Welcome aboard The Invincible II.

+13 Ask/Rp blog for Head Engineer Mark from ISWM! Rp threads and M!A's are allowed!

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

🛠[INTRO]🌌

(This Head Engineer Mark is a member of the Xenoverse system!)

*Nothing like the familiarity of a situation. You were being transported to the Invincible II via a smaller ship being stirred by a crew member. Eventually, you arrive to your destination as you stepped in the ship. Everyone seemed busy like always before you were greeted by someone familiar.*

Welcome aboard the Invincible II, I hope you enjoy your stay!

(Minors, we are collectively 19 so please be aware of that and don't do anything risky, please and thank you.)

[heart--of--frost]

❄️: our muses are caught out in the storm together.

“It’s colder than a witche's tit out here. Should’ve brought a coat.”

@ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm

"I don't know why you don't think ahead, Captain said it would be cold, pack accordingly." Celci sighed, leaning against the outpost that kept most of the snow off of them.

The storm was heavy, too heavy to try and rejoin the others yet. She looked over at the shivering Engineer, clicking her tongue.

She swung the backpack off her back, opening it and removing something small. She pressed a button and expanded into an insulated jacket.

"If I give this to you, don't spill on it, don't get it dirty and return it as soon as possible. Got it?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Y-yes, I promise- Now give it here before I freeze my balls next, please-

*The engineer swiftly snatched the jacket from Celci, quickly putting it on, as well as the hood, still shivering a bit but trying to stay warm.*

[heart--of--frost]

Celci rolled her eyes. "Mark, if you hate the cold, why did you pick Cryo sleep for the method of preservation? I've been meaning to ask."

She put her hands in her pockets for a little extra warmth, preferring the cold, but not in the form of a snow storm.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

J-just because I h-hate it doesn't mean that it's n-not the best method. A little s-sacrifice for the sake of doing what's b-best.

*He breathes out onto his hands to try and keep them warm.*

[heart--of--frost]

It was a surprisingly mature answer, one she was rather surprised by. But whatever praise she could manage, she can't seem to say.

"I'm surprised you didn't just try to slingshot colonists across the galaxy." She mumbled, squeezing her eyes shut. Must she act this way?

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

W-well, I did think of that once, but the c-captain denied the m-making of it.

H-honestly, it would have been f-fun.

*He chuckled a bit, his nose red from the cold.*

[heart--of--frost]

Celci pinched the bridge of her nose, somehow still surprised that she was right.

"They would die, Mark."

She squats down, trying to rest her legs without fully sitting in the snow.

"How long until the Captain finds us, you think?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Unless we made suits s-strong enough.

A-and I have no idea, but I trust the captain. They'll find us eventually.

[heart--of--frost]

"I'd suggest we go searching, but I think you'd collapse under the weight of the blizzard." Celci frowned.

"Is your comm working yet?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Tch- No...

*He complained as he kept trying to make it work.*

The storm has made the temperature drop so l-low that it's completely o-out of it.

[heart--of--frost]

Celci checks her own, grumbling to herself. Why Mark didn't cold proof the Cryo lead's tech, she'll never understand.

"What do we do now, then, second in command?" She can't help but be sarcastic, frustrated by the hold up.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

You think I haven't been trying to think about what to do?!

*He sighed, a little frustrated.*

Walking out there could be worse than waiting here. We could get lost and not find our way back.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Celcionna had been... Strange this morning. Much more quiet, less abrasive, slipping away to the ship instead of assisting the Colony.

She would be looking around the bridge, when she heard footsteps. Thinking quickly, she went to hide in one of the cryopods, hoping they would pass.

-@blood-falling

*There the engineer would walk by, whistling his way through. He looked like he was on his way to where the warpcore was, probably to check on it.*

[blood-falling]

She released a breath she had been holding, trailing him silently in the shadows. Perhaps he would show her to the Reactor, if she followed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, cryo seems good and such. Guess the warpcore is next-

*He stopped for a moment, about to turn around as he felt a presence somewhere close.*

[blood-falling]

A bolt of panic shoots through her, but she stays still. Hiding would only raise suspicions.

She folded her arms. Celci would know what he's doing, so she won't question it.

"... Can I help you?" She looks annoyed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Oh, it's you.

*The tone was dry, but at least not as aggressive and sassy as always.*

No, you can't help me. Well, the one thing you can do is stay here. I'm going to the warpcore, and I'm not letting anyone touch that thing.

[blood-falling]

Her grip on her sleeve tightened. Masking fear as frustration.

"What the hell makes you think I want to look at it? I'm getting something for Burt." Burt was the Lead for the Reactor, that she was aware of.

That's what she's after.

She stormed forward, wishing she had more time to study the layout, but by pure idiocy, Reactor and Cryo were put together. Incredibly fortunate, and incredibly poor design choice.

Celcionma made herself look busy, waiting for Mark to pass by.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Hell, now that I think about it, I also have to check that place.

Eh, it's literally nearby so might as well do that first. Can't skip that checkup.

[blood-falling]

She scowled, but didn't respond, continuing to pretend to look for something until they can be alone.

When she entered the room, it took a moment for her to be affected by the lighting in the Reactor room. Like some sort of lag. It was easy to miss, to write off.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*When Mark followed to the Reactor room, he got to work. Daily checkup and maintenance, monitoring the Reactor's stability, etc. He was rather focused, not paying much attention to anything else.*

[blood-falling]

Celcionna watched in silence, slipping just a little closer, trying to glean more information.

"... Lot of maintenance goes into looking after a star." She commented, holding a screwdriver. Apparently what she was looking for.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

I thought you knew that already, you are always the one after my ass telling me "You should be more careful, asshat!", and shit.

*He scuffed a bit as he kept going with the daily maintenance.*

[blood-falling]

She winced to herself, taken aback by how abrasive she's been written.

"... Well... That doesn't mean I can't appreciate it."

Celcionna's gaze returned to the core. It was nauseatingly bright.

... Bright enough to apprehend a god.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Well, don't look at that for too long. If you forgot it too somehow, there's a reason why we also cover the Reactor. That shit will turn you blind if you look at it for too long-

*One of the wires Mark was fixing sparked, hitting his cheek.*

OW-

*He scratched the surface where he was sparked in annoyance.*

[blood-falling]

"Hm. Serves you right." She narrowed her eyes, not appreciating the condescension.

Celcionna quietly affixed some ointment to a bandaid, covering the burn on his cheek.

She turned to leave, really going to wait for Mark to head to the next room.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer was rather confused at the sudden gesture of aid, blinking twice as he tried to process.

Once he was done, he stretched a bit before stepping to the next room, not saying anything.*

[blood-falling]

That's all right. He didn't need to. She already knew.

She took a pair of goggles, entering the room containing the Reactor. She'd need to see it closer to have a better understanding of how to use it. How to even get it out. Would she have to lure him in? That's if he would even believe her again.

She was so busy calculating, she did not catch that Mark was returning.

... And that she had turned grey.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, Warpcore seemed just dandy and-

*He gasped in shock when he had seen her all grey, stepping back a bit in shock and confusion.*

WH- WHY ARE YOU-

[blood-falling]

She glitched at the shouting, glancing over at Mark. Well, that's their cover blown.

Naturally, the next course of action is for Pitch to step in and scare him off.

Her gaze turns slowly to Mark, head tilted, eyes pouring black ichor.

"L̷̺͒e̷̡̧̔̚ţ̶͒'̶̣͇́̈s̶̤̈́͝ ̶̬̄̂k̵̝͖̀́ë̴̞̐ę̴̈́̓p̸̡̮̐͘ ̵͚̇̅͜t̴̪̎h̴͉̞͛̾ȋ̴̘̽s̷̩̑ ̵̟̾͊b̶̥͓̌ȇ̴̢t̴̯͗͝w̶͎̻̾̈e̵͉͘e̶̪͓̽n̷͔̈ ̵̬̥̏́ǘ̵̻̊s̵̛͔̼̑.̵͕͝.̷̭̒͐.̷̨͈̎.̴͓̙͒" It grinned.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*His eyes were glued in fear at whatever he was now looking at, taking one more quick step back before attempting to book it. He had to find a way to stop whatever infiltrated the ship and was looking at the Reactor somehow, and he was not going to stick around while he comes up with a plan.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch dropped the illusion entirely, flickering into being before Mark, blocking him. Their eyes are black, and their mouth wide with needle-like teeth.

"Now, now, that's not how you treat a guest..." They hissed "Š̸̨t̵̨͚̓ȧ̵͉̪͠y̸̳̑ ̶͙̜͊̏p̴̝̋̕ū̷͈t̴̗̿͆ ̶̥̫̒á̵̹n̶̖͍͐̒d̸̩̳̂͠ ̷̙̫̌͛t̸̯̍̂e̵̲͆l̴̙̃̚l̵͔̱̑͂ ̴̝͆ͅm̷͉̍͆ȩ̷͈̎̓ ̴͈̓̒ḁ̷̋b̵̘̦̑ŏ̶̧̠ǘ̸͜t̴̡͙̊ ̶̣͂h̴̟̲͛̕o̴͈͊w̸̳̤̑̑ ̵͇͔͂͠I̷̧̊̀ ̷͕̗̓c̵̹̈́̽a̶̹̒̄n̶͉͒̄ ̸̳̑á̷̡̨c̵͙̈́q̸͚͚̏ü̸͇̎i̸͚͑̚r̴̛̀ͅe̶͍̿̀ ̶̫̗͗ỳ̵̢̚o̸̱̽u̶̩̎͠r̸͇͗̊ ̷̘̙͛r̶̼̈́ḛ̵̄ä̷̯͚́̃ć̷̩̘͂t̴̩͒͂ŏ̴͈̦͆r̷͇͂.̷̧̪͒"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark yelped in fear, but still furrowed his brows to attempt to look brave.*

L-like hell I will! That's the powerhouse of the ship!

[blood-falling]

Dark presented their long, sharp claws, scraping the metal walls before gracing Mark's neck.

"I think you'd prefer talking to dying, especially when your Captain isn't dying with you to let you try again. Unless I'm wrong...?" They purred, nicking his jaw.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark's eyes widened in shock at the last comment.*

...So you know about it.

*He then chuckled a bit, still scared, but more confident now.*

You think you scare me?

I've experienced so many ways of dying, and this is the most creative way you can think of?

I'm not risking the ship because of you.

[blood-falling]

"Oh, this doesn't even scratch the surface of what I could do to you. But if you wish to squander my mercy by playing at bravery, it is your eternity." Dark wrapped both hands around Mark's neck, pushing him down, down...

Down into the void. Alone in the wide expanse of nothing. Perhaps not the best way of handling, but he'll probably beg to be let out soon enough, and they can finish what they started.

It does still leave the matter of how to extract it from the ship. Hardly a task one demon could accomplish.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Wh-

WaitwaitwaitWAIT-

*Once he was fully pulled into the void, he felt uneasy. The silence and nothingness of it, making him be on edge for something to happen.*

L-LET ME OUT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, THE REACTOR KEEPS THE SHIP ALIVE. WITHOUT IT, WE ARE ALL STUCK IN SPACE WITH NO ENERGY AND RESOURCES, PLEASE!

*He shouted into the nothingness, his breathing becoming into hyperventilation.*

[blood-falling]

The void was quiet, only a howling wind passing through, before they spoke again.

"... If you could return to earth, would that be acceptable?" They stepped out from the shadows, standing above the Engineer.

"It is rather important. Though, I suppose you have abandoned your original Solar System."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark stepped back as a flinch before he gulped and spoke.*

I-I would but...it no longer exists.

That's why we were sent out to find new homes and such. We can't go back...

[blood-falling]

Ah. There's the problem.

"Not where I am from. But that may change without your help." Damien guided them into a more diplomatic approach. "There is a god far too powerful there, if left unchecked he may plunge us into eternal night. This is not good for anyone, as I'm sure a smart little Engineer like you can tell."

"If you know of some other way that does not involve your reactor, do tell."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

A-a God?! That's- Jesus Christ, is there a single universe where nothing fucked up happens??

*He crosses his arms as he thinks to himself, his mind raising with thought after thought before his eyes widen, having an idea.*

...I could split it.

The Reactor as a whole was calculated to last up to 100,000,000 years. Half of it will leave the ship with 50,000,000 worth of energy, so that should be good enough.

...The problem is how risky is to separate it.

Worth a shot though, if I die I'll just come back again.

*He started to think out loud as he paced around.*

[blood-falling]

"... And you are certain of this?" They ask, concerned.

For all of the threats, they really did not want him to die or put himself in danger, but... If this was possible, this would be very helpful.

"Don't throw yourself into the deep end until you know you can swim. Be careful.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer sighed before he scratched the back of his own head as he spoke.*

This is the only star we can control. Trust me. Every other one here in this universe is so powerful that not even non-humans can handle them.

I'll come back if anything happens to me, I promise. It's the least I could do to save your universe from eternal doom.

[blood-falling]

"... Thank you." They pause, before taking a breath. "My apologies, for the rocky beginning. I... Panicked."

"If there is some way I could repay you, please do tell me."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Eh, it's aight. A lot of aliens are not friendly with me anyways, I'm used to it.

All I can ask of you right now is to make that split of the Reactor work, coz I can't do it alone.

[blood-falling]

"What do I do, then?" The void fades, giving way back to the familiar ship. They are grateful for the compliance.

"I am unacquainted with your technology, but I will follow your lead as best I am able."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

No need for you to know about the tech.

All I need is whatever you did to make it a complete dark void, but more.

*He started to pace around again as he talked.*

The Reactor's bond with itself will weaken the more darkness there is around it.

I need it to be as dark as possible once I'm ready to separate it.

[blood-falling]

"... This instability in darkness, that won't be a problem, will it? It won't rip itself apart in the void, I hope. That would make it a lot less viable an option than I hoped." Pitch frowned, tilting their head at the pacing engineer.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Of course not! It's a star! Trust me when I tell you that the power of a start can not be underestimated. That's why I need your darkness.

Your darkness will make sure it is weak and compressed enough so its separation doesn't blow up the ship.

[blood-falling]

"Very well. Are you ready?" They cracked their neck, hand on the scanner for the Reactor room itself.

They flickered and blurred, before returning to clarity with heavy goggles.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer pulled out a device from behind his back, pressing a few buttons before the device activated.*

Ready.

Now remember, I may die, and that's okay. I'll come back.

[blood-falling]

They nod, clenching their jaw and entering. They stand still, staring down the core.

They jerk suddenly, as if breaking in half. Chipped pieces of them fall, as the void spills forth, slowly coating the room and seemingly snuffing out the star.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*As the ship placed its strongest security within the Reactor's room to protect the rest of the crew, Mark waited until it was completely pitch black.

As the darkness fully embraced the room, weakening the star a bit, he proceeded with the separation process. The device in his hand beeped before two claw like limbs emerged from the walls, holding the Reactor with some kind of energy.

The claws started to pull away from each other, pulling the Reactor little by little to split it. It would occasionally spark lightning more and more the more the claws pulled.*

[blood-falling]

They stepped back, shielding their face with their arms. It was warm, enough they could actually feel it.

They were flickering and glitching harder from the proximity.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright... here goes nothing!

*Another button was pressed, the claws now at max force as they pulled. The star seemed to start dividing, kind of like how a cell does when it goes through mitosis.

The star sparks even more, the warmth rising up. It keeps dividing until the two halves are finally separated.

When they fully separate, a huge voltage of spark and lighting is made, hitting everything except Pitch due to being a source of darkness.

Unfortunately... one of them hits the engineer, throwing him back, his body hitting the wall with force before it goes limp.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch turned their attention to the Engineer, grimacing.

They kept the room voided, but spread it, encompassing the lifeless body so they could properly approach. They left the room with the core, shattered glass crunching under their foot.

