A Cassarian Story
Varian always knew that he cared for Cassandra. But he didn't realize how much until she was gone.
Six long years after Cassandra leaves Corona, she finally returns. Varian is overjoyed, but she comes bearing terrible news. A stran...
The expression, "Time flies when you're having fun" could not be less accurate in Varian's case. They are literally flying, but time seems to be dragging on. The awkward silence is almost too much for him to bear, and to make matters worse Abhu never seems to take his eyes off of Cassandra.
To keep himself occupied, Varian pulls out his Truth Ray and starts to fiddle with it. Ruddiger even brings a few of his tools over to him to help him out.
"What kind of weapon is that?" Abhu asks once he spots the strange device.
"It's not a weapon," Varian replies. "It's a device that creates a directional projection of light energy that, when shone directly in the subject's pupils, will—"
"Ugh, not this again..." Cassandra moans. "What Genius Boy's trying to say here is, it's a Truth Ray."
"A Truth Ray? Like, to make people tell the truth?" Abhu says.
"Essentially," Varian explains. "It's supposed to calm the subject into revealing their secrets, but..." He toggles the trigger a couple times, scratching his head as nothing happens. "It still needs some work."
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"Well, forcing people to tell the truth still sounds like a weapon to me," Abhu remarks.
"This is the first I've heard of it," Eugene says. "You're supposed to keep me informed about whatever new inventions you concoct. Just in case, you know..." He mimes an explosion, making a sound effect with his mouth.
"It was supposed to be a surprise," Varian tells him. "A gift. You know, for your anniversary."
Eugene cracks a smile. "Well thanks, Hair Stripe."
"Don't thank me until it's finished," Varian says. But he returns the smile.
As Varian continues to work on his invention, Eugene regards Cassandra and Abhu. "Sooo, what exactly is the deal with you two?"
"Way to be subtle, Fitzherbert..." Cassandra says with an irritated sigh.
"No, really. How do you get her to keep you around?" Eugene asks Abhu. "I mean, no offense, but you don't seem like the type of person CassAndra would choose to hang out with."
Varian listens with rapt attention. He, himself, has been wondering the same thing.
"We just... kept meeting each other," Abhu says. "It's like we were destined to be a team."
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