>>5147493“What did you find out when you examined me?” You ask, curiosity overwhelming you. “Does my current form have anything to do with my affection for ships before the Crucible, or perhapa some kind of cultural influence?”
“BOTH, AND MORE!” Exclaims the titan, more than happy to disclose the results of their findings. “NOT ONLY DOES A DAUGHTER’S PAST EXPERIENCES, BOTH SOCIAL AND PERSONAL, INFLUENCE THEIR CRUCIBLE-FORM BUT SO DOES THE CULTURE THEY’VE BEEN STEEPED IN. WHILE THEIR OWN PERSONAL DESIRES OR FEARS TEND TO FORM THE STRONGEST FOCI, OTHER DRIVES OR EMOTIONS CAN INFLUENCE HOW THEIR EXTERNAL APPEARANCE CONTINUES TO EVOLVE DURING THEIR CRUCIBLE. IT’S REALLY QUITE FASCINATING! FOR EXAMPLE, YOUR OWN CRIPPLING SENSE OF GUILT OVER YOUR PERCIEVED CRIMES HAS RESULTED IN YOU DOUBLING-DOWN ON YOUR OWN UNIQUE FORM OF ATONEMENT—A MASSIVE VESSEL THAT CAN CARRY THE BURDENS OF OTHERS.”
At that your present crew startle, and you quickly shift the conversation’s topic before they can say anything in reply; “If you would humor us more than you already have, where do you plan on going next? And will you be taking that Amalgam with you?”
“OH, I’VE RECENTLY HEARD TELL OF A MIND AND CURIOSITY TO MATCH MY OWN!” Leviathan declares as your crew share a few pointed glances. “I’M SERACHING FOR MORE OF WHAT SHE INTENDS TO ACCOMPLISH, BUT I’M ENJOYING WHAT I’VE SEEN SO FAR!”
“AS FOR THAT AMALGAM, I’LL PICK AWAY AT IT AS I STUDY THIS PLANET’S OCEAN A BIT MORE.” The titan happily continues. “IT’S JUST SO WONDERFULLY EXPANSIVE, THERE’S SO MUCH TO LEARN!”
“Well, you have an open invitation to drop by and say ‘hello’ if you’re ever close by and want to talk.” You offer as Calypso shoots you one of her trademark ‘are-you-shitting-me?’ glares. “Maybe we could even contribute to some of your research if you feel like it would be helpful.”
“HAHA, YOU’RE ADORABLE! I’LL CERTAINLY KEEP IN TOUCH, LITTLE YAMATO…” Leviathan laughs once more, a single great tentacle curling around the Amalgam and dragging its still-paralyzed form into the burning depths.
“…HOW COULD I NOT? YOU’RE SUCH A DARLING~!”
Levy leaves and suddenly as they appeared—slipping beneath the stilled surface of the ocean, allowing its tempestuous waves to resume once more as the sea reassuringly springs back to life.
“Okay—anyone else thing that whole thing felt like goddamn fever dream, or just me? Show of hands.” Calypso breathes, thrusting her arm skyward. Musashi smirks as she raises her hand, partly in agreement and partly to draw attention away from her trembling sword hand. Gem and Emma are draped over Hilde’s broad shoulders without a care in the world, and Vector sprints back below deck to check in with her allies.
“Good job keeping your cool, everyone.” You commend, checking your systems. “We’ve got a ways to go, so get back on-“
“Yamato?”
(Continued)
