// @cptnpike sent, ❝ you’re allowed to need help sometimes. ❞
usually, the words would pull her attention. usually, she would glance up, give him a look, whether it be stern or dryly amused. this time, long moments pass before she offers any acknowledgment that she heard him, attention so absorbed by the shifting colors and sliding pieces. though delayed, she does eventually raise a hand just enough to gesture him to wait. locals called it a puzzle, one they had yet to solve, a remnant of the planet’s former inhabitants, long gone.
for all her usual control, una had not been able to keep her interest from writing itself across her features, eyes suddenly bright. he could not help but notice, and had dismissed her from their actual responsibilities to investigate. she’s scarcely gotten anywhere in the hours since, and since he approached to check on her, she has scarcely moved except to breathe. now, her voice sounds distant as she forms the words, ❛ if you dare call anyone to help me... ❜ there’s no urgency, no risk to taking her time.
❛ it’s not often a puzzle eludes me, chris. ❜ she drops title to use his name, speaking more to her friend than her captain. ❛ I’m not ready to concede defeat... ❜ for the first time since he joins her, she glances up at him, stern, focused expression giving way to a smile. ❛ don’t spoil my fun? ❜ that smile proves no less fleeting than usual, however, as, suddenly concerned, she asks, ❛ we don’t have to leave, do we? ❜
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2087
