∞ 49: After the mission [action]

[chikaidestroyer]

Turn down a few torches. We'll rest here for now.

[Albert's voice echoes as he calls out to the rest of the group to stop. It's been a steady walk away from the warehouse even though they had been told by their Malnosso co-conspirators to leave the tunnels quickly. Extinguishing several torches, as they had been every time they rested, would help keep the amount of smoke down.

He takes out one of the sunstones that Sigmund had brought along, activating it and taking a seat against one wall. He then pulls out a notebook and begins writing, keeping an eye on the others moving around in the semidarkness.

Really, the silence following their success was rather unsettling.]

Comments

[wise_maiden]

That was to be expected, considering the conditions down here must be taking their toll by now. As long as everyone remains on alert... it's still another day or so before we reach the exit, so we'll want to be a little closer as well.

[chikaidestroyer]

I'm rather interested to see how all of these devices will work once the electricity is on. We can experiment -- if the Malnosso do not immediately come down upon the tunnels once everything is activated.

[wise_maiden]

That's likely why we'll be having an "experiment" soon after our return... a diversionary tactic. That and they likely wouldn't interfere too much if they thought we had any chance of getting things done... so perhaps we may have an advantage, where that is concerned, in their ability to underestimate capabilities.

[chikaidestroyer]

We had an experiment around this time last year, too -- something to do with an event that is called Valentine's Day. The advantage seems rather shallow with such a potentially powerful step.

[wise_maiden]

... Do you believe this will be another repeat, then?

Hm. All we can do is see what comes of it.

[chikaidestroyer]

There's a possibility, though we haven't really seen a repeat of events to speak of ... not counting that last experiment. We will have to see once we return.

[wise_maiden]

Considering that the previous experiment and the one we are about to face aren't exactly of... the same nature that usual ones are, there's really no saying what it could be.

[chikaidestroyer]

Even if they serve is a distraction or something else, there has to be a level of consistency that the experiments have. At least, that's the hope. The last experiment was a lot to keep track of.

[wise_maiden]

I don't believe we'll be seeing anything on quite that level again, though anything is possible. I don't think that routine is something we should expect too often.

Keeping track of that was a nightmare. My figures still seem off, though there were likely situations that weren't on the record.

[chikaidestroyer]

If they risk another distraction like that anytime soon, they are more foolish than their actions up to now have shown.

Take note that your records are incomplete and move on. Luceti sometimes moves far too quickly to keep track of everything.

[wise_maiden]

[She doesn't look too happy about that, so just sighs a little]

We're likely to have our hands full again regardless, I suppose. What with the inventory and what's likely to be thrown at us. Let alone the chaos that certain new feathers may bring.

[chikaidestroyer]

We will deal with everything as we can. I certainly have no intention of letting some New Feathers push around those who have been here much longer than them.

[wise_maiden]

Good. The newer they are, the more problems are likely to come of it... though we'll just have to stay on top of things as we can.

[chikaidestroyer]

Of course; I wouldn't have it any other way.

Did you ever finish organizing your notes?

[wise_maiden]

...

Y-yes, a few days before we came down here. I did end up ... discarding... more than I intended, but... the clutter is gone, in any case.

[chikaidestroyer]

[He nods a little bit.]

Have you actually slept in your bed yet?

[wise_maiden]

Yes, after I ... finished. ["Sort of."] It won't be a problem, once we get back to the surface.

[chikaidestroyer]

Very good. I would rather not have the dinner table being used for sleeping anymore.

[wise_maiden]

... You don't have to worry about that anymore.

[chikaidestroyer]

I hope not. Though it must be convenient, waking up to the smell of breakfast or dinner.

[wise_maiden]

Well, it's ... familiar, in any case.

[chikaidestroyer]

Are the neck aches familiar, too?

[wise_maiden]

...

After a while, it's just... normal, honestly.

[chikaidestroyer]

You don't worry about developing a hunchback?

[wise_maiden]

... Oh honestly. It's not that bad.