Wordcount: 454
Rating/Warnings: PG
Summary: Transition between Found in Translation and Alien
NOTE: This is a very rough draft with no editing at all (per National Novel Wiriting Month rules) and is presented for amusement value only. Think of it as a periscope into my writing process rather than a coherent story!
There will most likely be spelling and grammatical errors afoot as well as flat out bad writing, info dumps, plot holes, contradictions/retcons, uneven characterization and pacing. These snippits are also posted out of order, so please refer to the Outline to figure out where it’s supposed to fit.
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Telephone Trees and Pictionary
“Not to be rude,” Brian said, “but who is actually doing the talking here? The kid or the raccoon-thing?”
“Raccoon-thing,” said Horn, annoyed.
“So, I’m assuming you’re using the kid to translate somehow?” Brian asked.
Horn nodded.
“Would it be easier if you used one of us instead?”
Horn blinked, then looked down at Blue and then over at Brian. “Assuming talking is translate, using one of us easier.”
“Yeeeah,” said Sara, “I think they whole parrot routine is getting sort of old. So if he, she, whatever taps into one of us, then they’ll be able to translate easier? Still not sure this whole thing is a good idea.”
“Tough, ’cause you’re the volunteer.” Said Brian.
“I’m what?!”
“Sorry, but you’re the most expendable if something does wrong.”
“Rude!” Obejcted Horn.
“But the truth,” Brian said. “Look, I’m sure you are very nice people in whatever world you come from, but you aren’t there anymore. You are an unknown and I hate unknowns, hence the desire to talk to you in something other than speak-and-spell.”
Horn sniffed and Blue looked concerend.
“Is a good idea, still not sure if translate easier.” Horn finally said.
“But it’s worth a try, yes?” Brian said.
“No!” Said Sara, “Definately not worth a try. This is my brain we’re talking about here. Whatever that critter does, I’m not sure I want it doing.”
“Other than fear, any reasonable objections?” Brian said mildly.
“Well, no,” said Sara, “but I maintain that fear is a perfectly good motivator when it comes to avoiding things that could kill me.”
“Objection noted.” Said Brian.
“I don’t think this is a good idea.” Said Blue finally.
“It will give me better insight to them,” said Horn softly. “I think we need whatever advantage we can gain right now.”
Blue didn’t start, but stiffened slightly. Horn never talked to him, or at least very rarely. Elves and Humans refrained from verbal interaction whenever possible, he’d always thought it might have pained the elves to speak.
“I’ll abide.” said Blue, “but please be careful, I can only protect you so far.”
Horn nodded, then hopped down from Blue’s shoulder.
Rather reluctantly Sara slipped into Blue’s discarded jacket and moved her chair against the wall so that Horn would have something to brace against. The jacket was too loose for him to get a good grip on, but she didn’t want those claws any closer to her skin than they had to be.
Horn waited patiently for her to arrange herself and then hopped up into her lap and carefully climbed onto her shoulder.
Her thoughts were chaotic, but accessable, and Horn chirpped happily.
“Are you sure this is going to work?” Asked Nathan, concerned.