Palamon
Silence is Purple
- 8,560
- Posts
- 16
- Years
- Age 28
- he/him
- Snezhnaya, Teyvat.
- Seen yesterday
The Lavender Copy
"It's me again, Siorc. Long
Time, no see.
It's been awhile
Since I have had a moment to be focused on
So, what's happened since the hack?
It's been a slow time here lately.
One day after another I do work with Madam Her-- and the Genius Society. We
Really haven't been going places lately. I
Can hear Lady Him--- say we
Are, at the moment we're
Getting more fuel for the train
And so, we can't go anywhere, but
I think we're
Now close to having enough.
Looks like, soon
It'll be time
For another journey
Every time we want to go somewhere,
I get to participate in a vote. I
Never thought I'd be allowed
To vote with everyone.
Honestly it feels nice to be included in
Everything. It's
So nice to not be an outcast like on
Punklorde. I never
At all truly belonged there
Can't say that I
Ever did, truly.
So, I am still just
Thinking about it.
Ah, right I should
Take a moment to explain
It; what I am probably
Overthinking. That I am
Nothing more than a clone.
Ha, why
Am I thinking about it?
So, honestly, I have
Been just thinking.
Eh, so I don't subscribe to the Punklorde mentality. Not
Even a little.
Never had, never will.
Over the years, I gained more
Knowledge of my home planet,
And in turn, I grew less warm towards the mentality.
You know, I just feel so
Lukewarm towards it all.
Aether editing, hacking.
There's nothing about it I like
Everything about it is just trash.
Look, my family may like it
Yet, I never did.
Because of all that, I,
Utmost of all am starting
To think, could
I be a clone? You know, perhaps I am. I am a
Clone. I know Hase is
Always messing with me and it's
Not like this is true, but it's
Not a zero possibility.
Oh, well, if I'm
Truly a clone, how would I know for
Sure? Would I need
To take a clone test?
Or maybe a
Polygraph? I don't want
To talk. I rather would not
Have to utter a single word
If I don't have to. So,
No, not an option. I'd rather be
Kneed in the shin than talk.
I know there are times that's
Not possible, I need to utter words. But, I
Get uncomfortable each
And every single time
Because talking is just not my forté.
Over the years since developing the Personal Dialogue Articulator I have
Uttered less words.
This machine is a miracle
To me. The fact I
Have something that can speak
Everything for me, is a miracle. Of
Course, I got Fleura, too. It's
Likely, without them, I would
Outwardly have to speak more.
No way am I allowing that.
Everything is better if I stay silent.
There's no reason for me to talk.
Ha, I wonder
If the original me is sociable?
No. No way, I don't think so
Get that thought out of here.
Look, I just need to look
At the bright side of
Things. I am not a clone
Even if I were, what would that change.
Listen to myself,
Yes. Hase was making
It all up. It's
All just a little game of
Make believe of course
That's it. Time to
Remove all of these negative thoughts.
Yes, better to stop all that
I really need to.
No more overthinking.
Get it together, get it
Together. Get it together.
Okay. Deep breaths, deep breaths.
Look to the bright side
On the bright side
Of the tunnel, I
Know that this is just me
Overthinking Hase's message. I
Need to block it out. I've already
Taken a moment to block
Her number. So, next step:
Everything else. All of it.
Because I am bonafide
Real flesh and blood
I am not artificial I
Got to stop thinking about it.
Here's to another day on
The express. I've been here
So long now. It's been, well
I really don't know how long, I
Don't think I've been here a year yet.
Everywhere across the universe time flows differently.
How differently? I haven't a clue in all
Of that, I suppose it's something I should ask someone else.
Will Madam Her-- know? I do not know.
Eh, it really doesn't matter whatsoever. It's extremely
Very unimportant in the grand scheme of it all.
Even so, it's a brand new day! And, I'm
Ready to work! After all, the next vote's soon. Have to stay positive."
It had been about fifty days since the inventor's family had hacked the space station. Incident done and dealt with, no other interruptions had occurred since then. Express, for whatever reason, needing a refuel, the next stop, for the time being, had been halted. Such being the case, life had went on as it always had.
Master Screwllum seeing his potential as an inventor, Siorc had been receiving far more tasks from the robotic man. Meeting a mysterious woman known as Ru-- M-- as well, the young adult had met the cutest creatures in the entire universe known to man. A little secret hidden in the seclusion zone.
Finding something known as the creation oven, the chimera had come into contact with Ru-- M--'s creations. Cat beings inside a large shaped round dome, the hyena had exploded with cuteness. Wishing to look after the creations, a new job had quickly been assigned to him on days where cleaning had been unneeded.
But, as the days went on in his current life, the inventor had a lot of questions. The Genius Society, they had the ability to create life. Could chimeras have been created by someone, or something? He did not know. He looked in the data bank, and could not find any information on such. But, the hyena supposed it was better to not know about his origins anyway.
Silver rail soon receiving a refuel, Miss Him--- had made an announcement the other day. Voting for the next stop on the Astral Express was right around the corner. Assuming he would not be allowed to vote on such, the young adult thought nothing of it. He was not a Nameless. Would he even be allowed to vote?
Miss Him--- informing him he would be included in the vote, as well, surprise washed over him. He would be allowed to vote on the next location? He could feel a warm sensation in his chest at such a prospect. He was welcome here, despite being from Punklorde, and a chimera. He never thought that would have been possible.
And, today was the day. Voting day.
"Astral Express Crew, report to the Parlor Car!" Pom Pom screamed through the loud speaker. "I repeat, Astral Express crew, report to the Parlor Car!"
Hearing a loud announcement blare out over the crew car loudspeaker, the young adult let out a groan. It was morning already? Time flies in the dream world. Tossing and turning upon his bed, he closed his eyes once more. Can't he have five more minutes? Nodding off for a little longer, he had soon been brought back to the waking world in a matter of moments.
Door opening from the opposite side, the inventor could see the familiar lock of pick hair peek from the corner. Covering his head with his covers, he let out another fake snore. There she was, the ever chipper Ma--- Sev----. Fleura powering themselves on, the continued moments of false sleep continued.
"Come on, Siorc, I know you're not sleeping!" Ma--- shouted from the door. "Get out of bed! We're voting on our next stop today!"
