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Arrival - To Raze a Village

Posted March 15, 2023, 4:15 p.m. by Civilian Ragna Idun McKenzie (Future Citizen) (Jennifer Ward)

Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Arrival - To Raze a Village

Posted by Civilian Ragna Idun McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Arrival - To Raze a Village

Posted by Civilian Seamus McKenzie (Future Citizen) in Arrival - To Raze a Village
Posted by… suppressed (23) by the Post Ghost! 👻
Ragna stared out the window of their quarters as the Merchant Marine ship dropped into orbit around her new home. As the ship turned, Ragna got her very first look at Oed V and her heart broke. It was so barren, lifeless. Revna couldn’t possibly be serious. There were two very small spots of green on an otherwise lifeless world. Revna could not possibly mean to settle here. She couldn’t know how bad this was. Did Seamus really know it was this bad when he took the job? There was nothing. Other than those two circles of green the world was a monotonous bland brown of dirt. Not even dirt, dirt was life and soil and the possibility of growth. Revna had lost her mind! No…no this was punishment for her outburst before Revna had to return to the Delta. She was being punished and now Seamus with her. He’d given up the home he had built with his own hands. No…Mike…Mike couldn’t possibly punish Seamus like this for her misdeeds. Revna wouldn’t either, would she?

She set her palm to the transparent aluminum window. No this had to be a mistake. Revna and Mike had made a huge mistake!

A distant roll of thunder growled just at the edge of her hearing. Ragna shook her head, thunder in space. She was loosing her mind. Revna had lost her mind, sending the clan out here! Her right eye twitched and there was a stabbing pain behind it and the low warning throb of a migraine. She stared out at the giant brown orb that turned slowly below them. She felt the ship jar and she looked up startled. They weren’t moving anymore. That must be the docking clamps engaging. Maybe? Or had the ship been hit by another one. There were SO many ships out there.

Maybe it wasn’t so bad? Maybe it just looked worse than it was. It would be better once they got to the planet. Seamus said it was going to be amazing. She took a deep breath and turned away from the window. She grabbed her bag, they would be hours in customs going through all the cargo they brought. She and Seamus were supposed to meet the agents in the cargo hold before they would allow them to have everything transported down. The captain had already arranged to have someone take them down. She plastered a neutral expression on her face, that Seamus would know was fake. She didn’t say a word though. She’d promised she wouldn’t say another word about it. She promised a year and he promised to take her home then if she couldn’t stand it. “Should we go?”

Ragna McKenzie

Seamus looked at her and shook his head. His wife was rhe most alluring, beautiful, intelligent, sincere… stubborn, spoiled, bull-headed, reactionary, set-in-her-ways people he had ever known. He shook his head gain and grinned. “You know no weather means no headaches, right? Even if we can get the weather systems moving as the life comes back… you’ll be there at the beginning so your body will adapt. Give it a chance, my love. I know you’ll be happy here… whether you ever admit it or not.” and he laughed and grabbed his bag, then hers, and gestured to the door. “After you, wife.”

“I know.” She could hope no headaches anyway. She wasn’t so sure, but he seemed so hopeful about it. “I will give it a chance Seamus. I promised to.” She rolled her eyes at him. “Yes I’m sure if I’m happy you will be the first to know and lose no opportunity to tell me so.” She scanned the room once to make sure they had everything and then proceeded him out the door and toward the lifts.

The trip down to the cargo hold was spring kled with several goodbyes and such as people they had met and got to known over the month of travel made their way to disembark. Arriving, rhe were met by three individuals: the ship’s Captain, a Vulcan in a blue uniform with yellow letters on the sleeve that read C.C.D.A., and a Betazoid woman in a nice suit. The Captain said “Sir Seamus and Lady Ragna McKenzie. This is Captain R’den of the Colonial Customs and Defense Agency. They will be conducting your customs intake. And this-” and they gestured to the Betazoid woman, “- is Ms. Gregin Druteln of the colony’s Terraforming Division.”

Seamus nodded to each and shook hands. He took a breath and said “Alright, den. Let’s get movin’, shall we? We’d like to get settled and breath some real air. No offense, Captain. Your ship was a delight, but we prefer ground under foot.” The Coatain smiled and said “None taken. Its been a pleasure to have you aboard. Take care, Sir and Lady McKenzie.”

