The Wheel Grinds Slow, But Fine

[brought_it_back]

[After the battle with Samantha, FBI investigators and detective types are poking around the UG for what they can find relating to Eva and her family. They're polite and friendly, and just interested in the facts of what happened, not any sort of genetic or scientific information. They make no effort to hide their motive: publishing a thorough documentation of the crimes, lies, and moral failings that led to a group of insane psychics and a nuclear explosion on American soil. That said, while they will document and try to prevent similar crimes from happening again, there is no plan to pursue charges relating to Pedantic Blue. Or to put it another way, Edward McDowell is going to die a free man.

As for Eva, she fell ill soon after returning from Alaska. Nausea, vomiting-classic symptoms of radiation sickness. And while it is a mild case, she can still look forward to being stuck in sickbay on medical leave for the next few weeks. A bible, a stack of adventure books from Alex, and a pile of classic movies on DVD are there to help her occupy the time. When you visit, she's either reading one of the books, watching a movie, or just lying in bed staring at the ceiling.]

Comments

[cloningblues]

And how does it feel? Not hurting people?

[brought_it_back]

...It's very different. Even here, most of what we do is stopping people by killing them. I'm not sure it's right, either...

[cloningblues]

Unity Group is a threat response organization. If we didn't kill terrorists, those terrorists would kill who knows how many people instead.

...But if you want to do something else, you can always start anew.

[brought_it_back]

No, it's not that...it's, not punishing or killing him that feels strange. I understand killing bad people. It makes sense...like checkers. Red pieces kill black pieces, and black pieces kill red pieces. If you're better at protecting your pieces you win.

Trying not to hurt bad people, though...it's...unnerving.

[cloningblues]

Well. She was your mother. And considering all the circumstances... Unnerving was a part of the deal.

[brought_it_back]

mmm...

...Asagi, have you thought about what to do...after this?

[cloningblues]

When we don't have to fight anymore? That used to feel like a distant future. But somehow, not so much anymore.

Well, I got some college recommendations from Major Kagura. I still haven't decided on one, but it's a good start.

[brought_it_back]

...Would you mind if I came with you?

[cloningblues]

Eh? You mean to the same school as me?

Well, there are entry exams. But if both of us pass...

[brought_it_back]

...I'd like that.

Um.. [She shifts around in the bed some, sitting up more.]

...I like you, Asagi.

[cloningblues]

Er...

Just like? Or like like?

[brought_it_back]

Um...

He hates it! I don't have any smoke grenades to cover my escape. Maybe the window? But the doctor said to not do that again.

...The second...

[cloningblues]

...

You know, I think that's the first time someone said that to me.

[brought_it_back]

...Eh? Really? But, you're...
[Calm and cool, but let's not dig the embarrassment hole any deeper.]

...Um...well...I feel that way.

[cloningblues]

Well, that's... Honestly, it's good to hear that.

...What about Leos, though?

[brought_it_back]

I...Leos is a friend, but...I have to work around him. I have to help keep him calm, and on the right track.

That is a good thing to do, but...I can't do that all the time. I can't be someone else's strength, and my own.

When I'm around you, things are...quiet. That's...nice.

[cloningblues]

That's one of the things we have in common, isn't it. Just wanting some peace and quiet.

[brought_it_back]

[Eva giggles.]

That's for sure.