Sixty-First Theory [Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[People may have stopped scuba-diving and playing Whack-a-Mole around the fountain, but at least by some standards, it’s not entirely back to normal: now a giant turtle is sitting on the edge of it, staring intently at passersby.]

[Well, not just staring. Donatello is trying to establish psychic contact. He’s thinking a message as hard as he can at anyone who walks through the plaza, and while it isn’t exactly in words, the gist of it is: If you can hear this, help me.]

[Of course, to anyone who can’t hear it, he just looks like some kind of creeper. He’s sorry about that, really...]


((Death penalty reference.))

Comments

[most_unwanted]

[He might be very much non-telepathic, but Mulder is pretty good at noticing when something is off. As he approaches the fountain, he catches sight of Don and that unusually intense look in his eyes. Hmmm...]

Are you looking for a staring contest partner?

[i_speak_softly]

[Hey, Mr. Mulder, Don hasn't seen you in a while. Your guess is completely wrong, but Don smiles anyway. He's always glad to run into a friend.]

[most_unwanted]

How about that latest experiment, huh? It's a relief to see everything back to normal...

[Hmmm, something is definitely up.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don grimaces. Another irritating, pointless experiment. He hasn't wasted any brainpower trying to analyze this one.]

[most_unwanted]

My thought exactly. Having one's closet as a portal to random locations throughout the village really loses its novelty fast...

[He doesn't know if he should pry, but his curiosity and concern can't be held back much longer.]

Don? Are you feeling all right?

[i_speak_softly]

[Oh. Right. Don fishes through his belt and offers Mulder a crumpled index card. It says:

I'm having difficulty talking right now because of a death loss.
I'm also having trouble with my reading and writing.
I can understand everything you say.
Please be patient with me.]

[most_unwanted]

[Whenever Mulder hears about Lucetian deaths, he's always torn between sympathy and whipping out a notebook to take notes on what that experience is like. He knows it's a touchy issue though, so he proceeds with as much caution as he can. And a surprising amount of seriousness for him.]

I'm sorry to hear about that... and sorry too, that it's affected your communication. You're ok otherwise? No lasting side effects, penalty aside?

[i_speak_softly]

[Don nods, then shakes his head, then blinks in confusion. Don't ask contradictory yes/no questions, Mulder.]

[most_unwanted]

[Yeah that did end up more confusing than intended. Oops. Though there's a lingering question...]

So how does the staring tie into this?

[i_speak_softly]

[... He doesn't have an index card for that.]

Um... I think, everyone, but... no good yet.

[most_unwanted]

The way you were focused back there... [He may not have the actual powers for it, but he's sure seen it plenty of times. It's just the kind of explanation he's used to jumping to anyway.] You were sending a telepathic message?

[i_speak_softly]

[Don stares in amazement. How did you get that?]

[most_unwanted]

[Mulder is used to that look. Though usually it's after a long involved case where he gets to add an "I told you so" or along those lines.]

You were making the universal "communicating with my mind" expression.

[There's an attempt to imitate Don's look. Definitely something a little more intense than Deep Thoughts.]

It was either that, telekinesis, or an attempt to blow things up with your mind, and since you mentioned a communication error...

[i_speak_softly]

[Don is impressed by this deduction, and grateful he doesn't have to try to explain. He just nods, indicating Mulder got it right.]

[most_unwanted]

What can I say, I make a living at this kind of thing. [Sometimes, he's reminded how absolutely great it is being in a world where his odd theories are pretty much sane.]

Well, I hope you can find any kind of work-around if the penalty makes things that difficult. Have you had much luck finding anyone to help?

[He's guessing no, since he's still staring around here.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Shakes his head because the other thread hasn't happened yet. He's hopeful, though. He knows there are psychics in Luceti.]

[most_unwanted]

I'll be sure and send anyone your way if I run across anyone with those powers.

[People come and go so much that he isn't sure who's available right now, but even so, he's willing to bet someone will come along soon.]

[i_speak_softly]

Thanks.

[He appreciates the thought.]

[most_unwanted]

You're welcome. I'll leave you to it... unless there's anything you need in the meantime?

[He's always willing to help if needed, especially given these circumstances.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Well, while you're here...]

Hey, Mr. Muddy... You play the - the bounceball, right?

[most_unwanted]

The bounce... Oh, you mean basketball? Finding a ball here was one of the highlights of my stay so far.

[i_speak_softly]

Do you want to game somewhat?

[most_unwanted]

[That's a definite yes for him!]

I'd be up for it, anytime you'd like.

[The way things go around here, he finds that shooting some hoops usually makes for a good distraction.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Well, hooray. He'll definitely come around sometime to take you up on that.]

[most_unwanted]

I'll be looking forward to this. Just let me know when you're up for it.