There was urgency in David's steps as his feet skilfully stepped through the thick, heavy jutting up roots of the trees near his home. He jumped up and over fallen trees, logs, avoided skidding in mud and puddles and eventually made his way up the steep hill which led out of the valley clearing the temple resided in.

David peered out of his cloak hood, his hair whipping slightly into his face because of the slowly growing wind. It was going to storm, again. His blue eyes looked skyward as the dark clouds seemed to cement this. He had to hurry, he knew a group of people wouldn't last long out here. As strong as David was, even he struggled to stay standing in the winds which sometimes got churned up when a storm hit. He was built to withstand damage and anything that could be thrown at him, humans weren't.

The mere thought of humans being present had him urging himself onwards. His cloak billowed out behind him as his feet practically skipped between obstacles. Humans. He hadn't seen or spoken to one in how many years? Nearing on ten years now, was it? Elizabeth had been out of his life, and Minerva's for quite some time now. Yes, he may admittedly have ulterior motives into wanting them safe, and within reach. But overall, really, it seemed a shame and a waste for them to all perish on this planet, in a storm. They had got this far, through some means or another, David was uncertain how; but they had made it to this far distant planet, he was sure they would be disappointed, but that probably would've been a shared feeling.

Not that David was wholly disappointed here, he had managed to progressively expand on his work, he had limitless resources and time; and all thanks to the Engineers. To be fair, it was mainly them which had left a lacklustre feeling within David. Mortal Gods meant very little to him. Pausing when he reached another clearing, he looked out at the scene before him. He had been so lost in his thoughts, he hadn't realised he had made it this far. He could spy the lake in which Minerva often liked swimming in. Only, the smooth dark surface of it was alight with the fire of a burning vehicle.

David's eyes narrowed, that was as good as a sign that humans were here then anything else. The screaming which was happening also did good at alerting him to their presence. But the harsh fire had caught his attention for a few moments longer than planned, and by the time he tore his eyes away, he could distantly spy something jumping and leaping about.

David's head tilted slightly, he even leaned against a tree and curiously watched. Yes, he said to Minerva he would bring them back; he never said anything about urgently aiding them. After all, he didn't know what these people were like. She had said they had guns, and he could hear them rapidly being fired. She was right, what if they saw him as an enemy? David had to be careful, right? His eyes watched as someone got tackled to the ground, or did they fall? David wasn't sure, but he was sure they weren't moving anymore. There went one human then. With a sigh, David readjusted his hold on the projectile gun in his hand, the contraption would fire a basic flare and that was about it. It was something salvaged and it would do the job here, or so he thought.

Seeing as how the spindly creature was still thrashing around attacking, David really couldn't have it killing more of the group. Sure, the studies made from such attacks interested him, but really he sort of needed them alive. Sliding down the small bank, David hopped over a small bundle of boulders and pushed his way silently through the long grass and wheat. His bare feet barely made a noise, yet he could feel mud and grass peeking up and through his toes. To be honest, it was something he had long since grown used to. After all, what was the point in boots when whatever he'd walk on, wouldn't hurt him? Why bother trying to keep up human pretences when there wasn't any humans to keep at ease? Until now, that is. With a sigh, David lifted his arm in the air and fired off the round he had previously loaded before setting out.

The flare shot up into the air, a slight fizzling sound coming from it as the smoke trailed through the dark sky too. The smoke from the flare, and the smoke from the fire mingled together and David was rather certain the firelight illuminated him quite well, along with the sudden burst of white light. They would all be able to see that he wasn't another creature, nor was he posing a threat. But watching them clamp their ears from the horrendous siren sound had David doubly thinking over this. They would thank him in the long run, or something along those lines he guessed?

Those which were gathered looked frightened, bemused, all manner of emotions in between. David could see scared faces looking his way, as he stayed hidden safely in his tatty beige coloured cloak. He didn't need to reveal himself yet, what use would that do here? Unloading the empty shell, David just busied himself with that before resting the gun against his shoulder. "Follow me!" He said quite commandingly. He turned, hoping really that they would see that following him into the unknown, was safer than staying here, readying to be attacked again.

Even as he turned away, David did cast his eyes around, but the creature was gone. In private, he would have to tell Minerva that something had been born here, again. Only this time, without his intervention...as such. He ran off quickly, his cloak trailing behind him again as if he was going to take off flight. He could hear the heavy boots behind him, the small group of survivors were blindly following him, and David just continued steadfast on his journey back home. It seemed to take less time getting back, then it did getting to them. David spied the dark gates which segregated the temple complex off from the surrounding woodland. He sighed and slowed down, just enough to fit through the gaps before quickly running down the steps. There was a slight pause in movement behind him, but after a moment he heard the group follow.

