An Invasion of Privacy [open]

[Sage Glass]

9:00am August 30th, 2009

An invasion of privacy. We were about to commit a major invasion of privacy, even if it was necessary.

It was about half an hour after I had gotten back to our small camp with Rain, LJ, and Jayda. I had been snacking on a banana (I'm getting very tired of bananas) when Kitsune awoke, and I introduced her to the newcomers, and we all waited for the others to wake up. And now, here we were, about to begin searching through the suitcases. The thought made my stomach lurch.

I was the first one into the pile, and I immediately went towards Will's black duffel bag. Will's name had faded, from the humidity, I guess, to where you could just make it out, if you looked hard enough. I picked it up and carried it off towards mine. That was the last one I was going to open, because if I opened his suitcase when he wasn't there, I knew that I'd feel as if I was giving up.

Things like this aren't supposed to happen to me, I thought. Sure-- i can handle a nasty divorce, international travel a few times a year, and a whole new step-family that annoys the hell out of me, but even I have a tipping point... And it may be reached soon. I had to convince myself that Will was just lost. That he was fumbling around in the jungle like some idiot looking for us. And when he got here, I wouldn't show how relieved I was, or how much I had missed him, because I am me. And I don't show things like that.

"Okay, let's get this over with," I said, walking back over to the pile of luggage.

[Luke Montague]

I had awakened on the beach a lot like the others. On my stomach, the gritty sand's texture hugging my heaving chest. When the explosion happened, I paddled all the way toward what seemed to be land, clutching my backpack. It had everything I could possibly need, even survival items. My mind and body had quickly jumped into survival mode, and its expertise in such saved me.
I remembered seeing the island as real, not just a mirage and then darkness. It was late in the morning, the sun cooking my back directly above.
I tried to stand on my feet but the energy exerted just the night before had drained my muscles. I grunted and shakily dragged myself to the edge of the land's foliage, my feet trailing behind as useful as untied shoelaces. I attempted to put more weight on my arms but they collapsed under similar exhaustion, and I nearly let out a cry.

Sometime later I was able to shakily stand. I moved to a clearing of the trees and leaned against a smooth trunk, examining the sky.
I was overflowing with joy when I saw the remenants of a fire lingering as smoke in the air, and as quickly as my feeble body would let me moved in that direction.
My voice was also failing me so I could not shout very well.
Finally I reached the edge of another clearing in the trees. Here were several people, the fire, and a large pile of suitcases. I scanned the pile and saw my large brown bag. A girl around my age was moving toward it.
"N-no!" I struggled, pushing my way toward them.
"T-that's," I gasped and my leg snagged a vine. Too weak to try to counter the fall I hit the ground with an embarrassing thud. So much for a good entrance.

[Kitsune]

When I had finally woken up I was quickly introduced to some new people. I struggled to make a decent first impression though halfway awake. My vision was clouded from tiredness. I rubbed some sand from my face and stretched.
Then it was time to search the suitcases. Finally, who knows what we'd find.
Sage's face was pale as she walked toward the black bag I saw her glancing at occasionally at camp. I was so curious as to what her story was.
I started to walk toward the pile myself, when suddenly sounds came from the forest next to me. I heard someone yell "No!" And instinctively jumped back a step. A boy emerged, saying "That's--" then fell with a thud next to me, his brightly colored hair a highlight in the sand.
His fall looked nasty. His toned back laid in sight of everyone.
I kneeled next to him and held him up--he was surprisingly light.
"Are you ok? Who are you?" I asked.

[Nate Evans]

Nate woke up on the far side of the Island. He couldn't really remember much about what had happened. He knew that he floated for what seemed like hours before he had passed out due to wound. Where were his friends. Or rather where was anyone that he might know. He was sure that there were no adults left around but there had to be more than just him that ended up her. Least that was what he was hoping. He took a deep breath and struggled to stand up. He had floated up onto shore later and had been able with minimal light to dress a wound on his ankle with leaves. He needed his things to be able to do so with the rest of his wounds. His shirt was around his left eye and temple and probably now full of blood.

