February Open Log

[hatejakku]

CHARACTERS: Finn & You
LOCATION: all around the station
DATE: first week after Bad Company
CONTENT: post-mission blues + kyber crystal
WARNINGS: probably just depressing, will update if needed


I. Infirmary, 13th & 14th (the hurt/comfort prompt)

[ Finn, a little thinner and a lot exhausted, couldn't find it in himself to stop just yet. McCoy had been seriously injured and needed time (likely more time than he'd allow himself) to recuperate, leaving the wounded and ill in the hands of others, Finn included.

He barely ate in Scorpion's Bend once it became apparent how important the rations were. Instead, Finn tapped into the Force and used it to sustain himself. It worked, more or less, but it had been draining the entire time. If he stopped now, he doubted he'd be able to start again. So Finn did his best not to show it. The last thing he needed to do was worry people, especially those worse off than him.

So catch him buzzing from one end of the room to the other, checking in and tending to people as he goes for the better part of two days. Then he spots you. Are you hurt? Sick? Completely fine? ]

Hey, easy. [ Whatever's up, he's going to gently guide you to sit on a bed. ] Do you feel all right? What's wrong?

II. Common Items Teleportation/Sunlight Room, 15th-17th (kyber crystal get)

[ Finn did finally go to bed, unclear if it was his own choice or some well-meaning friend's. Either way, he stayed in a deep, dreamless, dead sleep for the better part of thirteen hours before jerking awake. He wasn't woken by the usual suspects. No noise managed to permeate his sleep and what hunger he did (finally) feel wasn't the concern. It was... decidedly something else. So he got up to investigate, follow the feeling, and arrive... straight to the living area's teleportation platform.

Someone may come across him while he's looking around in his sleep clothes, clearly hunting for something specific and, apparently, small. It takes him a minute to get a handle on his abilities to lead him in the right direction, but when he does eventually move a new stack of clothes, he finds a crystal about the length and size of his thumb. He lifts it slowly, carefully, and... discovers a deep red hue when he tilts it against the light.

It's easier to see the dark red in the Sunlight Room, and that's where he stays for the next few days. It's weird in here, not being able to feel this life either, but it's the only area where he feels like things aren't completely hopeless. Because a bleeding kyber crystal calling out to him is enough to send anyone into a spiral. For Finn, after some of the things he felt in Scorpion's Bend, after the things he's done throughout his life, it might as well be confirmation for every awful thought in his head right now.

It's not until the 17th that he finally gets an idea. If you've seen him a day or so ago, looking despondent while staring at a rock, you'll find a different scene today. His legs are crossed as he sits near the water, deep in meditation, with both hands wrapped around the crystal and obscuring it from view. ]

III. Armory, 18th-20th (lightsaber?? get????)

[ Anyone who walks into the armory will immediately be accosted with apologies and promises that he's going to clean all of this up in just a second, don't worry, here, he'll clear you a spot, he's so sorry.

Once they're able to look around, they'll find the armory to be a slight mess. (Not even a bad mess. Finn's just over reacting.) What's worse, it's a mess of junk. Sure, it's all parts of weapons but they're all a bit... scattered throughout. Finn has been trying to work with the control panel to produce... something, something that he isn't giving a complete blueprint of, supposedly. It's fine, though. He's fine. Totally hasn't cracked at all.

Though, tucked close to him is a square piece of cloth with a few of these junk-esque pieces placed on it in a seemingly careful pattern. Looks like he's building something. Without the aforementioned, nonexistent blueprints, of course. ]

IV. Wildcard?

[ ooc: Finn's going to be in the infirmary and kitchen a lot, tending to and cooking for those who need it, respectively. He'll also be in the training room, sparring. Basically, you can catch him pretty much anywhere. If you want to plot something, send along a PM or find me on plurk! ]

Comments

i.

[firstroar]

[Blue spent fifteen years in a bed; he's not keen on spending much more time than is really necessary. unfortunately, it becomes more and more necessary as time ticks by, and each tick seems to be faster and faster. so when Finn bustles over, it's in the midst of Blue pushing himself up and trying to get his legs over the side of the bed - an action that's halted by said bustling.

he looks far less like hell than on the mission, but his expression is still fraught, hair all mussed-up from being so still for so long. - it has been nearly two days in bed with little else, so...]

Finn... [his expression softens, ever-grateful for his presence when it's upon him.] Can you help me up?

[hatejakku]

Ah-

[ He's not sure Blue should be getting up and about just yet. Though, his hands are wrapped around his upper arms as if he's trying to decide on what exactly to do here...

