Upon Vestia: Chapter Nineteen

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(Day 11 I think)

Ethan snorted. "Apparently Vestia's crew picked up a godlike being who was kind of a brat. They rescued him from somewhere, I'm not sure where or why. Anyway James got in a conversation with him, took a disliking to him, and then proceeded to insult him and not apologize. So Todd, as James named him, sent them all to the other universe as punishment."

~~
Ellie frowned. "What happened?"

Hewitt snorted derisively. "Magic users, ripping holes in space time just to make a petty point, seems about right."

---

Luka frowned. "Minotaurs..." She mumbled, she didn't look up having apparently taken a sudden intense interest in her own shoes. "Esk's in the hospital."

Ethan nodded. "Definitely a textbook use of excessive force," he agreed. "I can't say I'm complaining though, if not for Todd's bad attitude and god complex, I'd still be stuck over there." He smiled oddly.

~~
"Duuude," Ellie said. "Minotaurs went after you guys? Holy crap, that's insane."

Hewitt nodded, whether he believed Ethan or was just humouring him though was unclear. "So what's different there? What's the same? " He asked.

Shane frowned at the information. "Where we're the peacekeepers?" Weren't they supposed to stop stuff like that here?

"Terran Empire's more of an empire over there," Ethan said. "Bigger military presence, actively at war with a lot of states, lots of terrorists. Meanwhile the Satare Empire is much kinder and more accepting and has a thriving film industry that specializes in musical comedies." He wasn't terribly concerned whether Hewitt believed him or not. The guy could ask around on this ship if he wanted to back up the story with more facts. "Apparently this goes for a lot of people and cultures there. Vavare are snuggly, friendly giant spiders here, not so much over there. And Vestia herself is a cowardly useless bystander in that universe."

Luka continued to look at the floor. "They turned up eventually." Her voice trembled a little, she still felt horribly guilty. "Before it could get any worse. It.. it all happened so fast. He got thrown, there was a horse, it panicked. " She clasped and unclasped her hands.

---

Hewitt hummed and nodded as Ethan explained. "So it's all backwards hmm? Like a darkly reflecting mirror?"

"Yeah, I guess that's one way to put it," Ethan said. "Weirdest mirror I've ever seen."

~~
Ellie went and hugged Luka, as well as she could with their massive height difference. "Man that's crappy! Is Esk gonna be okay?"

Shane and moved over to hug Luka as well. They didn't like that Luka was upset.

Hewitt nodded. "I wonder what damage such an act has done to the fabric of the universe, the disregard of magic users for the fragile galaxy is troubling but hardly surprising. " He rolled his eyes.

---

Luka stiffened at the hug, then tentatively patted Ellie on the back in a sort of half hug thing. She pulled away gently and nodded. "I think so. Dawn and Matt are with him apparently. "

"Too scientific for me, and nothing we can do anyway either way," Ethan said. "I'll cross my fingers and hope the universe can take it."

~~
"Good good, Dawn and Matt are good at looking out for people," Ellie said.

"It's survived this long, despite all the holes being torn every which way." Hewitt remarked cooly. "But you never know when it'll just... give way. " He waved his hands dramatically. "and then we'll all be done for." He cackled.

---

Luka nodded again. "Yeah.."

Shane looked to Ellie. "I can go and check on everyone really quickly." He offered.

Ethan looked amused. "I'm glad that idea doesn't worry you too much. At least it should be quick, right?" Not that he knew, he had no idea about physics.

~~
"We were thinking about having, like, beer and cake. A daytime party, you know? Want in?" Ellie asked Luka. "Might be a good diversion." She smiled at Shane, "I'm sure they're handling it, but maybe you should? I dunno."

Shane smiled and waved then headed out to check on everyone

Hewitt shrugged "What do I care? I'll probably be dead long before then." He smirked.

Luka looked uncertain, she glanced to Moone. She didn't much feel up to a party, celebrating felt wrong right now. But she knew Moone had wanted to celebrate. "Why don't you go along, have some fun for a few hours?" She suggested gently.
She waved to Shane.

"Hopefully we'll both be dead by then," Ethan said. "Finding out whether the universe tearing apart hurts or not isn't something I feel any need to learn." He smiled oddly, "How are you holding up, old man? Seems like we've been talking a while."

Hewitt chuckled. "I'm fine. Conserving my energy." He waved a hand dismissively. "Don't tell me you're going to start fretting over me like Amity does."

"Do I look like I'm fretting?" Ethan asked. It was hard to tell, his expression was always more surly than anything else. He considered for a moment, then found a chair and sat down too. "I bet you secretly like it when the robots worry about you."

Moone smiled at Ellie. "I suggested that before too. It would be a good distraction."

"Okay, we'll totally kidnap Moone then!" Ellie said happily. "The invitation stands if you want to join us later, Luka, don't you worry."

Luka nodded. "I'll think about it." She sounded pretty non committal. "Thank you." She added sincerely.

---

Hewitt laughed. "nonsense, why would I want that?" He smirked.

Moone chuckled softly then looked to Luka "I would like if you came, we can forget about the moon inside."

Luka smiled weakly. "Maybe i'll pop in later."

"Maybe you like knowing there's someone waiting to help you," Ethan suggested. "Or maybe you like having people worry so you have a reason to tell them you're fine." He leaned back, watching Hewitt with a small smirk of his own.

~~
"Okay Luka, see ya!" Ellie waved to Luka, then looked to Moone, "Okay, let's find recruits, kid!"

The professor laughed merrily. "I have to say, this vacation is proving to be far more interesting than I anticipated. " He rested in his chair, closing his eyes contentedly.

--

Luka nodded and headed back to her room for entertainment, if she was going to spend the night locked in the cockpit of the SD, she needed literature and snacks.