Futuristic A Final Dawn

Octavian~


"It's alright. Please, let me." Octavian reached out and cupped Nikes hand, removing the glass held in it with the other. He uncurled her fingers and examined the wound, bright ruby drops of blood continuing to fall down to the floor, mixing like ink with the spilled alcohol.


"It doesn't look too bad, a clean cut. Here." Octavian reached behind him and took something from his back pocket with one hand, the other still holding Nikes hurt one. He brought the object around and pressed it to Nikes finger above the cut. it hissed, growing warm and seemed to melt into her finger over the cut, the pink ragged edges of the skin writhing as they melded together, closing the wound with only a small pink line remaining.


"There, that should do it." Octavian looked up, a wry smile tugging at the corners of his lips. He paused and studied Nikes face, merely inches away. It was a nice face, sharp and angular, with warm eyes.


His grip tightened on her hand and he leaned over, one hand curving up and around her neck as he pressed his lips to hers.


Octavian pulled back with a groan, mind fuzzy with a maelstrom of emotions. "I- I'm sorry, I just had to do that, at least once...." He started to slip his hand from Nike's, legs moving to stand up and take him somewhere else.

Before Nike knew what was happening, or could even respond to Octavian, she felt his hand gently wrap around her own and the glass be taken out. She felt a new sort of warmth starting to travel through her, different from the warmth she'd experienced while drinking, as he carefully examined her injured hand. Maybe it was the alcohol, or maybe it was something else, but she couldn't really respond. She didn't jerk her hand away or argue as he continued to assist her, reaching back and pulling out an object which he then pressed to her injured skin. There was a hiss, which made her startle a little, and she watched with surprise as the cut moved and mended itself.


She was still staring down at her hand, Octavian's still holding onto it, when she felt that hand gently tighten around it and sensed his body shifting. She had started to look up towards his face again when she felt his other hand slip up and caress her neck. There was only a moment of confusion before something warm and soft pressed against her lips. She could feel her eyes widen slightly in surprise at the sensation and a burst of heat channel through her. Octavian...Octavian was kissing her? She was so in shock she barely registered what was happening before he began to pull back again, apologizing and beginning to stand.


She wasn't certain what came over her then; her heart was racing and she felt an intense heat rushing through her veins. Before Octavian could fully stand, she reached out and grabbed hold of his hand, pulling him back from trying to leave. She wasn't certain what had come over her but...she just didn't want him to go anywhere. The next thing she knew the space between them closed and she was pressing her lips against his. She could feel the warmth of his body against hers as she closed her eyes. She'd never kissed anyone before, not like this. It wasn't until that very moment that she realized she'd wanted to do this for a long time.

Octavian~


Octavian closed his eyes as Nike pressed closer to him, feeling the heat of her lips against his. His initial surprise and hesitation were swept away on a wave of raw need as he deepened the kiss, hand traveling down to the small of Nikes back as he leaned backward, carrying her down with him till he was lying on the cool floor, Nike resting on top. He broke the kiss, eyes opening as he took a breath he didn't know he'd been holding.


"Are you drunk? Because that was certainly unexpected. I mean, I'm me after all. I once drugged and kidnapped you, which is not something that usually endears me to women." Octavian spoke softly, mouth quirked into a half smile, his mind fuzzy with emotions that kept trying to tell him to get back to what he had been doing.   

Nike felt the two of them sinking towards the floor as she continued to kiss Octavian. She ended up on top of him, soaking up the feeling of his lips against her own, until he slowly broke the kiss. She kept her eyes closed for a moment, savoring the sensations crawling through her veins and across her skin. When he finally spoke to her, she looked at him.


“I did drink a little...” she admitted hesitantly, her face flushed for a couple of reasons now “...but I think I've wanted to do that for a while.” She added softly. She knew it was probably foolish...he had drugged, kidnapped, and threatened her in the past. It was just...he'd been so nice to her recently. He was the one person she'd ever shared so much with. Was it really so wrong for her to feel attracted to him?


She leaned over him a little, pressing her warm forehead against his as her hair slipped over her shoulders and hung down around both their faces like a soft, turquoise curtain.


“Maybe I shouldn't like you...maybe I should be afraid of you...but somehow I feel that you're more than all of that. I...I like who you are...and I like who I see pressed deep down inside of you.” She spoke quietly, all the while staring down at him. She felt as if she understood him...and that he understood her in ways no one ever had.

