the fake insomniacs.

[nonbelligerent]

Comments

[omegathree]

Hm... I see. Somehow that seems to fit you.

[It clearly hasn't taken though. Milla is right there.]

[nonbelligerent]

Doesn't it? There are few I'd trust more with the task.

[tothemaxwell]

Ha ha ha. Flattery will get neither of you anywhere.

[So says Milla, who is clearly extremely flattered by the comments. Her cheeks flush pink with the praise, despite her words.]

Although I have not yet been asked to fulfill my role, as my protective targets have not hit, Sol remarked that I am also able to assist while I am still alive, as well—so in either case, I am able to help those around me. It really is a win-win situation for me, to be able to do my best to protect those around me wherever I am able.

[omegathree]

Flattery would be excessive and insincere. It's hardly flattery when we're sincere.

I trust in your judgement, whoever it is you're protecting each week.

You've assisted for as long as we've been here. I'm grateful to call you both my comrades. Allow me to assist you whenever you require it.

[nonbelligerent]

The sentiment is mutual, of course.

[tothemaxwell]

Thank you, Valvatorez. As Shess says, I feel much the same about both of you.

It is fortunate we found each other so soon—I have greatly appreciated having the two of you to speak to. You both feel like stabilizing elements.

[omegathree]

It's difficult to imagine what being here would be like without either of you. I look forward to the times we speak together, as a group or one-on-one.

[nonbelligerent]

You two are definitely a breath of fresh air here.

[tothemaxwell]

Our meetings do feel a bit like an oasis, don't they? [morality! suspended! blame! not cast!] I hope we are all able to proceed as far as possible, and assist those around us as best we are able.

Speaking of which, what do you both think of the current conditions for this place, and the core?

[omegathree]

That's my wish as well.

I don't like the conditions we have, and I don't trust we have enough information yet. However, if it's what must be done, then... fine. I'll do whatever I must to end this.

[nonbelligerent]

I'm of a similar mindset.

[tothemaxwell]

My thoughts precisely.

And who do you think, each of you, if it comes down to that, should be the final individual standing?

[omegathree]

I would be fine with anyone in this room, as well as Namine.

[nonbelligerent]

[he nods.]

Ookurikara as well.

[tothemaxwell]

[she beams.]

Excellent. Although I don't know well Namine well enough to comment on that, I do agree with Ookurikara—and either of you, of course. It is an extremely short list, isn't it? [somewhat worrying. anyway.]

I will do what I can to stay alive—but in the end, my duty will ultimately come first. Should I fall before either of you, I will leave it in your hands.

[omegathree]

She works hard and does what she can for the people around her. I feel she has a strong moral compass. I don't know Ookurikara as well as either of you, but I trust your judgement.

... This is a shorter list than I was imagining.

[nonbelligerent]

We've been asking the dead for their input, though we haven't received an answer in this regard yet.

Well... our numbers are decreasing.

[tothemaxwell]

Yes, and they will keep decreasing, it seems—but less than half our number... I suppose it can't be helped.

We will simply have to keep working towards a possible best-case scenario, while planning for the worst. I wonder if there are many people able to resist the corruption?

[omegathree]

It's hard to say. Everyone that's been hit by corruption acted on it, regardless of how they acted otherwise.

[nonbelligerent]

Mm-hmm. It's possible the corruption is just avoiding those that would be able to resist, but I wouldn't count on it.