Discord
"Regarding names:
You inherited this place from a god...
If they aren't here anymore, does that mean they arent using their name anymore?
Can we steal their name?"
The OBJ's helmet is briefly still.
They cross one arm over the other atop the table.
"Er...
...no.
The god... disappeared some time ago - at great loss to this community -
but... this region is still habitable, so... they are doubtlessly alive, wherever it is they may be."
"I mean,
nothing's really...stopping you.
Short of manners."
"I'd--"
They stop themself.
"...maybe there are other names you'd prefer?"
You give yourself time to think.
"...Vessel could be fun.
Kind of existential, but-
I just think it'd be neat to have a boat related name."
Another smiley face appears on your screen.
"And 'Vess' works as a good nickname, too."
"That's nice.
Has a good ring to it.
Technically, our collective's name is Model,
but as we developed more...solidity,
it became more practical to give different components distinct names.
Didn't happen until a few years in, though, and every collective's different.
So don't worry about that."
"Yes, absolutely.
Really, Jimmie and the rest of his collective would be the best individuals to ask about this sort of thing.
...Er, well... if he's-
if they're alright with, questions of that nature."
"Of course we are.
There's plenty we could tell you about,
and while our main job right here and now is security,
we also want to make sure you have someone to talk to who gets it."
"Thank you, as always, Jimmie."
The OBJ's stance is upright, as if in a big, genuine smile.
"You could probably stand to introduce yourself too, yknow.
I get you're excited about stuff, but you'd probably put them more at ease if you opened up a little."
"...OH."
They wave one of their claws.
"...heavens, I-
It slipped my mind entirely,
I apologize!
...I'm Murmur.
And I use they or she pronouns."
"I use he/him personally,
they/them collectively, myself.
How about you?"
You put a claw to the bottom of your screen.
"Whatever 'gender' is, we're not a fan of it.
Don't like it,
don't care about it.
As far as pronouns?
Definitely no he/him, she/her, or they/them,
but neopronouns would be fine.
It/its - it's got that artificial vibe - or,
really let's just say any neopronouns."
"Easy enough."
"Noted!"
You think about how you felt earlier.
That jittery, electric feeling that made your breath run fast.
"Also?
What Was That.
From before.
Am I dying?"
You touch a claw to your chest.
"Is that why it happened?
...Am I dead?"
You flick your own screen a few times,
in an attempt to test how real you are.
"Hello?"
"It was... by my account -
and keep in mind, I am not a medical professional or capable of licensed psychological evaluation -
...but it seemed to be a panic attack,
likely caused by new emotions, or an overwhelming amount of physical sensation when you've had none before.
I have seen a few before,
from other catalysts who spawn.
...Really, it could be anything that caused it to flare up.
It is important to pay attention to what triggered it, if you're able,
and to take care of yourself as needed.
...As I... said before:
If you require a break--" "Nope no break, I am /Excellent/, okay?"
She nods slowly.
"Alright."
"If the members of your collective have conflicting ideas, it can cause stress as well.
Conflict is natural when you've got so many voices kicking around,
especially under stressful situations- and honestly, having a good mental argument can be good for working things out.
It's not good to suppress voices if you can help it; try to work with them instead.
With time, you'll gain more cohesion in what you want to do and the direction you'll take,
but in the early days where everybody's figuring stuff out,
it can be a bit...wild."
"Quite untamed, unfortunately, yes.
Though, I'm sure you will all figure yourselves out!
I have faith that you will."
You nod.
"Sure, yeah."
Glancing away,
at the walls.
"Sssooo,
this place is the 'first of it's kind', eh?
So there is a reason I came into existence; you want me to help with your science stuff.
Sounds cool.
But why me?
You have other catalysts here, presumably.
Like Jimmie.
Does the catalyst need to be fresh?"
"Well, yes.
A freshly-spawned catalyst is paramount for this process to proceed at all."
You lean back in the chair,
arms behind your neck.
"How much time do we have before I have to decide?"
"By my estimates-"
Murmur pulls a small device from their pocket.
"...approximately seventy-five minutes, though it could be as far out as three hours from now."
She puts the device back in her pocket.
"...It's weather-dependent, you see!"
"Hmmmmm."
A claw to your gasmask.
"I don't mind helping out a little, I think.
Though I kinda resent being a science experiment.
Shouldn't I get parents?
A family?
Did I miss out on being a kid because I spawned in a test tube?"
"Technically,
there's lots of species without biological parents."
Jimmie reclines slightly,
a hard to read expression on his face as he counts off on his fingers.
"TCPs, most constructs... flexins, uh...
I kind of... looked into this a lot.
Like I said earlier, we formed with a lot of distress at not having parents,
or any biological family at all... despite taking the form of a construct that wouldn't have that to worry about in the first place.
Collective knowledge can be fussy like that.
So...I guess,
yeah,
you 'missed out' on being a kid,
but so do a lot of species.
Having a biological family and a standard life cycle isn't something everyone gets,
is how I try to rationalize it to myself.
