02 | Audio

[implying]

Well, that was something of an adventure! Between the Russians, the newest arrivals, and our monstrous friends, why there's been quite a few things to keep track of. An awful lot of people. One of which in particular I seem to have misplaced... I don't suppose anyone has seen Bela lately? Bela Talbot?

[ A pause, as if he's actually listening for a reply. Or maybe just asking a completely rhetorical question and taking a moment to gather himself afterward. ]

Well, it was always difficult to keep her in just one place. Not like Sierra, Annalise, and Adamo, three natives caught by the UE bombs, near a month ago now. I would say they were entirely too — too stationary. That old woman in the market, too— with the jerky stand? She always claimed it was dog meat, but I really had to wonder. But she always had a kind word for anyone who stopped to chat, didn't she? I found a bit of her stand some time ago, but no sign of her. Maggie, she told me her name was...

My apologies, to anyone who knew any of those caught in disaster. At least we've managed to turn this latest one back to the status quo, mm? We have that much.

[ Another pause, and this one comes with a slow breath out. So... that's awkward. But! He can make it better. When he speaks again, he sounds just as cheerful as he had at the beginning. ]

You know, for all their flukes and faults, I would say there's one thing the Initiative is truly bad at. They can throw our lot into a room with food set out, but that's not any sort of party. So I propose we arrange one ourselves! We've the musicians for it, don't we? The cooks, surely! The tailors, seamstresses? We certainly have the headcount for it, by now!

Any opinions, mm? I'm thinking, perhaps, a masquerade. A ball! We kitrites excel at the organization of them, you know. I would be pleased to offer my services to a properly interested crowd! Have I any takers?

Comments

voice;

[payback]

Were they all friends of yours?

voice;

[implying]

I certainly liked to think so, yes.

[payback]

Oh...

[Man, that sucks.]

Sorry to hear about them... like this.

[implying]

These things... happen, I suppose. War, and all.

[payback]

Yeah, much better when the United Earth just thinks we're not worth caring about, I guess. It was okay when there was nothing warlike going on...

[implying]

Well, with any luck all that time spent in the catacombs pretending to be wiped out will work to our benefit, mm? I'd really sooner not have a repeat.

[payback]

Hm. I wonder what they think it's like down here? If they think about it at all.

[implying]

I wouldn't be surprised at all if they don't. No one who truly considers it could kill so indiscriminately.

[payback]

Mm...

You're really going to throw a party?

[implying]

Oh, certainly. Spirits now, more than ever, could use some lifting.

[payback]

Where are you gonna have it?

[implying]

Ah, I can't say I'm certain yet. Perhaps one of the abandoned buildings.

[payback]

Well there are a bunch of those... I doubt you'll have any trouble with that.

[implying]

No, nor do I! It would be somewhat a depressing venue, though...

[payback]

You could always dress it up. That'd be fun. You'd have like a crunchy, grim coating with a colorful inside.

[implying]

I suppose... although I'm not so certain that I like the idea of the words "grim" and "crunchy" applying to any part of this.

[payback]

I bet it would look good, anyway. You'd just have to dress it up a little.

[implying]

I don't suppose you've any experience with it?

[payback]

Not in the slightest really...

[implying]

Well, it can't be all that difficult. It isn't so difficult to decorate a place in good repair, this is just one more step!

[payback]

Yeah. I'm sure you can do it in a snap.

[implying]

Oh? Have you really so much faith in me, Rin?

[payback]

Don't make it weird.

[implying]

Why, I've done no such thing! That would be, if anyone, you.

[payback]

I did not.