Constellation 01

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[Arthur seems quite startled as he appears on the Plane. For a moment, there is a look of confusion on his face, but it soon changes to one of delight] Oh, this is brilliant. Don’t recall having a dream like this before. [Gazing up, he begins to see what stars he can recognize] There’s Arcuturus, then Rigul. I don’t recognize any in that particular cluster… Even in the country, you can’t see stars as bright as these.

[Then he looks down at the ‘floor’. Rather than being scared that he is apparently walking on nothing, Arthur kneels, grinning as he traces constellations with his finger] There’s the Diamond of Virgo; Arcturus, Spica, Denebola, and Cor Caroli. The Big Dipper, of course. [then a frown as he pauses over a particular group of stars] Hold on. This is the Great Square of Pegasus, isn’t it? Shouldn’t be able to view these two at once. Diamond of Virgo is for spring, the Great Square of Pegasus for summer…..

A bit worrying, if my dreams have such simple mistakes.

Comments

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

[eyes on his face, but he definitely notices that gesture]

I don't know; I think it's kind of funny.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[hand tightens]

There is nothing funny about taking the life of another human being. Be they German, English, or any other nationality.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

What a narrow sense of humour. Or a disgusting streak of pacifism. Either way, rather tragically naive.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[If he could see his knuckles now, he'd notice that they're bone white. Arthur seems to be trembling just slightly] There is never a good enough reason for taking someones life, much less in that grand of a scale.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

I don't know, 'because it's fun' has always been reason enough for me.

What are you holding, Mr Eddington?

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

...it's nothing.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Nothing is not worth the care you give it.

[takes a step forwards and puts a hand on the wrist of the arm in Arthur's pocket]

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[Arthur flinches, trying to jerk his arm back] It holds sentimental value, nothing more.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Those are the weightiest things, Mr Eddington.

[does not release his wrist]

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[He looks almost panicked, trying to take a step back] It's a watch, nothing more.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

[grinning at that panic]

Is that so?

[and he tries to take the watch from Eddington, with quick hands and a stronger grip that a pacifist human can muster]

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[Arthur looks devastated the moment he realizes he's no longer holding the watch, quickly trying to take it back] Return that to me, please!

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Aww, he says please. No, I don't think I will.

[steps away from Arthur and starts looking the watch over]

Hmm, blank. Not bad quality gold. Who's it from? Lover's token?

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[There is a flicker of sadness over Arthur's face before he tries to take it again] He was just a friend!

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Oooh, it's a man. I don't think that's really allowed during your times, Mr Eddington. You naughty, naughty degenerate.

What was his name?

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[He's looking all the more panicked now, and it takes effort to keep his voice from shaking] If I tell you, will you return it to me?

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Hmm... yes, you're so distressed by it. Poor boy. I think I will.

So! Go on.

[and the manic tone fades away. The smirk is still there, but his voice is smoother, cooler, perhaps more dangerous]

Tell the truth to me.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[Hesitates, before his whole posture begins t sag slightly].....his name was William Marston. He died fighting in the first World War, at the Second Battle of Ypres.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

And what was he to you?

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

He was a good friend, that's all.

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

So you didn't love him.

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[He doesn't answer, but the shaking returns, more noticeable now]

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

Because, you see, if you didn't, then I suppose it's all right, though it's strange you keep this watch he gave you. And in such good condition, too!

And if he did, then, well, it's a bit sad, isn't it? Your beloved friend, dead at war, and you a pacifist. Did you ever tell him? Probably not. And the love you had was such a sick love, too. Maybe God offed the boy to keep you from being led astray? That would be amusing!

[scienceandgod.livejournal.com]

[Arthur is too stunned to reply at first. Then he moves forward, tries to take the watch again] You said you would return it once I told you, and I have! Give me that watch! [His voice is shaking now. He's not going to think about what the Master said. He's not.]

[savagestime.livejournal.com]

[obligingly, calmly, he holds out the watch]

If you really love him, you should have the courage to say it out loud.