[PCA] UNIVERSAL CONSTANTS

[skinstealer]

[image description: a cover image for episode, titled
Universal Constants
Episode 4: Networking
Mar, a large metal dress-like knight poses in a backless, sleeveless sweater with angular accents. Surrounding her are boxes filled with text messages.]
 

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DAY ONE
 

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Testing, it's Judgment.

That was quick.

Had to be sure.

Afraid I gave you a burner number, Judgment?

Won't deny its happened before.

I'm sorry to hear that.
No, this is my number. Congratulations.

Does that congrats come with a free car?

No, cars aren't exactly in my prize pool.

Unfortunate.

What, is that really the best prize you can think of? A free car?

What would you have asked for then?

Hmmm...




A nice dinner.

I wouldn't be opposed to that, no..

I assumed as much.
I can't say that I have a refined palate myself, but...

Really? I'm surprised.

Diet of raw meat, as mentioned.
...though...
I suppose I do have preferences.

Specific cuts?

Of course, as well as the source of the meat itself. Taverne has a great many to offer.

Personally picky, try to go to local markets for specifics.

Oh? What's your favorite?

Hmm.. poultry. Grilled and marinated in something with a bit of a citrus zing. You?

I can't say I've had a marinade.
My answer will likely be fairly boring.

I'd still like to hear it.

I prefer a large slab of meat, in whatever cut makes that most possible.
As fresh as it can get.
What is it that some chefs say?

So rare, its heart's still beating?

But have you enjoyed a beating heart before?

Would it frighten you if I have?

Not at all, personally I'm more of a fan of tongue though.

I've heard it's incredibly decadent, when prepared correctly.
Unique texturally, as well.

Mm.. unfortunately a bit uncanny and tough rough even for the most carnivorous. I suppose I'd have to prep you dinner myself..

From how much you talk yourself up, I expect only the finest cuts.


Unfortunately, it's time for me to sleep. You seem to have gotten me up past my bedtime.


Mm, hopefully for your sake this won't be too recurring.

We'll see.



 

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DAY TWO
 

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Did you and Mar manage to finish that cell block?
I'm sorry for having to leave early. Surprise meetings are never a pleasant occasion.


Mm, went incident free on our end.

Good. With that one done, we can really start moving.
Anything of note?

They really like wrestling down there. Is that normal?

















The residents have a lot of energy. Staying indoors 24/7 isn't helpful towards dissuading that.

So they find outlets.

A few scrapes and bruises every week and understanding boundaries and technique is a lot less problematic than them /not/ doing anything like that regularly, and ending up breaking bones when someone gets the whim to spar.


Mm. Better that, they seem pretty durable for it too.

Extremely so, though most ride the line between powerful and frail.

Certainly relate to that.

Go on.

Fiend, magical, volatile in every other department but I'm also usually the strongest thing in the room.









A similar case for the residents.

Mm, I can empathize.

Helpful, I suppose.




























Like any sweet drinks? Coffee? Trying to keep note of things.


























Lemonade is a preference.
Why?

In case I ever go on a outing to the city, may bring you something back.

You don't have to.
But it does sound very nice.

As your assistant your morale is one of my priorities so.. expect things on occasion.

Gifts aren't necessary as my assistant.
As an interested party, however...
Is this how you usually court people with sharp teeth?

No, usually it's a little more outlandish from my end.

Holding out on me.


You want me to step it up?








Yes.
Try me.

I could invite you for a bite after work.

More details.

Sink your fangs into something new and exciting for a bit, can't imagine you get enough chance to.

No chances actually.
Can you promise new and exciting?

At bare minimum.






That sounds nice.
Not tomorrow.
Soon?

Soon.

My place when we do.
Is that acceptable?

I can work with those terms.

It's a deal.







Thank you.

Of course, I'm looking forward.

A dinner for three.



 
 

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DAY THREE
 

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Is Mar doing alright?
I'm unfamiliar with whether proxies bumping their heads on doorframes actually causes physical damage.
Not my wheelhouse.

She's fine, was worried she'd crack the frame more than anything. You concerned for her?

It sounded like it hurt.
It's only natural to be a little worried.

She's pretty tough, would've gotten harsher feedback if it was something severe.

Very much noted.
Actually, can she read these texts?

She can, I can pass the phone along.

Go ahead. I wouldn't mind a chat.






Testing, this thing is a bit small.

I use voice to text, personally.
It may be easier on your hands.












Testing, wow that really works.

It's immensely helpful.
It does mean that I prefer to text in private, though. I have ways to type fine enough, but I prefer this.

Mm.. the others might prefer typing I think but this helps me a lot.

I'm guessing you don't get the opportunity much, considering I don't think I've noticed anyone else acknowledge your presence.

Sorry if that's rude.

Most can't see or hear me without outside tools to be fair.

Interesting.
Any reason why I can?

Natural potential. Exposure to anomalies. Allergies. Stress. Quite a number of possible things.

Well, stress would do it.

Its surprisingly common..

I can assure you my stress is exceptional.
Apparently granting me magic powers.

Congrats.

I can't say I ever expected this turn of events.


Have you had any concerns you'd want to bring up?
Regarding my acclimation.

Nothing immediately comes to mind.

No issues?
I'm glad I'm doing alright with it.
It isn't my area of expertise and I do want you to bring things up if they happen.

I will, although I'd say you've done good so far.


And what do you think of it all?

I'm happy enough knowing you're really giving this a proper go.

I know it isn't easy.

No, but.
I don't know. It's strange for me as well.
I went from being enraged at both of you to being more curious than I've ever been.
Like I said during our first after hours, you and Judgment are anomalies to me.  I've never seen anything like either of you.