They checked his pulse, sighing. He did say this would happen, but it never gets easier. Now they must wait.

They sent out a reflection to wait for him on the outside. Their presence made the Cryogenics console glitch.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*A very slow and suffocating minute passed, almost feeling like forever as his eyes were completely white. Eventually, his body regains color, and his irises and pupils return as he gasped for air. He coughed a bit, hissing a bit. A new scar to his body, on the right side of his neck where the powerful spark had collided with him.*

Eugh, jesus... that wasn't fun.

[blood-falling]

"It rarely is." They looked above him, offering a hand up.

"It separated successfully, however. Now I must figure out how, if things escalate, to lure him to it, and where to place it."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*He took Pitch's hand and helped himself up, nodding as a thanks before dusting himself off.*

That, I'm not entirely sure how to help you with that.

I don't even know if it's possible to lure a God to a trap.

[blood-falling]

"I've done it before. I'd like to think I could do it again." They turn their gaze back to the star. "Hopefully I have time to think."

Pitch straightened their uniform, taking a deep breath. "I should contact Asterius. I'm sure they would have insight."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Asterius? Who's that? Another God?

Jeez- how many gods are there?!

*The engineer exclaimed in surprise, thinking of how many powerful beings were out there.*

[blood-falling]

"More than we could ever hope to comprehend, I'm afraid." Pitch stuck their hands in their uniform pockets.

"Do you have anywhere I could go to request his council?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

I-

I don't know.

I have no clue- "council"???

*He looked rather confused now. Guessing not many people know about any of these Gods nor the council.*

[blood-falling]

They sighed. "To meet. Somewhere quiet. And can I leave the star here to go speak to him?"

They clasp their hands behind their back, cracking their neck. "It doesn't have to be a big place."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Oh! Well, we have the storage room. We've been cleaning a little more recently, so it has more space, and it's quiet.

[heart--of--frost]

❄️: our muses are caught out in the storm together.

“It’s colder than a witche's tit out here. Should’ve brought a coat.”

@ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm

"I don't know why you don't think ahead, Captain said it would be cold, pack accordingly." Celci sighed, leaning against the outpost that kept most of the snow off of them.

The storm was heavy, too heavy to try and rejoin the others yet. She looked over at the shivering Engineer, clicking her tongue.

She swung the backpack off her back, opening it and removing something small. She pressed a button and expanded into an insulated jacket.

"If I give this to you, don't spill on it, don't get it dirty and return it as soon as possible. Got it?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Y-yes, I promise- Now give it here before I freeze my balls next, please-

*The engineer swiftly snatched the jacket from Celci, quickly putting it on, as well as the hood, still shivering a bit but trying to stay warm.*

[heart--of--frost]

Celci rolled her eyes. "Mark, if you hate the cold, why did you pick Cryo sleep for the method of preservation? I've been meaning to ask."

She put her hands in her pockets for a little extra warmth, preferring the cold, but not in the form of a snow storm.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

J-just because I h-hate it doesn't mean that it's n-not the best method. A little s-sacrifice for the sake of doing what's b-best.

*He breathes out onto his hands to try and keep them warm.*

[heart--of--frost]

It was a surprisingly mature answer, one she was rather surprised by. But whatever praise she could manage, she can't seem to say.

"I'm surprised you didn't just try to slingshot colonists across the galaxy." She mumbled, squeezing her eyes shut. Must she act this way?

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

W-well, I did think of that once, but the c-captain denied the m-making of it.

H-honestly, it would have been f-fun.

*He chuckled a bit, his nose red from the cold.*

[heart--of--frost]

Celci pinched the bridge of her nose, somehow still surprised that she was right.

"They would die, Mark."

She squats down, trying to rest her legs without fully sitting in the snow.

"How long until the Captain finds us, you think?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Unless we made suits s-strong enough.

A-and I have no idea, but I trust the captain. They'll find us eventually.

[heart--of--frost]

"I'd suggest we go searching, but I think you'd collapse under the weight of the blizzard." Celci frowned.

"Is your comm working yet?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Tch- No...

*He complained as he kept trying to make it work.*

The storm has made the temperature drop so l-low that it's completely o-out of it.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Celcionna had been... Strange this morning. Much more quiet, less abrasive, slipping away to the ship instead of assisting the Colony.

She would be looking around the bridge, when she heard footsteps. Thinking quickly, she went to hide in one of the cryopods, hoping they would pass.

-@blood-falling

*There the engineer would walk by, whistling his way through. He looked like he was on his way to where the warpcore was, probably to check on it.*

[blood-falling]

She released a breath she had been holding, trailing him silently in the shadows. Perhaps he would show her to the Reactor, if she followed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, cryo seems good and such. Guess the warpcore is next-

*He stopped for a moment, about to turn around as he felt a presence somewhere close.*

[blood-falling]

A bolt of panic shoots through her, but she stays still. Hiding would only raise suspicions.

She folded her arms. Celci would know what he's doing, so she won't question it.

"... Can I help you?" She looks annoyed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Oh, it's you.

*The tone was dry, but at least not as aggressive and sassy as always.*

No, you can't help me. Well, the one thing you can do is stay here. I'm going to the warpcore, and I'm not letting anyone touch that thing.

[blood-falling]

Her grip on her sleeve tightened. Masking fear as frustration.

"What the hell makes you think I want to look at it? I'm getting something for Burt." Burt was the Lead for the Reactor, that she was aware of.

That's what she's after.

She stormed forward, wishing she had more time to study the layout, but by pure idiocy, Reactor and Cryo were put together. Incredibly fortunate, and incredibly poor design choice.

Celcionma made herself look busy, waiting for Mark to pass by.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Hell, now that I think about it, I also have to check that place.

Eh, it's literally nearby so might as well do that first. Can't skip that checkup.

[blood-falling]

She scowled, but didn't respond, continuing to pretend to look for something until they can be alone.

When she entered the room, it took a moment for her to be affected by the lighting in the Reactor room. Like some sort of lag. It was easy to miss, to write off.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*When Mark followed to the Reactor room, he got to work. Daily checkup and maintenance, monitoring the Reactor's stability, etc. He was rather focused, not paying much attention to anything else.*

[blood-falling]

Celcionna watched in silence, slipping just a little closer, trying to glean more information.

"... Lot of maintenance goes into looking after a star." She commented, holding a screwdriver. Apparently what she was looking for.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

I thought you knew that already, you are always the one after my ass telling me "You should be more careful, asshat!", and shit.

*He scuffed a bit as he kept going with the daily maintenance.*

[blood-falling]

She winced to herself, taken aback by how abrasive she's been written.

"... Well... That doesn't mean I can't appreciate it."

Celcionna's gaze returned to the core. It was nauseatingly bright.

... Bright enough to apprehend a god.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Well, don't look at that for too long. If you forgot it too somehow, there's a reason why we also cover the Reactor. That shit will turn you blind if you look at it for too long-

*One of the wires Mark was fixing sparked, hitting his cheek.*

OW-

*He scratched the surface where he was sparked in annoyance.*

[blood-falling]

"Hm. Serves you right." She narrowed her eyes, not appreciating the condescension.

Celcionna quietly affixed some ointment to a bandaid, covering the burn on his cheek.

She turned to leave, really going to wait for Mark to head to the next room.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer was rather confused at the sudden gesture of aid, blinking twice as he tried to process.

Once he was done, he stretched a bit before stepping to the next room, not saying anything.*

[blood-falling]

That's all right. He didn't need to. She already knew.

She took a pair of goggles, entering the room containing the Reactor. She'd need to see it closer to have a better understanding of how to use it. How to even get it out. Would she have to lure him in? That's if he would even believe her again.

She was so busy calculating, she did not catch that Mark was returning.

... And that she had turned grey.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, Warpcore seemed just dandy and-

*He gasped in shock when he had seen her all grey, stepping back a bit in shock and confusion.*

WH- WHY ARE YOU-

[blood-falling]

She glitched at the shouting, glancing over at Mark. Well, that's their cover blown.

Naturally, the next course of action is for Pitch to step in and scare him off.

Her gaze turns slowly to Mark, head tilted, eyes pouring black ichor.

"L̷̺͒e̷̡̧̔̚ţ̶͒'̶̣͇́̈s̶̤̈́͝ ̶̬̄̂k̵̝͖̀́ë̴̞̐ę̴̈́̓p̸̡̮̐͘ ̵͚̇̅͜t̴̪̎h̴͉̞͛̾ȋ̴̘̽s̷̩̑ ̵̟̾͊b̶̥͓̌ȇ̴̢t̴̯͗͝w̶͎̻̾̈e̵͉͘e̶̪͓̽n̷͔̈ ̵̬̥̏́ǘ̵̻̊s̵̛͔̼̑.̵͕͝.̷̭̒͐.̷̨͈̎.̴͓̙͒" It grinned.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*His eyes were glued in fear at whatever he was now looking at, taking one more quick step back before attempting to book it. He had to find a way to stop whatever infiltrated the ship and was looking at the Reactor somehow, and he was not going to stick around while he comes up with a plan.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch dropped the illusion entirely, flickering into being before Mark, blocking him. Their eyes are black, and their mouth wide with needle-like teeth.

"Now, now, that's not how you treat a guest..." They hissed "Š̸̨t̵̨͚̓ȧ̵͉̪͠y̸̳̑ ̶͙̜͊̏p̴̝̋̕ū̷͈t̴̗̿͆ ̶̥̫̒á̵̹n̶̖͍͐̒d̸̩̳̂͠ ̷̙̫̌͛t̸̯̍̂e̵̲͆l̴̙̃̚l̵͔̱̑͂ ̴̝͆ͅm̷͉̍͆ȩ̷͈̎̓ ̴͈̓̒ḁ̷̋b̵̘̦̑ŏ̶̧̠ǘ̸͜t̴̡͙̊ ̶̣͂h̴̟̲͛̕o̴͈͊w̸̳̤̑̑ ̵͇͔͂͠I̷̧̊̀ ̷͕̗̓c̵̹̈́̽a̶̹̒̄n̶͉͒̄ ̸̳̑á̷̡̨c̵͙̈́q̸͚͚̏ü̸͇̎i̸͚͑̚r̴̛̀ͅe̶͍̿̀ ̶̫̗͗ỳ̵̢̚o̸̱̽u̶̩̎͠r̸͇͗̊ ̷̘̙͛r̶̼̈́ḛ̵̄ä̷̯͚́̃ć̷̩̘͂t̴̩͒͂ŏ̴͈̦͆r̷͇͂.̷̧̪͒"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark yelped in fear, but still furrowed his brows to attempt to look brave.*

L-like hell I will! That's the powerhouse of the ship!

[blood-falling]

Dark presented their long, sharp claws, scraping the metal walls before gracing Mark's neck.

"I think you'd prefer talking to dying, especially when your Captain isn't dying with you to let you try again. Unless I'm wrong...?" They purred, nicking his jaw.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark's eyes widened in shock at the last comment.*

...So you know about it.

*He then chuckled a bit, still scared, but more confident now.*

You think you scare me?

I've experienced so many ways of dying, and this is the most creative way you can think of?

I'm not risking the ship because of you.

[blood-falling]

"Oh, this doesn't even scratch the surface of what I could do to you. But if you wish to squander my mercy by playing at bravery, it is your eternity." Dark wrapped both hands around Mark's neck, pushing him down, down...

Down into the void. Alone in the wide expanse of nothing. Perhaps not the best way of handling, but he'll probably beg to be let out soon enough, and they can finish what they started.

It does still leave the matter of how to extract it from the ship. Hardly a task one demon could accomplish.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Wh-

WaitwaitwaitWAIT-

*Once he was fully pulled into the void, he felt uneasy. The silence and nothingness of it, making him be on edge for something to happen.*

L-LET ME OUT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, THE REACTOR KEEPS THE SHIP ALIVE. WITHOUT IT, WE ARE ALL STUCK IN SPACE WITH NO ENERGY AND RESOURCES, PLEASE!

*He shouted into the nothingness, his breathing becoming into hyperventilation.*

[blood-falling]

The void was quiet, only a howling wind passing through, before they spoke again.

"... If you could return to earth, would that be acceptable?" They stepped out from the shadows, standing above the Engineer.

"It is rather important. Though, I suppose you have abandoned your original Solar System."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark stepped back as a flinch before he gulped and spoke.*

I-I would but...it no longer exists.

That's why we were sent out to find new homes and such. We can't go back...

[blood-falling]

Ah. There's the problem.

"Not where I am from. But that may change without your help." Damien guided them into a more diplomatic approach. "There is a god far too powerful there, if left unchecked he may plunge us into eternal night. This is not good for anyone, as I'm sure a smart little Engineer like you can tell."

"If you know of some other way that does not involve your reactor, do tell."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

A-a God?! That's- Jesus Christ, is there a single universe where nothing fucked up happens??

*He crosses his arms as he thinks to himself, his mind raising with thought after thought before his eyes widen, having an idea.*

...I could split it.

The Reactor as a whole was calculated to last up to 100,000,000 years. Half of it will leave the ship with 50,000,000 worth of energy, so that should be good enough.

...The problem is how risky is to separate it.

Worth a shot though, if I die I'll just come back again.

*He started to think out loud as he paced around.*

[blood-falling]

"... And you are certain of this?" They ask, concerned.

For all of the threats, they really did not want him to die or put himself in danger, but... If this was possible, this would be very helpful.

"Don't throw yourself into the deep end until you know you can swim. Be careful.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer sighed before he scratched the back of his own head as he spoke.*

This is the only star we can control. Trust me. Every other one here in this universe is so powerful that not even non-humans can handle them.

I'll come back if anything happens to me, I promise. It's the least I could do to save your universe from eternal doom.

[blood-falling]

"... Thank you." They pause, before taking a breath. "My apologies, for the rocky beginning. I... Panicked."

"If there is some way I could repay you, please do tell me."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Eh, it's aight. A lot of aliens are not friendly with me anyways, I'm used to it.

All I can ask of you right now is to make that split of the Reactor work, coz I can't do it alone.

[blood-falling]

"What do I do, then?" The void fades, giving way back to the familiar ship. They are grateful for the compliance.

"I am unacquainted with your technology, but I will follow your lead as best I am able."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

No need for you to know about the tech.

All I need is whatever you did to make it a complete dark void, but more.

*He started to pace around again as he talked.*

The Reactor's bond with itself will weaken the more darkness there is around it.

I need it to be as dark as possible once I'm ready to separate it.

[blood-falling]

"... This instability in darkness, that won't be a problem, will it? It won't rip itself apart in the void, I hope. That would make it a lot less viable an option than I hoped." Pitch frowned, tilting their head at the pacing engineer.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Of course not! It's a star! Trust me when I tell you that the power of a start can not be underestimated. That's why I need your darkness.

Your darkness will make sure it is weak and compressed enough so its separation doesn't blow up the ship.

[blood-falling]

"Very well. Are you ready?" They cracked their neck, hand on the scanner for the Reactor room itself.

They flickered and blurred, before returning to clarity with heavy goggles.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer pulled out a device from behind his back, pressing a few buttons before the device activated.*

Ready.

Now remember, I may die, and that's okay. I'll come back.

[blood-falling]

They nod, clenching their jaw and entering. They stand still, staring down the core.

They jerk suddenly, as if breaking in half. Chipped pieces of them fall, as the void spills forth, slowly coating the room and seemingly snuffing out the star.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*As the ship placed its strongest security within the Reactor's room to protect the rest of the crew, Mark waited until it was completely pitch black.

As the darkness fully embraced the room, weakening the star a bit, he proceeded with the separation process. The device in his hand beeped before two claw like limbs emerged from the walls, holding the Reactor with some kind of energy.

The claws started to pull away from each other, pulling the Reactor little by little to split it. It would occasionally spark lightning more and more the more the claws pulled.*

[blood-falling]

They stepped back, shielding their face with their arms. It was warm, enough they could actually feel it.