Removing the covers from his his head, the inventor's flower companion flew towards Ma---. Fleura saying, master will be ready in a few minutes, he could hear the young selfie enjoyer let out an annoyed sigh. The hyena could not help but put on a silly grin at such. Good old Ma--- Sev----, same as always.
"Well, try not to take too long, or we'll start without you!" Ma--- exclaimed. "This is your first time voting with us, so don't be late!"
Reaching for his Portable Dialogue Articulator, the chimera's cuticles tippy tapped away upon the keyboard, like always. Artificial voice reading out, "I'll be ready in ten minutes, Ma---," he could anticipate the young girl about ready to groan again. But, his flower pal soon spoke up alongside his talking machine.
"Give master some time to make himself look pretty!" Fleura exclaimed.
"Hmph, don't try and show off too much!" Ma--- pouted. "Anyway, I'll be waiting for you in the Parlor Car!"
Ma--- soon leaving, the hyena let out a sigh. There was never a dull moment when with the Astral Express. He felt at home here, always. If he had never had to go back to Punklorde, he would be fine with it. While such had been a passing thought, it had become more frequent as time went on while being a member of the crew.
Going towards his drawers, taking out his outfit for the day, taking a sleeveless pitch black belly shirt with a chain choker, black wrist covers, and a purple skirt, the young adult's hyena tail swished from behind him as he gazed at himself in the mirror. Maybe he should pull his hair back into a mohawk today. Reaching for the silicon, he gazed at the pads, for a moment.
Eyeing the cups, the hyena titled his head. Had he taken out ones that were too big again? Shaking his head, he slipped them over. Ah, what did it matter if they were or not? It was his body; he could present as he wished. He wasn't in Punklorde anymore. His cousins weren't here to laugh at him for even considering such a thing.
Chest soon having volume, the chimera put on the golden hook earrings, and punk hairpin, like always. Slicking his hair back into a mohawk, he put on a small smile. Mechanical flower companion floating beside him, the inventor slipped the Portable Dialogue Articulator into his pocket. Slipping out the door in the usual fashion, the hyena slapped his cheeks. It was time for his first ever vote as a member of the Astral Express Crew.
Room to the Data Banks closed, the inventor blinked. D-- He-- was voting? He did not know why, but, that felt like something out of the ordinary for him. But, what did he know? He hadn't been aboard the space station long enough yet to get a chance to vote. His last few stops had been decided far in advanced before he had even come aboard.
Removing himself from the rooms in the back, a multitude of very familiar faces has been in the room in a circle. Ma-- on the left corner, and D-- He-- on the right, Miss Him---, Mr. Ya--, and Pom Pom had been present for the meeting, as well. Seeing such, Siorc couldn't help but feel nervous. So these were the people who called the shots around here? That made sense, he supposed. The rest of the Space Station were not travellers across the universe.
Eyes on him and Fleura, the inventor broke out into a sweat. Ah, had he been late? Removing his talking device from his pocket, the young adult typed out the inquiry about if he were late, a wave of fear flew through him. This was going to ruin his future chances to vote, wasn't it? He sure hoped not, but if that was how it would be, he only had himself to blame.
"No, Siorc, you're right on time," Mr Ya-- responded. "It's just, we suspect someone might be watching us."
"Mr. Ya--, that's probably just Fleura you sense!" Ma--- exclaimed.
"Ma---, Fleura isn't watching us!" Pom Pom exclaimed, puffing their fluffy cheeks. "Anyway, are we all ready to start voting?"
Hearing Mr. Ya-- mention someone could be watching them, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Could someone be watching them? Maybe, maybe not. There was always people aboard the Astral Express. Maybe someone was hiding by that strange door in the corner that he knew nothing about.
"Ready!" Ma--- shouted.
"Affirmative," D-- He-- said, nodding.
"Master's ready, too!" Fleura exclaimed.
Pom Pom soon standing in the center of the circle, the inventor could feel the tension beginning to mount. His first ever vote was here. What locations had everyone decided on? He could feel the anticipation building inside him. What had everyone decided? This had to have been in the talks for a while now.
"Miss Him--- thinks our next stop should be Emerald III. There's been some reports of unusual activity going on here!" Pom Pom announced. "D-- He-- has suggested we go to The Blue! According to Madam Her--, there's a place here that is similar to the Xianzhou." They raised their paw as they said such, pointing toward Ma---. "Ma--- and Mr. Ya-- think we should Edo Star! A Stellaron has been reported here recently!"
Choices laid out, the chimera couldn't help but think about the three planets spoken out. Emerald III, huh? There had been unusual activity there? Maybe it was just that time thief he met on Vonwacq. Nothing to worry about, right? Perhaps not. She would be taken care of, anyway. Maybe it was better to not vote for that one.
Hearing the name The Blue again, the hyena shook his head at such option. That was the planet Madam Her-- and that goat blogger were from, right? That place sounded pretty normal. Hadn't most of the researchers aboard the spaceship been there, too? If he had to guess, they probably were. He did not see any point in going there.
Third location, Edo Star proposed, the word Stellaron floated around in his head. Weren't those the things that could destroy worlds? That wasn't good, was it? Maybe he should vote for Edo Star. If a world were on the verge of destruction, he couldn't live with that if he had voted something else.
"It would certainly not be a good thing if we do nothing about that reported Stellaron," D-- He-- said. "I vote Edo Star."
"Me, too!" Ma--- exclaimed. "When I think about all the people that might get hurt, it makes me feel kind of sad!"
"I vote for Edo Star, as well," Mr. Ya-- said.
Miss Him--- voting Edo Star as well, the young adult prepared to type out such location in his Portable Dialogue Articulator. He should probably vote what everyone else had decided, right? Voting something else would just make him look odd, wouldn't it? Typing out Edo Star, the young adult turned the screen towards the rest of the Astral Express crew, but as he did so, something rather unusual happened.
Big screen appearing out of nowhere, the chimera's knees buckled. Where did that come from? So, someone really was watching them, weren't they? Why were they waiting to show themselves until everyone had voted? Was it his sister again, hacking into the space station? Why couldn't she just leave him alone? But, it was not his sister who appeared on screen.
