[All things considered it isn't a message Octavian is surprised to get; slightly surprised that it's Viktor's voice, rough as it sounds, although he supposes with the mention of the Hexcore it makes sense that he wouldn't want to leave a "paper trail" where someone could realize it's here.
But other than that it's not a surprise. Octavian listens to it and does nothing especially dramatic; Viktor would not want him to rush to his side, if he would even get there in time, and leaving a lengthy message in return is not Octavian's style. He will miss Viktor if the second theory is wrong on the point of returning in a week, this is true, but that much he will keep to himself until Viktor is hopefully in front of him again.
In the end he doesn't actually reply at all, but nevertheless he will look after the core, no one will ever get into his safe. Part of him wonders if the thing reacts when Viktor dies, but he made a promise, and the safe remains locked.
Three taps on the door can only be Viktor (because Charles or Root would knock and also shout something at him, bless them), and he leaves what he's doing to answer the door and gesture Viktor inside. Only once he's there and Octavian has shut the door does he turn and wordlessly hold out an arm for Viktor to come here, come here, dying is terrible, come here.]
kicks my feet up
But other than that it's not a surprise. Octavian listens to it and does nothing especially dramatic; Viktor would not want him to rush to his side, if he would even get there in time, and leaving a lengthy message in return is not Octavian's style. He will miss Viktor if the second theory is wrong on the point of returning in a week, this is true, but that much he will keep to himself until Viktor is hopefully in front of him again.
In the end he doesn't actually reply at all, but nevertheless he will look after the core, no one will ever get into his safe. Part of him wonders if the thing reacts when Viktor dies, but he made a promise, and the safe remains locked.
Three taps on the door can only be Viktor (because Charles or Root would knock and also shout something at him, bless them), and he leaves what he's doing to answer the door and gesture Viktor inside. Only once he's there and Octavian has shut the door does he turn and wordlessly hold out an arm for Viktor to come here, come here, dying is terrible, come here.]