They all had packs and equipment to remove to fit through, David didn't pause to wait for them. They could see where he was heading, though David was sure they would probably look around at the onyx coloured bodies lining the streets with some trepidation. He didn't blame them, he looked rather pitifully at the poor creatures. All equally as agonising looking as the one next to it. Screaming open mouths, wide fearful eyes. There were enough details left on the figures to see their expressions, and that their last few moments were painful. David walked on casually, their suffering meant something, to begin with. He had looked tearful when destroying them. But now? They were a stepping stone to reach his goal, he inwardly thanked them for that. He wasn't completely ignorant, without them, he wouldn't have achieved all he had.

Pushing open the large door, David looked around the darkened foyer. Minerva wasn't down here. He half expected her to venture down, but then, he had asked her to stay put. David walked over to the large table present, he placed the gun down and listened to the surprised noises and gasps which came from behind him. Yes, this place was freezing, it was dark and it was damp. It didn't worry him all too much, but people were so susceptible to such things. There was a brazier near, burning dimly. With a sigh, he threw some dried wood in. He couldn't have their guests dying of cold, when he had just rescued them from something much worse.

David returned to the table, he turned and looked hesitantly at the group. Now in proper light, and not fearing for their lives, David could easily spy just who and what they were. Explorers. So Minerva was right, these lot had been sent out to search for a new viable home. Was the human race in such dire circumstances? Honestly, it wouldn't surprise David if it was. The only race to seemingly destroy the only planet they had to inhabit; give them a round of applause for that one, David looked blankly at them. So, the human race was off to spread throughout the universe and continue killing and making its mark? How wistfully delusional of them.

Regardless of his thoughts, and feelings of which there were many, he couldn't just stand here silent. The group were looking around hesitantly, even more so guardedly at him. "My name is David. May I ask who is in charge here?" Even though he spoke calmly, his voice seemed to echo off the dark cavernous walls of the foyer. "May I ask who is in charge?" David asked, a bit more prompting than before seems everyone was just staring at him with wide eyes and distant faces. They were in shock, he understood that, but really wasn't it common courtesy to answer back to questions, when they're asked?

David raised an eyebrow, a small, dark eyed man stepped forwards. He looked out of his comfort zone here, totally in shock and then some. David just stood staring at him as the man was clearly trying to make sense of this. David wished him luck. Watching him fidget awkwardly had David frowning slowly. He was close to speaking, when the man heaved a heavy breath and looked at him. "I am." David looked deadpanned, thankful the hood still hid his face. He waited patiently, for that simple answer? Rolling his eyes slowly, David just nodded his head, the cloak hood bobbed up and down to show he was addressing him. "I am the Captain."

"What were those things?" David's eyes flicked to the speaker, a rather serious looking woman was staring at him with an equally serious gaze, wanting answers.

"Is it even safe here?" Another female asked, David looked at her. These lot didn't seem to have trouble speaking over one another, or not waiting for answers. Did he detect slight unrest? Perhaps. But then, they all had gone through quite the ordeal, of course they'd want answers.

"Perfectly." David nodded, "I'll explain everything as best I can." He said patiently, the last person he explained things to, an actual person, was Elizabeth. Minerva had explanations given to her, but David doubted she really took them in. "Ten years ago, Doctor Elizabeth Shaw and I arrived here." David may be trying his luck with keeping Minerva secret. Even from where he stood, he spied a rather familiar name on their uniforms. They would know who she is. They would also know she is meant to be dead, really, very dead. That was an explanation David didn't want to do. "We were the only survivors of the Prometheus. The ship we travelled on carried a weapon, a deadly virus. Payload accidentally deployed when we were landing. In the confusion, we lost control of the ship; Elizabeth died in the crash." David spoke slowly and lowly, his voice almost whispering in some parts as his eyes gazed off distantly, just remembering the whole thing was easy, even if details were changed. The people gathered looked at each other and him with disbelief. "You've seen the result of the pathogen. Thus, I have been marooned here these many years." Lifting up a hand, he slowly pushed the hood away from his head. He was well aware to how he looked, the crew looked at him with something akin to being startled. His short blonde hair had well and truly grown out, most of his natural brunette colour was coming through. His skin was marred with dirt and grime from daily working, and his suit was perhaps the only thing which seemed new and in good shape. Mainly because it was designed like that.

"Our crew was infected with this virus." The serious looking woman from earlier spoke. Only her eyes had softened, she looked sympathetic yet worriedly at those around her. David stared off for a moment before sliding his eyes to her and listening to her speak. She just stood and held his gaze, waiting for him to speak.

Rolling his eyes to the ceiling, David mused over this fact. Would explain where that creature came from...inhaling, he looked back at her. "The pathogen was designed to attack all non-metallic lifeforms. All the animals, the meat if you will." David's eyes drifted amongst the crew, eyes pausing however on his twin. So, Minerva wasn't kidding. David was looking at his mirror image, well, sort of. David couldn't remember when he looked so stern, for this synthetic was just frowning at him; nor could David remember the last time he had his natural hair colour, fully that is. Because this one did, combed down neatly, but it was still very much his own face he was staring at. David looked away slowly, "Either kill them outright, or use them as incubators to spawn a hybrid form. Highly aggressive." David's eyes looked to the Captain, he shifted and looked around nervously.

