Why are all of you so self-assured that you're seemingly aware of my-- [ wait. shoving a finger in his face. ] Do not answer that. Not a question.
[ his tail lashes again, irritated and then he goes back to pacing. stop talking about his feelings!! stop assuming he has feelings. putting his MATTERS OF THE HEART on full blast on the HER-MES. tch! he will actually pay attention to this answer though. ]
But alright. Heard. The answers you're able to provide are getting clearer, for the record. It used to be worse. I'll see what I can do about restoring the video. [ he resists the urge to say "restore how" but that's fine, that's a question they can probably brainstorm. ] We're stumbling into these records, and they reveal names, glimpses of the past. Perhaps even where this all started. But nothing about how to stop it.
[ not exactly a question. testing the boundaries of what can be discussed outside a question maybe. ]
Should we be looking for anything in particular? Something that can help. It seems your lot is able to reach our side through ... culinary outreach but we aren't able to do something similar.
[ his face-fins twitch instinctively at the POINTING but he doesn't seem bothered. he vague-posted about emotions on their space twitter, what is a lucien to do.
despite this he smiles, encouraged that maybe things are improving? in any way? yippee. it's a short-lived excitement though, ponderous again. ]
We're looking for that as well. [ he speaks, though it's interrupted with bursts of static ] Of our leads, we're looking into █ █ █ █ █ █ █ ... did you get that? Flowers. A ██████;██//██.███ haze, like what you saw during execution. Hydroponics, perhaps. Also, some of the ship collapsed during a space storm before in the last tour, but I do not know if the storms play a larger role yet.
And I also believe Viktor told you to speak to the senior staff, but Callisto -- ...just be cautious. He does better with people like you and I, who aren't human. Consider how different he is from how the records describe him, if you haven't already. He's searching for his brother. I do not know if he will be a help or a hindrance, but he is an abnormality.
[ he crosses his arms, fingers tapping as he goes through his thoughts. ]
And we can see you in public spaces. Your letters have arrived to me clearly so far. HER-MES scrambles some of what we say, but... you can reach us in any number of ways, if ever you need to. We will all support you however we can! Though I don't know how you could get to us physically. There's quite a lot of, um—████? There is ████ here. ███████ ██.█/;'*█ the "Helly ████," but, we're still aboard the ship, I believe.
Flowers. Like the message. Okay, I'll ... look into that.
[ callisto is his enemy because callisto won't let lucien shoot the giant ship cannon but okay fine he'll shoot that thing one day. ]
I've known about the public spaces thing. You're all so nosy, but alright. As for reaching you lot physically, I saw a glimpse of it last time. Chairs and a table or some such. But only a glimpse before I was pulled back. Then again, not exactly physical. Your bodies remain here. It will be a matter of returning souls to flesh at some point.
[ so confident! ]
I don't know what you've seen or haven't seen. Here-
[ he'll fiddle with his I.R.I.S. and pull up a few things in succession. he can't send documents but he'll stand here and let him read them if it's something he hasn't seen yet.
Oh—I'm glad you were able to read that much! I'm sorry, I feel that all we can do is scrounge up scraps in hopes that it's something new. But we'll keep looking.
[ callisto stopping him from shooting into space indefinitely with a space laser may be reasonable. perhaps. but in any case, he listens curiously, then reads over everything he's shown. his own stupid head-tail flicks a bit in consideration.
but he doesn't add any commentary, because those aren't questions. when he's finished he nods resolutely. ]
Thank you! I'll do my best to remember. And forgive our nosiness. It's good fun to watch—...and we do want to see you all safe. I'm sure you understand that you're very missed.
No, it's-- you're all providing more than anyone. It was on the HER-MES, that's all. I ... appreciate it.
[ is this possibly the nicest thing he's ever said. ]
I'll tell them to do more in public. [ if that comment about being missed was about his Feelings again he's frowning about it. ] I imagine you're missed as well. [ there distance established successfully. ]
... How is everyone? Not the "I'm fine" letters and all, the truth.
[ probably a waste of a question, but maybe one worth asking. ]
[ this is so nice (by lucien standards) THIS IS SO NICE!! he looks moved, because—well, maybe it was about feelings. ]
We'll keep doing all we can! It's incredible just how resourceful everyone is, actually, considering what little we have. And, well... this place we're in provides us with what we need, even if it's very strange.