You and I exist as collectives because someone - Echo Shore, specifically -
deliberately brought us into the world,
but trust me:
the xenial and everything else we study here is less of a science experiment and more..."
He struggles to find a good way to put it.
"...a cross-dimensional communal gathering experience,
to simplify it as much as possible.
Though I would veer towards other terminology, personally.
...And, to be technical:
the labs at Echo Shore did not bring you here,
we simply created ideal conditions for catalysts such as yourselves, to exist.
...More simply:
We opened the door, and you walked inside."
"Yeah, that's a better way to put it..."
"At any rate,
I do not believe you should see...
a potential alternate path you might have lived in another existence, as a missed opportunity.
You are all who you are-"
Mumur leans in,
speaking softly.
"-and there is nothing wrong with that."
You lean your chair back,
rocking it back and forth as you chew on all these new thoughts.
"What do you two do in your day-to-day work other than like-
uh-
...This?
The whole catalyst thing."
"I lift things, mostly."
Jimmie shrugs.
"We knew we wanted to be a part of things around here after we got our bearings on things,
so we started out doing manual labor and security details and never really stopped.
Some people would probably say it's a dull life,
but the downtime in between helping with cargo and building things is plenty of opportunity to listen to music, and audiobooks.
It's simple, a
nd it gives us time to think.
...this is the most excitement I've gotten in a good bit, though.
Looking forward to it."
Murmur nearly cuts Jimmie off.
"-It is!
...Exciting, I mean.
This - apologies -
This has been... incredibly exciting for myself on a personal level.
I started out my time here at Echo Shore helping to set up lab equipment three years ago.
Then I eventually became an assistant,
then graduated to proper lab staff,
and-"
You feel she would be physically bouncing in the seat if she wasn't trying to stay polite.
"-I was allowed into this position at long last.
A little... rushed, actually.
I'm honestly not... entirely familiar with everything,
and typically there is someone who has helmed this process before to accompany in an advisory capacity.
However,
for this year,
it is only myself, with Jimmie here to act as security and additional assistance.
We're rather... short-staffed on this front, actually.
So...
I am hopeful, but tremendously anxious,
to be absolutely truthful.
I think the only factor keeping me grounded is being such a direct part in this...
...for the First Time!
...But,
I promise I will adhere to my responsibilities,
as best I know how.
And I am here for anything you may need, at any point."
"Same goes for me,
though our expertise is probably just... collective stuff,
vs the nitty gritty science of it all."
"Still valuable all the same."
"So you talked a lot about this 'process',
but what'll it have me
Do,
exactly?
Are there cool looking crystals or spooky radios or anything?"
You can practically hear Mumur perk up.
She takes a deep breath.
"I will attempt not to delve into an unnecessarily-copious amount of detail as I explain the process,
but,
yes, yes there are Absolutely, Positively 'cool-looking'-
Well-
stones, not crystals,
though it's similar to what you're wanting, I imagine!
Through an instance of very simple actions on your part,
you will be making physical contact with a fountain.
Upon performing this when we have reached ideal weather conditions,
should everything go according to plan,
you will spawn some number of stones with special properties;
one stone per each selected individual.
These stones can-
Well!
They can change shape,
color,
sheen,
or even physically relocate of their own accord!
At any time!
The stones are the, sort of... primary guides to the xenial,
as it won't allow any individual in without one.
Those who have received a stone will continue on,
into the xenial;
that is, the physical location,
wherein this communal event will take place.
...But the stones will not spawn without your direct involvement,
and the xenial does not open without the stones,
which is why we require your help for this."
They let out a breath,
tapping the side of their helmet.
"Did I miss anything obvious, Jimmie?
Or, do you have anything you'd care to add?
...I think I covered the bases,
but,
two heads are better than one, so they say."
"That should be most of it,
but... we should probably go into the xenial itself.
Communal event doesn't really cover the..."
He thinks over his word choice again.
"Whole... scale of it all.
We're doing important work here,
and I'm sure that Vessel's interested in learning about fairies and the like."
"Yes, of course,
though... even with the amount of time we have,
I couldn't begin to cover it all.
...If I was to...
downplay it,
significantly,
a simplification that does not do it justice:
It is a non-standard, ever-changing internal space within which beings of All spatial strata can co-exist,
as it conforms to all of them to suit their needs as best it can.
And you meet -
as peers and individuals -
beings you may never have known were... possible.
From the neleval,
to realmic beings,
to angels,
and there are even several reports - though I haven't been able to scour them myself -
detailing chance meetings with beings from The Vagary,
and... even Memoirs, if you can believe it.
There is no telling who or what you may meet.
Though, there will be plenty of Morbitians there as well!
Some years can be quieter than others, too,
so you may have only one or two encounters before the xenial reopens.
It's... impossible, really,
to predict how the xenial may take place this year.
...Personally, I'd love to have some new findings this year,
but I would prefer something... fairly quiet, more than anything."
Murmur taps her claws together on the desk,
looking downward.
