[RADIO] audio;

[gistful]

[This seems to becoming a pattern, one Anton doesn't like. He does this over the radio for the privacy settings, since Stork, at least, had been Prepared. As always.]

Master Stork appears to have left the city.

... He left behind a will. I will be privately contacting those named shortly.


[Private to Hiro.]

Master Stork has left his crystals and his projects to you and your store. There are quite a number of things included.


[Private to Midii.]

Master Stork wishes you to have his remote-controlled ship.

Comments

[irishthor]

Ifreann na Fola...

Another one?

[gistful]

Yes. Though I'm given to understand that at least Master Stork has someone to whom to return.

[irishthor]

Yes, but he also struck me as a bloke who disliked surprises.

[gistful]

[That makes Anton chuckle suddenly, though not because he's laughing at Stork.]

He was at that. Yet he was also quite well prepared for them.

[irishthor]

Paranoia can sometimes be a benefit.

[A shake of the head.]

I liked the bloke. A bit skittish, but... decent enough. I hope he's back where he wants to be.

[gistful]

When it's justified, it isn't paranoia. It's preparation.

As do I.

[irishthor]

Well, there is a such as over-preparedness...

I'll be sure to drink to his health tonight.

[gistful]

I think he would appreciate that.

[Pause.]

Provided appropriate measures of cleanliness were taken, at least.

[irishthor]

I'll be sure to scour my cup beforehand. I have a stash on the Morrigan. Seems she came with it.

[bigdamnhiro]

[People have vanished here and there, sure, but—surprisingly—like the time Aunt Cass disappeared for a little while, this one hits a little too close to home.

There's a pause before Hiro answers, and when he does it's like he's very carefully picking over his words, trying not to show too much.]

...He left all that? To me?

[Forgive him if he's a little confused. He hadn't thought...]

[gistful]

Yes. He did. I believe he was quite fond of you.

[Gently. Anton didn't really see them interact, but one doesn't leave that kind of bequest unless it's true.]

[bigdamnhiro]

[...Oh. He's glad this is over the radio so Anton can't see his face. There's another long pause, and when Hiro speaks again he's mostly composed. Mostly.]

...Thanks for letting me know. About both of those things. I'll make sure to get some help and come over to move the stuff he left soon as possible, okay? So it doesn't take up space in the garage for too long.

[gistful]

Master Von Reinherz has offered to lend a hand and stays at the Hotel, if that helps you.

Take as much time as you need to make space elsewhere.

[bigdamnhiro]

[Out of sight, he rubs the back of his neck. Callaghan's always telling him Anton is one of the people to trust for help around here...so far, Callaghan's been right.]

It does, yeah. I'll talk to him. It's been busy this month because of the heat...air conditioning keeps breaking down all over the place. Guess it's been busy for you, too.

[He's heard about the state of the hotel. A pause, and then:]

Are we supposed to assume that everybody's going to disappear eventually?

[gistful]

[Anton doesn't answer right away, but only because he's clearly considering how to answer.]

I would regard it more as ... an inevitable turning. Things change. Life happens. You can never be sure someone will always be there, even were we in our own worlds. But I don't believe that's an excuse to cling, so much as a reason to enjoy the time you already have.

[He smiles wryly.]

Though I should disclaim my own words with the fact that I didn't leave, when I had the chance. I want to keep my memories, until such a time I can leave without losing them. That is important also. The trick is balancing the two.

[bigdamnhiro]

[There's a rustle, and then no sound from the radio for about six seconds, because he flinches as if struck and then covers the receiver with his hand to prevent anything from going through while he sucks in a deep breath.

Way to hit where it hurts.]

It shouldn't have to be inevitable. [And in spite of himself, there's bitter note there.] If we knew what brought us here, if we could figure out how to control it, we could change things. Make them better. Make it so the people who want to keep their memories can, and so the ones who—don't have anything to go back to, they can stay.

[Or send back the people who shouldn't have died. Clearly, Hiro hasn't found that tricky balance. And acceptance, when there's even a slim possibility of more, isn't his strong suit...]

[gistful]

[It's long enough that Anton does check that the feed is still open, but then he just waits.]

Since this is a grafted spell, it's possible there's something that can be changed about it.

[A pause. He remembers the condition Hiro was in when he arrived, and Anton can guess at some of it. But he still asks gently:]

Is there something in particular you wish to talk about?

[unetrustworthy]

...he...did?

[It wasn't the fact that he thought of her. It wasn't even the thought that he had left her something in the event he went home; Stork had been the most paranoid person she'd ever met. Which was saying something. What surprised her the most was what specifically had been left to her. An entire remote-controlled ship she had...very little idea how to work.]

[They'd never gotten that far in their mechanics lessons.]

Where is it?

[gistful]

I have it at the Hotel. Would you like to retrieve it personally, or should I have it delivered?

[unetrustworthy]

[Would it even fit up the stairs?]

No. that's alright. I can pick it up when I return this evening.

[gistful]

Very well. Let me know if you need any assistance.

[unetrustworthy]

I won't know until I see it.

I mean...I don't even know exactly how big or heavy it is. Or where I could keep it.

[gistful]

Nor do I, unfortunately; I have not yet seen to his possessions in person, only as per his will.

The Hotel's garage has space for another large vehicle, though that would require a little extra charge. Perhaps we should see its size before you decide that.

[Stork had been paying for his workspace, earlier. It's not an unfair price, all things considered, but it is a price Midii won't have been expecting.]

[unetrustworthy]

[She frowned. Slightly. With her habit of saving up whatever she could, she did have money put aside. But she would have much rather spent that money on something more...necessary, rather than to house a gift from a friend.]

[Still, if it couldn't be helped...]

I would like to see it first, yes, please.

[gistful]

Certainly. Hopefully it shan't be too big to keep in your room.

[unetrustworthy]

I hope so too.

What time would you be available?

[gistful]

I will be on duty in the lobby all afternoon. Shall I see you sometime then?

[unetrustworthy]

[She nodded.]

Early evening, most likely. I'll be back a little before dinnertime.

[gistful]

I shall expect you then. Good day, Miss Une.

[purered]

I am truly sorry for the loss of your friend.

Is there anything you require, Mr Shudder?

[gistful]

[He considers that seriously for a moment.]

There is a good deal of equipment he left to someone here. A little aid in packing and transporting would be appreciated, if the recipient cannot do so himself.

[purered]

I am glad to help there.

What of you, Mr Shudder? Are you holding up alright?

[gistful]

Better than I had been, yes. Thank you.

[Even if his hands are slightly more prone to trembling than they had been.]

Master Stork was ... a reserved but kind individual.

[purered]

I'm glad to hear it, Mr Shudder.

...I can see how the man will be missed. I hope his return home is safe, and that his friends here have an opportunity to meet him again.

[gistful]

As do I. Thank you.