[very secure video transmission to Kagerou]

[trionicpolarity]

Please forgive me for taking so long to get back to you.

[The message is quick but precise--Alpha Trion is in his study, with stacks of datapads behind him. He's obviously been researching something, and those who know him well might recognize that he seems a little tired.]

As you might guess from recent events, things have been...hectic. However, I do still want to speak with you as promised. You may come in person, if you like.

Comments

action;

[thxforthememories]

I don't want what happened with Overlord to ever happen again.

[Which is easy to want, when you're as naive as this one is.]

[The comma monologue earns a head-tilt. Since most of that ends up whooshing right over his head. Your language is strange, sir.]

Watch. Listen. I see. Simpler than I thought it would be.

[His fingers trace over his arm, as if fingering the mark there. He can protect Kay. Keep his memories safe. He could still return home -- to see him again. He just has to watch? To move the nest house?]

[That... there has to be more to it than that.]

I want to think about it. [To ask a few others about it. Others older and wiser than he is.] I'll... tell you. When I know for certain.

Really?

action;

[trionicpolarity]

I don't want Overlord to begin killing anyone, again, myself.

[He misinterprets slightly, but...he figures that is the meat of the situation. Overlord's freedom is not the problem, so much as what Overlord does with it.]

That is all it will be to start with, yes. Over time, you would have more responsibilities, but only those that I mentioned for now.

Take as much time as you need, however.

[He smiles, and stands, selecting one datapad from the table and wandering towards another stack not far away to pick up another.] Of course. And I will be sending you away with literature, as well. [He holds up the pair of datapads, indicating for Kagerou to follow him.] Do you like mysteries?

action;

[thxforthememories]

That's why you aren't trusted. You... as a group. Because one of your own released him... we wonder if other criminals can simply be set free on a whim.

[No sense in hiding that fact. If he might end up working for this one... he has to be honest, right?]

[At length, he nods. He'll ask the others. Because right now, the benefits seem to be outweighing the drawbacks rather heavily.]

[There must be something he's missing.]

All right.

[His neutral look fades, suddenly, replaced by one of open fascination. The hesitance, the walls, fall away.]

Mysteries? What do you mean...?

[And of course he'll follow. He's like an overgrown puppy. Bird. Thing.]

action;

[trionicpolarity]

I see.

[That worries him. If the Refugees cannot trust the Firstforged, then their work will only be more difficult.]

Then I will talk with the others. We have been keeping much in the dark, and that is not fair to you. I certainly don't want to be thought of as untrustworthy!

[At least, not for things he hadn't done. He slips up in his own, special ways.]

[He will lead Kagerou around, however, and begin handing him datapads, and even a few actual books.] Mysteries are usually stories about crimes that need to be solved. This one is about a cat, I think you will like it. [He adds it to the pile...and rest assured, Kagerou, you will have a nice little stack before he steps back and smiles.]

That should be enough to start you off.

action;

[thxforthememories]

It may help. I don't know. Words are better than silence.

[And maybe they could see which ones care. Which ones to avoid. It could be worth something.]

Crimes. Detective stories?

[... wellp. That sure is a lot of reading to do. More than he's ever had in his lifetime. He's more than a little stunned by it all.]

I...

Thank you.

action;

[trionicpolarity]

Well said!

[He likes it! In fact, he'll probably write that quote down after you've left.]

Detective stories, yes...you've got the gist of it. I threw in some comedy and horror and fantasy as well, and a few reference books in case you find facts more interesting than stories. You'll have to let me know what you think.

[He's curious, that is for sure.]

You are more than welcome, Kagerou. And...enjoy.

action;

[thxforthememories]

[There's a first.]

[He nods again, looking down at the things in his hands. There's... a lot to think about. To talk to the others about.]

[... If only Shadowmaru where here. He would know.]

I will... speak to you again soon.

[If there's nothing more, he'll turn to go, slowly. Still cautious, and half lost in thoughts.]

action;

[trionicpolarity]

I look forward to it.

[The acolyte is there, outside his door, to help you find your way back out safely again and to help you carry books if you need.]