adregem | 000 - voidtreckerexpress Universal Contact Post

[ Tidus is close to rolling his eyes, but he doesn't quite make it as he sighs, knocks off the slice of tomato from his toast left. ]

There you go, since you asked.

[ It would sound more mocking if Tidus didn't sound whiny about it still. Now take the tomatoes and let him eat in peace! ]

Speaking just means it's some kind of program, don't it? Like a... you know, like Webmind was. But not as cool or with all the stuff he knows. A really basic Webmind. [ He's picked up his toast again, getting ready to take a bite. ]

You got those AI thingies that ask you what you want and help you through questions and orders in shops where you're from? Like that.

[ Annnd chomp. ]

Hey, thanks.

[ He sounds way too cheerful for someone who just got scolded (?) for stealing food, not even minding the edge of sarcasm that comes through late. The food is deposited into his mouth quickly, chewing done promptly so he can speak again. ]

Yeah, AI's a big thing back home. They even had names to them, like they were actual people. The one on my phone's called Miri. [ Gotta avoid those law suits, ya know! Off-brand baybee. Roland wipes the corner of his mouth while shaking his head. ] But the train...doesn't quite sound like that either. I don't know how to explain it. It's more...hm. It has a sense of personality but it has no way of expressing it. It can only function as a void craft. Does that make sense?

[ If only he's more eloquent about the technicalities of his conjectures. But he'll field the question to Tidus anyway, glancing to the side with an empty plate. He ate way too fast, but thankfully, he's not one to eat until he's to the bursting so he stops begging for Tidus's scraps. For now! ]

I don't know, [ Tidus says warily, but mostly stumped. Sucking off from his thumb a piece of sauce that caught it. ] Now you're getting too technological for me. I never played any attention.

[ It was there, it functioned, and that was Tidus's relationship with that level of technology. There's bits and pieces left on his plate, but he otherwise takes a hold of his tray with a 'I'm done!' and stands up. ]

You want anything else out of the kitchen?

[ A small pause from the subject of their conversation, but it can easily be picked back up. ]

No. That's it for me. We shouldn't be too full anyway, if we're training.

[ But he follows suit and takes his own plate and mug. Purple's chores aside, it seems Roland's taken to cleaning up as he goes no matter what the train assigns. So his direction is straight to the sinks; a familiar sight to both of them. ]

I can wash these while you warm up first, if you want. I don't mind. [ A small smile as he reaches for his plate. ] Let's call it even for stealing from your breakfast. Heh.

Do you like washing up that much?

[ Really, Tidus was about to stick his plate with the stack that's been left for cleaning up later, along with the utensils and trays. But the fact Roland seems keen to take his plate for him stops that, but not the raised brow Tidus gives him. ]

Leave it to the team with the chore! ... ...

...

... That isn't us, is it?

[ The plate is in limbo, but he retracts his hand and rests it against the side of his hip. Regardless of the hesitation from Tidus, Roland is all smiles anyway. ]

Nope. It's not us. Kitchen duties are on Blue this month. But - [ He reaches for the plate again, palms up. ] It's still good practice to clean as you go, regardless of whose job it is. I'm sure they won't miss two dirty plates in their audit, heh.

[ Siiiiigh, handing it over! And he does sigh too. ]

You're way too serious. Doesn't it make sense to leave it to the people cleaning the other plates? They'll get them done all at once.

Well, it's your life.

[ Which is to say, he thinks it's fussy, but he isn't arguing that hard about it. Roland going to Roland, and all. He's only a rebel if it's going against him! ]

Me? Serious? Wow. Haven't heard that in a while.

[ The wryness of his statement is colored by amusement. The plates are gathered in one sturdy grip and gently set aside on the sink, the sound of running water already following. He's efficient despite it all, okay! Already getting to work, suds in his hands, scrubbing on the way. Eggs on plates, honestly! ]

I just want to make things a little easier for whoever's in charge today. Heh. Two dishes off their...plate. If you would. [ Relax Roland, Tidus might bust a gut from laughter. ] Besides, I'm almost done. See?