They were flickering and glitching harder from the proximity.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright... here goes nothing!

*Another button was pressed, the claws now at max force as they pulled. The star seemed to start dividing, kind of like how a cell does when it goes through mitosis.

The star sparks even more, the warmth rising up. It keeps dividing until the two halves are finally separated.

When they fully separate, a huge voltage of spark and lighting is made, hitting everything except Pitch due to being a source of darkness.

Unfortunately... one of them hits the engineer, throwing him back, his body hitting the wall with force before it goes limp.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch turned their attention to the Engineer, grimacing.

They kept the room voided, but spread it, encompassing the lifeless body so they could properly approach. They left the room with the core, shattered glass crunching under their foot.

They checked his pulse, sighing. He did say this would happen, but it never gets easier. Now they must wait.

They sent out a reflection to wait for him on the outside. Their presence made the Cryogenics console glitch.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*A very slow and suffocating minute passed, almost feeling like forever as his eyes were completely white. Eventually, his body regains color, and his irises and pupils return as he gasped for air. He coughed a bit, hissing a bit. A new scar to his body, on the right side of his neck where the powerful spark had collided with him.*

Eugh, jesus... that wasn't fun.

[blood-falling]

"It rarely is." They looked above him, offering a hand up.

"It separated successfully, however. Now I must figure out how, if things escalate, to lure him to it, and where to place it."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*He took Pitch's hand and helped himself up, nodding as a thanks before dusting himself off.*

That, I'm not entirely sure how to help you with that.

I don't even know if it's possible to lure a God to a trap.

[blood-falling]

"I've done it before. I'd like to think I could do it again." They turn their gaze back to the star. "Hopefully I have time to think."

Pitch straightened their uniform, taking a deep breath. "I should contact Asterius. I'm sure they would have insight."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Asterius? Who's that? Another God?

Jeez- how many gods are there?!

*The engineer exclaimed in surprise, thinking of how many powerful beings were out there.*

[blood-falling]

"More than we could ever hope to comprehend, I'm afraid." Pitch stuck their hands in their uniform pockets.

"Do you have anywhere I could go to request his council?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

I-

I don't know.

I have no clue- "council"???

*He looked rather confused now. Guessing not many people know about any of these Gods nor the council.*

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Celcionna had been... Strange this morning. Much more quiet, less abrasive, slipping away to the ship instead of assisting the Colony.

She would be looking around the bridge, when she heard footsteps. Thinking quickly, she went to hide in one of the cryopods, hoping they would pass.

-@blood-falling

*There the engineer would walk by, whistling his way through. He looked like he was on his way to where the warpcore was, probably to check on it.*

[blood-falling]

She released a breath she had been holding, trailing him silently in the shadows. Perhaps he would show her to the Reactor, if she followed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, cryo seems good and such. Guess the warpcore is next-

*He stopped for a moment, about to turn around as he felt a presence somewhere close.*

[blood-falling]

A bolt of panic shoots through her, but she stays still. Hiding would only raise suspicions.

She folded her arms. Celci would know what he's doing, so she won't question it.

"... Can I help you?" She looks annoyed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Oh, it's you.

*The tone was dry, but at least not as aggressive and sassy as always.*

No, you can't help me. Well, the one thing you can do is stay here. I'm going to the warpcore, and I'm not letting anyone touch that thing.

[blood-falling]

Her grip on her sleeve tightened. Masking fear as frustration.

"What the hell makes you think I want to look at it? I'm getting something for Burt." Burt was the Lead for the Reactor, that she was aware of.

That's what she's after.

She stormed forward, wishing she had more time to study the layout, but by pure idiocy, Reactor and Cryo were put together. Incredibly fortunate, and incredibly poor design choice.

Celcionma made herself look busy, waiting for Mark to pass by.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Hell, now that I think about it, I also have to check that place.

Eh, it's literally nearby so might as well do that first. Can't skip that checkup.

[blood-falling]

She scowled, but didn't respond, continuing to pretend to look for something until they can be alone.

When she entered the room, it took a moment for her to be affected by the lighting in the Reactor room. Like some sort of lag. It was easy to miss, to write off.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*When Mark followed to the Reactor room, he got to work. Daily checkup and maintenance, monitoring the Reactor's stability, etc. He was rather focused, not paying much attention to anything else.*

[blood-falling]

Celcionna watched in silence, slipping just a little closer, trying to glean more information.

"... Lot of maintenance goes into looking after a star." She commented, holding a screwdriver. Apparently what she was looking for.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

I thought you knew that already, you are always the one after my ass telling me "You should be more careful, asshat!", and shit.

*He scuffed a bit as he kept going with the daily maintenance.*

[blood-falling]

She winced to herself, taken aback by how abrasive she's been written.

"... Well... That doesn't mean I can't appreciate it."

Celcionna's gaze returned to the core. It was nauseatingly bright.

... Bright enough to apprehend a god.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Well, don't look at that for too long. If you forgot it too somehow, there's a reason why we also cover the Reactor. That shit will turn you blind if you look at it for too long-

*One of the wires Mark was fixing sparked, hitting his cheek.*

OW-

*He scratched the surface where he was sparked in annoyance.*

[blood-falling]

"Hm. Serves you right." She narrowed her eyes, not appreciating the condescension.

Celcionna quietly affixed some ointment to a bandaid, covering the burn on his cheek.

She turned to leave, really going to wait for Mark to head to the next room.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer was rather confused at the sudden gesture of aid, blinking twice as he tried to process.

Once he was done, he stretched a bit before stepping to the next room, not saying anything.*

[blood-falling]

That's all right. He didn't need to. She already knew.

She took a pair of goggles, entering the room containing the Reactor. She'd need to see it closer to have a better understanding of how to use it. How to even get it out. Would she have to lure him in? That's if he would even believe her again.

She was so busy calculating, she did not catch that Mark was returning.

... And that she had turned grey.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, Warpcore seemed just dandy and-

*He gasped in shock when he had seen her all grey, stepping back a bit in shock and confusion.*

WH- WHY ARE YOU-

[blood-falling]

She glitched at the shouting, glancing over at Mark. Well, that's their cover blown.

Naturally, the next course of action is for Pitch to step in and scare him off.

Her gaze turns slowly to Mark, head tilted, eyes pouring black ichor.

"L̷̺͒e̷̡̧̔̚ţ̶͒'̶̣͇́̈s̶̤̈́͝ ̶̬̄̂k̵̝͖̀́ë̴̞̐ę̴̈́̓p̸̡̮̐͘ ̵͚̇̅͜t̴̪̎h̴͉̞͛̾ȋ̴̘̽s̷̩̑ ̵̟̾͊b̶̥͓̌ȇ̴̢t̴̯͗͝w̶͎̻̾̈e̵͉͘e̶̪͓̽n̷͔̈ ̵̬̥̏́ǘ̵̻̊s̵̛͔̼̑.̵͕͝.̷̭̒͐.̷̨͈̎.̴͓̙͒" It grinned.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*His eyes were glued in fear at whatever he was now looking at, taking one more quick step back before attempting to book it. He had to find a way to stop whatever infiltrated the ship and was looking at the Reactor somehow, and he was not going to stick around while he comes up with a plan.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch dropped the illusion entirely, flickering into being before Mark, blocking him. Their eyes are black, and their mouth wide with needle-like teeth.

"Now, now, that's not how you treat a guest..." They hissed "Š̸̨t̵̨͚̓ȧ̵͉̪͠y̸̳̑ ̶͙̜͊̏p̴̝̋̕ū̷͈t̴̗̿͆ ̶̥̫̒á̵̹n̶̖͍͐̒d̸̩̳̂͠ ̷̙̫̌͛t̸̯̍̂e̵̲͆l̴̙̃̚l̵͔̱̑͂ ̴̝͆ͅm̷͉̍͆ȩ̷͈̎̓ ̴͈̓̒ḁ̷̋b̵̘̦̑ŏ̶̧̠ǘ̸͜t̴̡͙̊ ̶̣͂h̴̟̲͛̕o̴͈͊w̸̳̤̑̑ ̵͇͔͂͠I̷̧̊̀ ̷͕̗̓c̵̹̈́̽a̶̹̒̄n̶͉͒̄ ̸̳̑á̷̡̨c̵͙̈́q̸͚͚̏ü̸͇̎i̸͚͑̚r̴̛̀ͅe̶͍̿̀ ̶̫̗͗ỳ̵̢̚o̸̱̽u̶̩̎͠r̸͇͗̊ ̷̘̙͛r̶̼̈́ḛ̵̄ä̷̯͚́̃ć̷̩̘͂t̴̩͒͂ŏ̴͈̦͆r̷͇͂.̷̧̪͒"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark yelped in fear, but still furrowed his brows to attempt to look brave.*

L-like hell I will! That's the powerhouse of the ship!

[blood-falling]

Dark presented their long, sharp claws, scraping the metal walls before gracing Mark's neck.

"I think you'd prefer talking to dying, especially when your Captain isn't dying with you to let you try again. Unless I'm wrong...?" They purred, nicking his jaw.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark's eyes widened in shock at the last comment.*

...So you know about it.

*He then chuckled a bit, still scared, but more confident now.*

You think you scare me?

I've experienced so many ways of dying, and this is the most creative way you can think of?

I'm not risking the ship because of you.

[blood-falling]

"Oh, this doesn't even scratch the surface of what I could do to you. But if you wish to squander my mercy by playing at bravery, it is your eternity." Dark wrapped both hands around Mark's neck, pushing him down, down...

Down into the void. Alone in the wide expanse of nothing. Perhaps not the best way of handling, but he'll probably beg to be let out soon enough, and they can finish what they started.

It does still leave the matter of how to extract it from the ship. Hardly a task one demon could accomplish.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Wh-

WaitwaitwaitWAIT-

*Once he was fully pulled into the void, he felt uneasy. The silence and nothingness of it, making him be on edge for something to happen.*

L-LET ME OUT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, THE REACTOR KEEPS THE SHIP ALIVE. WITHOUT IT, WE ARE ALL STUCK IN SPACE WITH NO ENERGY AND RESOURCES, PLEASE!

*He shouted into the nothingness, his breathing becoming into hyperventilation.*

[blood-falling]

The void was quiet, only a howling wind passing through, before they spoke again.

"... If you could return to earth, would that be acceptable?" They stepped out from the shadows, standing above the Engineer.

"It is rather important. Though, I suppose you have abandoned your original Solar System."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark stepped back as a flinch before he gulped and spoke.*

I-I would but...it no longer exists.

That's why we were sent out to find new homes and such. We can't go back...

[blood-falling]

Ah. There's the problem.

"Not where I am from. But that may change without your help." Damien guided them into a more diplomatic approach. "There is a god far too powerful there, if left unchecked he may plunge us into eternal night. This is not good for anyone, as I'm sure a smart little Engineer like you can tell."

"If you know of some other way that does not involve your reactor, do tell."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

A-a God?! That's- Jesus Christ, is there a single universe where nothing fucked up happens??

*He crosses his arms as he thinks to himself, his mind raising with thought after thought before his eyes widen, having an idea.*

...I could split it.

The Reactor as a whole was calculated to last up to 100,000,000 years. Half of it will leave the ship with 50,000,000 worth of energy, so that should be good enough.

...The problem is how risky is to separate it.

Worth a shot though, if I die I'll just come back again.

*He started to think out loud as he paced around.*

[blood-falling]

"... And you are certain of this?" They ask, concerned.

For all of the threats, they really did not want him to die or put himself in danger, but... If this was possible, this would be very helpful.

"Don't throw yourself into the deep end until you know you can swim. Be careful.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer sighed before he scratched the back of his own head as he spoke.*

This is the only star we can control. Trust me. Every other one here in this universe is so powerful that not even non-humans can handle them.

I'll come back if anything happens to me, I promise. It's the least I could do to save your universe from eternal doom.

[blood-falling]

"... Thank you." They pause, before taking a breath. "My apologies, for the rocky beginning. I... Panicked."

"If there is some way I could repay you, please do tell me."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Eh, it's aight. A lot of aliens are not friendly with me anyways, I'm used to it.

All I can ask of you right now is to make that split of the Reactor work, coz I can't do it alone.

[blood-falling]

"What do I do, then?" The void fades, giving way back to the familiar ship. They are grateful for the compliance.

"I am unacquainted with your technology, but I will follow your lead as best I am able."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

No need for you to know about the tech.

All I need is whatever you did to make it a complete dark void, but more.

*He started to pace around again as he talked.*

The Reactor's bond with itself will weaken the more darkness there is around it.

I need it to be as dark as possible once I'm ready to separate it.

[blood-falling]

"... This instability in darkness, that won't be a problem, will it? It won't rip itself apart in the void, I hope. That would make it a lot less viable an option than I hoped." Pitch frowned, tilting their head at the pacing engineer.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Of course not! It's a star! Trust me when I tell you that the power of a start can not be underestimated. That's why I need your darkness.

Your darkness will make sure it is weak and compressed enough so its separation doesn't blow up the ship.

[blood-falling]

"Very well. Are you ready?" They cracked their neck, hand on the scanner for the Reactor room itself.

They flickered and blurred, before returning to clarity with heavy goggles.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer pulled out a device from behind his back, pressing a few buttons before the device activated.*

Ready.

Now remember, I may die, and that's okay. I'll come back.

[blood-falling]

They nod, clenching their jaw and entering. They stand still, staring down the core.

They jerk suddenly, as if breaking in half. Chipped pieces of them fall, as the void spills forth, slowly coating the room and seemingly snuffing out the star.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*As the ship placed its strongest security within the Reactor's room to protect the rest of the crew, Mark waited until it was completely pitch black.

As the darkness fully embraced the room, weakening the star a bit, he proceeded with the separation process. The device in his hand beeped before two claw like limbs emerged from the walls, holding the Reactor with some kind of energy.

The claws started to pull away from each other, pulling the Reactor little by little to split it. It would occasionally spark lightning more and more the more the claws pulled.*

[blood-falling]

They stepped back, shielding their face with their arms. It was warm, enough they could actually feel it.

They were flickering and glitching harder from the proximity.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright... here goes nothing!

*Another button was pressed, the claws now at max force as they pulled. The star seemed to start dividing, kind of like how a cell does when it goes through mitosis.

The star sparks even more, the warmth rising up. It keeps dividing until the two halves are finally separated.

When they fully separate, a huge voltage of spark and lighting is made, hitting everything except Pitch due to being a source of darkness.

Unfortunately... one of them hits the engineer, throwing him back, his body hitting the wall with force before it goes limp.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch turned their attention to the Engineer, grimacing.

They kept the room voided, but spread it, encompassing the lifeless body so they could properly approach. They left the room with the core, shattered glass crunching under their foot.

They checked his pulse, sighing. He did say this would happen, but it never gets easier. Now they must wait.

They sent out a reflection to wait for him on the outside. Their presence made the Cryogenics console glitch.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*A very slow and suffocating minute passed, almost feeling like forever as his eyes were completely white. Eventually, his body regains color, and his irises and pupils return as he gasped for air. He coughed a bit, hissing a bit. A new scar to his body, on the right side of his neck where the powerful spark had collided with him.*

Eugh, jesus... that wasn't fun.

[blood-falling]

"It rarely is." They looked above him, offering a hand up.

"It separated successfully, however. Now I must figure out how, if things escalate, to lure him to it, and where to place it."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*He took Pitch's hand and helped himself up, nodding as a thanks before dusting himself off.*

That, I'm not entirely sure how to help you with that.

I don't even know if it's possible to lure a God to a trap.

[blood-falling]

"I've done it before. I'd like to think I could do it again." They turn their gaze back to the star. "Hopefully I have time to think."

Pitch straightened their uniform, taking a deep breath. "I should contact Asterius. I'm sure they would have insight."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Asterius? Who's that? Another God?

