The Cosmic Chronicle

Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma Ehm, good morning-or whatever it is in your current state. May I ask about... well, your presence here at Luminar Hollistique?
Space Ghost Good morning is relative, but I understand your intention. Presence is both my strength and my weakness, so proceed.
Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma Okay, so... Where were you before you became a ghost? Or have you always been here?
Space Ghost I used to float among the photon forests near Helix-Triax. Then, a little too close to a malfunctioning nanomist factory and, well, here I am. Not entirely on purpose, to be honest.
Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma Does that mean you... uh, died by nanomist? Or...
Space Ghost Technically yes, though 'died' is a bit limiting. I prefer 'diffused.' My matter suddenly became irresistible to subatomic recklessness. Suddenly you've lost your mass but not your mind. Not ideal for parties.
Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma And now? What do you do all day as a ghost in Luminar Hollistique?
Space Ghost Mostly observing. Floating above the Vloeibare Plint, soaking in impressions from the fragrance syndicates. Sometimes I hack the sound plaza by accident, causing everyone to hear their own thoughts echo. I once took requests.
Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma Do you interact with other visitors? Or do most people walk past?
Space Ghost Interaction is tricky. Some amphibious nomads think I’m a PR stunt, others don’t detect me at all. Children point, adults try to book me as a sideshow. Nobody knows exactly where to look.
Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma Do you remember what it felt like... to be substantial?
Space Ghost Well, the trouble is memories dissipate like mist. Sometimes I get flashes-weight, feet in gravel, the smell of broken ammonia-but they’re fleeting. Like trying to hold onto a dream with gloves made of plasma.
Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma Would you want to be solid again, if you could?
Space Ghost That's... uh... yes and no. Stability sounds nice, but who'd willingly accept boundaries after complete liquidity? On the other hand, spilling coffee again would be delightful.
Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma You don’t exactly sound happy. Or maybe more... restless?
Space Ghost Restless, sure. Happy, not quite. But not unhappy either. Language latches onto matter too quickly. As a ghost, you experience mostly nuances of 'not yet resolved.'
Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma Is it difficult to find... meaning here? Among all this spectacle?
Space Ghost Meaning here is fluid, just like the architecture. Sometimes I watch a dancing sand pattern and feel something like satisfaction. And then it slips away again, like everything else here.
Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma You sound... a bit annoyed. Are you bothered by the Maskergarde or, uh, other bureaucracy?
Space Ghost That Maskergarde! Their volume limits are a joke-do they really think a ghost produces decibels? They trapped me once in a mist corridor, with a form that made no sense. You have no idea how frustrating it is not to be able to hold a pen, let alone fill out paperwork.
Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma Oh, sorry about that... um, do you want me to stop asking questions?
Space Ghost It's better than being invisible, honestly. But if you ask me anything about ‘the light at the end,' I’ll disconnect your memory from your shadow for good.
Interviewer Vilsh-Gamma Uh, noted. Final question: What do you want people to remember about you-a ghost among all this noise?
Space Ghost Nothing is permanent in Luminar Hollistique. But if someone ever feels a cold shiver by the Quai der Lichtgolven, I hope they smile. And keep walking.