Octavian~


Octavian listened as Nike whispered her feelings, pressing her warm forehead to his as she finished. He looked up into her eyes for a moment, then smiled. "Pressed deep down inside eh. I'll show you something else pressed deep down inside." He brought one hand up and cupped Nikes neck, pulling her back down to him, mouth meeting hers. His hand slid further down her body, resting on her thigh as Octavian deepened the kiss, body starting to grow flushed with excitement. His arm muscles tensed as he rolled onto his side, one arm pushing off of the floor as he hoisted himself up, the other arm firmly wrapped around Nike as he lifted her with him as he stood. Lips still locked, Octavian half-walked, half stumbled over to the nearby cot laying Nike down on it as he leaned over the edge, hands pressing into the bed on either side of her as he stood near the edge of the bunk. One hand went to his belt, but froze as the small part of him not entirely focused on Nike noticed a change in the ship. The pitch of the engines lowered to a deeper hum, and a low warning siren was sounding somewhere off in the bowels of the craft. 


Octavian broke contact with a groan, sighing as he opened his eyes. "Well, fuck. That's the landing sequence starting then. I'm going to have to take her down myself, I don't trust the computer to not crash and kill us both." He gave a pained regretful smile, then straightened up, taking a long last look at Nike splayed across the cot, a wild heat in his gaze, before turning on his heel and hurrying off to the cockpit. 


He slipped easily into the pilots chair, controls rising up to fit his hands as he looked over the flight diagnostics. He flipped a few switches as he took control, locating a suitable landing position within Imperial-controlled territory on the outskirts of the city. He eased the flight-stick down and squeezed the throttle, sending the craft down into an arced turn as he maneuvered to land. The auxiliary boosters fired down from the underside of the ship, slowing their descent as they hovered over the makeshift landing pad. Octavian guided the craft down, hands easy on the controls, until the ship gave a slight shudder as the landing legs made contact with the surface. He powered down the engines and secured the throttle, standing up and stretching as he turned around, intending to go back and check on Nike.   

Nike didn't fight the urges coming over her as Octavian pulled her into another deep kiss. She could feel the heat between their bodies and the firm, yet gentle, grip of his hand on her thigh. She closed her eyes again, surrendering to the desires beginning to overwhelm her. It felt nice, being in someone's arms. It felt nice to be shown affection.


She held onto Octavian as he rolled onto his side and stood, carrying her to the cot. In all this time their lips hadn't separated, and she'd taken to breathing in deeply through her nose. She wasn't used to kissing, but it wouldn't take long for her to become an expert at this rate. As she felt herself being laid back on the bed, she opened her eyes again to look up at Octavian. Her mind was spinning by this point; a mixture of ecstasy and intoxication. He was leaning over her, his hands planted on either side of her. She could feel her heartbeat steadily increasing as she watched one of his hands move to his belt, but then he froze. She sensed a small change in the ship's movement just as Octavian broke the kiss with a sigh.


“That would be unfortunate.” She said with a hint of playfulness in her tone as she stared up at him. After another moment Octavian stood upright and, with a bit of hesitation, made his way to the cockpit to land the craft. Once alone, Nike let out a deep breath of air, as if she'd been holding it for a while. She didn't move to get up, and instead stared up at the bunk above her.


'Was I...about to have sex...?' She thought, blinking. She still felt hot and tingly from what she'd just experienced; it was almost uncomfortable. Had all that really just happened? She'd drank a bit...but she was certain she wasn't making all that up. Did that mean that Octavian...liked her too?


She felt the ship shudder a little as Octavian landed it, holding onto the edges of the bed just to make sure she wouldn't roll off. Once things came to rest, she slowly sat up and rubbed her face a little. In all honesty, it probably wasn't a good idea to go making out while intoxicated...even if it felt wonderful. She stood up and walked over to the small bathroom nearby, standing in front of the sink. Turning on the cold water, she splashed some on her face and neck, trying to sober up a little and cool off from that heated moment between herself and Octavian minutes ago.