Upon the screen had been the most unusual of women. Lady with long, bright pink hair and a black, witch like hat, and blue dress, Siorc could feel a commandeering presence coming from the screen. Who was she? Something about her seemed rather unsettling. But, he did not know what. He could not quite pinpoint what it was.
"Apologies to interrupt, Astral Express, but I need to borrow your little Punklorde crew member," the stranger said across the screen.
"Lady Ja-- is there a reason you need to see Siorc?" Miss Him--- asked.
"That would be correct, Him---," the stranger responded. "There is someone your little friend here should meet."
Eyes on him, the inventor gazed at the lady on the screen. There was someone he should meet? Who would that be? He could not help but feel like this woman was trying to trick everyone in the Astral Express Crew. Weren't there other matters to attend to, like sealing a Stellaron? There wasn't really any time to go and do something else right now, was there? But, it didn't sound like she was being given a choice. Crew's navigator soon looking his way, the hyena prepared himself.
"Siorc, would you like to meet them?" Miss Him--- asked.
Question coming his way, the chimera nodded. It's not like he had a choice in this, did he? If there was someone this lady wished for him to meet, he needed to do so. Whoever they might have been, it had to have been rather important if they were trying to contact the Astral Express. There was no way he could refuse.
"It seems our young Punklorde friend agrees," Lady Ja-- said. "Bring him to Pier Point." The screen then proceeded to disappear.
Screen disappearing, the young adult gazed at everyone. So, they weren't going to Edo Star now? What about the Stellaron? Didn't that matter more than a meeting with some unknown stranger? He didn't know. But, he guessed making one stop along the way wouldn't do any more harm, would it? It probably would not. Maybe it didn't.
"Guess we're going to Pier Point, then!" Ma--- cried, sighing. "Siorc, did you do something to have the IPC target you?"
"Ma---, I highly doubt that," D-- He-- said, shaking his head.
"Pom Pom will set the coordinates to Pier Point!" Pom Pom exclaimed.
Informed they would be making the warp jump by the morning, the hyena exited the parlor car for the time being. But, the entire time he had been working with Madam Her--, his thoughts would race. Who was he going to meet in Pier Point? Why did the IPC want him to come to Pier Point? Did he owe some kind of debt to them? Maybe he did. If that is all it was, he should go deal with that. Workday coming to an end, he crawled up onto the couch in the parlor car, dozing off.
Who would he be meeting tomorrow?
***
"I am starting to think that my family
Are a bunch of wanted criminals. Ah, no
Maybe not. I am
Surely jumping
To quite the conclusion.
Although, I am starting to suspect something. How do the IPC know about me? That's
Rather strange. I haven't really done anything
To catch their eye. I am just a plain
Inventor who was sent across space through a cyber storm. I'm
Not that famous. I haven't solved any crisis with the Astral Express Crew. So, I don't
Get it, honestly.
Though, I guess people have seen me
On Penacony, or they've seen me on Vonwacq.
For what it's worth, I have heard that the IPC have visited the Space Station
Every so often. Uh, what was his name, that man wearing that weird mask? Dr. Rat--?
Eh, I believe that's his name. Heard he came around here when someone from the Capital of Passion was getting some metal coverings over a bone hand, or something. But, that was
Likely way before I came here, or not. I
Really do not know.
Ah, well, whatever happens when I am not here isn't my business, now is it?
That's right, it's not my business.
Hmm, I think I have seen someone aboard the space station with bright white hair and a red streak once. But, I didn't think anything of her, really.
Each time I see those colored vests, I have to
Remember: that's a member of the IPC.
And this is just something I've heard
From time to time, if you owe a debt to the IPC, it's a
Rather bad idea to leave it unpaid.
And all that, there's this
Intergalactic person, or something who goes from planet to planet expecting
Debts to be paid.
Something about this feels unsettling to me. For
One thing, I don't owe any debts to anyone, and for another,
Why would I have any? Unless they think the things I
Have invented, my two sole projects are worthy
Of being put a price on?
Ah, that? I just don't know.
Maybe that's all this
Is. Maybe I'm meeting the debt collector.
Maybe that's all this is about.
Eh, so, how much do I owe?
Everything out
There that I possess?
I guess that could be it.
No, no, perhaps, I am
Getting ahead of myself.
I get that inventing things is costly, but I
Do not think Fleura, for example is a big debt.
Of course they aren't. To, me, they're priceless.
Nothing is adding up.
Oh, well, I guess I have
To get this over with.
For, this might be a moment I might become wanted by the IPC.
Eh, alright, maybe not?
Even regardless of this, I should be on the
Lookout for eyes on me.
To be honest, if the IPC want my inventions
Of course, I probably have to share my secrets.
Obviously, I do not want to do that, but I
Guess I have to, right? I need to earn my keep here, on the Space Station
One day at a time
One moment at a time.
Do I really think they want
All that I possess? No.
But, it is probably likely,
Or something? I don't know,
Uh, well, I don't know,
Truly, I guess I'll have
To find that out.
Here's to whatever
Is about to happen.
Should I concern myself over this?
I really don't know.
So, I just don't know.
I guess, I'll just have
To find out what the IPC wants.
Ha, well, here goes,
All and all,
Something is about to happen.
Eh, so I should prepare myself for it possibly being Hase,
And or someone else from my family. I
Gather that if it were
Any of them, they would just hack the space station again, wouldn't they?
I'm sure of that.
Now, I guess
I shouldn't consider any of my cousins on this list of people who are
Waiting to meet me,
After all, they always question if I am related to them.
No way would any of
Them be waiting for me at Pier Point.
That's just not
On the list, I don't think?
So, I am going
To remove this from the consideration list
And just continue to assume this is some sort of debt I have
Yet to pay. So, which IPC member
Am I going to meet?
Which one do I owe
A huge debt to?
You know, I believe this is something I have heard.
From time to time, there's ten Stonehearts.
Right, there's ten
Of them. Or, at least that
Might be the amount.
How should I know? I only get dripped information
Every now and again.
Rhinestones, diamonds, I don't know.
And, I am
Scared now. It's very rare someone wants to see me. This is
Likely the first
Of many times someone is going to ask for me specifically.
No, this is probably
Going to be the only time I am
Asked for. I believe I am close to certain on that.
