Romani puts his hands on his lap, trying to search the right words to explain and hope he's correct with his guess.
"I think it must be them, or him, who are trying to contact me," he murmurs vaguely, eyes anxiously looking at the dull colored CHALDEAS. "I, well, not me, Solomon. I told you he wasn't a normal person, right?" He should probably empathize this further. "Solomon wasn't just born to rule a country as David's successor, he was a mechanism that was meant to look after the evolution of humanity. That's a spot that can't be left empty after he passed away." So another system had to replace him. One that did not die.
Lord El-Melloi II's face scrunches up, trying to follow Roman. He...he thinks he gets it. Maybe?
"I'm...." I'm not sure I follow. And the disappointment about that fact is plain on his face. "What was recorded in Scripture as the voice of God, or something else entirely?"
Romani pauses to read his reaction. Is he being vague? Nervous? He's not sure himself. His memories are themselves extremely blurred at times.
"That is part of it," he affirms, clasping his hands together. "Solomon was born connected to the voice, so he never developed his own sense of humanity. Freedom of thought, that sort of thing." He gives a weak smile. "It's fine, though, I think it was necessary then." He has no grudge to the life Solomon led, although it is painful and bitter to remember now. "But I mean, after Solomon passed away, there was a substitute prepared. A magical formula that was meant to guide the correct human evolution aided by the seventy-two demon gods. When Solomon lived, they shared the same body. So I reckon if it's still functional, that's what is trying to reach out for me somehow."
Somehow it's found out he's alive and may have priceless information about their enemy.
"The coordinates are outside of this world, there's something there. Unmistakably, it's where the wandering throne of the King of Magic must be presently."
There's no denying that at this point, Lord El-Melloi II is so far out of his element that it's embarrassing. And yet for all of that mortification it's...it's almost nice to have no idea what's going on and to be out of his depth. It rarely happens, even in Chaldea (save for his inital adjustment period.)
"Perhaps...then maybe it's some kind of back up that Lev and or Marisbilly figured out to a certain extent too. Like a backup switch, because this would be the thing to truly get your attention?"
It's all spitballing, trying to come up with a theory in the moment. And it's a shit theory to be sure.
"But what if it's a trap instead and this is all manipulation by our opponents?"
"...Maybe, but-" Roman trails off, unsure about that theory, but it has merit. "How did they know where the throne was?" He isn't here, because it's wandering in a way, floating in that void, so has no fixed location.
He's right, he knows it could be a trap, but there's also the consequences of ignoring it.
"So far the enemy, whoever or whatever it is, hasn't displayed any scheme or intelligence." It's brutal and they are almost too late to even pick its tracks. "We have no idea what is causing this, and we have little to lose in check this out." He's at wits' end about clues and any assistance, as dangerous and suspicious it seems, is welcome.
Lord El-Melloi II can only think of age. He sighs, continuing with the thought. "What if they're as old as Solomon. Or older. So knowing about the throne isn't new, it's old information they're relying on for manipulation now. But...you're right, it is a change in MO."
It's too clever by half. Everything hasn't been clever.
"I'm not leaving the control room until you're back though."
Roman folds his arms. Maybe Lord El Melloi II's right and he's being rash. But, if he's still got the faint hope to find a solid clue that helps them solve their desperate situation before more history vanishes.
Regardless, it's different from what they seem to have faced so far.
"...Thank you, ah, I suppose I need to teach you how to operate this first," he says in sudden realization. He feels his hands tremble a little, but he doesn't want to show it. It's scary to go there alone, but he needs to do it for the sake of everyone.
"...What was that?" Roman asks, paling to think the damage that sort of person could do to Chaldea. No, that walking curse would need to be isolated from all the premises if they existed.
He suppresses a shudder at the mental image of a wreckage under this mysterious magus feet and rolls his chair to a side to welcome the new operator. "All right," he gestures at the console, "These panels control SHEBA Lenses." So it begins the long session about how to insert coordinates, how to adjust the observation to avoid the dispersion phenomena of the rayshifted person and other essential information. Most important one would be emergency rayshifting and how to perform them.
sounds good nerdy version of eye of the tiger plays in the bg
"...Inside joke," he demurs, before they begin in earnest.
