[ Considering what he knows of her, but regardless, he looks from her, back to the other people around, and whatever else they're doing, then back to her. ]
...I'll also expect you'll find a way to enjoy yourself, before we are all asleep.
[ Apparently so. Though, Blade isn't going to find himself complaining much.
He just watches her drink with a blank expression for a moment. ]
It's something I'm used to drinking...for a long time now.
It's a type of refined wine.
[ His memories can be hazy at times, but this is one of the very few things he has not forgotten. Blade tells her because I don't know what it is, but the name is definitely unrecognizable as a result of the drink being from the Xianzhou Alliance or something. ]
...I can understand that, considering your background. But, perhaps this type of crowd is a lot less troublesome, hm?
[ A little smirk at that.
As for the other matter...he blinks, and the expression remains as is. ]
I can't recall the last time someone has dared to uttered such words and not regret it. [ He is stretching his mewie little paws. ] But, you will find that it goes both ways. Such words should be reciprocated, after all.
[ Blade doesn't know most of the people here, but they don't really seem so bad from surface-level impressions. He will save deeper evaluations for if he has the chance to learn more.
As for the laughter, Blade seems to hardly mind. Maybe because he in turn is amused. ]
Good. Though, if I say that I do see everything as a challenge, would you be surprised?
[ I'm alive now just in time. Her entire face lights up because drink time!! She's also sticking to Gregor like glue. Not literally, just metaphorically. ]
[ I'm sorry if you ever thoguht Rodya was the subtle sort she does whatever she wants. Anyway they can go settle somewehere comfy? She's also in comfy clothes that give off blanket energy. Thanks Roboji too bc she's yoinking some snacks. She's so ready for curfew. ]
[hell yeah, let's find a comfy egg or something. gregor settles in, still a bit flushed... sometimes you are not the forward one in whatever the fuck is going on.]
Be nice to her she just got her weird wonderful love life snuffed out by a curse deadline. And also because it is a kindness to Gregor especially to not drag it out too much. ]
oh... delicious. the way he likes overly-sweet things kills me. and also he is!! always so nice to rodya okay 🥺 ]
Gin rummy.
[ or you can pretend he said cribbage or something, idk what card games there are in mond other than tcg. (this is a joke for kabby and siz who isn't here.) i also have no idea what the rules are, anyway i rolled a 5 so he plays like SHIT! ]
[ Not the TCG...... also stop. THESE ARE THE ONES FROM SCRAP, THEY'RE LUCKY... though I guess because it's hers, that explains why she just fucking obliterates this egg. ]
[ EYEZOOMING ON THEM LOOKING PLEASANTLY SURPRISED IF NOT DELIGHTED ABOUT THIS TURN OF EVENTS (AFFECTION WEEK) BUT SIMULTANEOUSLY TRYING TO PRETEND HE'S NOT RUBBERNECKING (CANON) ]
[charles is sitting in a pod, focused on his i.r.i.s. where he's apparently messaging someone and also... downloading something? or he's getting there. he's a ye olde he's not tech savvy :pensive:]
I don't really have any reason to think it'll work, but... people have noticed that Scrap's limited items always have the same effect, give or take.
And I came across something earlier on the planet this week that made me wonder if that's relevant to our situation. So, I want to see if using one of those items at this time helps with anything.
Mm, I don't know if it has anything to do with that. More like... all of this likely has something to do with the CEM waves, which are tied to hallucinations, possibly drugs via flowers now, etc.
I learned that Scrap sells a drink that helps counter the drugs, so I'm wondering if his other products might help with... [again, a shrug.] Well, we don't really know what we're working against right now, so I can't name anything specific, but hopefully you get the idea.
... With that said, considering the latest message in HER-MES, I wonder if this entire thing is actually some bizarre dream we're all in and we have to wake up.
I had the same thought. There were brainwave projection devices on the Station—so that sort of dream technology [ he doesn't know what modern science is ] doesn't seem farfetched.
And, there seems to be numerous strange overlaps with the ship and planets we've been on.
Well, not to steal Gregor's thunder [sorry teej if you already shared this in this post], but he and Shu found this journal from their waste disposal room... adventure.
[shows the message temenos sent so that i don't have to explain things in my own words:]
All of this talk of flowers from our companions who are no longer with us may be relevant to them. It's some sort of a cult that formed around the cosmoelectromagnetic waves.
