Sixty-Ninth Theory [Voice]

[i_speak_softly]

[Yesterday the village grew quiet, as many villagers were called on a draft, and many others began the anxious wait to see if their friends and loved ones would return to the village safely.]

[Also yesterday, a breath of warm weather arrived in Luceti. Don has been out enjoying it, trying not to dwell on those who are fighting on a flying island right now. He has enough other things on his mind, and around midday he does something about one of them.]

Filtered to Beast || Unhackable

Beast... I haven't thanked you properly for what you did for Robert and me. For everything you've done for us.

End Filter

[Later, he leaves a brief, unfiltered message:]

Would anyone be interested in learning how to program computers and fix cars?

Comments

[i_speak_softly]

[In answer, Don stretches out his half-combed right wing.]

Is this going to bother you?

[semper_cogitans]

...

Yes. [It's a start on the honesty front, right?]

[i_speak_softly]

[He thought so.]

Do you need to finish it now?

[semper_cogitans]

I would... prefer to, if you do not mind...? [It won't take too long to finish if he dedicates his brain to it.]

[i_speak_softly]

[Don gives Robert a calculating look, then says:]

I don't mind, but if you can wait until after dinner I'll offer you a seventy-percent chance of it leading to other things.

[semper_cogitans]

...

[Seventy-percent chance is a very nice percentage. Certainly it is significantly better than average.

After some serious thought -]

... I accept.

[i_speak_softly]

[Don leans forward to kiss Robert on the nose.]

Good choice.

[And now to distract him from these asymmetrical wings.]

Will you make me something vegetarian?

[semper_cogitans]

Of course... [This is a nicer thought than the asymmetry of Don's wings though Robert is focusing on them regardless of his efforts.]

... Do you have a preference? If you do not, I have a pizza recipe I had been meaning to try...

[i_speak_softly]

Sounds good to me.

[Don rolls to his feet, and offers Robert a hand up. Or he could take that encyclopedia.]

[semper_cogitans]

[The encyclopedia is fine to take; Robert will just carefully lift himself off his knees. The benefits of stability and strength training manifest once more!

He heads houseward then, intent on making the best damn vegetarian pizza he is capable of. Don will not regret his decision to transition diets if he can help it.]