[PSL] time travel, time travel

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Martin had always known that Lukas would kill him in the end. If not along the way, then surely at the end, once he'd gotten what he wanted out of Martin, whatever that turned out to be. When the Lonely rose up to swallow him, he'd accepted his impending death with ... what?

What did he have left, really? Numbness, mostly. A hallucination of Jon in the Lonely, looking for him, but - but that was impossible, ridiculous. His mind playing cruel tricks. He settled himself down in the frigid surf, knees drawn up close to his chest, unshed tears frozen to his cheeks and lashes.

And then. A door. A door that shouldn't exist, that couldn't exist. That he shouldn't take at all. The Lonely was terrible, yes, but it was quiet, and it was peaceful. Martin was aligned enough with it by now to very nearly enjoy it, in a strange and terrible way. The Spiral would be infinitely worse than this quiet beach.

But ... it was hope, too. In a strange way. Hope enough that Martin found himself turning the door handle and stepping through, leaving the false comfort of the Lonely behind him.

The transition was unpleasant. Long. But Martin couldn't remember it after; he only remembered stumbling out through the door of a supply closet somewhere deep in the Archives, blinking up at the dim bulbs that pretended to be sufficient. What time was it? Had he escaped? Where were Lukas and Elias now?

And where was Jon? ]

Comments

[curriculum_fictae]

You could. But I really wouldn't believe it.

[ Because it's never just company with them, is it? Even when they're married. ]

Had to follow up on a few things. Employee payroll didn't match up. You understand.

[contractuallybinding]

[By the way Elias' brows raise at that, expression settling into thoughtful... it's a solid tug on the line.]

Can't say I do. But I just keep a better eye on my associates in that regard. If you need pointers... Well.

[curriculum_fictae]

Oh, no. My books are all in order.

[ He settles in to take a bite of his salmon. ]

Yours, on the other hand. Well. I take my funding of the Institute very seriously. And adding a staff member without the proper review process simply isn't allowed.

[contractuallybinding]

[When the waiter arrives, his movements are mechanical and eyes glazed as he refreshes the wine and sweeps away the plates that had been cleaned. They leave without a word or making eye contact with either of them. Desperately so.]

Oh, far be it from me to anger the mighty Lukas family. But I will assure you, protocols are always followed.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ He'll forget soon enough. At least one of the two they served will disappear from their memory without so much as a ripple.

Lukas lingers over his glass, his frown deepening. How does he get what he's after without a question? ]

But they haven't been. That's the whole problem. I'm not sure where your new assistant has come from, but he really can't stay.

[contractuallybinding]

[Peter can see the moment it cracks. It tears into the genteel edges of Elias' mask and shows just the tiny, black edges of that ravenous, driving hunger of the Eye. It was what he wanted, but it wasn't enough.

There's an odd twisting of the man's expression, a little too slack in some ways, a little too tight in others, as the monster in the shell ignores the usual graceful operations.]

That would be the issue. There is no new assistant. Merely my Head Archivist not only vanishing from my Sight when he returns home, but I forget about him.

The power seems astoundingly familiar.

So if you'd care to explain... If not you, who of yours has been encroaching.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Oh that is satisfying. Peter does so seeing Elias crack under pressure like this. The fact that he really didn't do anything intentional just makes the man's expression all the more delicious. Elias's steak might have been exquisite, but Peter is having a feast.

He smiles with all the brilliance of a tundra at midnight. ]

I don't know.

1/2

[contractuallybinding]

[It's just a moment. A bare hint of a snarl acknowledging this loss, but Peter had been watching for it, certainly.]

[contractuallybinding]

Well.

[Composed, and tone turns to that classically business-upbeat.]

If so, I assume you've no problem with me... expunging this little blight, then?

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Peter simply grins again and orders another bottle of ... no. Not wine. It's a bottle of vintage iceberg water that costs just as much as Elias's steak, and then some. ]

Oh, don't get me wrong. I'm rather enjoying the effect he's having on you. In fact ... I think I'd rather he keep on doing that.

[contractuallybinding]

Really, Peter? Really?

[It's not just the sticker shock of it. It's how... overt it is.

He gives a small, disgusted sigh, settling back.]

A shame your territory is about to move out.

[He takes another small sip, eying Peter Lukas over the wobbling edge of the achingly dry white.]

[curriculum_fictae]

Can't I indulge a little before setting off?

[ Look, the gesture is as much a part of it as the price is. He does so enjoy rubbing this into Elias's face.

But he sighs a bit, forced to concede a tiny sliver of his victory. ]

I suppose that was the original plan, yes. I've stayed entirely too long. But if it means slowing you down a bit, well. Maybe I can spare one more day.

[contractuallybinding]

[Elias, notably, does NOT order dessert.

Nor does he bother to hide his annoyance. But, one day? Well, that sets the time and stage for this next little game, doesn't it?]

Do keep in mind the lines between what is your business, and what is mine, hmm?

[curriculum_fictae]

[ It sure does. And Peter will likely stay true to his word, if only because he's itching to get out of here. He doesn't want to linger any longer than he has to. ]

Naturally. I'll leave your pet project and all of his assistants alone.

[ He pours himself a glass of that delightfully expensive water. ]

What were their names again? Jim, Marvin...?

[contractuallybinding]

Oh come now. If you'd really not cared enough to make note, you'd not be nearly that close.

[But just in case, he really cannot stand inaccuracy, the correction comes quick and biting, with only a little, tiny pause in there.]

Jonathan Sims, Timothy Stoker and ... Martin Blackwood are the surviving members.

[curriculum_fictae]

Right. I know the rules, Elias; I won't interfere with any of them directly.

[ He very much enjoys their games and rules, after all. ]

In the meantime... you are quite the senior citizen. Perhaps you're just going a bit senile?

[contractuallybinding]

[There's a bit of an inscrutable look at that, but less telling than Peter may prefer.]

Well, they are ordered in terms of importance.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ That's ... unexpected. Suspicious? Yes, suspicious. ]

Oh? Then I suppose you wouldn't mind a staff reduction. Helps with expenses.

[ He takes another sip of his water. ]

[contractuallybinding]

[He gives a small, patronizing smile at that, and reaches over to pour himself a glass of this vaunted water.]

Now, now. I appreciate your interest in running leaner, but I believe the performance review is in my corner.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ It is refreshingly delicious. Crystal clear, gathered from one of the most isolated corners of the earth. ]

Oh? And how has his performance been lately?

[contractuallybinding]

[Gathered by the destruction of that solitude by the stretch of corporate greed. Oh, he could find notes he could enjoy as well.]

Hm. He would be the one you'd have a touch of interest in, wouldn't he?

.. Care to add a little more to this?

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Naturally. The quality control would have to be perfect, and any small mistake would be scrutinized.

Peter rolls his shoulders lightly. ]

I admit you have a knack for finding assistants with their own ... inclinations. Like your Archivist. Though I think the other one will meet a fiery end sooner rather than later.

[contractuallybinding]

Yes, well.

Believe it or not, that's the intention.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Peter remains silent for a moment, considering. He knows roughly what Elias is planning, so ... that scans.

He sighs. ]

Fine. Yes, I am interested your least favourite one. For obvious reasons. He is very ...

[ Wait. Something is occurring to him; Elias can See it lighting up the clouds in his head. ]

[contractuallybinding]

[Elias' face stays placid, though the eyes are ravenous. He sets his fork down, finding a far better meal here.]

Take your time.