It's computers. Lord El-Melloi II understands them, but then he begins to think about all of it as a video game, and everything tumbles into place far faster. This approach, this approach is right. And while he may not master everything immediately, he gets the logic. When there's mistakes, he corrects quickly and almost always locates the right buttons to press before Roman can tell him what to do instead.
He's not DaVinci or any of the normal staff, but after a while, he's skilled enough to at least manage this simple thing before them both.
"One of these days you'll have to explain me all the punchlines I'm missing out," he laughs a little wistful. It's that or pouting, and he really wants to believe there'll be a tomorrow he could meet his kids in the Clock Tower. He grumbles but he knows he misses them.
He's relieved that Lord El Melloi II seems to catch up quickly. Many magus seem to be too proud and too caught in their archaic ways. He lets him navigate the panel without interference, just stepping in if some button shouldn't be pressed. Learning by doing is the best course. He knows this in the flesh.
"Do you feel certain?" he asks after what seems like hours have passed.
"When we're back in Clock Tower, you'll meet them," he says. Because Rin and Flat should meet Roman, if only for Roman to understand all the snickers and asides. And Gray needs to meet him for her usual reasons, since Roman's one of the reasons El-Melloi II is still alive.
Hitting weird buttons is a video game tradition, Roman! Duh of course he's going to figure this one out.
With confidence to spare too. When Roman asks if he's ready, El-Melloi II nods firmly.
"If anything goes absolutely wrong, I'll get DaVinci in here. But we shouldn't need to do that."
"I look forward that," Roman says with a hopeful smile. He really wants to meet Waver's prized students, and entrust them the future. He feels old, despite his supposed 30s, but it's probably one of those days the stress and the pressure are slowly getting him. This mission makes him nervous. He has really grown comfortable behind the screen.
Avoid the red, big ones, and he's good. At least, he hopes Chaldea wouldn't accidentally self-destruct by leaving him in charge.
"...Fine," he heaves a sigh, unsure if he wants Leonardo to yell at him by his recklessness, but he knows is for the best. "All right, I guess is my turn to make myself ready."
You're good also LOOK SOLOMON DIDN'T RUIN NA CHRISTMAS!
The mission is the mission. Lord El-Melloi II can fake total confidence because he has had to do so for years at Clock Tower now. A little scowling, a little grumping, and a lot of talking until it was clear he was the master of whatever the situation was.
That's less so here, but Roman deserves that same confidence. If only for Roman's trust.
"Do whatever you need to do," Lord El-Melloi II says, sitting at the control panel like it is the most natural place in the world for him. His fingers rest on the appropriate buttons, ready and waiting.
"I should try to look for a Mystic Code," Roman mumbles, looking at what he's wearing. At least to not be walking around who knows where completely unprotected. But he wonders if he can find one of his size.
Leonardo must be in her studio at the time, so he can avoid her. Why did most of Master Candidates have to be teenagers?
thank you i want to thank fgo dollars for giving me Flat fucking up a porsche and soccer mom waver
Wordlessly, Lord El-Melloi II reaches into his coat pocket, and what he pulls out is a cigar case that's as fine as his title suggests such a thing should be. The cigar he takes out is one of the ones laced with his own mystic code. He hasn't had need for them lately, and so to give Roman one is a good idea.
"Take a lighter with you. The code won't function otherwise."
Easy solution. Even if he'll get scolded for encouraging smoking.
lmao fgo dollars are the best dollars, btw I'm on a trip for a week at least
Roman blinds, following his actions in confusion when he offers the case and the cigar. Then it dawns it, it's a mystic code. Do I have to smoke? He hasn't seen Lord El Melloi II use it, so he can always speculate.
"Oh, thank you," he takes the offered code and its cigar. "Leonardo's going to get mad at me when I return smelling to tobacco." He says that to cheer himself up over the idea of wandering to something unknown and dangerous.
Lord El-Melloi II doesn't quite smile, but he imagines that his head nod is more than enough. And willingness to take a bullet for Roman with DaVinci firing. That must count for something.
