[IC]

[ecce0homo]

[Inside Wilhelm's office, the chair behind the large desk is swiveled to face away from the doorway; none of Wilhelm's 'cabinmates' are present, but a certain Realian stands just inside the doorway. He looks resolute. The chair doesn't turn

Comments

[is_my_copilot]

Yeah. I'm here.

[. . . that doesn't sound good. :/]

[ecce0homo]

[probably because it isn't, Canaan]

It is well past time that we had a serious discussion. You are, after all, one my of Canaan-model Realians, and the only one present in this place.

[is_my_copilot]

. . .

[walks closer to the desk, standing in almost parade-rest a few feet in front of it]

[ecce0homo]

I am certain that you are aware of why this is necessary.

[Wilhelm's hand rises into view past the edge of the chair, open as though expecting something to be set in it. After a moment, small globes of light gather above his palm, a solar system in miniature that whirls in place, glowing and yet seeming almost void-like between the tiny stars]

[is_my_copilot]

! Gah-

[Canaan's feet rise from the ground as he bites back on a scream, his eyes suddenly dialated from the surprise of immense pain. He makes no sound, but his limbs shake uncontrollably, and it is clear that he is biting his own tongue to keep from crying out]

[ecce0homo]

You have a rebellious nature, Canaan. This in and of itself is not something that displeases me. [Wilhelm's voice is calm and pleasant as the lights in his palm whirl faster]

[is_my_copilot]

[he may not be screaming yet, but an agonized whimper escapes Canaan; he doesn't seem in an condition to respond, despite the pause Wilhelm leaves, as though inviting comment]

[ecce0homo]

[After a moment, Wilhelm continues.]

I am pleased to allow you your little intrigues. However, you must learn that there are things which I will tolerate, and things which I will not.

[the tiny globes above Wilhelm's hand are almost blurring now in their frantic orbit]

[is_my_copilot]

[finally, Canaan screams, unable to hold it back any longer; blood flecks his lips, spatters from his mouth as his entire body convulses]

[ecce0homo]

[somehow, Wilhelm's voice is still easily heard over Canaan's screaming, though it sounds as light and reasonable as ever] I have allowed you great freedom since you arrived. You have used that freedom, and abused it. I will tolerate your informing people about Program Canaan; however, I will not allow you to inform those with potential about what designs I may or may not have for them.

I do hope this is clear enough for you.

[is_my_copilot]

[I hope the hoarse, mindless cry that you're wringing from Canaan is clear enough that he won't be answering you this time, either.]

[ecce0homo]

[spoil all my fun >: ]

Remember this, Canaan. You cannot change how things will be.

[closes his hand, extinguishing the dance of the stars above his palm; Canaan crashes to the down in an uncontrolled fall - fortunately cushioned by the softness of the office floor]

[is_my_copilot]

[lays still, a faint whine still coming from his throat as blood trickles from between his lips]

[ecce0homo]

I could hobble you. Be glad for the freedom I permit you to have, and do not test me.

[is_my_copilot]

[coughs, spraying the floor with blood, and rises to his hands and knees before the desk, head hanging downwards.]

Understood.

[ecce0homo]

[Wilhelm's hand opens again, and gestures idly] You are dismissed. Ask Yeshua to tend to your tongue; you've bitten nearly through.