Patchwork Universe

Dr. William T. Odom · Good Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 471 Location: The Museum

Dr. Odom was speechless. Whether from the heat or the shock or both, he staggered, swayed and nearly fell.

Dr Jewel · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 4:40 pm Post subject:

"Father Michael?" Jewel whispered the words, her eyes wide with disbelief.

She looked at Kao Sheng.

"He's Father Michael?" She sounded accusing.

Kao Sheng · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 6:27 pm Post subject:

"Such is indeed the case," Kao Sheng replied mildly.

"The precise details surrounding these events would be somewhat complex to explain, as would an entirely correct answer to the question posed by the insightful Kalyndis just a short while ago. Nevertheless, the fact remains, and how each of you wishes to proceed is, of course, a matter for your own judgement."

Dr Jewel · Posted: Wed Jul 21, 2004 9:57 pm Post subject:

"I don't understand." Dr Jewel said plaintively. "It wasn't him that we saw? He's been brought back to life? That here doesn't have death, just a place called Heaven that we saw on the map?"

She looked at him again.

"I suppose you really are..." She spoke slowly, "I mean, not like me?"

Kalyndis · Good Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 252 Location: Kerya

Brought back to life? What a strange thing to say. Jack Jones was obviously mistaken.

Kalyndis beamed. "Father Michael, how delightful to see you! Perhaps you can tell us what has happened. Doctor Odom has accused me of killing you, but as you are plainly alive, you cannot have been killed. Doctor Odom, I believe you owe me an apology."

Dr. William T. Odom · Good Joined: 01 Dec 2003 Posts: 471 Location: The Museum

"Michael? The young man at the public house said this . . . said Kalyndis killed you!" Dr. Odom leaned against the wall of the church for support.

Father Michael · Strong Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 98 Location: San Pietro

"Ah," said Michael, as he approached the group, "I was beginning to wonder if this would happen." He reached the group and smiled once more.

"In answer to your questions, Doctors: yes, I am Michael; no, I am not a ghost. Kalyndis, your question is more difficult. To all intents and purposes, the answer is yes, you did kill me - or at least you would have done without the intervention of the mechanisms that govern this place. I am alive for reasons that I cannot fully explain myself - at least not in this heat.

"Maria is making coffee. Come and join me, I think we have much to discuss. Oh, and William, Kalyndis, put away your anger until we have talked. Come, my house is this way."

And with that, Michael turned and made his way back across the Square.

Dr Jewel · Posted: Thu Jul 22, 2004 1:16 pm Post subject:

Dr Jewel watched him turn and head towards the house.

"Well." She said, pretty much to no-one. "At least he seems to have got over being killed and brought back to life. Even if I haven't."

She began to pick her way over the dusty Square.

Kalyndis · Good Joined: 22 Jan 2004 Posts: 252 Location: Kerya

'The intervention of the mechanisms that govern this place'? So did I kill him or not? These waters are even deeper than I previously thought. Still, it is better to find truth in deep water than remain ignorant on dry land...

Kalyndis followed the priest and the doctor with graceful strides, showing no outward sign of his uneasiness beyond a certain tightening of the brow.

Father Michael · Strong Joined: 30 Apr 2004 Posts: 98 Location: San Pietro

[OOC: Father Michael is now providing coffee in the 'Final Delivery' thread. I will presume that everyone is joining him.]