"Have we been infected?"

He couldn't help it, his deadpanned expression from earlier reappeared. He looked utterly bored by this question. Blank faced and tilting his head, David looked at him simply. "You'd know by now." He stated obviously. Surely, whoever got infected had gone downhill fast, and they'd have seen that? Everyone was fine, cold, wet, scared and tired, but fine.

"We have to be sure. We can't take this back to the ship. We're a colony mission." He shook his head, sounding desperate as he was stating something everyone else, apart from David, was clearly thinking.

This piqued his interest, he looked at the Captain curiously. "Really? How extraordinary. How many colonists?" His interest wasn't misplaced as curiosity laced his tone as he spoke. Now this was something new, something very new and interesting.

"Over two thousand." There was a despairingly look at the ground, as if realisation had just come crashing down on him, and he was definitely on a losing side.

"Well, well, well. So many good souls." David mused quietly, a small smile appearing on his face as he looked at the group.

"Is there a safe way to the roof?" A rather gruff sounding voice questioned David.

"Assuredly." He dipped his head slightly, "And please, do make yourselves at home. As much as you are able, in this dire necropolis." His disdain for the place was evident. In contrast to a colonist ship, this place was utterly dull now. He wished them luck to try and make this place homely. He had tried, Minerva had tried, they made do but humans were a picky lot.

He was about to step forwards and greet his brother, when shuffling footsteps to the side caught his attention. David's eyes widened as the group naturally went on the offensive. Minerva. He instantly made his way around the table and stood in front of her when she reached the bottom of the stairs.

"Who is that?! You said you were alone!" David frowned at the Captain, who seemed more than happy to shout and look his way accusingly. Minerva peeked over his shoulder, the two looked at each other before she shrugged.

Tucking her hair behind her ears, she crept forwards. Holding out a hand, she smiled at the man, who still looked scolded by David keeping her secret. "Hello, it is nice to meet you. I am Minerva. Minerva Artemisia Weyland, and you are?" Utterly civil and polite, David just stood and watched her introduce herself. He was getting serious deja vu feelings from when she had met Charlie and Elizabeth for the first time. Despite of Charlie's words, she had been cordial enough. It's just like then, despite of the hesitant faces, the guns being pointed her way, Minerva was nothing but calm, smiling and polite.

"Weyland?"

"No, that is my name. Who are you?" Minerva asked, shaking hands with this man who looked her over truly lost.

"Oram. Chris Oram," Minerva retracted her hand when he let her go. He looked her over, "You're...you are-"

"Dead? Well, that is a grey area. Death always has been a grey area, depends on your religious standpoints and views, don't you think?" Minerva asked, smiling still and clasping her hands in front of her. "Yes. I died. Then I was reborn. Remade." She turned with a wistful sigh and made her way back to David. She jumped up and sat on the table as he walked over and stood beside her. "As much as I would love to talk about the nitty-gritty of how I became this, I do believe you all need rest, food and shelter. You've got the latter, I suggest finding the other two sooner rather than later. You all look like you've been through Hell. Please, let me show you where you can get fresh water." Minerva slipped off the table and looked to David, "I didn't just steal your idea, did I?"

"No. I was showing some to the roof." David explained with a casual wave of his hand.

She scrunched her nose up, "It is really coming down out there. Are you in such urgency?"

"We need to contact our pilot." The woman next to Oram said.

Minerva nodded her head, the fact she was just staring at her caused Minerva to frown slowly. "Even if you do, the storm will prevent them coming close. But you do need to relay your current situation. I hope you get through." Minerva said, staring at the woman, smiling suddenly Minerva gestured forwards. "Please, I know you need more than water, a strong drink would probably be good around about now, but please, those who wish to fill their flasks follow me." Minerva walked forwards, frowning she tilted her head. "Those look painful, would you mind if I had a look later?" She paused near a rather pale and bleeding woman who's arms seemed to be shredded by something.

"Yeah, no, I mean...you can, thanks. I have medical rations in my pack."

Minerva smiled, "I'll try and be gentle." She whispered reassuringly while moving past, she eyed the doppelgänger up sceptically. Leaning forwards she looked him up and down, "What's your name?"

"Walter." Was the simple reply given as he just looked back at her.

"That's an adorable name. Walter, well...isn't this interesting?" Minerva pouted and looked him up and down before sidling past and making her way to the room where the steady flowing water resided. A few followed her, while a few others followed David to the roof. Anyone left behind took to sitting near the brazier, trying their hardest to get dry and comfortable.

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Edited: 25/June/2021