System Failure: Part I

[Syllestrae]

The light was soft and cool as Aleksandr opened his eyes.  There was still some pain and disorientation, but it was rapidly fading.  He blinked a few times and stared upwards.  Pink blossoms were slowly falling from the tree above him, sailing on the light breeze like so many flakes of snow.

Death was more peaceful then he'd expected, he thought to himself... until she pinched him, anyways.

"You always were a loafer.  Get up, we've got work to do".

"Oksana?"  Aleks turned his head to eye his sister kneeling on the mossy ground beside him.  His memory flashed... the three of them, on board the exodar.  The walls were shuddering as the crystal engines screamed.  Glass was shattering from the vibrations.  Oksana was holding on with both hands... she was the oldest and wouldn't have it any other way.  

Aleksandr held his younger sister close.  Time and experience had not forged the bravery of her older sister, and it wasn't as necessary with such a constant protector always looking out for her.  

He lept up, his focused eyes scanning the flowered glade.  "Where is she, Oksana?"

Oksana stood more slowly and sighed, looking around.  "I don't know... I found you first.  She'll turn up though, I'm sure of it.  I'd know if she didn't make it, and I don't have that feeling."  She smiled at him reassuringly, but it didn't seem to help.

"We need to find her.  It is not safe."

Oksana laughed.  "Are the flowers going to get her?  She will be fine, brother."

"You do not take this seriously enough!  We should split up, we will cover more ground that way."  Aleksandr drew his sword and walked off without waiting for a reply.  

Oksana waited until he was out of sight before she started to cry.