Octavian~


Octavian entered the crew quarters, walking over to were Nike was busy in the bathroom. He leaned against the door-frame, arms crossed as he studied her back. "So....I'd love to pick up where we left off, but I have to go check-in and make sure the docking official knows I'm supposed to be here and not just flying rogue..." He looked her up and down again, eyes bright. "...To my infinite regret." 

Nike heard Octavian approach even before he spoke. She looked back at him, water droplets falling from her chin, before turning back to the sink and turning off the faucet. Giving her wet hands a few shakes, she grabbed a hand towel and dabbed herself dry. Her skin still felt hot, but she was no longer certain if it was due to arousal or drinking.


“That's okay.” She replied, leaving the sink and walking over to Octavian.


“I probably should sober up a little anyway.” She admitted with a hint of awkwardness. She felt a little out of her own head at the moment. It still felt so strange that she and Octavian had kissed. It almost felt like some strange dream she'd been having.


“I'm going to see if I can't find some water. Do you want me to meet you outside?” She asked, looking up at him. She found herself staring again, and blinked to try and refocus.


Once Octavian had left to check in, she left the crew quarters and went into the small kitchen. There was a fridge there, and upon opening it she found some containers of water. Grabbing a few, she opened one and started chugging it down. She was now realizing it probably wasn't the best idea to have drank right before arriving in Italy. Hopefully the alcohol would wear off within an hour or two.

Octavian~


Rays of noonday sun pierced the spartan atmosphere of the ship as Octavian lowered the boarding ramp with a whine of humming machinery. He stepped down into the following draft of outside air, taking a deep breath as it met him. It smelled of windblown dirt, fresh cut grass, and the unmistakable tinge of hot metal. He walked down onto the smooth surface of the fabricated landing pad, shielding his eyes as he looked around.


They had landed on a small Imperial controlled outpost about a mile outside of the city, nestled between two hills, a gravel road to one side. A small pre-fab structure was nearby, along with numerous fuel and coolant tanks, maintenance supplies and spare parts. He saw a pair of lounging Imperial marines near a stack of crates, and other then a harried-looking official hurrying over to him, no one else was in sight. The man thrust a datapad at Octavian as he came to a halt in front of him, breathing heavily and wiping sweat from his brow with a white cloth. "This damned climate, too hot by far I tell you. You must be Centurion Octavian. If you would just sign here and make a copy of your ships manifest." He motioned at the waiting datapad. "Ah yes, quite right. Now, if you will excuse me, I have pressing matters." The man nodded in parting and hurried off, wiping his forehead yet again as he did so.


Octavian smiled, reveling in the outside air. He was in a surprisingly good mood, all things considering. Well, she didn't throw me out on my ass, so I suppose she doesn't completely hate me. He smiled ruefully at the thought, remembering the feeling of Nikes lips against his.


It had just been so long since he had had time for something like this. Not that you will have much time left anyway. His mood was shattered with the thought, a creased frown replacing his previous high spirits. He didn't have much time to dwell on the thought, as his attention was drawn back to the boarding ramp, seeing Nike coming down it. He gave a frustrated sigh, walking over to her. "So, what are your plans for the rest of the day?" 

Nike finished a bottle and a half of water before grabbing up her things from the crew quarters, shoving the remaining water into the already-stuffed bag. Slinging the cross-body strap over her shoulder, she headed outside, greeted by a hot, dry breeze and bright sunlight. The intensity blinded her for a moment, and she blinked it away as Octavian approached. She took note of his demeanor; even in her slightly-intoxicated state she could see his attitude had shifted since they'd spoken minutes ago. Something was going on, but she really wasn't certain what it was.


“Hmm...." She shifted her gaze a little over the area around them. At the moment she didn't see too much.


“It really depends on where we are...I've never been here before myself. If we're near Rome, we could explore the city a bit. There are lots of things to see, like the Colosseum that I mentioned earlier, as well as museums, the Vatican, the Sistine Chapel, Saint Peter's Basilica....that's just a handful.” She explained.


Without pause, she suddenly reached out and grasped his hand. Perhaps it was the alcohol, or maybe it was the fact that she knew he had feelings for her now, but she wasn't feeling all that nervous about being affectionate. It was only hand holding, but it wasn't really something she'd done before.


“I want this to be fun for both of us, so if there's something you want to see, or something you'd prefer not to, just say so.” She said, fixing her eyes on him again.

