ic inbox;

[madhatted]

[The voice that of the message is probably not the one you expect. And if you're Gilbert, probably causes traumatic flashbacks. It's certainly Break's voice, but a bit high pitched and more comical...]

Hello, this is Emily! You're obviously an idiot who can't even come see someone in person if it's important, but I'll take pity on you anyways. Leave a message and I'll tell the wonderful and charming Mr. Break about it if it's worth it!

[are you sure you even want to leave a message now]

Comments

[madhatted]

[ That she knew and didn't tell him doesn't matter much at all to Break, because for one, it's irrelevant now, but also because he knew something right away as soon as Cecil had brought it up. He looks up from his stress eating with a cold smile. ]

Because you don't understand anything about the situation or about my lady, Cecil. That is why.

[ He could leave it at that, and he would, for most people, but he has a feeling Cecil would push the issue, so he decides to explain. ]

She did not tell me because it was not important. She told me that it allowed her to write and it was a gift because that is what I needed to know. She told me this, and that is how I found out what it was we were to take. Anything further was not important, because I knew I would have to take it from her.

[ Break's posture and language had become more rigid, but he seems to realize it himself, and he shakes his head as a gesture to relax both. ]

But she wouldn't leave. You don't know her at all, and I'd prefer that it stays that way, but I'll tell you this—She would never leave anyone behind. She wouldn't go through the barrier unless she could take almost everyone here with her.

[weirdatlast]

[ And even telling him that much was too much. Look at what it got her.

Sharon is too kind. A kind person does not need a chip like that. A person who is willing to take risks and make sacrifices does. Someone like Jason. Or Jet. Or Break.

That's what Cecil thinks. But then, there is a lot about Sharon he does not know. And not for lack of trying. ]

If you believe that, then why do you think she tried?

[madhatted]

To be thorough, most likely. She's a Rainsworth. She would be discontent if there were things she could do that she hadn't thoroughly explored.

[ He sighs, like this is tedious, but takes another cookie like a true winner... ]

Why does that interest you so much, Cecil?

[weirdatlast]

It interests me because it interests them. Because there is a way to get through the barrier. A way that little girl knows. And there is only so much we can do from in here.

[ Because Carlos is here. Because he's scared in a way he was not before. Because he's getting desperate. ]

[madhatted]

[ He regards Cecil seriously, but though he has a feeling he knows what Cecil is getting to here, he also knows it's something he wouldn't consider. He had learned his lesson twice-over now for working alone. Even Mr. One Man Show, as Sharon called him, couldn't stand alone here. ]

And what then? If you left, what would you do?

[weirdatlast]

Find the rebels. The place where that little girl came from.

That's obvious, right?

[madhatted]

Yes, and then what, Cecil? Kill them? Reason with them? Both are going to be exceedingly difficult, especially for you.

[ He sighs heavily, then stares back at Cecil seriously. ]

Don't plan such foolish things on something so vague. That's why I'm in the position I'm in now, you realize.

[weirdatlast]

[ You didn't have to say the "especially for you part" you know. ]

All I would have to do is stay alive long enough to convince them I was worth listening to for a while. And considering that death is not real or permanent here...

It would be worth it, to try.

[madhatted]

[ It's Break, of course he did!! ]

Would it? Remember who we work for, Cecil. And you've been particularly loud in your alliance, so I see no reason why they would hesitate to kill you immediately. And what if you don't revive, once you leave that barrier? What if that's something only we are granted?

[ He shakes his head ] It's not a bad idea. But you're not the right one to do it, and neither am I. It would have to be someone like Sharon.

[weirdatlast]

[ Cecil has a pet theory that Yao Corporation employees do revive outside of the barrier. Su Geming was alive after Gyro killed him, after all. And there's always the strange case of Doctor Kite. Some people do or can, at least, but it's not something he bothers arguing. It might not apply to him, anyway. ]

Sharon is a politician. She would be better off away from the rebels. No, the best person would be a rebel him or herself. ...Someone like Jason. [ Or Jet. ] Or Joel.

...But then it wouldn't be someone who worked for the corporation. And once someone like that earned the rebel's trust... It would not help The Yao Corporation at all.

Sooooo... You're right. It is not going to work. But. I would have liked to have something like that, anyway.

[madhatted]

[ Break doesn't know Joel, but he does know Jason. Of course he does. With that person at the head of negotiations, he believes it would have a better chance to be listened to, but at the same time, he can see the logic behind what Cecil is getting to. He brings a hand to his chin in thought. ]

I see. Then let me change my question. If it were someone that worked for the corporation, if it were you, would they be willing to be a martyr? That is... a very great possibility, unfortunately.