Simplicity - One - Reunion
#1 of Simplicity
The Universe is a big place.
He had to keep telling himself that every time he tried to work out the kinks in the math. He tapped some glowing lilac symbols on the curved glass panel in front of him as he tried to restabilize his small space craft. Eventually, the craft decided that it was going to stay in this point in reality, and claw tips on black paws found the symbols that would start the local scanning procedures. it took a moment before the computer informed him that he wound up just a small distance from Anacreon. it may have been a small back woods planet, but one well known for it's small number of bars and unique beverages that could only be found there. Having just bridged two distant parts of the universe without rematerializing inside of a planet, he thought he deserved to indulge himself with at least one drink.
With a few more taps of claw on glass, he signaled for a landing, and gracefully brought his small ship into the planet's landing bay. The contact jostled the ship as he stood and picked up his jacket from the back of the seat upon which he sat. The two rows of large shiny buttons shimmered in the light of the console as the black cloth was placed atop a silver vest, which in turn was on top of a silver button down shirt, the buttons of which were hidden by a dark grey tie. He reached down to pick up a small silver pocket watch, and walked over to the right hand side of the ship, as the stairwell descended to allow his exit.
Rubber soled shoes came into contact with the concrete of the floor as dust stirred up and settled back on their black canvas. They got a few feet further from the steel staircase, before it rose back up and became the side of a metallic cylinder that was a space craft. It sat inside of the large hanger with a regal majesty it seemed to hold over the larger, more industrial style crafts.
There was a single door out off the hangar. Large and white in the darkness, it stood out as a beacon. It opened simply, from the touch of a control button placed along the side. He continued down the corridors until he reached the sound of music and the glow of black lights.
The bar was a small one comparatively to the other ones that frequent this planet. The bar was lightly packed, and the dance floor alive with other furred, feathered, and scaled creatures undulating in time to the rhythm of the overpowering beat.
Not being one to jump straight into a crowd of people, he opted to occupy an empty stool at the bar. He went to flag down the bartender, but before he could he felt a paw on his shoulder. "Panda."
The panda grinned, as he said "Husky," and turned around in his chair to see that he was indeed correct.
The husky grinned, his face happy that his old friend recognized him. "How did you know?"
"Eddy, I only know of two people in this whole Universe who could summon the Contessa, and I'm one of them."
Eddy's smile started to show teeth. "You outwit me again, Lopin. I swear, you never cease to amaze me."
Lopin responded, "So, what was so important that you drag me half way across the damn Galaxy?"
The husky said "Sshh," and placed a single digit over the panda's lips. "Not here. Let's go somewhere a little more private."
The panda was shocked. "I haven't even gotten to order a drink!"
"You'll be fine," the husky retorted.
An exasperated note entered his voice. "Why do you always have to tease me like this?"
Smug in himself, the husky replied. "Because, I know you love it."
Lopin cocked a grin. "No. Really, I don't."
Eddy came back with an air of hurt in his words. "Oh, come now. Don't be cruel."
--
Breathless, the panda collapsed on the four post bed covered in satin sheets, the husky panting beside him.
"Wonderful as always, Lopin. Although, you're going to have to tell me where you learned that new trick with your tongue," he panted between breaths.
"I may want to keep that a secret!" He turned, to look the husky in the eye. When he finally turned to return the gaze, the panda continued. "You know, you've still not told me why you brought me here."
A paw reached up and rested itself on a black furred thigh. "Do you remember the fun we used to have with our romps around all of creation?"
The paw that matched the thigh also reached up, but gently scratched a black and white furred side. "Yeah, but those times are past. They have been for years." A gentle sigh was breathed, "So, what else is going on that you're not telling me?"
The husky sighed again before sitting up and climbing out of the luxurious bed. He walked around the few steps to the rounded balcony that overlooked the bridge of the Contessa and leaned over the edge as he looked over the innards of the ship. He turned around and leaned back on the banister as he looked the panda in the eye as he continued to lay on the bed. "I have made my fair share of mistakes. I've done some bad things to some good people. You only know of a few of those times, and I think it's best that it stays that way."
Lopin was visibly concerned when he asked, "What happened?"
"I shouldn't have left you, and I know I was wronged. You're one of the people I've hurt the most. For that I'm sorry." Silence filled the room before he continued his monologue. "Look. I told you that if I fucked up like that again, I'd leave this life behind. I'd go somewhere and start over, and not let anyone in on that secret."
"But--" The panda went to speak, but was shushed with a finger in the air.
"I'm not asking for much. But, I'd like one last adventure with you, before I possibly have to leave the only life I've ever known."
More silence filled the room as the elephant in the room started to gather dust, before the one laying in the bed decided to speak, an air of sadness in his voice. "I'm sure I can arrange one last adventure, for the road."