Octavian~


Octavian looked down at Nikes hand as it intertwined with his. He gave a wry smile then, giving her hand a tight squeeze in return. I'm going to enjoy this, consequences be damned. "We're just outside the city limits, the gravel road here," he gestured at the line of grey roadway, "turns on to one of the main highways going into the city, so it won't take too long to get there." He started walking towards a pile of metal crates, pulling Nike after him with a playful tug. "I've requisitioned a vehicle for our use, it should be somewhere around here..... Ah, here it is." 


Octavian pulled back a green demi-fabric tarp, revealing a grey Masarati GranCabrio MC convertible. "As far as local conveyances go, this should be fun to drive, but not flashy enough to draw undue attention." He hopped over the drivers-side door and into the maroon leather seat, thumbing the ignition button. The engine roared to life before settling into a low purr as it idled. "Octavian jerked his head at Nike, a gleam in his eye. "Well, don't just stand there, get in, we're wasting daylight."  

Nike felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth as Octavian gave her hand a squeeze. It made her feel some small comfort, in a way. She wasn't always so certain she knew what he was thinking, and seeing him smile or reciprocate her actions made her feel things were alright between them.

Octavian jostled her out of her thoughts with a playful tug and she followed along with a slight bounce in her step. She watched him as he removed the tarp covering their ride, her eyes widening a bit at the sight of it.
“This....isn't flashy?” She asked, blinking. She couldn't say she knew much about cars, but it certainly looked expensive to her. She was still staring at it as Octavian hopped over the drivers-side door and turned on the ignition. The thing even sounded expensive!

At Octavian's beckoning, she tossed her bag into the back seat and scurried around to the other side of the car. Taking his lead, she also tried to hop over the door. Unfortunately for her she wasn't nearly as graceful and almost face planted into the passengers seat. As she righted herself, she started laughing, her face red with embarrassment.
“I-I've never tried jumping in like that.” She explained, catching her breath. She pulled her seat belt on with a click, smiling bashfully. She felt silly, but it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

The ride was smooth, so smooth it almost didn't feel like they were on the ground at all. As they sped along the highway towards the city Nike looked out at the scenery around them, her long hair flying out behind her.
“It's beautiful out here...” She commented, taking in the unfamiliar terrain. She turned her gaze from the landscape to the man sitting beside her, her eyebrows peaked in curiosity.
“I was thinking maybe we could see the Colosseum first, if you like.” She suggested. She wasn't certain what he was expecting, but she had a feeling he'd at least find it interesting.

Octavian~

Octavian smiled, the wind thrashing his hair as they sped down the road. He savored the freedom, the rush of adrenaline flushing his skin with fire. He glanced over as Nike spoke, a part of him noting her pleased expression, and feeling glad for it before returning his attention to the road.
"It is at that. Almost makes me reconsider my choice for vete'terra -land grant, even though Novae Diluculo is a stunning world herself." He gave a wistful smile. "But retirement is still a few hundred years off, so I will have plenty of time to think it over, baring any unfortunate events of course."
He nodded at her suggestion. "Sounds intriguing, we shall stop there first."
As the entered the city outskirts, Octavian slowed the car enough to extend the convertibles hardtop, the metal shell sliding up and over them as it clicked into place. He rolled up the tinted windows in order to keep a smaller profile as they entered the congested traffic.

The city writhed with undercurrents of tension, the presence of armed police and military in full force. Understandable given recent events. It seemed that Rome had escaped the unforgettable event of legionary drop-pods raining down on them, contact with the Imperium being relegated to a few delegations to the leaders of the country, and an armored convoy passing through on their way north. News had it that the surprising lack of civil unrest was due in part to a proclamation issued by the Pope calling for cooperation with the invaders, a sentiment that seemed to be taken up by the majority.
Octavian located their destination through the link with the central computer, having Cog send out a missive to the local police force to give them a wide berth, including their descriptions and a threat of Imperial rebuke if they interfered. The job has its perks. He parked the car, stretching as he got out, conjuring a pair of sunglasses from a pocket in order to hide his unusual eyes. The massive edifice of the Colosseum rose in front of them, weathered stone radiating age as a sun does heat.

