06 | Audio

[implying]

I'm sorry to interrupt the, ah... that is, this isn't about any of — you know, the recent...

[ well this is a terrible start. A pause, an audible breath out, and he starts again. ]

I'm going to need... a programmer, I think. Anyone good with systems. That sort of thing.

[ LONG PAUSE. ]

Possibly Sollux. [ oh god kill him now. ]

Comments

[payback]

Could they send a mission to your home?

[implying]

[ He blinks, frowns a little, and lifts his head again. ]

You — saw what happened when they tried that.

[payback]

Was the United Earth already active there? Or did they really just respond to us?

[implying]

[ Low: ] I wasn't there, I suppose you're asking the wrong man.

Mm, but... it's not a risk I'd take.

[payback]

Maybe when we win, then. [If. But she can't let it lie now.]

[implying]

[ He's still and quiet for a moment, but... begins to rub her back. A gesture to alleviate a little nervous energy more almost more than for the contact. Almost. ]

If— if they could, I wouldn't... be able to go along.

[payback]

Why not?

[implying]

Because I...

[ He should lie. Invent something. But then... if there's anyone around here he can trust, it's definitely Rin. ]

If... I get within range of her, she'll be able to give me commands. I have to obey those. [ quieter: ] She'd just order me to kill whoever came along with.

[payback]

[A pause. It's heavy.]

I want to kill her.

[implying]

[ That draws up a tiny smile, and his hands pause. ]

You'd be more than welcome to her, if the chance ever arose.

[payback]

[She is gonna slide out of his lap now. A little more comfortable sitting next to him instead.]

With any luck it will.

[implying]

[ Slightly disappointing, but, well, he can imagine that his legs are not the softest things to sit on anymore. After a quiet moment he pushes himself to his feet. ]

I'd best go and speak with the Initiative. They have a lab they don't know they're going to let me borrow.

[payback]

What for?

[implying]

It wouldn't exactly be very sanitary to have someone poking about in my head in the middle of the street. Nor do I expect the right tools would be there.

[ He pauses, glancing around for his mask. Where did he leave that stupid thing... ]

[payback]

[She stands up after him, following - a little.]

Vanadi. Do you think it'll work out?

[implying]

[ He glances back just as he finds it, and for a moment he doesn't look very sure at all. But then he forces a smile, and the fear is gone. ]

It will have to, won't it?

[ He pushes the mask into place. ]

[payback]

[It never has to. A story doesn't need a happy ending. She knows that.

She would never say it. Oh, Vanadi.]

... I guess.

[implying]

[ She wouldn't need to. He pauses just long enough to smile at her, and then he's gone. ]