[ One plate done, second plate to go. Thanks for attending Roland's TED talk on shared responsibility! ]

[ Tidus groans, short and dying, but it's there as his feet carry him a few steps away from Roland and the dad joke he's trying to inflict on him. Why does he hang out with this guy!! It has to be pity!! ]

You're a valued member of our community, [ Tidus dryly remarks, and he finally recovers from the damage taken from one bad joke by straightening back up his shoulders. Voice returning to normal as he urges, ] Hurry up so we can get going!

[ Standing here like this is so not fun, okay! Tidus gotta go!!! ]

[ He tries not to make his chuckle evident, finally finished with the quick rinse of the plate. But the mood is joking, so he'll do one better by slowly reaching out for the drying towel hanging by the side of the rack. The look on Roland's face is definitely one that's fake and jesting, poking fun at Tidus in the most obvious way even with how the lilt of his voice carries the words. ]

Oh, but what about drying them? Whaddya say? One towel and plate each? Really get into wiping this down?

[ The pretend, knowing expression he uses to make the joke breaks in a second. The plate is deposited back on the rack and the towel hangs neatly to the side too. ]

Don't get cranky, now. I'm just teasing. Let's go. Blue's gotta work hard for their points too, heh.

[ Tidus doesn't even realise his leg is getting pulled until the crime is admitted to. Waiting, and his face too is on the timer of when Tidus will eventually get fed up, and start to frown and tug his mouth more into the side of his cheek.

It doesn't get that far. Luckily for everyone, and Tidus lets out a small pah, turning on his heel already for the door out. He's not hanging around in here a second longer, man! ]

Blue already get enough! How many times did they get snacks for doing a good job on the new month stop? And Orange too! Have we ever gotten any? I don't remember getting called to luggage for a box of snacks.

[ Roland follows suit, his gait casual enough to keep up with the rush of energy from this one over here! Lead the way! ]

Me neither. To be honest, I don't think we've ever won any...Unless it happened before either of us came onboard. [ Now that's a more pah! worthy moment. ] Was that asked on the train's little Q&A? How to win treats?

[ That could be considered patronizing, Roland thinks to himself, but hey. It's worth bringing up as they walk to their destination. ]

Don't know! Check the computer, that's where people were leaving their answers. [ Right? He never got around to doing that himself, but then... everything he asked it had been a waste of time. None of it actually important or meaningful to anyone else. ]

I forget about them 'til you see people grabbing bags or boxes from the luggage car. [ Pft. ] I guess the train has favourite teams! Purple Team's gotta shape up.

[ But he's far from serious, more mocking over the idea of getting competitive over a box of cookies or whatever it's been as of late. ]

I'd rather we shape up to get the job done and get everyone home, safe and sound. Not to get a box of cookies. [ Sorry to get serious, but if Tidus isn't used to this guy by now! But the duality of man is a funny thing, because as soon as that comes out of his mouth, he then adds: ]

What kind of treats would you even risk winning such a thing for? Their selection hasn't been that exciting, from what I remember. Fudge, lollipops...Just spend three points at the store and get gummies of your choice, I say.

[ That's really the kicker here, isn't it. ]

[ woOOoowowowowow listen to this party pooper over here!! ]

Nothing! I don't want any of them. [ If you're going to call him out on it!! ] Candy's what you give a group of kids for doing a good job - not for people you're sending off to fight.

[ Not that candy isn't good, but...!!!

They're heading back through the dining carriage now, minding the people still sat eating, eyes on the way ahead and Tidus speaking over his shoulder to keep the conversation going. He didn't mind behind overheard--not about candy rewards. ]

What about you? You're not gonna get to trade doing a good job for going home.

[ Agreed. Or as ironic as it is, what you get as a prize for not making a fuss at the dentist.

He follows and responds initially with a nonchalant hum, not pausing even as a hand is raised in acknowledgment for familiar faces sat nearby, people immersed in their own little worlds. They had a ways to go, but the Quiet Coach would be next and that's a quick trip in and out at least, though voices will amplify by virtue of just being there. ]

Well, I don't know about that. [ If two worlds can be connected after all...Good work in one reflects good in the other. It has to. It will. ] And in any case, there's never any harm in trying your best, right? With or without cookies and candy. Though...

