[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

[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.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ It's a rare treat; Peter doesn't especially like doing this at all, and he especially hates doing it in front of Elias.

But he can't help it, now can he? ]

... Mm, well. As much as I hate going to see for myself, I think that's going to be necessary.

[contractuallybinding]

[... The mark of the Lonely could be useful. But so would the information. Nothing to be lost here letting it play out naturally.]

You're welcome to, I suppose. But do keep in touch.

[curriculum_fictae]

Fine. I'll stop in before I go.

[ He drains his glass. ]

[contractuallybinding]

Oh, and Peter?

[He waves the check over.]

[curriculum_fictae]

Hmm? What is it?

[ He pushes it to Elias upon arrival. ]

[contractuallybinding]

[It's only the smallest of frowns to betray the roiling annoyance that the check symbolizes. A tasty little show, before...]

I just wanted to say how much I enjoy your company.

[curriculum_fictae]

[ Ugh. The disgust that boils up from Peter is the perfect digestif, isn't it? ]

That's the senility talking.

[ He stands a little more quickly than he intended. ]