[finally copies and pastes like half of this from my other threads don't question how charles just magically uses the exact same words he has elsewhere in his life]
And yesterday, I did a bit of hanging around the hotel to see if I could learn anything further. A few kids were talking about hitting up "the flower", which was some kind of drug from the Covenant of the Morning. It was a bottle of pink and yellow petals, with some green here and there, that they started smoking.
Seemed like it just made them sick, though. One of them had the wisdom not to try it, and instead took out a drink labeled "CALPICKMEUP", which sobered them up quickly. Based off a picture they had, it was Scrap who supplied the drink. Again, the pattern of items with an effect meant to counter mental alteration.
[someone else add anything else idk drops dead and goes to make dinner]
[oh sick okay wanders over with the most useless item drop?]
Okay, I'm not entirely sure what this cult thing may be, but...Lucien and I went to the mall too. And we found something weird.
[Presents one of the books she brought with her:
(( There is also a more traditional, beautiful book wrought with golden-painted leather and bound with green, heavy thread. The pages are painted pink on their edges. It is so expensive, but if you want it, you may purchase it. Inside, is a language indecipherable, but the lettering looks very floral, if that makes sense. You get the feeling that you should save this… for much later in your travels.))]
[ but suddenly what charles was talking about makes a lot more sense. diluc's reading through the research document, and checking out the log as well. ]
Adrastea...
[ that's his surprise canonmate yo... but setting that aside for a moment, ]
...These CEM waves. Do you think that's directly related to what we experienced yesterday...? [ mini... event... ]
Mm, the waves are tied to the galactic storms, which are confirmed to be the real cause of those weekly effects we get. And we know what the storms are capable of, between said effects and what's mentioned in previous reports...
Oh, that reminds me—there are also these, if you haven't seen them yet.
[aka thesetwo things which is not what he was referring to in terms of previous reports, those are gestures to everything linked here]
As for yesterday, that was... virtual reality, right? [unless diluc is referring to a different part of the mini-event.] I don't understand the technology very well myself, so maybe someone else knows how much of a connection there could be.
The limited item from Scrap this week. People have noticed that he deals consistently in items that make you alert, and combined with some things that have come up this week... I want to see if it has any impact tomorrow at all. On the effects, I mean.
Not the lockdown, but the effects that hit us on Friday.
[he just can't exactly use it on friday since by then it'll be too late]
In any case, I've already seen that his supplies can apparently sober people from drugs that might be... somewhere in the same category as whatever's going on with the CEM waves [which could be tied to anything on this ship WHO KNOWS], so we'll see. I'm not expecting anything to come out of this, but given that I have to use these before the week is up, I might as well try.
You're not bothering me. All I had to do for the item was download a code, and now we wait and see. Don't already condemn me to a boring night of staring alone at my I.R.I.S., Princess. [that last bit said jokingly.] Besides, a lot of this came from other people, so I can't take credit.
Charles, I don't think...I feel quite out of my depths here. I hope I can change that? I just see you working so hard and learning so much so fast. Even just the way these worlds work. This era. You're fitting in quite well.
To be honest, I don't understand as much as it might look like. I still count on those like Shoma for the finer details of how anything works, especially when it comes to science or technology. I just focus on what I think are the core parts or on the things I want to know more about. Like the I.R.I.S.—I learn about the things I want to do with it, and I ignore the rest.
[he gives her a little smile.]
Just take things one at a time, Rosamund. We can start now. What's something you want to learn more about, whether it's this era or whatever's going on? One specific thing or aspect.
If nothing else, while Europa's not exactly a beacon of cheer and joy, I think he'd do anything he can for the people under his watch. So, no worries there.
roboji, as usual, is wheeling around on his own, seemingly checking on everyone who is here and giving a cursory scan as if identifying who they are. the robot also appears to be carrying a bunch of snacks in the front pocket of his apron, and will give these out whether you want them or not. think like candy, jerky, etc.
otherwise, shoma is in a pod and seems to be texting for a moment before he resumes to watching everyone else. ]
Surprised weird stuff hasn't happened on other planets before honestly -- did nobody ever try to stay over on the planet whenever we had a lockdown before?
Not sure. It never really occurred to me because I haven't liked most of the planets as much as this one, but I haven't heard of anybody else trying either. Think this is just "standard protocol" then? [ the way he says it suggests that he does not think so, what the fuck is happening. ]
[ he is pocket-sized you can probably fit two people in a pod if you're shoma-sized, so he does tuck his legs a little so diluc can have a seat if he wants. ]
It...I didn't imagine that, right? It really said "do not resist." [ or, sort of. it glitched, but context clues. ]
[ yay. it's fine, affection week!!! also again as established he likes diluc a lot (omo if you're dead tomorrow i'll kill you myself.) ]
Yeah. Now it's reached a level of, like, almost threatening. [ which isn't good. but he does look immediately interested with that. ] What kind of anomaly?
