(Untitled)

[shred_the_sky]

Ether walks into the Nexus through his usual portal. Tonight, he looks rather rushed - not to mention that he's dragging a large black case after him. The reason to this is revealed in several seconds, when the portal behind him explodes into hundreds of colorful pieces that slowly fade into the air

Comments

[victoria_sage]

My history.

[shred_the_sky]

History is always important... Even the ugly parts of it. Those are the best teachers.

[victoria_sage]

Not only that, but without my history, I am little more than a very short woman without a face. Intimidation is important for my work.

Hurm. That, and my *she pauses* not-quite-at-all family is there, dead and alive. I would wish to return to them, if only to tell them where I have gone. The ones without access to here most likely think me dead.

Beyond those, there are the practical things. Money, for example. Money is important.

[shred_the_sky]

Hmm... I know how that goes. I do some work that relies on reputation, as well.

That's unfortunate. I've no one to wait for me, but I can sympathize. I wish you'll have a chance to resolve that, eventually.

...I never saw a big need for money. I make just enough to keep myself alive and supplied, but anything beyond that feels excessive.

[finalgirl]

I missed the sense of permanence. I don't know if six months is a "long time" by the terms of the question... but yeah, there was a certain sense of being adrift that I hated.

Here's the key.

[shred_the_sky]

Six months can be short or long, depending on what happens through them. And I know what you mean. There's just something about a sudden change of lifestyle that rubs you the wrong way.

Thanks. How much do I owe you?

[finalgirl]

Fifteen hundred dollars up front, and $750 a month after that. You'll need to set up your own utilities and identity.

[shred_the_sky]

Works for me... Do you mind if I pay you tomorrow? I've only credits right now. Didn't get to exchange them for anything else yet.

*Ether is seemingly oblivious about the horrible technology clash he'll experience while changing his lifestyle for a different century.*

[dahdtoudi_mn]

*A vid-screen blinks to life, showing Dadhtoudi's face, clearly in crisis mode.*

I'll answer that in a second. I heard the explosion - what the hell happened?

[shred_the_sky]

*Ether is surprisingly relaxed by now. The portal's disappearance seems to have calmed him down.*

A portal was destroyed. I raised it to access this place months ago, but leaving it active was dangerous now. So I cancelled it.

[dahdtoudi_mn]

*Dahdtoudi takes this in, pauses, then nods. She's still a little keyed up.*

Nobody was injured, then, everything's fine? Good.

*She takes a moment to pull herself visibly out of crisis mode and think.*

I would most miss the connection. Once you've lived somewhere for a long enough time, it becomes a part of you. I know if I had to leave that eventually I'd recover, but for a few months afterwards I'd feel lost. Space travel regulars called their version of what I mean getting "vac-legs," if I remember it right. It's disorienting, like the ground doesn't quite click with your feet properly. All the smells are diffeent - the noises you hear when you wake up all change. I know that's how I'd feel if or when I ever leave Ryushi, because that's how I felt when I transferred to Ryushi.

Everything is alright?

[shred_the_sky]

Hmph... That's the same reason to why I avoided leaving my world for a long time. The other dimensions are interesting to visit, but always felt wrong to live in... Everything's too different for me. I love my world too much.

*Ether makes a small pause, shrugging at the question slightly.*

Yes. Just several annoying problems that, I hope, will disappear in several weeks.

[in_any_language]

I miss the tree in my backyard where I used to hide after my Mom died. And I miss the way the air smelled in fall. Like burning leaves and the first brisk touchs of snow.

[shred_the_sky]

The smallest things are always the ones are always missed the most, aren't they? Even if you find yourself a new home, it's those things that you have to leave behind.

[in_any_language]

I found one. But climbing cacti doesn't seem as freeing. And the desert smells like sage and dust.

Yes, I'm whiny about that. Sorry.

[shred_the_sky]

There's no need to apologize. I understand what you mean.

Home isn't just where you live... It's where you feel at home. It's a serene feeling that's impossible to describe and horrible to lose.

[gale_force]

*He looks a little mournful.* Many worthy comrades, who I may never meet again.

[shred_the_sky]

Ether takes several seconds to respond. This is a difficult topic for him, as well.

"I see... I'm sorry for your loss."