Imp: Sometimes there is no right thing.

Candy: Listen. Look at this picture. Close your eyes, look through your cameras. Start with that. Can you do that for me? Thank you, look at us. Look at this scene from a distance. How many people think you need to take a break?

“There’s no rush, Kenz. Fuck, you’ve got to be freaking out. It’s hard not to think out loud in here. If the others need your help look after them first.”

A lot.

Candy: Can you count them?

“I can’t hear what’s going on out there. I don’t know if you’re listening, lost in tinkering—”

No. I can’t keep my thoughts straight.

“—or if you’re telling the others. Do what you have to do.”

There’s a lot of noise, tinker inspiration.

Candy: A lot of people think you need to take a break. You’re the only one who thinks you need to stay. Is there a possibility we’re right?

You’re not—no.

Candy: No?

No—I…

:Transmit
I don’t want you to worry okay Tristan? Byron is safe and sound and so is Rain and Sveta and everyone. Were going to beat this thing.

“I wish I could see your face or hear the tone of your voice, instead of this robotic recitation.”

:Transmit
I’m cool as a cucumber. I’m tough. I’m not burdened I’m giddy to have a problem to solve. I’ve got to handle some tinker stuff. In the meantime you sit tight.

“Look after yourself first. Then the team. Me last.
“I’m a foregone conclusion. I’ll be here praying for a good outcome.”

Imp: Darlene and Chicken and I will sit with you.

I left tech with my team. They’ll mess it up if they try to pack it up.

Imp: We’ll handle it.

It’s not that simple, it’s like the screwholes. You guys don’t have any common sense when it comes to tech.

Imp: You can write it down. We’ll bring paper and a pen.

I can type, if—

Parian: No tech. You should disconnect for a bit.

Imp: Good idea. I’ll explain to your team.

It’s not that simple.

Imp: Nothing is, Peep.

:Transmit
I’ll be in touch. We’ll chat. I’ll keep you updated.

“That’d be nice. The only thing that bothers me about this place is that it’s a bit lon—
“Nevermind.”

:Transmit
Lonely? It’s lonely in there?

“Really hard not to think aloud and I’m thinking random things. I’m fine. Really.”

:Transmit
I’ve got to go. Will absolutely 100% no ifs ands or buts talk to you later.

⊙

The phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Wayne?”

“It’s Wayne Darnall. Is that Victoria?”

“Yeah. I don’t know what to do.”

“Where are you?”