It's fine. Glad you guys got out without too much hassle, but sounds pretty bad. [ ... ] But you're right about that. And it tells us we should be exploring off-planet more with each stop we make. Especially with some other things people are finding out.
I think...all of us are used to unpleasantries by now. [ we literally solve murders every week and then watch someone murder in front of an audience. ] But at least this feels like we're accomplishing something. Even if we don't know what it is yet.
...not sure yet. There could be things in our nanites that're tied into the mechanics of the ship itself. Like how it's able to control where we move at certain times and stuff. So if maybe some of us went too far out of its range and a certain timer went off to initiate a lockdown...?
[ he shrugs. ] It's all speculation, I...don't really know. [ which bothers him, but. what else is new. ]
Yeah I don't really want to be right about the ship fully gaining sentience or whatever. Trust me. [ he is also very against the control thing, actually! ]
Very much so. [Also combines prompts Robiji swings by and she grabs two Kinder Surprises.] Maybe this ship isn't just a ship after all. Or something terrible has made itself at home, here.
I've been thinking it's the latter, actually. That something got aboard the ship at some point during its travels and that's what's been causing all of these anomalies and the things happening to us. Like it latched on, and now it's spreading like some kind of virus.
Mmm. [She has become more aware of the different meanings of "virus" in the last four weeks, so this isn't entirely beyond her comprehension.] Like a ghost inside of the machine.
[Nods sagely.]
I wouldn't rule out some kind of enchantment yet, though. Whether this is a living creature or a spirit or a...computer..."sickness", the scope of its power feels so much more intimate than anything machine or...alive? I don't know.
Yeah, that's what I said and that's what I asked our other friends via HER-MES. But thinking about it, I don't know how'd they would be able to answer.
...Eunhyuk told me they're basically inside what could be considered the "belly" of the ship. Wherever that is. So it could also be that the ship itself is some kind of hybrid we're unaware of. [ but he nods. ] I saw, yeah. Sounds like everybody else got a pretty good scare. But I'm not...liking the idea of all of them being forcibly dragged back.
No, me either. I know they mentioned they were more like memories. Something in between living and dead. So, maybe it's a sort of holding spot. Or maybe the thing that's cursing this ship isn't here, but in that in between place. Or perhaps there's a foot in both worlds, and we'll all have to take care of it.
Yeah...memories was how it was described to me, too. I think it's entirely plausible it's between living and dead and that's why we can't actually reach them, and they have to, like, port themselves into other things in order to see us. Letters or pixels or whatever. I think we're all going to have to work together either way, so...it's important we talk to them as much as we can.
[ and speaking of. ]
...yeah. Scien and I sort of had a deal when we first met that I'd provide him with as much information as I could find in exchange for picking his brain on a few things.
[If he chooses to look, he'll see the one she's currently popped open is a very ornate antique tome, with pink painted edges and gold-touched leather. The lettering is floral but in a language indecipherable.
Also sure she can give him a gummy. Here comes the aiiiirplaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaane Nyyyooooom]
[She holds out a gummy for Gregor, please accept.]
Do you think maybe we're being watched? I saw a really interesting film in the multiplex this last week, it was called The Truman Show? And it got me thinking...
Well, yes, Margaret and I found that. It was very eerie to get it open, actually, it sounded like a rainstorm was happening in the hallway as we walked down it? And there was lightning, and then voices of people we knew, and the lights went out...
[Hm. This has less to do with her original point of what Jim Carrey's seminal classic The Truman Show had to do with the thirty-odd of them.]
Anyway, I meant more that maybe, this is a sort of entertainment thing. For people very far away.
You can probably just grab as many as you want from Omega Mart before we leave. Seems like the place keeps getting restocked somehow anyway. They're good though, right?
They're so good, I want to put them in everything I ever eat.
[Deadly serious. Slapping back another handful, crunch crunch crunch.]
It kind of creeps me out? I mean, I know where I come from a magically refilling cupboard might not be weird, but here it's not supposed to be magic, soooo....where are they getting everything? Especially when we're between planets.
