Chapter 37. Wait, I think I feel like hell

[thebestseller]

What the hell is going on? Genius and I just got out of the elevator and it looks like this place has gone to hell in a handbasket.

Is everyone alright?

Just how long were we gone?

Comments

priorities

[man-genius.livejournal.com]

And how come Rick gets the fancy hat, weapons and shiny pins while I'm stuck with the medic outfit and no gun?!?!

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

Probably because you ARE a medic?

[man-genius.livejournal.com]

Not THIS kind of medic, I don't do field surgery and seriously, your gun is massive and has a giant shank or whatever those sharp thingies are.

Somebody take his gun away I feel like my life is in danger.

[pompous_today.livejournal.com]

Good to see you two again.

My sister and I have Tribble at our house; he has behaved himself very well, though the noise does scare him on occasion.

[man-genius.livejournal.com]

Hey. You too.

Seriously? He did? I mean--thanks for taking care of him. If we survive the explosions I'll come get him.

[spandexisyouth]

Welcome back, Rick and Genius! Most people are fine, though Lyle has now been taken by the elevator.

It is this current thing. It is just on the islands, I think, but it is best to get clear of that quickly if you can. Not like you will get very badly hurt. I do not think anyone has been. But just in case!

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

It's getting hungry again, then.

Good to know. I have no intention of getting caught up in this.

[spandexisyouth]

Apparently you were not filling enough. Maybe it thinks you should eat more!

Are you or Genius [pentaps] wearing strange outfits? You would be matching, I am guessing, if you are, since you are not talking about being pushed away from each other.

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you're back safely, Mr. Castle! And Genius, too, of course.

We're mostly all right! Some people were injured by the explosions, but they're not... They're like special effects. They're not as strong as real ones.

And everyone is wearing either rainbow or grey, except some people are in normal clothes, but the rainbows and the greys can't really interact much, except by writing in the journal.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

'course we are. ... I'm still glad, too, though.

Thanks for the info. So... we're pretty much stuck inside a war movie.

[weaver-girl.livejournal.com]

So it seems, more or less. Be careful of trenches when you make your rounds? I think they move overnight.

[cathar-jedi.livejournal.com]

It is another of Edensphere's occurrences. It appears worse than it is, I believe. There is no invasion, there have been no reported deaths, and it has not been severe enough to call for an evacuation. Caution is advised all the same. Bastet and some others were injured [pause] over an unrelated matter.

But you must know that the duties of Guard and Greeter have changed. There are no more cocoon pods.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

Bastet's hurt? Damn. I won't press for more details; sounds like this isn't really the time to ask.

So it's all a farce? Just some big special effects show? Wonderful. Guess it's better than the real thing, but still...

... damnit. I knew they had to disappear sooner or later.

Appreciate it.

[cathar-jedi.livejournal.com]

It is better said in person. Any of the Guards or Greeters can tell you what they know.

We are not yet superfluous. It is as it was when there were so many sudden appearances - we tour the habitable areas in search of newborns. It is rather less organized than the previous arrangement. Sometimes hours pass before they are found.

[man-genius.livejournal.com]

Who are the others?

[cathar-jedi.livejournal.com]

[It takes her a moment to remember the name.]

Toushi. As far as I am aware no others were badly injured.

[lingeringlegacy]

As the others have written, things have been chaotic while you're away. It is good to know both of you have returned safely.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

Good to be back. It only feels like we were gone for a few hours at most, though.

[lingeringlegacy]

Ah, is it always like that when one is held on the fourth floor?

[awokentospring.livejournal.com]

I am glad you are both back! But I can see from your conversation with my father that you will not be able to see us for a while.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

Good to see you're okay, too, buddy.

Yeah, it sucks to be pushed away from half the people in the Sphere. Let's hope it's over soon.

[awokentospring.livejournal.com]

Yes, it definitely sucks. I have even missed having to deal with Bell-san on a daily basis and that is not something I ever thought I would write.

[burnt_orangesky]

It is good to see your writing once more, Castle. You and Genius are unhurt, I take it?

You were gone for nearly ten days.

[bloody-pens.livejournal.com]

All fit and in one piece, of course.

10 days?! That's a long time.

[burnt_orangesky]

I am very pleased to hear it. I have been placed in rainbow clothing, so it is unlikely I will be able to see you until this passes.

Yes, it is.