[008]

[oliverplus]

[Oliver is in the library today, seated at a table with several stacks of books around him. most of the spines have to do with a variety of mythologies or with the end of the world--or the universe or time, depending on what society the book is from. he has a large volume open in front of him and is paging quickly through it, skimming for...something. unfortunately, it's an old book and he's creating a bit of a dust screen in his haste]

Weber said Pestilence, and if that rain held some sort of disease, maybe... But what does that have to do with the forcefield? Is it all even relate- [coughs, pausing in his research to sit back a bit and wave a hand in front of him in an attempt to dissipate some dust. he realises someone else is there then and blinks] Oh! Hey, I didn't--[cough]--see you there. [tries to smile through one more cough. waves his hand again; dust is so annoying]

Comments

[collector]

[Brax smiles] More of a hobby.

[oliverplus]

I think I'd rather do the reading! Well...in most cases. [frowns at the dusty old book]

[collector]

You really shouldn't pick up old books like this without preparation. I seem to recall a set we had in that had poisoned coating on the pages.

[oliverplus]

[pauses, eyeing the book] ...you think the Plane's got any like that?

[collector]

One would hope not. What, exactly, are you looking into? Apocalyptic literature?

[oliverplus]

[sighs] Yeah. It's the only idea I've got--so far.

[collector]

If one may inquire: your only idea for what?

[oliverplus]

For figuring out what the Plane's up to and doing something about it.

[glances over at Brax meaningfully] I can't just sit back when people are dying.

[collector]

Then you saw what happened to that young man. Axel, I think it was.

I'm so sorry. That wasn't a very pleasant sight.

[oliverplus]

I... [blinks, startled] No, I...I didn't see that. Axel, too? [he can't hide his worry at that. how many people died?]

You were right about the rain. [softly] But...you already knew you were right, didn't you?

[collector]

Oh. [He seems apologetic, in his awkward way.] Then you didn't. Well. He'll be back soon.

But yes, I had a very strong hunch.

[oliverplus]

[hesitantly] Do you know about anybody else?

[frowns, not appreciating the continued stonewalling] Come off it. You were carrying a cup of tea, Irving.

[collector]

[He is a politician; he instinctively stonewalls even when he doesn't have to. And imagine how much worse it would be were he in the civil service.] I overheard someone at the bar musing over the unusual circumstances of his death, and he was speaking in the plural, so that's very likely at least two more. I am interested to hear what my tea has to do with anything, however.

[oliverplus]

[nods] Yeah, I talked to him. [at least that's not any more than--well, four that he knows of]

[eyes him] Sirius had a cup of tea, too. I didn't think about it when we talked, but you were carrying around a cup of tea talking about how the rain could kill. I... [sighs] Look, you don't have to do this. I won't tell anybody if you don't want it going around for some reason.

[collector]

[He looks at him for a moment, understanding. Then, very gently,] Oliver. I did not die.

[oliverplus]

[looks at him--really looks at him, right into his eyes. for the first time, he's willfully trying to use his ability and wishing Time Lords didn't block him out] You...you didn't?

[collector]

[But Braxiatel's eyes are as unreadable as ever. One of the benefits of being closed off all the time is that you're not any different when there's a particular thing you're hiding.] I didn't. My lucky streak continues. And there is, I regret, only one way to prove it.

[oliverplus]

[he wants to be relieved, but after their last conversation, he's suspicious. it adds up too well the other way] What do you mean?

[collector]

[Calmly, Brax pulls out a pocket knife. It's designed like a miniature sword, and the blade is certainly sharp enough. He offers the hilt to Oliver and holds out his other hand.]

A blood test.

[oliverplus]

What? [surprised, he puts up his hands] No, you don't have to do that.

[collector]

I promise, I heal quickly, and I have a very high tolerance for pain.

[oliverplus]

Well, still, I'm not gonna make you cut your hand! [nor is he going to cut it himself. he's terrified of the possible repercussions of inflicting injury on others, after all] I believe you. I just thought...I mean, if it did happen, I wouldn't want you to think you couldn't talk about it. [trying weakly for a joke] I'd owe you a bottle of whisky at least.

[collector]

[Braxiatel smiles, puts away the knife, and then says very directly] Actually, I did die. It was quick and painless and easy, and I worry that it upset Benny a very great deal. But I'm interested to hear what you've learned about the other people who have gone through a similar experience.

[oliverplus]

[stares] You...you what? But you said... [pauses for a moment, trying to process that] ...guess I ought to start looking for a good whisky.

[collector]

I'm more of a brandy man, really.

[He does not speak unkindly. This is simple his truth:] If you do ever come to work for me, you will have to accept that I am a very private man. A 'miserable recluse.' The name on the door. Most people who visit the Collection never even meet me. I like my solitude and I like my secrets. Bernice at times berates me for this, but she will never break me of it. And I think my right to privacy overrides the desires of others to know, don't you agree?

Now. [Brax claps his hands together and smiles, apparently finished with this particular topic.] We're looking through texts on the end of days. I'm not sure a plague is what we're looking for. You still haven't told me what you've learned from---Sirius, was it?