[ smart. valid. 100% correct. but good question. ]
I've wondered that, too. Kind of like I've wondered how food in the mess hall's made or the dogs are being taken care of in the park when it's supposedly just us. Things have to be refueled and restocked when we land, but there's a lot of the ship we don't have access to either. It's possible there's just a bunch of stock piled away that gets replenished when stuff's low.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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[ He's here!! ]
You got my text?
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[ He turns to look right back at her, expression the way it usually is. ]
It isn't exactly one of the most conventional places to be.
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I suppose I can. Though, I can't promise to give much to it in turn.
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'Course, I can't ever force you, but always happy to have you around! And now you're not stuck somewhere all alone like a loser.
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Hmph.
There is nothing wrong with being alone.
[ That said, there is a pause. ]
You're also correct you can't force me. I came here of my own volition at the offer; fortunately, the gathering doesn't seem too unreasonably loud.
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I can't promise you that every time, but I'll take it!
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[ Blade doesn't subscribe to the thoughts of the majority. ]
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So be it, if I am ever accused of such. And if I ever befall such a fate in being killed, then that would be simply unavoidable.
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[ Blade says, humorlessly. He's the type of person to eventually make people have regrets getting to know him. ]
...However, it isn't like I regret it either.
[ There's at least two familiar faces; he at least indicates he appreciates it. ]
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[ Mr all doom and gloom but Rodya's problem really is that she is just an indomitable spirit. Your depression can't get her. ]
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Then, there's a little wry smirk on his face. ]
...I suppose you would know to be prepared.
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[ Which isn't always the best thing -- hope for the best, but expect the worst.
She's always prepared for anything. ]
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[ Considering what he knows of her, but regardless, he looks from her, back to the other people around, and whatever else they're doing, then back to her. ]
...I'll also expect you'll find a way to enjoy yourself, before we are all asleep.
[ He takes another sip of his drink. ]
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[ So she produces... card packs, gambling chips, and that polaroid camera from Scrap's. ]
Oh yeah, I totally yoinked a bunch of chips from all my time playing in the houses.
[ She really just had a great time. ]
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[ Blade watches those things getting produced one by one.
...There is a look of amusement, but honestly? He is glad she had a good time. It's what she deserves. ]
I'm not surprised if you managed to find a place that dealt in gambling. Was it luck or skill that allowed you to dominate the 'houses', as it were?
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[She has come to perceive his drink. What's in there?]
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But, if she wants to scope out his drink, she will find it's something pale-colored. ]
...Did you want something?
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I did. Why?
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Well. There's not any more of it, is there?
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There's still some remaining, if you want to dare sample it from someone you barely even know.
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And what if I did?
[She holds out her hand expectantly.]
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...Then you can have some.
[ Passing the container along to her, sure. It's just some fancy-tasting alcohol if she gives a try of it. ]
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Why thank you!
[She smiles and gives him a little cheers, then takes a tiny sip.
Then a second, heartier one.]
Mmm, that's quite lovely actually. What is it?
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[ Apparently so. Though, Blade isn't going to find himself complaining much.
He just watches her drink with a blank expression for a moment. ]
It's something I'm used to drinking...for a long time now.
It's a type of refined wine.
[ His memories can be hazy at times, but this is one of the very few things he has not forgotten. Blade tells her because I don't know what it is, but the name is definitely unrecognizable as a result of the drink being from the Xianzhou Alliance or something. ]
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...You look like you wish to say something.
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I just don't often see you in the company of so many others.
[ ...mini-events aside! ]
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You wouldn't be wrong. Normally...it is not my preference to be as much either.
However...
[ He trails off, but then comes back to it. ]
I suppose, I thought...it might not be too bothersome this week. As for you, you seem to have acclimated just fine to these gatherings, haven't you?
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I've never been a stranger to crowds.
...At any rate, it's good to see you here.
[ like a cat that needs to be socialized... hehe ]
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[ A little smirk at that.
As for the other matter...he blinks, and the expression remains as is. ]
I can't recall the last time someone has dared to uttered such words and not regret it. [ He is stretching his mewie little paws. ] But, you will find that it goes both ways. Such words should be reciprocated, after all.
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[ his fwends...
also sorry he snorts a little, trying not to laugh. ]
Do you see everything as a challenge, Blade...? I appreciate the returned sentiment, though.
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[ Blade doesn't know most of the people here, but they don't really seem so bad from surface-level impressions. He will save deeper evaluations for if he has the chance to learn more.
As for the laughter, Blade seems to hardly mind. Maybe because he in turn is amused. ]
Good. Though, if I say that I do see everything as a challenge, would you be surprised?