We're pretty new to someone like you as well I think.

Just as curious too

What intrigues you the most?

Trying to figure out how you work.

Rough edges but something completely different under.

You think you've gotten a glimpse from such a short time?

I could be wrong but we get the feeling.

Well now I'm curious.

No magic secret today sadly.

What do you want to see then?
If you could take a look underneath it all.

The thing that would make you smile.

You'll be hard pressed.
I barely know that myself.

Reason for all of us to work together.

Is it really that important to you?
Why?

Because for how much you seem to risk for others you hardly put any time toward yourself.

I do plenty of things for myself.

Is it enough?






















I don't see why it wouldn't be.

Then if you don't need perhaps you want?









Wanting is different yes.
I could say I want many things that I don't have.

You're allowed to want more than the minimum

Not with what I crave.







Are you sure this is a conversation you want to be having with your responses out loud?
Asking me to elaborate on said things may be more than you've bargained for.
You've been much less forward than Judgment.

There may be some merit to keeping it to ourselves I suppose.
If that would do more for you.

I don't mind either way. I'm in the comfort of my own apartment and it is soundproof.
No one's here to listen to me but I imagine Judgment is nearby.
I don't know your boundaries. It's up to you.

Maybe I'd like to save it for in person, Judgment there or not. Just in case.

Interesting.
Did Judgment tell you our plans?

Which ones?

Meeting up soon.
Our dinner for three.

Right! Should I dress up? Should he dress up?

Would you like to?
I wouldn't mind being treated.

We can arrange.

I would offer but my wardrobe is limited.

If you're feeling brave we could go find you more.





























I'm not exactly one for leaving the lab.

Why not?

It would be new to me.

But is it impossible?

No.
I suppose not.

We could make accomodations if that's too big a leap just yet.

What do you have in mind?

Something in personal quarters, gauging tastes.

Hm.
You'd like to dress me up?

Not if you don't want to, but I'll always take a chance to shop for clothes with someone else.

It could be nice.
Again, new.


But maybe nice.

We'll dress up for you either way.

I look forward to it.


 

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DAY FOUR
 

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Are you up.

Boss, is something wrong?

I tried to sleep.
Didn't work.

What can I do to help?

Need a distraction.

I can do that.










Do your worst.

So one time my cousin and I were invited to dinner at a neighbor family's place. The food was drenched in sauce and got a bit messy.

One of their kids our age was too embarrassed to ask for a napkin so she wiped her hands on the family pet beneath the table.







Is this a real story?

Very real.

What's it like?

Which part?
















Any part of it.
Neighbors. Dinner.
Family, pets.

Small town, lived with my Cousin and Grandmother on the outskirts. We were an old knight family who's residents either expanded off continent or moved away from the business. Last of our guild on Taverne, those of us who grew up there. We'd been close to the people nearby for generations, though outside of the Blancs I feel like we were never quite considered entirely part of their world.

I wouldn't feel a part of their world either.
Or yours. It's foreign.
All of it.

Even if the surface above and the city nearby were your world, it still wouldn't be what can be considered my world I think... ultimately that's not what's most important, I think.

No, I want to hear it.
What is your world?

It's one that exists in moments rather than places, those times I'm surrounded by people who understand.

When do you feel it?

That's hard to say, sometimes it comes unexpectedly.

I suppose that makes sense.








When was the last time you felt it?
If that isn't too personal.
I'm curious.

I'll have to think on that, it isn't the same every time but... I'd like to perhaps find some of that while my contract is here.

In a place like this?

It's happened under harder conditions.

And what did it for you then?

Good company.

That's all it takes for it to feel like home to you?

Isn't that all you need sometimes?

I can't say I'd know.

Maybe that could change some day.

Is that an offer?

It can be.

And what would you get out of it?

More opportunities to feel at home.













Why me?
You've barely just met me and you talk like I have so much potential.

I just have a good feeling.
















Interesting.

Is it really?

It's simply that I've felt similarly.
It's an ambiguously hard to word good feeling.

Maybe we're both onto something.

I can't say I expected chemistry.

We're in a laboratory, it's a risk we both take by being here.

Sounds like you're up for experimentation.

Perhaps I am.

There could be hazards.
Lab accidents could happen.

Is that not why you hired me? To keep them from getting out of hand?

I could be a lot to handle.

What's your point?

High maintenance, high needs.
You'll be taking on a commitment, and one with risks.

You don't need to sell me further on this.

And what do you want in return?

I'd already be getting it, a chance to spend time with you.

Very sweet. Tame, even.

I don't mind that.

Not disappointed?

Well, I doubt you'd skimp on the extreme.
You're the one who wants to stick your head into a dental woodchipper.

Teeth are teeth.

And here I thought mine were special.

They are.

Am I fishing if I ask how so?

You want to really know so bad?

It's late at night and I'm tired and lonely.
Go ahead.

I like their shape, the way they peek out when you talk, the presence they give you and the way they contrast with the softer energy you show at times.

Would you touch them if given the opportunity?
Feel them?

You want that?

Do you?

Mm.

I would allow you...provided you earn it.
Are you up for the task?

I am, pray you know what you've unleashed.

I expect your worst.
 

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DAY FIVE

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[image description: maes looking particularly strained, unable to keep a grimace off of her face. she trails behind charon, walking through a metal laboratory door with mar taking the rear. the size difference between the trio is apparent, with maes' head not even coming up to mar's chest.]

 

 

MAR: You seem rather tired today...
 

The large knight gives the cat a look of concern.

MAR: Did you sleep enough?
MAR: Hungry still?
MAES: ...sore.