[ He idly spots the interior of one of the cars, reminiscing briefly. ]

...Heh. It'd be nice to win once, for bragging rights.

Try bragging to Light or Piccolo. I dare ya.

[ Heh. The thought alone is worth the smile on his face - a contrast to the faces that Lightning or Piccolo would be making. They wouldn't even be mad. Though, would Piccolo feel some kind of competition...? ]

You might get somewhere with the big green. [ Tidus glances once at the quiet cars, but then continues looking ahead, not really here to be a nosy nose. ] You know he took part in a sports game just to win? It was against everyone in his universe.

Did he now? Well, I admire the spirit. Though I do know a thing or two about being up against everyone in the universe myself. Or at least, the world. [ Though it seems he only seems to find a losing streak when he's off-Earth. Roland chuckles nevertheless, passing through the next car in a leisurely stride. ]

So, is he the champ or what? Come on, don't leave me hanging.

[ It's getting good, the story about winning or losing! Arms crossed against his chest but not to be mistaken for anything but habit. ]

Think so! Been a while since he told me about it - it was back on my first mission together. He was helping me teach the kids there how to play. I wanted him to leave them the parts to play with, you know? [ He looks back over his shoulder by the door that leads to the next car, waving a hand clenched, as if wielding some unseen bat. ]

They didn't have ball games, and I didn't know how happy everyone else woulda been if I took our own balls to leave them.

[ Hah. He presses the button leading into the next section and moves on through, onto the standard coach. Just this, and they'd be in the sports gym. Maybe they could use that if no one was in there busy with a game... ]

How about you write a book? [ he brings up perhaps unexpectedly, but- ] One man against the world? Sounds like an adventure, Mister President!

[ Yeah, he totally wasn't leaving that alone. ]

[ Teaching alien kids on another world ball games is one of the most Tidus things Roland's ever heard thus far, and it's nice that he does so. Roland hides his admiration behind a careful smile. He'd never have thought of that offhand, on a mission. ]

I'm sure they've evolved what you and Piccolo have taught them to a whole other level by now. You two just helped create ball game culture.

[ The standard car is one of the longest middle sections he's ever had to traverse on a ride like the Voidtrecker Express, but he supposes it made sense given how many people lived here now. This is where Tidus catches him for a loop, an unexpected topic indeed. ]

...Funny you should mention. [ Roland responds in a carefree sort of way, or as carefree as a stern man like him can get. The smile he wears is nostalgic, though. A memory accessed, not to long ago. ] I definitely owe somebody a book, but it's not gonna be about me being President. That part of my life is already well-documented. [ And the one thing his son is probably sick and tired of hearing about, if he's to be asked. ]

[ He stops only for a moment, as if his answer is worth stopping for. Protags be protags, yo. ] No. I'll write about stories in other worlds and planets, adventures in dreams and memories and all the stuff we're sent on these days. [ And for a book that hasn't been written yet, hypotheticals and all, Roland already sounds as if he is quite fond of it. ~~He is.~~ ]

Heh. Anyway. Let's get going.

[ The pause breaks, and he taps Tidus once on the arm to resume walking. Although - ]

You ever think of expanding hobbies apart from cooking and sports? [ Since Roland assumes the topic of writing comes up only with how often he's routinely caught in the same spots with his nose buried in a book, pen fluttering about pages. Work and hobby perfectly married together. ]

[ Tidus notices Roland pause, luckily to get him to do it too, face him with a stop made close to one of the booths that he bumps into the framing.

A storyteller, huh? There's a curious look in the hold of his eyes, bordering close to surprise, or maybe thoughtful. He thinks to say something, but then Roland is ready to move again, and so he resumes himself once he catches it, the colours of the void passing by the windows they do. ]

Cooking isn't really a hobby here. [ If he's honest. Though there's a groan, a hiss as he remembers suddenly-- ] That's right, I never got the book from Zanarkand! I'll buy it later.

