voice.

[theguideless]

[a testing sound, a little huff of an exhale, and a lapse into quiet. he's hesitant.

but:] Did they say anything about this? Everyone changing...Last time awful things were happening, they said they were working on it. Things got better.

I'm...not very good at using this. Did I miss it? It's... [slight pause. his tone gets gradually more distracted:] It's going to change, like before. And every time we get sent someplace different, something else happens...

[beat.

WAIT:] I meant the Initiatve people, I'm sorry. [a quick, wincing pause. apologies....] They're who I meant should have said something.

Comments

[theguideless]

[a self-conscious, breathy laugh:] I'm not being much help, am I...

[notbeth]

Not really. [ BLUNT.................... ]

[theguideless]

I'm sorry. But...the monsters I know aren't here. I don't think knowing...which ones are or aren't ones I know really matters, does it?

[notbeth]

Then... is anyone from home here for you?

[theguideless]

No, I don't think so. Nobody I know, anyway.

[slight pause.] Is it the same for you?

[notbeth]

... yeah. [ she looks away. ]

[theguideless]

[a longer pause.

gentler:] It'll be alright, Kate. It might...not be the same, but there are good people here. And a lot of them are working to find a way to put things back the way they were – the way they want them to be.

[notbeth]

So, that means we'll be able to go home soon?

[theguideless]

I don't know. [it's as honest an answer as he can give.] But there is a chance for you.

[notbeth]

[ an awkward pause. ]

What does that mean? What about you?

[theguideless]

Oh, ah...

This is home for me. I'll stay here, I think.

[notbeth]

You want to stay here?

[theguideless]

Yes. For now, I do.

[notbeth]

But why?

[theguideless]

I'm here for someone important. If he stays, so will I.

[notbeth]

Who?

[theguideless]

[a muffled sound. his voice sounds a shade shier:] Ah, the one who saved me.

[notbeth]

Someone who... [ that unsettles her a moment. ] You don't mean a police officer, do you?

[theguideless]

Huh–? Uh, no...No.

[notbeth]

Who was it?

[theguideless]

[a beat.]

Bariyan.

[notbeth]

He sounds really important.

[theguideless]

He is.