[ I'm also sharing this because I found the official in-universe cover of it... King Bileygr... it's so thick lmao. I forgot to mention but it is authored by Sen Takatsuki. ]
Now, you're a man out for my heart. If only more people had the kind of patience and worldly outlook that you do -- it'd all be much nicer, wouldn't it.
[ Lu Bixing is her funny little meow meow. It Has Been Decided. ]
Is that a nickname of sorts? One of my longtime colleagues was from China, actually. I guess I don't know if "China" still exists in outer space, but it would be the nation most likely associated with your name's language.
My understanding is pretty limited though, since he was more interested in learning Japanese than teaching me any Mandarin.
[ this looks like a book you'd read in a classics college course and feel fear at when you had to buy it at the bookstore
but, ah! he puts a hand to his heart, at first. ] Maybe so. It would be nice, right?
[ but unlikely. he doesn't say that but you know, the vibe is just kind of there... it's fine....
...the bit about china has him make an interested noise, though, and he nods, lighting up pleased as the hand drops. he likes talking about it, so. ] It was! And... not really. Ancient Earth societies are long gone in the form that might've been familiar, but it's more like they evolved out into space than they disappeared. Societies still use similar language concepts. Mine does - Beijing Beta was a planet that did, but there are plenty of others, too! I guess there's versions of each of the ancient Earth countries and cities that are more associated with entire planets, nowadays - I visited Kyoto planet not all that long ago, so, even ancient Japanese is still around.
As for Sige, it was more of a codename than anything else. I think gangsters tend to feel like they need cool nicknames, but, Lin's identity was a little bit of a secret, then, so it was just out of necessity. Even I didn't know who he really was for a long time.
[ It's okay... she has enough pessimism for them both honestly... he can afford to be nice. ]
Hum, how interesting. The idea of it truly is something only dreamt of by writers, where I'm from... I've taken to reading plenty of science-fiction about mankind reaching out into the stars, but it's all they are: fiction.
[ She finds it endlessly funny that what are simple cities in her world are entire planets on his. ]
That's how so many of these things start, right? Literature and fiction have their influence on reality - or, at least on dreamers.
[ the corner of his mouth lifts briefly, expression softening some. ] Mankind's always been reaching for the stars, one way or another. It's a little comforting to hear that similarity, too.
[ in sort of a nerdy, sciency way. as for the gang thing.. he makes an "ehh" noise, tilting his head back and forth. yes? no? kinda? ]
As in a member? No. But, I guess you could say I was associated by proxy. [ considering the funding thing. ] It was my dad's line of business for a while, too, if a little more interplanetary, but I didn't want to directly take part in it, except to use it when it was necessary. If that makes sense.
What piece inspired you? If you don't mind me asking.
[ eto is just very interesting - lu bixing is enjoying this conversation, enjoying the chance to sit and talk books and dreams and knowledge with someone very smart. perhaps... she is his blorbo now also... ]
And that's exactly right. There's no Eighth without smugglers and gangs, even now.
[ There's a slight edge here, that suggests careless sifting could get LBX cut -- but she finds him well enough that she would allow some questions. ]
Earth has had situations like that before, of course. In cases like the mafia and yakuza. Though not quite universal, there have been situations where they've been integral to a society's balance.
[ oh... his expression softens at that, gentle immediately. ]
I see. [ warmly: ] She must have been a prolific writer.
[ lu bixing has been lucky with his family, so the subject touches something soft and tender in him, too. he loves his father after all, though... the idea of monoeye hawk leaving memoirs is a funny mental image.
as for the other topic: ] Now that I'm in charge of the Eighth, we spend a lot of time routing smugglers and making sure that they're kept in check. I've tried my best to work with the exisiting infrastructure to create a system that benefits everyone, and one that helps the people of the Eighth feel a little safer, you know?
They're good people. [ the best people. ] They deserve good lives.