So, whoever it might be, I need to be ready.
Perhaps, this isn't anything I need to worry myself
Over, but we'll just have to wait and
See. Right, just have to wait and
See who it is that
Is waiting for me.
Because it could be a trap, debts, anything, really. So, I have to
Let myself breathe. Don't get scared. Don't be afraid.
Everything will come together tomorrow. I know all that I have in my head will be answered. Very shortly, so don't think too hard about it."
Feeling a nudge on his shoulder the next morning, the train soon warp jumped through space and time. Seeing a very unusual world through the windows of the Parlor Car, the hyena let out a gulp. So, this was Pier Point, huh? He had never been here before. Had the Astral Express been here before? He did not know why, but something about this place felt off.
"Miss Hi--- said you have to go to IPC Headquarters by yourself," Ma--- said in a worried tone. "Will you be okay?"
Question coming his way, the hyena shrugged. Would he be alright? He did not know. Who was waiting for him in the Peace Committee's headquarters? If it were any of his family members, he would decline to go anywhere near them, in a heartbeat. Taking out his Portable Dialogue Articulator, he took a deep breath.
Typing out, "keep an eye on Fleura for me," the inventor could feel his knees buckles. What if he was about to never see the Astral Express Crew again? Was he going to become a servant to the Interastral Peace Corporation? The thought of such made him squirm. Maybe he shouldn't go. Maybe he should ask Pom Pom to have the express turn around.
"You look so nervous," Ma--- said. "Maybe you should take Fleura with you!"
"Master told me not to go!" Fleura exclaimed. "Fleura is staying with Ma---!"
"Alright, then, but you'd better be careful out there!" Ma--- exclaimed. "The IPC can be a scary bunch if you get on their bad side!"
Hearing such, the inventor couldn't help but feel even more nervous. What would happen to him if he got on the bad side of the IPC? Would he be forced to serve them until he dies? He supposed he should prepare himself for that outcome. He had to. Taking a deep breath, he exited the parlor car. It was time to head to Pier Point. Headquarters.
Reaching the headquarters, the hyena could see multiple burly looking suited people. Were these the people he had to meet? Maybe they were, maybe they weren't. Walking down the empty corridors he had soon come across a group of two unusual people standing towards the door in the corner.
Seeing a tall man with long pitch black hair, and a blue military uniform with hawk wings beside another tall man with light brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, the chimera scratched his head. Were these the people Lady Ja-- wanted to meet? Maybe. But, he guessed he was about to find out. Men gazing at him, they soon spoke to him.
"You really look like exactly like that shark boy!" the black haired bird man exclaimed.
"Mayhaps they're long lost brothers, hon?" the brown haired man asked. "Anywho. Lady Bona----, the person you asked for is here!" As he said such, the door opened.
"Little Punklordian, please come in," Lady Ja-- said through the opened door.
But, what awaited him upon stepping through the door was a shock to behold. Standing beside the tall pink woman's desk had been a near exact copy of him. Curly drill ponytail on the opposite side of his head, square pupils and light lavender IPC uniform, the hyena could feel his world collapse upon itself. This person. Who were they?
"Why don't you introduce yourself?" Lady Bona---- said to his near identical copy.
Near identical copy taking out a whiteboard, the hyena's eyes pulsated. This copy of him did not talk, either? He did not understand. Just who was he? He had heard that, across the universe there could be people with the same face, same name, but different circumstances. Was that the case here? Maybe it was.
Whiteboard turned over, the inventor read it over to himself. Words on the surface reading, "I am Stichtite," the chimera blinked. Stichtite? Was he a Stoneheart? He had to have been. He had a stone name. But, he could not shake off this eerie feeling. This mirror image of him. Could he have been another version of him in another universe? Perhaps. Taking a deep breath, he took out his Portable Dialogue Articulator.
Typing out that his name was Siorc upon his Portable Dialogue Articulator, the near exact copy of him had a shocked look on his face. Seeing such, the hyena's body shook. Did he type down something wrong? Maybe he had. Perhaps, he should apologize. Bowing an apology, he soon turned towards the tall lady behind the desk.
"Now that you two are acquainted, I have something to say, little Punklordian," Lady Bona---- said. "One of you is a clone of the other."
Hearing such, the hyena gazed at his mirror image. He could feel his world crack around him. Either he or Stichtite was a clone. A genetic copy, created from the DNA of someone else. Glass shattering further, he recalled the message his sister left him when she hacked the space station a couple months prior.
He remembered it very clearly: "Siorc, you're a clone!" He remembered it like the back of his hand. Siorc, he was a clone. Hase was right, wasn't she? He was a genetic copy. He was created from the real Siorc Ingne, the person that stood right before him, Stichtite. He could feel tears stream down his face. Was this why he never felt like he truly belonged in Punklorde? Why he didn't understand the mentality?
Was he a clone? That's it. That's what it was, it had to be it. He was a clone. A copy. Defective goods. It all made perfect sense now. The Punklorde Mentality, he did not subscribe to it. Maybe he wasn't really from there at all. Where was he truly from? He did not know. He was just a copy of the original after all, wasn't he? That's it, that's how it truly was, wasn't it?
He could feel himself crack further. The Astral Express, what would they do if they knew about this? And, why did the IPC wait until now to let him know? Tears streaming down, he requested to be excused. Pink haired lady allowing it, he dashed back towards the express. He was a clone, a copy, defective goods.
Boss Ja-- giggling, Stichtite let out a barely audible sigh. Why did she have to go and do that? Upset him like that? Writing out on his whiteboard, "why didn't you tell him the truth?" He could hear his boss giggle. Lady Bona---- telling him see what happens, he shrugged. She just wants to mess with him, he sees. If he ever sees him again, he'll tell him the truth.
Running towards his room, he could hear people calling out to him, inquiring what was wrong. But, the hyena refused to answer. How could he say it? How could he say he was a clone? There was no way he could. Absolutely not. Slamming the door shut, he crawled up into a ball, putting Fleura into power off mode, the world continued to crack further around him.
He was a clone.
A copy.
Defective goods.
Just so everyone knows, this anthology was planned ahead of time, and wasn't pantsed. I didn't write any notes for it. But, the core concept of it was planned. As is the next one is. So, yeah.