He walked slowly trying to find his way to people. He broke out onto the beach from one of the jungle areas. He saw a bunch of people looking at suitcases and waking up. He tried to make a fast run for the suitecases to find his but well that failed and he got there almost cursing at himself for the pain and noticed his back almost instantly and went straight to it and opened it up. The things inside where slightly wet but that was it. He pulled out his first aid kit and went to work on himself not really noticing the others.

Ordinarily he would be just a little more social. Though it didn't take him long to properly bandage his head and turn to the others. "Sorry I've been so rude. I'm Nate Evans" Now his mind raced to his little sister. She would be devastated once news got out that they were missing.

[Ember-Rain Gordy]

Ember slowly moved behind her brother as the others began to wake up. Lance knew that this was way out of her comfort zone. The whole trip really was something that put her out of her comfort level with people the only thing that helped was they all had a thing in common. Ember nodded as she was introduced to one of the first people who had woke up. She wasn't sure she wanted to stay her through all the bag openings and such but maybe just maybe they would get something out of it. She wasn't sure though. She stayed close and behind her twin brothers just because she was unsure of the whole nature of things.

She jumped as a boy fell somewhere close by them. She heard one of the other people ask him who he was. She saw another boy run in rather quickly but he looked hurt. That was something that Ember could help with. Though he seemed to have it taken care of before she got the courage to step up and go help him. She just nodded at his words and that was that. Lance took his sisters hand to keep her calm because otherwise things would get really interesting. They moved back from the rest of the group and waited to see what Sage was going to do and how the suitecases that were their's or friends of their's would go.

[Sage Glass]

Just when I was about to open the first bag--a large brown suitcase--when i heard a mild protest from the jungle. My head swept towards the sound. There was a blond boy, just at the edge of the dense foliage. He started to say something, but before he could get the whole sentence out, he tripped and did a face plant into the hot sand. One side of my mouth quirked up as Kit walked hurriedly over to see if he needed assistance. It seemed that Kit had a bit of a mothering instinct. Something I was utterly lacking.

It looked like I was about to start rifling through that boy's suitcase. See, I thought. That's why I wanted to wait. I walked up to the new boy and dropped the suitcase beside him and said, "I assume this is yours." Normally, I would have stuck around to see if he was okay, but I heard someone else by the suitcases.

There was another boy in camp. He was busying himself by bandaging a gash on his head. When he was done, he apologized for being rude and introduced himself as Nate Evans. He had spoke with a British accent and I recognized his voice. Then I remembered that Will had talked to this boy a few times. I had just stood there, not taking a part in the conversation. But that's me-- the quiet girl who's just in the background, but always had a comment she wished she said. Or at least that was me before we washed up on this island; I was going to have to learn to deal with being around people I didn't know.

I addressed the two newcomers. "We were just about to start going through the suitcases, to see if there is anything we can use here," I said. "And I'm Sage."

[Luke Montague]

I had just met the sand with my face when I heard feet scuffling toward me. "Are you ok?" A feminine voice called, probably the person coming toward me. "Who are you?" She called again pulling me up from the embarrassing prostrate position.
I began to look up when another girl dropped a large object on the sand next to me. I looked down to see it was my bag. I began to blush and say thanks, but she spoke stoutly "I assume this is yours," and moved away to others in the campsite I had not noticed, and started conversing. At least most of the attention was not totally on my stupid entrance.
I finally gaze at the girl that had helped me up.
I almost wanted to shield my eyes from the luminous object before me.
No, she was like an eclipse. You shouldn't stare, but the sight is too amazing to look away. I studied her beautiful eyes much like mine, her golden locks draping her face, her red lips, her pale face and decent complexion. It seemed like forever I stared at her. But I knew it was only a moment. I gulp and answer. "I'm Luke Montague. I'm also from the boat."
I stand, trying as hard as possible not to look awkward. "I'm feeling great, thank you. What is your name?" I offered my hand to help her up too.

[Kitsune]

After I rushed to help the guy two MORE people showed up in camp. I stared in that direction and glanced at Sage who made a start to take care of the newcomers, but in doing so made a curt first impression with the guy I helped. Oh well.
Speaking of whom...I look back at the guy and find him studying me briefly. With a soft voice, he replied to me, telling me his name.
He stood over me, the sunshine highlighting his beauty. He looked much more graceful than he did at first. He asked me what my name was...and offered a hand. What a gentleman...
I take it with a bright smile. "Kitty Dearing. Nice to meet you."
I look over at the new people with Sage. I take a few steps in that direction, motioning for Luke to follow.
When we are finally with them, I wait politely to make introductions myself.

