17th strike [video]
[scuffling noises, then a whine that definitely comes from an animal, probably a dog. When the video flicks on, it's because of paws scrabbling at it. The creature backs up, and it's Sophie, mutantbirdkid 's old dog, now in Ammy's care. She's the picture of melancholy, ears and tail drooping, sinking to the floor for a moment before getting up to paw at the door the Guide's been shoved against.]
[after another minute of this, there's an irritated grunt, and the door bangs open (with a loud protest) to show a teenaged boy in rumpled black clothing, his face pale and drawn and his hair messier than usual. He shoves it back from his face, glaring at the dog, who whines pitifully again.]
She's not here! She's gone! The others can take care of themselves, why can't you?
[instead of cowering at his harsh tone, Sophie straightens and barks. As if to say no, I'm here to take care of you! But either Sync ignores it or his Babelfish is unhappy today, because he just scowls at her, and turns to go back into his room.]
[now, Sophie isn't the brightest crayon in the box, but she is definitely loyal. And Ammy told her to look after this mopey kid, so she'll do it or die trying. She gathers herself and tackles him, tail wagging furiously, licking his face like her life depends on it--much to his dismay.]
Get off me--
[all that flailing eventually knocks the Guide against the wall again, turning it off, but not before the entire ship gets a view of the most blindly enthusiastic therapy dog ever.]
[after another minute of this, there's an irritated grunt, and the door bangs open (with a loud protest) to show a teenaged boy in rumpled black clothing, his face pale and drawn and his hair messier than usual. He shoves it back from his face, glaring at the dog, who whines pitifully again.]
She's not here! She's gone! The others can take care of themselves, why can't you?
[instead of cowering at his harsh tone, Sophie straightens and barks. As if to say no, I'm here to take care of you! But either Sync ignores it or his Babelfish is unhappy today, because he just scowls at her, and turns to go back into his room.]
[now, Sophie isn't the brightest crayon in the box, but she is definitely loyal. And Ammy told her to look after this mopey kid, so she'll do it or die trying. She gathers herself and tackles him, tail wagging furiously, licking his face like her life depends on it--much to his dismay.]
Get off me--
[all that flailing eventually knocks the Guide against the wall again, turning it off, but not before the entire ship gets a view of the most blindly enthusiastic therapy dog ever.]