Melusine: The machine-spirits Father set to watch over the Station and its antennae spires sleep now, beloved pet. You may join me in the booth.
Oleander: I will do whatever you require, my lady. You need only ask.
Melusine: There must have been a second thing, though….
Oleander: My lady?
Melusine: After you made your bratty and philistine remark about jump-scares, I began with ‘First of all’…..
Oleander: Hmmm [a brief inhalation and the sound of something viscous bubbling]… Perhaps if we try retracing–
Melusine: Do not strain yourself, Roboute, your theoreticals will not be required. I remember what i was going to say.
Oleander: Roboute…?
Melusine: You have been Guillimaning that pipe all night! The epitome of Third Legion nostalgia, and you act like you were raised among some feral bilge-deck clan. A total disregard for basic table manners; even children know that the rule is “puff, puff, pass.” How hard is that to remember?
Oleander: Of course my lady, forgive my lapse, it’s–
Melusine: And a fresh vial. Whatever packs the biggest kick.
Oleander: Of course. Here, this one contains a stimulant compound that–
Melusine: [a prolonged inhalation and the sound of something crackling and sparking] IS PURE CLEAN WHITE HEAT FILTERED THROUGH A MAD URCHIN’S SPITE, CHRONOMETERS ARE SYNCED AND MISSION IS GO. APOTHECARY KOH, COMMENCE ROOM-BY-ROOM SWEEP FOR THE PACKAGE’S HIDING PLACE. I WILL REMAIN HERE AND BEGIN DATA EXTRACTION
Oleander: Yes, Mistress! [hurried ceramite footsteps]
Melusine: AVE DOMINUS LOX, BROTHER APOTHECARY!