[Nate Evans]

Nate dragged his bag over to the rest of the people on the beach. He'd spent some time alone and was glad that there were other people around. His survival plans were already formulating in his head. However the girl that had placed a bag infront of another person seemed to have things under control for the time being. He looked with interest at a pair who seemed to be standing away from everyone else. They had to be siblings but he was sure that he wasn't going to get much out of the two of them at the moment. He shrugged and watched the incident going on with the other male who had gotten to the camp before he had.

"Is this all of us?" He was hoping someone would tell him no. He was hoping there was more because there had been so many more on the boat. Concern etched in his voice and his accent shone through. He remained calm however and waited for everyone to go through with introductions if they were to happen. If not he would have to ask later. He liked being on name basis with people. He mind again wandered to the incident that had brought them here. He wasn't sure what happened but he knew he had to get home to his little sister.

[Ember-Rain Gordy]

Ember pressed closer into her brother. She was doing everything she could to stay calm and not run off. In any other situation that's exactly what she would do right now. There were too many people to her liking and she wanted nothing more then to be far far away from them. Of course it all had to do with the sun being up and her dislike for being around large groups of people. Lance kept ahold of his sister knowing that she was going into panic mode. He whispered something into her ear and then watched Sage drop the bag by the first guy's side as she introduced herself to him and the other girl he was sure did the same thing but they were a little too far away to hear it. He had on a clam demenor and it soon passed to Ember as well.

She stood straight willing herself to stay completely calm. She could hold her head up in any situation. She had after all lived with an abusive father all her life. She took a few deep breaths and watched as the others came towards them. The second guy came up dragging his suit case and Ember couldn't help but slightly smile at him. He was good with dressing wounds she'd give him that. However she saw a piece of bandage hanging down and fixed it with a blush on her cheeks as she ran back behind her brother. This was going to be a very interesting day to say the least. Hopefully everyone else from the boat was okay. She knew the adults probably weren't and those closest tot he explosion but maybe a large majority would be okay. She may not like crowds but she knew if they were all there they could go about getting rescued

[Sage Glass]

I thought that maybe if I waited a few more seconds, another newcomer would come walking (or in Luke's instance, face planting) into camp. My hopes did not come true, and I mentally chastised myself for even thinking that there was a possibility that Will could return to me that easily. Nothing in this life was ever easy; even more so now that we were alone.

Nate asked if this was everyone. "Well, as you can see," I started, "there are a few others sleeping over there." I gestured towards where the others were still asleep; I was kind of annoyed, for they should be awake and helping us. "As for the others, they have to be alive." Desperation had slipped into my tone, but as soon as it was there, I made my voice even and monotone once more. "After we get everything sorted out here, some of us will be going on a scouting trip to look for survivors, bury the bodies, and get a good idea of the island's size and environment. Those who stay will begin to build camp and figure out other necessities that we're going to need."

[Kitsune]

My playful side wanted me to raise my hands teasingly and say "Ok, Miss Bossy," but she was right. Some of them looked confident in swift rescue; but Sage and I knew better than to sit on the beach and cry for help.
I took up a lead role as well. "I can assume Sage is going to explore," I say looking at her for confirmation. She didn't really seem to object, instead, she stood looking at the grounds of the future camp. I take a breath and begin again with a little-too excited tone.
"But I'm going to be setting up camp." An urge to be realistic hits me, and words pour from my lips, "But I use that term 'camp' loosely, because we don't know how long we are going to be here. I-I'd hate to think we'd stay here forever, but you really never know. So 'camp' is going to have to be in good condition to last a long time. If you don't want to walk around this humid, sticky island," I pause, remembering what Sage said about the dead bodies, "or if you have a weak stomach, stay here by all means, and we'll put together a island paradise." I smile at Sage.

