That which remains

[star_of_sad]

[1]
Yes? H... hello there.

[Everyone who was out there knows what happened. Setsuko certainly does, after all she was the one who got beaten up and put in a hospital bed. She was the one who had to watch helplessly as Toby got killed.

And now, after patching up in the medbay - bandaged, but not bedridden, she tries to act like everything's fine. And failing.]

[2]
[A bit later, Setsuko looked around to make sure no one's around. She didn't do a very good job so it's easy to eavesdrop.]

Just... just this one time. Toby, Chief, I know I promised, but...


[Just this one time, Setsuko can't stop the tears from flowing.]

I'm sorry...

Asakim Dowen... you wanted me to hate you. I don't know why but.

Y... you succeeded...

Comments

1

[majestic_keiki]

Hi.

[There's a long pause as Kei tries to look comforting.]

How do you feel? If you need to talk, I'm here.

[star_of_sad]

Oh. Hello Kei.

I'm... I don't know.

If I said I'm fine, you wouldn't believe me.

[majestic_keiki]

I guess not. But you don't need to pretend you're fine. Everybody knows what happened.

[star_of_sad]

It's not for others... I am holding myself together. Somehow.

Barely.

[majestic_keiki]

I see. If you need a break, just take it...People will not let the officers do anything.

[star_of_sad]

Y-yes, that sounds like a good idea.

But...

[majestic_keiki]

I know, it's easier to say and it's not what you need...If you need to talk or do something to get your mind off things, I'm here.

[star_of_sad]

I think...

I should quit. Leave Unity Group.

[majestic_keiki]

If you want to leave, then you should. Everyone can still stay in contact with you...Just don't think you have to.

[star_of_sad]

No, that's the thing! You can't stay in contact with me if I do that!

[majestic_keiki]

...What do you mean?

[star_of_sad]

Asakim said he wants me to hate me. He went after Chief... and then Toby... because they were close to me!

If I have friends, or allies, they will become targets too.

[majestic_keiki]

[There was a long, very awkward silence as the realization dawned on Kei, including the part where it was probably a bad idea to say it.]

I think it will be okay to stay. We can help keep each other safe.

[star_of_sad]

Will it really?

I hope... I really hope you are right.

[majestic_keiki]

Yes. [She just kinda stands there without elaborating. Any attempt at explaining would just make it worse.]