"...Though,
I think that is only as a result of this being my first time.
I am sure I can handle it, if things end up being more... chaotic, this year.
...Though, statistically-peaking-!"
They raise a claw.
"-things have trended towards quiet, in the last... five, or six-
...Actually, I believe yours was the last year events were a little more..."
The OBJ twirls a finger as the look for the word they need.
"...Surprising! "
"...I,
uh,
definitely caused a whole scene,
with the...."
He mimes clearing his throat,
more an embarrassed gesture than anything.
"Uh...you know.
P...proposal. And everything."
Murmur's little glowing eyes blink.
"The what now...?"
"....you know.
Surely you heard about that."
The helmet glances at you,
then back at Jimmie.
"...are you really going to make me explain it."
"I-
You do not...
Have,
to,
but I..."
She lowers her voice to a whisper,
glancing around as if someone other than the three of them might be listening.
"...I am nothing if not curious..."
He makes a soft groan and slumps back in his chair.
"I... may have had a slight fling with one of the extranatural beings that approached me,
and we nearly eloped.
...It was more dramatic than it sounds.
A lot of things happened.
...try not to go that hard.
I was a lot more impulsive back then, when I was new."
Murmur leans in.
"...You... had a fling with-
What was it, precisely?
Did...
was...
How did it Go?
...If...
if that isn't too personal, of course!"
"...I mean, it's a little personal, yeah.
I don't want to just... give up their details and all that.
We were close in a very short period of time,
did stupid things to try and close the inherent gaps between us and... our... worlds..."
He grimaces as he trails off.
"...it was a bad idea.
I caused a lot of problems.
If you're going to try and kiss something,
have a better gameplan."
Murmur nods her head more than a few times.
"...well-
That is... certainly good advice for us all!"
She looks down at the table,
lost in thought.
You've been thinking as well.
Over... all of this,
everything you've heard and discussed.
"So,
everybody here is going through all this effort,
putting this all together...
...Do you really mean it when you say the choice to stay or not is completely ours to make?
What would happen if we just... walked out?
You've mentioned the effects on your work, sure,
but what might our life look like outside of here if we go?
It's easy enough to say
'yeah, you can leave'
but I imagine we can't do that without... support."
Murmur cocks their head.
"Well...I have to say,
I'm not entirely sure what you mean when you say 'support.'
We... certainly have programs to support you here,
within our community, and those nearby - regardless as to whether or not you decide to help us with the xenial.
Which,
that would include resources such as-"
They count off on their claws.
"-housing,
educational programs,
food - if you happen to eat,
medical facilities,
of course psychological assistance and support,
and... really, anything else you may require to exist comfortably.
We cannot promise you a mansion,
nothing of the sort,
but... at least within our small communities we have here,
we could more than likely help you with necessary resources as you need them.
Our community does come with its drawbacks,
one of the largest being that it is very, very remote,
and leaving can be a little more difficult a trek than simply driving a car or catching a plane out.
...We do have internet access!
...Though it can be slow and finicky at times.
As far as further support once you decide to leave,
well,
you would be outside of our reach, for the most part,
and though we can provide you with some supplies for the journey out and a small amount of cash,
it... really would be your decision where to go and what to do, beyond that point.
Catalysts who want to leave often stay long enough to secure an education,
then look for work online that they can take with them,
and leave when they've secured funds to set up properly elsewhere.
And that is absolutely an option for you,
should you want to take it.
...I will have to say,
that is about the extent of my knowledge on the subject,
though I would be happy to help you speak with someone more involved in support programs you have in mind.
And... Jimmie, may have some insight,
I imagine,
being a catalyst."
"...am I allowed to give my honest opinion here?"
"Er... of course."
The OBJ nervously taps her claws.
"I hope I did not,
say anything out of line-" "No, you're fine.
Basically, just..."
He presses the tips of his fingers together,
peering over them.
"You can leave any time you want,
but it's not the strategic move.
The system isn't built to keep you in or anything like that if that's what you're worried about,
it's just... the reality of it.
You're a new collective and you don't know jack about how this works.
That would have been true no matter where you formed,
you just happened to show up here.
And here, you get the opportunity to learn about what's going on with yourselves.
I looked into other options after my first xenial,
considering I was... broken up about the whole eloping thing not working out.
I found some places that offered collective-based support,
and they seemed fine enough-
but I realized that even with everything,
this place has goals and ideas that make more sense to me.
Even if my connection to something extraplanar didn't shake out the way I thought it would,
I realized it still mattered to me to be here and help,
because the work people are doing here... maybe it'll make things easier for people like me
who fell in love with somebody way out there.
It's good work.
Whether you want to support that work is up to you,
but frankly,
I'd suggest sticking around at least through the xenial to see how you're feeling
and take some time to brush up on our knowledgebase before heading out.
Even with everything,
with all the chaos of our own xenial-
it was worth it,
and we don't regret it."
"Well I...
...very much appreciate hearing your perspective on this, Jimmie,
thank you for that.