Jeez- how many gods are there?!

*The engineer exclaimed in surprise, thinking of how many powerful beings were out there.*

[heart--of--frost]

❄️: our muses are caught out in the storm together.

“It’s colder than a witche's tit out here. Should’ve brought a coat.”

@ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm

"I don't know why you don't think ahead, Captain said it would be cold, pack accordingly." Celci sighed, leaning against the outpost that kept most of the snow off of them.

The storm was heavy, too heavy to try and rejoin the others yet. She looked over at the shivering Engineer, clicking her tongue.

She swung the backpack off her back, opening it and removing something small. She pressed a button and expanded into an insulated jacket.

"If I give this to you, don't spill on it, don't get it dirty and return it as soon as possible. Got it?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Y-yes, I promise- Now give it here before I freeze my balls next, please-

*The engineer swiftly snatched the jacket from Celci, quickly putting it on, as well as the hood, still shivering a bit but trying to stay warm.*

[heart--of--frost]

Celci rolled her eyes. "Mark, if you hate the cold, why did you pick Cryo sleep for the method of preservation? I've been meaning to ask."

She put her hands in her pockets for a little extra warmth, preferring the cold, but not in the form of a snow storm.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

J-just because I h-hate it doesn't mean that it's n-not the best method. A little s-sacrifice for the sake of doing what's b-best.

*He breathes out onto his hands to try and keep them warm.*

[heart--of--frost]

It was a surprisingly mature answer, one she was rather surprised by. But whatever praise she could manage, she can't seem to say.

"I'm surprised you didn't just try to slingshot colonists across the galaxy." She mumbled, squeezing her eyes shut. Must she act this way?

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

W-well, I did think of that once, but the c-captain denied the m-making of it.

H-honestly, it would have been f-fun.

*He chuckled a bit, his nose red from the cold.*

[heart--of--frost]

Celci pinched the bridge of her nose, somehow still surprised that she was right.

"They would die, Mark."

She squats down, trying to rest her legs without fully sitting in the snow.

"How long until the Captain finds us, you think?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Unless we made suits s-strong enough.

A-and I have no idea, but I trust the captain. They'll find us eventually.

[heart--of--frost]

❄️: our muses are caught out in the storm together.

“It’s colder than a witche's tit out here. Should’ve brought a coat.”

@ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm

"I don't know why you don't think ahead, Captain said it would be cold, pack accordingly." Celci sighed, leaning against the outpost that kept most of the snow off of them.

The storm was heavy, too heavy to try and rejoin the others yet. She looked over at the shivering Engineer, clicking her tongue.

She swung the backpack off her back, opening it and removing something small. She pressed a button and expanded into an insulated jacket.

"If I give this to you, don't spill on it, don't get it dirty and return it as soon as possible. Got it?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Y-yes, I promise- Now give it here before I freeze my balls next, please-

*The engineer swiftly snatched the jacket from Celci, quickly putting it on, as well as the hood, still shivering a bit but trying to stay warm.*

[heart--of--frost]

Celci rolled her eyes. "Mark, if you hate the cold, why did you pick Cryo sleep for the method of preservation? I've been meaning to ask."

She put her hands in her pockets for a little extra warmth, preferring the cold, but not in the form of a snow storm.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

J-just because I h-hate it doesn't mean that it's n-not the best method. A little s-sacrifice for the sake of doing what's b-best.

*He breathes out onto his hands to try and keep them warm.*

[heart--of--frost]

It was a surprisingly mature answer, one she was rather surprised by. But whatever praise she could manage, she can't seem to say.

"I'm surprised you didn't just try to slingshot colonists across the galaxy." She mumbled, squeezing her eyes shut. Must she act this way?

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

W-well, I did think of that once, but the c-captain denied the m-making of it.

H-honestly, it would have been f-fun.

*He chuckled a bit, his nose red from the cold.*

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Celcionna had been... Strange this morning. Much more quiet, less abrasive, slipping away to the ship instead of assisting the Colony.

She would be looking around the bridge, when she heard footsteps. Thinking quickly, she went to hide in one of the cryopods, hoping they would pass.

-@blood-falling

*There the engineer would walk by, whistling his way through. He looked like he was on his way to where the warpcore was, probably to check on it.*

[blood-falling]

She released a breath she had been holding, trailing him silently in the shadows. Perhaps he would show her to the Reactor, if she followed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, cryo seems good and such. Guess the warpcore is next-

*He stopped for a moment, about to turn around as he felt a presence somewhere close.*

[blood-falling]

A bolt of panic shoots through her, but she stays still. Hiding would only raise suspicions.

She folded her arms. Celci would know what he's doing, so she won't question it.

"... Can I help you?" She looks annoyed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Oh, it's you.

*The tone was dry, but at least not as aggressive and sassy as always.*

No, you can't help me. Well, the one thing you can do is stay here. I'm going to the warpcore, and I'm not letting anyone touch that thing.

[blood-falling]

Her grip on her sleeve tightened. Masking fear as frustration.

"What the hell makes you think I want to look at it? I'm getting something for Burt." Burt was the Lead for the Reactor, that she was aware of.

That's what she's after.

She stormed forward, wishing she had more time to study the layout, but by pure idiocy, Reactor and Cryo were put together. Incredibly fortunate, and incredibly poor design choice.

Celcionma made herself look busy, waiting for Mark to pass by.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Hell, now that I think about it, I also have to check that place.

Eh, it's literally nearby so might as well do that first. Can't skip that checkup.

[blood-falling]

She scowled, but didn't respond, continuing to pretend to look for something until they can be alone.

When she entered the room, it took a moment for her to be affected by the lighting in the Reactor room. Like some sort of lag. It was easy to miss, to write off.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*When Mark followed to the Reactor room, he got to work. Daily checkup and maintenance, monitoring the Reactor's stability, etc. He was rather focused, not paying much attention to anything else.*

[blood-falling]

Celcionna watched in silence, slipping just a little closer, trying to glean more information.

"... Lot of maintenance goes into looking after a star." She commented, holding a screwdriver. Apparently what she was looking for.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

I thought you knew that already, you are always the one after my ass telling me "You should be more careful, asshat!", and shit.

*He scuffed a bit as he kept going with the daily maintenance.*

[blood-falling]

She winced to herself, taken aback by how abrasive she's been written.

"... Well... That doesn't mean I can't appreciate it."

Celcionna's gaze returned to the core. It was nauseatingly bright.

... Bright enough to apprehend a god.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Well, don't look at that for too long. If you forgot it too somehow, there's a reason why we also cover the Reactor. That shit will turn you blind if you look at it for too long-

*One of the wires Mark was fixing sparked, hitting his cheek.*

OW-

*He scratched the surface where he was sparked in annoyance.*

[blood-falling]

"Hm. Serves you right." She narrowed her eyes, not appreciating the condescension.

Celcionna quietly affixed some ointment to a bandaid, covering the burn on his cheek.

She turned to leave, really going to wait for Mark to head to the next room.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer was rather confused at the sudden gesture of aid, blinking twice as he tried to process.

Once he was done, he stretched a bit before stepping to the next room, not saying anything.*

[blood-falling]

That's all right. He didn't need to. She already knew.

She took a pair of goggles, entering the room containing the Reactor. She'd need to see it closer to have a better understanding of how to use it. How to even get it out. Would she have to lure him in? That's if he would even believe her again.

She was so busy calculating, she did not catch that Mark was returning.

... And that she had turned grey.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, Warpcore seemed just dandy and-

*He gasped in shock when he had seen her all grey, stepping back a bit in shock and confusion.*

WH- WHY ARE YOU-

[blood-falling]

She glitched at the shouting, glancing over at Mark. Well, that's their cover blown.

Naturally, the next course of action is for Pitch to step in and scare him off.

Her gaze turns slowly to Mark, head tilted, eyes pouring black ichor.

"L̷̺͒e̷̡̧̔̚ţ̶͒'̶̣͇́̈s̶̤̈́͝ ̶̬̄̂k̵̝͖̀́ë̴̞̐ę̴̈́̓p̸̡̮̐͘ ̵͚̇̅͜t̴̪̎h̴͉̞͛̾ȋ̴̘̽s̷̩̑ ̵̟̾͊b̶̥͓̌ȇ̴̢t̴̯͗͝w̶͎̻̾̈e̵͉͘e̶̪͓̽n̷͔̈ ̵̬̥̏́ǘ̵̻̊s̵̛͔̼̑.̵͕͝.̷̭̒͐.̷̨͈̎.̴͓̙͒" It grinned.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*His eyes were glued in fear at whatever he was now looking at, taking one more quick step back before attempting to book it. He had to find a way to stop whatever infiltrated the ship and was looking at the Reactor somehow, and he was not going to stick around while he comes up with a plan.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch dropped the illusion entirely, flickering into being before Mark, blocking him. Their eyes are black, and their mouth wide with needle-like teeth.

"Now, now, that's not how you treat a guest..." They hissed "Š̸̨t̵̨͚̓ȧ̵͉̪͠y̸̳̑ ̶͙̜͊̏p̴̝̋̕ū̷͈t̴̗̿͆ ̶̥̫̒á̵̹n̶̖͍͐̒d̸̩̳̂͠ ̷̙̫̌͛t̸̯̍̂e̵̲͆l̴̙̃̚l̵͔̱̑͂ ̴̝͆ͅm̷͉̍͆ȩ̷͈̎̓ ̴͈̓̒ḁ̷̋b̵̘̦̑ŏ̶̧̠ǘ̸͜t̴̡͙̊ ̶̣͂h̴̟̲͛̕o̴͈͊w̸̳̤̑̑ ̵͇͔͂͠I̷̧̊̀ ̷͕̗̓c̵̹̈́̽a̶̹̒̄n̶͉͒̄ ̸̳̑á̷̡̨c̵͙̈́q̸͚͚̏ü̸͇̎i̸͚͑̚r̴̛̀ͅe̶͍̿̀ ̶̫̗͗ỳ̵̢̚o̸̱̽u̶̩̎͠r̸͇͗̊ ̷̘̙͛r̶̼̈́ḛ̵̄ä̷̯͚́̃ć̷̩̘͂t̴̩͒͂ŏ̴͈̦͆r̷͇͂.̷̧̪͒"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark yelped in fear, but still furrowed his brows to attempt to look brave.*

L-like hell I will! That's the powerhouse of the ship!

[blood-falling]

Dark presented their long, sharp claws, scraping the metal walls before gracing Mark's neck.

"I think you'd prefer talking to dying, especially when your Captain isn't dying with you to let you try again. Unless I'm wrong...?" They purred, nicking his jaw.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark's eyes widened in shock at the last comment.*

...So you know about it.

*He then chuckled a bit, still scared, but more confident now.*

You think you scare me?

I've experienced so many ways of dying, and this is the most creative way you can think of?

I'm not risking the ship because of you.

[blood-falling]

"Oh, this doesn't even scratch the surface of what I could do to you. But if you wish to squander my mercy by playing at bravery, it is your eternity." Dark wrapped both hands around Mark's neck, pushing him down, down...

Down into the void. Alone in the wide expanse of nothing. Perhaps not the best way of handling, but he'll probably beg to be let out soon enough, and they can finish what they started.

It does still leave the matter of how to extract it from the ship. Hardly a task one demon could accomplish.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Wh-

WaitwaitwaitWAIT-

*Once he was fully pulled into the void, he felt uneasy. The silence and nothingness of it, making him be on edge for something to happen.*

L-LET ME OUT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, THE REACTOR KEEPS THE SHIP ALIVE. WITHOUT IT, WE ARE ALL STUCK IN SPACE WITH NO ENERGY AND RESOURCES, PLEASE!

*He shouted into the nothingness, his breathing becoming into hyperventilation.*

[blood-falling]

The void was quiet, only a howling wind passing through, before they spoke again.

"... If you could return to earth, would that be acceptable?" They stepped out from the shadows, standing above the Engineer.

"It is rather important. Though, I suppose you have abandoned your original Solar System."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark stepped back as a flinch before he gulped and spoke.*

I-I would but...it no longer exists.

That's why we were sent out to find new homes and such. We can't go back...

[blood-falling]

Ah. There's the problem.

"Not where I am from. But that may change without your help." Damien guided them into a more diplomatic approach. "There is a god far too powerful there, if left unchecked he may plunge us into eternal night. This is not good for anyone, as I'm sure a smart little Engineer like you can tell."

"If you know of some other way that does not involve your reactor, do tell."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

A-a God?! That's- Jesus Christ, is there a single universe where nothing fucked up happens??

*He crosses his arms as he thinks to himself, his mind raising with thought after thought before his eyes widen, having an idea.*

...I could split it.

The Reactor as a whole was calculated to last up to 100,000,000 years. Half of it will leave the ship with 50,000,000 worth of energy, so that should be good enough.

...The problem is how risky is to separate it.

Worth a shot though, if I die I'll just come back again.

*He started to think out loud as he paced around.*

[blood-falling]

"... And you are certain of this?" They ask, concerned.

For all of the threats, they really did not want him to die or put himself in danger, but... If this was possible, this would be very helpful.

"Don't throw yourself into the deep end until you know you can swim. Be careful.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer sighed before he scratched the back of his own head as he spoke.*

This is the only star we can control. Trust me. Every other one here in this universe is so powerful that not even non-humans can handle them.

I'll come back if anything happens to me, I promise. It's the least I could do to save your universe from eternal doom.

[blood-falling]

"... Thank you." They pause, before taking a breath. "My apologies, for the rocky beginning. I... Panicked."

"If there is some way I could repay you, please do tell me."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Eh, it's aight. A lot of aliens are not friendly with me anyways, I'm used to it.

All I can ask of you right now is to make that split of the Reactor work, coz I can't do it alone.

[blood-falling]

"What do I do, then?" The void fades, giving way back to the familiar ship. They are grateful for the compliance.

"I am unacquainted with your technology, but I will follow your lead as best I am able."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

No need for you to know about the tech.

All I need is whatever you did to make it a complete dark void, but more.

*He started to pace around again as he talked.*

The Reactor's bond with itself will weaken the more darkness there is around it.

I need it to be as dark as possible once I'm ready to separate it.

[blood-falling]

"... This instability in darkness, that won't be a problem, will it? It won't rip itself apart in the void, I hope. That would make it a lot less viable an option than I hoped." Pitch frowned, tilting their head at the pacing engineer.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Of course not! It's a star! Trust me when I tell you that the power of a start can not be underestimated. That's why I need your darkness.

Your darkness will make sure it is weak and compressed enough so its separation doesn't blow up the ship.

[blood-falling]

"Very well. Are you ready?" They cracked their neck, hand on the scanner for the Reactor room itself.

They flickered and blurred, before returning to clarity with heavy goggles.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer pulled out a device from behind his back, pressing a few buttons before the device activated.*

Ready.

Now remember, I may die, and that's okay. I'll come back.

[blood-falling]

They nod, clenching their jaw and entering. They stand still, staring down the core.

They jerk suddenly, as if breaking in half. Chipped pieces of them fall, as the void spills forth, slowly coating the room and seemingly snuffing out the star.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*As the ship placed its strongest security within the Reactor's room to protect the rest of the crew, Mark waited until it was completely pitch black.

As the darkness fully embraced the room, weakening the star a bit, he proceeded with the separation process. The device in his hand beeped before two claw like limbs emerged from the walls, holding the Reactor with some kind of energy.

The claws started to pull away from each other, pulling the Reactor little by little to split it. It would occasionally spark lightning more and more the more the claws pulled.*

[blood-falling]

They stepped back, shielding their face with their arms. It was warm, enough they could actually feel it.

They were flickering and glitching harder from the proximity.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright... here goes nothing!

*Another button was pressed, the claws now at max force as they pulled. The star seemed to start dividing, kind of like how a cell does when it goes through mitosis.

