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]

Not worth the political repercussions. I'd never have made Cardinal if I walked into a meeting with Narvin wearing a morning suit. Mind you, he'd probably get jealous, and that would make it all the more worth it, but it is very hard to accomplish anything when you're being ostracised as an eccentric. You may recall.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[smirks] I dunno, I'd say I accomplished a fair bit despite being ostracised as an eccentric. Just a different sort of accomplishment. [i.e., better :|]

[collector]

A very different sort. And while one of us is used by the CIA for their dirtywork, the other one was left well enough alone despite actually working for the High Council. I've never been put on trial for that matter.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[wry smile] Think I'd take being used or put on trial over being left alone these days.

[collector]

Would you really? Are you sure the universe isn't better off without us?

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[there is a brief moment of hesitation here. and then, because it's Brax, he actually gives an honest answer. sort of.] Wasn't talking about the universe.

[collector]

[Braxiatel's smile is half-sad] You might be better off without as well.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[shakes his head] Trust me, I wouldn't. Coming here, being with you lot...it's a bit like how I try to remember them. [he enjoys living in denial kthnx]

[collector]

You know all those present, have a relationship with them, in one form or another. But I can think of so many of our kind who do more harm than they do good...

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[he becomes rather tense at that, remembering just how much harm was nearly done] Like I said. I try to remember how they were before. [before what, he won't say]

[collector]

Before what, precisely? I find myself hard-pressed to recall a period in our history when we weren't a deplorable, petty, complacent race.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[flatly] Before nothing. [as vague and cryptic as that is, it's also exactly what he means]

[collector]

Vague and cryptic. Protesting, I imagine, could only be called hypocrisy.

[quietly]

But I already know the future.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

[wearily] Then why d'you keep asking?

[collector]

Because I can be wrong. Because I can still... hope. For the future.

[charmandsmiles.livejournal.com]

Keep hoping, Brax.

[collector]

ἐλπίς. And I, πιθος. Bernice is so scared right now. All her expectations have been undercut. Who knows what the future might bring?