[ a journalist! lu bixing makes a soft noise of understanding, at that. it makes the political part of her work come into focus, and he nods, letting that sit for now. he's empathetic enough to tell when something is a difficult topic, and parents... are still a little touchy for him, even now.
an idealist though, huh? in a way, it's almost nice to know that eto sees him that way. there's measured silence for a moment, like he's considering it, before he lets out a soft huff. ] Mmm... I think I used to be.
[ it's a good observation for her to make, and his response back is thoughtful. open, too, really. ] I learned the hard way that being an idealist doesn't always help, but...lately, I've been trying to get some of that back.
[ trying, anyway. it's hard, after such a massive loss, to learn how to stand again - but lu bixing has to, doesn't he? after all, he's more than just a person. which brings him to eto's second question, as he gives her a little bit of a smile, rueful. ]
Well, I'm the Prime Minister of the Eighth Galaxy, now. It was by necessity, but, it is my duty.
[ to be honest, he would much prefer to be an educator, so she's dead on.
he laughs a little at the gray hair comment, reaching up to ruffle a hand absently through his hair. ] I probably do! It wouldn't surprise me.
It's been a long road, though, but I wouldn't have it any other way. [ he gives a little shrug of his shoulders, giving eto a smile. ] At least, in terms of the actual independence of the Galaxy itself. We'd been mistreated by the IUS for far too long - as for being Prime Minister, I didn't exactly sign up for it, but, if it's what's needed, then I'm doing everything I can.
The Intergalactic Union System. It's the united formation of all seven galaxies - sort of the central government, if you can call it that. It's centered in the First Galaxy, on a planet known as Wolto.
[ the corner of his mouth quirks, just slightly. ] Your story stuck with me in more ways than one, really - the Eighth only split away from the IUS a little less than two decades ago to form its own independent government.
[ She's gonna dribble him like a basketball < / 3 ]
So it spoke to you. I saw the little things.
[ Small hesitations, flickers of the eyes, perhaps. The smallest slivers, windows to the heart. ]
Two decades is recent, in the grand scheme of things and lifespans of your world. But -- it only takes a spark, and wildfires aren't known for burning slow and mild.
You're at the head of that rebellious little galaxy.
lu bixing ducks his head, smiling now. she's exactly right. ]
Correct. [ that rebellious little galaxy - it makes his heart warm even, to hear it. his beloved eighth. ] The Eighth Galaxy is where I was born, and it's - well, I guess it's where I died, too.
Personally, I think if a government fails to serve its people, then that government shouldn't be in charge of them. You know what I mean?
[ fuck! the! system!!!!
oh, though, he adds after, holding his hands up - ] Don't get me wrong, though, I would have loved to read your book no matter what! It's just especially near to my heart.
Of course. Mine has failed in every way -- both humans and ghouls.
[ Oh, to have such fondness for that place. It makes her reflect on her feelings for Tokyo, and the 24th Ward, and everything.
Was it a good life? ]
Oh, but I love that you understand.
It was written to be able to appeal to those unrelated to the concept, but the heart of the book was indeed intended for those that could look past its fantastical initial pages and see into its core.
[ ehehe. he smiles a little further, then, taking king bileygr and hugging it to his chest - eyes bright, the excitement on his face just genuine. ]
Then, I'm even more excited to experience it.
[ not that he wasn't, already, but that's besides the point. ] I think there'll be plenty of parallels - and plenty of things we can talk about. Would you mind if I picked your brain a little about the situations that inspired yours, too, as we work through the text?
I feel like I've talked your ear off, Eto. I hope you don't mind.
I'm just an old lady with nothing else to do. However, I've never been against company, especially for those like-minded with me.
[ It's the entire point, what she worked for. ]
You may pick my brain, if you're prepared for me to pick at yours as well. We've got all the time in the world... or at the least, two months to do it.
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Now, you're a man out for my heart. If only more people had the kind of patience and worldly outlook that you do -- it'd all be much nicer, wouldn't it.
[ Lu Bixing is her funny little meow meow. It Has Been Decided. ]
Is that a nickname of sorts? One of my longtime colleagues was from China, actually. I guess I don't know if "China" still exists in outer space, but it would be the nation most likely associated with your name's language.
