driftfleet | First Breath Mingle

I have heard some of the translation - something about a culling, and a cycle that may or may not ever end. There was also something about a plant... [He sighed, shaking his head a little.] I am still trying to parse it out, myself.

Culling... [She looks away for a moment at that.] Fun. [It was the term Apocalypse used back home when he'd collect mutants for his forces and murder off the humans or take them for genetic fodder or forced labor while demolishing the city. It's what happened to Chicago.]

If culling means here what it means back home .... 'fun' is not the adjective I would have used. [Tyrion murmured as he took another slug of wine.] But whom precisely are they culling? Or, were they in fact culled? Perhaps that is why they crashed on that planet - they were running from the force that did this.

There might have been some sarcasm. [But she suspects Tyrion is aware of that already.] At home it's when Apocalypse's forces would move through and collect people for genetic experimentation or work camps or just wipe them out, leveling things in their path.

[She nods along, drawing her thoughts back away from seeing Chicago in ruins to his ponderings.] Maybe. I mean, any of it is possible. It may also be completely made up just to get us worked up about it. I've been toyed with enough even if I have new gamemasters here.

Sarcasm seems to be rather fitting right there. [He stated wryly, before his expression become grim.] Perhaps so. Which makes it worse - I do not like being toyed with no matter the circumstance.

But, there is always a chance it's not just a game like you say. [And then how foolish would it be to stand by and do nothing. Never an easy choice.]

You know, I am not sure what I hate more -- being paranoid without reason, or being paranoid with reason. [He exhaled, and tossed aside the tool he was working with to climb off his stool and start to pace.]

They take people away. They bring people back. They shift them left, right sideways, and all without telling us why.

[That earns a smile.] Is it still paranoia if there is a reason?

[She watches and listens as he moves about.] Sounds just like my last abduction. Back then it was for our own good of course. Rehabilitation. [As if.]

Yes, but we're not being rehabilitated here. We're being used as amusement fodder... like dancing bears. [He snorted softly.] Or dwarves taught to juggle, ah, how life takes a turn right in the same direction.

I do dance. I rarely bear. [Dancing cat?] But I'm not sure we were being rehabilitated there either. I think it was more about experimentation.

Do you think we are being experimented on? [He looks over at her sharply.] We have no idea what they might be doing while we are sleeping.

I didn't mean in a opening us up while we slept kind of way. I was thinking more mental stress and behavioral studies. They already have the augments in that can probably track our vital responses and more.

....Well that is slightly less disturbing. If not more creepy. [He made a face, as he looked around his engineering room.] If I could block out every last one of them, I would.

I do have a charming way of putting a spin on things, don't I?

[She nods.] I would love to be rid of the augment. I can't believe some people actually sign up for extra tampering.

You always have.

[He smirked, before he exhaled slowly.] I am not entirely certain we agree to. I am wondering if it just ... happens.

How do you mean? I've heard of people purchasing them before.

Well, I purchased one myself, Kitty. Except here's the really odd part - I do not recall particularly wanting one for Charm. I just ... did it. Now I understand buying one for my ship - one wants creature comforts. But why would I want to be more charming?

[Oh, she was not expecting that at all and the surprise and then concern shows in her eyes.] ...I didn't realize.

How do you feel?

[She has definitely purchased all kinds of things for her ship. It was always easier since it wasn't just for her, it was for "the team." Besides, it wasn't messing around in her head as far as she knew.]

Neither did I, until I woke up with a shift in my perspective ... and a signed order that I myself had signed.

[He frowned for a moment.] I do not know. I have not actually ... used it yet. I can feel it in there, though.

[Like a memory he just had to unlock. He just did not want to ... unlock it.]

Use it? So you think you can still be your regular level of charming without that being part of it? Like engaging a power.

...I hope so. Or at least I hope I am not becoming more charming in a dark and evil sort of way. Am I?

I haven't noticed being darkly and evily seduced, but you'll be the first to know.

Hopefully not with a fist through the heart ...

Promise that will be at least the second response. Maybe third. Verbal warning to start. [Smiling.]

Oh fine. Honestly, you ask so much from me. [The faintest glimmer of a smile.]

First Breath Mingle

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