...From my point of view,
well...
...I can't possibly imagine how strange this must be for you all,
and I know you have no reason to trust myself, or Jimmie, or... anyone, really,
but... I do hope you feel that I mean what I'm telling you,
and that I believe in this work.
There is..."
They cross their legs.
"There is a part of me that... wants you to say 'No.'
Because as much as I know that I want to take part in this,
as much as I'm aware that this is exactly where I've wanted to be for years,
...I cannot shake being terrified,
wondering if this is going to work out,
or if...
...if I am going to make it a disaster somehow.
So it, instead,
simply fizzling out,
before it even gets off the ground,
well...
...that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
...But at the same time...
I know, that only I can do this,
right now.
Only I can make this happen.
I know how... incredibly rare what we've built is,
I know that this Could be a once in a lifetime experience,
for... All of us.
I know that what we learn here,
this year, could help someone else years from now,
even if it only adds to our knowledge, it... could be used to save lives.
So,
I have to try.
Because I want to,
as afraid as I am.
You do not have to share my philosophy,
and the last thing I want to do is make you feel More pressured to go through with this,
believe me, I know-
I swear to you that I Know-
That...
...this isn't exactly fair of us to ask of you.
But you are the only one who can do this,
not because you were Chosen for it,
but because you are Here,
right in this moment,
and...
it only happens with You. "
Mumur lets it hang on that for a little while,
taking her time in figuring out what to say next.
"So,
you still have time to think it over.
In fact, we still have-"
She pulls out the device from before,
only for her sentence to go unfinished,
squinting at it.
"...well...
I'm--"
Murmur stands up carefully,
staring at the little device.
"...something wrong?"
"The weather readings.
It's all the same as last I checked a few minutes ago.
Could be things are particularly still, or there's a malfunction with the equipment..."
She trails off,
looking anxious.
"Apologies.
I'm sure this is nothing.
If... you have any other questions,
please feel free to ask Jimmie, if Jimmie agrees.
Otherwise, simply take the moment as a break, if you'd like.
I need to... call and check in just in case.
I'll be just a moment."
The OBJ walks to a nearby wall,
a low chime sounding as it opens in front of them,
Mumur disappearing behind it as it shuts,
leaving you and Jimmie alone together.
"...If you stick around, we could probably help you out.
Not-
I mean, Murmur too probably,
but I'm not about to volunteer her without asking.
I'm talking about our collective, Model."
"Help us out how?"
"Just...getting used to collective stuff, I guess."
"...Have you gotten used to it?"
"When you put it like that..."
He can't help but laugh.
"...I guess it's a process."
"...Hm.
Did you have any specific problems that've gotten better?
Ooorr is everything still the same?"
"When things start out, it can be a bit... well, messy.
Everybody's testing the waters,
seeing what directions they want to move in.
Gauging the situations, figuring out what reactions would work best.
That got better.
There's still a lot of distinct perspectives going on in here,
to the point where we've given them names-
like myself, Jimmie-
but it took a good few years for it to get to the point where we could point at ourselves and go
'OK, that's a cluster of thoughts that's solidified enough to warrant a name.'
But... even if it took a while, that helped a lot.
My best advice is to have internal discussion when you can,
and not to just... rush into your immediate impulses."
"Why's that matter?
I mean,
we're eight feet tall and partially indestructible, I think.
No offense, but I think we've got this.
...If we do something and get into trouble,
it's not like anything can hurt us,
right?"
"Maybe not as much physically,
but there's more ways to get hurt than just your physical form."
"Like what?
Like that 'fling' thing?
...I think we can handle things like that."
The corner of his mouth twitches.
"Best not to underestimate what the extranatural planes have to offer,
as much as I recommend the experience."
"Fairies can't be that bad, right?"
"...I reiterate:
best not to underestimate."
"...What d'you mean by that?
What's the worst th--"
The door opens abruptly.
Murmur hurries in,
out of breath.
"I-
gods, I'm so-
I'm very sorry,
my sincerest apologies, the-
The weather-
Our equipment was damaged by a LARGE rainstorm,
which-
Is approaching Now,
or is already Here,
w-we have-
considering the ideal point at which we need t-
We NEED to start immediately
or this isn't going to happen at all! "
"You serious?" "-DEATHLY SO--"
Jimmie immediately stands up and pushes his seat to the side,
his voice slipping into another tone.
"The fuck are we supposed to-"
Jimmie -
no, it's distinctly different enough that you assume this is a different voice of Model's -
tries to gather their nerves,
turning to you.
"Sorry, champ.
Looks like you gotta make a choice,
and make it now."
The OBJ does a quick double-take over at Model,
before turning back to you,
stepping close.
"I hate to ask all this of you Now,
but we-
...I need you to decide immediately.
If you decide to say Yes, then we need to Move,
and we still may not have time to pull it off.
And if you say No, then... I-
well-
...that is your decision."
Murmur takes the delay to catch her breath,
leaning on the table,
ready to run again at a moment's notice.