My understanding is pretty limited though, since he was more interested in learning Japanese than teaching me any Mandarin.
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but, ah! he puts a hand to his heart, at first. ] Maybe so. It would be nice, right?
[ but unlikely. he doesn't say that but you know, the vibe is just kind of there... it's fine....
...the bit about china has him make an interested noise, though, and he nods, lighting up pleased as the hand drops. he likes talking about it, so. ] It was! And... not really. Ancient Earth societies are long gone in the form that might've been familiar, but it's more like they evolved out into space than they disappeared. Societies still use similar language concepts. Mine does - Beijing Beta was a planet that did, but there are plenty of others, too! I guess there's versions of each of the ancient Earth countries and cities that are more associated with entire planets, nowadays - I visited Kyoto planet not all that long ago, so, even ancient Japanese is still around.
As for Sige, it was more of a codename than anything else. I think gangsters tend to feel like they need cool nicknames, but, Lin's identity was a little bit of a secret, then, so it was just out of necessity. Even I didn't know who he really was for a long time.
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Hum, how interesting. The idea of it truly is something only dreamt of by writers, where I'm from... I've taken to reading plenty of science-fiction about mankind reaching out into the stars, but it's all they are: fiction.
[ She finds it endlessly funny that what are simple cities in her world are entire planets on his. ]
Were you ever associated with these gangs?
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[ the corner of his mouth lifts briefly, expression softening some. ] Mankind's always been reaching for the stars, one way or another. It's a little comforting to hear that similarity, too.
[ in sort of a nerdy, sciency way. as for the gang thing.. he makes an "ehh" noise, tilting his head back and forth. yes? no? kinda? ]
As in a member? No. But, I guess you could say I was associated by proxy. [ considering the funding thing. ] It was my dad's line of business for a while, too, if a little more interplanetary, but I didn't want to directly take part in it, except to use it when it was necessary. If that makes sense.
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Me, I just equate everything to a tragedy.
[ As depressing as that may sound, there is art in tragedy, in tomorrow, and tomorrow, and tomorrow. ]
I suspect gangs might not have the same connotation to you as they might to me. They sound very deeply embedded in your infrastructure.
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What piece inspired you? If you don't mind me asking.
[ eto is just very interesting - lu bixing is enjoying this conversation, enjoying the chance to sit and talk books and dreams and knowledge with someone very smart. perhaps... she is his blorbo now also... ]
And that's exactly right. There's no Eighth without smugglers and gangs, even now.
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[ There's a slight edge here, that suggests careless sifting could get LBX cut -- but she finds him well enough that she would allow some questions. ]
Earth has had situations like that before, of course. In cases like the mafia and yakuza. Though not quite universal, there have been situations where they've been integral to a society's balance.
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I see. [ warmly: ] She must have been a prolific writer.
[ lu bixing has been lucky with his family, so the subject touches something soft and tender in him, too. he loves his father after all, though... the idea of monoeye hawk leaving memoirs is a funny mental image.
as for the other topic: ] Now that I'm in charge of the Eighth, we spend a lot of time routing smugglers and making sure that they're kept in check. I've tried my best to work with the exisiting infrastructure to create a system that benefits everyone, and one that helps the people of the Eighth feel a little safer, you know?
They're good people. [ the best people. ] They deserve good lives.
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[ So it's a sort of writer? Maybe it runs in the genes, huh? ]
You're an idealist, aren't you?
[ That's the conclusion she's drawn from a mere few days of knowing him, hearing him talk, rolling his words around. ]
It isn't as if you're a police officer. What binds you to do this duty?
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an idealist though, huh? in a way, it's almost nice to know that eto sees him that way. there's measured silence for a moment, like he's considering it, before he lets out a soft huff. ] Mmm... I think I used to be.
[ it's a good observation for her to make, and his response back is thoughtful. open, too, really. ] I learned the hard way that being an idealist doesn't always help, but...lately, I've been trying to get some of that back.