But it's been days. And Finn knows how very little Blue likes to be kept down, especially for so long. After that second of indecision... he gives in. ]

Yeah, here- [ He helps Blue get his feet on the ground, helps him stand and hold his own weight. Said weight feels lighter than before, though, which he supposes is to be expected. It's just that Blue didn't have a whole lot to lose in the first place.

He tries to keep his worry in check, though, well aware that Blue could easily feel it. ]

How are you feeling today, anyway? You're looking a lot better than you did back there.

[firstroar]

[it's not a comfortable transition, but Blue has already accepted that's the case; he stifles the pained, strained sounds that come from settling his weight upon his legs, clutching at Finn's arm for stability even well after the fact, relaxing his hold only gradually, but never completely.

he exhales, trying to keep abreast of both that discomfort and the pulse of worry coming from Finn.]

Better... [his head bobs in a nod before he looks up.] Yes. It is easier to rest here.

[he takes a moment to scan Finn's own features. does he even need to voice it? he's quietly hoping his friend has found time to recover his own resources - he, like so many, seem so prone to burning themselves out.

lots and lots of pots and kettles here.]

[hatejakku]

[ Finn notes how long it takes for Blue to get his bearings and doesn't much care for it. That said, he would be more comfortable in his own bed and will feel better after moving around, so maybe this is for the best.

So he doesn't mention it even if his smile is a little shaky. ]

Yeah, it is.

[ Finn hasn't gotten around to resting yet, mostly because he... can't. If he stopped, he won't be starting again any time soon. Just seemed better to keep going. Besides, after coming back here, there's a lot less stress looming over his shoulder now. A lot less for all of them. Even if the depression has gotten rather deep.

Maybe they'll be stronger for it later, just like he hopes Blue will be. ]

Anywhere you'd like to go? You were kind of my only patient left.

[ Kind of. People have been in and out but most of them are just resting at this point. ]

[firstroar]

...

[well...if there's something Blue knows he can do...is force that stop and rest, if only by merit of needing to do so himself, not wanting to be alone. maybe that's his role now.]

Can we...go to the sun room? For a little while. [he's tired of bedrest already! of this room's view.]

II

[thelastb1]

[On one of the few occasions in which Roger passes through the Sunlight room, seeing Finn there analysing a strange rock does not immediately give him pause. However, after he's already walked past Finn, something about it causes him to double-take. He's seen quite a few Kyber Crystals in the past, and anything he sees them used for tends to be tremendous, on way or another. He may not have ever seen a red one, but something has to make Sith lightsaber blades red, right? The slightest possibility that there are Kyber Crystals on Ximilia at least warrants an attempt to confirm it. So he approaches Finn.]

Is that what I think it is?

[hatejakku]

[ Finn, so lost in thought as he was about the implications of this entire thing, was a little started when Roger spoke up. He only jerked slightly, though, and stared up at Roger like he'd been caught without even trying to hide the goods.

Said "goods" still rested cradled in his hands when he glanced down to it and back up to the droid. ]

Depends. What do you think it is?

[thelastb1]

A kyber crystal.

[Even with the new optical sensors he got on the Ximilia, he can't get a good enough look to completely verify it. If Rowan were present, it would be a trivial matter with Rowan's power to sense such crystals even across the galaxy from them. However, since he isn't, Roger just has to see how Finn answers.]

[hatejakku]

[ Hm. Finn looks to the side, looks down at his hands- The totally innocent act fails immediately, and he give Roger an apologetic wince. ]

That's what it is, yeah. [ Ugh. ] But, uh- It was in the teleportation room, the one off of the living quarters? I... found it in there.

You... want to look at it?

[ He's kinda hesitant to really show anyone, considering the, uh- the color. But it's not like he can hide it, nor does he really want to. ]

[thelastb1]

[There's some mental debate about whether Roger wants to take a look at it, since Kyber Crystals are so dangerous, or not to look at it, since Kyber Crystals are so dangerous. He decides he doesn't want to, and so he waves his hand and shakes his head.]

Did you only see that one? Kyber crystals can make some very dangerous weapons. If there are more we should probably be very worried.

III. Armory 20th

[spacedisaster]

[ A week after the mission and Peter looks a little less like a walking corpse, but not by much. His shoulder is still wrapped in bandages and healing, the slight dark circles under his eyes seem to be determined on staying, and he's still feeling weak. But at least he doesn't get dizzy anymore when he stands. Progress!