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[ he smiles wryly. ]
I just wonder if you ever have a moment to relax.
[ which is extremely rich coming from this workaholic but, u kno. ]
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...Rodya convinced me to go to a Spa this one time.
[ That totally counts, right? ]
How exactly do you 'relax', Diluc?
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Did she... [ BLADE WHISPERER RODYA ] Did you enjoy yourself there?
...Usually I go for a walk, or read a book. [ he's still got a copy of hitchhiker 2 in his room somewhere. ] Training helps clear the mind as well.
[ that's not relaxing. ]
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Against my expectations...it was an adequate amount of time spent.
[ Though, there is a rise of amusement at that? In regards to Training. ]
Not many consider training to be relaxing. Though, there is always the benefit of it sharpening your focus and keeping your blade...sharp.
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-phew.
[and passes rodya a drink as he settles in next to her.]
Thai tea latte with oat substitution, extra pearls, small ice, and grass jelly. Right?
[it's bigger than a grande but so WHAT if he wanted to get her more]
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Wow, you actually did remember all of that!
[ And gives him a cheek kiss right on main. ]
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[very pink at the cheek kiss IN FRONT OF GOD AND EVERYONE, RODYA??
he loops his normal arm around her.]
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At least this is a pretty nice spot, right?
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[ Since like what, W1? ]
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[...blinking a few times
-and then turning brighter pink oh god oh man oh god oh man.]
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staring
and looks at Gregor............ ]
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and i look at her
AND SHE LOOKS AT ME
AND I LOOK AT HERRRRRR
he looks a little bit like he's just bluescreening. `oh n`.]
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You wanna tell me why you're looking at me like that?
[ Please explode her but also just confirming. ]
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Do... do you also feel like... something's been different for a couple days...
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I guess, uh. This is a little awkward.
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[...scootches off of her lap.]
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Oh my god. Is that what that's like?
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[he's internally dying too much to laugh.]
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[hhhelp.]
...you're not a bad one either.
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[he did kind of like it.
damn, it's nice to be loved, who knew! shame that's over forever.]
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So, we can leave it behind, but lets agree to not be all like, "that was horrible", or "I regretted it", or anything like that.
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I'm-- fine.
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SHE WAS ROOTING FOR YOU WE WERE ALL ROOTING FOR YOU]
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[ HELPPPPP ]
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[ STOP RUBBERNECKING (CANON) ]
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There, there.
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Wanna play a round? Think we could use something to do while talking anyway!
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Sure.
[ what kind of snack is she making him eat. ]
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Be nice to her she just got her weird wonderful love life snuffed out by a curse deadline. And also because it is a kindness to Gregor especially to not drag it out too much. ]
Whaddya wanna play?
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oh... delicious. the way he likes overly-sweet things kills me. and also he is!! always so nice to rodya okay 🥺 ]
Gin rummy.
[ or you can pretend he said cribbage or something, idk what card games there are in mond other than tcg. (this is a joke for kabby and siz who isn't here.) i also have no idea what the rules are, anyway i rolled a 5 so he plays like SHIT! ]
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...You're not about to take it easy on me, are you?
[ is this because he smiled at u and gregor earlier ]
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Nope. I always play to win. You should never think otherwise!
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[help him charles... charles save him]
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[eats the bean. you are his one true friend. you and diluc i guess.]
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[oocly i was a little sussy but ic he had no reason to question it and if he did HE WOULD'VE JUST LOOKED LIKE AN UNSUPPORTIVE FRIEND]
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[it's okay... he still has rights.]
Yuri didn't either.
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I suppose congratulations are in order?
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...Or perhaps my condolences.
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[he looks a little like he wants to die]
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[ he is not helping ]
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Diluc.
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...you seem focused.
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Arthur's just worried—well, not without reason. Tonight's kind of ominous, hu?
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[i oocly do not know where exactly yet]
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[ said as: "as long as everyone's with someone and safe, it's fine." ]
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Want a river bean, Shoma?
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...yeah, okay. But aren't you worried you're gonna run out at some point?
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It's not as though I win anything by having some still in my possession by the time this all ends.
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Hey, you never know. You could in fact be a part of some secret contest or something.
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They got transported to the dog park, for some reason?
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Busy?
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Just keeping Arthur informed... and testing something else.
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[ MY CHARTHUR CRUMBS? ]
And... What sort of test?
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I want to see if I can avoid tomorrow's effects at all.
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How so?
[ his interest is visibly piqued, because that seems a useful thing to be able to do. ]
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I don't really have any reason to think it'll work, but... people have noticed that Scrap's limited items always have the same effect, give or take.
