[video]

[candothat]

[The scene: a roof. Which roof is unclear, but, judging from the book and notebooks visible in the dim glow of the network device's screen, Chekov was probably stargazing. Of course. What else would a sensible person be doing on a roof in the middle of the night?]

I have asked this question to individuals, but I am curious: what, generally, is the opinion on becoming attached to others here? From what I have heard and read, most seem to think that suffering the loss of someone they have become close to when they leave the City is a small price to pay for companionship. Then there are a few--or maybe there are not so few as I think--who would prefer to stay unattached to avoid being hurt. Is this assessment correct?

And those who, in theory, believe that it is wisest not to grow close to people... are they successful, or do they form attachments in spite of what they believe to be best for themselves?

[His tone is one of genuine curiosity. This is not a rhetorical question.]

I am of two minds on the subject, but I dislike the thought of being alone for however long I may stay here enough to make remaining unattached distasteful. And, when I am not theorizing and simply talking to others, it is impossible not to form friendships. Even though friends will leave and forget all experiences in the City, I keep making them, and it seems very foolish and maybe reckless when I think about it--making friends, I mean--but I feel it is better to accept loss.

It is like home, in some ways. I have always been moving and now, at home, I am in a position where having friends die is very possible and has happened. Is it different, losing a friend to death and having a friend leave the City? Logically, death should be more difficult to accept, I think, but I am not finding that so.

[A contemplative pause.]

The curse where we were turned into dogs--there was a little girl who was good enough to feed me, and I would like to thank her now that I am a person again. I think she was ten, maybe, and very pale, with light hair.

As to this last weekend's curse, no, Lucy and I are not married, although she is very kind and I mean no insult to her when I say that I am pleased to be unmarried again. Sincere apologies to anyone who was anticipating the reception.


[Filtered to the Deities // Unhackable]

Hello. When you have a moment, I would like to discuss another exchange with you, please.

Comments

|| Deity Filter ||

[laszlo_jamf]

Доброе утро. Как поживаете?

|| Deity Filter ||

[candothat]

Хорошо, спасибо. А у тебя?

I was not aware that you spoke Russian, sir.

|| Deity Filter ||

[laszlo_jamf]

You pick these things up as you go along. You end up able to do lots of things. Ants and bees were meant to specialize. Higher organisms were not.

You mentioned an exchange.

|| Deity Filter ||

[candothat]

If I may ask, how much time have you had to pick up these things?

Oh--yes. I would like to trade for Lucy Locke's life, if I may.

|| Deity Filter ||

[laszlo_jamf]

Long enough.

You may. What do you offer in exchange? We've done this song and dance before, I think. You know a life is pricey.

[rianofski]

Whether it be here or anywhere else, I think it is generally wisest to stay unattached.

[candothat]

For the entirety of your life? That sounds very lonely, but if that is how you choose to live, I hope you are content.

[rianofski]

I find it easier to conduct most interactions with people as though we're business partners. It's far easier than forming messy attachments, and not particularly lonely.

[candothat]

That is a very good way to interact with business partners, maybe not so good if you have family and friends.

[infernoandhearth]

It's always best to make friends, even if you know from the start they will leave or die. Life is very dull, detached.

[candothat]

Yes, I agree, although there is still, I think, something irrational about friendship.

[infernoandhearth]

Must things be rational to be good?

[candothat]

No, many of the best things are irrational--most of the things that involve feelings.

Video

[mightbeconcussed]

[Lucy woke in the middle of the night with a gasp, sucking in oxygen like she'd been very recently drowning, her heart pounding in her chest. It takes her a moment to process all of this because she's gotten so accustomed to the lack of these things. Her hand goes to her chest, feeling it rise and fall with breath. Her skin is warm beneath her hand. She leans over to check the clock, well past midnight which makes it seem like not a curse.

She checks the network to see if there's any evidence of a curse on it and that's when she sees Pavel's post. She flicks on the video despite the fact that she's still sitting in bed, hair tousled and her cheek creased from lying on the pillow.]

I think...we make friends. We love everyone we can and we don't get so attached that we can't stand to see them go.

You were a very good first husband, Pavel.

[She's still trying to piece together how she's alive, so she's not going to mention to him just yet.]

Video

[candothat]

[He wants to ask her how she is so badly but that would give everything away and then he would need to explain what he traded, which he can't quite remember. Therefore, he just smiles.]

That is a good balance, but I think it would be hard to maintain--to know where too attached is.

[sdajf;laks;d]

Thank you, Lucy. I hope you will maybe have a better second husband who stays longer. [awkward] It was a pleasure being temporarily married to you.

Video

[mightbeconcussed]

[Oh Chekov, you are far too good for Lucy. She smiles in return.]

Yeah...it kind of is. I try to do the distance thing, but...[She wrinkles her nose.]

I don't think I'm really a staying longer kind of girl but it was a pleasure being temporarily married to you too.

Video

[candothat]

It's difficult?

It is best, I think, that it was short. Seventeen is too young for marriage.

[mortemscintilla]

... So it was a curse?

That makes a bit more sense.

[candothat]

Which? The dogs, or the marriage?

[mortemscintilla]

The marriage.

Wait. You were a dog?

[candothat]

Ah, yes. That was a curse.

I was! This was the second time.

video/russian;

[majorcrotchgrab]

People came and went in my life even before this place. I'm used to it. But there are a select few... that have a special place that I do truly miss.

video/russian;

[candothat]

My life, as well, but the City is different.

If you ever wish to talk about those you miss over a drink...

video/russian;

[majorcrotchgrab]

I think I'll take you up on that offer.

video/russian;

[candothat]

Thank you, Ivan. I will buy, even.