trans_9 | Library Time (Open)

For once, Ben hadn't deemed to go to the newly restocked Mr. Smoothie, or drive around. Nor was he beating on simulated monsters. Instead, he had been buried in a pile of books in the library, almost literally at times. He had purchased a lot of books and had been reading up on various things, including something that had been nagging at him for a while - Temporal Mechanics.

A lot of it was garbage from what he could tell, having experienced time travel in many forms. Discarding another book, he set it aside before picking up one and his eyes widened at the title. "Since when was this in here?"

The front of it read "Gemstones and Chrono Particles, a Dissertation of Time by P. Paradox."

Eagerly, Ben began to read it, pushing through the slightly bland material. Finally, after several hours, he set it down, rubbing his eyes. "It makes sense," he said, leaning back in his chair. "Now I get why Professor Paradox is so intent on protecting me."

The chapter he had opened to, was entitled "Cross-Time and You", and there was a symbol of the Omnitrix on it, or rather the Plumbers symbol on it. He chuckled ironically as he leaned back in the pile of books, trying to figure out how to deal with the knowledge that there were other timelines just as real as his own, with many Ben's sharing his face.

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"Yeah. Though I haven't figured out much."

Setting the book on his lap, he leaned back with a sigh. "So how's life been? Pretty good?"

Sayaka smiled a bit. "I... yeah, things have been alright, considering everything"

"That's good then," replied Ben. "Seems like you've settled in well."

Sayaka nodded. "I... guess. I mean, thinks could definitely be worse after all. I think being able to get off the ship so soon helped a bit though."

"Really puts things into perspective, doesn't it?" said Ben. "In space, alien planets, the whole nine yards."

Sayaka nodded. "Yeah... it really does..."

"And hey, you got a shore leave right when you woke up. I think that's a good way to start things." added Ben. He grinned a little. "And real food. Not just the slop."

Sayaka laughed a bit at that, leaning back. "Yeah, that's true. Glad to know that we actually have real food on here now too!"

"Could have a little bit of a cookout. Not a big one, but just enough to make us all feel like home. Maybe a welcoming one. May and I were thinking something on the beach too, since we've got a sensorium we can set up grills and stuff in." added Ben.

Sayaka smiled some more. "That sounds great. I'd have to let the others know about it, at least. Just let me know when you're going to set it up."

"Got it. And I'm glad you're feeling a lot better than before. Takes a lot to get people down and this place likes to drive it home that things are different here." Said Ben with a nod.

Sayaka nodded. "Yeah..." she said. She... well, wasn't sure she was completely fine, even as she was able to smile over at Ben. Sure, it had been a month, but still. Her world was gone.

Noticing she was still a little down, he reached down to a little box at his side and pulled out a cold drink, offering it to her. "Here. It's like soda from back home. Pretty good actually."

Sayaka smiled, taking the drink. "Thanks," she said, looking over at it. "What flavor is it?"

"Tastes like Pepsi to me," said Ben, opening one of the drinks and taking a sip of it. "Although with a hint of lime."

Sayaka blinked. "Really? That's... you'd think it'd be different from what was back home," she said, opening the drink and taking a sip herself.

"I guess its the closest taste I can call it," said Ben, sipping his drink as well. "I guess it works in a way."

Sayaka smiled and took another sip of her drink. "It's pretty good though!"

"Yeah it's great. Just what I need at least after a long day."

Sipping his drink and setting it to the side. He leaned back with a sigh. "Seems like everything's coming up nicely lately."

Sayaka nodded, just laying back and sipping her drink as well. This... well, this was pretty nice. Being able to actually do this.

Sipping his drink, Ben had to admit he enjoyed Sayaka's company. She was a lot of fun to relaxw ith, and there was a lot of things they could talk about once in a while.

"Oh by the way," added Ben. "How's your friends by the way? Doing all right?"

Sayaka nodded. "I... guess. Kinda. As well as can be expected, anyway..."

"Yeah. It took me a while to get accustomed to it... but that's another story. The truck here is to keep atop things. Try to find something to keep you busy." said Ben. "It's doubly tough for me, with my ADHD."

Sayaka nodded. "I... see. I'll let the others know and we'll keep that in mind..."

"Yeah. Sorry to sound like a broken record but I do worry for new arrivals at times. Not many hold out the proverbial olive branch and those who do often don't explain things properly." said Ben. "But any time you just want to hang out, drink a smoothie or something, I'm game."