Everything else is going to be on the fly.
"You're as ready as you're ever going to be. Let us begin."
"That sounds convincing," Roman says, after considering his suggestion, "I would have gotten in a stupid amount of trouble if I get bribed with idol merchandising from the other side of the bet." He has to light the tension, or he wouldn't be able to do this.
He walks toward the coffin, aptly named, it feels like he's heading to his grave.
"Yes, I think so," he says, opening one to slip inside.
Lord El-Melloi II grins, just slightly. "And we both know I can't comment because of my own enjoyment of video games. It's DaVinic-proof."
Foolproof ain't nothing on DaVinci proof, truly. As Roman prepares himself, Waver's focus returns to the screens. He starts to go through the sequence of operations as Roman instructed him (referring to his own notes once or twice). Waits until he's heard the coffin door shut, and then gives Roman a few more moments to settle.
"I'm ready when you are," Lord El-Melloi II says with a calm he doesn't feel at all.
"DaVinci-proof," Roman repeats, blinking. Hey, he likes it. Lord El Melloi II, you're a genius! He shelves the concept to his vocabulary and braces himself for the rayshift.
He'll probably materialize on the sky somewhere, he hopes he won't be too far up or he'll just, well, he'll just break his neck before this adventure starts.
Lord El-Melloi II's voice is so much calmer than he is. He consults his notes as he begins the process. Does everything in order, repeating the instructions under his breath. He does not tell himself any lies to make it easier - such as it's a video game cheat coat - because that makes any mistake made easier to forgive. He is using a system that Roman has spent so little time training him on, and possibly sending the acting director of Chaldea into death. No pressure.
He finishes the last few buttons. Looks over to the coffin.
After ten minutes of static buzz, Roman's image flickers on the screen of the control. He looks pale, looking bewildered by the surroundings. There are white pillars amidst a beautiful dropout of starlight and swirling nebulae.
"I'm fine... I think," Roman answers, after a moment he's lost in his thoughts and the painful nostalgia. "I know what this is," he mentions quietly. It's impossible, but he knows this place, it resembles.
"I was waiting for you, Romani Archaman." Another voice interjects, Roman immediately looks at the source off-screen.
Impossible. He-, he looks pale, as his eyes grow bigger. "Professor Lev?"
In those ten mintues, Lord El-Melloi II simply waits. He's good at that, he's patient enough. He has promised himself that panic can't start until half an hour in. Then it's fine to freak out that he lost the acting director because they did something that they shouldn't have been doing in the first place.
So when Roman's face lights up the screen, there's nothing but relief on Lord El-Melloi II's face.
"Where is..." he trails off.
"What the hell?!" he replaces the lost words with instead. Lev was dead. Dead as a doornail.
"Oh, so we are being observed? I confess we did not think that Chaldea would make it this far, but it was a small possibility and we took it with the approval of the Control Office," the disembodied voice hums sounding amused.
"Lev..." Roman still stares at the pitch darkness and on that moment the familiar man clad in green appears, tipping his hat to the man in greeting.
"Greetings, Lord El Melloi II, it's rather surprising to see you like that," Lev smiles humorlessly then turns his gaze at Romani's direction, opening his eyes slightly. "And to you too, Romani Archaman. No, I guess that is incorrect, isn't it? Your Majesty, my King Solomon." His voice shakes, as does the ground beneath them briefly, of course, Romani entrusted Lev his secret once, opening a path untreated before. The grudge still remains but they were able to observe their King and understand a single human being. "I am Lev Lainur Flauros."
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
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Romani puts his hands on his lap, trying to search the right words to explain and hope he's correct with his guess.
