Eighth Inquiry [voice] BACKDATED TO 3AM

[nottheanswers]

You now, there are some questions that you'll be unlikely to ever get an answer to you can share. Not entirely impossible, as this place has proven, but the usefulness of the information, how it may apply to anyone else, is always suspect.

I've got one in particular in mind, but the answers will probably be different between here and home, and there's good odds they'll vary from person-to-person.

But I'm using a lot of words to make a very simple inquiry. [sorry everyone, he probably hasn't slept in a few days] What do you think happens when you die? Or, at the very least, between when you die here and when she decides to bring you back?

I have my own thoughts, of course, but my answers aren't important right now. Just the question.

Comments

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

Lung cancer. [Wryly.] Guess the stupid mistakes you make as a kid are always bound to come back on you, huh?

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

[He makes a small sound, something between a 'hm' or a 'huh.' Long pause.]

I didn't know the City could postpone things like that.

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

Well, that's really only one way to find out, and there's nothing easy about it.

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

I'm sorry.

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

Nothing to be done about it, really. Just keep going and hope the pendulum eventually decides whether to drop or not.

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

You know, I-- I spent a lot of time working with the terminally ill, last year. In the City. [Fractional hesitation.] For a number of reasons.

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

I can only imagine. And what did you tell them when they found themselves in a situation like mine?

[Well, obviously not exactly like his, that's a bit unique.]

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

It wasn't my job to tell them anything. I mostly just listened. [A half lie. Beat.] In the end, before I-- before I couldn't work anymore, I was allowed to talk about how I was an import. I didn't talk about my situation, I don't really like doing that, but I did talk about how I met Death here. The physical manifestation of Death. And I told them all that she was-- is-- a very nice person.

[Pause. Lamely:]

It made a difference for me. It's easier when you can see her.

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

I was never sure if there was one. The only thing I've heard is-- [Chuckles weakly.] --Well, they've always said something about skis.

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

I don't catch your meaning.

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

I guess that one's not so universal.

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

Anyway, I know she's real.

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

Meeting her must've been something. What was she like?

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

[His voice wavers somewhat.]

She was one of the sweetest people I ever met. She'd send me letters. When I was upset once, she stayed with me the whole night just to keep me company. She talked about how she-- how death-- wasn't pain, but the end of it. The end of suffering. And when you heard it from her, you'd believe it.

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

[He's silent for a couple beats. When he finally answers, his usual smirking tone is absent. Just perfect sincerity.]

...That sounds nice.

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

[Katurian's usual coldness with Vic is all but gone by now. He loves talking about death. It's unmistakable, the warmth in his voice.]

Certain people might try to convince you that I'm afraid of everything. But not her.

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

Well, certain people only see what they want to, and will move heaven and earth to make that interpretation true.

Do you think meeting her made the difference, or did it only add further to existing feelings?

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

[Pause.]

Like you, I was ready to die, and then I wasn't.

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

Happen to know if she's still around, then?

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

[His throat is dry.]

She left.

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

Shame. Would've been nice to meet her.

Though I have to wonder whether her advice applies the same way in a place like this. Sure, you'll get the momentary release, but what's to keep it all from coming back once you do?

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

I keep coming back.

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

Tends to happen here, yeah. And the suffering? Does it end, or is it just a temporary reprieve?

voice; private, encrypted

[goryteller]

[The edge returns.]

What do you think?

voice; private, encrypted

[nottheanswers]

Pretty much what I was afraid of.

You can't escape death, but you can't escape life, either.