Chapter Text
Columbia hated hurricanes. The weather phenomenon was new to her. Having been raised in the deserts of Eastern California, the worst she ever had to endure was the occasional dry thunderstorm. But this- this was something completely different! The first sign of the approaching storm occurred after her latest set of maximum braking tests. Her wheels stinging, Columbia taxied slowly off the runway. A dull ache worked its way out from between her shoulders and down her back. Being used to her fused vertebrae causing her fits from time to time she ignored it. She made her way inside and straight to the showers. The cold water worked its way between the flight control surfaces on her wings and tail, clearing out any debris. It soothed the soreness in her wheels as the muscles in her struts cooled and relaxed. But the ache in her back remained. Columbia adjusted the temperature and even stood so the area was directly in the stream but nothing seemed to help. Now a little cranky, she finished up and made her way into the VAB.
It was the only building large enough to handle her, Pathfinder, and Discovery. With Pathfinder due any day now, it was a good thing she was in an area that was easily accessible. "It's a good thing you're here Columbia." She said. "Do you think you can get Discovery to sit still long enough for Dr. April to give her her shots?" She asked. Columbia looked to where her younger sister was darting from shadow to shadow, trying to keep clear of the doctor who was watching her antics from the level above. The shuttle sighed. Her day wasn't getting any easier it appeared. "Yeah I can try." She replied. Discovery chirped happily when she saw her big sister but that happiness was short lived when Columbia got a hold of her scruff. "No, no!" Discovery wailed, struggling. Columbia grunted as she planted her gear and pulled harder. "No fair! You're supposed to be on my side!" "I am on your side." Columbia replied. "Then let me go! Needle lady is mean!" Discovery whined. "Dr. April is the nicest person in this place and I suggest you start treating her with respect." Columbia growled, in no mood to entertain her sister's drama. It didn't help that dragging Discovery was putting more strain on her back. "Mean is mean! As are you! Let me go!" Discovery yelled. "After you get your shots. Now calm down." Columbia replied. "No!" Discovery wailed. "Discovery-" Columbia warned. "No!" Discovery yelled again. "You are such a child!" Columbia hissed. "We all have to get our shots, Discovery. Throwing a tantrum like a little pup is not the way to handle it!" "Oh, I'm sorry. Did I ask you to manhandle me?" Discovery shot back. "I wouldn't have to manhandle you if you weren't such a coward!" Columbia snarled. "You're being nothing more than a whiny, disobedient, little brat!" She got the restraints on her gear, effectively holding her in place. "The pipsqueak is all yours." She said to April and let taxied away. "Curse you Columbia!" Discovery snarled behind her. "You're nothing more than a big, fat jerk!" Columbia whipped her head around, teeth bared. "And you are a pipsqueak who has yet to learn her place." She snarled back. "Columbia!" "Columbia don't!" April and Pathfinder gasped at the same time. Neither were able to stop a fully grown shuttle from doing what her instincts demanded of her. Columbia swatted Discovery hard across her tail with her front landing gear. The younger shuttle yelped, shocked that her sister had struck her. Then she began to cry and Columbia could care less. She pivoted around, elevons twitching in the most outward expression of her anger. April released the restraints and Discovery bolted off, leaving a tear trail in her wake. "Columbia, was that really necessary?" She asked. "Whatever!" The eldest shuttle huffed, stalking off. April exchanged concerned looks with Pathfinder. Neither had ever expected Columbia to display such behavior. She could be temperamental at times but never had she allowed her anger to escalate to the point where she would strike her sister.
