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[encryptedlock]

[York and Delta are a little bummed abut Simon being gone - they really would have liked to know him better, but these things happen in Paradisa. No, it wasn't nearly as bad as in the "real world" where people died and that was it, always, but there was still never any guarantee that you'd see someone again if they left.

York sighs from his spot in the lobby near the fireplace.]

Maybe I'm missing something here - and I don't think I am - but has there been anyone new arriving in the past week or two? If this is spite for making that PSA about the castle, I'm sorry, okay? If people keep leaving and nobody comes in to replace them....

[He trails off, drinking some cider to fill the silence. Yes, he has his helmet off - it's right next to him, in case Delta detects any danger nearby, but it is a little hard to eat Christmas goodies with that thing on.]

For that matter, has anyone even gone on a loss lately? I haven't seen as many extraneous cats around....

[Bug him over journal or in person if you like! Kissing is a go, but if it's unplanned remember YOU have to initiate it. ;)]

Comments

[herwaltz.livejournal.com]

[Moonbay comes out of the kitchen with a mug of cocoa and stops when she sees York.]

If there are any cats, Sakaki probably adopted them all.

[encryptedlock]

Hey, Moonbay!

Well, I mean people who were turned into cats. It's one of the classic losses.

[herwaltz.livejournal.com]

I figured. She'd try to adopt them anyway.

[She grins at him.] Good to see your face again.

[encryptedlock]

Definitely my second choice if I get turned into a cat. [His first choice, of course, is Tex.]

Well, you know. I gotta eat some time. [Sugar cookies, yum yum.]

[herwaltz.livejournal.com]

I'll let her know; she'll be pleased to hear that.

[There's a pause as she takes a drink.] Keep that girlish figure, right?

[thosethatrun.livejournal.com]

[ Ten comes and plops down next to York, puzzling over the comments he heard him make. He was just planning on saying hello, but now he's puzzling. ]

Now that you mention it, I haven't heard anyone new over the journals, or heard of any losses. Maybe it has to do with the holidays? It's not exactly the best Christmas present, to be taken from your world and put here.

[encryptedlock]

[He nods, looking serious.]

I know, right? Except that people are taken from all over time, not just whatever it happens to be here. I mean, I'd say maybe it's the castle's present to us, so we don't have to explain ourselves over and over again? Except I know I'm not the only one who'd love nothing more than to see someone from home one more time.

[thosethatrun.livejournal.com]

[ He frowns and rests his chin on his hands. ]

Not only that, but there's so much different about the castle recently. And I don't mean just the ghosts. I haven't stayed in one place this long since... well. Let's just say it's been a while. But I don't feel like I should be traveling and I know Nine is feeling the same way. It makes me worried to think of what the castle could be planning.

[ He straightens for a moment and smiles at York as that pings a little reminder. ]

Oh. Right. That reminds me, though. When I do end up going for a little trip, Nine and I wanted to make sure you and Delta know that you're invited.

[encryptedlock]

[He rubs his temple.] Maybe that's part of--part of why your other self felt like he had to run off for a while. Just to prove that he could.

[York does smile and perk up a bit at that, though.] Really? That's awesome! Yeah, sure, of course we want to go! All that new data is like--like sugar cookies to D.

[Delta nods.]

[thosethatrun.livejournal.com]

Brilliant! It's not far, but we could count it as your first trip as a companion.

[ His grin fades a bit, though, as he thinks of Five. He can't help but look down with a pensive look. Ten still feels a bit guilty for not having realized York was gone and has his suspicions about York's death being the trigger for Five's impromptu absence. But he's not sure he wants to tell him that. No need to make him feel guilty. ]

[finesse-bottom.livejournal.com]

[is on her way back from work and spots York, so of course she makes a beeline over there and sits right down next to him]

You seem like you've been thinking far too much.

[encryptedlock]

[He smiles at her, of course.]

Consequence of being stuck with Delta. These things click into place, whether I think about them consciously or not.

[Delta nods.] Hello, Anya.

[finesse-bottom.livejournal.com]

[she grins, and gives a tiny wave to Delta, then it's back to the somewhat serious]

Well, he's not so bad. I'm sure he's really good in a black out. [teasing!!]

[encryptedlock]

Yep. Didn't have any problems back in March when it was National Blackout Day or whatever. [He gets a fond look on his face.] Not that I would anyway. Night vision is pretty standard. But we helped out a lot of people that day.

[finesse-bottom.livejournal.com]

[uh oh, did Anya accidentally remind him of some fond memory of someone who is no longer there, that will make him sad later on? She needs to get a list of things not to mention around York]

I'm sure you're helpful very often. I try to be helpful as well.

[kindnessing.livejournal.com]

.... Those are both good points. Come to think of it, since Takato got here, there hasn't been any evidence of newcomers at all.

[encryptedlock]

Yeah. I mean, I know it seems like they come in groups sometimes, but this is starting to get a little creepy.

[kindnessing.livejournal.com]

That's... definitely true. I don't remember a time when the arrivals just plain stopped. I think I remember a few people arriving even while the castle was changed, so... why now?

[encryptedlock]

I'm...not sure. [vaguely remembers a girl showing up during Jurassic Park, and of course Echo had appeared either during or right after that as well] Maybe it's just having an off week or something?

[kindnessing.livejournal.com]

... Would the idea that it's just tired of taking new people be too much to hope for?

[someoneto-carry.livejournal.com]

[Also bummed about the loss of her crew being gone, she had wandered into the lobby when she heard this familiar voice and approaches]

I've only heard of people leaving lately.

[encryptedlock]

[He nods.]

You're...Zoe, right? Other Wash's wife? [He offers her the plate of cookies.]

[someoneto-carry.livejournal.com]

That'd be me. [She'll take a cookie] Thanks.

And you're York?

[encryptedlock]

That's me. Usually have the helmet on [he taps it], but it's kinda hard to eat cookies like that. Sacrifices, you know.

[someoneto-carry.livejournal.com]

[she shrugs] Sometimes they gotta be made.

There a reason you usually have a helmet on?