animus_network | Once the Honeymoon is Over... [Video]

[The face on the camera is tired, the look in Diarmuid's eyes making it clear that the source of his weariness isn't physical, but mental and emotional as it so often has been since he arrived here.]

Has anyone see my brother? Ah...you probaly know him better as Lancer. I know he is still in the tower because his belongings are here and his name is still on the door, but I cannot find him anywhere and I have looked. Those who know my skills know quickly I can do that.

I am worried because I just remembered something he said to Jason a while back. He said he would volunteer for his next experiement and since this is Jason's month in charge and so many others have gone missing, I fear for what that means for him.

If anyone has seen him in the last few days, will you please let me know?

[Diarmuid pauses a moment, suddenly looking a lot more uneasy.]

Also, I want to apologize to all the people who were affected by my curse about week ago or got caught up in everything that was going on. For those who don't know, I carry a curse that forces the women who see my face to fall in love with me. It has been mostly inactive in this place but for some reason during the end of March and the beginning of April it flared back to life affecting both men and women. Unfortunately, I have never been able to tell when it is active and when it is not so far too many people were affected before I knew what was going on.

I...do not know why this happened. It has gone inactive again and I think by this time all those affected should have had the effects wear off. If not, take the knowledge that your strange feelings are caused by something outside of you and focus on that...

[Suddenly, he turns away from the screen as if someone has tugged on his arm, which they have. When he speaks his voice is quieter and directed at whoever is standing just off camera.]

Tony, just a moment, okay? I will play with you then.

[Diarmuid turns back to the camera, quiet for a moment as if he is collecting his thoughts and then continues where he left off.]

Focusing on the fact that your feelings are not your own will help you overcome the effects sooner. It is not something that worked that well during my first life, but there is a very strong pattern of it working here...

[There is a sudden scuffling behind Diarmuid and he is yanked away from the camera. The scuffling continues as his voice drifts back toward the terminal.]

Tony! Tony wait! I'm not done...

Gah! Does anyone know how to stop an alien abduction?

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(OOC: Diarmuid's responses will come a few hours later when he has given Tony the attention that the little gray alien seems to want so badly.)

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ Cecil's expression mirrors the worry in Diarmuid's. ]

What good would that do? Why would he do something like that...

[ The questions are rhetorical. She knows why Lancer would do it and she understands the thinking behind it, but she still can't help wishing he hadn't done it. It scares her. ]

I wrote to him the other day and he hasn't replied to me. I thought it was... that perhaps he was simply busy, but now... I'm worried too. I will do my best to help you find out what has happened to him.

[Diarmuid nods, understanding both her frustration at and her fear for his brother.]

I have asked several of our friends to keep an eye out for him, but I would be grateful beyond words if you would do the same. The more eyes looking, the more likely we are to find him. I just hope when we do find him, we can help him...

I-I understand. I will do all I can and I will ask Kain to keep a look out for Lancer as well. If you need anything else, you know we are willing to support you.

[ She nods and then quickly turns off her feed and walks away from the terminal. She knows he senses that she's not feeling her usual self, considering his letters to her, so she doesn't want to give him the chance of asking her again those two simple words that conflict her so much. Cecil isn't good at lying and Diarmuid knows her fairly well; he'll see through any brave face she puts up. ]

[Diarmuid is startled when she so quickly ends the feed, but he knows she is just as stressed as he is if not more so he isn't upset at the sudden end to their conversation.

He does, however, make a mental note to see about stopping by her room to talk soon. After all the help she has given him over the last few weeks, it is the least he can do for her.]

Once the Honeymoon is Over... [Video]

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