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Nor I. The town seems terribly--unsettled by recent developments. And what the vigilante did was as good as painting a target on their back. Possibly on the backs of everyone in Hadriel, though let us hope that it doesn't come to it. But make plans in case it does.
Will do, Margaery. Not much we can do if she knows who attacked her and goes after them, but we'll see if we can't protect the general public if she decides to blow off steam on everyone else.
Mm... no, I don't believe so, but thank you for the offer.
[It takes a great deal for Ignis to make the decision to lay down his responsibilities, and he has been consistently active in the Guard for over a year now. This, he thinks, is the first time he has ever asked for time away for something that wasn't simply another line of work.
He sighs, slow and careful.]
I've been... suffering visual hallucinations all month. At first, they were manageable, but these past few days I've barely been able to sleep and I've begun... hearing things. [It's difficult for him to make the confession, but he doesn't wish to hide it from Nick.]
No doubt it's a trick of this place.
[It takes a great deal for Ignis to make the decision to lay down his responsibilities, and he has been consistently active in the Guard for over a year now. This, he thinks, is the first time he has ever asked for time away for something that wasn't simply another line of work.
He sighs, slow and careful.]
I've been... suffering visual hallucinations all month. At first, they were manageable, but these past few days I've barely been able to sleep and I've begun... hearing things. [It's difficult for him to make the confession, but he doesn't wish to hide it from Nick.]
No doubt it's a trick of this place.
Right. Well...I was sent back home for a week or so, as you might have realized, and in that time my-...I lost one of my arms. [ No need for explanation there, right?? ] I obviously can't use my bow anymore, so I won't be as capable in a fight as I was.
[ Something that seems painfully difficult for her to admit, as evidenced by the way that she seems to chokes on her words. ]
I can use a dagger in my other hand, but I'm not sure I'm well-suited to take patrols on my own.
[ Anymore? At the moment? Is this what I've been reduced to now, and forever? ]
[ Something that seems painfully difficult for her to admit, as evidenced by the way that she seems to chokes on her words. ]
I can use a dagger in my other hand, but I'm not sure I'm well-suited to take patrols on my own.
[ Anymore? At the moment? Is this what I've been reduced to now, and forever? ]
And that is all I ask for. Thank you, Nick. I appreciate all that you do for the community.
Hey, Valentine.
[ Loooong pause. ]
Guess we should talk. You up for it?
[ Loooong pause. ]
Guess we should talk. You up for it?
[He did wonder where her name had gone on the network, but she showed back up so quickly he'd honestly thought he might have just overlooked her. Guess that answers that.]
We can accommodate, Cecily. You're not the first of us trying to handle patrols with a handicap, and I doubt you'll be the last. Doesn't mean you're any less helpful to us, especially when we need eyes and ears on every island.
[After all, would he be considered useless now that he's back walking with a cane? Not as good in a fight, sure, but not worthless -- and he hears that tone in her voice, the sort of self-doubt that poisons a person, weighs them down. He fights it himself sometimes.]
But if you want someone to walk with you for a while until you adjust, I wouldn't mind company.
We can accommodate, Cecily. You're not the first of us trying to handle patrols with a handicap, and I doubt you'll be the last. Doesn't mean you're any less helpful to us, especially when we need eyes and ears on every island.
[After all, would he be considered useless now that he's back walking with a cane? Not as good in a fight, sure, but not worthless -- and he hears that tone in her voice, the sort of self-doubt that poisons a person, weighs them down. He fights it himself sometimes.]
But if you want someone to walk with you for a while until you adjust, I wouldn't mind company.
I was wondering if you might call.
[Not that he didn't want Ephemera back on the Guard or anything, but the guy was gone for a long time. Nick figured, assuming he was the same Ephemera who was in town a while back, that he might want the space to get acclimated. A lot has changed since then.]
I'm on my patrol on the East if you want to join me.
[Not that he didn't want Ephemera back on the Guard or anything, but the guy was gone for a long time. Nick figured, assuming he was the same Ephemera who was in town a while back, that he might want the space to get acclimated. A lot has changed since then.]
I'm on my patrol on the East if you want to join me.
I'd put money on it.
[He can see why Ignis would need a break, especially when he can't trust his own senses; however, knowing just how dedicated Ignis is to his responsibilities, Nick knows it's not easy to take time off. Hell, if there's anyone who gets dedication to a job, it's Nick.]
Look, take what time you need. I'll make sure your patrols are covered, all right? You got someone around who can watch your back, help you figure out what's real and what's not?