He comes to the armory to re-stock his gadgets and do some maintenance on his quad blasters, and isn't expecting the mess that greets him. If he is surprised, he doesn't particularly show it, in fact, he looks a little fond instead. Rocket does the same, leaving a mess of half-finished projects all over the ship, bombs and dangerous weapons tossed around as if they're nothing more dangerous than a loose screw. ]

Finn, it's all right, calm down. I don't care what the place looks like. What are you building?

[hatejakku]

[ Finn kind of cares what it looks like. Honestly, he didn't mean for things to get this out of hand. It's just really hard to feel out what you need when the thing you need doesn't exist yet. Not until he presses some buttons and hopes for the best, anyway. ]

It's a, uh-

[ He looks down at the pieces that he's set aside so far, wondering if it's actually going to be... anything. ]

It's actually a long story. I'm... trying to make a lightsaber. Like Luke has?

[spacedisaster]

I've only talked to Luke briefly, I can't say I know him well, but he seemed nice. I take that you're talking about a weapon?

[ Peter is feeling a little low, and too tired to think much, to be honest, so his usual enthusiasm is a bit muted today. He's curious, though, and this clearly looks important to Finn. ]

Do you need help?

[hatejakku]

[ Finn does note the lack of... lightness around Peter, but he has a strong idea as to why and doesn't address it. Distraction is one of the better things he can probably provide.

And this is one hell of a distraction. ]

I... don't know? [ It looks like he's asking the pieces instead of himself but then he turns to Peter. ] Jedi- Force users would build their own lightsabers when they were done with their training, a sort of... graduation, I guess. And I am... not graduating. [ By a long shot. ]

But I found this. [ He opens his hand to show a... crystal? Uncut, large for its type, about the size and width of his thumb. ] It's a kyber crystal. They power lightsabers.

[spacedisaster]

[ It's truly a case of 'it's not you, it's me' right now. He wants to be happy for Finn now that he's doing this for himself, and he is! Happy for him, that's it! It's just hard to express. ]

Wouldn't it be a good idea to ask Luke to give you some directions? Jedi- Force users aren't allowed to ask for help? Even if you aren't graduating, I can't see why you can't' have one of those. You've been getting stronger in the Force.

[ Unless talking to castles and perceiving sentient alien orbs is something all Level One Force users can do. Peter has no idea, he's trying to be supportive. ]

Maybe you should design the hilt first and see what shape or material is most comfortable for you? Oh. That's... [ Peter stares at the crystal and something twists in his gut. It looks a bit like one of the Infinity Stones, but Finn says it is something else, so maybe he has nothing to worry about. ] ...nice. [ He ends, a bit lamely. ] Do Kyber crystals have different powers or they all just power the lightsabers and that's it?

I + wildcard

[winscenario]

[ Coming back from a mission is never easy, but this time, the return to the station has been particularly rough on them all. Literally in some cases, as a few among them were in much worse physical condition than the rest, but overall the wrap up to their mission has affected everyone mentally too, and it shows.

The mood overall is somber, quiet. Everything seems more dim and subdued, like a collective mourning that has taken over them all. Jim isn't immune to it either, though he's had his own personal concerns weighing on his mind as well. There was at least one good thing that happened during that mission, and he'd be a liar if he said he isn't glad for that, but there's so much more that's still left unresolved— and left unsaid.

He is, of course, relieved that he and Finn are talking again (no longer broken up? were they ever broken up? he's not really sure yet), but the nature of the mission made it so that actually taking the time to sit down and talk things over properly was impossible. Jim knows they do need to talk, though. About what they are, what this means to them, where they want to go from here. Even if their stay here might be temporary, Jim can't keep thinking of this relationship in the same way.

He knows Finn's been spending much of his time around the infirmary, helping Bones with his work, and treating others to the best of his ability. So that's where he shows up, after checking with Bones when Finn's shift is about to end, first making sure that Finn's on his own and not too busy before approaching him. ]

Hey. [ The smile is faint, but at least it's there. ] Thought I might steal you away, if you don't mind.

[hatejakku]

[ Finn's extremely aware that they need to talk, that they have needed to for way too long now. But even once they were back, he didn't seek out James to make it happen. Sure, he's anxious about it, but he's much more anxious about not having the discussion. No, he hasn't approached him because the work just hasn't been over yet. Especially with McCoy still recuperating.

Which also means he... hasn't totally stopped yet. Slowed down a lot, yes, but he's still tired.

Which leads to Finn being immediately concerned when James pops in, making him wonder what's gone wrong now, if someone needs help, if James needs help-- But that's the stress talking more than anything, some of that adrenaline not yet dead. So when he sees the smile, Finn instantly relaxes and gives his own back. It's a small smile that James gives him but it's something and it's a lot better than the alternative.