[ but since lucien is taking the time to burn a question asking for something honest, he thinks for a moment. ]
We're all right. Our spirits might be higher than yours, sometimes...? I feel that you all have to suffer in watching us leave, and deal with the aftermath. [ he's smiling, but it's more a gesture of compassion than happiness. ] But I wouldn't be in a rush to join us. The others here that we've met, they aren't in as... excellent form as we are! This place, everything, it's all strange and uncertain. So even if the danger isn't imminent, I think, I hope you won't all be too reckless. There has been so much tragedy aboard this awful ship already.
[ just because they know the dead are around in some capacity doesn't mean it's safe, is all. ]
The letters help. I'm sure just—keeping everyone in mind helps! I am more worried about their spirit than anything else. It is all a bit— [ he gestures pointlessly, a spin of his hand ] helpless feeling, sometimes. But no one has given up. Far from it!
[ and he didn't ask this specifically, but, ] And Viktor—he worries after you. You really manage to work him up, even when you can't see one another.
To be bold is the only way to get anything done, especially around here.
[ yeah the hell of rats and teeth and helly ____
lucien stops pacing at least, pushing his hands through his hair while he figures out how to respond to that. he hadn't asked specifically, sure, but sidon is smart and got the implication at least. ]
Tell him not to worry so much, it's bad for the complexion. [ clicking his tongue. it's clear he sort of doesn't mind being worried over. weirdo. ] Everything will be alright. Call me completely mad, but I'm an optimist.
[ he laughs, even if it makes the whole image of him wobble. ]
True enough. Maybe asking you all to stay safe is timid?
[ though even through the good cheer and acknowledgement, he's still not really... encouraging recklessness. he just expects it anyway. he'd do the same. it's called hypocrisy. ]
...I could tell him that a hundred times and he wouldn't listen. You're both very hard-headed. Still! I'll relay the message. [ and anything else he wants to say. then, there's an encouraging force to his voice, whether lucien needs it or not. ] I really am sure everything will turn out fine here. We'll keep each other safe. [ he will lug around viktor's paper mache and glass bone body as needed, viktor can invent them a giant laser, it's all good. ] So you don't need to fret, either.
[ dragging sidon's ghost out of the grave to make him shuttle his little gay war widow messages back and forth is the rudest thing lucien could do. there are 300 characters he could be using for that, but maybe he enjoys the power play.
tilting his head, putting a few fingers against his cheek. ]
I wasn't planning on it. Fretting isn't my style. I'll see him soon enough I'm sure.
[ he will move back to stand again, waiting. ]
I'm going to try and extend the summoning again. If my soul rips out of my body, do try and send it back, aye?
[ this is fine, he supports their fruity little whatever-is-happening and their advanced epistolary romance techniques. he grins, tilting his head in a little birdlike mirror without a seeming care in the world despite being dead. ]
I'm sure you will! I'll look forward to seeing you properly too, Lucien.
[ pacing again, trying to see if sidon's shape or form is different in any way. if he can see beyond the glow.
... sticking a hand through sidon. rude. ]
Seeing how far I can go. Last time I caught a glimpse. What if this time I'm able to see, able to understand more. It's improving, you know. We can speak longer, more clearly, I can see your form entirely. I've been given gifts, and I don't intend to squander them with reluctance.
[ woah—he instinctively flinches but it doesn't do anything because he's a ghost. the hand just cuts through the nothingness of his body, which blips and reforms. ]
I don't know that we can save your soul if it gets trapped anywhere, Lucien...!
[ that's historically not how it works? vah ruta flashbacks, except not literally. but after his alarm, he just sighs. ]
...You aren't going to listen at all, are you? You really are incorrigible. [ not said as an insult. so many people he knows at this point are just crazed lil fellas. ] At least tell me if there's anything I can do to help you.
As I said, not my first time. I've put my own soul back together before and it's becoming hardly a challenge at all.
[ his gaze flicks over to Amalthea, and then back again. ]
Try and hang on as long as you can and ignore any screaming. It's likely just reflexive. If anything odd happens on your end after this, do be kind and let me know.
That's a very concerning thing to be used to, my friend. Actually, I'd enjoy if you said less concerning things in general—?