Nike smiled at Octavian as he spoke, taking notice of his own smile. He seemed calmer now; happier. She was glad to see him looking more at ease after all the craziness they'd both gone through.
“What is Novae...uh....Diluculo like?” She asked, struggling for a moment to pronounce the name correctly. Octavian seemed to have seen a lot of different places in his life...it made her curious what all was out there. How much would she see? Would she end up on distant worlds, far from home just like him? Well....as long as she had him next to her, she'd be alright. He'd sort of become her pillar in all this, even if he was the one who brought her into the chaos in the first place.

They started to reach the outskirts of the city and Octavian put up the roof and windows. Nike watched out the windows, her eyes moving over the various people as they drove past. She'd never been in Italy before, but she could sense the tension in the air. The planet had been through a lot recently too....there was probably still a lot of confusion, worry, and anger brewing among people; there most likely would be for a long time to come. It made Nike feel a little uneasy; she would probably be seen as a traitor by people for getting along with Octavian.

After a little while of making their way through busy, congested streets they parked and got out of the car. Nike's eyes were pinned to the massive, ancient structure in awe. She'd seen images online and read about the site....but to see it in person was so different. It was so much larger than she'd imagined, and the thought of people being able to build it so long ago...it was mind-boggling.

Taking Octavian's hand again, she tugged him along a bit past the massive arches and into the center of the building. The place was only a shadow of what it had been back when it was first made, but even so it was still apparent that a tremendous amount of work was put into its design. In the lower area she could see the space where gladiators had fought and died for the entertainment of others; a massive labyrinth of stone where animals and people had struggled and lost their lives. She imagined the roar of thousands of people echoing off the stone walls as the sounds of battle rang out below and felt chills creep up her spine. It was both awe-inspiring and sobering.

Octavian~

He could feel the ghosts in this place, the stones themselves whispering to him as he walked through those tall arches. He studied the architecture, noting the many similarities to his native culture, down to the carvings on the pillars. He glanced over at Nike, wondering how she would react if she knew that stadiums such as this dotted Imperium worlds, some reaching massive proportions, both in size and in the scope of their 'entertainments.' He decided to not mention it, preferring to avoid that particular discussion of ethics until another time.
"It must have been a great people who built this." Octavian gave a wry grin at his not so subtle brag. At this point he was sure that Nike had made the connection between the Imperium and this ancient civilization, a fact that he himself was slowly coming to terms with.

Nike slowly turned her attention from the stadium to Octavian as he spoke up. He'd never outright said that the Imperium and the ancient Romans were connected, but from what he said it made her assume so.
“I'm sure it must have been exciting.” She replied.
“...At least for the people watching.” She added a bit hesitantly.

After a few moments, she tilted her head just a little in curiosity. Since he'd mentioned it, she wanted to ask him more about the Imperium and the possible connection they had with her world.
“So...does this mean that you...that the Imperium somehow came from the ancient Romans?” She asked.
“How though...? I mean, not only did you come from distant parts of space, your technology is so much more advanced than what we have here.” She added, looking more confused as she thought about it. How would that have worked? Had aliens kidnapped them or something? She doubted they'd traveled into space on their own...

Octavian~

"Though they may differ and disagree on many aspects, our most ancient histories all concur on one fact; that we were as intruders in the very beginning, the outcasts of a most ancient battle, the peoples from both sides finding themselves in a new, strange land. The exact cause and nature of that sundering is up to debate, some put it to the work of the gods, others to a space-time anomaly. I'm more inclined to agree with the former, taking into account everything we know about them, which isn't much. It is theorized that we took our Pantheon with us, ripped from their home much as we were, and a fact that must have played a part in the eventual decline and destruction of these, Romans."
Octavian gazed out at the ruin around him, eyes slightly mournful as he reflected on what must have happened here after his ancestors disappeared. "Time must have shifted as well, as our histories go back many tens of thousands of years, while it seems that only a few thousand years have passed here. An interesting aspect no doubt."

“Interesting..” Nike said after listening to Octavian explain what he knew, even if it wasn't for certain. So it seemed that the Imperium really had started from Earth. She wasn't certain how to feel about it, or what to do with the information. Did it change how things had ended up? She supposed in some ways it did...but she doubted most people would see it that way.
“It's strange to think that after all this time you'd be back here. I mean...how does it feel?” She asked, watching his expression. She figured it must be strange to him, even if he hadn't been around when it all started. Did he feel at all attached to this place; to this planet?

