The Nominal Temporary Wiggin Home Base, Friday

[gameinprogress]

The clock was ticking, and Ender was aware of it. He sometimes wondered if Peter wasn't, or if Peter had already calculated in their defeat and planned on from there.

It was probably the smart thing to do. Ender just wasn't capable of it: he had to go for the win, had to make this work. Now, here, and as thoroughly as possible

Comments

[survivorjello]

"I lost my knife a couple of days ago," Kate said. "So if you happen to see one, about seven inches long or therabouts, I'd be really grateful."

Also she'd apologize for her face if that somehow became necessary.

[doesntbetray]

Oh god.

Alec took a startled step backward before quickly regaining his bearings. "You-- have a look-alike."

[survivorjello]

Kate rolled her eyes, and, okay, maybe she wasn't going to be quick to apologize.

"Yes," she said. "Natalie. I know."

[doesntbetray]

"Sorry," Alec said sheepishly, shaking his head. "I was just... surprised." Call it PTSD. "Yeah, I can look for a knife for you."

[survivorjello]

"Thanks." She sighed and shook her head as well. "And sorry, for whatever she's done. I only like to inspire that reaction in people who actually deserve it."

[doesntbetray]

"It's not your fault." Funny how blaming oneself for things completely beyond one's control was only okay when he did it. "She's just. Working with a friend of mine." Well. "Former friend."

[survivorjello]

"No, it's not my fault." Because Kate did not blame herself for anything Natalie did. In fact, she blamed herself for very few things these days.

Went well with not caring a whole lot about anything other than vengeance. "But I can still be sorry. And all friends are former if they're on the other side. Just how it goes."

[doesntbetray]

"It's just difficult to adjust," he said, shaking his head. "Even though it's been a while. We grew up together, so..."

[survivorjello]

Kate felt the same little pang she sometimes felt seeing Ender and Peter talking to each other. She willed the feeling aside before even the first image of Marshall had time to really pop up in her mind.

"Sorry," she said again, a little more softly but also a little distant. "Must suck."

[doesntbetray]

Alec shut his eyes for a moment, then opened them. "It's manageable," he said. And dwelling on it would only make it less manageable, so. "I'll... find you that knife."

[survivorjello]

"'Kay." She didn't exactly feel like dwelling on anything, either. "Good luck."