Hey There! Oh, Isolation is being Re-Written! If you want to see the original story (for whatever reason), a Google Doc is available here!
The rust builds over a while, but you'll never notice the changes as they happen. The harsh grains of oxidized pain and discomfort will latch to you, anywhere you touch the world. It will stick to others. Sometimes. It will take space in your mind, your heart and your soul, if you believe you have one. It will tear your skin taught. Wound you. Seal the wounds. And then wound you again.
...
...
...Joshua?
...
Joshua, say something. Say something to It'kara at least.
There's nothing to say.
...Is there anything to think about then? Anything to mull over?
...Would you tell me if there was?
Shouldn't you already know that?
...What is that supposed to mean?
"We'll still be keeping a close eye on you," It'kara says, ending the silence in the pod. "Especially after so many people left that place. We estimate there should be approximately a month's worth of food in there for you and everyone left, provided nothing expires earlier than we expect."
Joshua glances at them from the left. Barely even turning his head. It'kara pauses at this. Or maybe they're expecting Joshua to say something, I can't really tell. But they speak again after a bit.
"If you have an emergency, you can expect to see someone come down for you. You won't even have to call us or anything." That last sentence is let out with a stifled laugh. It seems to be more for It'kara's benefit than Joshua's, and barely at that; the mood does not pick up. Galvana's a few hundred feet away. Closing in. Joshua still isn't saying anything.
The pod touches down, softly as ever, and the wall opens up towards the fake city. Joshua gingerly steps out, and starts walking through the sand.
"Bran and 'Ichael are worried about you, Joshua," It'kara says as they follow him out. "You probably already knew that but... they want the best for you."
Joshua turns his head to face them. Finally.
"I don't think you coming back here by yourself is a good idea, even if I'm bringing you here. But I won't stop you. If you really just want space."
"This is my only home."
The words just fell out. It didn't even feel like they were spoken. They held no weight on their own.
"That's... not true," It'kara said, trying to consider their words carefully. "You'll always be welcome in the ship."
Joshua let out a sharp exhale, something akin to a laugh. Then he turned to the gate and started walking.
He didn't even get three steps out before the gate started opening, freezing him in place briefly. He continued walking as the machinery's noise drowned out the world, but at a slower pace, not knowing why anybody would open this thing for him.
As the door finally opens, nobody seems to be behind as far as Joshua can see.
But then the doors fully retract, and on Joshua's right, he sees him again.
Marshal Brier.