Mars, the Bringer of War

[collector]

[Braxiatel is leaning against the information kiosk, idly drawing a logarithmic spiral in a pile of ashes beside him as he reads Nathan's brochure. He is smiling.]

Broderick would be so hurt.

[Brax neatly piles up Nathan's brochures, then vanishes. A moment later, there is a pile of the first brochures, and also: a sign.

Brax sets this sign up beside Nathan's brochures. It reads:

Nathan Explosion's Guide to Space:
Some language may not be appropriate for all audiences.
Reader discretion is advised.

What? It's not like he would remove Nathan's brochures. They rather tickle his fancy.]

Comments

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

You do realize more people will go for that second set of brochures now, don't you?

[collector]

[He looks so very innocent] Do I? But that would mean I want people to read this interesting piece of literature.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

[oh please, Brax. You're not that innocent. It's why you have such a fondness for Miss Spears] Yes it would, wouldn't it? And you would never stoop to psychological manipulation to get anyone to do anything, right?

[collector]

Never. Now, Benny, I know you've had your hands full lately, but how would you feel about some wine and canapés? There's a viewing and I think there may be an acquisition to be had, but I need your expertise.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

Well, I was never one to pass up a chance to... [stops short, taking in a short breath, before somberly continuing] pay my respects to the very dearly departed, of course. The wine and artefacts are clearly secondary.

[collector]

Good. It's two days from now. It's nearby, so it should be a one day trip, unless you do what you tend to do at this sort of thing. Still, if you don't cause a nuclear explosion, we may just be back in time for dinner.

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

[he zeroes in on Nathan's brochures, picking one up with extreme curiosity]

[collector]

[Brax smiles widely] Mr Suou! I have a favour to ask!

[Because why say 'you really shouldn't read that' when you can say 'look, shiny!' instead?]

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

Do what I tend to do?

[collector]

How many times have you caused nuclear explosions at what was meant to be a peaceful invent?

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

[he tilts his head] A favour?

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

I - that - I didn't -

[she makes a face, just short of stomping as she crosses her arms over her chest and gives Brax a dirty look]

Look, if we're going to start counting who caused what disaster, well...

[she has no response still, and so she huffs]

Where is this stupid bloody funeral for... [a pause] Who was it for again?

[insynch.livejournal.com]

[Hey look, a derpy redheaded boy with plaid. Ugh, plaid. He looks more like an English schoolboy in that, but it can't be helped. He's also carrying a sketchbook with him.

-- Ooh, brochures! He still has the one Box gave him, but it's worth checking them out anyway. He notices Brax as he approaches the kiosk.]

Ah, hello! Do you mind if I lo—

[Daisuke trips during the last two steps, and reaches out for support, but misses the desk— miraculously shoving a hand through the original pile of brochures and tossing them into Nathan's. Daisuke finishes this amazing feat of fail with a face full of Andromeda.]

... why am I so clumsy?!

[immarcescible.livejournal.com]

Oh, I read both of them, actually! The first one, that one is very informative, but the foul one isn't useful at all! It's not even funny.

[collector]

You've never met her. But I'll give you details on the flight.

[collector]

I have been wanting to try something new to eat, but I'm not quite sure what. As you've been collecting information on the subject, I thought you might be able to help.

[brandyhabit.livejournal.com]

Oh, I see. And how do you know her?

[collector]

[Brax treats this with mild curiosity and slight amazement. He doesn't think he has ever met someone that miraculously clumsy. He offers his hand down to Daisuke.]

Are you all right?

[insynch.livejournal.com]

[Daisuke is just sobbing internally. He'll be okay. He wipes his face on his sleeve in case there's meteor dust or something on the floor, and then sees Brax's hand.]

Um... I-I'm fine! Thanks... [A little nervous laugh and then he's taking the offered hand and standing up.] This kind of thing happens more than I'd like to admit.

[Oh wait. Brochures.] Gaah! I got them all mixed up! I'm sorry! I-I'll fix it up right away!

[hostclubdaddy.livejournal.com]

[he gasps, and he's practically sparkling and ready to burst] Oh, you want me... [stands up straight] You've made a wise choice, Braxiatel-sama!

[he drops and then returns with a stack of scrapbooks, to the point where you can't even see Tamaki's face. He places them all on the ground, and then sits down in front of them. He looks up at Brax, tugging on Brax's sleeve to get him to sit down, too]

Here is a generic sampling of my research, but if you need anything more specific I can bring that, too!

[realitymods]

[A spectral girl floats behind him, long hair falling over his shoulder, though it can't be felt.]

I can't drink brandy. What's 'Where Wally'?

[collector]

Still, it doesn't do to remove someone else's work, does it?

[everdistant_utopia]

The first ones were much more comprehensive, truth be told.

[A knightly 'whatever']

[collector]

I'm so sorry for you. [Brax brushes the ashes of his letter off from the counter and pulls out a large book, opening it up for her.] It's a children's book. You have to find Wally in every scene.

[collector]

Was that emphasis meant to imply something?