You inherited this place from a god...
If they aren't here anymore, does that mean they arent using their name anymore?
Can we steal their name?"
The OBJ's helmet is briefly still.
They cross one arm over the other atop the table.
"Er...
...no.
The god... disappeared some time ago - at great loss to this community -
but... this region is still habitable, so... they are doubtlessly alive, wherever it is they may be."
"I mean,
nothing's really...stopping you.
Short of manners."
"I'd--"
They stop themself.
"...maybe there are other names you'd prefer?"
You give yourself time to think.
"...Vessel could be fun.
Kind of existential, but-
I just think it'd be neat to have a boat related name."
Another smiley face appears on your screen.
"And 'Vess' works as a good nickname, too."
"That's nice.
Has a good ring to it.
Technically, our collective's name is Model,
but as we developed more...solidity,
it became more practical to give different components distinct names.
Didn't happen until a few years in, though, and every collective's different.
So don't worry about that."
"Yes, absolutely.
Really, Jimmie and the rest of his collective would be the best individuals to ask about this sort of thing.
...Er, well... if he's-
if they're alright with, questions of that nature."
"Of course we are.
There's plenty we could tell you about,
and while our main job right here and now is security,
we also want to make sure you have someone to talk to who gets it."
"Thank you, as always, Jimmie."
The OBJ's stance is upright, as if in a big, genuine smile.
"You could probably stand to introduce yourself too, yknow.
I get you're excited about stuff, but you'd probably put them more at ease if you opened up a little."
"...OH."
They wave one of their claws.
"...heavens, I-
It slipped my mind entirely,
I apologize!
...I'm Murmur.
And I use they or she pronouns."
"I use he/him personally,
they/them collectively, myself.
How about you?"
You put a claw to the bottom of your screen.
"Whatever 'gender' is, we're not a fan of it.
Don't like it,
don't care about it.
As far as pronouns?
Definitely no he/him, she/her, or they/them,
but neopronouns would be fine.
It/its - it's got that artificial vibe - or,
really let's just say any neopronouns."
"Easy enough."
"Noted!"
You think about how you felt earlier.
That jittery, electric feeling that made your breath run fast.
"Also?
What Was That.
From before.
Am I dying?"
You touch a claw to your chest.
"Is that why it happened?
...Am I dead?"
You flick your own screen a few times,
in an attempt to test how real you are.
"Hello?"
"It was... by my account -
and keep in mind, I am not a medical professional or capable of licensed psychological evaluation -
...but it seemed to be a panic attack,
likely caused by new emotions, or an overwhelming amount of physical sensation when you've had none before.
I have seen a few before,
from other catalysts who spawn.
...Really, it could be anything that caused it to flare up.
It is important to pay attention to what triggered it, if you're able,
and to take care of yourself as needed.
...As I... said before:
If you require a break--" "Nope no break, I am /Excellent/, okay?"
She nods slowly.
"Alright."
"If the members of your collective have conflicting ideas, it can cause stress as well.
Conflict is natural when you've got so many voices kicking around,
especially under stressful situations- and honestly, having a good mental argument can be good for working things out.
It's not good to suppress voices if you can help it; try to work with them instead.
With time, you'll gain more cohesion in what you want to do and the direction you'll take,
but in the early days where everybody's figuring stuff out,
it can be a bit...wild."
"Quite untamed, unfortunately, yes.
Though, I'm sure you will all figure yourselves out!
I have faith that you will."
You nod.
"Sure, yeah."
Glancing away,
at the walls.
"Sssooo,
this place is the 'first of it's kind', eh?
So there is a reason I came into existence; you want me to help with your science stuff.
Sounds cool.
But why me?
You have other catalysts here, presumably.
Like Jimmie.
Does the catalyst need to be fresh?"
"Well, yes.
A freshly-spawned catalyst is paramount for this process to proceed at all."
You lean back in the chair,
arms behind your neck.
"How much time do we have before I have to decide?"
"By my estimates-"
Murmur pulls a small device from their pocket.
"...approximately seventy-five minutes, though it could be as far out as three hours from now."
She puts the device back in her pocket.
"...It's weather-dependent, you see!"
"Hmmmmm."
A claw to your gasmask.
"I don't mind helping out a little, I think.
Though I kinda resent being a science experiment.
Shouldn't I get parents?
A family?
Did I miss out on being a kid because I spawned in a test tube?"
"Technically,
there's lots of species without biological parents."
Jimmie reclines slightly,
a hard to read expression on his face as he counts off on his fingers.
"TCPs, most constructs... flexins, uh...
I kind of... looked into this a lot.
Like I said earlier, we formed with a lot of distress at not having parents,
or any biological family at all... despite taking the form of a construct that wouldn't have that to worry about in the first place.
Collective knowledge can be fussy like that.
So...I guess,
yeah,
you 'missed out' on being a kid,
but so do a lot of species.
Having a biological family and a standard life cycle isn't something everyone gets,
is how I try to rationalize it to myself.
