In diesen heil'gen Hallen

[collector]

[Braxiatel appears, immaculate as ever, with a table of food – a fish dinner (Hulzarrian carp, for those in the know) of multiple courses, complete with Angel Delight for dessert. His expression is vacant for a moment, lingering on the main course, but then he remembers himself and puts lids over the dishes.]

[When Braxiatel speaks, he speaks with the clear calmness of ringing bells or water still enough to reflect the sky.]

I have a... general inquiry to make to anyone with a knowledge of history. History of the Gamatra sector, very early 27th century. Specifically, I'd like information on the history of the Fifth Axis expansion through the Vega System... and on its occupation of the planetoid designated KS-159, formerly Cappa Nine Seven under the Earth Empire, originally Delfus-Orestes.

[Through a supreme effort of will, he does not let his voice waver as he says the last words. He even conjures up a smile now, the sort of smile that is laughing at someone else's cosmic joke.]

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Comments

[invisobillity.livejournal.com]

...the twenty-seventh century?

[collector]

[his smile becomes pleasant and half-amused] That's right. The year 2602, to be precise. I take it you're from far earlier in Earth's history?

[invisobillity.livejournal.com]

[giiiive him a few minutes to digest...yeah, okay, now he's stopped looking like a deer in the headlights.] Uh, yeah. I'm from 2006. You must be from way later, if 2600 is history for you, right?

[heartscastaside.livejournal.com]

What is it that troubles you, Braxiatel? I cannot offer such knowledge, as you know, but I worry for you as my Master.

[collector]

[he pauses for a moment, then comes to a decision] Could we sit down? [a vague gesture at a couple of chairs by the table] I have a question for you, and also a favour to ask.

[heartscastaside.livejournal.com]

Absolutely.

{She walks to take a seat}

What is it that you wish to know?

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[glances at the carp for a moment, before crossing his arms] I've got the feeling you're not really asking for a history lesson.

[collector]

[his ironic smile broadens; one hand presses down on the table] No. Why would I? I know the history of this sector. I know that KS-159 was never invaded. I know that the Fifth Axis never even made it as far as Ytaxia.

[And now his fingers grip the table, hard, and his voice drops to conceal the madness that was rising in it] So how have they taken over my Collection?

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[he frowns, and places a gentle hand on Brax's shoulder] Maybe the question you ought to be focusing on is how you can get it back.

[artiscordis.livejournal.com]

[Argentine looks at him for a long moment.]

That is the distant future. I wouldn't know.

[He doesn't sound impressed, just vaguely thoughtful.]

[collector]

[Braxiatel looks at him for a moment, his smile distant] But art is still art. How much damage are you able to repair, Argentine?

[behindhiswords.livejournal.com]

[Man, that is a lot of really delicious and fancy looking food-

I mean Braxiatel seems a bit troubled!]

I don't know what...most of those words meant but it doesn't sound good.

[collector]

[Merlin, no.]

Aggressive, expansionist fascists never are, except perhaps in the long view of things. But not this time. [a welcoming smile] How have you been, Merlin?

[salvagestime.livejournal.com]

[The Doctor pauses and decides to be very helpful. This will clearly be on topic and not avoiding anything.]

...Are you going to eat that Delight?

[collector]

[The Doctor has managed to invoke a special mood in Braxiatel: the 'younger person of vague relation, do not dare touch my food']

You certainly are not.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

A very specific request. What for?

[collector]

[He looks at her for a long moment.] For Time.

[brigadiertardis.livejournal.com]

To mend it? Destroy?

[dritte-tochter.livejournal.com]

[the who with the what now?


screw that noise, she wants your sweets. cue Covert Sneak Attack]

[collector]

[Braxiatel puts his hand on the lid of the dessert] I wouldn't do that, if I were you.

[dritte-tochter.livejournal.com]

[osudbgousbgs unfair D:]

I wasn't doing anything, desu!

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

[he would usually geek out over the future junk, but he passes over it for the time being]

Ah. I guess that means it used to be a place of refuge.

[collector]

Forgive me, but what used to be a place of refuge?

[not-theman-iwas.livejournal.com]

Should I ask why?

[collector]

Because I've found my records have failed me of late and I'd like to fill them in if at all possible. Not knowing is... inconvenient.