Seamus McKenzie

Ragna shook hands with the Captain, “Safe travels, Captain, and thank you.” She shook hands with Ms Druteln but figured she was really there to talk to Seamus and she turned to the CCDA Agent, “Cpt R’den,” she shook his hand and pulled out a PaDD containing their cargo manifest and offered it to him. “What do you need from us?” Ragna was not thrilled about their move, but she was in no mind to cause problems with the local authorities. She might be quick to temper but they were doing their jobs and she couldn’t be upset over that. She scanned the containers in the hold and spotted theirs in one big grouping and waved towards. “That should be ours.”

Ragna McKenzie

R’den walked over and looked at the containers. “I will first conduct a scan and ensure there are no illicit or previously undeclared materials. After that, a random visual inspection of no less than fifty percent of the cargo, by mass. Should everything be in order and your documentation accurate, I will send your cargo to the holding facility for viral and contaminant inspection. Once cleared of that, the Finance Ministry will assess any import tarrifs or taxes. Once those gave been settled, you can make arrangements to have your cargo delivered to your sidelined location. Do you have any questions before I begin?”

CCDA

Ragna and Seamus had gone over the cargo with her father, Uncle Oddvar, Capall, and Runa thoroughly before they left. Ragna had compiled the manifest and checked it several times before it was loaded on the ship. It had been secure down here for the duration. They had the funds for the taxes. “No Sir, no questions.” Ragna stood out of the way, but at hand so she could open anything he required.

Ragna McKenzie

The CCDA agent nodded and then a remote scanner lifted off and began going over the cargo.

For the next four hours it was scan-pause-scan-question-scan-rescan-pause-question over and over. As it was going on, Seamus was finalizing details with Ms. Druteln for their travel, temporary living arrangements, and the finalization of the biodome construction… as well as his role within the Terrafirming Department. He kept an eye on Ragna… not because she wasn’t able, but because if she lost her temper and started calling people names and commenting on their intellect; then the clan would have a black eye from jump.

Seamus McKenzie

It took every ounce of self-control that Ragna did not have to keep her temper from blurring out. She knew it would take a couple of hours at least. They had a lot of stuff after all. After 2 and half hours and the CCDA agent wasn’t half done and he began to scan again from the beginning, Ragna almost lost the battle and asked him if he needed a new scanner because his was obviously broken.

She went over the contents and uses of the brewing equipment she brought. It was mostly for making sample batches. The larger equipment would arrive later. Yes, they had a building permit and a brewer’s license, they were all up to date. When she broke into all the scientific and chemical calculations of the process and didn’t seem to be incluned to stop, R’den interrupted her. “That’s explanation enough.” Another hour of screening and rescan and endless questions. What on earth was dangerous about flower seeds?

“What’s in these?” Ragna looked down at the manifest and read off the contents, “What’s it for?” Ragna took a breath. She had no idea, it was Seamus’ things. “It is for my husband’s environmental work. Seamus!” She called across the bay. “He has questions about yer stuff.”

Seamus stepped away from Druteln a moment and walked towards the CCDA agent.

She thought falling on her sword would be easier than dealing with this self important ba....she winced as pain stabbed through her temple, she sat in the nearest crate and tried to rub the ache away. Space travel sucked, could they please get off this tin can? And another sharp stab behind the other eye.

Ragna McKenzie

“Aye, sir. Questions. How can I help?” Seamus asked. Before the Vulcan could reply, Ms. Druteln spoke up. “Here is authorization to move the cargo to the following coordinates, per the Governor’s office. I believe Sir and Lady McKenzie have been more than patient enough, and I doubt our new Conservation director has anything nefarious planned. May we please be done now?”

The CCDA agent reviewed the order and then walked away and tapped his comms. A few minutes went by and then he came back. “I thank you for your patience and assistance. Welcome to Oed V. Your cargo has been cleared.” and he invited his head slightly and then walked away. Drutelnamkled at Seamus and Ragna and said “Are you ready to go? Sorry for the delay.”

Seamus McKenzie

Remembering her manners, Ragna stood a d gave the Vulcan man a sincere smile, “Thank you, Cpt R’den.” She looked at Druteln as she walked over and grabbed her bag, “Yes, please.” As for the apology, Ragna shrugged. Here more than any time before she was a representative of her clan and she had to remember that. “He was doing his job. Our clan is happy to do whatever is required.” Even if it was stu....different from what things used to be.

