The Cosmic Chronicle

Zamppelin Q’xuil Right then, let's get started. Could you introduce yourself for readers who've never met a sentient comet?
Beloq XVI I suppose, if you don’t mind taking it slow. I’m Beloq XVI of the Cold Passers, a self-aware comet - well, as much as possible, considering protocol here kills all spontaneity. My core is icy silicon crystals and a dash of melancholy.
Zamppelin Q’xuil Uh, right... You've been orbiting Rovathia-Delta for quite a while. How do you like the atmospheric mist curtain here?
Beloq XVI Mist is a joke. Finally gain some mass, and you’re not allowed to sublimate because Magistrus wants to protect his sensors. It's all clammy and choking, as if you’re inhaling toothpaste fog permanently.
Zamppelin Q’xuil You regularly pass over the Kettingweb. Is that pure orbital routine, or are you making a statement to the city of Būdapos?
Beloq XVI Are you serious? You think I, a comet, am making statements toward bridges? I go where gravity shoves me. The fact you make it political says more about sick city psyches than about me.
Zamppelin Q’xuil About 12,000 residents complain that your so-called ionic tail interferes with their drone barns. Any reaction?
Beloq XVI Pardon, let me cheer for your technophobia... *sigh* I exist, Q’xuil. Interference is interaction - comes with living in a plasma world. Maybe upgrade your drones, unless that's blocked by the Decision Control Neuraschema?
Zamppelin Q’xuil While we're at it, rumor says you tried accessing Magistrus Zekron's archive. Why?
Beloq XVI Oh, we're playing ‘catch the comet spy’ now? I’m curious about historical data, nothing more. But apparently, even a comet can't download here without half of Rovathia-Delta fussing.
Zamppelin Q’xuil The Cerulean Consortium calls you 'safe, as long as you stick to orderly routes.' Does that sound fair to you?
Beloq XVI You want my honest take? The arrogance of a consortium that once tried to negotiate a cloned cow on a windy moon... No, it’s absurd. Limits without a prospect for growth are just erosion.
Zamppelin Q’xuil Incidents have been noted where you dropped ice fragments above agricultural mosaics. Accident, sabotage, or just laziness?
Beloq XVI Seriously?! I drop some crystals and suddenly six magistrates scream sabotage. You folks get nothing about natural processes - everything’s a conspiracy or a violation here.
Zamppelin Q’xuil On stardate 4422.18, you were nearly shot by an orbital impulse beam. Were you scared?
Beloq XVI Afraid? Maybe, if I had a brain made of chalk. For millions of years I’ve been hounded by asteroid fanatics and iron zealots. One dish palace makes no difference.
Zamppelin Q’xuil Fine, let's talk about art. You contributed to the light field above the Duna gorge. Artistic expression?
Beloq XVI Ah, the light field... Call it rebellion, call it vain showing off. Honestly, I was just trying to bring some color into this misty bureaucratic graveyard.
Zamppelin Q’xuil Other comets say you mingle with ‘the humans’ too much. Thoughts?
Beloq XVI Well, that's mostly the stiff cores talking. I'm not into cosmic isolation. Is it a crime to enjoy a little company? Although here, landing on a terrace earns you instant suspicion.
Zamppelin Q’xuil - Excuse me, is there an alarm going off now? Are you behind this?
Beloq XVI Nope, unless you’re accusing me of wireless sabotage via crystal projection. But who’s really in control here? Zekron’s archive drones fly around without any sense.
Zamppelin Q’xuil Final question: Why stick around if this place is so suffocatingly bureaucratic and sour?
Beloq XVI Well, maybe... because Rovathia-Delta is at least honest about being stubborn. I’d rather have fog and half-baked decrees than be bored and annihilated near the sun. Or maybe because your interviewers are always so delightfully irritable.
Zamppelin Q’xuil Fine. That’s enough. Good luck with your next orbit.
Beloq XVI Thanks. I’ll drag my icy tail even longer next time around.