Shuttle

Shuttle
17 November 2019
Anchorage, AK, United States
Fifty-two hours en route.
Yawn.
Autopilot to 'ground transport.'
Black eagle.
Alright.
Stumble in.
Duffel between feet.
Head on window.
Doze.
Van rocks.
Company.
Lots.
Doze.
Elbow in ribs.
Startle.
Rub eyes.
"What's your story?"
Shrug.
"You too good to talk to us?"
Gesture 'calm down.'
Fumble for pad and paper.
-Can't talk. Deaf-
Heads turn.
Ten eyes stare.
-Repeat, please?-
"I said, what can a deaf guy do at a Shatterdome?"
Roll eyes.
-Ranger-
Overstatement maybe.
Need sleep.
"You're a Ranger?!"
Mistake.
Definitely a mistake.
Sigh.
Nod.
"Which Jaeger?"
-Spare. Striker Eureka-
"The Mark V?!"
Nod.
"What're you doin' here?!"
-Lightcap-
"Ohmigod! Did Drifting wreck your brain?!"
"I've heard that happens sometimes!"
"I heard people have died!"
"Is that why you're deaf? Drifting?!"
Flail 'quiet.'
-Always deaf. Brain fine. Lightcap = ?-
Shrug.
-Tired. Need sleep, [pls]-
"Oh. Okay, Ranger."
Lame thumbs up.
-Shatterdome?-
"'Bout an hour."
Poke at phone.
Get poked in the arm.
"I can wake you, if you'd like."
Smile gratefully.
Head on window.
Doze.
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