Thread: All Steamed Space (Shikokudarkstar X Charlie_Death)

Ayden had to contain himself from one of his fanciful sighs. As much as sentimental poetry went on the natural beauty of order and nature, he really found that his neighbor's look was at it's finest in the chaotic disheveled mess that he is. In a world that prizes orderliness, to move so freely in a state of fashionable chaos, it was rather... alluring. Especially when his face is dirtied by the soot of his tinkering. He nodded politely to what was being said, although he was lost halfway. She just wants something exciting in her life, there is nothing scandalous about a man enjoying the company of other bachelors. He spoke rather vaguely since he didn't know anything about his housemates either. He wanted to ask until he caught a whiff of whatever was cooking. It smelled... exotic. He didn't know how else to describe the aroma that met him. He nearly forgot that he was supposed to be in a conversation until he was given a departing greeting. He gave a brief bow as he left. He wanted to know more about him but perhaps that is for another time. Perhaps he will make a revision to the manuscript he is going to be sending to the publisher. ---- Xanthor had waited by the entrance, early as always, having dedicated itself to understanding biology. It pulled out the pocket watch that had been on Brent since it first encountered him. It took some time to adjust to the concept of time but Xanthor finally understood it enough that it was already past the time that Dr. Monroe was supposed to arrive. Not wanting to fall behind its work, it went back to its lab where it was preoccupied with its research on the tardigrade. It was difficult in explaining to other scientist that it is worthwhile researching something so tiny. It had raised a few, exposing them to extreme conditions and waiting to see how long it takes for them to die. Many people thought it was cruel but they were micro organisms. Yet not a single one truly died. Even when left in boiling water or frozen in a block of ice for days. When the temperature got right, they would spring back to life as if nothing happened. Remarkable. If only it had been able to evolve into a larger species, then it would resemble one of the first lifeforms that began to travel space. It was genius how they took advantage of their chemical hibernation to extreme temperatures to survive cryogenic sleep on long travels. They still existed, but they had been drifting away on the other side of Andromeda. Although now they inhabit some areas of Andromeda, this galaxy was not quite on their list of places to explore, or at least this section for all he knew. Prying itself from its unevolved specimens, it walked back to the window to watch for Dr. Monroe. Seeing him arrive at... it checked its watch.. nearly an hour late, it had to criticize his tardiness. Humans live for such a short time that he didn't have the luxury to dilly dally his mornings without research. Besides it hadn't finished its prior arguments from the night before. A disappointment that would have to continue as it was pried away, only able to sneak back to his presence when he decided to unveil something new. Xanthor was sure it was going to be him piggy backing after some one else, it almost had the species pinned down from its unnaturally long memory, if one could call it that. It was more of free floating data that became part of its being as it drifted, collecting various electromagnetic energy given off by every living thing he encountered, no matter how miniscule. But now was not the time to be introspective! It stood towards the back of the crowd that as usual, ate up whatever bullshit he pawned, unimpressed. At least, it was until it couldn't recall something like this being created. Similar items, but never to keep a fire alive in a contained box. There was little to no purpose for it on most planets. Similar inventions fed something combustible not the very thing that fire consumed... It was like he made it to feed fire, not harness it. Dual usage as a heater was just icing to the cake. It rubbed its chin, a human mannerism it picked up, partially because it found the sensation to be relaxing, or even enjoyable should it miss a shave, much like today. It never could get the fine motor skills for that. Touch was still too much, but the sound of its gloves being scratched by hair follicles was just as relaxing. It couldn't help but find the tightening muscles of its face alarming as it smiled. It was the first in a while. Dr. Monroe had finally created something that was his own, something remarkable. It lingered, waiting for the crowd to disipate before it spoke. Arguing may be a public affair, but it wanted praise to be just between them. It seemed more... intimate. There was, Dr. Monroe. Xanthor held its hands behind its back as it took carefully measured steps towards him. I wanted to know where you have been hiding your talent. This is the first time since I have come to work at this facility that you have presented an invention that was truly yours. Not that I doubted you have before I arrived, but still... It stared him hard in the face. You denied your brilliance with the trinkets of another for so long, I began to have doubts about you. That perhaps you weren't the brightest of your species as I thought. It paused a moment before clearing its throat, realizing that it made a verbal slip and hoped that Dr. Monroe didn't catch on. Knowing his wits, he probably did, but what is said cannot be unsaid. A curse of linear existence really, no do overs. So tell me. Why, when you possess such intellect, must you pawn someone else's invention as your own? It gestured towards some of the other inventions that lingered in his workspace. Its words came out harsher than it intended.