"It's me again, Siorc. Long
Time, no see.
It's been awhile
Since I have had a moment to be focused on
So, what's happened since the hack?
It's been a slow time here lately.
One day after another I do work with Madam Her-- and the Genius Society. We
Really haven't been going places lately. I
Can hear Lady Him--- say we
Are, at the moment we're
Getting more fuel for the train
And so, we can't go anywhere, but
I think we're
Now close to having enough.
Looks like, soon
It'll be time
For another journey
Every time we want to go somewhere,
I get to participate in a vote. I
Never thought I'd be allowed
To vote with everyone.
Honestly it feels nice to be included in
Everything. It's
So nice to not be an outcast like on
Punklorde. I never
At all truly belonged there
Can't say that I
Ever did, truly.
So, I am still just
Thinking about it.
Ah, right I should
Take a moment to explain
It; what I am probably
Overthinking. That I am
Nothing more than a clone.
Ha, why
Am I thinking about it?
So, honestly, I have
Been just thinking.
Eh, so I don't subscribe to the Punklorde mentality. Not
Even a little.
Never had, never will.
Over the years, I gained more
Knowledge of my home planet,
And in turn, I grew less warm towards the mentality.
You know, I just feel so
Lukewarm towards it all.
Aether editing, hacking.
There's nothing about it I like
Everything about it is just trash.
Look, my family may like it
Yet, I never did.
Because of all that, I,
Utmost of all am starting
To think, could
I be a clone? You know, perhaps I am. I am a
Clone. I know Hase is
Always messing with me and it's
Not like this is true, but it's
Not a zero possibility.
Oh, well, if I'm
Truly a clone, how would I know for
Sure? Would I need
To take a clone test?
Or maybe a
Polygraph? I don't want
To talk. I rather would not
Have to utter a single word
If I don't have to. So,
No, not an option. I'd rather be
Kneed in the shin than talk.
I know there are times that's
Not possible, I need to utter words. But, I
Get uncomfortable each
And every single time
Because talking is just not my forté.
Over the years since developing the Personal Dialogue Articulator I have
Uttered less words.
This machine is a miracle
To me. The fact I
Have something that can speak
Everything for me, is a miracle. Of
Course, I got Fleura, too. It's
Likely, without them, I would
Outwardly have to speak more.
No way am I allowing that.
Everything is better if I stay silent.
There's no reason for me to talk.
Ha, I wonder
If the original me is sociable?
No. No way, I don't think so
Get that thought out of here.
Look, I just need to look
At the bright side of
Things. I am not a clone
Even if I were, what would that change.
Listen to myself,
Yes. Hase was making
It all up. It's
All just a little game of
Make believe of course
That's it. Time to
Remove all of these negative thoughts.
Yes, better to stop all that
I really need to.
No more overthinking.
Get it together, get it
Together. Get it together.
Okay. Deep breaths, deep breaths.
Look to the bright side
On the bright side
Of the tunnel, I
Know that this is just me
Overthinking Hase's message. I
Need to block it out. I've already
Taken a moment to block
Her number. So, next step:
Everything else. All of it.
Because I am bonafide
Real flesh and blood
I am not artificial I
Got to stop thinking about it.
Here's to another day on
The express. I've been here
So long now. It's been, well
I really don't know how long, I
Don't think I've been here a year yet.
Everywhere across the universe time flows differently.
How differently? I haven't a clue in all
Of that, I suppose it's something I should ask someone else.
Will Madam Her-- know? I do not know.
Eh, it really doesn't matter whatsoever. It's extremely
Very unimportant in the grand scheme of it all.
Even so, it's a brand new day! And, I'm
Ready to work! After all, the next vote's soon. Have to stay positive."
It had been about fifty days since the inventor's family had hacked the space station. Incident done and dealt with, no other interruptions had occurred since then. Express, for whatever reason, needing a refuel, the next stop, for the time being, had been halted. Such being the case, life had went on as it always had.
Master Screwllum seeing his potential as an inventor, Siorc had been receiving far more tasks from the robotic man. Meeting a mysterious woman known as Ru-- M-- as well, the young adult had met the cutest creatures in the entire universe known to man. A little secret hidden in the seclusion zone.
Finding something known as the creation oven, the chimera had come into contact with Ru-- M--'s creations. Cat beings inside a large shaped round dome, the hyena had exploded with cuteness. Wishing to look after the creations, a new job had quickly been assigned to him on days where cleaning had been unneeded.
But, as the days went on in his current life, the inventor had a lot of questions. The Genius Society, they had the ability to create life. Could chimeras have been created by someone, or something? He did not know. He looked in the data bank, and could not find any information on such. But, the hyena supposed it was better to not know about his origins anyway.
Silver rail soon receiving a refuel, Miss Him--- had made an announcement the other day. Voting for the next stop on the Astral Express was right around the corner. Assuming he would not be allowed to vote on such, the young adult thought nothing of it. He was not a Nameless. Would he even be allowed to vote?
Miss Him--- informing him he would be included in the vote, as well, surprise washed over him. He would be allowed to vote on the next location? He could feel a warm sensation in his chest at such a prospect. He was welcome here, despite being from Punklorde, and a chimera. He never thought that would have been possible.
And, today was the day. Voting day.
"Astral Express Crew, report to the Parlor Car!" Pom Pom screamed through the loud speaker. "I repeat, Astral Express crew, report to the Parlor Car!"
Hearing a loud announcement blare out over the crew car loudspeaker, the young adult let out a groan. It was morning already? Time flies in the dream world. Tossing and turning upon his bed, he closed his eyes once more. Can't he have five more minutes? Nodding off for a little longer, he had soon been brought back to the waking world in a matter of moments.
Door opening from the opposite side, the inventor could see the familiar lock of pick hair peek from the corner. Covering his head with his covers, he let out another fake snore. There she was, the ever chipper Ma--- Sev----. Fleura powering themselves on, the continued moments of false sleep continued.
"Come on, Siorc, I know you're not sleeping!" Ma--- shouted from the door. "Get out of bed! We're voting on our next stop today!"