And I came across something earlier on the planet this week that made me wonder if that's relevant to our situation. So, I want to see if using one of those items at this time helps with anything.
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...Ah. There was also a note the other week too, yes?
[ not everyone who is awake between thursday and friday... something something... ]
It's a good idea.
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I learned that Scrap sells a drink that helps counter the drugs, so I'm wondering if his other products might help with... [again, a shrug.] Well, we don't really know what we're working against right now, so I can't name anything specific, but hopefully you get the idea.
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...Mhm, I believe so. I hope the results of your tests are fruitful.
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I had the same thought. There were brainwave projection devices on the Station—so that sort of dream technology [ he doesn't know what modern science is ] doesn't seem farfetched.
And, there seems to be numerous strange overlaps with the ship and planets we've been on.
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I'm sure if anyone can figure it out, it's you.
[ jan what are you so smart for ]
You're not alone in your efforts, at least.
[ everyone else what are you so smart for ]
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Haha, thanks. Speaking of which, have you been caught up on this week's information, Dliuc?
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Not yet. What have you found?
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[bop]
There's this report.
[bop 2 i'm sorry i am hungry words are failing me]
Then, Temenos and Throné came across a cult called the Covenant of the Morning on this planet.
[shows the message temenos sent so that i don't have to explain things in my own words:]
All of this talk of flowers from our companions who are no longer with us may be relevant to them. It's some sort of a cult that formed around the cosmoelectromagnetic waves.
Throné and I were investigating around the mall on this planet when we were accosted by a woman trying to get us to join it. She herself was covered in tattoos of the cosmoelectromagnetic waves structure, and gave us a pamphlet as well as a few small charms shaped like a sun with a pink flower in the center. The woman and her followers also had several carts in the establishment, and when they placed together, the signs at the top of their carts formed a pink, fluid shape of a flower's petals waving, the same one from the charm.
[finally copies and pastes like half of this from my other threads don't question how charles just magically uses the exact same words he has elsewhere in his life]
And yesterday, I did a bit of hanging around the hotel to see if I could learn anything further. A few kids were talking about hitting up "the flower", which was some kind of drug from the Covenant of the Morning. It was a bottle of pink and yellow petals, with some green here and there, that they started smoking.
Seemed like it just made them sick, though. One of them had the wisdom not to try it, and instead took out a drink labeled "CALPICKMEUP", which sobered them up quickly. Based off a picture they had, it was Scrap who supplied the drink. Again, the pattern of items with an effect meant to counter mental alteration.
[someone else add anything else idk drops dead and goes to make dinner]
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Okay, I'm not entirely sure what this cult thing may be, but...Lucien and I went to the mall too. And we found something weird.
[Presents one of the books she brought with her:
(( There is also a more traditional, beautiful book wrought with golden-painted leather and bound with green, heavy thread. The pages are painted pink on their edges. It is so expensive, but if you want it, you may purchase it. Inside, is a language indecipherable, but the lettering looks very floral, if that makes sense. You get the feeling that you should save this… for much later in your travels.))]
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Looks fancy.
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...Perhaps the book you found can be related to this so-called cult. Though, even that is too early to tell...
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...This seems like quite the development.
[ but suddenly what charles was talking about makes a lot more sense. diluc's reading through the research document, and checking out the log as well. ]
Adrastea...
[ that's his surprise canonmate yo... but setting that aside for a moment, ]
...These CEM waves. Do you think that's directly related to what we experienced yesterday...? [ mini... event... ]
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Oh, that reminds me—there are also these, if you haven't seen them yet.
[aka these two things which is not what he was referring to in terms of previous reports, those are gestures to everything linked here]
As for yesterday, that was... virtual reality, right? [unless diluc is referring to a different part of the mini-event.] I don't understand the technology very well myself, so maybe someone else knows how much of a connection there could be.
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What's that you've got there?
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[Hmmm.]
I doubt anyone associated with the ship would be giving out anything truly helpful. Though he is a rather shady character...
[Perhaps he just sneaks his way into their paths of his own volition. Like that Vlad guy.]
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[he just can't exactly use it on friday since by then it'll be too late]
In any case, I've already seen that his supplies can apparently sober people from drugs that might be... somewhere in the same category as whatever's going on with the CEM waves [which could be tied to anything on this ship WHO KNOWS], so we'll see. I'm not expecting anything to come out of this, but given that I have to use these before the week is up, I might as well try.