[Not that he doesn't trust Ignis to figure that out on his own, but it's worth having someone keep an eye on him.]
[He can see why Ignis would need a break, especially when he can't trust his own senses; however, knowing just how dedicated Ignis is to his responsibilities, Nick knows it's not easy to take time off. Hell, if there's anyone who gets dedication to a job, it's Nick.]
Look, take what time you need. I'll make sure your patrols are covered, all right? You got someone around who can watch your back, help you figure out what's real and what's not?
[Not that he doesn't trust Ignis to figure that out on his own, but it's worth having someone keep an eye on him.]
Yeah, I will.
[ And then, a short while later, he does. Ephemera shows up in armor. It's nicer than usual. He's been working on fixing the paint job. Covering up scratches and bullet holes. As one does.
He takes his helmet off as he approaches and tucks it under his arm. ]
Hey.
[ And then, a short while later, he does. Ephemera shows up in armor. It's nicer than usual. He's been working on fixing the paint job. Covering up scratches and bullet holes. As one does.
He takes his helmet off as he approaches and tucks it under his arm. ]
Hey.
[Nick nods as Ephemera walks up, noting the cleaner armor. Nice of him to take the helmet off to talk, too.]
Ephemera.
[His greeting is but his name, but his tone is warm enough. He looks like he could use some fixing up himself, given the cane and the visible corrosion on his bare, metal hand. The rest of him is in as good a shape as ever, which isn't saying much, what with the tears and discoloration of his synthetic skin. He's not doing as well beyond that friendly face, though, the weight of the past several months weighing him down in the shoulders.]
Drake filled you in on all that's been going on?
[Nick knows the answer to this question, but it's worth asking anyway, if for no other reason than to see just how ready Ephemera is to be back in the midst of things. Drake said he needed space, and while Nick figured that much on his own, it didn't hurt to have another reason to not call up Ephemera himself. They might be hurting for Guard members, but he's not about to go hounding after folks the second they get back in town, especially when there's no telling what they've been through back home -- and that's if they remember Hadriel at all.]
Ephemera.
[His greeting is but his name, but his tone is warm enough. He looks like he could use some fixing up himself, given the cane and the visible corrosion on his bare, metal hand. The rest of him is in as good a shape as ever, which isn't saying much, what with the tears and discoloration of his synthetic skin. He's not doing as well beyond that friendly face, though, the weight of the past several months weighing him down in the shoulders.]
Drake filled you in on all that's been going on?
[Nick knows the answer to this question, but it's worth asking anyway, if for no other reason than to see just how ready Ephemera is to be back in the midst of things. Drake said he needed space, and while Nick figured that much on his own, it didn't hurt to have another reason to not call up Ephemera himself. They might be hurting for Guard members, but he's not about to go hounding after folks the second they get back in town, especially when there's no telling what they've been through back home -- and that's if they remember Hadriel at all.]
[ Oh god how formal does he have to be here uhhhhh... shit. There's dead air for a moment while Pell fusses, then just starts talking, maybe a little nervously. ]
Hello, Mr Valentine. Ah -- my name is Pell, we spoke briefly once about Henry's departure. And again, I'm sorry, I'm sure you miss him even more than I do. But now that you're in charge of the Guard we need to speak again. Kate's made you aware that she's leaving the Clinic? I'll be taking her place, with a bit of help, and want to reestablish the... working relationship? I think that's what you'd call it, I'm very new to this sort of thing.
If you had a moment to meet, I'd appreciate it very much. For now, thank you for listening.
Hello, Mr Valentine. Ah -- my name is Pell, we spoke briefly once about Henry's departure. And again, I'm sorry, I'm sure you miss him even more than I do. But now that you're in charge of the Guard we need to speak again. Kate's made you aware that she's leaving the Clinic? I'll be taking her place, with a bit of help, and want to reestablish the... working relationship? I think that's what you'd call it, I'm very new to this sort of thing.
If you had a moment to meet, I'd appreciate it very much. For now, thank you for listening.
[Boy, someone sounds inexperienced with phone calls. Or talking to near-strangers. Probably a bit of both, if Nick had to guess. Then again, it sounds like they might be in about the same boat regarding being thrust into a leadership position. From the sound of Kate's post, she hadn't exactly picked out a new leader before making her decision.]
Getting the Clinic and the Guard on the same page is a good idea. You need me to come to you, or is it easier for you to come to me?