Removing the covers from his his head, the inventor's flower companion flew towards Ma---. Fleura saying, master will be ready in a few minutes, he could hear the young selfie enjoyer let out an annoyed sigh. The hyena could not help but put on a silly grin at such. Good old Ma--- Sev----, same as always.
"Well, try not to take too long, or we'll start without you!" Ma--- exclaimed. "This is your first time voting with us, so don't be late!"
Reaching for his Portable Dialogue Articulator, the chimera's cuticles tippy tapped away upon the keyboard, like always. Artificial voice reading out, "I'll be ready in ten minutes, Ma---," he could anticipate the young girl about ready to groan again. But, his flower pal soon spoke up alongside his talking machine.
"Give master some time to make himself look pretty!" Fleura exclaimed.
"Hmph, don't try and show off too much!" Ma--- pouted. "Anyway, I'll be waiting for you in the Parlor Car!"
Ma--- soon leaving, the hyena let out a sigh. There was never a dull moment when with the Astral Express. He felt at home here, always. If he had never had to go back to Punklorde, he would be fine with it. While such had been a passing thought, it had become more frequent as time went on while being a member of the crew.
Going towards his drawers, taking out his outfit for the day, taking a sleeveless pitch black belly shirt with a chain choker, black wrist covers, and a purple skirt, the young adult's hyena tail swished from behind him as he gazed at himself in the mirror. Maybe he should pull his hair back into a mohawk today. Reaching for the silicon, he gazed at the pads, for a moment.
Eyeing the cups, the hyena titled his head. Had he taken out ones that were too big again? Shaking his head, he slipped them over. Ah, what did it matter if they were or not? It was his body; he could present as he wished. He wasn't in Punklorde anymore. His cousins weren't here to laugh at him for even considering such a thing.
Chest soon having volume, the chimera put on the golden hook earrings, and punk hairpin, like always. Slicking his hair back into a mohawk, he put on a small smile. Mechanical flower companion floating beside him, the inventor slipped the Portable Dialogue Articulator into his pocket. Slipping out the door in the usual fashion, the hyena slapped his cheeks. It was time for his first ever vote as a member of the Astral Express Crew.
Room to the Data Banks closed, the inventor blinked. D-- He-- was voting? He did not know why, but, that felt like something out of the ordinary for him. But, what did he know? He hadn't been aboard the space station long enough yet to get a chance to vote. His last few stops had been decided far in advanced before he had even come aboard.
Removing himself from the rooms in the back, a multitude of very familiar faces has been in the room in a circle. Ma-- on the left corner, and D-- He-- on the right, Miss Him---, Mr. Ya--, and Pom Pom had been present for the meeting, as well. Seeing such, Siorc couldn't help but feel nervous. So these were the people who called the shots around here? That made sense, he supposed. The rest of the Space Station were not travellers across the universe.
Eyes on him and Fleura, the inventor broke out into a sweat. Ah, had he been late? Removing his talking device from his pocket, the young adult typed out the inquiry about if he were late, a wave of fear flew through him. This was going to ruin his future chances to vote, wasn't it? He sure hoped not, but if that was how it would be, he only had himself to blame.
"No, Siorc, you're right on time," Mr Ya-- responded. "It's just, we suspect someone might be watching us."
"Mr. Ya--, that's probably just Fleura you sense!" Ma--- exclaimed.
"Ma---, Fleura isn't watching us!" Pom Pom exclaimed, puffing their fluffy cheeks. "Anyway, are we all ready to start voting?"
Hearing Mr. Ya-- mention someone could be watching them, the hyena turned his head towards the right and left. Could someone be watching them? Maybe, maybe not. There was always people aboard the Astral Express. Maybe someone was hiding by that strange door in the corner that he knew nothing about.
"Ready!" Ma--- shouted.
"Affirmative," D-- He-- said, nodding.
"Master's ready, too!" Fleura exclaimed.
Pom Pom soon standing in the center of the circle, the inventor could feel the tension beginning to mount. His first ever vote was here. What locations had everyone decided on? He could feel the anticipation building inside him. What had everyone decided? This had to have been in the talks for a while now.
"Miss Him--- thinks our next stop should be Emerald III. There's been some reports of unusual activity going on here!" Pom Pom announced. "D-- He-- has suggested we go to The Blue! According to Madam Her--, there's a place here that is similar to the Xianzhou." They raised their paw as they said such, pointing toward Ma---. "Ma--- and Mr. Ya-- think we should Edo Star! A Stellaron has been reported here recently!"
Choices laid out, the chimera couldn't help but think about the three planets spoken out. Emerald III, huh? There had been unusual activity there? Maybe it was just that time thief he met on Vonwacq. Nothing to worry about, right? Perhaps not. She would be taken care of, anyway. Maybe it was better to not vote for that one.
Hearing the name The Blue again, the hyena shook his head at such option. That was the planet Madam Her-- and that goat blogger were from, right? That place sounded pretty normal. Hadn't most of the researchers aboard the spaceship been there, too? If he had to guess, they probably were. He did not see any point in going there.
Third location, Edo Star proposed, the word Stellaron floated around in his head. Weren't those the things that could destroy worlds? That wasn't good, was it? Maybe he should vote for Edo Star. If a world were on the verge of destruction, he couldn't live with that if he had voted something else.
"It would certainly not be a good thing if we do nothing about that reported Stellaron," D-- He-- said. "I vote Edo Star."
"Me, too!" Ma--- exclaimed. "When I think about all the people that might get hurt, it makes me feel kind of sad!"
"I vote for Edo Star, as well," Mr. Ya-- said.
Miss Him--- voting Edo Star as well, the young adult prepared to type out such location in his Portable Dialogue Articulator. He should probably vote what everyone else had decided, right? Voting something else would just make him look odd, wouldn't it? Typing out Edo Star, the young adult turned the screen towards the rest of the Astral Express crew, but as he did so, something rather unusual happened.
Big screen appearing out of nowhere, the chimera's knees buckled. Where did that come from? So, someone really was watching them, weren't they? Why were they waiting to show themselves until everyone had voted? Was it his sister again, hacking into the space station? Why couldn't she just leave him alone? But, it was not his sister who appeared on screen.
