AUDIO;

[engrishdetective]

Good news, everyone. I like being not dead or downright near dying, so no worries. I'm whole.

Onward to more curious news. Ratchet and I've worked it out a bit that I'm gonna just have to replace my engine. I'll probably have to do the same to poor Gunbike.

Which begs the question! Where is my bike?

So! Everyone else whole, maybe? Yes? Good.

And Deckerd? Get over here and say hello already. It's really boring just laying around. I don't even get any warm oil to lounge with.

Comments

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

Deckerd.

[He sounds stern and he tries to reach for maybe his wrist or shoulder; Gunmax flounders a bit, more tired than he anticipated. He might be feeling better, but he's not ready to go running around shooting at criminals anytime soon.

So his fingers, much to his own embarrassment, just managed to hold onto the tips of Deckerd's.]

If I didn't do it, we might still be fighting out there. We might be worse off. I'm not dead, and I'm not going anywhere.

I'm pretty sure Drift knew what he was doing, too.

[Action]

[patokichi]

[His hand twitches and he turns his gaze back to Gunmax, optics bright with worry.]

It could have gone differently.

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

[Gunmax's own eyes dim slightly and he debates letting go, but. No, he'll just hold on here, for awhile.]

Well, it didn't. I'm alive and you're not rid of me yet. So... stop feeling so down on yourself. Okay?

I knew what we needed and you were right.

[Action]

[patokichi]

Thank you Gunmax.

[He doesn't say he won't keep blaming himself though.]

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

Deckerd.

[He sighs a little; he's aggravated, but he's not going to pester Deckerd about it.]

Whatever, you don't owe me anything.

[Action]

[patokichi]

[Another moment and he turns his smile back on, as if on command and places a hand on Gunmax's knee.]

Just try to feel better. I think I'll worry less when you're up and about again. But take it easy until you're absolutely rested. We'll figure out something to do with our little fuel crisis and it will be okay.

You'll see.

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

[He exhales, looking away sharply.]

So I get to lay around while you guys do all the work. Hardly seems like an equal load to me, partner.

...I talked to Ratchet. We're gonna work on replacing my engine. If it works out... well. That's up to you and McCrane, but we might have to think about you guys, too. Okay?

[Action]

[patokichi]

You've done more than your share.

[He shifts, picking at the broken edge of his lapel.]

I'm not entirely comfortable with the idea, but if it means we survive, then we'll have to do it.

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

As if.

[Gunmax frowns, glancing at him.]

Yeah. I'm not thrilled either, but I'll take it over being stuck like this. To be honest, I don't know how long I can take lying still.

[He's not like Drill Boy, but Gunmax wasn't made to sit still. He's supposed to be out on the road.]

[Action]

[patokichi]

[He chuckles.]

Well then, I hope Ratchet is as skilled as I suspect.

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

He has a lot of patients on his plate. But I guess if he's anything like Chief, he'll just deal with it.

[Because Gunmax can't help but make the comparison; the medic and the engineer appear to have a lot in common.]

[Action]

[patokichi]

I only wish I could be more useful to his efforts.

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

Well, we're not exactly made to be medics. But I guess if he needed materials, you'd find a way.

[His roundabout way of saying that, no, you are NOT useless, Deckerd.]

[Action]

[patokichi]

[He tips his hat, letting a small smile tug on his lips.]

Thanks, Gunmax.

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

...Just stating facts, partner. No worries.

[Action]

[patokichi]

[He just gives a sheepish chuckle.]

Want me to stick around for a while?

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

Well, I'd be bored if you didn't. So I won't say no.

[Action]

[patokichi]

Alright then.

[He smiles and takes a seat in a chair near the edge of the berth. He'll stay here until you're resting again, Gunmax.]

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

Thank you.

Kind of ... too quiet here for me.

[Action]

[patokichi]

I know.

[He just rests a hand on his arm.]

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

...Hey, Deckerd?

[Action]

[patokichi]

Yes?

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

Do you think... these glyphs, they put on us. If they mean anything?

[Action]

[patokichi]

Well. They seem to represent each of those temple owners.

Beyond that, I'm not sure.

[Action]

[engrishdetective]

Well, at least you and McCrane match. That's something.

[He isn't so sure how to ask "what's wrong with me?" because, for some reason, his glyph doesn't match his teammates.]