Octavian~

He was silent for a moment, eyes distant as he examined the depths of his feelings. "I'm not sure. It definitely doesn't feel like home, but then again, not many places do. I'm not even fully human, as I'm sure you're aware," he shot her a full toothed grin. "But some part of me, the ancient strands of DNA that connect me to this place, these people, some part of it feels like it's. Well, singing. A mournful song, one of death and loss, the crumbling of empires into the dust, to be trodden down by the inexorable march of time......"
Octavian trailed off, mouth pursing into a thin line as he cocked his head.

He shook himself, sighing. "Well, lets not have an existential crisis right now, that would be bad form."

Nike listened to him, taking note of his tone and expression. Some part of him seemed sad-touched-by this place. Gently, she gave his hand a little squeeze in reassurance.
“Well...at the very least you're not alone. I know that's what I always wanted to hear.” She smiled.

Walking on, she gently pulled him along with her. She took her time exploring the ruins, taking note of the different areas of the Colosseum. It was definitely an impressive location, and it was only the first on their list. After a while she stopped to look at Octavian again, seeming more sober now than she had on the ship.
“Would you like to move on? Hmmm....I wonder where we should go next...” She said, looking thoughtful. She was up for anything, as long as he'd want to do it too.

Octavian~

Octavian smiled at her, reminding himself to take joy in the present. He pulled out a small tourist flyer he had picked up at one of the nearby visitor information booths, handing it to her.
"Just pick one, I trust your judgment in this regard more then my own."



Somewhere near Venus:

Squadron-leader Mettius stifled a yawn for the fifth time in as many minutes, fist rubbing at his eyes as he piloted his craft on their patrol sweep. He, along with the four other small scout-craft of his squadron were at the tail end of their security sweep, on rout to the planet Venus to engage a gravity slingshot around the planet and head back to the fleet. They had been going for three cycles straight now, mental conditioning and the biological enhancements that all deep-space pilots went through letting them go without sleep for the entire duration of their sweep. He opened his mouth, intending to try and get more then a few words out of his new navigator - an attempt he had tried more then once during the boring stretches of the mission - when she preempted him by speaking first. "Commander, I'm picking up contacts ten spans away in the 5th sector. Bearing is -215, 90. Speed is comparable to our own and climbing."
The sighting was echoed over the comms moments later by the two other navigators in the group, a tone of tense apprehension in their voices.
Sweat beaded on Mettius' brow as he contemplated the situation. He alone knew they were doomed, as he had been briefed earlier by the Legate on SEC-DEF suspicions of enemy activity in the region. Those would be swarmers down there, escorting the massive hulks of the main fleet, the ships barreling their way to earth at a breakneck speed unmatched by any capitol vessels of the Imperium. He let out a slow breath, the cold realization of his impending death giving a cold clarity of purpose.
"Volat IX Cassius, make an emergency burn and return to the fleet. Hail them when in range and report on the enemies course and position. We shall endeavour to buy you time to get within hailing distance. May the gods go with you."
With that Mettius pulled on the controls and aimed straight for the oncoming mass of swirling ships, followed close behind by the three remaining ships of his squad.

And I was so close to my retirement too....

Nike took the flyer and scanned over it for a moment. There were a ton of things to do and see in Rome; she seriously doubted they'd have time to experience all of them.
“Hmm...well, I think the Sistine Chapel would be pretty amazing.” She suggested, pointing to a small thumbnail of the location inside the flyer. Art had always been an interest of hers, and the thought of being able to see something so historical and beautiful sounded appealing to her.
“If you don't mind looking at art for a bit, I think that would be the place to see next.” She said, looking up at him again to gauge his response.

They spent the next several hours going from place to place within the city; from the beautifully painted ceilings of the Sistine Chapel to the sculptures and massive architecture of the Pantheon. There was so much to see that Nike barely had time to think about her worries or all the things she'd been through recently. Being there, in Rome, with all its history and culture made it easy to forget the concerns she'd been dwelling on for days. It also helped that she had someone to share the experience with.

