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

[collector]

You know the story! [He seems delighted] But it's actually nothing to do with that. The Delfians had never heard of humanity when they named the place. It's just one of those cosmic coincidences.

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

Myths traveling across space and time. How romantic! [he is delighted by this]

That's much better than my first theory.

But why did it change names?

[collector]

Because the planetoid changed owners. The Earth Empire took it over, and with the naming reforms in the 25th century, it changed names again.

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

Planets can change owners?

[collector]

Can't countries and homes?

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

I guess so.

It would've been better if they kept the old name though. Delfus-Orestes sounds much better than Cappa Nine Seven. Or KS-159.

[collector]

Well. The inhabitants have another name for it now, of course. KS-159 is more than a bit of a mouthful.

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

Oh? What do they call it now?

[collector]

The Braxiatel Collection. Home to artefacts from uncountable worlds. It's called 'the Collection of Everything.'

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

What a noble endeavor! But what is a Braxiatel?

[collector]

'What is a Braxiatel'? Why, I am. [offering his hand] Irving Braxiatel, founder of the Braxiatel Collection. It's a pleasure.

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

[blushes and laughs] Ah, I see! [and shakes his hand] Suou Tamaki.

But to find such an institution is truly amazing! It must be wonderful to be able to explore the histories and cultures of so many different places. It's clear you're a very devoted person, caring for the history and culture of so many worlds.

[collector]

History is important to me. But it must be to you as well, mustn't it, Mr Suou? To be familiar with the names of another people's legends.

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

Of course. Discovering the histories and cultures of different times and places is always fascinating!

Is the meal that you've prepared native to Delfus-Orestes?

[collector]

No, actually. It's from Hulzarr Prime, a planet in the next system over. But I like to try different cultures when I can. How do you go about those fascinating things?

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

I like exploring new cultures, too! It's always an adventure, isn't it? I especially enjoy exploring commoner's culture. After all, culture is born of the masses! But that's not to discount other areas of course. We also explore different cultures and historical periods through cosplays and theme events at the Host Club. Playing out different roles always puts those things in a different perspective, I find.

[collector]

A Host Club for exploring different cultures! What a fascinating idea! You must have quite an intelligent assortment of guests.

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

But of course! Our guests are beyond reproach. We are very lucky that they allow us to share in their company. Do you host many events on your Collection?

[collector]

We'd be quite a dull Collection if we didn't. At the very least, we host Christmas every year. Broderick says---[he falters, frowning, then waves it off] It's meant to be good for public relations. And besides! I've always enjoyed a good party. If we're going to give so many artefacts new homes, we would be remiss not to celebrate their origins as well.

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

[pauses then nods] Ah, I see. As long as you enjoy it, that's the important thing. Your guests will always have a better time if you're having a good time, too.

Why do you need assistance?

[collector]

To inform myself of history, of course. All my records on the subject have proven quite useless. What better reference than a knot in multiplicity of worlds?

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

Why are they useless?

[collector]

Because, Mr Suou, the historical record is sometimes wrong. Archaeologists and historians, they pick and choose, compare accounts, decide what the true narrative was. And the stories get changed in the telling. Of late, I've found myself quite at a loss as far as information for the Occupation goes.

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

Oh, I see. But why would you think the people here would know better than your own records? And how can you be sure they share the same history as you do?

[collector]

I can't be. But there are people from all different times here, aren't there? Perhaps some people may even have lived it out.