Getting the Clinic and the Guard on the same page is a good idea. You need me to come to you, or is it easier for you to come to me?
[ It's a little of both but in this case it's 90% nerves over the new position and not knowing how to be professional. Nick's response does a lot to put him at ease, though, even if he's still worried. ]
It probably depends on when you have a moment. I need to head to north island soon anyway to tend my garden, if it would be simplest to meet you at Guard headquarters. Otherwise I'm at the clinic most of the time these days.
It probably depends on when you have a moment. I need to head to north island soon anyway to tend my garden, if it would be simplest to meet you at Guard headquarters. Otherwise I'm at the clinic most of the time these days.
Yeah.
[ Though the new scar is covered up by his survival suit, Ephemera's voice is notably rougher. Looks like both of them have been taking some hits. ]
I know you need more bodies in the Guard. I needed some time, but I'm good now. Say the word and I'll come back.
[ Though the new scar is covered up by his survival suit, Ephemera's voice is notably rougher. Looks like both of them have been taking some hits. ]
I know you need more bodies in the Guard. I needed some time, but I'm good now. Say the word and I'll come back.
Thank you.
[He's doing his best, but it's becoming more and more difficult to tell the difference. That's something he'll keep to himself, however.]
I'll--... I'll be fine, Nick. Don't worry about me.
[It's a foolish thing to ask, when the similarities between them mean he knows full well that Nick will worry, but he prefers to make the offer regardless.]
It has to end soon.
[He's doing his best, but it's becoming more and more difficult to tell the difference. That's something he'll keep to himself, however.]
I'll--... I'll be fine, Nick. Don't worry about me.
[It's a foolish thing to ask, when the similarities between them mean he knows full well that Nick will worry, but he prefers to make the offer regardless.]
It has to end soon.
Only if you'll let me be sour and unpleasant about it.
[ She's joking, of course, and a tiny smile creeps its way into her voice. She's grateful, at least, for the offer. ]
...Thank you. I'll do whatever I can to keep on. We've got jobs to do in this blighted place, after all.
[ She's joking, of course, and a tiny smile creeps its way into her voice. She's grateful, at least, for the offer. ]
...Thank you. I'll do whatever I can to keep on. We've got jobs to do in this blighted place, after all.
It's one thing to want to get out of here, but it's another to slam the door on the rest of the city when you leave.
[And he's positive Law would be up for that. He shuffles a few things on his desk, getting the last file he has ready and passing it Nate's way. Speaking of that Name meeting -- it's Curufin.]
Now don't get me wrong about that last one. I think his heart is usually in the right place, but his judgment is another story.
[And he's positive Law would be up for that. He shuffles a few things on his desk, getting the last file he has ready and passing it Nate's way. Speaking of that Name meeting -- it's Curufin.]
Now don't get me wrong about that last one. I think his heart is usually in the right place, but his judgment is another story.
Jobs to do, and jobs on the way. When the Door opens next, I'll see if I can't get a few more hands to help us out, especially for if we have to move.
[A slight pause, then:]
Er... no pun intended.
[A slight pause, then:]
Er... no pun intended.
[Nick has to admit that he hadn't expected Ephemera to come back so readily; the guy doesn't seem like the type who enjoys taking orders, much like most of the mercenaries floating around town. He does, however, have close ties with Drake, and that clearly counts for something.]
I'm not about to turn down help we desperately need. Anything I should know about what happened while you were gone?
[Not to pry into Ephemera's life or anything, but a. he's curious as to what the answer will be, and b. sometimes, folks come back missing things (like an entire arm, in one case), and it never hurts to be prepared to accommodate.]
I'm not about to turn down help we desperately need. Anything I should know about what happened while you were gone?
[Not to pry into Ephemera's life or anything, but a. he's curious as to what the answer will be, and b. sometimes, folks come back missing things (like an entire arm, in one case), and it never hurts to be prepared to accommodate.]
[Ignis tells him not to worry, but Nick knows better. It's what he does, especially with the Guard. It's a thankless job, and they so often put their lives on the line for people, watching out for others -- someone has to look out for them.]
Let's hope, but you didn't answer my question.
Let's hope, but you didn't answer my question.
Guard HQ it is. I'll be around.
[He's finished up his patrols for the day, and it's tough for him to row from one island to another with a rusty hand, so sticking around the headquarters is far easier for him. Gives him time to get some paperwork done, too. By the time Pell makes it there, he's the only one in the building, sitting at his lonely desk working away on paper for a new map. If the Null are getting close, there's no doubt they'll be moving soon -- and he wants to be prepared, given they never know what they'll be facing in a new world.]
