Stage 1 ► Video [Console]

[makesright]

[ The video feed flickers on and Tom is staring into the camera, then glancing off to the side -- then smiling. He looks tired, but relieved. ]

Well, that was simple enough.

Hello, there. My name is Dr. Thomas Light. I arrived some time ago, during a festival, and... I seem to have lost some time? I'm not sure what day it is, but I have one of these now --

[ He holds up his arm, motioning toward the simple metal bracelet on his wrist, with a dark stone set neatly inside it where a watch face would normally be. ]

If anyone could be so kind as to tell me how long I was out? And why I woke up... somewhere completely different?

[ A quick glance at the world behind him reveals he's in the... water sector. ]

Comments

[pushtheboundaries]

Oh, I wouldn't say that. Let's just say it made things bittersweet, knowing you were back with people who so obviously cared for you.

[have a light poke in the shoulder, Thomas]

Come on- I'll take you back to Sky Sector. Unless you'd prefer to go to the Hotel?

[makesright]

[ At that, Tom's smile softened a bit, a twinge of hurt crossing his expression. He didn't even get to see them again. Bittersweet, indeed. ]

It'd be nice to see them here, too. So much variety in technology here -- advanced AIs like Aya they can befriend and look up to.

And I'm certain they'd adore you.

[ He hopes they're doing all right.

Still, it was probably for the best not to ruin the mood with his own problems -- Robert was so happy to see him. He could indulge that for now. Tom gives a dismissive wave of his hand, brightening his smile, though it looks a little forced this time. ]

It'd be nice to have a private room this time around, but I think I've had enough of that hotel for one lifetime.

You're not in the Metal Sector anymore?

[pushtheboundaries]

[Robert sees the twinge and almost asks about it...then seems to think better. Tom's moving on, so...]

I moved in with a couple boys - the Hamada brothers, did you ever meet them? And we're hosting a kedan. Their Aunt's staying with us, too, and she was one of the ones who had come around the time you had, then disappeared...I had hoped that it meant you'd return, eventually.

But it's not as crowded as it sounds. We make it work. I'm sure they'd be fine with you staying as long as you'd like.

[makesright]

You've mentioned them before! But that was a crazy two weeks for everyone -- I don't think I've had the chance to meet them, no.

Still, I --

[ It was one thing staying over at Robert's to avoid the crowd of the hotel when the man had been on his own. Now, with a whole family staying there?

It's a wonderful thought, Tom can't lie to himself about that. ]

I don't want to impose. Are you sure they'll be all right with it?

[pushtheboundaries]

You'll like her. She's sharp- has to be, to have manage the boys all these years. And I don't see why they wouldn't be- Tadashi would probably house the entire city, if he had the means. And even if he didn't, if there was the need...

Besides, we can always use another pair of hands in the shop- you don't have to help, but I certainly wouldn't mind you stopping by sometime and taking a look at our setup.

[makesright]

...It sounds wonderful.

Of course, I...

[ He's thinking about his own kids again, and it hurts, but this needs to be said. ]

I need to know that my children would be welcome there, too. If they were to find their way here.

[pushtheboundaries]

If they're anything like you, I can't imagine why not.