sixth splice // video (day)

[corpsecakes]

[The camera switches on to show Jack, though he seems to have changed from his past appearances here. He looks damp, as though he'd only recently been doused in water; his familiar off-white sweater is spattered with blood, some of it a fresh red, the rest old and the color of rust; and there's a new weariness to his expression, as though he needs nothing more in the world than a chance to rest.]

Can't believe I'm here again... I'd started to think this place really was just a dream. [He laughs, though it's weak and humorless.] So... Does anyone know how long it's been? Since I was here last, I mean. It feels like it's been forever, but...I don't know.

If anyone missed me... I'm sorry. I'm back now. [And with that, he reaches to switch off the camera...]

[private to Andrew Ryan]

[But in actuality, he's switching on the filter. Jack takes a deep breath and runs his hands over his face before he looks at the camera again, but when he does, there's a new fortitude to his stare.]

I understand now. I know-everything that happened. I understand. I'm not going to forgive you for what you did, and I'm not going to ask you to forgive me. But... If I had known then what I know now, I... [He swallows, hesitating for only a moment-] Things wouldn't have turned out the way they did.

But if you've done anything to my friends-if you ever do anything to them-I swear, you'll get a lot worse coming to you than that. Even if you really are my... [He swallows again, lips pressing together.] My father.

[And he switches the filter one more time-]

[private to Xion]

If you're still here... I need to talk to you. Please.