[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]

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.