FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org No, really. Truly. That is what I wanted to say. There's a madu not far from where I am, and I think it may be in some distress.
FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org I was hoping you could help keep an eye on it. Make sure it didn't get eaten, that sort of thing.
[But he's not going to be oversharing, or even sharing. He's seen enough to know something odd is going on. He's seen one body deposited already, from his perch high up, and he saw the red tape on it. More people are dying today than just Blue Team.
For all he knows, Ivan will be back within the next hour. But looking at Mochi, and hearing him scream as he scuffles against the rover steps (for even alien rabbits do scream), he has a horrible, ugly doubt.
He doesn't bite, either.]
FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org Will you do this or not? Don't tell me your vaunted concern for animal welfare only applies when there's work to be done.
[ ...all right. This is one of the strangest conversations d'Artagnan's had here, and considering the content of some of the others, that's saying something. ]
FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org Haven't you tried it? You should. Even if you can't use the cockpit, you can climb up the wheels. It's lovely up here.
[Admittedly, its crevices are still a bit caked in vomit from the shai, and even blood from the harpies way back when. But it's distant from everything, and it's as quiet as it can be, with the statue ticking, and Mochi still wailing. Worth braving the mist for.
A leader should know people's aptitudes. That's why Simon texted D'Artagnan, of all people. But he's learning more, too, since the answer could have been yes or no. A little late, perhaps.]
FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org Don't get uncomfortable, now. Just take care of Mochi. He has a black collar.
[ Yes. That would be horrifically embarrassing, we wouldn't want that.
He doesn't text back, but he ill go and get the madu now. if Simon's still on top ofthe rover when he gets there, d'Artagnan will roll his eyes and give him a little wave. Don't mind him, he's only doing what you asked. ]
[Expect a half-hearted little wave in return. People who insist on doing the right thing, on protecting the vulnerable—they make Simon's sinuses itch. Especially today.]
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FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org
That's me. I am the boy who kicks the madu. My life's work, if you will.
I'm looking at one right now.
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I'm sure you are.
What did you want to say? You might as well ask, whatever it is.
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No, really. Truly. That is what I wanted to say. There's a madu not far from where I am, and I think it may be in some distress.
FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org
I was hoping you could help keep an eye on it. Make sure it didn't get eaten, that sort of thing.
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Off. He barely even knows this boy, and he still thinks it's off. ]
FROM: dartagnan@cdc.org
Are you feeling all right?
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For all he knows, Ivan will be back within the next hour. But looking at Mochi, and hearing him scream as he scuffles against the rover steps (for even alien rabbits do scream), he has a horrible, ugly doubt.
He doesn't bite, either.]
FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org
Will you do this or not? Don't tell me your vaunted concern for animal welfare only applies when there's work to be done.
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No, I'll do it. If you're serious, I will. It's just that you're the very last person I expected to ask me that.
[ He doesn't know what's going on. Not yet. He will, before long, but not yet. ]
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It belongs to a friend. For now.
I'm sure he'll be back very soon, and I'd dislike it if his madu was eaten in the meantime.
FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org
You know how it is. I just can't contain myself.
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All right. If you want, it can come and play with mine.
FROM: dartagnan@cdc.org
Which rover are you in?
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On. I'm on Rover 7. Use the personnel tracker. Best not to take it too far, as he really could be back very soon.
Thank you for this.
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It's nothing to thank me for.
I'm in rover 9. Tell your friend that, he can come and get it when he's back. Where is he, anyway?
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FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org
Out of contact range. But he'll be back.
In case you see him before I do, he's 079. Ivan Karelin. Little, blond, anxious. You can't miss him.
FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org
He adores that rabbit.
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FROM: dartagnan@cdc.org
Are you sure you're all right?
FROM: dartagnan@cdc.org
Why are you ON your rover?
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Haven't you tried it? You should. Even if you can't use the cockpit, you can climb up the wheels. It's lovely up here.
[Admittedly, its crevices are still a bit caked in vomit from the shai, and even blood from the harpies way back when. But it's distant from everything, and it's as quiet as it can be, with the statue ticking, and Mochi still wailing. Worth braving the mist for.
A leader should know people's aptitudes. That's why Simon texted D'Artagnan, of all people. But he's learning more, too, since the answer could have been yes or no. A little late, perhaps.]
FROM: wilson.simon@cdc.org
Don't get uncomfortable, now. Just take care of Mochi. He has a black collar.
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Just don't fall off.
[ Which is code for, he thinks you're a little bit crazy. He did already know that, though. ]
FROM: dartagnan@cdc.org
I'll come and get it him now. How long do you think your friend will be?
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I think if he's gone too long, Mochi will find him.
Thank you.
["A little bit" might be understating it. But he always means well. That's the problem.]
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You're welcome.
Try not to fall off the roof in the meantime.
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I'll do my utmost.
[It would, after all, be a shame to fail his task by dying the wrong way.]
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He doesn't text back, but he ill go and get the madu now. if Simon's still on top ofthe rover when he gets there, d'Artagnan will roll his eyes and give him a little wave. Don't mind him, he's only doing what you asked. ]
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