[ trying, anyway. it's hard, after such a massive loss, to learn how to stand again - but lu bixing has to, doesn't he? after all, he's more than just a person. which brings him to eto's second question, as he gives her a little bit of a smile, rueful. ]
Well, I'm the Prime Minister of the Eighth Galaxy, now. It was by necessity, but, it is my duty.
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[ Since by all the talk so far, he has come off more like educator. Yes, prime minister would do it. ]
An entire galaxy in your hands! However do you not have grey hairs all around by now?
An idealistic outlook would be difficult with that kind of weight on your shoulders.
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he laughs a little at the gray hair comment, reaching up to ruffle a hand absently through his hair. ] I probably do! It wouldn't surprise me.
It's been a long road, though, but I wouldn't have it any other way. [ he gives a little shrug of his shoulders, giving eto a smile. ] At least, in terms of the actual independence of the Galaxy itself. We'd been mistreated by the IUS for far too long - as for being Prime Minister, I didn't exactly sign up for it, but, if it's what's needed, then I'm doing everything I can.
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[ Oh, yes. She's most definitely fond of this gentleman. He really is too intriguing to just let him go. ]
What is the IUS?
[ As she just pulls her blanket over and sits, leaning in, rapt attention. ]
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The Intergalactic Union System. It's the united formation of all seven galaxies - sort of the central government, if you can call it that. It's centered in the First Galaxy, on a planet known as Wolto.
[ the corner of his mouth quirks, just slightly. ] Your story stuck with me in more ways than one, really - the Eighth only split away from the IUS a little less than two decades ago to form its own independent government.
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So it spoke to you. I saw the little things.
[ Small hesitations, flickers of the eyes, perhaps. The smallest slivers, windows to the heart. ]
Two decades is recent, in the grand scheme of things and lifespans of your world. But -- it only takes a spark, and wildfires aren't known for burning slow and mild.
You're at the head of that rebellious little galaxy.
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lu bixing ducks his head, smiling now. she's exactly right. ]
Correct. [ that rebellious little galaxy - it makes his heart warm even, to hear it. his beloved eighth. ] The Eighth Galaxy is where I was born, and it's - well, I guess it's where I died, too.
Personally, I think if a government fails to serve its people, then that government shouldn't be in charge of them. You know what I mean?
[ fuck! the! system!!!!
oh, though, he adds after, holding his hands up - ] Don't get me wrong, though, I would have loved to read your book no matter what! It's just especially near to my heart.
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[ Oh, to have such fondness for that place. It makes her reflect on her feelings for Tokyo, and the 24th Ward, and everything.
Was it a good life? ]
Oh, but I love that you understand.
It was written to be able to appeal to those unrelated to the concept, but the heart of the book was indeed intended for those that could look past its fantastical initial pages and see into its core.
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Then, I'm even more excited to experience it.
[ not that he wasn't, already, but that's besides the point. ] I think there'll be plenty of parallels - and plenty of things we can talk about. Would you mind if I picked your brain a little about the situations that inspired yours, too, as we work through the text?
I feel like I've talked your ear off, Eto. I hope you don't mind.
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[ It's the entire point, what she worked for. ]
You may pick my brain, if you're prepared for me to pick at yours as well. We've got all the time in the world... or at the least, two months to do it.
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[ even though their lifespans are so fucky this is really a moot point but it's clearly teasing - and to the last bit, he claps his hands together. ]
Excellent! I think I'd like nothing more.
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[ She really is out here being still super young and calling some guy who's like, maybe only three years younger than her 'young man'. ]
How about meeting over hopefully better coffee soon, then? After we've all settled in.
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[ he puts a hand on his forehead and plays this up. dramatic. swooning. obviously.
... and then grins afterwards, with a wink ] I'd love to.
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[ Bixing was so encouraging and this is her response... stop mean. ]
Alright then, you go get settled in yourself. If you get a head start on the reading before then, do let me know your thoughts after.
[ And also she'll sign it like she said she would after Monday because that's when they get the bookstore so!! ]