trans_9 | Once you find your center... [OPEN]

For the first time in a long time, Billy Cranston could make an honest self-assessment with a positive outlook. Encouragement from the crew, a return to his routine duties, and that last eradication of guilt with Adam, Jamie, and Renne had done much to heal the pain and paranoia from before.

Of course, part of this healing process included the difficult requirement of actually spending quiet time with himself---and that meant applying the meditation techniques that Jason, Trini, and Adam had taught him so long ago. His preference was a natural setting, and the only place to simulate that would be the Sensoriums. So off he went, so focused on the task ahead that he forgot to install a lock or 'do not disturb' sign.

And so it was that he asked Stacy to create: a simple brook in a forest, with a cascading waterfall slightly upstream. A large stone platform sat at the bottom of a waterfall, large enough for two or three average-sized humans to sit comfortably. The simulated water crashing all around him was soothing in its way.

Everything settled, he stripped off his shirt and clambered over to the center platform. The sound and sensation of the running water would provide an excellent focus point, and that was the critical component for this exercise. That it dulled the ache of his torso's ugly smattering of glass-shard scars was a bonus.

Everything in place and undisturbed (or so he thought), he closed his eyes and allowed his thoughts to sink inward, slowly circling that one point of focus: the waterfall, steadily moving. The minutes stretched on in that focused state of consciousness, until he was ready to leave---or until a visitor happened by.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

"Are you insulting my ant?" Billy tries to look seriously offended, and manages for a moment---before it slips into a pout. One that might be described as 'adorable', much to Billy's displeasure.

Breathing in, he nods to Lyle and begins the instruction process, repeating things out loud for Lyle to note. Once finished, they can test this magical adventure.

Lyle is going to assume Billy's pouting on purpose, for the sake of his dignity.

"I wouldn't dream of it. He might ride his tiny elephant to battle against me."

Lyle takes down whatever necessary, slipping seamlessly into work mode. He can't help but enjoy making something, even when he should be relaxing.

If Billy knew, he would thank Lyle kindly for that.

"I'd pay to see that fight," he says with a chuckle. Oh, wouldn't that be wonderful. But the 'disaster' they're about to create will be just as fun, he hopes.

And so it's coded, worked on, and hammered out until the basics are in place. "Any special effect you'd like to add?"

"Lens flare?" Lyle cocks his head to the side a moment, considering. "Maybe a couple rainbows and a smell of vanilla. Though we may be giving people cavities at this point."

"They'd be virtual cavities," reminds Billy with a smirk. "Computer, add the rainbows. Should we go for singing trees?"

Billy's nearly snickering behind his hand at this point, imagining the funny wonderland they're creating.

"No, no, we want them relaxed, not murderous." Lyle holds up a hand. "Maybe we should just see what we've got?"

"All right," he concedes, only very slightly put-out. That might have been fun---but they have an excellent plan as-is. "Computer, activate simulation. Codeword---hello."

And the scene erupts to life around them, with the flowing river, tiny elephants, rainbow, soft atmosphere, and....hey, wait, where'd the giant ant go?

Lyle wants his own tiny elephant herd now. He's awfully taken with the whole scene, although there is an obvious missing element.

"Is that all?"

"No, I thought there was one more programmed ele---whoa! Oh, there you are!" And suddenly, the giant adorable ant appears and scoops Billy up with its powerful appendages, depositing the boy on its back. Laughing, he gently rubs its head.

"I think that accounts for everything." Satisfied, he watches as the ant clambers over to Lyle and investigates with its antennae.

Lyle grins and pets one of its feelers.

"It looks good to me." Lyle looks around. "Are you happy with it?"

"Affirmative," he replies, patting his ant one last time before gently sliding to the ground.

"And now we vacate the room and wait for news of our disaster," says Billy once he's standing next to Lyle, shaking his head with a grin.

Once you find your center... [OPEN]

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