Sixty-Eighth Theory [Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[For the past few weeks, Don has spent an increasing amount of time staring out the windows of his winter room, watching for signs of spring. As comfortable as the room is, after two-plus months of living in it he really just wants to get out.]

[To that end, he has been packing for a camping trip, and today - not knowing that winter isn't yet done with Luceti - he shuts down all the systems in his room and leaves the house.]

[Anyone out and about in the village may see the Turtle, bundled in his snowsuit and carrying a duffel bag, heading out of town. He's not going anywhere in particular and isn't in a hurry, so he'd be happy to stop and talk.]

Comments

[i_speak_softly]

It's the only strategy I'm good at.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[Considering the place is basically being a pseudo-greenhouse anyway, Robert's glad for the extra warm space to raise his plants. It might make moving back into the winter room next winter a chore, though.]

I am more than amicable to running them myself... your ingenious systems are quite simple to understand.

In any case, it will be some time before the paopu saplings will need... proper replanting, even though they are much larger than they were. [It's been quite awhile, after all. Even if it doesn't feel like it...]

[spohkh]

You do not know who 'mine' is... and I want to keep it that way. You are not a threat.

[Spock raised his hands in a gesture of surrender.] I have held our gatherings in high regard... it would be... remiss to lose them.

[Spock bows his head.] You have my sincerest apologies.

[i_speak_softly]

I stay away from everyone who isn't mine. [He will strongly imply the "unlike some people".]

[Later he will deal with the existential weirdness of having fought over mates with Mr. Spock. For now, he'll just back off a step, as though the Vulcan isn't worth any more of his time.]

[spohkh]

[Spock sighs...and can't help but feel a bit sad.]

Very well Mister Donatello. [Spock lifted his hand in a Ta'al.]

Peace and long life to you, until next we meet.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don looks at the growing young trees.]

I liked having them around.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

... It is possible the room could support one, were it... to be modified. [Though that would require retooling the roof.]

In any case, though... I also enjoy the indoor greenery. It is... enjoyable, to tend to them... and they make the house seem more... lively.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Following the train of thought, Don directs a calculating look at the ceiling, then simply nods. Project accepted.]

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

[This is a nice thought.]

It is... a project to consider for later, yes...?

... At any rate... [Another glance at Don's packing.] Shall I... assist you, or... is there anything else you would rather I do...?

[He wants to spend a little time with you before you leave, Don.]

[musubi]

...If you think you can deal with it, man. I mean, we know nothing you learn here will affect anything if you're sent back, so it's not like you'll be able to change anything from happening.

For better or worse.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

Mm.

[He glances up, and their gazes cross before he quickly looks away again.]

Just - stay right there.

[Action]

[semper_cogitans]

Certainly.

[As he usually does, Robert follows this direction exactly - he stands in the exact same place, without moving from the spot, until whenever Don wants him to move.]

[i_speak_softly]

Exactly. [He looks down at the journal.] Why torture myself? But on the other hand, ignorance has not been bliss.

[musubi]

Well, it hasn't happened. And if you never leave here, it won't ever happen.

It's up to you, in the end. Personally, though? I'd burn it.

[fourthgenerationprincess]

So, do you spend a lot of time in the library, too? [ It feels sort of nice to have found a kindred spirit. ]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don looks appalled at this suggestion.]

I can't burn it.

[i_speak_softly]

I would say I visit it often.

[Action]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don takes pity, and stops trying to break Beast's brain.]

I'll tell you about it when I get back.

[musubi]

Then lock it up somewhere and give someone else the key. Something that'll keep the temptation at bay.

[i_speak_softly]

I'm not tempted, Isamu. I've been thinking about it for months.

[musubi]

And I gave you my opinion.

I think maybe if I was in your shoes and I had the opportunity to learn about some of the things that happened to me later on, I would have been better off not knowing at the time. Especially if I couldn't change any of it.

But then that's just me. And maybe I'm wrong.

[i_speak_softly]

[Don looks at the ground, and quietly slides the journal back into his bag.]

I should get going.

[musubi]

[Isamu sighs. He always fails at this sort of thing.]

Look, I'm sorry.

You do whatever you want. I shouldn't be making comparisons like that.

[i_speak_softly]

[Maybe he shouldn't have mentioned it in the first place. It's a private matter.]

It's okay. I just - wanted you to know.

[I.e., if it's really horrible, he may want to talk to you about it later.]

[Which is probably why he did mention it.]

[musubi]

Yeah, man. That was good of you.

So. Heh. If you turn into a raving mad man... er, turtle,... fairly soon, we'll know what to blame, right?

[Terrible attempt at humor, Isamu. Terrible.]