sisterimperator | Open Post

[Paul pours out some more wine raises his own glass in the toast.]

To knowledge.

[California wine is good stuff. Paul will miss wine from Caladan, but his new home has its own pleasures to try. He chases the wine with one of the deviled eggs.]

Mmph. These eggs are good. [A cracked smile.] Deviled eggs, I get it.

[Paul leans back, cozy in his setup. There’s something about this that he likes - the delicious food, the comfortable chair, the feeling of being surrounded by books. He remembers the Ghoul’s comment that they would burn his eyes, and Sister’s belief that he could handle it. His eyes have been burned before.]

I have…a few. It’s very difficult to choose favorites. A broad diet is the best.

Yes, I believe so. Besides, there’s a lot to do and see in the city. A lot to learn. I’ll never be bored, my friend.

Edited (Typo) 2024-03-04 21:45 (UTC)

Glad you're enjoying. [ It seemed the perfect inside joke between them, what with the name and one of Paul's favorite foods being spiced eggs. ]

What are they? I'm curious what books have been catching your attention. [ It would also help her decide on what books to either lend to him or gift him in time. ]

You're right. Los Angeles is ever-changing. It is a melting pot of cultures, and the hub of many movements - political, religious, artistic, literary, et cetera. [ In Sister Imperator's opinion, he picked a perfect place to study and perhaps to settle down in. ]

I certainly am. These eggs are exceptional, especially with the blend of spices you chose. [For his usual dour nature, Paul hasn't completely lost his sense of humor.]

I've been reading encyclopedias and historical texts to learn about your world. [A hum of consideration, and then a smirk.] Also some science fiction, naturally.

All the same, I'm willing to wager that this place has never had a visitor quite like me before. If it hadn't been for you I'd likely still be in self-imposed exile. But I think, if I'm careful and learn from old mistakes, there can be a future for me in your world.

Egg-ceptional, yes, I agree. [ Yes, Sister Imperator had a sense of humor too. Sadly, a part of it was comprised of dad jokes. ]

Oh, yes, that's right - [ She recalled him mentioning this, and made a mental note to give him more science fiction novels in the future. ] Do you celebrate your birthday?

Indeed, I'm certain Los Angeles hasn't had a messiah, present or previous. Our last one died on another continent some 1969 years ago, or so they say. [ She took a sip of her orange juice. ]

If there's anyone who can learn from the past, I'd think it's you, Paul - and I don't say that lightly. There are many willing to commit the same mistakes over and over again, but considering what I've learned about you, I think you've left that part of your life behind.

Eggs-actly, indeed. [A smile in reply to the joke, along with one of his own. Paul doesn't mind dad jokes.]

I do, yes, though I'll need to recalibrate things to fit the dating system in your time. [Paul will do the same for her, naturally.] I assume you celebrate yours as well?

Wouldn't imagine they've had visitors from other planets, either, though you never know. Any other extraterrestrials might be as subtle as I am about it. Don't want to frighten the Terrans.

I hope so. I don't want to do to my new home what I did to my old - but without the burden of fate or prophecy, I think I can prevent that from happening. But it's a comfort to have someone else who believes it's possible.

[ She smiled. For someone whose life had been as fraught and tragic as Paul's, the fact that he still had a sense of humor was remarkable. Sister Imperator only hoped that Copia would retain his. ]

Let me know when you've done the calculations. [ In response to his question - ] Yes, I do. In fact, to Satanists, their birthday is the most important holiday in the year.

There has been some speculation, and some say that the government is covering up this information. [ Sister Imperator waved a hand dismissively - her version of a shrug. ] But you're right. The people of Earth are xenophobic and the idea that there are worlds beyond ours frightens most, regardless of whether these worlds are physical or spiritual.

[ Ah. The burden of fate or prophecy. Sister Imperator knew these all too well. Her palm once again went protectively over her stomach.

His statements were thought-provoking, as always, and Sister downed the rest of her orange juice. ]

By the way, when you've had your fill, we can do what you want to do - if you want to explore, or go to the Ministry's library, or the kitchen, let me know. Not that there's any rush, [ she said as she took another canape for herself. ]

[Paul smiles in response. If nothing else, his attitude and health have recovered somewhat, slowly but surely. Whether that’s due to the effects of his powers lifting or the change in environment, he doesn’t know.]

I certainly will. Figure I don’t have enough of a social life or desire for one to hold parties, but I wouldn’t oppose something smaller and more private. Or attending someone else’s.

[A laugh. Paul is certainly no little green or gray man - though even his remaining abilities are strong enough to be reminiscent of them. However, it’s far easier for him if nobody outside a select few knows his true origins or background. Not to mention probably better for Earth itself. Paul doesn’t wasn’t to cause disruption for the good of all parties concerned.]

You’re always welcome at my home. I can’t promise that my bookshelf is as extensive as yours, but I’ve made progress in a short time.

[Paul disposed of a couple more eggs. Delicious. He licks his lips to catch any of the spices that he missed.]

The library’s certainly on my list of things to see. I also wished to compliment you and the Ministry on the artwork present here. I couldn’t help but admire it while on my way.