"I think it must be them, or him, who are trying to contact me," he murmurs vaguely, eyes anxiously looking at the dull colored CHALDEAS. "I, well, not me, Solomon. I told you he wasn't a normal person, right?" He should probably empathize this further. "Solomon wasn't just born to rule a country as David's successor, he was a mechanism that was meant to look after the evolution of humanity. That's a spot that can't be left empty after he passed away." So another system had to replace him. One that did not die.
no subject
"I'm...." I'm not sure I follow. And the disappointment about that fact is plain on his face. "What was recorded in Scripture as the voice of God, or something else entirely?"
no subject
"That is part of it," he affirms, clasping his hands together. "Solomon was born connected to the voice, so he never developed his own sense of humanity. Freedom of thought, that sort of thing." He gives a weak smile. "It's fine, though, I think it was necessary then." He has no grudge to the life Solomon led, although it is painful and bitter to remember now. "But I mean, after Solomon passed away, there was a substitute prepared. A magical formula that was meant to guide the correct human evolution aided by the seventy-two demon gods. When Solomon lived, they shared the same body. So I reckon if it's still functional, that's what is trying to reach out for me somehow."
Somehow it's found out he's alive and may have priceless information about their enemy.
"The coordinates are outside of this world, there's something there. Unmistakably, it's where the wandering throne of the King of Magic must be presently."
no subject
"Perhaps...then maybe it's some kind of back up that Lev and or Marisbilly figured out to a certain extent too. Like a backup switch, because this would be the thing to truly get your attention?"
It's all spitballing, trying to come up with a theory in the moment. And it's a shit theory to be sure.
"But what if it's a trap instead and this is all manipulation by our opponents?"
no subject
He's right, he knows it could be a trap, but there's also the consequences of ignoring it.
"So far the enemy, whoever or whatever it is, hasn't displayed any scheme or intelligence." It's brutal and they are almost too late to even pick its tracks. "We have no idea what is causing this, and we have little to lose in check this out." He's at wits' end about clues and any assistance, as dangerous and suspicious it seems, is welcome.
no subject
Lord El-Melloi II can only think of age. He sighs, continuing with the thought. "What if they're as old as Solomon. Or older. So knowing about the throne isn't new, it's old information they're relying on for manipulation now. But...you're right, it is a change in MO."
It's too clever by half. Everything hasn't been clever.
"I'm not leaving the control room until you're back though."
ff sorry for the delay
Regardless, it's different from what they seem to have faced so far.
"...Thank you, ah, I suppose I need to teach you how to operate this first," he says in sudden realization. He feels his hands tremble a little, but he doesn't want to show it. It's scary to go there alone, but he needs to do it for the sake of everyone.
you're totally fine!
There's a look on Lord El-Melloi II's face, a smug grin, and it means he's laughing at a very, very specific inside joke. And for him, it's hilarious.
In a moment, the rolling chair that sat so leisurely across from Roman is beside him, the chair of a junior colleague ready to learn.
"Let's begin."
let's do the training off screen because I have NO IDEA (damn Nasu not showing this)
He suppresses a shudder at the mental image of a wreckage under this mysterious magus feet and rolls his chair to a side to welcome the new operator. "All right," he gestures at the console, "These panels control SHEBA Lenses." So it begins the long session about how to insert coordinates, how to adjust the observation to avoid the dispersion phenomena of the rayshifted person and other essential information. Most important one would be emergency rayshifting and how to perform them.
sounds good nerdy version of eye of the tiger plays in the bg
It's computers. Lord El-Melloi II understands them, but then he begins to think about all of it as a video game, and everything tumbles into place far faster. This approach, this approach is right. And while he may not master everything immediately, he gets the logic. When there's mistakes, he corrects quickly and almost always locates the right buttons to press before Roman can tell him what to do instead.
He's not DaVinci or any of the normal staff, but after a while, he's skilled enough to at least manage this simple thing before them both.
no subject
He's relieved that Lord El Melloi II seems to catch up quickly. Many magus seem to be too proud and too caught in their archaic ways. He lets him navigate the panel without interference, just stepping in if some button shouldn't be pressed. Learning by doing is the best course. He knows this in the flesh.
"Do you feel certain?" he asks after what seems like hours have passed.
no subject
Hitting weird buttons is a video game tradition, Roman! Duh of course he's going to figure this one out.
With confidence to spare too. When Roman asks if he's ready, El-Melloi II nods firmly.
"If anything goes absolutely wrong, I'll get DaVinci in here. But we shouldn't need to do that."