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[And she's been all but sitting on her hands. Rosamund stares at her knees a moment. Pats her feet a little.]
I shouldn't be bothering you. Um. Good luck with your studies?
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You're not bothering me. All I had to do for the item was download a code, and now we wait and see. Don't already condemn me to a boring night of staring alone at my I.R.I.S., Princess. [that last bit said jokingly.] Besides, a lot of this came from other people, so I can't take credit.
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[There's a beat.]
Charles, I don't think...I feel quite out of my depths here. I hope I can change that? I just see you working so hard and learning so much so fast. Even just the way these worlds work. This era. You're fitting in quite well.
I just don't think I'm keeping up with anyone.
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[he falls quiet, thinking over this, apparently.]
To be honest, I don't understand as much as it might look like. I still count on those like Shoma for the finer details of how anything works, especially when it comes to science or technology. I just focus on what I think are the core parts or on the things I want to know more about. Like the I.R.I.S.—I learn about the things I want to do with it, and I ignore the rest.
[he gives her a little smile.]
Just take things one at a time, Rosamund. We can start now. What's something you want to learn more about, whether it's this era or whatever's going on? One specific thing or aspect.
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[hi bud.]
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[he's been texting a little bit, too.]
This whole mess just about caused more problems for us, though... Yuri would've ended up alone if she wasn't with a couple of the crew.
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[the last bit said dryly.]
But they can be counted on.
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but he does nod, at least.]
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Yuri says she'll be fine and that you talked about this.
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[charles were you telling on him]
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Sorry, sorry.
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roboji, as usual, is wheeling around on his own, seemingly checking on everyone who is here and giving a cursory scan as if identifying who they are. the robot also appears to be carrying a bunch of snacks in the front pocket of his apron, and will give these out whether you want them or not. think like candy, jerky, etc.
otherwise, shoma is in a pod and seems to be texting for a moment before he resumes to watching everyone else. ]
...a little more alarming this time, huh.
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Surprised weird stuff hasn't happened on other planets before honestly -- did nobody ever try to stay over on the planet whenever we had a lockdown before?
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Not sure. It never really occurred to me because I haven't liked most of the planets as much as this one, but I haven't heard of anybody else trying either. Think this is just "standard protocol" then? [ the way he says it suggests that he does not think so, what the fuck is happening. ]
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That... definitely wasn't normal.
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It...I didn't imagine that, right? It really said "do not resist." [ or, sort of. it glitched, but context clues. ]
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I believe we all heard it. Things... have been growing stranger in the past weeks.
[ he frowns. ]
Owner and I discovered another anomaly on the Station.
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Yeah. Now it's reached a level of, like, almost threatening. [ which isn't good. but he does look immediately interested with that. ] What kind of anomaly?
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...It wasn't pleasant.
[ are you like. absolutely sure you want to know. ]
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Did you get eaten by a room, too...?
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...A very different sort of unpleasant.
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...you may as well explain. Where'd you go?
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The Cake Factory. We were able to get to the kitchen...
[ ...he's making a slight face again. ]
And there was a large freezer in the back.
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Uh...huh. Okay. Did you guys get a chance to look in the large freezer...?
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Unfortunately. There were large slabs of meat in there. ...And then after a time, they began to look like our deceased.
[ yeah yeah yeah yeah yeah this was in the kitchen so yeah yeah yeah yeah ]
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anyway he's sort of just gazing off into space for a second for reasons completely unrelated to this. cool. cool cool cool. ]
...unsurprising. Things like this like to mess with your head. It wasn't real though. Did you guys get back out of there okay?
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diluc puts a gloved hand on top of his head and ruffles his hair softly. come back. ]
Don't worry. We made our escape without too much trouble.
[ well. it was kind of yakety sax but the end result is fine. this is fine. ]
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That's good. Was it at least worth the trouble? [ did you guys find treasure or just trauma... ]
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...If anything it did reinforce the strange patterns we've been seeing off-ship.
Other than that... I can't say it was.
[ womp womp ]
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It's fine. Glad you guys got out without too much hassle, but sounds pretty bad. [ ... ] But you're right about that. And it tells us we should be exploring off-planet more with each stop we make. Especially with some other things people are finding out.
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Mhm. The more clues we can gather, the better. Even if the process isn't necessarily pleasant.
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[ ironic for a genshin tall male model. ]
Did you and Royda run into something strange at the mall...?
[ or was he with someone else, somewhere else... diluc truly flinging so many accusations at gregor tonite ]
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[...]