You and I exist as collectives because someone - Echo Shore, specifically -
deliberately brought us into the world,
but trust me:
the xenial and everything else we study here is less of a science experiment and more..."
He struggles to find a good way to put it.
"...a cross-dimensional communal gathering experience,
to simplify it as much as possible.
Though I would veer towards other terminology, personally.
...And, to be technical:
the labs at Echo Shore did not bring you here,
we simply created ideal conditions for catalysts such as yourselves, to exist.
...More simply:
We opened the door, and you walked inside."
"Yeah, that's a better way to put it..."
"At any rate,
I do not believe you should see...
a potential alternate path you might have lived in another existence, as a missed opportunity.
You are all who you are-"
Mumur leans in,
speaking softly.
"-and there is nothing wrong with that."
You lean your chair back,
rocking it back and forth as you chew on all these new thoughts.
"What do you two do in your day-to-day work other than like-
uh-
...This?
The whole catalyst thing."
"I lift things, mostly."
Jimmie shrugs.
"We knew we wanted to be a part of things around here after we got our bearings on things,
so we started out doing manual labor and security details and never really stopped.
Some people would probably say it's a dull life,
but the downtime in between helping with cargo and building things is plenty of opportunity to listen to music, and audiobooks.
It's simple, a
nd it gives us time to think.
...this is the most excitement I've gotten in a good bit, though.
Looking forward to it."
Murmur nearly cuts Jimmie off.
"-It is!
...Exciting, I mean.
This - apologies -
This has been... incredibly exciting for myself on a personal level.
I started out my time here at Echo Shore helping to set up lab equipment three years ago.
Then I eventually became an assistant,
then graduated to proper lab staff,
and-"
You feel she would be physically bouncing in the seat if she wasn't trying to stay polite.
"-I was allowed into this position at long last.
A little... rushed, actually.
I'm honestly not... entirely familiar with everything,
and typically there is someone who has helmed this process before to accompany in an advisory capacity.
However,
for this year,
it is only myself, with Jimmie here to act as security and additional assistance.
We're rather... short-staffed on this front, actually.
So...
I am hopeful, but tremendously anxious,
to be absolutely truthful.
I think the only factor keeping me grounded is being such a direct part in this...
...for the First Time!
...But,
I promise I will adhere to my responsibilities,
as best I know how.
And I am here for anything you may need, at any point."
"Same goes for me,
though our expertise is probably just... collective stuff,
vs the nitty gritty science of it all."
"Still valuable all the same."
"So you talked a lot about this 'process',
but what'll it have me
Do,
exactly?
Are there cool looking crystals or spooky radios or anything?"
You can practically hear Mumur perk up.
She takes a deep breath.
"I will attempt not to delve into an unnecessarily-copious amount of detail as I explain the process,
but,
yes, yes there are Absolutely, Positively 'cool-looking'-
Well-
stones, not crystals,
though it's similar to what you're wanting, I imagine!
Through an instance of very simple actions on your part,
you will be making physical contact with a fountain.
Upon performing this when we have reached ideal weather conditions,
should everything go according to plan,
you will spawn some number of stones with special properties;
one stone per each selected individual.
These stones can-
Well!
They can change shape,
color,
sheen,
or even physically relocate of their own accord!
At any time!
The stones are the, sort of... primary guides to the xenial,
as it won't allow any individual in without one.
Those who have received a stone will continue on,
into the xenial;
that is, the physical location,
wherein this communal event will take place.
...But the stones will not spawn without your direct involvement,
and the xenial does not open without the stones,
which is why we require your help for this."
They let out a breath,
tapping the side of their helmet.
"Did I miss anything obvious, Jimmie?
Or, do you have anything you'd care to add?
...I think I covered the bases,
but,
two heads are better than one, so they say."
"That should be most of it,
but... we should probably go into the xenial itself.
Communal event doesn't really cover the..."
He thinks over his word choice again.
"Whole... scale of it all.
We're doing important work here,
and I'm sure that Vessel's interested in learning about fairies and the like."
"Yes, of course,
though... even with the amount of time we have,
I couldn't begin to cover it all.
...If I was to...
downplay it,
significantly,
a simplification that does not do it justice:
It is a non-standard, ever-changing internal space within which beings of All spatial strata can co-exist,
as it conforms to all of them to suit their needs as best it can.
And you meet -
as peers and individuals -
beings you may never have known were... possible.
From the neleval,
to realmic beings,
to angels,
and there are even several reports - though I haven't been able to scour them myself -
detailing chance meetings with beings from The Vagary,
and... even Memoirs, if you can believe it.
There is no telling who or what you may meet.
Though, there will be plenty of Morbitians there as well!
Some years can be quieter than others, too,
so you may have only one or two encounters before the xenial reopens.
It's... impossible, really,
to predict how the xenial may take place this year.
...Personally, I'd love to have some new findings this year,
but I would prefer something... fairly quiet, more than anything."
Murmur taps her claws together on the desk,
looking downward.
