❧ IC INBOX: Abraxas

[wiedzminka]

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2nd week of Jan baybe

[techmaturgy]

You wanted updates on my...project.

[yeah that sounds like a good way to start.]

It's begun. I have what I need to build it.

[wiedzminka]

Safely?

[techmaturgy]

Yes, of course.

[Maybe!]

I'm going to use it, and then destroy it. You don't need to worry, but I thought you should know.

[wiedzminka]

Thank you for telling me. Really.

When you say you're going to use it



It's going to help you?

[techmaturgy]

I think so. I have to try.

[wiedzminka]

You think so?

How sure are you?

[techmaturgy]

Sure enough, given developing circumstances. Our stop-gaps are getting less effective.

[wiedzminka]

[ She doesn't have to ask to know what that means. It leaves her with a cold, sinking feeling. Uncomfortable. Lingering. ]

Is there anything I can do to help? Supplies you need?

[techmaturgy]

Just don't tell the government.

[ha, ha]

I could show you. Before I smash it.

[wiedzminka]

[ It's probably in jest, and she's not actually misunderstanding -- but Ciri answers seriously anyway, just in case he had any doubts. ]

I won't tell anyone, Viktor. It's your business, not mine to share.

[ His offer gives her pause. She remembers the dream--

But a dream is all it is.

If he wants to show her, she will admit she's curious. And it seems he does want to, or he wouldn't have mentioned it. She knows that well enough by now. ]

I'd be interested in seeing it.

[ She doesn't question why he'll smash it, doesn't show any surprise (though there is a flicker of it, privately). He's already made his decision, it seems. Somehow, it doesn't make her any less anxious, but she respects him for already thinking that far. There is a lot Ciri doesn't understand, but between all Viktor's told her and what was shared without them quite voluntarily choosing it... it's enough. Enough to know this means a lot. Enough to treat it with the somberness it warrants. ]

My offer stands, Viktor.

You needn't do this alone.

[techmaturgy]

[It's not about the Hexcore, really--Ciri has seen that in dreams and visions, and though he has much more faith in the one he's made here, the one uncorrupted by whatever the Singularity was doing to them at the time, asking her to come see it is redundant. Viktor simply doesn't know how to ask his closest friends to come see him, so he has to make up some kind of excuse.

Even now, he's dancing around the subject. He wants to see Ciri because he's not sure if he's going to survive the procedure, and he wants to be able to tell her everything he needs to, in the event that happens. It's much easier, however, to pretend like he just wants to show her his latest invention.]

I'm not alone.

[wiedzminka]

[ That isn't quite what she meant, but Ciri doesn't argue. It is his choice, even if she can't help but worry. It doesn't occur to her this is pretext for him asking her to visit; she'd have done so anyway. And will again soon, considering this conversation. ]

Good.

When should I come over?

[techmaturgy]

After hours, I think. To avoid suspicion. I'm working out of my laboratory at the Grand Academy. If you like, I can meet you at the west entrance to the main quad and take you there.

[wiedzminka]

I see.

All right, then. Just let me know when you're ready.

[techmaturgy]

Whenever you like. Sooner is probably better.

[wiedzminka]

[ ...that's a little ominous. ]

Very well. Tomorrow around sundown?

[techmaturgy]

I'll be there.

[wiedzminka]

See you then.