"Adem?"
Ozzy stepped out onto one of the main open roof areas on the east wing of the castle. Gone were the catapults, or watchtowers that would have been associated with such a place centuries ago. A reinforced pool, bar...
Naturally... Ozzy thought.
...and reclining chairs encircled what was obviously one of Montag's more preferred social areas of this summer home.
But, right now, the only occupant of this party-pad was a single alien, standing near the granite railing, staring up into the night sky.
He didn't respond to Ozzy's voice, choosing to instead continue looking up into the night.
Baxter watched him for a moment, and then, casually walked over to stand next to him. Shoving his hands deep into his pockets, Ozzy followed his stare skyward. Above them, the beautiful canvas of the night sky spread forth, painting a symphony of beauty to behold.
"...looking for your old neighborhood?" he commented, still admiring the view.
"**()--__++**"
"Yeah...I know what you mean..." Ozzy nodded. "...sometimes...every so often...I wouldn't mind looking up my old address, too..."
The two friends stared skyward for a bit in silence, the cool night air biting along their heads.
"So, uh...we're doing a bit of cooking downstairs...collecting our thoughts...trying to...you know...suss out a plan..."
Adem made no indication he was listening.
"...and, you know me....burned the toast again...heh.."
The waves of the ocean hit the shore in the distance, keeping a slow white hum of noise to divide between the wind's howl.
Ozzy sighed, finally looking down.
"Come on man...I know shit seems bad right now...but, you know me....it's ME!" he emphasized with a slightly sad smile. "I'm gonna screw this up. I...we need someone down there that can keep these guys going....you're the only one of us that can get this together...."
Adem's lips wrinkled a bit, his eyelids lowering somewhat...
"Listen...I..I'll even learn this language of yours, if you want..." Ozzy offered. "...make it easier to communicate, you know?"
Adem's mouth finally broke into a small smile, shaking his head in what appeared to be disbelief. He turned, and looked at Ozzy, staring at him for a moment.
"^^}}{{\\|\|+==()()(**" he said with a wry smirk. Then, giving Ozzy a single slap on the back, he began walking towards the stairwell door.
Ozzy followed him briefly with his eyes, frowning.
"What was that?" he asked, turning to follow. "....did you just say something smartass?"
Adem continued walking, Ozzy pacing behind him.
"Did you?"
"((^^*^^*^^)()"
"...you don't think I could learn your language...right?"
"**0()(^^^"
"That's it, isn't it?!"
"***^)()("
"I could, you know!"
"{||\||}**"
"I could too!"
"**^^)*(__"
"Oh shut up..."
"{{}***^^()()**"
"Shut it!"
