04 [voice]

[spawnedbywar]

What's the first rule of gardening? The heat is subsiding so I don't think anything will die within a day of being planted, but I'd still like to know regardless. I've never grown anything before, at least not seriously; I've heard that homegrown vegetables are better than the junk bought at supermarkets because you don't have to worry about

Comments

[voice]

[snuffdoll]

[Mister Miller what are you-- ]

Yessir?

...I also know a little about gardening.

[voice]

[spawnedbywar]

Fantastic. I've been thinking about turning the weed patch on the roof into something more desirable, except I don't know the first thing about planting flowers or -- hell, anything. [and although you can't see it, he waves dismissively.] But that's neither here nor there. There's another project I'd like to work on and, after careful consideration, I've decided that you're the best girl cut out for the job.

[and probably the only one, as far as he's concerned.]

Are you good at imitating others?

[voice]

[snuffdoll]

[A moment of hesitation, but then she just... goes with it, because hey, assignment.]

I haven't really tried, sir.

[voice]

[spawnedbywar]

We'll find out soon, I suppose. An hour ago, I stopped by your room when you weren't around and left a cassette tape and pocket sized player on your bed. If you haven't already found it, I want you to put it in now and listen to it. Soak it all up; it's of utmost importance that you follow every single word very carefully.

[what's on the tape in question, you may ask? why, nothing but a rough "studio" recording of a young girl who sounds close to Triela's age singing this.]

[voice]

[snuffdoll]

[She's thinking it's. ...Important information or something. Kaz, why you gotta get her all excited about doing Work Things :c ]

Yessir. I'll do so immediately.

[heavendivided]

[Poor Triela, having to listen to Kaz's tacky J-Pop....]

[voice]

[spawnedbywar]

[what could be more important than singing, srsly]

Good girl. When you're done with that, I'll give you your next orders.

[voice] 1/3

[snuffdoll]

[You're lucky she likes being called 'good girl.']

Understood.

[voice]

[snuffdoll]

[About eight minutes later,]

Sir. I, uh, think you might've-

[voice]

[snuffdoll]

Did I receive the right cassette?

video

[spawnedbywar]

...Why? You didn't like it?

voice

[snuffdoll]

Well-- What am I supposed to do with that?

voice

[spawnedbywar]

[that...honestly catches him off guard. she's isn't awestruck? what is this madness?]

W-well, that's simple! See, I've been thinking a lot about what I heard from you last Sunday. You have the capacity to do great things with your voice, Triela. And that isn't just a compliment; you have real talent.

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that I want to hear more of it. I recorded this song back home with a -- [and here, a pause. a suspiciously strained half-minute of silence.] --an associate. I'm really very proud of it, and right now, I'd like to hear what it sounds like from your mouth. Just to satisfy my curiosity. Please?

voice

[snuffdoll]

[what is this she doesn't even]

Sir. I thought when you said there was a project, you were going to... Send me out for someone or something. That's... more my area of expertise...

voice

[spawnedbywar]

I wouldn't have asked you if I wasn't sure you weren't up to the job. Whether or not you have any expertise in this doesn't matter. She didn't either.

I know it sounds ridiculous, but I'll only ask once. And if you bomb or freeze up, no big deal -- we'll forget it ever happened and I'll never bring it up again.

voice

[snuffdoll]

I--

[she can't believe she's going to say it.]

Yes, sir. I'll... try it.