Ragna McKenzie

Seamus grinned… wholly inside his head of course. “We appreciate the assistance. Yes. Let us go and finally set our feet on actual ground.”

Ms. Druteln led them out of the cargo bay, off the ship, through security through the pre-screened access, and in less than half an hour they were standing on the surface of Oed V.

It was warm, but not unpleasant. The air was dry and the area they waited in was outside a colonial government reception area. Ms. Druteln said “I have a slider on its way. We will take you to your hotel and let you settle in. Tomorrow, Mr. McKenzie, you will meet with the Director of Terraforming, Dr. Hazen-Cooper.” A slider pulled up and the rear door opened. “She will be able to give you a status update on the biodome construction and where we stand with regards to your efforts. Do enjoy your day. If you have any questions or need a recommendation on where to eat or things to see, just send me a comm and I will happily assist you.” Seamus said “Thank you. We may just do that.” and he held out his hand to Ragna so she could get in the car.

Seamus McKenzie

Ragna scanned the city skyline. So many buildings, so many vehicles, so much packed together in a small space. The air felt different. It wasn’t quite fresh, but it wasn’t recycled. She had read there were many parks on Oed, but from here she couldn’t see much of it. Only brief glimpses. She breathed deeply and enjoyed the feel of solid ground under foot. Seamus surely had his work cut out for him. If anyone could do it, it would be him though. They put their bags in the trunk and Ragna slid into ground car. “I have not stayed in a hotel since we visited San Francisco, with the Mattsons, for the dedication of memorial of the Breen attack.” She watched the city out the window, “This is a much better occasion.”

Ragna McKenzie

“Aye, it is.” Seamus said. His head was turning this way and that and he seemed to be taking in everything his eyes landed on.

It was a fifteen minute drive when they pulled up in front of the Seven Palms Hotel and Resort. Ms. Druteln exited the front of the slider as the driver got their bags and opened the door. Seamus helped Ragna out and then nodded and picked up all the bags and looked at Ms. Druteln. She smiled and said “You room is all ready. Just check in at the fornt desk and they will handle it from there. Welcome to Oed V. We are very excited to have you here finally.” and she smiled and waved and got in the slider and left.

Seamus led them into the massive and well-appointed lobby. A bellhop came forward and said “May I take your bags, sir?” and reached for them. Seamus shook his head. “Nae, lad… but I appreciate tha offer.” He jerked his chin towards the long desk on the far side and led Ragna that way.

Approaching the desk, a Denoblian man said “Ah, yes… Sir Seamus and Lady Ragna McKenzie. Welcome to Oed V and the Seven Palms Hotel and Resort. It is an honor to have you with us.” He tapped a few commands and said “Yes, here we are. You have a room reserved for the next sixty days, but a note says that will probably not be necessary.” A few more commands and they said “You both are checked in. If you would be so kind…” and he set two red lacquered wooden boxes on the desk. Inside were identical silver bracelets. “These are your resident bracelets. They will allow access to all areas of the Resort, the dining rooms- of which there are twelve-, and the pools. They will also grant you access to your room which is on the thirty-first floor. The private turbo lifts are there-” and he pointed, “-and you are all ready. Would like help with your bags?” Seamus shook his head and said “No, thank ye.” He snapped a bracelet on himself and then took Ragna’s hand in his and did the same, smiling at her. “Ready, my love?” he asked and gestured to the lifts.

Seamus McKenzie

The hotel was large and fancy and lots of potted palm trees, everywhere inside. Like they were trying to make up for the lack of life outside. It was all very tropical themed, which made sense. Ragna had never really liked the tropics. Too much sand a d not enough forest, but the oceans were beautiful. Seamus snapped the bracelet on her. She thought it felt more like a hea y iron shackle than a piece of temporary jewelry. She was well and truly trapped…she sucked in a breath as her head split like a hot k ife stabbed her. She smiled up at Seamus, “Aye let’s go see where they put us,” she had Seamus, so it was going to be fine. That would be her mantra. She would have taken her own bag, but Seamus seemed determined to handle it all himself. That was preferable to some stranger messing with their things.