Upon the screen had been the most unusual of women. Lady with long, bright pink hair and a black, witch like hat, and blue dress, Siorc could feel a commandeering presence coming from the screen. Who was she? Something about her seemed rather unsettling. But, he did not know what. He could not quite pinpoint what it was.
"Apologies to interrupt, Astral Express, but I need to borrow your little Punklorde crew member," the stranger said across the screen.
"Lady Ja-- is there a reason you need to see Siorc?" Miss Him--- asked.
"That would be correct, Him---," the stranger responded. "There is someone your little friend here should meet."
Eyes on him, the inventor gazed at the lady on the screen. There was someone he should meet? Who would that be? He could not help but feel like this woman was trying to trick everyone in the Astral Express Crew. Weren't there other matters to attend to, like sealing a Stellaron? There wasn't really any time to go and do something else right now, was there? But, it didn't sound like she was being given a choice. Crew's navigator soon looking his way, the hyena prepared himself.
"Siorc, would you like to meet them?" Miss Him--- asked.
Question coming his way, the chimera nodded. It's not like he had a choice in this, did he? If there was someone this lady wished for him to meet, he needed to do so. Whoever they might have been, it had to have been rather important if they were trying to contact the Astral Express. There was no way he could refuse.
"It seems our young Punklorde friend agrees," Lady Ja-- said. "Bring him to Pier Point." The screen then proceeded to disappear.
Screen disappearing, the young adult gazed at everyone. So, they weren't going to Edo Star now? What about the Stellaron? Didn't that matter more than a meeting with some unknown stranger? He didn't know. But, he guessed making one stop along the way wouldn't do any more harm, would it? It probably would not. Maybe it didn't.
"Guess we're going to Pier Point, then!" Ma--- cried, sighing. "Siorc, did you do something to have the IPC target you?"
"Ma---, I highly doubt that," D-- He-- said, shaking his head.
"Pom Pom will set the coordinates to Pier Point!" Pom Pom exclaimed.
Informed they would be making the warp jump by the morning, the hyena exited the parlor car for the time being. But, the entire time he had been working with Madam Her--, his thoughts would race. Who was he going to meet in Pier Point? Why did the IPC want him to come to Pier Point? Did he owe some kind of debt to them? Maybe he did. If that is all it was, he should go deal with that. Workday coming to an end, he crawled up onto the couch in the parlor car, dozing off.
Who would he be meeting tomorrow?
***
"I am starting to think that my family
Are a bunch of wanted criminals. Ah, no
Maybe not. I am
Surely jumping
To quite the conclusion.
Although, I am starting to suspect something. How do the IPC know about me? That's
Rather strange. I haven't really done anything
To catch their eye. I am just a plain
Inventor who was sent across space through a cyber storm. I'm
Not that famous. I haven't solved any crisis with the Astral Express Crew. So, I don't
Get it, honestly.
Though, I guess people have seen me
On Penacony, or they've seen me on Vonwacq.
For what it's worth, I have heard that the IPC have visited the Space Station
Every so often. Uh, what was his name, that man wearing that weird mask? Dr. Rat--?
Eh, I believe that's his name. Heard he came around here when someone from the Capital of Passion was getting some metal coverings over a bone hand, or something. But, that was
Likely way before I came here, or not. I
Really do not know.
Ah, well, whatever happens when I am not here isn't my business, now is it?
That's right, it's not my business.
Hmm, I think I have seen someone aboard the space station with bright white hair and a red streak once. But, I didn't think anything of her, really.
Each time I see those colored vests, I have to
Remember: that's a member of the IPC.
And this is just something I've heard
From time to time, if you owe a debt to the IPC, it's a
Rather bad idea to leave it unpaid.
And all that, there's this
Intergalactic person, or something who goes from planet to planet expecting
Debts to be paid.
Something about this feels unsettling to me. For
One thing, I don't owe any debts to anyone, and for another,
Why would I have any? Unless they think the things I
Have invented, my two sole projects are worthy
Of being put a price on?
Ah, that? I just don't know.
Maybe that's all this
Is. Maybe I'm meeting the debt collector.
Maybe that's all this is about.
Eh, so, how much do I owe?
Everything out
There that I possess?
I guess that could be it.
No, no, perhaps, I am
Getting ahead of myself.
I get that inventing things is costly, but I
Do not think Fleura, for example is a big debt.
Of course they aren't. To, me, they're priceless.
Nothing is adding up.
Oh, well, I guess I have
To get this over with.
For, this might be a moment I might become wanted by the IPC.
Eh, alright, maybe not?
Even regardless of this, I should be on the
Lookout for eyes on me.
To be honest, if the IPC want my inventions
Of course, I probably have to share my secrets.
Obviously, I do not want to do that, but I
Guess I have to, right? I need to earn my keep here, on the Space Station
One day at a time
One moment at a time.
Do I really think they want
All that I possess? No.
But, it is probably likely,
Or something? I don't know,
Uh, well, I don't know,
Truly, I guess I'll have
To find that out.
Here's to whatever
Is about to happen.
Should I concern myself over this?
I really don't know.
So, I just don't know.
I guess, I'll just have
To find out what the IPC wants.
Ha, well, here goes,
All and all,
Something is about to happen.
Eh, so I should prepare myself for it possibly being Hase,
And or someone else from my family. I
Gather that if it were
Any of them, they would just hack the space station again, wouldn't they?
I'm sure of that.
Now, I guess
I shouldn't consider any of my cousins on this list of people who are
Waiting to meet me,
After all, they always question if I am related to them.
No way would any of
Them be waiting for me at Pier Point.
That's just not
On the list, I don't think?
So, I am going
To remove this from the consideration list
And just continue to assume this is some sort of debt I have
Yet to pay. So, which IPC member
Am I going to meet?
Which one do I owe
A huge debt to?
You know, I believe this is something I have heard.
From time to time, there's ten Stonehearts.
Right, there's ten
Of them. Or, at least that
Might be the amount.
How should I know? I only get dripped information
Every now and again.
Rhinestones, diamonds, I don't know.
And, I am
Scared now. It's very rare someone wants to see me. This is
Likely the first
Of many times someone is going to ask for me specifically.
No, this is probably
Going to be the only time I am
Asked for. I believe I am close to certain on that.
So, whoever it might be, I need to be ready.
