"In verse the ink flows to origin. Across time-space continuum in mark thy name, Styl 917156, how fared your outing?"
His ears picked up the greeting before his eyes did. Compared to the cognizant sensors he was equipped with before which operated on a basis similar to how extensions of the psyche summarized and computed surrounding information in a singular wave strand; 917156 considered his new sensory instrument which functions by discerning information through physical cognizance as a novel experience. Especially when the harmonies of multiple senses clash and overwhelm one another in the process of absorbing external stimulus.
"Everything has become very new to me again."
7782's voice spilled like crystals flooding into 917156's ears. "You're remarkably excitable today," 7782 chimes, listening to the resonance buzzing under 917156's skin. "Rein in your psyche, Lux."
917156 followed 7782's instructions. As he did, 917156 rediscovered his connection to his prior insight. He felt slightly relieved at the force holding his weight, but, for now, 917156 quelled all running thoughts.
7782 smiled gently at 917156, "Looks like you are ready to proceed, Styl 917156."
He was planning to offer some guidance to his junior since it seemed like the Lux was troubled by his overflowing compass, but it wasn't necessary after all.
[As chosen envoys to the Estorias throughout the plethora of Time and Space, change is a constant that never leaves our flowing stream. But, we will never be lost because Quantum is our origin.]
7782 was beginning to understand what his stubborn friend must've felt.
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
[Present. Making way to your office, Lumen 774. -917156]
917156 exited the message panel immediately after confirming [sent]. Because Lumen 774 had the routine of not responding. When he does, the ratio was typically 10:1, ten texts sent for every one reply.
917156 navigated through the HQ without much difficulty by following the directions of the map reflected in his iris. Like his previous meeting with 7782, Quantum's Headquarters had become an old but new sight. Still, 917156 was adapting quickly to the double images after looking twice. For example, his visual recep— eyes were slowly recovering from the sensory overload brought on by the teleportation.
But there is one thing. He had no problem with navigation or direction, however, he was clumsy. He moved clumsily. 917156 failed to replicate the fluid motions and transitions demonstrated by the guide. His gait was stiff and awkward as he counted.
The door was wide open, like always, when he arrived. His attention was captured by a note plastered on the door. 917156 read through it quietly. The office is not tidy. Lumen 774 will be— arriving in
ten
nine
eight
seven
…
two
one.
On time.
774 moved with practiced ease. His face lays open but unlike 7782's. His shoulder-length hair swayed lightly as he walked and adorned his half-smile like silken mist. 774 paused midstep. He strode past 917156, eyes focused on the plastered note. Conducting periodic inspections for menaces is also a part of 774's routine.
[Chuchu, you will surely be wowed with amazement by my newest piece. I think it's a personal best. Tell me how well you like my gift later. -Luchee.]
774 entered the room, his wry expression betraying his crossness, with 917156 following a step behind. His office was simple in its color scheme and organized in a way that everything had a designated place to be. Now, it looked flourishing. Five miniature trains roamed throughout the room, their tracks extending through every surface.
917156 lifted a foot to avoid butting into one of the trains and lost his footing among the wreckage. The shelves bent slightly ajar, spilling over. It looked like someone had considerately made an effort to tidy up, but gave up after seeing that the disordered floor added a sense of balance to the five trains' roving passage.
"Lumen 774—"
"Cvit," 774 interrupts.
"Lumen Cvit—"
"Keep it scarce."
Cvit strode to his armchair, the litter of trains and rails gravitating behind him. He placidly took a seat as the litter rounded up beside 917156. Trains and their tracks pushed against each other, compressing until finally collapsing soundlessly into a jumbled sphere which he then disposed of to the 'menace bin'.
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+
[Mer]
917156 was promptly hit by an obscure sensation that reverberated through his hollow interiors. 917156 was sure. He is currently experiencing 'Recognition'. It matched the symptoms. The rebounding echoes melted into a constant hum, calling out to him, the Envoy; guiding to her, Mer; and connecting to them, the Estorias.
Unnoticed by 917156, a spark of light, an ethereal ember, fell into his eyes. Burning. Mer watched 917156. She did not miss the fluctuations in 917156's countenance however momentary the waves hit, they were a sign of his infirmity. He was was still, then he burned. When the sparks first fell, they were faint. Like feathers fluttering in the air, easily stirred off course.
But the sparks belonged to 917156, and they knew it too. Mer held out her hand, "Your turn."
917156 secured the promise in his arms, not exactly understanding, but not questioning. He double-checked the contents. Not that there was a need to because the fact that Mer was met with no resistance already symbolized Quantum's acceptance.
"Then I will take my leave. Take your time to rest if you do not mind," 917156 informed Mer and withdrew from the subspace.
~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~+~
"And yet another unique one," Cvit muttered to himself.
"?" It wasn't the only incongruous comment Cvit had made for the narrative, but it was the one 917156 had heard the clearest.
"At least she's not unhinged unlike…" Continuing his soliloquy, Cvit took it upon himself to leisurely reorganize the massive stacks of documents and items assembled at his desk.
"Yes, a level 2 clearance would answer most of these needs."
"To grant a level 2 clearance means-"
"Special privileges come with special effects. The benefits match the risks she requested knowingly. Or is it that you think your Host is incapable of enjoying it?"
"...No," 917156 unconsciously blurt out, "my partner, she is more than capable enough to face the rise in difficulty." He had a sense. 917156 can't picture the prospect of Mer failing. Maybe it was her deliberateness, or due to his general lack of information regarding her, or, like Cvit had said, her 'uniqueness' that compelled 917156 to give the answer.
"Mm, haha." Cvit surprised 917156 with an abrupt fit of laughter. Cvit had never laughed like this to him before. It was 917156 first time hearing laughter.
"You're right. She is much more than you, more than you think." Cvit's remark only added to 917156's puzzlement. 917156 felt a faint sense of rising discomfort as he was held in place by Cvit's unusually clear and bright eyes.
"Remember this for the especially content and collected ones: Where are their questions? Their curiosities?"
They were piercing.
"The answer is, Lux, already attested to."
Finally, the bright eyes slid away.
Cvit sorted through his square cabinet and finding the object he was looking for, refocused on 917156. Without warning, Cvit tossed a pouch at 917156 who gingerly received it with preprogrammed reflex. Cvit walked up to 917156 and pushed the pouch against 917156's hand.
"Careful. These are fragile," Cvit cautioned in a low voice.
917156 held up one of the many tiny, ink-black cubes that filled the pouch. It was approximately the size of a grape and cold to the touch. Contrary to Cvit's description, the artifact was seemingly absent of any indicator of fragility.
"Consider this an early congratulatory gift from me," and before 917156 could ask, "Page 32 on the 'Items' section of your manual."
"...You look different, Lumen 774."
Cvit responded by briskly handing 917156 a smack to his back, the force of it rocking 917156 from his spot.
"Well? Get going if you're done here, Lux. Don't keep your partner waiting." Cvit points at the door. "And don't rush through patient ordeals, so just don't–"
917156 counted the time.
"-come back too soon."
"Certainly, I am done with my report."