[Luke Montague]

When she took my hand, it was like I was electrified. The shock buzzed my brain. Her hands were so soft! Was it even possible to have hands that gentle? I would think she must use lotion 24/7 or something, but small red calluses speckled her hand. When she answered with that heavenly voice--was that a sensual tone I heard ever so slightly? No, I must be going insane...I staggered on my feet in a very uncharacteristic way. I'm usually more balanced than a Buddhist monk. Her attention is then focused on the other campers. I watch her move away and I feel my shoulders sag with disappointment, when she motions quickly with her left hand for me to follow. I saunter over toward where she stands. I look over the little group.
A...couple? Maybe siblings...the girl looks shy and afraid, the boy calm and attentive.
The girl that gave me my suitcase. I think I heard her say her name was...Sam? No...Sage, that was it.
Of course, there was Kitty...attentive and waiting...
And then finally, a guy who looks pretty scratched up. He asks "Is this all of us?"
Silly question, I wondered evilly, didn't he see the others sleeping over there?
Sage takes the lead here, and reveals a plan she must have carefully concoted before. So, wander the perhaps gargantuan island or set up a hospitable camp?
Which would...Kitty do? I wondered.
Kitty speaks up, making a good point that camp would be a good place to start. She reveals two beautiful rows of teeth in a sweet grin, strangely optimistic in this situation. I almost laugh.
I step forward, gesturing toward the camp. "I'll stay and work on the camp as well. I don't see much point in searching the island for very long though, because what will happen if you end up lost or hurt at the end of the day? I do, however, suggest a few people search for survivors and civilization and stuff, within a small radius on a easy path, perhaps a ways down the beach."

I pause and force a smile. Maybe it was partially because Kitty was staying that I wanted to as well...
But yeah, I had a 'weak stomach' too.
If I saw another dead person, I'd probably...die.

[Nate Evans]

Nate might have asked a stupid question but it did get answered with a logical answer. He hadn't actually looked far enough down the beach to realize that there were people sleeping. There still had to be more people that made it to the island alive. Sure there would be dead bodies on the island somewhere. He knew not everyone could have survived the blast that the ship made. He was just hoping that many of them did. It would be easier to go about making plans to get rescued. However there was the case of people going off on their own and things not going the way one planed them to go. After all they were all teens and not everyone would have the same ideas. He just hoped that collectively they all wanted to get home to those that would miss them.

He winced slightly as the girl fixed his bandage. He gave her a small smile as she ran back to her brother. It could be possible that he was mistaken about the fact of the two being siblings but the way they acted told him he was right. He was usually very good at reading other people most of the time. His attention snapped back to Sage and the other girl as she came up with the other male. So a scouting party was going to go out and one group was going to stay and make a camp. He debated for a few seconds deciding on whether he had the stomach to go searching he island. He laughed at himself and knew he had the proper stuff to do so. "I'll go with the scouting party if that's alright." He looked at Sage for a bit of approval. It wasn't like he'd go if someone told him to stay. He could be of help in either party. However Luke had said he'd stay so he was sure that things would be fine if he left with the other group to go looking.

[Ember-Rain Gordy]

Ember looked at her brother for a moment and they were locked in silent conversation with each other. They didn't have issues with finding dead bodies. They did come from a place where someone could die every other day if they weren't careful. Ember knew that it would take a lot more to get her scared. Burying dead bodies would be no big deal to her. Lance on the other hand was the one with the slightly weaker stomach. To many bodies and he'd turn into Ember in a sense. They continued their silent conversation as the others started to tell Sage what they'd do. Ember finally gave a nod to her brother. She was going to do this on her own. He'd be of more help in the camp so long as his had his meds with him.

"I...I'll go searching. M...my brother will stay here and help with camp." She finally got out. She was freaked about going with a group of people that she didn't know but she was the one that could be of the most help exploring. It was not to say that Lance couldn't be of any help it was just that's what they had decided and that was how it was going to stay. She'd be able to hold her own hopefully. If not she knew how to get back to her brother rather quickly but she doubted she'd need too. She had to do this or she wouldn't be able to hold her own with anything and Lance knew it as well as she did. As long as it was a small party she'd be okay. They watched the others for a bit and waited to invade the privacy of the others bags that were laying on the beach.