Perhaps, this isn't anything I need to worry myself
Over, but we'll just have to wait and
See. Right, just have to wait and
See who it is that
Is waiting for me.
Because it could be a trap, debts, anything, really. So, I have to
Let myself breathe. Don't get scared. Don't be afraid.
Everything will come together tomorrow. I know all that I have in my head will be answered. Very shortly, so don't think too hard about it."
Feeling a nudge on his shoulder the next morning, the train soon warp jumped through space and time. Seeing a very unusual world through the windows of the Parlor Car, the hyena let out a gulp. So, this was Pier Point, huh? He had never been here before. Had the Astral Express been here before? He did not know why, but something about this place felt off.
"Miss Hi--- said you have to go to IPC Headquarters by yourself," Ma--- said in a worried tone. "Will you be okay?"
Question coming his way, the hyena shrugged. Would he be alright? He did not know. Who was waiting for him in the Peace Committee's headquarters? If it were any of his family members, he would decline to go anywhere near them, in a heartbeat. Taking out his Portable Dialogue Articulator, he took a deep breath.
Typing out, "keep an eye on Fleura for me," the inventor could feel his knees buckles. What if he was about to never see the Astral Express Crew again? Was he going to become a servant to the Interastral Peace Corporation? The thought of such made him squirm. Maybe he shouldn't go. Maybe he should ask Pom Pom to have the express turn around.
"You look so nervous," Ma--- said. "Maybe you should take Fleura with you!"
"Master told me not to go!" Fleura exclaimed. "Fleura is staying with Ma---!"
"Alright, then, but you'd better be careful out there!" Ma--- exclaimed. "The IPC can be a scary bunch if you get on their bad side!"
Hearing such, the inventor couldn't help but feel even more nervous. What would happen to him if he got on the bad side of the IPC? Would he be forced to serve them until he dies? He supposed he should prepare himself for that outcome. He had to. Taking a deep breath, he exited the parlor car. It was time to head to Pier Point. Headquarters.
Reaching the headquarters, the hyena could see multiple burly looking suited people. Were these the people he had to meet? Maybe they were, maybe they weren't. Walking down the empty corridors he had soon come across a group of two unusual people standing towards the door in the corner.
Seeing a tall man with long pitch black hair, and a blue military uniform with hawk wings beside another tall man with light brown hair pulled back into a ponytail, the chimera scratched his head. Were these the people Lady Ja-- wanted to meet? Maybe. But, he guessed he was about to find out. Men gazing at him, they soon spoke to him.
"You really look like exactly like that shark boy!" the black haired bird man exclaimed.
"Mayhaps they're long lost brothers, hon?" the brown haired man asked. "Anywho. Lady Bona----, the person you asked for is here!" As he said such, the door opened.
"Little Punklordian, please come in," Lady Ja-- said through the opened door.
But, what awaited him upon stepping through the door was a shock to behold. Standing beside the tall pink woman's desk had been a near exact copy of him. Curly drill ponytail on the opposite side of his head, square pupils and light lavender IPC uniform, the hyena could feel his world collapse upon itself. This person. Who were they?
"Why don't you introduce yourself?" Lady Bona---- said to his near identical copy.
Near identical copy taking out a whiteboard, the hyena's eyes pulsated. This copy of him did not talk, either? He did not understand. Just who was he? He had heard that, across the universe there could be people with the same face, same name, but different circumstances. Was that the case here? Maybe it was.
Whiteboard turned over, the inventor read it over to himself. Words on the surface reading, "I am Stichtite," the chimera blinked. Stichtite? Was he a Stoneheart? He had to have been. He had a stone name. But, he could not shake off this eerie feeling. This mirror image of him. Could he have been another version of him in another universe? Perhaps. Taking a deep breath, he took out his Portable Dialogue Articulator.
Typing out that his name was Siorc upon his Portable Dialogue Articulator, the near exact copy of him had a shocked look on his face. Seeing such, the hyena's body shook. Did he type down something wrong? Maybe he had. Perhaps, he should apologize. Bowing an apology, he soon turned towards the tall lady behind the desk.
"Now that you two are acquainted, I have something to say, little Punklordian," Lady Bona---- said. "One of you is a clone of the other."
Hearing such, the hyena gazed at his mirror image. He could feel his world crack around him. Either he or Stichtite was a clone. A genetic copy, created from the DNA of someone else. Glass shattering further, he recalled the message his sister left him when she hacked the space station a couple months prior.
He remembered it very clearly: "Siorc, you're a clone!" He remembered it like the back of his hand. Siorc, he was a clone. Hase was right, wasn't she? He was a genetic copy. He was created from the real Siorc Ingne, the person that stood right before him, Stichtite. He could feel tears stream down his face. Was this why he never felt like he truly belonged in Punklorde? Why he didn't understand the mentality?
Was he a clone? That's it. That's what it was, it had to be it. He was a clone. A copy. Defective goods. It all made perfect sense now. The Punklorde Mentality, he did not subscribe to it. Maybe he wasn't really from there at all. Where was he truly from? He did not know. He was just a copy of the original after all, wasn't he? That's it, that's how it truly was, wasn't it?
He could feel himself crack further. The Astral Express, what would they do if they knew about this? And, why did the IPC wait until now to let him know? Tears streaming down, he requested to be excused. Pink haired lady allowing it, he dashed back towards the express. He was a clone, a copy, defective goods.
Boss Ja-- giggling, Stichtite let out a barely audible sigh. Why did she have to go and do that? Upset him like that? Writing out on his whiteboard, "why didn't you tell him the truth?" He could hear his boss giggle. Lady Bona---- telling him see what happens, he shrugged. She just wants to mess with him, he sees. If he ever sees him again, he'll tell him the truth.
Running towards his room, he could hear people calling out to him, inquiring what was wrong. But, the hyena refused to answer. How could he say it? How could he say he was a clone? There was no way he could. Absolutely not. Slamming the door shut, he crawled up into a ball, putting Fleura into power off mode, the world continued to crack further around him.
He was a clone.
A copy.
Defective goods.
Just so everyone knows, this anthology was planned ahead of time, and wasn't pantsed. I didn't write any notes for it. But, the core concept of it was planned. As is the next one is. So, yeah.
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