SORRY FOR THE DELAY, HOLIDAYS MADNESS
Avoid the red, big ones, and he's good. At least, he hopes Chaldea wouldn't accidentally self-destruct by leaving him in charge.
"...Fine," he heaves a sigh, unsure if he wants Leonardo to yell at him by his recklessness, but he knows is for the best. "All right, I guess is my turn to make myself ready."
You're good also LOOK SOLOMON DIDN'T RUIN NA CHRISTMAS!
That's less so here, but Roman deserves that same confidence. If only for Roman's trust.
"Do whatever you need to do," Lord El-Melloi II says, sitting at the control panel like it is the most natural place in the world for him. His fingers rest on the appropriate buttons, ready and waiting.
CONGRATS ON THE ANIME BTW! /POMS POMS/
Leonardo must be in her studio at the time, so he can avoid her. Why did most of Master Candidates have to be teenagers?
thank you i want to thank fgo dollars for giving me Flat fucking up a porsche and soccer mom waver
"Take a lighter with you. The code won't function otherwise."
Easy solution. Even if he'll get scolded for encouraging smoking.
lmao fgo dollars are the best dollars, btw I'm on a trip for a week at least
"Oh, thank you," he takes the offered code and its cigar. "Leonardo's going to get mad at me when I return smelling to tobacco." He says that to cheer himself up over the idea of wandering to something unknown and dangerous.
they fund soccer mom waver. also ok gotcha
Lord El-Melloi II doesn't quite smile, but he imagines that his head nod is more than enough. And willingness to take a bullet for Roman with DaVinci firing. That must count for something.
Everything else is going to be on the fly.
"You're as ready as you're ever going to be. Let us begin."
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He walks toward the coffin, aptly named, it feels like he's heading to his grave.
"Yes, I think so," he says, opening one to slip inside.
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Foolproof ain't nothing on DaVinci proof, truly. As Roman prepares himself, Waver's focus returns to the screens. He starts to go through the sequence of operations as Roman instructed him (referring to his own notes once or twice). Waits until he's heard the coffin door shut, and then gives Roman a few more moments to settle.
"I'm ready when you are," Lord El-Melloi II says with a calm he doesn't feel at all.
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He'll probably materialize on the sky somewhere, he hopes he won't be too far up or he'll just, well, he'll just break his neck before this adventure starts.
"I'm ready." Beat. "I hope."
no subject
Lord El-Melloi II's voice is so much calmer than he is. He consults his notes as he begins the process. Does everything in order, repeating the instructions under his breath. He does not tell himself any lies to make it easier - such as it's a video game cheat coat - because that makes any mistake made easier to forgive. He is using a system that Roman has spent so little time training him on, and possibly sending the acting director of Chaldea into death. No pressure.
He finishes the last few buttons. Looks over to the coffin.
No more Roman.
Which means turning on transmission.
"...Doctor?"
He's quiet. Nervous.
no subject
"I'm fine... I think," Roman answers, after a moment he's lost in his thoughts and the painful nostalgia. "I know what this is," he mentions quietly. It's impossible, but he knows this place, it resembles.
"I was waiting for you, Romani Archaman." Another voice interjects, Roman immediately looks at the source off-screen.
Impossible. He-, he looks pale, as his eyes grow bigger. "Professor Lev?"
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So when Roman's face lights up the screen, there's nothing but relief on Lord El-Melloi II's face.
"Where is..." he trails off.
"What the hell?!" he replaces the lost words with instead. Lev was dead. Dead as a doornail.
no subject
"Lev..." Roman still stares at the pitch darkness and on that moment the familiar man clad in green appears, tipping his hat to the man in greeting.
"Greetings, Lord El Melloi II, it's rather surprising to see you like that," Lev smiles humorlessly then turns his gaze at Romani's direction, opening his eyes slightly. "And to you too, Romani Archaman. No, I guess that is incorrect, isn't it? Your Majesty, my King Solomon." His voice shakes, as does the ground beneath them briefly, of course, Romani entrusted Lev his secret once, opening a path untreated before. The grudge still remains but they were able to observe their King and understand a single human being. "I am Lev Lainur Flauros."
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sorry lifeeeee got hard
don't ever worry i know you will always return!