poly_chromatic | [video]

[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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

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.

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.

Scientist, linguist, deity. You are a very busy being, sir.

We have, yes, and I realize that. Is there a usual price for a second life?

Also occasional chemist, physicist, psychologist, pharmacologist, professor-doctor, Pavlovian researcher, and occultist.

It's rare that one trades even once for a life. But for a second--I wonder if it might not be worth twice as much as the first.

As I recall, the first time, the price was quite high.

Physicist, yes, I should have remembered that.

[Not going to talk physics with deities. Not going to talk physics...]

The last time, I forgot everything about my family and homeland for one month. What would be twice as valuable to you?

That and more, perhaps. Or twice as much. Or twice as long.

Do you accept talents? Knowledge? I am a very fast runner. I'm knowledgeable in the areas of stellar cartography and theoretical physics, and I am passably good at twenty-third century engineering.

Those things are valuable to me. Are any of them suitable exchanges?

I don't think I've been a cartographer before. I like theoretical physics. And engineering is always good.

I think I could accept talents.

"And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more.

"His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."

And so on.

Then you would accept all of my knowledge regarding stellar cartography, theoretical physics, and engineering--for a month, say--in exchange for Lucy's life?

[Whut.]

You are a biblical scholar, as well?

If these talents, this knowledge, is valuable to you, I would accept it. Give me what you know and your skill with it and I will restore her life.

You'd think you'd never been in a library before, kiddo.

These are the most valuable things to me. You have them, and whatever skills accompany them. As last time, may I remember what I have lost?

Very seldom, sir.

Of course you may. It only seems right that you might feel the hole where something once lay and be reminded of its absence. You will come around a corner and think of it. You will stumble on it as if it were a missing object. You will encounter it as though it were something to be remembered and not something forgotten.

You are paying a debt. Debts are not pleasant. If it were to be pleasant, how much worth would the thing paid for be?

Come to the Office and we can exact payment.

You ought to try it sometime.

It would have little worth, if the debt was pleasant. I understand and will be there very soon.

[Gosh, Laszlo. You have the grimmest way of saying things.]

I will take that under advisement, sir.

[He's a ray of fucking sunshine.]

We will see you soon, then.

[ooc: The, um, terms of the trade are pretty clear in their convo, so--just know that the trade will be in force for 1 month, but Lucy's life will be restored immediately. Feel free to have this trade go through at any time hereafter. And have fun(?).]

[video]

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