covered by the plate. The screwdriver must have been magnetic, as it stuck to the plate, fitting alongside the other small tools on the back of the plate. Mara put it back on, and carried his device over to a shelf. Lox crawled out of his blanket bundle, and Gliin retrieved her book. Sahlia noticed she carefully put it back in the bookshelf before walking over.

The crew didn’t eat in silence, which was odd. Chatter and laughter filled the air, and Lox’s glasses spun with several colours. Sahlia was only mildly uncomfortable, which was an improvement. There was an increase in volume as Glinn stabbed a fork in Lox’s direction, who was laughing at her, but the rest of the meal was fine. Mara gathered up the plates and disappeared into the cabin, coming out a few seconds later. “Where’s Sahlia going to sleep?” He asked quietly, and Narali furrowed their brow. “We really need more hammocks… We gave most of them to the ground crew.” They gestured to the hammock section. “I'll find another one.” Glinn said quietly, and stood up to go do so. Lox darted after her. “Wait, you don’t need to…” Sahlia trailed off.

Narali smiled after them and went above deck with Mara after taking their coat back, leaving Sahlia to sit there awkwardly until Glinn returned with some cloth and started to hang it up. “Lox, help me out here.” She fumbled a little with the cloth until Lox held the other end up for her. “Thank you. Is Misty fronting or something? You’re not normally so helpful and quiet.” Glinn teased, and Lox huffed amiably at her. “You are a cruel person. I’m incredibly helpful.” Glinn tied a knot and tugged experimentally on the hammock. “I still saved you that time, and what have you done? Apart from annoy me?” She grinned at him, and Lox nudged her shoulder affectionately. Then Glinn glanced at Sahlia and scurried away.

No more large events happened that evening, and Narali and Mara went on lookout duty. They extinguished the lanterns and Narali took first watch. Lying there in the blue-hued darkness, Sahlia reflected that, well. It had only been a day. She saw movement and froze, wondering if they were coming to kill her, but it was only Glinn, stepping very cautiously over to Lox’s hammock. She tapped his shoulder and climbed in with him. “Thought you weren’t going to tonight.” He said softly. “Shut up. You know I like heat sources when I sleep. Besides, what if the captain or Mara or Sahlia catch us and think the wrong thing?” Glinn hissed, and Lox chuckled quietly. “You’re an odd one.” “Shut up.” Sahlia tilted her head, but by then she was so extremely tired, and before she could ask them what was going on, she was asleep.

#Stitches

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