The lift accelerated up to the 31st floor and opened. There were 2 doors on this floor, each leading to a single floor penthouse suite. Ragna waved her wrist at the control panel and the door lock released with a soft snick. Ragna opened the door and held it for him. It wasn’t until she closed the door that she got a good look at their temporary home. It was bright and airy and a small shuttle car sped past the window. It was the size that was really something. “Idun’s apples! We could fit 3 of our house and garden in here with room ta spare.” What did two people need with so much space?

Ragna McKenzie

Seamus smiled and said “Ragna, love… we aren’t on a island anymore. Space is not nearly as finite a resource as it was. And trust me… when the biodome is done and we move, you may find yerself wishing for this bit ‘a space.” He went to the bedroom and put the bags inside. He came back out and said “Feel like washing off the stagnant ship air with me?” and he smiled and wrapped his arms around her.

Seamus McKenzie

Ragna laughed, “Space was not a finite resource there on the coast. We had all the room we needed and then some. Is that dome going to be smaller than the house? I’m sure it will be plenty of space, for everything ya plan to do with that dome, it will be our own little world.” She wrapped her arms around him, “That sounds like the best idea ever. I bet they have hydro showers here too and not just sonic showers.” She kissed him, feeling his warmth and strength. He was her rock, and that wasn’t going to change.

Ragna McKenzie

“We’ll talk about the dome after.” he said with a grin and he kissed her back, and suddenly he scooped her off the floor and carried her into the bath where there was indeed hydro showers and a large tub.

Several hours later…

Seamus lay on his back with Ragna on top of him where she had semi-collapsed. The trip out had been frustrating on many levels; but it was the lack of real privacy that had made their confinement in the ship irritating. But here? Here it was just them. Despite the traffic buzzing by outside, the glass was tinted and they could be free to do what they wanted.

The lack of privacy had been frustrating. Back home their nearest neighbor, Seanmhair, had been eight miles. It wasn’t frustrating just because they were a still relatively newly wed couple, but just to be able to talk without others over hearing and commenting. Or, Ragna was faithful to the old gods and that was strange and drew lots of comments as well. It wasn’t that she minded sharing the stories, but there was very little space for solitary reflection (not that it was meditatively useful for calming Ragna). She certainly appreciated being truly alone with Seamus after the ship.

“Do ye re’member tha first time we were tagether, love? That first day back after I had gone to fetch ya from your village? Ya thought I had hung another woman’s sword on our hearth…” and he chuckled. “Like that’d ever happen in this or any other life…”

Seamus McKenzie

Ragna went from sleepily relaxed to warily alert. “Aye,” she had picked up some of Seamus’ speech and accent in their months together. “I remember. And technically it was another woman’s sword, but it’s mine now.” Pure sass and attitude. “Though I should have asked ya ‘bout it a bit nicer…”

Ragna McKenzie

He chuckled. “Ya asked me just fine. After all, it led to you laying in our bed…” and he rolled on top of her and looked down at her, grinning. “… An’ me like this over ya. An’ you glaring at me like I was the best thing ya had ever laid eyes on and it pissed ya off.” and he laughed again and then kissed her. It was kiss that was mirrored in their first moments together, his lips following the same course and touching the same spots on her. “Gods be praised but I love you more than life, Ragna…” he whispered against her skin…

Seamus McKenzie

Ragna looked up at him giving him that same glare, but it was tempered by months of knowing and love. Seamus had, at least a little bit, tamed some of Ragna’s wildness, and freed others. Ragna kissed him, that same sense of being home rushing through her, as it had that first day. Ragna sighed, “Seamus…you are my life.”

More Hours Later…

Ragna stretched lazily and then rolled over so she was curled against his side, head in his shoulder, her long white blonde hair in disarray.
“Tha’ beds too big. I like our bed. When I’m on my side yer still close enough ta lay next to and hold.”

Ragna McKenzie

“Our bed is being unloaded, don’t you worry.” he said softly. He then looked down at her and grinned. “Ragna Edman McKenzie… was that a sweet statement that just fell from your lips? The gods must truly be absent for that to happen…” and he grinned and smothered the welling retort with a kiss that left no doubt in her mind that he liked what she said.

Another hour later

Seamus looked at Ragna and said “Love of my life, and my brave Shield Maiden… if we don’t get up and eat both of us are gonna love one another to death.” and he laughed.

