(Untitled)

[nevertrustcrows]

The table in front of Lichtenstein is slowly getting covered with chalk dust as he fidgets listlessly with a chalk stick. For a while, he watches the masses go past. Though it soon becomes as monotonous as every day life back home. Best ask a question before he dies of boredom

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[chiron_survivor]

"I would ask them what it's like to be dead," Adia replies. Lichtenstein gets a wary look. She's learned not to treat questions in the Nexus as hypothetical. "And I'd tell them that it isn't over. In the world of the living." She smiles faintly and adds, "Of course I would care. I'd rather speak to a loved one then a stranger."

[nevertrustcrows]

He seems to consider her response, and then nod in agreement. "A reasonable enough thing to ask. What makes you think they wouldn't know that 'it' isn't over?"

[chiron_survivor]

Adia shifts uncomfortably in her seat. "They'd be in the Elysium Fields," she explains. "If you could talk to them, I mean. If the Fields are real. They wouldn't know what was happening in the world of the living." She frowns slightly. "Or they could be in Tartarus, and then they really wouldn't know what was going on above."

[nevertrustcrows]

"Many people believe in an afterlife of sorts, but just as many believe in souls that wander around the Earth. Neither here nor there... You've never heard of anyone talking to them, at the very least?"

[chiron_survivor]

"You mean like ghosts? Or spirits? There are people who claim they can communicate with them, sure. But if there really are such a thing as lost souls, there would be millions of them where I'm from. Billions, even. You wouldn't be able to take a step without bumping into one."

A small laugh escapes her lips, but it's a nervous one, the kind that might end in tears. She coughs and shakes her head. "Sorry. The thought is just... sorry."

[nevertrustcrows]

"Where I'm from, there's a lot humanity isn't certain of." He stops fiddling with the chalk and tilts his head at her. "You sound like you're familiar with death. Would you talk to the dead, if you were offered the chance?"

[chiron_survivor]

"It's not like we think we have all the answers." She looks away, contrite. "I grew up not believing in such things. But I've had a lot of things challenge my beliefs recently."

The question worries her, but she answers honestly. "Yes. Unless it was too dangerous."

[nevertrustcrows]

"Dealing with challenges to your beliefs isn't an easy thing to deal with," he states, sympathy trickling into his tone before he starts messing with the chalk again.

Returning to a more casual attitude. He's trying his best not to propose anything. Really, it's just scoping out a target market. Though, a little extra money wouldn't go astray. "Would you pay?"

[chiron_survivor]

Adia smiles slightly. "If it means I get to come here now and then, I don't mind so much."

She laughs self-consciously and picks at a loose thread on the cuff of her sleeve. "Theoretically? Sure. If I had money, or something of value. Humanity in my world is currently trying to rebuild itself."

[nevertrustcrows]

Lichtenstein makes an amused 'hmph' at this. "That's a fair enough outlook, if the challenges are not too trying or the rewards are really that much."

That sounds familiar. "You must bear in mind that value is subjective," he points out.

[chiron_survivor]

"I've been lucky, I haven't been cursed or run into any alternates. Everything else, I've been able to handle." Sometimes while hiding behind a computer screen, but she manages.

She looks thoughtful at that. "True. I guess if I had something someone else wanted, and I was willing to part with it."

[nevertrustcrows]

"In that case, continue on. So long as you're content with it and it does no harm..." He nods approvingly.

Again, he speaks slowly. Carefully. "I expect you've guessed by now that I could attempt to contact a dead friend or relative for you."

[chiron_survivor]

Adia nods, suddenly nervous, even though Lichtenstein has been nothing but polite. "Would... would that even work here? This is the Nexus, and we're not from the same world..."

She knows exactly who she'd want to speak to and furiously tries to push all thoughts of him away. Even if it were possible and even if she could afford it... no. It wasn't worth the heartache.

[nevertrustcrows]

"I don't know," he admits slightly reluctantly. It's a possibility, but the idea of trying to contact the dead here is utterly intriguing. "But I'm hoping that the Nexus, with all it's rivers of energy, actually helps rather than hinders.

[chiron_survivor]

"I guess it depends on how you do it. Not that I have anything to compare it with." She smiles weakly, then adds, "I can't pay you in money, though. I wasn't exaggerating. Even if you could take currency from my world, it no longer has any value."

[nevertrustcrows]

He gives a light shrug. "I'm not exactly a rich man myself, nor is my world's economy much better than yours, by the sound of it. If you have anything at all and are willing to trade, I'll accept it."