[audio]

[animusnpcs]

[There's a crackling throughout the Tower's staircase and--painfully--the power comes back on. A moment later, all of the glamour goes back up: everything and everyone looks the way it should, although the food remains nutrition bars and water.

And then Ruana's voice comes on over the network. It's low, sleepy--furious.]

You broke it. You broke it! How could you! How could you! After everything--and now--and now--

[She laughs, though it's not a pleasant sound.]

You're all going to die in one year, you know. For real. Everything will turn off, and you'll all die when I can't maintain you anymore. Maybe I'll send you back before that, and let you all walk around your ruined wastelands for the rest of eternity. Or maybe I won't. Maybe I'll let you die here.

But for now... [Another, high-pitched giggle.]

My darlings, let's play a game.

[While this recording is open for comments, Ruana will not be responding.]

Comments

[Audio/Private]

[no_longer_a_king]

I do not know if some would call us 'good' right now. I was part of the group that has essentially condemned us to true death, after all.

[Audio/Private]

[isthatashortjoke]

Some of us value freedom and free more than a lie or illusion.

And true death is an uncertainty I intend to stop. After all, they made the mistake of giving us a timeframe...

[Audio/Private]

[no_longer_a_king]

That is true. I meant more that good or evil can be a gray area at times. An act that is considered evil by one group of people can be considered good by another. This is something I've learned to be true throughout my life.

[Audio/Private]

[isthatashortjoke]

An astute observation. I didn't use to believe in either. There was always me or them and somewhere along the line there were times were there was someone who shared the same desires as I and wasn't looking to work with them.

Things are a bit different here, but not by much.

[Audio/Private]

[no_longer_a_king]

Then which do you consider yourself now? Good? Or evil?

[Audio/Private]

[isthatashortjoke]

Neither. I refuse to be labled by such blindsided beliefs. I work for my best insterests in mind and...

I suppose more recently, I work for my allie's best insterests as well. I wish to make sure they don't do something idiotic and get themselves hurt or killed.

....

B-because that would hinder my plans!

[Yeah... nice save there Veigar. Way to say you care without 'saying' it.]

[Audio/Private]

[no_longer_a_king]

[She tries not to laugh. He reminds her of Rin in a way by stuttering something like that. She might not be succeeding.]

I am glad to be your ally, then. I wouldn't want to hinder any plans you might have.

[Audio/Private]

[isthatashortjoke]

Yes, good. [He clears his throat.]

As I said before, the feeling is mutual.

[What was that Veigar? You kind of lowered your voice there...]

In any case, I am sure there's even more to do now that we have a goal. If you should need assistance... You know what to do.