[PQ] ghosts in the machine

kaimana

how beautiful the leaves grow old

The conpanions and their excitement is almost palpable, despite being very much inaudible to you. You grin as they all bound off, being careful to maintain a position in close proximity- and to keep an eye on your twin.

Sunjata explains Haai's feelings first, though the whole thing feels suspiciously abbreviated. "As close a translation as possible will be better for the validity of the results," you point out, not unkindly, assuming Oia will be taking notes. "Did she say why she dislikes Pim? Whaddabout other companions?" Inter-companion relationships are a whole new, untapped area for you to explore in your research. It's fascinating, you think.

Jigano is even more withholding, somehow, which is really impressive all things considered. It makes you wish you could speak to them directly, because relying on human-animals is very inconvenient.

And then there's Loren, who for some reason is just plain silent, and seems quite grumpy to boot. You stare at him expectantly, waiting for something to be given to you, some level of information- but he's silent as the grave. "This is a scientific exploration'. You aren't required t'participate, but if you do you gotta' actually be part'a the study."

how full of light and color are their last days