The star sparks even more, the warmth rising up. It keeps dividing until the two halves are finally separated.

When they fully separate, a huge voltage of spark and lighting is made, hitting everything except Pitch due to being a source of darkness.

Unfortunately... one of them hits the engineer, throwing him back, his body hitting the wall with force before it goes limp.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch turned their attention to the Engineer, grimacing.

They kept the room voided, but spread it, encompassing the lifeless body so they could properly approach. They left the room with the core, shattered glass crunching under their foot.

They checked his pulse, sighing. He did say this would happen, but it never gets easier. Now they must wait.

They sent out a reflection to wait for him on the outside. Their presence made the Cryogenics console glitch.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*A very slow and suffocating minute passed, almost feeling like forever as his eyes were completely white. Eventually, his body regains color, and his irises and pupils return as he gasped for air. He coughed a bit, hissing a bit. A new scar to his body, on the right side of his neck where the powerful spark had collided with him.*

Eugh, jesus... that wasn't fun.

[blood-falling]

"It rarely is." They looked above him, offering a hand up.

"It separated successfully, however. Now I must figure out how, if things escalate, to lure him to it, and where to place it."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*He took Pitch's hand and helped himself up, nodding as a thanks before dusting himself off.*

That, I'm not entirely sure how to help you with that.

I don't even know if it's possible to lure a God to a trap.

[ask-dr-edward-iplier]

🩺INTRO💊

(HEADER CREDIT IN THE DESCRIPTION)

(This Dr. Iplier is a member of the Xenoverse system!)

*As you waited patiently in the waiting room, a voice over the building's intercom would call for the next patient.

That was you.

As you got up and then walked over to the destined door, you saw the doctor's name on the door before entering.

Dr. Edward Iplier.

Once you entire, the doctor sat on his desk, looking over at some paperwork before directing his eyes to you.*

Ah, welcome. Please, take a seat.

Name: Dr. Edward Iplier

Age: 35

Height: 5'11"

Occupation: (questionably) licensed doctor and surgeon.

Pronouns: He/They/Xe

Orientation: Transgender bisexual.

(Minors, we are collectively 19, so please do not attempt any weird interactions, please, and thank you.)

[askactormark]

For anyone who's interested!

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Celcionna had been... Strange this morning. Much more quiet, less abrasive, slipping away to the ship instead of assisting the Colony.

She would be looking around the bridge, when she heard footsteps. Thinking quickly, she went to hide in one of the cryopods, hoping they would pass.

-@blood-falling

*There the engineer would walk by, whistling his way through. He looked like he was on his way to where the warpcore was, probably to check on it.*

[blood-falling]

She released a breath she had been holding, trailing him silently in the shadows. Perhaps he would show her to the Reactor, if she followed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, cryo seems good and such. Guess the warpcore is next-

*He stopped for a moment, about to turn around as he felt a presence somewhere close.*

[blood-falling]

A bolt of panic shoots through her, but she stays still. Hiding would only raise suspicions.

She folded her arms. Celci would know what he's doing, so she won't question it.

"... Can I help you?" She looks annoyed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Oh, it's you.

*The tone was dry, but at least not as aggressive and sassy as always.*

No, you can't help me. Well, the one thing you can do is stay here. I'm going to the warpcore, and I'm not letting anyone touch that thing.

[blood-falling]

Her grip on her sleeve tightened. Masking fear as frustration.

"What the hell makes you think I want to look at it? I'm getting something for Burt." Burt was the Lead for the Reactor, that she was aware of.

That's what she's after.

She stormed forward, wishing she had more time to study the layout, but by pure idiocy, Reactor and Cryo were put together. Incredibly fortunate, and incredibly poor design choice.

Celcionma made herself look busy, waiting for Mark to pass by.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Hell, now that I think about it, I also have to check that place.

Eh, it's literally nearby so might as well do that first. Can't skip that checkup.

[blood-falling]

She scowled, but didn't respond, continuing to pretend to look for something until they can be alone.

When she entered the room, it took a moment for her to be affected by the lighting in the Reactor room. Like some sort of lag. It was easy to miss, to write off.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*When Mark followed to the Reactor room, he got to work. Daily checkup and maintenance, monitoring the Reactor's stability, etc. He was rather focused, not paying much attention to anything else.*

[blood-falling]

Celcionna watched in silence, slipping just a little closer, trying to glean more information.

"... Lot of maintenance goes into looking after a star." She commented, holding a screwdriver. Apparently what she was looking for.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

I thought you knew that already, you are always the one after my ass telling me "You should be more careful, asshat!", and shit.

*He scuffed a bit as he kept going with the daily maintenance.*

[blood-falling]

She winced to herself, taken aback by how abrasive she's been written.

"... Well... That doesn't mean I can't appreciate it."

Celcionna's gaze returned to the core. It was nauseatingly bright.

... Bright enough to apprehend a god.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Well, don't look at that for too long. If you forgot it too somehow, there's a reason why we also cover the Reactor. That shit will turn you blind if you look at it for too long-

*One of the wires Mark was fixing sparked, hitting his cheek.*

OW-

*He scratched the surface where he was sparked in annoyance.*

[blood-falling]

"Hm. Serves you right." She narrowed her eyes, not appreciating the condescension.

Celcionna quietly affixed some ointment to a bandaid, covering the burn on his cheek.

She turned to leave, really going to wait for Mark to head to the next room.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer was rather confused at the sudden gesture of aid, blinking twice as he tried to process.

Once he was done, he stretched a bit before stepping to the next room, not saying anything.*

[blood-falling]

That's all right. He didn't need to. She already knew.

She took a pair of goggles, entering the room containing the Reactor. She'd need to see it closer to have a better understanding of how to use it. How to even get it out. Would she have to lure him in? That's if he would even believe her again.

She was so busy calculating, she did not catch that Mark was returning.

... And that she had turned grey.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, Warpcore seemed just dandy and-

*He gasped in shock when he had seen her all grey, stepping back a bit in shock and confusion.*

WH- WHY ARE YOU-

[blood-falling]

She glitched at the shouting, glancing over at Mark. Well, that's their cover blown.

Naturally, the next course of action is for Pitch to step in and scare him off.

Her gaze turns slowly to Mark, head tilted, eyes pouring black ichor.

"L̷̺͒e̷̡̧̔̚ţ̶͒'̶̣͇́̈s̶̤̈́͝ ̶̬̄̂k̵̝͖̀́ë̴̞̐ę̴̈́̓p̸̡̮̐͘ ̵͚̇̅͜t̴̪̎h̴͉̞͛̾ȋ̴̘̽s̷̩̑ ̵̟̾͊b̶̥͓̌ȇ̴̢t̴̯͗͝w̶͎̻̾̈e̵͉͘e̶̪͓̽n̷͔̈ ̵̬̥̏́ǘ̵̻̊s̵̛͔̼̑.̵͕͝.̷̭̒͐.̷̨͈̎.̴͓̙͒" It grinned.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*His eyes were glued in fear at whatever he was now looking at, taking one more quick step back before attempting to book it. He had to find a way to stop whatever infiltrated the ship and was looking at the Reactor somehow, and he was not going to stick around while he comes up with a plan.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch dropped the illusion entirely, flickering into being before Mark, blocking him. Their eyes are black, and their mouth wide with needle-like teeth.

"Now, now, that's not how you treat a guest..." They hissed "Š̸̨t̵̨͚̓ȧ̵͉̪͠y̸̳̑ ̶͙̜͊̏p̴̝̋̕ū̷͈t̴̗̿͆ ̶̥̫̒á̵̹n̶̖͍͐̒d̸̩̳̂͠ ̷̙̫̌͛t̸̯̍̂e̵̲͆l̴̙̃̚l̵͔̱̑͂ ̴̝͆ͅm̷͉̍͆ȩ̷͈̎̓ ̴͈̓̒ḁ̷̋b̵̘̦̑ŏ̶̧̠ǘ̸͜t̴̡͙̊ ̶̣͂h̴̟̲͛̕o̴͈͊w̸̳̤̑̑ ̵͇͔͂͠I̷̧̊̀ ̷͕̗̓c̵̹̈́̽a̶̹̒̄n̶͉͒̄ ̸̳̑á̷̡̨c̵͙̈́q̸͚͚̏ü̸͇̎i̸͚͑̚r̴̛̀ͅe̶͍̿̀ ̶̫̗͗ỳ̵̢̚o̸̱̽u̶̩̎͠r̸͇͗̊ ̷̘̙͛r̶̼̈́ḛ̵̄ä̷̯͚́̃ć̷̩̘͂t̴̩͒͂ŏ̴͈̦͆r̷͇͂.̷̧̪͒"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark yelped in fear, but still furrowed his brows to attempt to look brave.*

L-like hell I will! That's the powerhouse of the ship!

[blood-falling]

Dark presented their long, sharp claws, scraping the metal walls before gracing Mark's neck.

"I think you'd prefer talking to dying, especially when your Captain isn't dying with you to let you try again. Unless I'm wrong...?" They purred, nicking his jaw.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark's eyes widened in shock at the last comment.*

...So you know about it.

*He then chuckled a bit, still scared, but more confident now.*

You think you scare me?

I've experienced so many ways of dying, and this is the most creative way you can think of?

I'm not risking the ship because of you.

[blood-falling]

"Oh, this doesn't even scratch the surface of what I could do to you. But if you wish to squander my mercy by playing at bravery, it is your eternity." Dark wrapped both hands around Mark's neck, pushing him down, down...

Down into the void. Alone in the wide expanse of nothing. Perhaps not the best way of handling, but he'll probably beg to be let out soon enough, and they can finish what they started.

It does still leave the matter of how to extract it from the ship. Hardly a task one demon could accomplish.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Wh-

WaitwaitwaitWAIT-

*Once he was fully pulled into the void, he felt uneasy. The silence and nothingness of it, making him be on edge for something to happen.*

L-LET ME OUT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, THE REACTOR KEEPS THE SHIP ALIVE. WITHOUT IT, WE ARE ALL STUCK IN SPACE WITH NO ENERGY AND RESOURCES, PLEASE!

*He shouted into the nothingness, his breathing becoming into hyperventilation.*

[blood-falling]

The void was quiet, only a howling wind passing through, before they spoke again.

"... If you could return to earth, would that be acceptable?" They stepped out from the shadows, standing above the Engineer.

"It is rather important. Though, I suppose you have abandoned your original Solar System."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark stepped back as a flinch before he gulped and spoke.*

I-I would but...it no longer exists.

That's why we were sent out to find new homes and such. We can't go back...

[blood-falling]

Ah. There's the problem.

"Not where I am from. But that may change without your help." Damien guided them into a more diplomatic approach. "There is a god far too powerful there, if left unchecked he may plunge us into eternal night. This is not good for anyone, as I'm sure a smart little Engineer like you can tell."

"If you know of some other way that does not involve your reactor, do tell."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

A-a God?! That's- Jesus Christ, is there a single universe where nothing fucked up happens??

*He crosses his arms as he thinks to himself, his mind raising with thought after thought before his eyes widen, having an idea.*

...I could split it.

The Reactor as a whole was calculated to last up to 100,000,000 years. Half of it will leave the ship with 50,000,000 worth of energy, so that should be good enough.

...The problem is how risky is to separate it.

Worth a shot though, if I die I'll just come back again.

*He started to think out loud as he paced around.*

[blood-falling]

"... And you are certain of this?" They ask, concerned.

For all of the threats, they really did not want him to die or put himself in danger, but... If this was possible, this would be very helpful.

"Don't throw yourself into the deep end until you know you can swim. Be careful.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer sighed before he scratched the back of his own head as he spoke.*

This is the only star we can control. Trust me. Every other one here in this universe is so powerful that not even non-humans can handle them.

I'll come back if anything happens to me, I promise. It's the least I could do to save your universe from eternal doom.

[blood-falling]

"... Thank you." They pause, before taking a breath. "My apologies, for the rocky beginning. I... Panicked."

"If there is some way I could repay you, please do tell me."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Eh, it's aight. A lot of aliens are not friendly with me anyways, I'm used to it.

All I can ask of you right now is to make that split of the Reactor work, coz I can't do it alone.

[blood-falling]

"What do I do, then?" The void fades, giving way back to the familiar ship. They are grateful for the compliance.

"I am unacquainted with your technology, but I will follow your lead as best I am able."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

No need for you to know about the tech.

All I need is whatever you did to make it a complete dark void, but more.

*He started to pace around again as he talked.*

The Reactor's bond with itself will weaken the more darkness there is around it.

I need it to be as dark as possible once I'm ready to separate it.

[blood-falling]

"... This instability in darkness, that won't be a problem, will it? It won't rip itself apart in the void, I hope. That would make it a lot less viable an option than I hoped." Pitch frowned, tilting their head at the pacing engineer.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Of course not! It's a star! Trust me when I tell you that the power of a start can not be underestimated. That's why I need your darkness.

Your darkness will make sure it is weak and compressed enough so its separation doesn't blow up the ship.

[blood-falling]

"Very well. Are you ready?" They cracked their neck, hand on the scanner for the Reactor room itself.

They flickered and blurred, before returning to clarity with heavy goggles.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer pulled out a device from behind his back, pressing a few buttons before the device activated.*

Ready.

Now remember, I may die, and that's okay. I'll come back.

[blood-falling]

They nod, clenching their jaw and entering. They stand still, staring down the core.

They jerk suddenly, as if breaking in half. Chipped pieces of them fall, as the void spills forth, slowly coating the room and seemingly snuffing out the star.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*As the ship placed its strongest security within the Reactor's room to protect the rest of the crew, Mark waited until it was completely pitch black.

As the darkness fully embraced the room, weakening the star a bit, he proceeded with the separation process. The device in his hand beeped before two claw like limbs emerged from the walls, holding the Reactor with some kind of energy.

The claws started to pull away from each other, pulling the Reactor little by little to split it. It would occasionally spark lightning more and more the more the claws pulled.*

[blood-falling]

They stepped back, shielding their face with their arms. It was warm, enough they could actually feel it.

They were flickering and glitching harder from the proximity.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright... here goes nothing!

*Another button was pressed, the claws now at max force as they pulled. The star seemed to start dividing, kind of like how a cell does when it goes through mitosis.

The star sparks even more, the warmth rising up. It keeps dividing until the two halves are finally separated.

When they fully separate, a huge voltage of spark and lighting is made, hitting everything except Pitch due to being a source of darkness.

Unfortunately... one of them hits the engineer, throwing him back, his body hitting the wall with force before it goes limp.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch turned their attention to the Engineer, grimacing.

They kept the room voided, but spread it, encompassing the lifeless body so they could properly approach. They left the room with the core, shattered glass crunching under their foot.

They checked his pulse, sighing. He did say this would happen, but it never gets easier. Now they must wait.

They sent out a reflection to wait for him on the outside. Their presence made the Cryogenics console glitch.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*A very slow and suffocating minute passed, almost feeling like forever as his eyes were completely white. Eventually, his body regains color, and his irises and pupils return as he gasped for air. He coughed a bit, hissing a bit. A new scar to his body, on the right side of his neck where the powerful spark had collided with him.*

Eugh, jesus... that wasn't fun.

[heart--of--frost]

❄️: our muses are caught out in the storm together.

“It’s colder than a witche's tit out here. Should’ve brought a coat.”

@ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm

"I don't know why you don't think ahead, Captain said it would be cold, pack accordingly." Celci sighed, leaning against the outpost that kept most of the snow off of them.

The storm was heavy, too heavy to try and rejoin the others yet. She looked over at the shivering Engineer, clicking her tongue.

She swung the backpack off her back, opening it and removing something small. She pressed a button and expanded into an insulated jacket.