[ you know, like ignore the screaming.
he reaches out too, seeing if he can like. ruffle his hair. make any contact at all. doesn't seem fair for lucien to be the only one messing around as they push the limits of a seance. ]
I'll reach out soon. We'll figure this out—you'll find us soon enough. [ he sounds just as baselessly confident in this belief as lucien was saying it. he believes in him. ] But you keep in touch too, all right? [ he flickers, just another blip. ] And if you have any last words for any of us, I suggest you figure them out soon!
Then tell the universe to stop having concerning shite happen to me, hm?
[ he'll blip in and out again as the touch happens, though lucien is trying to duck it, like a weenus baby. scowling at him. why is he fishing for more feelings, it's making him want to ... explode. but he promised not to yell. ]
Last words? Doubtful. I expect there will be nothing but words for the foreseeable future. [ he scowls harder. ] Thank you or whatnot for passing on the information, it's not been the worst to see you. Tell Dahut to stop being so damned twee on the HER-MES. Tell Viktor all those other things I said, and to remember what I said about the fish, and that I've asked about the pieces and I'll think about it, alright? And that I'm-- sorry for yelling. And I suppose when Margaret and Sora get there say, feck, I don't know. Hello, or something ... ?
[ sorry to lucien but he's getting this headpat even as his hand fizzles violently. consider it karmic balance, even if it's ghostly. actually, why even avoid it in the first place? this is dumb.
also dumb: him repeatedly dropping the news of who's dead at the last second. he goes through the shock-grimace cycle quickly, because they don't have much time for him to stall if he wants to get any words in himself. if they're stretching out time to the last possible second, he's going to respond hurriedly. ]
Yes, of course, it's been very nice seeing you too, Lucien—hang onto that soul of yours, all right? And—actually, wait, are you talking about me—? [ another blip. blip blip. ] Ugh. Well, nevermind, just have something better than 'hello' to say in your letters! You have the support of everyone here, so don't get all shy about what you're feeling!
[ Amalthea has kept the podium channeling, but this eventually has to end... The dead and the living are meant to be separated—that divide is important.
While Sidon returns whence he came, Lucien finds himself slipping. For a moment, he can feel Sidon's presence... and see his surroundings change. It's no longer a church, but an abandoned space where pulsing flesh grows through the cracks. He can faintly make sense of tables and chairs, but not much else from the darkness that shadows his vision. Yet in that darkness, Sidon becomes clearer and clearer with each passing second.
... The soft humming from the channeling podium ends, but these sensations continue.
Lucien feels his soul and body slowly split, sinew to sinew... He can go where they are, if he wanted. He can abandon this shell. The excruciating pain is temporary, after all. ]
Okaaaaaaaaay, that's enough! [ Amalthea will be scruffing Lucien with their cold hands. ] Hope to see you soon, Mister Sidon! We'll do our best on this side to get you all back!
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
[ his tail lashes again, irritated and then he goes back to pacing. stop talking about his feelings!! stop assuming he has feelings. putting his MATTERS OF THE HEART on full blast on the HER-MES. tch! he will actually pay attention to this answer though. ]
But alright. Heard. The answers you're able to provide are getting clearer, for the record. It used to be worse. I'll see what I can do about restoring the video. [ he resists the urge to say "restore how" but that's fine, that's a question they can probably brainstorm. ] We're stumbling into these records, and they reveal names, glimpses of the past. Perhaps even where this all started. But nothing about how to stop it.
[ not exactly a question. testing the boundaries of what can be discussed outside a question maybe. ]
Should we be looking for anything in particular? Something that can help. It seems your lot is able to reach our side through ... culinary outreach but we aren't able to do something similar.
no subject
despite this he smiles, encouraged that maybe things are improving? in any way? yippee. it's a short-lived excitement though, ponderous again. ]
We're looking for that as well. [ he speaks, though it's interrupted with bursts of static ] Of our leads, we're looking into █ █ █ █ █ █ █ ... did you get that? Flowers. A ██████;██//██.███ haze, like what you saw during execution. Hydroponics, perhaps. Also, some of the ship collapsed during a space storm before in the last tour, but I do not know if the storms play a larger role yet.
