Celestial Study. Chapter 2.
The mystery has begun, but beware tales told by mad men.
339 words.
Shorter chapter this time; hope you enjoy!
Celestial Study
By Archangel Vulpine
Chapter Two
He was afforded his own room, at least until they better understood his malady. An automaton stood by his door, I assume in case of misconduct on his part. Furnishings were adequate: a bed and a low table surrounded by chairs. A single tall, wide window occupied one wall, randomly patterned in a sectional design, rendering it only translucent. Jikuk did not seem to recognise me at all, making no greeting besides glancing in our direction when we entered. He passed from one part of the room to the other, frantic eyes always darting about. He would open his mouth to take a few quick breaths, as if on the verge of becoming terrified, before closing it again. While identical in appearance to the big cat I had known, worked alongside, conjectured as to the mechanics of the universe into the small hours of the night with, his mannerisms were so removed I could scarcely believe it was him. Please recall, despite the vast distance Jikuk had impossibly travelled, it had been mere days since I had seen him in perfect faculty. The doctor led me to the arranged chairs. Once Jikuk was invited to do so, he sat opposite us, but was never still. His fingers trembled over one another while his ears and tail twitched. The wolf gestured for me to make a beginning so I asked Jikuk whether he recognised me. His answer was curt, as if to ask was a waste of time. “Of course I do!” Unable to stay my curiosity, I asked what happened aboard the station after I had left him alone. At this, he sprang up and resumed his pacing.
What follows is the culmination of multiple visits, of piecing together fragments of information submitted without chronology. By my best efforts, I have realised his ramblings into a cohesive narrative. I fear no action shall ever make up for what has become of my dear friend, but I make a start with this.
Now this diary shall be his.