Did- something eat you, too.
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No, but. We saw something terrible.
[ also huge yikes??? ]
...Are you both all right? [ ??? ]
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...I'm sorry.
[ GREGOR JUST NEVER CATCHING A BREAK... diluc puts a supportive paw on his shoulder. ]
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What'd you see? Wasn't a freaky creature with no bones, was it.
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also deets ]
...Worse, I think.
[ he pinches the bridge of his nose and leans back a little. his emotional support roomie. ]
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[BAD. bad! why did they have similar themes, he hates that, actually.
loops his arm through diluc's. affection week.]
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It certainly succeeded.
[ not the vore again ]
...It seems to be doubling down on its efforts.
[ getting yoinked back on the ship, and whatever is happening in group texts ]
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[ he shrugs. ] It's all speculation, I...don't really know. [ which bothers him, but. what else is new. ]
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[he still dislikes the control thing, thank you very much.]
Hopefully just something like that, though.
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[Nods sagely.]
I wouldn't rule out some kind of enchantment yet, though. Whether this is a living creature or a spirit or a...computer..."sickness", the scope of its power feels so much more intimate than anything machine or...alive? I don't know.
You saw Throné's post?
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...Eunhyuk told me they're basically inside what could be considered the "belly" of the ship. Wherever that is. So it could also be that the ship itself is some kind of hybrid we're unaware of. [ but he nods. ] I saw, yeah. Sounds like everybody else got a pretty good scare. But I'm not...liking the idea of all of them being forcibly dragged back.
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[A beat.]
Scien said he's speaking with you regularly.
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[ and speaking of. ]
...yeah. Scien and I sort of had a deal when we first met that I'd provide him with as much information as I could find in exchange for picking his brain on a few things.
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Apparently they have a lot of rats who are winning?
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Rosamund came armed with a stack of books and a bag of gummies, and has curled up in a pod. She hasn't turned the pages in a minute though.]
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...Not in the mood for reading?
[ will she offer him a gummy? in these trying times? he can trade her (mystery snack) from roboji ]
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[If he chooses to look, he'll see the one she's currently popped open is a very ornate antique tome, with pink painted edges and gold-touched leather. The lettering is floral but in a language indecipherable.
Also sure she can give him a gummy. Here comes the aiiiirplaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaane Nyyyooooom]
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...So it seems.
[ gummy! he offers her a snack he'd gotten earlier from roboji in return. it can be a chippie. ]
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She takes the most delicate crunch. Then pulls a face.]
That's practically all vinegar!
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[ he hadn't tried it yet, it's a freshly-opened bag.
he pops one into his mouth. ]
...Perhaps I should ask for another flavor.
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People eat the weirdest things nowadays.
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[checking on her...
roach buddy is also here to check on her.]
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[And friend. She extends a hand to the bugge, and he may notice a familiar bracelet on.]
It's just hard to focus, with what's going to happen next.
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[he still smiles a bit on seeing the bracelet, though. roach buddy hops over to her hand.]
Just gotta make it through the night first, all right, then the weekend. Then next week.
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[She holds out a gummy for Gregor, please accept.]
Do you think maybe we're being watched? I saw a really interesting film in the multiplex this last week, it was called The Truman Show? And it got me thinking...
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[he will accept gummy.]
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[Hm. This has less to do with her original point of what Jim Carrey's seminal classic The Truman Show had to do with the thirty-odd of them.]
Anyway, I meant more that maybe, this is a sort of entertainment thing. For people very far away.
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Who is "Reese?"
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Peanut butter and chocolate?
[YOU JEST]
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You've gotta try 'em. Open it.
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And is hit at once with a hitherto unfathomable euphoria.]
Mmm! Mmm, oh my goodness, I need like, fifty boxes of these. I have to take them home.
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You can probably just grab as many as you want from Omega Mart before we leave. Seems like the place keeps getting restocked somehow anyway. They're good though, right?
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[Deadly serious. Slapping back another handful, crunch crunch crunch.]
It kind of creeps me out? I mean, I know where I come from a magically refilling cupboard might not be weird, but here it's not supposed to be magic, soooo....where are they getting everything? Especially when we're between planets.
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I've wondered that, too. Kind of like I've wondered how food in the mess hall's made or the dogs are being taken care of in the park when it's supposedly just us. Things have to be refueled and restocked when we land, but there's a lot of the ship we don't have access to either. It's possible there's just a bunch of stock piled away that gets replenished when stuff's low.
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Finally, somewhere cozy.
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