And I also believe Viktor told you to speak to the senior staff, but Callisto -- ...just be cautious. He does better with people like you and I, who aren't human. Consider how different he is from how the records describe him, if you haven't already. He's searching for his brother. I do not know if he will be a help or a hindrance, but he is an abnormality.
[ he crosses his arms, fingers tapping as he goes through his thoughts. ]
And we can see you in public spaces. Your letters have arrived to me clearly so far. HER-MES scrambles some of what we say, but... you can reach us in any number of ways, if ever you need to. We will all support you however we can! Though I don't know how you could get to us physically. There's quite a lot of, um—████? There is ████ here. ███████ ██.█/;'*█ the "Helly ████," but, we're still aboard the ship, I believe.
[ that's two. ]
no subject
[ callisto is his enemy because callisto won't let lucien shoot the giant ship cannon but okay fine he'll shoot that thing one day. ]
I've known about the public spaces thing. You're all so nosy, but alright. As for reaching you lot physically, I saw a glimpse of it last time. Chairs and a table or some such. But only a glimpse before I was pulled back. Then again, not exactly physical. Your bodies remain here. It will be a matter of returning souls to flesh at some point.
[ so confident! ]
I don't know what you've seen or haven't seen. Here-
[ he'll fiddle with his I.R.I.S. and pull up a few things in succession. he can't send documents but he'll stand here and let him read them if it's something he hasn't seen yet.
1. a roster
2. a video log
3. review log
4. ship log
5. the (aforementioned?) video
6. a journal ]
Just ... have a good memory, I suppose.
no subject
[ callisto stopping him from shooting into space indefinitely with a space laser may be reasonable. perhaps. but in any case, he listens curiously, then reads over everything he's shown. his own stupid head-tail flicks a bit in consideration.
but he doesn't add any commentary, because those aren't questions. when he's finished he nods resolutely. ]
Thank you! I'll do my best to remember. And forgive our nosiness. It's good fun to watch—...and we do want to see you all safe. I'm sure you understand that you're very missed.
no subject
[ is this possibly the nicest thing he's ever said. ]
I'll tell them to do more in public. [ if that comment about being missed was about his Feelings again he's frowning about it. ] I imagine you're missed as well. [ there distance established successfully. ]
... How is everyone? Not the "I'm fine" letters and all, the truth.
[ probably a waste of a question, but maybe one worth asking. ]
no subject
We'll keep doing all we can! It's incredible just how resourceful everyone is, actually, considering what little we have. And, well... this place we're in provides us with what we need, even if it's very strange.
[ but since lucien is taking the time to burn a question asking for something honest, he thinks for a moment. ]
We're all right. Our spirits might be higher than yours, sometimes...? I feel that you all have to suffer in watching us leave, and deal with the aftermath. [ he's smiling, but it's more a gesture of compassion than happiness. ] But I wouldn't be in a rush to join us. The others here that we've met, they aren't in as... excellent form as we are! This place, everything, it's all strange and uncertain. So even if the danger isn't imminent, I think, I hope you won't all be too reckless. There has been so much tragedy aboard this awful ship already.
[ just because they know the dead are around in some capacity doesn't mean it's safe, is all. ]
The letters help. I'm sure just—keeping everyone in mind helps! I am more worried about their spirit than anything else. It is all a bit— [ he gestures pointlessly, a spin of his hand ] helpless feeling, sometimes. But no one has given up. Far from it!
[ and he didn't ask this specifically, but, ] And Viktor—he worries after you. You really manage to work him up, even when you can't see one another.
no subject
[ yeah the hell of rats and teeth and helly ____
lucien stops pacing at least, pushing his hands through his hair while he figures out how to respond to that. he hadn't asked specifically, sure, but sidon is smart and got the implication at least. ]
Tell him not to worry so much, it's bad for the complexion. [ clicking his tongue. it's clear he sort of doesn't mind being worried over. weirdo. ] Everything will be alright. Call me completely mad, but I'm an optimist.
no subject
True enough. Maybe asking you all to stay safe is timid?
[ though even through the good cheer and acknowledgement, he's still not really... encouraging recklessness. he just expects it anyway. he'd do the same. it's called hypocrisy. ]
...I could tell him that a hundred times and he wouldn't listen. You're both very hard-headed. Still! I'll relay the message. [ and anything else he wants to say. then, there's an encouraging force to his voice, whether lucien needs it or not. ] I really am sure everything will turn out fine here. We'll keep each other safe. [ he will lug around viktor's paper mache and glass bone body as needed, viktor can invent them a giant laser, it's all good. ] So you don't need to fret, either.
no subject
tilting his head, putting a few fingers against his cheek. ]
I wasn't planning on it. Fretting isn't my style. I'll see him soon enough I'm sure.