[He's finished up his patrols for the day, and it's tough for him to row from one island to another with a rusty hand, so sticking around the headquarters is far easier for him. Gives him time to get some paperwork done, too. By the time Pell makes it there, he's the only one in the building, sitting at his lonely desk working away on paper for a new map. If the Null are getting close, there's no doubt they'll be moving soon -- and he wants to be prepared, given they never know what they'll be facing in a new world.]
[Nick isn't wrong, and Law moves too fast to let the Door hit him on his ass on the way out.
The last folder Nate accepts has him making a face almost immediately. Criminals, unsavory types, and reprobates he can handle - those are the kinds of folks he grew up with - but people who think as highly of themselves as Curufin make his skin itch.]
Yeesh. This guy. [Nate grimaces, splitting the file open and taking a look inside.] Does he always think he's the authority on everything?
The last folder Nate accepts has him making a face almost immediately. Criminals, unsavory types, and reprobates he can handle - those are the kinds of folks he grew up with - but people who think as highly of themselves as Curufin make his skin itch.]
Yeesh. This guy. [Nate grimaces, splitting the file open and taking a look inside.] Does he always think he's the authority on everything?
[Inside, there are a few notes about Curufin -- his devotion to the Guard, the work he's done in his time, as well as a couple of notable altercations he's had with people on the network. Nick keeps an eye on these things, as well as on Curufin's partner, Yukari, a fellow whose name is also in that folder. A lot.]
Not the authority, but he sure seems to change his mind a lot. I can't say he's ever struck me as the type who'd betray the Guard, but given a couple of his ideas, there's a reason we don't leave him in charge of anything big.
[And by 'we' he means himself. He's still getting used to leading without Henry.]
Not the authority, but he sure seems to change his mind a lot. I can't say he's ever struck me as the type who'd betray the Guard, but given a couple of his ideas, there's a reason we don't leave him in charge of anything big.
[And by 'we' he means himself. He's still getting used to leading without Henry.]
[It's a relief, amongst other things, to be back here in a fully functional capacity. The events of the previous month have left their mark in ways Ignis has not yet fully examined, but keeping busy is far better than doing nothing because one has no other choice and he had returned to the Guard as soon as he had been able (and perhaps a week or so sooner than he should have).
Despite the muddied muddle of things he hadn't missed the arrival of an android who looks so much like Nick as to give no doubt as to their similar origins. It hadn't felt like the correct time to say anything about it to begin with, and by the time he had been able to confirm his first distant sighting he had had his mind turned to other distracting things.
After that, he had considered that it was, perhaps, Nick's business alone.
But he's noticed the way Nick has been behaving lately; the way his workaholic tendencies have become so noticeable as to be concerning. He has always thrown his entire self into his work - they both have, and Ignis understands it perfectly - but Ignis is not so blind to the troubles of others that he doesn't notice this is peculiar, even for Nick.
It's normal for him to arrive ten or fifteen minutes early when he has a shift, and he isn't surprised to find Nick already there. Now and then he makes sometimes-successful attempts to prise the synth away from his desk for a few minutes, but he has something else in mind when he approaches.]
I'm almost certain you haven't moved from that chair in three days. [It's an exaggeration, of course, and only a gentle jibe on his part.] Could I persuade you to come out on patrol? I'd appreciate the company.
Despite the muddied muddle of things he hadn't missed the arrival of an android who looks so much like Nick as to give no doubt as to their similar origins. It hadn't felt like the correct time to say anything about it to begin with, and by the time he had been able to confirm his first distant sighting he had had his mind turned to other distracting things.
After that, he had considered that it was, perhaps, Nick's business alone.
But he's noticed the way Nick has been behaving lately; the way his workaholic tendencies have become so noticeable as to be concerning. He has always thrown his entire self into his work - they both have, and Ignis understands it perfectly - but Ignis is not so blind to the troubles of others that he doesn't notice this is peculiar, even for Nick.
It's normal for him to arrive ten or fifteen minutes early when he has a shift, and he isn't surprised to find Nick already there. Now and then he makes sometimes-successful attempts to prise the synth away from his desk for a few minutes, but he has something else in mind when he approaches.]
I'm almost certain you haven't moved from that chair in three days. [It's an exaggeration, of course, and only a gentle jibe on his part.] Could I persuade you to come out on patrol? I'd appreciate the company.
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