Columbia was left alone for the rest of that afternoon. She would've taken a flight to cool off her temper but her back didn't like that idea so she stalked through the expanse of the Center. Around dinnertime, she was hanging around the flightline when Irene came up to her. "You look troubled, dear." Columbia wondered how a 747 could be so quiet in approaching. "I struck Discovery earlier." She admitted, a hint of sadness in her voice. "Why?" Irene held no judgement, only curiosity. "She was being defiant. Even so, I've never- I mean even when my instincts demand I do something I couldn't." Columbia rasped. "I'm sure she understands." Irene assured. "She thinks I betrayed her. And she's right. I'm supposed to make those sessions with Dr. April fun not traumatizing!" Columbia growled. "Do you know why you struck her?" Irene asked. "No I just- I was so mad at her!" Columbia shook her head. She looked to the sky beyond her, noting the presence of a dark weather front. The closer that line of clouds got, the more her back hurt. Irene noted her stance. "Columbia, how long has your back been hurting?" She asked. "It gives me the occasional twinge now and then but the pain's been constant since this morning- ooh!" The last part was because Irene started rubbing at the area. It stung at first, but Columbia sighed in relief as her tense muscles began to relax. The painful throb was reduced to a dull ache which felt deeper than just her muscles. "It's the pins." The 747 explained. "Low pressure causes them to settle in a manner different from the rest of your body. Essentially, they dig in and that's what is causing your discomfort. You'll feel better once the hurricane passes." Columbia ignored the explanation in favor of satisfying her own curiosity. "Hurricane?" She asked. "A powerful weather phenomenon. Seen from space it looks like a swirling vortex complete with a hole in the center. Which is also known as the eye. These storms generate powerful winds and kick up the ocean into a frenzy also known as a storm surge. They are commonplace at this time of year." "You mean I can expect more of these storm related issues?" Columbia asked. Just great, as if she didn't have enough problems. Irene only offered her a pitying glance.
Much calmer now, Columbia made her way to the mess hall, but she didn't see Discovery there. After fetching dinner, she returned to the VAB. "I was hoping to still be awake to speak to you." Pathfinder said. "I fucked up." Columbia sighed. "Mind your language." Pathfinder chided. "Irene called me. I understand why you did what you did." "Pain induced anger or not, I have no excuse. And language, really? I'm not a child anymore, mom!" Columbia huffed. "You are my child!" Pathfinder corrected. "As is Discovery." "Where is she?" Columbia asked, looking around. "In bed." Pathfinder replied. "I settled her down but she's still pretty upset." The guilt got stronger in Columbia's gut. She set off to apologize.
Discovery was curled up on her bed. Her bedroom door was cracked open slightly but Columbia knocked thrice on it before opening it. "Can I come in?" She asked gently. Discovery shifted and the elder heard a faint "fine" from her sister. Columbia came up next to the bed, hovering over her sister as her shadow blocked the light from the hallway behind her. "I'm sorry Discovery." She said. "I never should have struck you like that." "You were well within your rights to, or so mom tells me." Discovery mumbled but she didn't look at her. "Be that as it may, I still shouldn't have done it." Columbia sighed. "You were right. I am supposed to be on your side. You still need your shots but that doesn't mean I should force you into it like that." She fell silent for a minute and when Discovery didn't say anything, Columbia rested her nose on the bed. "I didn't hurt you, did I?" She asked. "Not too badly." Discovery looked at her this time which Columbia considered progress. The elder's heart twinged. "I am so sorry." She said again. "Can you forgive me?" Discovery shifted, then she glomped Columbia's head. The elder climbed onto the bed fully, holding her against her side. "Tell me a story." Discovery asked. Columbia raised an amused brow. "Aren't you a little old for bedtime stories?" She teased. "Columbiia!" Discovery complained and Columbia laughed. She thought of a good fantasy to share as Discovery settled against her. "Let's see- ah! Here's a good one. Once upon a time, there was a beautiful space shuttle who was so lovely, she was seen far and wide as the one any royal plane would want to marry. But she rejected them all until one day..." Columbia continued talking, even as Discovery fell asleep against her and the storm outside finally hit the Center full force. Yes, Columbia hated hurricanes not least which because of how they made her fused vertebrae ache. But she loved her sister more.