[ He knew he was forgetting something! Ugh, whatever. ]

Anyway- it's no fun messing around with ingredients when we've only what we get for everyone, you know? [ No variety, no room for just picking up what you want. Getting off-track from the actual question. ]

But...yeah, I've thought about it. I mean, I've got training, and I play a game now and then, but I still get bored usually. Was thinking about buying some games from Zanarkand, but...

[ But that's not really a hobby, is it. ]

What can I do? Sports was my life - I didn't have time for anything else 'cept watching shows and goofing off.

Didn't have time for anything else, huh...

[ They're getting closer and closer to their destination, but that particular nugget of conversation lingers around Roland enough to warrant his finger to his chin, a quiet hum in contemplation of what to add. He's still moving of course, keeping in stride with the pacemaker over here, but he falls behind significantly at some point, slowing as gears churn.

His imagination is more vivid that most people assume from a guy so cut and dry. He thinks immediately of Tidus back in Zanarkand, piecing together what he knows of that dream within a dream, powered by the prayers of a long-forgotten people and world. A world that, as Roland understands it, existed at some point in their history, and was Tidus's home until the veil of illusion lifted all at once.

Sports was my life.

Boy does Roland know what that might feel like. So it comes as no surprise that he's already on this task as if there's something on the line if he doesn't help; even as a press of a button is the only thing in between their actual task for the morning and lingering around the train's hallways. ]

You can do a lot of things, I imagine. It's just a matter of figuring out how to repurpose the skills you perfected in blitzball somewhere else. Like...[ A beat. ]

...writing? Sketching? Yoga? Oh. Playing an instrument. Like drums, or a guitar.

[ He didn't want time for anything else, was more like it. The routines, keeping up training, relaxing in the waters and finding new ways to be better than he was the day before; cooking gave him a treat, a relaxing task with a reward at the end of it.

Feet move through to the next carriage, finally - technically - at their destination. An unsure hum pressed into pinched lips that's still thoughtful in sound. ]

I do yoga once a while since Toby does classes in the morning. [ If that counts... as a once a week thing. ] But do we have anything to learn an instrument here? Well, I guess I can ask Dyme if he's up for it. Guitars are cool.

[ Tidus opens the door from the hallway into the main gym and enters on through. The farther end is currently occupied, but there's enough space to mean nobody's going to be bumping into the other, so long as they're careful.

He looks back at Roland, a tug of a smile on one side. ]

I could play for Inigo.

[ Except, not really. ]

[ Nice, his suggestions did manage to inspire something. He does the honors of taking his place on the other end of their section, but doesn't quite do anything else apart from stay still. The smile Tidus throws his way is met in kind, a sparkle of amusement behind his eyes, mirroring the thought. ]

There we go, now we're getting ideas. [ He'll try and stretch his arms around, but hey. No rush here. They were already at the gym, after all. Forget that initially, training was supposed to be the idea but who said you couldn't do that here? ]

Whatever it is you pick, I'm sure Inigo would be able to help you. He's just as creative as you're athletic. A great balance. [ Stretch stretch. Jog in place to warm up the blood! ] Maybe the two of you could compose something together. And he could choreograph. Sounds like the start of a great new hobby to me.

[ And the guy Roland met recently on mission - Demyx - seemed to play too. Lots of choice teachers. ]

I ever tell you you get carried away with your ideas?

[ His voice echoes lightly against the open-spaced walls. These ideas revolving around people being more and more than their idle fancies originally planted them. First he's the next president of the train, and now this! But Tidus knows how to do stretches himself, has a habit of doing them when he can - crouching down and stretching his knees, stretching his arms down and getting his back warmed up too.

His aqua-styled sword appears in hand, in a flutter of gold. He gives it a few swings in the air, and then, for maximum showing off - throws it upward, catching it in its drop. Heck yeah, now we're the anime. ]

But you wanna see some of my best moves, huh? You better warm me up! I can't pull these off just for any target!

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