"...Though,
I think that is only as a result of this being my first time.
I am sure I can handle it, if things end up being more... chaotic, this year.
...Though, statistically-peaking-!"
They raise a claw.
"-things have trended towards quiet, in the last... five, or six-
...Actually, I believe yours was the last year events were a little more..."
The OBJ twirls a finger as the look for the word they need.
"...Surprising! "
"...I,
uh,
definitely caused a whole scene,
with the...."
He mimes clearing his throat,
more an embarrassed gesture than anything.
"Uh...you know.
P...proposal. And everything."
Murmur's little glowing eyes blink.
"The what now...?"
"....you know.
Surely you heard about that."
The helmet glances at you,
then back at Jimmie.
"...are you really going to make me explain it."
"I-
You do not...
Have,
to,
but I..."
She lowers her voice to a whisper,
glancing around as if someone other than the three of them might be listening.
"...I am nothing if not curious..."
He makes a soft groan and slumps back in his chair.
"I... may have had a slight fling with one of the extranatural beings that approached me,
and we nearly eloped.
...It was more dramatic than it sounds.
A lot of things happened.
...try not to go that hard.
I was a lot more impulsive back then, when I was new."
Murmur leans in.
"...You... had a fling with-
What was it, precisely?
Did...
was...
How did it Go?
...If...
if that isn't too personal, of course!"
"...I mean, it's a little personal, yeah.
I don't want to just... give up their details and all that.
We were close in a very short period of time,
did stupid things to try and close the inherent gaps between us and... our... worlds..."
He grimaces as he trails off.
"...it was a bad idea.
I caused a lot of problems.
If you're going to try and kiss something,
have a better gameplan."
Murmur nods her head more than a few times.
"...well-
That is... certainly good advice for us all!"
She looks down at the table,
lost in thought.
You've been thinking as well.
Over... all of this,
everything you've heard and discussed.
"So,
everybody here is going through all this effort,
putting this all together...
...Do you really mean it when you say the choice to stay or not is completely ours to make?
What would happen if we just... walked out?
You've mentioned the effects on your work, sure,
but what might our life look like outside of here if we go?
It's easy enough to say
'yeah, you can leave'
but I imagine we can't do that without... support."
Murmur cocks their head.
"Well...I have to say,
I'm not entirely sure what you mean when you say 'support.'
We... certainly have programs to support you here,
within our community, and those nearby - regardless as to whether or not you decide to help us with the xenial.
Which,
that would include resources such as-"
They count off on their claws.
"-housing,
educational programs,
food - if you happen to eat,
medical facilities,
of course psychological assistance and support,
and... really, anything else you may require to exist comfortably.
We cannot promise you a mansion,
nothing of the sort,
but... at least within our small communities we have here,
we could more than likely help you with necessary resources as you need them.
Our community does come with its drawbacks,
one of the largest being that it is very, very remote,
and leaving can be a little more difficult a trek than simply driving a car or catching a plane out.
...We do have internet access!
...Though it can be slow and finicky at times.
As far as further support once you decide to leave,
well,
you would be outside of our reach, for the most part,
and though we can provide you with some supplies for the journey out and a small amount of cash,
it... really would be your decision where to go and what to do, beyond that point.
Catalysts who want to leave often stay long enough to secure an education,
then look for work online that they can take with them,
and leave when they've secured funds to set up properly elsewhere.
And that is absolutely an option for you,
should you want to take it.
...I will have to say,
that is about the extent of my knowledge on the subject,
though I would be happy to help you speak with someone more involved in support programs you have in mind.
And... Jimmie, may have some insight,
I imagine,
being a catalyst."
"...am I allowed to give my honest opinion here?"
"Er... of course."
The OBJ nervously taps her claws.
"I hope I did not,
say anything out of line-" "No, you're fine.
Basically, just..."
He presses the tips of his fingers together,
peering over them.
"You can leave any time you want,
but it's not the strategic move.
The system isn't built to keep you in or anything like that if that's what you're worried about,
it's just... the reality of it.
You're a new collective and you don't know jack about how this works.
That would have been true no matter where you formed,
you just happened to show up here.
And here, you get the opportunity to learn about what's going on with yourselves.
I looked into other options after my first xenial,
considering I was... broken up about the whole eloping thing not working out.
I found some places that offered collective-based support,
and they seemed fine enough-
but I realized that even with everything,
this place has goals and ideas that make more sense to me.
Even if my connection to something extraplanar didn't shake out the way I thought it would,
I realized it still mattered to me to be here and help,
because the work people are doing here... maybe it'll make things easier for people like me
who fell in love with somebody way out there.
It's good work.
Whether you want to support that work is up to you,
but frankly,
I'd suggest sticking around at least through the xenial to see how you're feeling
and take some time to brush up on our knowledgebase before heading out.
Even with everything,
with all the chaos of our own xenial-
it was worth it,
and we don't regret it."
"Well I...
...very much appreciate hearing your perspective on this, Jimmie,
thank you for that.
...From my point of view,
well...