[ he will move back to stand again, waiting. ]
I'm going to try and extend the summoning again. If my soul rips out of my body, do try and send it back, aye?
no subject
I'm sure you will! I'll look forward to seeing you properly too, Lucien.
[ but also, what. hello?
hang on. ]
Hang on, sorry—what was that?
[ HELLO? ]
no subject
All part of the experiment, all part of the experiment. Nothing new for me, mind.
no subject
Aaaand that experiment entails...?
no subject
... sticking a hand through sidon. rude. ]
Seeing how far I can go. Last time I caught a glimpse. What if this time I'm able to see, able to understand more. It's improving, you know. We can speak longer, more clearly, I can see your form entirely. I've been given gifts, and I don't intend to squander them with reluctance.
no subject
I don't know that we can save your soul if it gets trapped anywhere, Lucien...!
[ that's historically not how it works? vah ruta flashbacks, except not literally. but after his alarm, he just sighs. ]
...You aren't going to listen at all, are you? You really are incorrigible. [ not said as an insult. so many people he knows at this point are just crazed lil fellas. ] At least tell me if there's anything I can do to help you.
no subject
[ his gaze flicks over to Amalthea, and then back again. ]
Try and hang on as long as you can and ignore any screaming. It's likely just reflexive. If anything odd happens on your end after this, do be kind and let me know.
no subject
[ you know, like ignore the screaming.
he reaches out too, seeing if he can like. ruffle his hair. make any contact at all. doesn't seem fair for lucien to be the only one messing around as they push the limits of a seance. ]
I'll reach out soon. We'll figure this out—you'll find us soon enough. [ he sounds just as baselessly confident in this belief as lucien was saying it. he believes in him. ] But you keep in touch too, all right? [ he flickers, just another blip. ] And if you have any last words for any of us, I suggest you figure them out soon!
no subject
[ he'll blip in and out again as the touch happens, though lucien is trying to duck it, like a weenus baby. scowling at him. why is he fishing for more feelings, it's making him want to ... explode. but he promised not to yell. ]
Last words? Doubtful. I expect there will be nothing but words for the foreseeable future. [ he scowls harder. ] Thank you or whatnot for passing on the information, it's not been the worst to see you. Tell Dahut to stop being so damned twee on the HER-MES. Tell Viktor all those other things I said, and to remember what I said about the fish, and that I've asked about the pieces and I'll think about it, alright? And that I'm-- sorry for yelling. And I suppose when Margaret and Sora get there say, feck, I don't know. Hello, or something ... ?
no subject
also dumb: him repeatedly dropping the news of who's dead at the last second. he goes through the shock-grimace cycle quickly, because they don't have much time for him to stall if he wants to get any words in himself. if they're stretching out time to the last possible second, he's going to respond hurriedly. ]
Yes, of course, it's been very nice seeing you too, Lucien—hang onto that soul of yours, all right? And—actually, wait, are you talking about me—? [ another blip. blip blip. ] Ugh. Well, nevermind, just have something better than 'hello' to say in your letters! You have the support of everyone here, so don't get all shy about what you're feeling!
I'm counting on you!
no subject
While Sidon returns whence he came, Lucien finds himself slipping. For a moment, he can feel Sidon's presence... and see his surroundings change. It's no longer a church, but an abandoned space where pulsing flesh grows through the cracks. He can faintly make sense of tables and chairs, but not much else from the darkness that shadows his vision. Yet in that darkness, Sidon becomes clearer and clearer with each passing second.
... The soft humming from the channeling podium ends, but these sensations continue.
Lucien feels his soul and body slowly split, sinew to sinew... He can go where they are, if he wanted. He can abandon this shell. The excruciating pain is temporary, after all. ]
Okaaaaaaaaay, that's enough! [ Amalthea will be scruffing Lucien with their cold hands. ] Hope to see you soon, Mister Sidon! We'll do our best on this side to get you all back!
[ goodby ]