0091. Ground Zero. [text]

[a_bit_put_upon]

Comments

Private

[mrs_persson]

I'll look after him. Not to worry.

[A bunch of stuff she started to write and then couldn't finish.]

Take care of yourself, all right? And if there's anything you need, please don't hesitate to let me know.

Private

[a_bit_put_upon]

Thank you. And I appreciate the offer, but we're well prepared here. Look after yourself, and please rest; I saw what they'd done to your hair, and I hope it's all they did.

Private

[mrs_persson]

It is. Hair grows back; it's nothing to worry about.

I'd like to talk to you when you're able. Not about anything in particular, just-talk. If you want.

Private

[a_bit_put_upon]

I'd love to, in due time. I know you're patient if nothing else. I'd seek you out now if I could, but... I would only trail an angry mass behind me upon my return. She must understand the gravity of what she's done, but not in a voice that will call for her life or livelihood. That cry is all too familiar to her, would only distract and enrage her, and achieves nothing. If I'm demoted or banished when we've done, then so be it, but not before I seek her understanding. If I don't, she'll only try again.

Re: Private

[mrs_persson]

Of course. People may have reason to be angry, but acting indiscriminately on that anger is only going to make the situation worse. Best to lie low for now.

I've got Waldheld and he and Dios are playing chase in my room. Let me know if there's anything else I can do.

Private

[a_bit_put_upon]

Take joy in their company for me. Don't let the pup near unattended shoes you might be fond of.

Re: Private

[mrs_persson]

Dios already taught me that lesson well.

...I rather liked Quetzalcoatl, by the way. And his name for you.

Re: Private

[a_bit_put_upon]

It was rather quaint, wasn't it? And it served my needs, at least for a short time. Pity my plan didn't work.

Re: Private

[mrs_persson]

Plan?

Re: Private

[a_bit_put_upon]

I'd hoped to convince him, which worked--and, consequently, Coyolxauhqui and her brothers, which unfortunately didn't--that being a man of that many reflections meant I had that many hearts to give, in the interest of keeping the lot of you safe. They're a pantheon fond of their symbolism, and it might well have worked, had we been more convincing. Either the Admiral would have brought me back afterwards, or if he was absent as I suspect he was, I might have regenerated, so no harm done, and the worst to come to the Barge would have been several new hairstyles one way or another. It was a good plan, in theory.

[He sincerely hopes the 'might' part is suitably lost in the rest of all that and glossed over. He's risked more for less, after all.]

Re: Private

[mrs_persson]

A noble and potentially dangerous one. But-well, it was certainly worth a try, as they say.

I'm glad you weren't hurt. I know a lot of people are upset with you, but speaking as a person whose own inmate has caused no end of trouble for many good people-I think I understand your position. And I sympathise.

Re: Private

[a_bit_put_upon]

[And if there were video or even voice, you could almost hear the smile. At least it's there in spirit for you, buddy.]

I'm the Doctor. I would likely have an existential crisis if nobody was to be upset with me, I think. I'm half convinced it's why Tegan stayed as long as she did.

Re: Private

[mrs_persson]

[She's smiling too.]

Well, I'm not upset with you, for what it's worth. Take care of yourself and your inmate, and come see me when you can.

Re: Private

[a_bit_put_upon]

It's worth a great deal. I'll see you soon.