fifty-three words

[endthem]

[he's been lounging, unmoving, in front of an open window at the outpost for some time now. Maybe napping, maybe thinking.

Until there is simply a moment where he opens his eyes long enough to make sure that the journal is still beside him and open, and then speaks]

It does get lonely out here. I never get any visitors at all. ...I wonder if it is the prospect of the Dead Zone that puts people off.

[and then a little sigh, as if this is all just coming to him as he's speaking]

But I hear that some of you will be taking turns to come and keep me company soon, is that right? I truly am looking forward to spending time with you. Good conversation is in painfully short supply around here.


[filtered to Joshua]

[and then the subtle amusement in his voice drops out to casual nothing]

How are you?

Comments

[payback]

[If that was supposed to make her mad or something, she's just rolling her eyes and keeping on with her book. Way to be passive-aggressive Legato.

Also she's just

here

like she's been.

You know.]

[endthem]

[he doesn't even care whether she hears or not. Really, the comment isn't even for her.

And he's mostly just bored. So, poor conversationalist or not, he ends up speaking to her anyway]

Tell me, did you hand-select these soon-to-be helpers yourself?

[payback]

[Rin flips a page.

She kind of ignores him to the point where it might seem like she's not going to answer his question at all. Until, flatly:]

I put them through trials of fire and shoved bamboo slivers under their fingernails to test their resolve, yep.

[endthem]

[oh Rin, you're just a riot]

Am I really so terrible to converse honestly with?

[payback]

Well, Legato, why would I want to talk to you?

[endthem]

Haven't you heard that it's wise to talk with your enemies?

Legato

[ofhope]

The same. What do you expect?

Joshua

[endthem]

It's polite to check in anyway, isn't it?

Legato

[ofhope]

You didn't before. Not without orders, right?

Joshua

[endthem]

My obedience didn't mean that I was an automaton, Joshua.

Legato

[ofhope]

Could have fooled me.

[ Okay not really, he's just being a douche. ]

wow, self, nice typo.

[thehistorian]

A place called the "Dead Zone" is a bit off-putting.

you are now entering... THE DEAN ZONE

[endthem]

Have you ever been?

full of impalas and co-dependent brother relationships! alternately, university professors.

[thehistorian]

Can't say as I have, no.

[endthem]

It really isn't as bad as it sounds.

[thehistorian]

It's not Dead, then?

[exanimatus]

I'd come say hello, but I don't think my presence would be appreciated.

[endthem]

They say that it is the thought that counts.

[exanimatus]

Well, there's certainly no shortage of that.

[payback]

[Sweetly.] Come out here anytime, Zelman.

[exanimatus]

Hello, Rin.

[yes, that's all you get.]

[payback]

You're not going to, hm? [too bad, she'd relish the opportunity to drag him facedown behind Tad over the countryside or something.] A little pinned down by your powers, huh?

[exanimatus]

Funny, I don't remember saying I wouldn't. I like a challenge.

dictated

[foolreversed]

Gee, I wonder why there's no visitors.

[endthem]

I personally find it rude.

[no, haha, he's smiling through his words]