*whimper*  Short, I know... but it's as done as it's gonna get.  >_<  Gomen 
na, Aerianne-chan sorta disappeared in this post... @_@  (mou, and I like 
her a lot, too!)

*gasp*  *blush*  A bed scene!  (nothing happens, though... it's innocent 
enough.  ^^;;  oiya...)

"Preparing for search"
Tristan/ Aerianne, Darren, Odyssa; Igan
Early morning of Day three

	Tristan was a tad bewildered at the warm welcome he received by his new 
friends.  He laughed tiredly, ruffling Odyssa's hair, as he and Darren made 
their way back into his ship.  The girl tossed him a mock irritated look, 
and the redhead beside him snickered.

	"I'll get you something to eat!  You're probably starving, aren't you?!"  
Odyssa chirped suddenly, pointing at the captain.  She beamed and folded her 
arms behind her back.  "Me too!  We haven't had a meal since last night, and 
I'm sure Aeri will be glad to have something while she's staying watch, and 
--"

"We get the point!"  Darren stuck his tongue out at her.  Odyssa seethed 
for a moment before thinking better of it and scurried off in search of the 
kitchens.  Darren gave a triumphant little chuckle.

	Tristan blinked and glanced to the boy.  He had a few dark circles 
underneath his eyes (which still were a tad puffy from his crying) and the 
way he helped the captain trudge along implied he was as tired as himself.  
Tristan frowned slightly, lifting the boy's chin with a hand.  "Didn't you 
get any sleep last night?"

	The redhead gave a laugh and a sniffle.  "Well, y'know, under the 
circumstances..."

	He smiled and put his arm around the boy's shoulder.  "Good thing Aerianne 
had the sense to tell us to get some rest... we'll sleep for a few hours 
before beginning the search.  You can stay here and rest a bit more while we 
head out.  Sound good?"

	Darren shook his head vehemently.  "No, I'm going!

	Tristan laughed, shaking his head.  "All right, all right," he acquiesced.  
"Just make sure to take it easy, okay?"

	"Right-o!"

	The three ate hurriedly, Darren occasionally snagging food off Tristan's 
plate.  Odyssa ran to keep Aerianne company while the other two retired to 
their beds for a few hours.  Darren, refusing to let the pirate out of his 
sight, demanded they share a room.  Tristan laughingly complied.

	Hudson poked his head inside the captain's quarters, chuckling at the two 
bundles of blankets curled up on the bed.  "'Ey, 'bout time for our shift 
for the search!"

	Tristan yawned and sat up, prodding Darren's shoulder.  When the boy didn't 
stir, he pushed the redhead off the bed, letting him fall unceremoniously 
onto the floor.  Darren made a little yelp of surprise as Hudson and the 
blond snickered to each other.

	"C'mon, let's go," Tristan grinned, stretching.  "We'd better take over for 
the rest of the crew.  They need their rest."

	"Yeah," Darren yawned kittenishly, hopping to his feet.  He pouted at the 
captain.  "You didn't have to dump me on the floor, though!!"

	"Hurry it up, you two.  I dunno if Aerianne and Odyssa are gonna help out, 
but it's not polite t'keep 'em waiting."  Hudson smirked.


--




-kat



quot;Hi.
I'm the Herculator.
I am Herculating.
Would you like some Herculade?"

-My li'l bro, at my older sis' wedding reception ^_^;;