[ If Junior is wandering about during the later hours on Wednesday, he'll find Hickey strolling through the promenade of reflection, perusing the plaques.
[Its not uncommon to find Junior here. Like many others, he wants to memorize as much as he can about the people he’s stuck with. What they’re capable of. He glances at Hickey when his own placard is referenced, shrugging. He didn’t see the point in hiding something already more-or-less out in the open.]
I found out recently that I was given birth to five years ago…but I don’t know when my birthday is.
[And he very clearly wasn’t THAT young—he had to at least be twice that age.]
[Junior shakes his head. Based on everything he's gleaned from Hickey so far...they were simply from different times. He had no idea how he could even explain the discrepancy of his age in a way that would make any sense to him.]
It's difficult to explain. My mind and body has been made to age faster than a normal person's. That's why I don't really know what age I am. I suppose I'm currently equivalent to an eleven or twelve year old.
What do you mean, "has been made"? Are you not human?
[ A question that feels less insane than it should, but nothing about their current situation makes sense. The Tuunbaq's existence didn't make sense. In order to understand these things, he needs to open his mind. ]
[As Junior considers the best way to answer, he makes his way over to where Hickey's statue stands. He's already read it by now, of course, but he'd be interested in seeing how the man might react to having it scrutinized in real time.]
Artificial humans produced by enhancing the preserved DNA of prominent historical figures.
[He glances at Hickey again, both to gauge how he might be processing this information and also to consider the time period that the man might be from. Junior isn't so versed in history that he can nail down an exact era...but he tries to think of a good example that might help.]
[Junior had the tendency to move around silently, almost like a ghost, even without the use of his power. Maybe that's why he's able to catch Hickey as he slips a chisel into his pocket.]
Hello.
[He stays far enough away as he speaks as to not potentially get swung upon--though he isn't particularly afraid of that prospect, either.]
[ Hickey startles, but only just. He has the composure to hide it well—although Junior will likely notice the slight jolt at the sudden voice, his hand slipping the chisel into his coat a little faster.
He turns, greeting Junior with a smile. ]
Hello there. To what do I owe the pleasure?
[ Maybe Junior's just here for arts and crafts, but no. He's probably here to hang out with his best buddy, Mr. Hickey. ]
[If he remembers correctly, Hickey had a chisel on him at the last trial, too. Like him, he must be comfortable with weapons that could be easily concealed.]
But now that we're here...could I talk to you about something?
[Junior nods. It wasn't really all that important if Hickey really knew much about him or not, at the end of it. The overall concept was still, well, advanced.]
A German composer. In the year I'm from, he's considered to be one of the greatest in music history. His works are widely performed across the globe. He's just an example of the type of person that the British Government reincarnated as an agent.
[ There's a long pause before Hickey answers. His mouth twists into a grin. ]
I haven't decided, though I've thought on it. If he means to send us all back where we've come from at the end of this, I'll need any advantage I can get.
[But it was definitely on his mind. Something to think about. After the talk they'd had when they first arrived, Junior was confident that Hickey wouldn't be surprised at Junior's potential willingness to take a life.]
After what you described about your situation, I had a feeling that you might be interested. A wish would likely go a long way, for you.
[Junior's quiet for a moment as he wanders toward the area of the workshop that sports different textiles. Idly, he picks up a knitting needle and considers the weight and sturdiness of it. So many small objects in this place could do damage, in the right hands.]
I don't know. Someone asked me that once, back home. I told her I didn't have anything to wish for. But now, I'm not so sure.
[It was...confusing. There were so many different things to consider.]
I don't want to do anything until I know for sure what I'd even ask for. Do you think one wish would be enough?
Smart, going straight to source. You're quite resourceful.
[ Hickey turns his own attention to the tools littering the workshop. So much here to get creative with... Ish must have done this on purpose. There's the weapons room, sure, but that's so obvious. ]
I suppose the key is getting away with it, then. A difficult task for one man alone.
[Junior nods again. Just like how he'd kept his back to the wall in the banquet hall during their first meeting, there's an aura about him that even when his eyes aren't on Hickey, his guard isn't down.]
I thought about that, too. Theoretically, we don't have to get away with it. He'll still grant our wishes if we get caught, on the condition that we don't admit to what we've done during the trial...because he wants his show.
[Of course...]
I'd assume if we were wishing for something that we'd need to be alive to receive, this doesn't really matter. I was just curious what he'd say about it.
Even so, if I'm going to take a life for a wish, I'd prefer to be alive to receive it.
[ He keeps his voice measured, but Junior may be able to tell regardless that his mind is working away. ]
But staying undetected through one of Ish's carnivals is possible enough. None among us seem particularly skilled detectives... Throwing them off your scent would be simple with the right preparation. And perhaps the right allies.
[Hickey had already hinted at it, and Junior had been pretty sure he understood what was being proposed. Now it's certain. He gives his full attention, turning away from the different implements on display in the workshop.]
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