Plus, being stolen away sounds amazing if he wants to be a little selfish about it. ]

Sure, of course. [ It's only after he answers that he looks around, makes sure everything's okay and taken care of, before he looks back again with that same smile and quickly puts his things away.

Then his hand finds Jim's upper arm, just a gentle touch, as his voice gets a bit quieter, a bit more concerned. ]

Are you all right?

[ More than just physically, he means. Either way, he'll let James lead. Not just where they're going but the conversation, too. Maybe they're about to have the talk, maybe not. There's time now. If Jim decides he's not ready for whatever reason, Finn won't push. Not yet. ]

[winscenario]

[ To be fair, good opportunities to talk haven't quite presented themselves. Well, Jim could have brought it up during the mission, after they made up but before the illusion broke and things went to shit, but there was so much stress, so many problems popping up, it would have been incredibly stupid and irresponsible to bring any concerns to the forefront of their minds that would take away from time better spent thinking of their current predicament.

But now, they're back to the relative safety of the station, and after everything that's happened, with Finn and with Bones too, Jim knows he can't possibly delay this conversation any longer.

Still, he's glad as ever to see Finn doing well, to get to talk to him and touch him. He lifts his opposite hand to rest it over Finn's, smile softening. ]

Yeah, I'm okay. Come on, let's get out of here.

[ Taking proper hold of Finn's hand, he steps closer to kiss him briefly. Then, with a gentle tug, he leads the way out of the infirmary and towards Finn's room. ]

[hatejakku]

[ The short kiss relieves tension that Finn didn't even know he had. He smiles, grips Jim's hand a little more, and follows.

When they step inside, Jim may notice a box near the previously untouched second bed, belongings in it that don't belong to Finn. Someone got a roomie! ]

Elthree moved in after we got back. [ He waves to it with a little smile, tugging Jim's hand towards his own bed to sit. ] She never bothered to get her own room. Been powering down in storage this whole time.

She's going to be gone the rest of the day, though.

[winscenario]

[ This is nothing bad! Or at least, Jim hopes it won't be anything bad. It's just the natural progression of a relationship, he thinks. Granted, not a talk he had with Bones, but they've known each other for years; there's a familiarity and trust built over that time, an understanding that bears no discussion or clarification. He loves Finn, but he is also aware that they haven't known each other for as long, nor under the circumstances most conductive to building on those kinds of things.

He looks to the box curiously, expression brightening into a wide smile when Finn explains. ]

Oh! That's great, Finn. She's nice, I like El, [ He beams at her, smile a bit more playful. ] As long as she doesn't hope me coming over every so often.

[ Or spending the night, is what he means. He definitely doesn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. ]

III

[aurable]

Oh, uh...

[ The scene laid out before Drift — in several different directions, at that — could only be called 'organized chaos' if the person making that observation was as blind as they were charitable. By some miracle, he hadn't stepped on anything when he made the few steps in to find the epicenter of this unique disaster. ]

I'm not interrupting, am I? [ Drift cautioned. ] I can come back, I just needed to do some... [ Drift looks down that the swords hanging at his sides. Both dulled and flecked with dark stains of mysterious but ominous origin. His entire posture went suddenly uncomfortably rigged and his expression fell. ] Maintence.

[hatejakku]

Oh, no, no-

[ Finn's hurriedly gathering both his things and whatever else is in reach, apparently, trying to shuffle away. ]

Sorry, no, you can, uh--

[ Actually, he stops and looks down at the swords. The blood(???) on those things might be a bit tough to get off by this point, depending on the metal, he figures. ]

Do you need any help?

[aurable]

[ The lingering gaze on the swords was enough for Drift to sheathe them in a singular, fluid motion. Thoughts of the mission clung to him with the same uncomfortable grime as the mess staining his blades. ]

I'm fine. [ A lie, but no one was fine right now. ]

Something tells me I should be asking you that. What is all this?

[hatejakku]

[ Finn's pretty sure he's not fine, just like Finn himself isn't fine, but he does believe that he doesn't need (or really want) any help. For now.

But, oh, right. ]

Oh, um-- I'm trying to make a weapon from home and... I think I'm supposed to feel out the parts? Or something? Does that make sense?

I don't know what I'm doing.

[ That's the first truly honest thing he's said all day. ]

[aurable]

What kind of weapon? [ Drift's finials twitched half a degree upward with equal parts curiosity and interest. Finn was a good soul. That much was clear, so Drift can't imagine working on anything other than something to protect himself and the others. ]

It looks like you've got [ He gives a quick once-over inspection of what Finn has laid out, trying to divine the mess from the plan. ] —half a hilt built. A sword?