IY 3208
Bask
SS Crucible

Background:

Mariel's home planet was taken by the Mostrel two years ago, when she was seven.  Leander (mid forties), second in command of the Crucible, has been taking care of Mariel since the captain (Sigor Rattan) bought and freed the girl.  Zeerith is also from Bask (he is in his early forties).

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"Now stay here!" Leander ordered sternly, "We'll be back shortly."

"But-" Mariel countered.

"There's no buts, you're not going down there. If they get wind that you're a Bask, they'll be no stopping them from taking you." Mariel nodded sadly. Leander kissed her on her forehead and turned to go. Mariel watched her step into the cargo craft and close the door. She bit her lip to help fight the tears already welling up as the craft lifted itself off the deck and slipped out the open hangar doors. She watched it as it turned and descended to her home planet below.  Wiping her face, she left, heading back to the bridge.

When she was almost there, Zeerith called from behind her, "Little One?" Mariel, halfway down it, turned, "Yes?"

"There's a solar wave approaching, I thought you might want to see it. They are spectacular out here as they brush the planets. Have you ever seen one before?"

She shook her head.

"You should, it's not often we're around for one."

"But..."

"No worries, the captain won't mind." Zeerith cheerfully added.  Mariel said nothing.  "Go to the portside suite, I'll position the ship so you get the best view," Zeerith smiled and bowed and then headed to the bridge. Mariel slowly made her way to the suite.

She went in and closed the door. Zeerith was already turning the ship, positioning the Crucible so she was just over Bask. Mariel's home planet nearly filled the viewport. She sighed, "Years..."

She walked up to the viewport and stretched out her hands, touching the clear material that separated her from cold and certain death. She looked down at the big blue world, clouds stretching across the numerous islands and small land masses. She saw something moving off to her right, the solar wave was nearly there. It was a wide thin cloud, colored yellow by the glowing warm sun behind it. It drew color from the planet as it came closer, turning green and blue.

She looked down again, at the islands scattered about, wondering what her home was like now, where her home was, what was her family doing. Tears welled up in her eyes as she watched the solar wave encompass her planet. It was beautiful and wonderful, but it made her think of the thing she longed for most.

"I - I just want to go home."

    Oh how I miss you, it's been a long time
    I quit counting days long ago
    Wish I could come down now and be with you all
    I could use some help from above

   Star wind, carry my voice. Carry it down to my mother, my father
   Star wind, carry my song. Carry it to my family

   Let them all know, I'm alive, I am fine
   Whisper the great dangers I've faced
   Show them all the stars I have seen and beheld
   Tell them all the tales I have lived

   Star wind, carry my voice. Carry it down to my sisters, my brother
   Star wind, carry my song. Carry it to my home

   How can I live like this so far away?
   Not knowing if you're you're alive?
   All that I want is to be back home
   Maybe there is a way!

   Star wind, carry my voice. Carry it down to my mother, my father
   Star wind, carry my song. Carry it to my family
   Star wind, please carry me. Carry me down to my mother, my father
   Star wind, please take me home -

   Take me...    home

The last of the solar wind passed as tears ran down her face. She drew her hands in and wiped them away. Feeling the ship's engines power up, she recomposed herself and turned away and Bask disappeared from the viewport. When she entered the corridor again Zeerith was there smiling, but seeing her face, his smile faded, "Little One?"

Mariel gave a half smile and started to walk past him. "How long has it been?" he asked.

She stopped, "I dunno."

"This your first time back home?" Mariel nodded. "Then two years." Mariel nodded again and started to weep once more. Zeerith drew her in close and hugged her. "I'm sorry, I'm so, so sorry." She nodded, wiping her tears on his coat as she wept. After a few moments, she stepped back.

"I'm... I'm fine. I'll live." she said, producing a forced smile.

"Indeed, you shall, and I will be here with you, for you." Zeerith said, gently squeezing her shoulders. "You shall live again."

Mariel wiped her eyes, and smiled.