InsaneJournal

Marcus's Arrival
Who: Marcus and Tonks
When: Day 1, Late Afternoon
What: Marcus arrives
Where: Out behind the stables
Rating: PG
Status: Completed


Marcus was deep in meditation when he felt the unfamiliar tug. Reassembling his waking consciousness as rapidly as he could, he spared a few mental moments to wonder what the cause of it was. As he flicked open his eyes, the tugging began to be accompanied by a startlingly loud whooshing sound, as if air and more were rushing away from him. Squinting against the intensely bright light, he attempted to unfold his crossed legs, only to discover that his cell had completely disappeared. His bed, side-table, walls, and wardrobe had all gone, to be replaced by a vortex of bright, energetic colour, swirling about him, to what purpose he had no idea.

Barely had he had time to react, however, when the lights and sounds came to a sudden stop and he found himself falling a short distance in a sunlit environment. His shock at being suddenly out-of-doors was nothing compared to his surprise at the scene that met his eyes when he landed with a thump on a hard, dusty ground. He was on a planet that appeared to be Earth. At least, the buildings matched historical Earth culture, and he could swear he saw horses. If it wasn't Earth it was definitely a human colony. Behind him, the ground rose in small, rolling hills, covered in long, dry grass, and the occasional pine tree. Before him stood a wooden structure that appeared to be a stable. Where was he, and how had he got there?

Standing up, he noticed someone standing beside him. Someone, or something. It was humanoid, but not really human. It said nothing, but gestured to him to follow it. He did so, hoping for some answers about where he was, and why. Was this creature typical of the race that inhabited this world? Had they taken over an abandoned human settlement, or perhaps invaded a human colony? Perhaps they were homophiles that emulated aspects of human culture. If that was the case, Marcus figured he would be in for a very interesting reception as a human himself.

The being, whatever it was, led him past the stables to a large lodge that was situated across a yard. It appeared to be a well-kept central building, perhaps a meeting hall or common living quarters for the settlers. Through an archway, his guide led Marcus to a central chamber, in the middle of which was a tablet with simple text in English. Obviously, this artifact had been left by the human builders of this place.

As he read the text, Marcus's demeanor shifted. Where before he'd felt confused but hopeful about his abduction, now things had taken a definitely sinister edge. While it was possible this message had been written long ago and meant for someone else, Marcus had a bad feeling about the fact that the being beside him had led him to this spot. As he turned to confront it, he noticed it was holding out a blinking device. As Marcus took the item and turned it over, examining its markings, the being turned, as if to lead him further.

"Hey, what's this all about? Who are you? Why have you brought me here?" He'd finally decided to attempt to speak with his guide, but it was to no avail. The creature did not pause at Marcus's words, and headed for an outbuilding across the courtyard from the tablet the Ranger had been led to first. Hoping for answers once he arrived at this next destination, Marcus was quiet once again. Eventually, they arrived at a door, numbered E105. Recognizing the number from the device he'd been given, Marcus put two and two together. "Oh, I see! This is my key! Very nice. Thank you. So I can come and go, can I? Well, that makes it seem less like a cell, doesn't it?" He looked around once more at the courtyard of the ranch. "And I must say, this does seem like one of the nicest prisons one could imagine." He turned to the guide. "Well, thank you for the orientation. I won't be needing anything else for the moment." He made a shooing motion. "That means you can go now. Thanks again." Giving up on talking to the automaton, he turned and opened his room with the key.