...I can't possibly imagine how strange this must be for you all,
and I know you have no reason to trust myself, or Jimmie, or... anyone, really,
but... I do hope you feel that I mean what I'm telling you,
and that I believe in this work.
There is..."
They cross their legs.
"There is a part of me that... wants you to say 'No.'
Because as much as I know that I want to take part in this,
as much as I'm aware that this is exactly where I've wanted to be for years,
...I cannot shake being terrified,
wondering if this is going to work out,
or if...
...if I am going to make it a disaster somehow.
So it, instead,
simply fizzling out,
before it even gets off the ground,
well...
...that wouldn't be the worst thing in the world.
...But at the same time...
I know, that only I can do this,
right now.
Only I can make this happen.
I know how... incredibly rare what we've built is,
I know that this Could be a once in a lifetime experience,
for... All of us.
I know that what we learn here,
this year, could help someone else years from now,
even if it only adds to our knowledge, it... could be used to save lives.
So,
I have to try.
Because I want to,
as afraid as I am.
You do not have to share my philosophy,
and the last thing I want to do is make you feel More pressured to go through with this,
believe me, I know-
I swear to you that I Know-
That...
...this isn't exactly fair of us to ask of you.
But you are the only one who can do this,
not because you were Chosen for it,
but because you are Here,
right in this moment,
and...
it only happens with You. "
Mumur lets it hang on that for a little while,
taking her time in figuring out what to say next.
"So,
you still have time to think it over.
In fact, we still have-"
She pulls out the device from before,
only for her sentence to go unfinished,
squinting at it.
"...well...
I'm--"
Murmur stands up carefully,
staring at the little device.
"...something wrong?"
"The weather readings.
It's all the same as last I checked a few minutes ago.
Could be things are particularly still, or there's a malfunction with the equipment..."
She trails off,
looking anxious.
"Apologies.
I'm sure this is nothing.
If... you have any other questions,
please feel free to ask Jimmie, if Jimmie agrees.
Otherwise, simply take the moment as a break, if you'd like.
I need to... call and check in just in case.
I'll be just a moment."
The OBJ walks to a nearby wall,
a low chime sounding as it opens in front of them,
Mumur disappearing behind it as it shuts,
leaving you and Jimmie alone together.
"...If you stick around, we could probably help you out.
Not-
I mean, Murmur too probably,
but I'm not about to volunteer her without asking.
I'm talking about our collective, Model."
"Help us out how?"
"Just...getting used to collective stuff, I guess."
"...Have you gotten used to it?"
"When you put it like that..."
He can't help but laugh.
"...I guess it's a process."
"...Hm.
Did you have any specific problems that've gotten better?
Ooorr is everything still the same?"
"When things start out, it can be a bit... well, messy.
Everybody's testing the waters,
seeing what directions they want to move in.
Gauging the situations, figuring out what reactions would work best.
That got better.
There's still a lot of distinct perspectives going on in here,
to the point where we've given them names-
like myself, Jimmie-
but it took a good few years for it to get to the point where we could point at ourselves and go
'OK, that's a cluster of thoughts that's solidified enough to warrant a name.'
But... even if it took a while, that helped a lot.
My best advice is to have internal discussion when you can,
and not to just... rush into your immediate impulses."
"Why's that matter?
I mean,
we're eight feet tall and partially indestructible, I think.
No offense, but I think we've got this.
...If we do something and get into trouble,
it's not like anything can hurt us,
right?"
"Maybe not as much physically,
but there's more ways to get hurt than just your physical form."
"Like what?
Like that 'fling' thing?
...I think we can handle things like that."
The corner of his mouth twitches.
"Best not to underestimate what the extranatural planes have to offer,
as much as I recommend the experience."
"Fairies can't be that bad, right?"
"...I reiterate:
best not to underestimate."
"...What d'you mean by that?
What's the worst th--"
The door opens abruptly.
Murmur hurries in,
out of breath.
"I-
gods, I'm so-
I'm very sorry,
my sincerest apologies, the-
The weather-
Our equipment was damaged by a LARGE rainstorm,
which-
Is approaching Now,
or is already Here,
w-we have-
considering the ideal point at which we need t-
We NEED to start immediately
or this isn't going to happen at all! "
"You serious?" "-DEATHLY SO--"
Jimmie immediately stands up and pushes his seat to the side,
his voice slipping into another tone.
"The fuck are we supposed to-"
Jimmie -
no, it's distinctly different enough that you assume this is a different voice of Model's -
tries to gather their nerves,
turning to you.
"Sorry, champ.
Looks like you gotta make a choice,
and make it now."
The OBJ does a quick double-take over at Model,
before turning back to you,
stepping close.
"I hate to ask all this of you Now,
but we-
...I need you to decide immediately.
If you decide to say Yes, then we need to Move,
and we still may not have time to pull it off.
And if you say No, then... I-
well-
...that is your decision."
Murmur takes the delay to catch her breath,
leaning on the table,
ready to run again at a moment's notice.