I find that as I grow older, I prefer smaller celebrations. [ The Prime Mover's birthday could well be an excuse for the Clergy to throw an opulent, hedonistic fete. However, Sister Imperator would rather that the funds for such things went to the Ghost project - and quite honestly, she wasn't a "people person" - if that hadn't been obvious. Having to receive well wishes from every single person in the Ministry was sure to put her in a bad mood before the end of it. ]

You did me the honor of visiting mine, and so I will visit yours. [ She ate another canape, pleased that Paul was also enjoying the finger foods. ]

Thank you. We take great pride in the Ministry's art collection and in the beauty of its construction. Was there anything in particular that caught your eye?

[Paul agrees. He lost his appetite for pomp and would prefer something smaller and more private. It’s better that way if he’s going to open himself up to that sort of thing again, and Paul is still wary of strangers. He isn’t usually the type for hedonism, though he makes an exception for dining with Sister. She will probably notice the eggs and fruits slowly disappear as Paul works through them.]

I’d be honored to have you. [Paul finishes the last of his deviled eggs, licking his fingers clean.] Ah, those were delicious. I still have room for a little more.

[He reaches for a canapé of his own.] It’s all magnificent, but I have a particular soft spot for the stained glass artwork. Stained glass is beautiful, don’t you think?

[ It was a mark of as good host that the food was enjoyed. She'd be sure to tell the chef later as well. ]

I do. There's plenty of it in the Ministry. [ Several, of course, bore religious themes - stories of Lucifer's deeds and the Clergy's significant history. However, there were also floral murals, and corridors simply lined with dazzling patterns that lent color onto the white marble floors in the daylight. ]

Was it common where you came from?

[Paul pauses halfway through a canapé. He seems to appreciate them as much as the eggs, going by his expression and the speed he devours them with.]

Maybe we could look around at the art one of these days. It has my attention and my curiosity, and you know I have a sharp eye for detail. I’ll give you my full thoughts - and it would be a good way to learn my way around, don’t you think?

You should have seen my palace. I got sick of it, but I can’t say it wasn’t beautiful.

I look forward to that. Though, of course, you'd admittedly be viewing pieces curated for a specific aesthetic and not something comprehensive.

[ It was easy to picture Paul admiring and critiquing the works at the Louvre and in other such important museums in the world. ]

I'm curious about two things. First - what did it look like? Second - you said you got sick of it. Was it not home?

I’ll have to give you a full description. It was as grandiose as you’d expect for the home of a man who ruled the entire universe.

[Paul would be happy to do so if he ever got around to traveling further afield. He enjoys looking at and admiring artwork, and he has a discerning eye.]

To answer your question, I grew tired of being Emperor. The role I filled was one I didn’t enjoy, I became the kind of tyrant I would have despised earlier in my life, and it was dangerous for myself and everyone around me. Chani’s death was the straw that sent what was left crumbling down.

If you would. [ Sister Imperator was interested in what sort of architecture and motifs such a Messiah would prefer.

She nodded as she listened to Paul. ] Ah, and so the palace became a prison, emblematic of the throne and its burdens.

[ Her gaze turned to her office, and to the grucifix hung on the wall. That was something she couldn't imagine. Not when this Faith made her feel as she did - alive. ]

I’ll write something up for you, and your thoughts interest me. Arakeen motifs are not the same as Terran ones. [Though influences from Old Earth cultures were still present.]

You see, then? A gilded cage is still, at the end of the day, a cage. I feel freer in my home in Los Angeles, small as it is, than in my palace. It gives my flight feathers space to grow back.

[Paul hadn’t been able to call himself happy in a very long time. Happiness is an alien feeling to him, but one which is slowly seeping back inside him again. There’s an energy and life to him now that the Preacher never had.]

I'm no expert in architecture, but I'd be fascinated to read your comparisons nonetheless.

[ Sister Imperator nodded. She herself could not see her profession ever being a prison, but she realized that there was indeed something that would, perhaps, qualify. Paul's marriage to Chani had been what had given him joy, but in Sister Imperator's case, her own union was not quite as liberating. It had been, at first, but that had quickly gone sour.

But she turned her thoughts away from Papa Nihil. She didn't want to dwell on him when she had an esteemed guest and friend visiting. ]

It is just a reminder that the end of the book is not necessarily the end of the story.

I’ll do what I can to give you something. There are perks to being friends with a Mentat.

[Paul can’t access many of his stronger powers, but plenty of them remain able for him to tap into where and when needed. In this case, he can call up the details for the comparison asked for. He’s a competent artist as well, so he has a plan on how to sketch the palace for Sister. He wants to use his remaining skills so they don’t atrophy and he stays in practice.

He takes a drink, thinking over Sister’s comment. There’s a nod in agreement as he listens, then he talks.]

I thought my story was over when I bled out on the Arakeen streets. The fact that it isn’t…well, I won’t waste the opportunity. I want the next chapter to be a happier one.

[ To be friends with a mentat was especially helpful in a time period without access to the internet and therefore easy access to knowledge, though Sister Imperator had yet to know that. ] I'll be sure to show you the books in the library about Catholic and Satanic architecture. They go hand in hand.