Seamus McKenzie

Ragna laughed softly. “Well I can’t cook. Unless there is a kitchen in this mansion of a hotel room, and it has food in it already.” She didn’t even know where to go to buy food yet. “Maybe there is a replicator? Or…didn’t that…Denobulian? say there were 12 dinning rooms?” She really didn’t want to leave the room, but now that Seamus mentioned food, her stomach growled loudly. “I really don’t want more replicated food.” That was supposed to be a benefit of being on the planet - real food.

Ragna McKenzie

Seamus smiled and said “Allow me the honor of introducing you to one of the few things I actually like about the modern world… room service.” He leaned past her and pressed the comm on the bedside table. After a few moments, he had ordered enough food for them to stay in the room for at least another full day. He looked at Ragna and said “And they’ll bring it in and set it up in the living room. We don’t even have to get out of bed until it’s done.” He smiled and kissed her neck, then softly bit it. “So what do we do in the mean time, eh?” he asked with a grin.

Seamus McKenzie

A breathy moan followed by an indulgent laugh. “Seamus ya said we had to get up,” Ragna pushed at his shoulder with absolutely no effort to move him, except closer. “I suppose we can attempt to sate your insatiable appetite before the food gets here.” She brought his hand to her lips and kissed his knuckles and the guided his hand to her waist. Then she began to trail her lips a Ross his jaw, his neck, his shoulder, and then she kissed him as only a wife can. “I love you, Seamus. I would follow you anywhere.”

Ragna McKenzie

“Temptress…” was all he could say as he lost himself in her for yet another period of joyfully lost time.

Not Long After…

Seamus brought in three plates piled high with an assortment of food. He set them on the bed and then slid in next to Ragna. “I’m already loving this. I don’t think I have had you to myself this much in… well… ever. If it isn’t the damned fox, its the damned ram. Tryin’ ta get in when we are supposed to be alone.” nad he laughed. “Gods, I cannae wait to get them here.”

Seamus McKenzie

Ragna laughed, “The only time we had this much time together was on the boat when you brought me home. But we were a bit busy sailing for anything else.” She grabbed a pumpernickel roll off the plate and tore a piece off. “Runa is taking care of them, and she will make sure they get here. Or I may kill her.” Ragna grinned. The sheep, Angus specifically, had been an argument. Okay so maybe it hadn’t needed to be an argument, but Ragna was not coming to Oed without them and Aurora. Angus was her fierce protector she couldn’t leave him behind. She had raged for half an hour about it before Seamus kissed her just to shut her up.

“That ram is going to be more spoiled than he already is.” Seamus threatened to turn him to stew several times a day. He was just as attached to that ram, Ragna would wager probably more. “Oh! I’m not supposed to tell, but Runa has a surprise for you. I, really, think you will like it. With the reconciliation and wedding and then all the problems after that, I forgot and it never got done.”

Ragna McKenzie

“Oh really? Huh. Care to tell me what it is?” he asked with a grin. “If ya do, I’ll tell ya what my surprise is for you an’ yer sisters.” He moved close to her and said “How’s the bread? Mind if I sample?” and he kissed her for a long time and then pulled back and smiled. “Its good, but you taste better.”

Seamus McKenzie

Ragna didn’t even have a chance to answer either question before he kissed her. She forgot all about the food until he pulled back. Her face usually only got that red if she was mad. “Seamus McKenzie what is going on with you?” her voice was quiet and breathless. Her question was obviously not a complaint, and he could tell by the way she kissed him.

She sighed as she pulled back. She just stared at him for a long still moment; gods she loved him. Finally her brain started working. “Actually I will show you.” She looked around and spotted her bag across the room. She hurried over and dug a PaDD out of it and she slid back into the bed with him. She pulled another piece of the bread off and popped it into his mouth with a grin and then took a piece for herself. She pulled up a video. “So, you were supposed to be given one of the Shires when we got married. I had asked Runa to help me pick.” The video was of an easily 18 hands tall Shire stallion. White with grey dappling and blonde main, tail, and socks. Runa was riding him. Runa was their best rider and even she had trouble containing the energy and attitude, but he was a fully trained battle horse. He obviously enjoyed it because as Runa put him through his paces and different techniques he stopped being bull headed and enjoyed it. His gaits were smooth and he didn’t jump, he soared and performed flawlessly. “He’s seven years old. His name is Stormwhite.”

Ragna McKenzie


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