"If I give this to you, don't spill on it, don't get it dirty and return it as soon as possible. Got it?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Y-yes, I promise- Now give it here before I freeze my balls next, please-

*The engineer swiftly snatched the jacket from Celci, quickly putting it on, as well as the hood, still shivering a bit but trying to stay warm.*

[heart--of--frost]

Celci rolled her eyes. "Mark, if you hate the cold, why did you pick Cryo sleep for the method of preservation? I've been meaning to ask."

She put her hands in her pockets for a little extra warmth, preferring the cold, but not in the form of a snow storm.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

J-just because I h-hate it doesn't mean that it's n-not the best method. A little s-sacrifice for the sake of doing what's b-best.

*He breathes out onto his hands to try and keep them warm.*

[heart--of--frost]

❄️: our muses are caught out in the storm together.

“It’s colder than a witche's tit out here. Should’ve brought a coat.”

@ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm

"I don't know why you don't think ahead, Captain said it would be cold, pack accordingly." Celci sighed, leaning against the outpost that kept most of the snow off of them.

The storm was heavy, too heavy to try and rejoin the others yet. She looked over at the shivering Engineer, clicking her tongue.

She swung the backpack off her back, opening it and removing something small. She pressed a button and expanded into an insulated jacket.

"If I give this to you, don't spill on it, don't get it dirty and return it as soon as possible. Got it?"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Y-yes, I promise- Now give it here before I freeze my balls next, please-

*The engineer swiftly snatched the jacket from Celci, quickly putting it on, as well as the hood, still shivering a bit but trying to stay warm.*

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Celcionna had been... Strange this morning. Much more quiet, less abrasive, slipping away to the ship instead of assisting the Colony.

She would be looking around the bridge, when she heard footsteps. Thinking quickly, she went to hide in one of the cryopods, hoping they would pass.

-@blood-falling

*There the engineer would walk by, whistling his way through. He looked like he was on his way to where the warpcore was, probably to check on it.*

[blood-falling]

She released a breath she had been holding, trailing him silently in the shadows. Perhaps he would show her to the Reactor, if she followed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, cryo seems good and such. Guess the warpcore is next-

*He stopped for a moment, about to turn around as he felt a presence somewhere close.*

[blood-falling]

A bolt of panic shoots through her, but she stays still. Hiding would only raise suspicions.

She folded her arms. Celci would know what he's doing, so she won't question it.

"... Can I help you?" She looks annoyed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Oh, it's you.

*The tone was dry, but at least not as aggressive and sassy as always.*

No, you can't help me. Well, the one thing you can do is stay here. I'm going to the warpcore, and I'm not letting anyone touch that thing.

[blood-falling]

Her grip on her sleeve tightened. Masking fear as frustration.

"What the hell makes you think I want to look at it? I'm getting something for Burt." Burt was the Lead for the Reactor, that she was aware of.

That's what she's after.

She stormed forward, wishing she had more time to study the layout, but by pure idiocy, Reactor and Cryo were put together. Incredibly fortunate, and incredibly poor design choice.

Celcionma made herself look busy, waiting for Mark to pass by.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Hell, now that I think about it, I also have to check that place.

Eh, it's literally nearby so might as well do that first. Can't skip that checkup.

[blood-falling]

She scowled, but didn't respond, continuing to pretend to look for something until they can be alone.

When she entered the room, it took a moment for her to be affected by the lighting in the Reactor room. Like some sort of lag. It was easy to miss, to write off.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*When Mark followed to the Reactor room, he got to work. Daily checkup and maintenance, monitoring the Reactor's stability, etc. He was rather focused, not paying much attention to anything else.*

[blood-falling]

Celcionna watched in silence, slipping just a little closer, trying to glean more information.

"... Lot of maintenance goes into looking after a star." She commented, holding a screwdriver. Apparently what she was looking for.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

I thought you knew that already, you are always the one after my ass telling me "You should be more careful, asshat!", and shit.

*He scuffed a bit as he kept going with the daily maintenance.*

[blood-falling]

She winced to herself, taken aback by how abrasive she's been written.

"... Well... That doesn't mean I can't appreciate it."

Celcionna's gaze returned to the core. It was nauseatingly bright.

... Bright enough to apprehend a god.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Well, don't look at that for too long. If you forgot it too somehow, there's a reason why we also cover the Reactor. That shit will turn you blind if you look at it for too long-

*One of the wires Mark was fixing sparked, hitting his cheek.*

OW-

*He scratched the surface where he was sparked in annoyance.*

[blood-falling]

"Hm. Serves you right." She narrowed her eyes, not appreciating the condescension.

Celcionna quietly affixed some ointment to a bandaid, covering the burn on his cheek.

She turned to leave, really going to wait for Mark to head to the next room.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer was rather confused at the sudden gesture of aid, blinking twice as he tried to process.

Once he was done, he stretched a bit before stepping to the next room, not saying anything.*

[blood-falling]

That's all right. He didn't need to. She already knew.

She took a pair of goggles, entering the room containing the Reactor. She'd need to see it closer to have a better understanding of how to use it. How to even get it out. Would she have to lure him in? That's if he would even believe her again.

She was so busy calculating, she did not catch that Mark was returning.

... And that she had turned grey.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, Warpcore seemed just dandy and-

*He gasped in shock when he had seen her all grey, stepping back a bit in shock and confusion.*

WH- WHY ARE YOU-

[blood-falling]

She glitched at the shouting, glancing over at Mark. Well, that's their cover blown.

Naturally, the next course of action is for Pitch to step in and scare him off.

Her gaze turns slowly to Mark, head tilted, eyes pouring black ichor.

"L̷̺͒e̷̡̧̔̚ţ̶͒'̶̣͇́̈s̶̤̈́͝ ̶̬̄̂k̵̝͖̀́ë̴̞̐ę̴̈́̓p̸̡̮̐͘ ̵͚̇̅͜t̴̪̎h̴͉̞͛̾ȋ̴̘̽s̷̩̑ ̵̟̾͊b̶̥͓̌ȇ̴̢t̴̯͗͝w̶͎̻̾̈e̵͉͘e̶̪͓̽n̷͔̈ ̵̬̥̏́ǘ̵̻̊s̵̛͔̼̑.̵͕͝.̷̭̒͐.̷̨͈̎.̴͓̙͒" It grinned.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*His eyes were glued in fear at whatever he was now looking at, taking one more quick step back before attempting to book it. He had to find a way to stop whatever infiltrated the ship and was looking at the Reactor somehow, and he was not going to stick around while he comes up with a plan.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch dropped the illusion entirely, flickering into being before Mark, blocking him. Their eyes are black, and their mouth wide with needle-like teeth.

"Now, now, that's not how you treat a guest..." They hissed "Š̸̨t̵̨͚̓ȧ̵͉̪͠y̸̳̑ ̶͙̜͊̏p̴̝̋̕ū̷͈t̴̗̿͆ ̶̥̫̒á̵̹n̶̖͍͐̒d̸̩̳̂͠ ̷̙̫̌͛t̸̯̍̂e̵̲͆l̴̙̃̚l̵͔̱̑͂ ̴̝͆ͅm̷͉̍͆ȩ̷͈̎̓ ̴͈̓̒ḁ̷̋b̵̘̦̑ŏ̶̧̠ǘ̸͜t̴̡͙̊ ̶̣͂h̴̟̲͛̕o̴͈͊w̸̳̤̑̑ ̵͇͔͂͠I̷̧̊̀ ̷͕̗̓c̵̹̈́̽a̶̹̒̄n̶͉͒̄ ̸̳̑á̷̡̨c̵͙̈́q̸͚͚̏ü̸͇̎i̸͚͑̚r̴̛̀ͅe̶͍̿̀ ̶̫̗͗ỳ̵̢̚o̸̱̽u̶̩̎͠r̸͇͗̊ ̷̘̙͛r̶̼̈́ḛ̵̄ä̷̯͚́̃ć̷̩̘͂t̴̩͒͂ŏ̴͈̦͆r̷͇͂.̷̧̪͒"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark yelped in fear, but still furrowed his brows to attempt to look brave.*

L-like hell I will! That's the powerhouse of the ship!

[blood-falling]

Dark presented their long, sharp claws, scraping the metal walls before gracing Mark's neck.

"I think you'd prefer talking to dying, especially when your Captain isn't dying with you to let you try again. Unless I'm wrong...?" They purred, nicking his jaw.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark's eyes widened in shock at the last comment.*

...So you know about it.

*He then chuckled a bit, still scared, but more confident now.*

You think you scare me?

I've experienced so many ways of dying, and this is the most creative way you can think of?

I'm not risking the ship because of you.

[blood-falling]

"Oh, this doesn't even scratch the surface of what I could do to you. But if you wish to squander my mercy by playing at bravery, it is your eternity." Dark wrapped both hands around Mark's neck, pushing him down, down...

Down into the void. Alone in the wide expanse of nothing. Perhaps not the best way of handling, but he'll probably beg to be let out soon enough, and they can finish what they started.

It does still leave the matter of how to extract it from the ship. Hardly a task one demon could accomplish.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Wh-

WaitwaitwaitWAIT-

*Once he was fully pulled into the void, he felt uneasy. The silence and nothingness of it, making him be on edge for something to happen.*

L-LET ME OUT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, THE REACTOR KEEPS THE SHIP ALIVE. WITHOUT IT, WE ARE ALL STUCK IN SPACE WITH NO ENERGY AND RESOURCES, PLEASE!

*He shouted into the nothingness, his breathing becoming into hyperventilation.*

[blood-falling]

The void was quiet, only a howling wind passing through, before they spoke again.

"... If you could return to earth, would that be acceptable?" They stepped out from the shadows, standing above the Engineer.

"It is rather important. Though, I suppose you have abandoned your original Solar System."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark stepped back as a flinch before he gulped and spoke.*

I-I would but...it no longer exists.

That's why we were sent out to find new homes and such. We can't go back...

[blood-falling]

Ah. There's the problem.

"Not where I am from. But that may change without your help." Damien guided them into a more diplomatic approach. "There is a god far too powerful there, if left unchecked he may plunge us into eternal night. This is not good for anyone, as I'm sure a smart little Engineer like you can tell."

"If you know of some other way that does not involve your reactor, do tell."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

A-a God?! That's- Jesus Christ, is there a single universe where nothing fucked up happens??

*He crosses his arms as he thinks to himself, his mind raising with thought after thought before his eyes widen, having an idea.*

...I could split it.

The Reactor as a whole was calculated to last up to 100,000,000 years. Half of it will leave the ship with 50,000,000 worth of energy, so that should be good enough.

...The problem is how risky is to separate it.

Worth a shot though, if I die I'll just come back again.

*He started to think out loud as he paced around.*

[blood-falling]

"... And you are certain of this?" They ask, concerned.

For all of the threats, they really did not want him to die or put himself in danger, but... If this was possible, this would be very helpful.

"Don't throw yourself into the deep end until you know you can swim. Be careful.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer sighed before he scratched the back of his own head as he spoke.*

This is the only star we can control. Trust me. Every other one here in this universe is so powerful that not even non-humans can handle them.

I'll come back if anything happens to me, I promise. It's the least I could do to save your universe from eternal doom.

[blood-falling]

"... Thank you." They pause, before taking a breath. "My apologies, for the rocky beginning. I... Panicked."

"If there is some way I could repay you, please do tell me."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Eh, it's aight. A lot of aliens are not friendly with me anyways, I'm used to it.

All I can ask of you right now is to make that split of the Reactor work, coz I can't do it alone.

[blood-falling]

"What do I do, then?" The void fades, giving way back to the familiar ship. They are grateful for the compliance.

"I am unacquainted with your technology, but I will follow your lead as best I am able."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

No need for you to know about the tech.

All I need is whatever you did to make it a complete dark void, but more.

*He started to pace around again as he talked.*

The Reactor's bond with itself will weaken the more darkness there is around it.

I need it to be as dark as possible once I'm ready to separate it.

[blood-falling]

"... This instability in darkness, that won't be a problem, will it? It won't rip itself apart in the void, I hope. That would make it a lot less viable an option than I hoped." Pitch frowned, tilting their head at the pacing engineer.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Of course not! It's a star! Trust me when I tell you that the power of a start can not be underestimated. That's why I need your darkness.

Your darkness will make sure it is weak and compressed enough so its separation doesn't blow up the ship.

[blood-falling]

"Very well. Are you ready?" They cracked their neck, hand on the scanner for the Reactor room itself.

They flickered and blurred, before returning to clarity with heavy goggles.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer pulled out a device from behind his back, pressing a few buttons before the device activated.*

Ready.

Now remember, I may die, and that's okay. I'll come back.

[blood-falling]

They nod, clenching their jaw and entering. They stand still, staring down the core.

They jerk suddenly, as if breaking in half. Chipped pieces of them fall, as the void spills forth, slowly coating the room and seemingly snuffing out the star.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*As the ship placed its strongest security within the Reactor's room to protect the rest of the crew, Mark waited until it was completely pitch black.

As the darkness fully embraced the room, weakening the star a bit, he proceeded with the separation process. The device in his hand beeped before two claw like limbs emerged from the walls, holding the Reactor with some kind of energy.

The claws started to pull away from each other, pulling the Reactor little by little to split it. It would occasionally spark lightning more and more the more the claws pulled.*

[blood-falling]

They stepped back, shielding their face with their arms. It was warm, enough they could actually feel it.

They were flickering and glitching harder from the proximity.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright... here goes nothing!

*Another button was pressed, the claws now at max force as they pulled. The star seemed to start dividing, kind of like how a cell does when it goes through mitosis.

The star sparks even more, the warmth rising up. It keeps dividing until the two halves are finally separated.

When they fully separate, a huge voltage of spark and lighting is made, hitting everything except Pitch due to being a source of darkness.

Unfortunately... one of them hits the engineer, throwing him back, his body hitting the wall with force before it goes limp.*

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Celcionna had been... Strange this morning. Much more quiet, less abrasive, slipping away to the ship instead of assisting the Colony.

She would be looking around the bridge, when she heard footsteps. Thinking quickly, she went to hide in one of the cryopods, hoping they would pass.

-@blood-falling

*There the engineer would walk by, whistling his way through. He looked like he was on his way to where the warpcore was, probably to check on it.*

[blood-falling]

She released a breath she had been holding, trailing him silently in the shadows. Perhaps he would show her to the Reactor, if she followed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, cryo seems good and such. Guess the warpcore is next-

*He stopped for a moment, about to turn around as he felt a presence somewhere close.*

[blood-falling]

A bolt of panic shoots through her, but she stays still. Hiding would only raise suspicions.

She folded her arms. Celci would know what he's doing, so she won't question it.

"... Can I help you?" She looks annoyed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Oh, it's you.

*The tone was dry, but at least not as aggressive and sassy as always.*

No, you can't help me. Well, the one thing you can do is stay here. I'm going to the warpcore, and I'm not letting anyone touch that thing.

[blood-falling]

Her grip on her sleeve tightened. Masking fear as frustration.

"What the hell makes you think I want to look at it? I'm getting something for Burt." Burt was the Lead for the Reactor, that she was aware of.

That's what she's after.

She stormed forward, wishing she had more time to study the layout, but by pure idiocy, Reactor and Cryo were put together. Incredibly fortunate, and incredibly poor design choice.

Celcionma made herself look busy, waiting for Mark to pass by.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Hell, now that I think about it, I also have to check that place.

Eh, it's literally nearby so might as well do that first. Can't skip that checkup.

[blood-falling]

She scowled, but didn't respond, continuing to pretend to look for something until they can be alone.

When she entered the room, it took a moment for her to be affected by the lighting in the Reactor room. Like some sort of lag. It was easy to miss, to write off.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*When Mark followed to the Reactor room, he got to work. Daily checkup and maintenance, monitoring the Reactor's stability, etc. He was rather focused, not paying much attention to anything else.*

[blood-falling]

Celcionna watched in silence, slipping just a little closer, trying to glean more information.