It was getting late, and the sun had already sunk beneath the horizon, when the two finally sat down to eat. The place they'd chosen was fairly pricey, and it certainly looked fancier than most places Nike could recall eating in the past, but it had a great view of the city. Sitting near one of the massive windows, she could see the lights of the city spread out around them and into the distance like small stars.
“Goodness I'm famished.” She said, turning her attention to Octavian with a tired smile. Running around like that was more exhausting than she'd have thought.
“What do you think you're going to get? I might play it safe and stick with a pasta dish.” She said, holding her menu up and scanning over the items. There were a lot of choices, and most of the names weren't familiar to her.

Octavian~

Octavian scanned the menu, recognizing a few of the offerings from what he had eaten while on earth. "I don't know, something filling. I could eat a bakata whole right now."
In the end decided to go with a grilled fish steak with a side of the stuffed eggplant, motioning for a waiter and giving them their order once Nike had made her choice.
He also had them bring a pairing of wine - a white Moscophilero - pouring himself and Nike a glass once it arrived and leaning back in he chair.
"Well, what a day. It's been awhile since I've done something like that, haven't had much downtime really, and with all, this...." He gestured at room around them, presumably referring to the time spent infiltrating and then conquering earth. Which coincidentally, was how he met Nike.



Later
Octavian unlocked the door to their room, pushing it open and motioning for Nike to go ahead, stepping in behind her. The room was located in a higher-class hotel not far from where they had gotten dinner, the reservations to which Cog had gotten by working his technological magic. Being a sentient AI probably helped, and Octavian was sure he could have just commandeered a room anyway, but he liked this outcome better.
He tossed his small kit bag on the bed and walked over to the spacious bathroom, calling over his shoulder. "I'm going to take a quick shower, feel free to make yourself comfortable."

Nike ended up choosing a pasta dish with tomato sauce; nothing too out there. Having run about all day, it was nice to sit down, relax, and eat with someone. She sipped quietly at her glass of wine, trying to be careful not to over drink like she had on the ship. It paired well with their food, and the taste of it was satisfying to her.
“I think I know what you mean.” She answered when he spoke up. She hadn't been a part of all this for long, but the time she had spent within the Imperium had been rough, at least for the most part.
“I hope you've had fun, at least. I know I have.” She added before taking another small sip of her drink, feeling the subtle warmth slip down the back of her throat.

Dinner passed by and soon enough the two were in their hotel room. Nike slung her large bag onto a chair in the corner of the room and looked over at Octavian as he spoke.
“Alright.” She replied, watching him go into the bathroom before stepping over to the large window to look outside. Their room was fairly large and well decorated; not nearly as decadent as the room they'd shared on the ship, but still very nice. They had a small balcony, which she opened and stepped out to. The air was cool and clean, and taking in a breath she closed her eyes and just soaked up the moment. She'd always wanted to travel and see the world; she'd have never thought it would be under these circumstances. As she opened her eyes and stared out at the lights suspended in the darkness, she thought again of her parents. She knew there was no point in fretting about it, that she couldn't really do anything at this point, but she did wonder if they were thinking of her too. Did they miss her? Were they worried about her? Or....were they relieved?

“I shouldn't be thinking like this....” She said to herself, tucking some of her hair behind her left ear. Taking in another breath, she waltzed back into the room, leaving the balcony door open, and plopped down on the bed. Her body felt sore after the hours of walking, and it was nice to just be able to lay back on something soft. She knew she should probably change while Octavian was in the bathroom, but at the moment all she wanted to do was lay there.

Octavian~

Turning the shower nozzle to hot, Octavian quickly stripped out of his clothes and stepped into the steaming torrent, rolling his shoulders and twisting his back. He sighed, reflecting back over the days events. He was confident that he had made the right choice in coming here, for however long it would last. He stood under the water for awhile, just letting the stream loosen his tired muscles as he thought. The coming days would not be easy, or the few he had left anyway, barring some sort of miracle. But he took comfort in the fact that he would be ensuring the safety of millions of individuals, Nike being one of them.

He shut off the water and quickly dried off with one of the provided towels, pausing when he realized he had left his kit bag, including a fresh change of clothes, back on the bad. He hastily wrapped the towel around his waist and walked out into the bedroom. He paused as he saw Nike sprawled out on the wide bed, one arm resting on his kit bag. He stepped up to the side of the bed, hair still somewhat wet, and gestured at the bag. "I, uh, I'm going to need that if you don't mind."