I don't know if you know the story of Jesus - if this Earth's Messiah's story reached Caladan and Arrakis and that far into the future. But long story short, He died. But clearly that wasn't the end of His story. I'm not talking about His legend or what His disciples did, either; He returned from the dead to continue on. The story states that He still had a few more things to do before going home, but the point is -

Death is obviously not the end for a Messiah. Literally and figuratively. But you're fortunate that you have no more prophecy or work to be yoked by, and I sincerely congratulate you on your freedom.

A life spent chained to a fate deserves freedom in the end.

Thank you. I look forward to reading them. I'll also be sure to take notes so you can see my thoughts directly. You'll find them interesting, I think. [Paul's abilities also make him a valuable asset for his library job, though he keeps the origin and nature of those abilities secret.]

We maintained some knowledge of that history, yes. The irony of it all wasn't lost on me - Messiahs also tend not to die natural deaths, though I will say stabbing is less unpleasant and torturous than crucifixion. I don't think I have any unfinished business here or elsewhere, so I intend to simply relax and appreciate my freedom. There's a lot of time to make up for, time to spend doing things that I want to do.

[There was a time not so long ago when Paul would say that stabbing seemed kinder a death than he likely deserved, but he wishes to progress past that mindset when it won't do anyone any good. He'd spent years marinating in self-hatred and disgust with his own choices.]

It feels good to worry about small things again.

I know I will. [ She felt that that was one thing that cemented their friendship - a love of knowledge. ]

Jesus' life was less torturous than yours up until the part where it was time for Him to be sacrificed, so I suppose that was His Father's way of making up the difference.

[ Sister Imperator finished off the last of the canapes. ]

Oh? And what was the last little problem that you had?

I'm sure. [A firm nod. Paul doesn't need his futuresight to know that.]

Suppose that's a way to look at it. I saw enough futures where I was killed by a knife that it was a reasonable guess I'd go out that way.

[He considers the question as he reaches for a plate.]

Slowly getting my hands on the technology I need to thrive here is the current issue, though the salary helps. Picking up a driver's license at some point.

[There's a quiet gulp as Paul swallows the last piece of fruit. He washes his meal down with what's left of the juice, sighing in satisfaction. There's a soft burp.] Excuse me, Sister. Ah, that was delicious.

My death has been foretold as well. [ It was perhaps a somber topic, but Sister Imperator broached it with nonchalance. ] The particulars have not been prophesized, but the circumstances have. It is not something I dread, if I'm honest. I simply see it as a part of the big picture.

[ She flashed Paul a smile. ] To save costs on driving school, I can teach you, if you're willing. [ She was also a very temperamental driver, but hey, it would be a learning experience? ]

I'll be sure to tell the chef that you enjoyed it. With that - [ Sister Imperator stood. ] Shall I take you on a tour?

Everyone dies eventually. If nothing else, knowing what’s coming gives you time to prepare. [Paul used the time he had left to tie up unfinished business with his sister and stand by his son. He misses Alia, despite the way things went - what happened to her wasn’t really her fault, so he forgives her. His own hands are far from clean.] I don’t know how I’ll die here, but I sincerely hope no stabbing is involved.

[He nods in return to the suggestion of driving lessons.] I’ll take you up on that offer. It should be a useful skill, especially for when I wish to travel. I’d hardly be a conventional driving school student.

[He pushes the emptied plates away and stands in return.] Please do, those were delicious. I’m quite stuffed. A tour would be a wonderful way to walk it all off.

I agree - and in one way or another, to die on my terms. [ Her own prophecy had stated that she would die in place of her son, and what better way to go out than that? ]

I doubt anyone here can stab you just like that. The only reason you were stabbed was because of your own prophecy, after all. I haven't seen your fighting skills in action, but you've spoken of them, and I don't doubt you.

[ Sister Imperator gave Paul a smile. If only he knew what saying yes to her driving lessons held in store for him... ]

Excellent.

[ She headed to the door, opening it and waiting for him to follow before she headed down the corridor. The windows were made of stained glass in floral patterns, and as such, the white marble floors were a kaleidoscope of color from the sunlight streaming in. ]

This is one of my favorite sights at the Ministry.

Edited 2024-03-14 16:22 (UTC)

[Paul didn’t object to dying. He felt his time was over and it was the next generation’s job to finish his work. Of course, it seems things turned out in a way he didn’t anticipate, but he’s hardly objecting to that.]

I don’t have any reason to fight, but that’s not the same as losing my ability to do it if I had to. If I was in a situation where my hand was forced, well, anyone who did that would find that underestimating me in my retirement is a mistake.

[Paul looks forward to the driving lessons. She might be able to see his eyes gleaming.]

I’m ready to start whenever you wish.

[Paul follows along, absorbing any detail he sees. He admired the stained glass artwork before and he admires it now. Paul’s a curious person, wherever and whenever he finds himself. There’s a lot to admire and study in this piece.]

It’s beautiful.

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sisterimperator - 2024-03-15 05:57 (UTC) - Expand