"... Lot of maintenance goes into looking after a star." She commented, holding a screwdriver. Apparently what she was looking for.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

I thought you knew that already, you are always the one after my ass telling me "You should be more careful, asshat!", and shit.

*He scuffed a bit as he kept going with the daily maintenance.*

[blood-falling]

She winced to herself, taken aback by how abrasive she's been written.

"... Well... That doesn't mean I can't appreciate it."

Celcionna's gaze returned to the core. It was nauseatingly bright.

... Bright enough to apprehend a god.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Well, don't look at that for too long. If you forgot it too somehow, there's a reason why we also cover the Reactor. That shit will turn you blind if you look at it for too long-

*One of the wires Mark was fixing sparked, hitting his cheek.*

OW-

*He scratched the surface where he was sparked in annoyance.*

[blood-falling]

"Hm. Serves you right." She narrowed her eyes, not appreciating the condescension.

Celcionna quietly affixed some ointment to a bandaid, covering the burn on his cheek.

She turned to leave, really going to wait for Mark to head to the next room.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer was rather confused at the sudden gesture of aid, blinking twice as he tried to process.

Once he was done, he stretched a bit before stepping to the next room, not saying anything.*

[blood-falling]

That's all right. He didn't need to. She already knew.

She took a pair of goggles, entering the room containing the Reactor. She'd need to see it closer to have a better understanding of how to use it. How to even get it out. Would she have to lure him in? That's if he would even believe her again.

She was so busy calculating, she did not catch that Mark was returning.

... And that she had turned grey.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, Warpcore seemed just dandy and-

*He gasped in shock when he had seen her all grey, stepping back a bit in shock and confusion.*

WH- WHY ARE YOU-

[blood-falling]

She glitched at the shouting, glancing over at Mark. Well, that's their cover blown.

Naturally, the next course of action is for Pitch to step in and scare him off.

Her gaze turns slowly to Mark, head tilted, eyes pouring black ichor.

"L̷̺͒e̷̡̧̔̚ţ̶͒'̶̣͇́̈s̶̤̈́͝ ̶̬̄̂k̵̝͖̀́ë̴̞̐ę̴̈́̓p̸̡̮̐͘ ̵͚̇̅͜t̴̪̎h̴͉̞͛̾ȋ̴̘̽s̷̩̑ ̵̟̾͊b̶̥͓̌ȇ̴̢t̴̯͗͝w̶͎̻̾̈e̵͉͘e̶̪͓̽n̷͔̈ ̵̬̥̏́ǘ̵̻̊s̵̛͔̼̑.̵͕͝.̷̭̒͐.̷̨͈̎.̴͓̙͒" It grinned.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*His eyes were glued in fear at whatever he was now looking at, taking one more quick step back before attempting to book it. He had to find a way to stop whatever infiltrated the ship and was looking at the Reactor somehow, and he was not going to stick around while he comes up with a plan.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch dropped the illusion entirely, flickering into being before Mark, blocking him. Their eyes are black, and their mouth wide with needle-like teeth.

"Now, now, that's not how you treat a guest..." They hissed "Š̸̨t̵̨͚̓ȧ̵͉̪͠y̸̳̑ ̶͙̜͊̏p̴̝̋̕ū̷͈t̴̗̿͆ ̶̥̫̒á̵̹n̶̖͍͐̒d̸̩̳̂͠ ̷̙̫̌͛t̸̯̍̂e̵̲͆l̴̙̃̚l̵͔̱̑͂ ̴̝͆ͅm̷͉̍͆ȩ̷͈̎̓ ̴͈̓̒ḁ̷̋b̵̘̦̑ŏ̶̧̠ǘ̸͜t̴̡͙̊ ̶̣͂h̴̟̲͛̕o̴͈͊w̸̳̤̑̑ ̵͇͔͂͠I̷̧̊̀ ̷͕̗̓c̵̹̈́̽a̶̹̒̄n̶͉͒̄ ̸̳̑á̷̡̨c̵͙̈́q̸͚͚̏ü̸͇̎i̸͚͑̚r̴̛̀ͅe̶͍̿̀ ̶̫̗͗ỳ̵̢̚o̸̱̽u̶̩̎͠r̸͇͗̊ ̷̘̙͛r̶̼̈́ḛ̵̄ä̷̯͚́̃ć̷̩̘͂t̴̩͒͂ŏ̴͈̦͆r̷͇͂.̷̧̪͒"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark yelped in fear, but still furrowed his brows to attempt to look brave.*

L-like hell I will! That's the powerhouse of the ship!

[blood-falling]

Dark presented their long, sharp claws, scraping the metal walls before gracing Mark's neck.

"I think you'd prefer talking to dying, especially when your Captain isn't dying with you to let you try again. Unless I'm wrong...?" They purred, nicking his jaw.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark's eyes widened in shock at the last comment.*

...So you know about it.

*He then chuckled a bit, still scared, but more confident now.*

You think you scare me?

I've experienced so many ways of dying, and this is the most creative way you can think of?

I'm not risking the ship because of you.

[blood-falling]

"Oh, this doesn't even scratch the surface of what I could do to you. But if you wish to squander my mercy by playing at bravery, it is your eternity." Dark wrapped both hands around Mark's neck, pushing him down, down...

Down into the void. Alone in the wide expanse of nothing. Perhaps not the best way of handling, but he'll probably beg to be let out soon enough, and they can finish what they started.

It does still leave the matter of how to extract it from the ship. Hardly a task one demon could accomplish.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Wh-

WaitwaitwaitWAIT-

*Once he was fully pulled into the void, he felt uneasy. The silence and nothingness of it, making him be on edge for something to happen.*

L-LET ME OUT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, THE REACTOR KEEPS THE SHIP ALIVE. WITHOUT IT, WE ARE ALL STUCK IN SPACE WITH NO ENERGY AND RESOURCES, PLEASE!

*He shouted into the nothingness, his breathing becoming into hyperventilation.*

[blood-falling]

The void was quiet, only a howling wind passing through, before they spoke again.

"... If you could return to earth, would that be acceptable?" They stepped out from the shadows, standing above the Engineer.

"It is rather important. Though, I suppose you have abandoned your original Solar System."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark stepped back as a flinch before he gulped and spoke.*

I-I would but...it no longer exists.

That's why we were sent out to find new homes and such. We can't go back...

[blood-falling]

Ah. There's the problem.

"Not where I am from. But that may change without your help." Damien guided them into a more diplomatic approach. "There is a god far too powerful there, if left unchecked he may plunge us into eternal night. This is not good for anyone, as I'm sure a smart little Engineer like you can tell."

"If you know of some other way that does not involve your reactor, do tell."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

A-a God?! That's- Jesus Christ, is there a single universe where nothing fucked up happens??

*He crosses his arms as he thinks to himself, his mind raising with thought after thought before his eyes widen, having an idea.*

...I could split it.

The Reactor as a whole was calculated to last up to 100,000,000 years. Half of it will leave the ship with 50,000,000 worth of energy, so that should be good enough.

...The problem is how risky is to separate it.

Worth a shot though, if I die I'll just come back again.

*He started to think out loud as he paced around.*

[blood-falling]

"... And you are certain of this?" They ask, concerned.

For all of the threats, they really did not want him to die or put himself in danger, but... If this was possible, this would be very helpful.

"Don't throw yourself into the deep end until you know you can swim. Be careful.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer sighed before he scratched the back of his own head as he spoke.*

This is the only star we can control. Trust me. Every other one here in this universe is so powerful that not even non-humans can handle them.

I'll come back if anything happens to me, I promise. It's the least I could do to save your universe from eternal doom.

[blood-falling]

"... Thank you." They pause, before taking a breath. "My apologies, for the rocky beginning. I... Panicked."

"If there is some way I could repay you, please do tell me."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Eh, it's aight. A lot of aliens are not friendly with me anyways, I'm used to it.

All I can ask of you right now is to make that split of the Reactor work, coz I can't do it alone.

[blood-falling]

"What do I do, then?" The void fades, giving way back to the familiar ship. They are grateful for the compliance.

"I am unacquainted with your technology, but I will follow your lead as best I am able."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

No need for you to know about the tech.

All I need is whatever you did to make it a complete dark void, but more.

*He started to pace around again as he talked.*

The Reactor's bond with itself will weaken the more darkness there is around it.

I need it to be as dark as possible once I'm ready to separate it.

[blood-falling]

"... This instability in darkness, that won't be a problem, will it? It won't rip itself apart in the void, I hope. That would make it a lot less viable an option than I hoped." Pitch frowned, tilting their head at the pacing engineer.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Of course not! It's a star! Trust me when I tell you that the power of a start can not be underestimated. That's why I need your darkness.

Your darkness will make sure it is weak and compressed enough so its separation doesn't blow up the ship.

[blood-falling]

"Very well. Are you ready?" They cracked their neck, hand on the scanner for the Reactor room itself.

They flickered and blurred, before returning to clarity with heavy goggles.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer pulled out a device from behind his back, pressing a few buttons before the device activated.*

Ready.

Now remember, I may die, and that's okay. I'll come back.

[blood-falling]

They nod, clenching their jaw and entering. They stand still, staring down the core.

They jerk suddenly, as if breaking in half. Chipped pieces of them fall, as the void spills forth, slowly coating the room and seemingly snuffing out the star.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*As the ship placed its strongest security within the Reactor's room to protect the rest of the crew, Mark waited until it was completely pitch black.

As the darkness fully embraced the room, weakening the star a bit, he proceeded with the separation process. The device in his hand beeped before two claw like limbs emerged from the walls, holding the Reactor with some kind of energy.

The claws started to pull away from each other, pulling the Reactor little by little to split it. It would occasionally spark lightning more and more the more the claws pulled.*

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Celcionna had been... Strange this morning. Much more quiet, less abrasive, slipping away to the ship instead of assisting the Colony.

She would be looking around the bridge, when she heard footsteps. Thinking quickly, she went to hide in one of the cryopods, hoping they would pass.

-@blood-falling

*There the engineer would walk by, whistling his way through. He looked like he was on his way to where the warpcore was, probably to check on it.*

[blood-falling]

She released a breath she had been holding, trailing him silently in the shadows. Perhaps he would show her to the Reactor, if she followed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, cryo seems good and such. Guess the warpcore is next-

*He stopped for a moment, about to turn around as he felt a presence somewhere close.*

[blood-falling]

A bolt of panic shoots through her, but she stays still. Hiding would only raise suspicions.

She folded her arms. Celci would know what he's doing, so she won't question it.

"... Can I help you?" She looks annoyed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Oh, it's you.

*The tone was dry, but at least not as aggressive and sassy as always.*

No, you can't help me. Well, the one thing you can do is stay here. I'm going to the warpcore, and I'm not letting anyone touch that thing.

[blood-falling]

Her grip on her sleeve tightened. Masking fear as frustration.

"What the hell makes you think I want to look at it? I'm getting something for Burt." Burt was the Lead for the Reactor, that she was aware of.

That's what she's after.

She stormed forward, wishing she had more time to study the layout, but by pure idiocy, Reactor and Cryo were put together. Incredibly fortunate, and incredibly poor design choice.

Celcionma made herself look busy, waiting for Mark to pass by.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Hell, now that I think about it, I also have to check that place.

Eh, it's literally nearby so might as well do that first. Can't skip that checkup.

[blood-falling]

She scowled, but didn't respond, continuing to pretend to look for something until they can be alone.

When she entered the room, it took a moment for her to be affected by the lighting in the Reactor room. Like some sort of lag. It was easy to miss, to write off.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*When Mark followed to the Reactor room, he got to work. Daily checkup and maintenance, monitoring the Reactor's stability, etc. He was rather focused, not paying much attention to anything else.*

[blood-falling]

Celcionna watched in silence, slipping just a little closer, trying to glean more information.

"... Lot of maintenance goes into looking after a star." She commented, holding a screwdriver. Apparently what she was looking for.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

I thought you knew that already, you are always the one after my ass telling me "You should be more careful, asshat!", and shit.

*He scuffed a bit as he kept going with the daily maintenance.*

[blood-falling]

She winced to herself, taken aback by how abrasive she's been written.

"... Well... That doesn't mean I can't appreciate it."

Celcionna's gaze returned to the core. It was nauseatingly bright.

... Bright enough to apprehend a god.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Well, don't look at that for too long. If you forgot it too somehow, there's a reason why we also cover the Reactor. That shit will turn you blind if you look at it for too long-

*One of the wires Mark was fixing sparked, hitting his cheek.*

OW-

*He scratched the surface where he was sparked in annoyance.*

[blood-falling]

"Hm. Serves you right." She narrowed her eyes, not appreciating the condescension.

Celcionna quietly affixed some ointment to a bandaid, covering the burn on his cheek.

She turned to leave, really going to wait for Mark to head to the next room.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer was rather confused at the sudden gesture of aid, blinking twice as he tried to process.

Once he was done, he stretched a bit before stepping to the next room, not saying anything.*

[blood-falling]

That's all right. He didn't need to. She already knew.

She took a pair of goggles, entering the room containing the Reactor. She'd need to see it closer to have a better understanding of how to use it. How to even get it out. Would she have to lure him in? That's if he would even believe her again.

She was so busy calculating, she did not catch that Mark was returning.

... And that she had turned grey.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, Warpcore seemed just dandy and-

*He gasped in shock when he had seen her all grey, stepping back a bit in shock and confusion.*

WH- WHY ARE YOU-

[blood-falling]

She glitched at the shouting, glancing over at Mark. Well, that's their cover blown.

Naturally, the next course of action is for Pitch to step in and scare him off.

Her gaze turns slowly to Mark, head tilted, eyes pouring black ichor.

"L̷̺͒e̷̡̧̔̚ţ̶͒'̶̣͇́̈s̶̤̈́͝ ̶̬̄̂k̵̝͖̀́ë̴̞̐ę̴̈́̓p̸̡̮̐͘ ̵͚̇̅͜t̴̪̎h̴͉̞͛̾ȋ̴̘̽s̷̩̑ ̵̟̾͊b̶̥͓̌ȇ̴̢t̴̯͗͝w̶͎̻̾̈e̵͉͘e̶̪͓̽n̷͔̈ ̵̬̥̏́ǘ̵̻̊s̵̛͔̼̑.̵͕͝.̷̭̒͐.̷̨͈̎.̴͓̙͒" It grinned.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*His eyes were glued in fear at whatever he was now looking at, taking one more quick step back before attempting to book it. He had to find a way to stop whatever infiltrated the ship and was looking at the Reactor somehow, and he was not going to stick around while he comes up with a plan.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch dropped the illusion entirely, flickering into being before Mark, blocking him. Their eyes are black, and their mouth wide with needle-like teeth.

"Now, now, that's not how you treat a guest..." They hissed "Š̸̨t̵̨͚̓ȧ̵͉̪͠y̸̳̑ ̶͙̜͊̏p̴̝̋̕ū̷͈t̴̗̿͆ ̶̥̫̒á̵̹n̶̖͍͐̒d̸̩̳̂͠ ̷̙̫̌͛t̸̯̍̂e̵̲͆l̴̙̃̚l̵͔̱̑͂ ̴̝͆ͅm̷͉̍͆ȩ̷͈̎̓ ̴͈̓̒ḁ̷̋b̵̘̦̑ŏ̶̧̠ǘ̸͜t̴̡͙̊ ̶̣͂h̴̟̲͛̕o̴͈͊w̸̳̤̑̑ ̵͇͔͂͠I̷̧̊̀ ̷͕̗̓c̵̹̈́̽a̶̹̒̄n̶͉͒̄ ̸̳̑á̷̡̨c̵͙̈́q̸͚͚̏ü̸͇̎i̸͚͑̚r̴̛̀ͅe̶͍̿̀ ̶̫̗͗ỳ̵̢̚o̸̱̽u̶̩̎͠r̸͇͗̊ ̷̘̙͛r̶̼̈́ḛ̵̄ä̷̯͚́̃ć̷̩̘͂t̴̩͒͂ŏ̴͈̦͆r̷͇͂.̷̧̪͒"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark yelped in fear, but still furrowed his brows to attempt to look brave.*

L-like hell I will! That's the powerhouse of the ship!

