Their senses are far greater than mine are, Cassius says, and takes it like a charming detail. A blessed thing about someone he so clearly adores.
Hugh takes a mental note.
(Sharper senses. Might need to figure out some way around that.)
"Of course. Whenever you're ready." Hugh makes sure to lock up behind them. Throws one last lingering look out at the stars after Cassius has left the room, something pensive across his features. "We'll be on the..."
He misses them, sometimes. YS. The mental connection is weakened through no small effort of his own, worn down to a thread, but that thread persists - reminds him of their presence. He's not sure he could cut it if he tried. He has not tried.
There is no sound out there, but there's a gentle ripple in the stars. Reality softening like melted plastic. That thread between them vibrating gently, like a spider tracing its web. Hugh turns halfway and lets the doors shut, punches the lock back into place without looking and ignores that desperate little tug at the back of his mind.
(He's given enough to them. Will give more, with time, whether he likes it or not. Let them wait.)
"...Mm." Hadn't finished that thought, had he? Hugh pushes on as if there were no pause at all, his steps a bit slower on the walk out. He pops his knuckles absently, working each finger loose into the curl of his other hand. "On the third deck, near me. We'll have some decontamination procedures to put you through, of course. Can't risk any unnatural viruses you might've inadvertently brought on board getting the rest of them ill. Lucky you that I'm mostly immune these days."
Entirely immune, in fact. They have colds, flus, a bevy of the usual Earth illnesses. In the years he's been up here, he's caught more than a few himself.
Until YS.
"But it involves staying in the room for a bit. Until we can clear you to walk around. I hope you don't mind, terribly sorry for the inconvenience." He adds on a bit more with a lilt, glancing at Cassius over his shoulder. "Wouldn't want to hurt anyone."
He's curious. Cassius seems to hold no active ill intent, but would he care if he were to hurt someone inadvertently? Would he value his freedom and will more than everyone else?
no subject
Hugh takes a mental note.
(Sharper senses. Might need to figure out some way around that.)
"Of course. Whenever you're ready." Hugh makes sure to lock up behind them. Throws one last lingering look out at the stars after Cassius has left the room, something pensive across his features. "We'll be on the..."
He misses them, sometimes. YS. The mental connection is weakened through no small effort of his own, worn down to a thread, but that thread persists - reminds him of their presence. He's not sure he could cut it if he tried. He has not tried.
There is no sound out there, but there's a gentle ripple in the stars. Reality softening like melted plastic. That thread between them vibrating gently, like a spider tracing its web. Hugh turns halfway and lets the doors shut, punches the lock back into place without looking and ignores that desperate little tug at the back of his mind.
(He's given enough to them. Will give more, with time, whether he likes it or not. Let them wait.)
"...Mm." Hadn't finished that thought, had he? Hugh pushes on as if there were no pause at all, his steps a bit slower on the walk out. He pops his knuckles absently, working each finger loose into the curl of his other hand. "On the third deck, near me. We'll have some decontamination procedures to put you through, of course. Can't risk any unnatural viruses you might've inadvertently brought on board getting the rest of them ill. Lucky you that I'm mostly immune these days."
Entirely immune, in fact. They have colds, flus, a bevy of the usual Earth illnesses. In the years he's been up here, he's caught more than a few himself.
Until YS.
"But it involves staying in the room for a bit. Until we can clear you to walk around. I hope you don't mind, terribly sorry for the inconvenience." He adds on a bit more with a lilt, glancing at Cassius over his shoulder. "Wouldn't want to hurt anyone."
He's curious. Cassius seems to hold no active ill intent, but would he care if he were to hurt someone inadvertently? Would he value his freedom and will more than everyone else?
(Would he be a Hugh?)