PSA

[inhumanity]

We ought not doubt the existence of the rabbit on the moon. People didn't think there was a man on the moon, and as you can see, there are quite a few of them—and women, too. Besides, it hurts the rabbit's feelings.

Anyone who has any proof of the existence of moon rabbits, including pelts or rabbit stew, you're welcome to come forward to show the non-believers the truth.

Comments

permaprivate

[inhumanity]

[A pathetic, frightened creature, Christopher tries to ignore the sense of unease, the itching question of why. Why is Huey talking to him? Why is he bothering with such an unscientific matter? Christopher is just a test subject. He doesn't need to know Master Huey's reasons.

But it's getting harder and harder to suppress the unease whenever Huey addresses him. Lucky him, that this is text.]

Doubtless they have all the same feelings as Earth rabbits. Fear and hate and hurt and joy and of course the most prominent of all emotions in rabbits, vengeful bloodlust. But as moon rabbits have lived off a diet of cheese and men, it may be that they have a stronger sense of community than their cousins on Earth. I'll have to ask when I meet one! Should I designate them test subjects, Master Huey?

Re: permaprivate

[observingfate]

Of course not. If you enjoy them, I'd keep them alive for you. Ah, they're similar to yourself, aren't they?

[inhumanity]

[Something only Erika is witness to: Christopher freezes for a moment. And then he laughs, because he can't do anything else.]

I'm honored by your kindness, Master Huey!

From such a capable scientist as yourself, any claim of similarity is something I take to be absolute truth.

[observingfate]

I appreciate it. However, I'm not sure if this is something we can consider absolute truth yet. Until we find substantial evidence, the idea of moon rabbits can only be a theory which means we cannot say they truly exist. This could pose a problem to someone so similar to these possibly non-existing rabbits, correct?

Tell me, Christopher. Did you manage to kill anyone during that last raid?

[inhumanity]

[Christopher tries not to let himself hesitate over the message. Instead, he makes himself answer impulsively, without thinking. As if that's safer. As if that shows less of his heart to someone who has no feeling for it.]

From a scientific point of view, of course, I couldn't disagree. I shall go out looking for the rabbits with my companions, and until then, I shall foster belief in their existence.

Given your consent, Erika and I killed all scientists we came across.

[observingfate]

How many? Each?

[inhumanity]

While I wouldn't want to deny data to you, I'm not certain I could divide the kills up. As it always is with my friends, all we do is a collective effort with collective results.

[He feels cornered. He feels trapped. He feels like this vivisection is just a formality because Huey already knows what he'll find when he puts that scalpel into Christopher's chest.

But Erika is still beside him now, and he can feel the warmth of her shoulder when he types his replies.]

[observingfate]

It's alright if you do not have an idea. It's just that you mentioned that these rabbits had bloodlust, and if you had it yourself, I'd have something to compare to these rabbits.

[inhumanity]

My greatest apologies that I cannot offer you that data. This failing is a wound I'll take to heart.

However, though the numbers aren't clear this time, my history in that respect speaks for itself.

[Because Christopher hasn't changed. He's the same thing that Huey made and tested for years, so there is nothing new worth observing.]

[observingfate]

[Huey disagrees.]

Of course I know your history, but this is the present. That's what I'm interested in.

1/2

[inhumanity]

[Christopher doesn't know how to answer.

Huey knows. Of course he knows. Christopher has changed. But he is still the same thing that Huey made and tested for years.

So as an altered test subject, now he has to return to that unnatural Hell. That's why Huey is asking him these questions.

Christopher is once again in a confined building with his creator, nowhere to go, no way to escape. The missions can only by a temporary reprieve. He is a test subject of Huey Laforet, and whatever he does, he'll still be vivisected if that's what Huey wants from him.

So just surrender.]

[inhumanity]

[When Christopher's laughter stops shaking him, he moves his fingers to the keypad. Singing a nursery rhyme to himself and to Erika beside him, he answers.]

In that case, I didn't kill any of the scientists personally. Erika always delivered the killing strike. She has such elegance and artistry to her that even the Poet would approve, and it's a great pleasure to be her partner in violence.

[observingfate]

Oh, I figured as much.

[He just wanted you to say it.]

Don't worry though. I'm interested in your rabbits so I'll help you. There isn't much else to do here anyway.

[inhumanity]

I never doubted your knowledge, of course!

[He just wanted to hope. His mistake.]

Then will you join in the search for them? We intend to explore all of the moon in search of rabbits.

[observingfate]

I'm not really useful with searches so I must decline. However, you've made interesting bonds so I'm certain they'll definitely help you. If you find anything, just show me afterwards. Together, I mean.

I'm interested to meet your acquaintances, you know.

[inhumanity]

It would be the highest pleasure to combine my love for satisfying your interests with my love of spending time in the company of my friends. Such a synthesis of happiness marvels the invention of chocolate peanut butter cups.

[observingfate]

It is a nice treat, isn't it?

[inhumanity]

I hope to one day thank Mr. Reese personally for his invention. Until then, I'll honour his legacy through my simulacra of his creation.

[observingfate]

It doesn't matter to me what you decide to do.

[inhumanity]

[Then please stay away.]

[No, that's it. Christopher sees the words, and he knows that it is true, as he has always known. But apathy is a privilege that lowly creatures such as himself is not allowed.

So Christopher makes a tactical move: he picks his response to set up what he needs from Huey to end the conversation.]

If you like peanut butter cups, I would be delighted to make them for you.

[observingfate]

[Huey had an important decision to make. Was making Chris squirm worth his time? (Well, you could argue that Huey can't even see Chris cringe in fear in the first place because this is happening all through text messages, buuuut Huey still knew. After all, Huey "raised" Chris himself. Of course he'd know.)

Anyway, there is only one answer to that question.]

I'm not really interested with what you have to make. I only have an interest in these rabbits. Find one and bring it to me when you can.

[inhumanity]

[Christopher doesn't care about anything except that he was just given a way to stop talking to Huey. He doesn't care what that requires. He's taking his way out.

('Missions are a temporary reprieve from Hell.')]

What you wish is my pleasure to fulfil!!

[AND FREE he's gone conversation over Christopher going to find a rabbit and, if even only for an hour, he isn't going to have to deal with Huey.]