[blood-falling]

Dark presented their long, sharp claws, scraping the metal walls before gracing Mark's neck.

"I think you'd prefer talking to dying, especially when your Captain isn't dying with you to let you try again. Unless I'm wrong...?" They purred, nicking his jaw.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark's eyes widened in shock at the last comment.*

...So you know about it.

*He then chuckled a bit, still scared, but more confident now.*

You think you scare me?

I've experienced so many ways of dying, and this is the most creative way you can think of?

I'm not risking the ship because of you.

[blood-falling]

"Oh, this doesn't even scratch the surface of what I could do to you. But if you wish to squander my mercy by playing at bravery, it is your eternity." Dark wrapped both hands around Mark's neck, pushing him down, down...

Down into the void. Alone in the wide expanse of nothing. Perhaps not the best way of handling, but he'll probably beg to be let out soon enough, and they can finish what they started.

It does still leave the matter of how to extract it from the ship. Hardly a task one demon could accomplish.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Wh-

WaitwaitwaitWAIT-

*Once he was fully pulled into the void, he felt uneasy. The silence and nothingness of it, making him be on edge for something to happen.*

L-LET ME OUT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, THE REACTOR KEEPS THE SHIP ALIVE. WITHOUT IT, WE ARE ALL STUCK IN SPACE WITH NO ENERGY AND RESOURCES, PLEASE!

*He shouted into the nothingness, his breathing becoming into hyperventilation.*

[blood-falling]

The void was quiet, only a howling wind passing through, before they spoke again.

"... If you could return to earth, would that be acceptable?" They stepped out from the shadows, standing above the Engineer.

"It is rather important. Though, I suppose you have abandoned your original Solar System."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark stepped back as a flinch before he gulped and spoke.*

I-I would but...it no longer exists.

That's why we were sent out to find new homes and such. We can't go back...

[blood-falling]

Ah. There's the problem.

"Not where I am from. But that may change without your help." Damien guided them into a more diplomatic approach. "There is a god far too powerful there, if left unchecked he may plunge us into eternal night. This is not good for anyone, as I'm sure a smart little Engineer like you can tell."

"If you know of some other way that does not involve your reactor, do tell."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

A-a God?! That's- Jesus Christ, is there a single universe where nothing fucked up happens??

*He crosses his arms as he thinks to himself, his mind raising with thought after thought before his eyes widen, having an idea.*

...I could split it.

The Reactor as a whole was calculated to last up to 100,000,000 years. Half of it will leave the ship with 50,000,000 worth of energy, so that should be good enough.

...The problem is how risky is to separate it.

Worth a shot though, if I die I'll just come back again.

*He started to think out loud as he paced around.*

[blood-falling]

"... And you are certain of this?" They ask, concerned.

For all of the threats, they really did not want him to die or put himself in danger, but... If this was possible, this would be very helpful.

"Don't throw yourself into the deep end until you know you can swim. Be careful.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer sighed before he scratched the back of his own head as he spoke.*

This is the only star we can control. Trust me. Every other one here in this universe is so powerful that not even non-humans can handle them.

I'll come back if anything happens to me, I promise. It's the least I could do to save your universe from eternal doom.

[blood-falling]

"... Thank you." They pause, before taking a breath. "My apologies, for the rocky beginning. I... Panicked."

"If there is some way I could repay you, please do tell me."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Eh, it's aight. A lot of aliens are not friendly with me anyways, I'm used to it.

All I can ask of you right now is to make that split of the Reactor work, coz I can't do it alone.

[blood-falling]

"What do I do, then?" The void fades, giving way back to the familiar ship. They are grateful for the compliance.

"I am unacquainted with your technology, but I will follow your lead as best I am able."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

No need for you to know about the tech.

All I need is whatever you did to make it a complete dark void, but more.

*He started to pace around again as he talked.*

The Reactor's bond with itself will weaken the more darkness there is around it.

I need it to be as dark as possible once I'm ready to separate it.

[blood-falling]

"... This instability in darkness, that won't be a problem, will it? It won't rip itself apart in the void, I hope. That would make it a lot less viable an option than I hoped." Pitch frowned, tilting their head at the pacing engineer.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Of course not! It's a star! Trust me when I tell you that the power of a start can not be underestimated. That's why I need your darkness.

Your darkness will make sure it is weak and compressed enough so its separation doesn't blow up the ship.

[blood-falling]

"Very well. Are you ready?" They cracked their neck, hand on the scanner for the Reactor room itself.

They flickered and blurred, before returning to clarity with heavy goggles.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer pulled out a device from behind his back, pressing a few buttons before the device activated.*

Ready.

Now remember, I may die, and that's okay. I'll come back.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Celcionna had been... Strange this morning. Much more quiet, less abrasive, slipping away to the ship instead of assisting the Colony.

She would be looking around the bridge, when she heard footsteps. Thinking quickly, she went to hide in one of the cryopods, hoping they would pass.

-@blood-falling

*There the engineer would walk by, whistling his way through. He looked like he was on his way to where the warpcore was, probably to check on it.*

[blood-falling]

She released a breath she had been holding, trailing him silently in the shadows. Perhaps he would show her to the Reactor, if she followed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, cryo seems good and such. Guess the warpcore is next-

*He stopped for a moment, about to turn around as he felt a presence somewhere close.*

[blood-falling]

A bolt of panic shoots through her, but she stays still. Hiding would only raise suspicions.

She folded her arms. Celci would know what he's doing, so she won't question it.

"... Can I help you?" She looks annoyed.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Oh, it's you.

*The tone was dry, but at least not as aggressive and sassy as always.*

No, you can't help me. Well, the one thing you can do is stay here. I'm going to the warpcore, and I'm not letting anyone touch that thing.

[blood-falling]

Her grip on her sleeve tightened. Masking fear as frustration.

"What the hell makes you think I want to look at it? I'm getting something for Burt." Burt was the Lead for the Reactor, that she was aware of.

That's what she's after.

She stormed forward, wishing she had more time to study the layout, but by pure idiocy, Reactor and Cryo were put together. Incredibly fortunate, and incredibly poor design choice.

Celcionma made herself look busy, waiting for Mark to pass by.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Hell, now that I think about it, I also have to check that place.

Eh, it's literally nearby so might as well do that first. Can't skip that checkup.

[blood-falling]

She scowled, but didn't respond, continuing to pretend to look for something until they can be alone.

When she entered the room, it took a moment for her to be affected by the lighting in the Reactor room. Like some sort of lag. It was easy to miss, to write off.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*When Mark followed to the Reactor room, he got to work. Daily checkup and maintenance, monitoring the Reactor's stability, etc. He was rather focused, not paying much attention to anything else.*

[blood-falling]

Celcionna watched in silence, slipping just a little closer, trying to glean more information.

"... Lot of maintenance goes into looking after a star." She commented, holding a screwdriver. Apparently what she was looking for.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

I thought you knew that already, you are always the one after my ass telling me "You should be more careful, asshat!", and shit.

*He scuffed a bit as he kept going with the daily maintenance.*

[blood-falling]

She winced to herself, taken aback by how abrasive she's been written.

"... Well... That doesn't mean I can't appreciate it."

Celcionna's gaze returned to the core. It was nauseatingly bright.

... Bright enough to apprehend a god.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Well, don't look at that for too long. If you forgot it too somehow, there's a reason why we also cover the Reactor. That shit will turn you blind if you look at it for too long-

*One of the wires Mark was fixing sparked, hitting his cheek.*

OW-

*He scratched the surface where he was sparked in annoyance.*

[blood-falling]

"Hm. Serves you right." She narrowed her eyes, not appreciating the condescension.

Celcionna quietly affixed some ointment to a bandaid, covering the burn on his cheek.

She turned to leave, really going to wait for Mark to head to the next room.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer was rather confused at the sudden gesture of aid, blinking twice as he tried to process.

Once he was done, he stretched a bit before stepping to the next room, not saying anything.*

[blood-falling]

That's all right. He didn't need to. She already knew.

She took a pair of goggles, entering the room containing the Reactor. She'd need to see it closer to have a better understanding of how to use it. How to even get it out. Would she have to lure him in? That's if he would even believe her again.

She was so busy calculating, she did not catch that Mark was returning.

... And that she had turned grey.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Alright, Warpcore seemed just dandy and-

*He gasped in shock when he had seen her all grey, stepping back a bit in shock and confusion.*

WH- WHY ARE YOU-

[blood-falling]

She glitched at the shouting, glancing over at Mark. Well, that's their cover blown.

Naturally, the next course of action is for Pitch to step in and scare him off.

Her gaze turns slowly to Mark, head tilted, eyes pouring black ichor.

"L̷̺͒e̷̡̧̔̚ţ̶͒'̶̣͇́̈s̶̤̈́͝ ̶̬̄̂k̵̝͖̀́ë̴̞̐ę̴̈́̓p̸̡̮̐͘ ̵͚̇̅͜t̴̪̎h̴͉̞͛̾ȋ̴̘̽s̷̩̑ ̵̟̾͊b̶̥͓̌ȇ̴̢t̴̯͗͝w̶͎̻̾̈e̵͉͘e̶̪͓̽n̷͔̈ ̵̬̥̏́ǘ̵̻̊s̵̛͔̼̑.̵͕͝.̷̭̒͐.̷̨͈̎.̴͓̙͒" It grinned.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*His eyes were glued in fear at whatever he was now looking at, taking one more quick step back before attempting to book it. He had to find a way to stop whatever infiltrated the ship and was looking at the Reactor somehow, and he was not going to stick around while he comes up with a plan.*

[blood-falling]

Pitch dropped the illusion entirely, flickering into being before Mark, blocking him. Their eyes are black, and their mouth wide with needle-like teeth.

"Now, now, that's not how you treat a guest..." They hissed "Š̸̨t̵̨͚̓ȧ̵͉̪͠y̸̳̑ ̶͙̜͊̏p̴̝̋̕ū̷͈t̴̗̿͆ ̶̥̫̒á̵̹n̶̖͍͐̒d̸̩̳̂͠ ̷̙̫̌͛t̸̯̍̂e̵̲͆l̴̙̃̚l̵͔̱̑͂ ̴̝͆ͅm̷͉̍͆ȩ̷͈̎̓ ̴͈̓̒ḁ̷̋b̵̘̦̑ŏ̶̧̠ǘ̸͜t̴̡͙̊ ̶̣͂h̴̟̲͛̕o̴͈͊w̸̳̤̑̑ ̵͇͔͂͠I̷̧̊̀ ̷͕̗̓c̵̹̈́̽a̶̹̒̄n̶͉͒̄ ̸̳̑á̷̡̨c̵͙̈́q̸͚͚̏ü̸͇̎i̸͚͑̚r̴̛̀ͅe̶͍̿̀ ̶̫̗͗ỳ̵̢̚o̸̱̽u̶̩̎͠r̸͇͗̊ ̷̘̙͛r̶̼̈́ḛ̵̄ä̷̯͚́̃ć̷̩̘͂t̴̩͒͂ŏ̴͈̦͆r̷͇͂.̷̧̪͒"

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark yelped in fear, but still furrowed his brows to attempt to look brave.*

L-like hell I will! That's the powerhouse of the ship!

[blood-falling]

Dark presented their long, sharp claws, scraping the metal walls before gracing Mark's neck.

"I think you'd prefer talking to dying, especially when your Captain isn't dying with you to let you try again. Unless I'm wrong...?" They purred, nicking his jaw.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark's eyes widened in shock at the last comment.*

...So you know about it.

*He then chuckled a bit, still scared, but more confident now.*

You think you scare me?

I've experienced so many ways of dying, and this is the most creative way you can think of?

I'm not risking the ship because of you.

[blood-falling]

"Oh, this doesn't even scratch the surface of what I could do to you. But if you wish to squander my mercy by playing at bravery, it is your eternity." Dark wrapped both hands around Mark's neck, pushing him down, down...

Down into the void. Alone in the wide expanse of nothing. Perhaps not the best way of handling, but he'll probably beg to be let out soon enough, and they can finish what they started.

It does still leave the matter of how to extract it from the ship. Hardly a task one demon could accomplish.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Wh-

WaitwaitwaitWAIT-

*Once he was fully pulled into the void, he felt uneasy. The silence and nothingness of it, making him be on edge for something to happen.*

L-LET ME OUT! YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND, THE REACTOR KEEPS THE SHIP ALIVE. WITHOUT IT, WE ARE ALL STUCK IN SPACE WITH NO ENERGY AND RESOURCES, PLEASE!

*He shouted into the nothingness, his breathing becoming into hyperventilation.*

[blood-falling]

The void was quiet, only a howling wind passing through, before they spoke again.

"... If you could return to earth, would that be acceptable?" They stepped out from the shadows, standing above the Engineer.

"It is rather important. Though, I suppose you have abandoned your original Solar System."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*Mark stepped back as a flinch before he gulped and spoke.*

I-I would but...it no longer exists.

That's why we were sent out to find new homes and such. We can't go back...

[blood-falling]

Ah. There's the problem.

"Not where I am from. But that may change without your help." Damien guided them into a more diplomatic approach. "There is a god far too powerful there, if left unchecked he may plunge us into eternal night. This is not good for anyone, as I'm sure a smart little Engineer like you can tell."

"If you know of some other way that does not involve your reactor, do tell."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

A-a God?! That's- Jesus Christ, is there a single universe where nothing fucked up happens??

*He crosses his arms as he thinks to himself, his mind raising with thought after thought before his eyes widen, having an idea.*

...I could split it.

The Reactor as a whole was calculated to last up to 100,000,000 years. Half of it will leave the ship with 50,000,000 worth of energy, so that should be good enough.

...The problem is how risky is to separate it.

Worth a shot though, if I die I'll just come back again.

*He started to think out loud as he paced around.*

[blood-falling]

"... And you are certain of this?" They ask, concerned.

For all of the threats, they really did not want him to die or put himself in danger, but... If this was possible, this would be very helpful.

"Don't throw yourself into the deep end until you know you can swim. Be careful.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

*The engineer sighed before he scratched the back of his own head as he spoke.*

This is the only star we can control. Trust me. Every other one here in this universe is so powerful that not even non-humans can handle them.

I'll come back if anything happens to me, I promise. It's the least I could do to save your universe from eternal doom.

[blood-falling]

"... Thank you." They pause, before taking a breath. "My apologies, for the rocky beginning. I... Panicked."

"If there is some way I could repay you, please do tell me."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Eh, it's aight. A lot of aliens are not friendly with me anyways, I'm used to it.

All I can ask of you right now is to make that split of the Reactor work, coz I can't do it alone.

[blood-falling]

"What do I do, then?" The void fades, giving way back to the familiar ship. They are grateful for the compliance.

"I am unacquainted with your technology, but I will follow your lead as best I am able."

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

No need for you to know about the tech.

All I need is whatever you did to make it a complete dark void, but more.

*He started to pace around again as he talked.*

The Reactor's bond with itself will weaken the more darkness there is around it.

I need it to be as dark as possible once I'm ready to separate it.

[blood-falling]

"... This instability in darkness, that won't be a problem, will it? It won't rip itself apart in the void, I hope. That would make it a lot less viable an option than I hoped." Pitch frowned, tilting their head at the pacing engineer.

[ask-head-engineer-mark-iswm]

Of course not! It's a star! Trust me when I tell you that the power of a start can not be underestimated. That's why I need your darkness.

Your darkness will make sure it is weak and compressed enough so its separation doesn't blow up the ship.