ϡ - Chapter Twenty; those who have gone missing [action/voice]
[ There's a clear strained sigh coming from the opposite end of the transmission. A few moments later some shuffling as someone moves about in the background. ] Frederic's been...taken. He, um, has been for awhile. I-I wasn't supposed to make anyone worry, I'm terribly sorry for not saying so sooner. [ There's a clear tone of guilt in his voice. It
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... Mr. Chopin?]
Helios, do you perhaps mean Frederic Chopin? I... heard he was here, from Doctor Faye-Ling. [That doesn't explain why Helios knew about it, but that information isn't currently relevant so Robert doesn't ask.]
And you say he's been taken? ... Presumably for experimentation? [Robert's tone is obviously disturbed. It takes him a moment to think of anything more to say - but his next sentence is a little... quiet, and slightly gentle.]
Is there... anything I may do to assist?
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... principles of conservation of energy... a-and the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and... and... bah, I don't know... how could this happen? Terra doesn't have magic. I know it doesn't.
[He looks up at Helios almost pleadingly.]
... How did this work? Why? This isn't supposed to be possible. [A definite look of... panic, on Robert's face.] I don't understand. [And when he admits that there's a problem.]
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[ Helios will walk over to the other. ] You didn't make to your destination though. But it's still rather good for using it for the first time.
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... I... I thought perhaps that it was limited to only certain individuals. Like the physics here seem to be. ... [Robert takes a few slow breaths, as calm as he can make them.]
... perhaps... there is an explanation for this. Perhaps. It... It might've had something to do with the fact you prepared the spell and I simply finished it. [Really Robert is just desperately hoping that everything about Terra isn't null and void.]
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You know that actually might be the case. Considering you didn't fully reach your destination. We'd have to test it--if you'd like to try again that is. [ He says that tentatively looking back and forth between Robert and the building. ] Perhaps another time...
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... If I am correct in my hypothesis, then...
... I would need to copy that circle exactly. [Robert looks at Helios.] Is there any specific procedure or do you simply draw it? [Robert's face looks... serious. He's in full-on researching mode and his mind is already thinking of what could be happening.]
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Yes of course. Ah! N-No there isn't really. You simply need to draw it that's all.
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[Robert's thinking. If the physics of their world encompass them only... then what happens if he tries to make the spell and has Helios finish it, instead?]
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It doesn't take him long to get up the stairs at that rate, though he's wheezing by the fifth floor. Regardless, his voice is relatively clear as he approaches the door of Helios' apartment again.]
I m-must copy exactly what you did... To the smallest detail. I need to eliminate experimental bias.
[He pauses a moment before looking over at Helios.] I will need your help to test this - if you'll agree, you'll be going to attempt to finish the spell I make.
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And the good thing about spells is they never run out. As long as you have the circle written somewhere it's easy to replicate.
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May I see the c-copy of that circle? [The hitch in his breath is already decreasing as his pulse slows to normal, now that he has a moment to stand there and think. He glances on the floor where the mark was (is it still there?).] I should use the same thing you used to create it. These need to be as identical as possible.
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[ He'll go back to it then shuffling through papers before a slight 'aha!' escapes his lips. He'll turn back to the scientist handing over a sheet of paper with a black marker drawn circle in it. It's carefully drawn and extraordinarily detailed. Each inch of the circle covered with symbols that probably mean nothing to Robert. But it's like a whole language to Helios. ] Mm here it is.
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As soon as Helios hands Robert the sheet, he takes the chalk Helios had been using earlier and begins meticulously copying the exact figure. Though Robert is no artist, when he wants to be precise, he is - and so the chalk picture on the ground looks nearly-identical to the marker drawing after some time of Robert fussing over it. ]
Hopefully that is accurate enough... N-Now, you attempt to finish it. [Robert stands up, adjusting his glasses with a determined expression.]
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[ Helios will nod taking the knife used before and cleaning it, sterilizing it and then pricking his finger. With the blood he'll finish the circle on the floor. ] There. Just repeat what you did before.
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Now, you do what I did before - step into the circle and concentrate on an image. If I'm correct... [Robert lets his statement hang. So far, nothing's changed.]
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