solvethepuzzle | IC Voicemail

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Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

From:

oncedevil

So, how do we get in?

[Because they aren't going to get answers just theorizing about it. And their lack of care in the past lead to the death to two of the Earth's guardians.]

[There it is, he knew the question was coming. How will Nathan react, knowing it wasn't an outright refusal? Will he assume Tony's switched sides, that he can't be trusted? Does he already feel that way?]

Well. I didn't say no. But it wasn't a solid yeah, either. I refused to sign anything.

From:

solvethepuzzle

[The fact that Tony has been personally approached by Thundercorp lends credence to the idea that they are indeed the ones in possession of the technology to find them. What would lend more is if it happens that new Numbered were found. None of them are public about it so far as Nathan is aware.]

[He does go a little cold when he reads that. It isn't something he likes. But.]

I want you to know that if I didn't trust you, I wouldn't have shared what I have. As much as I dislike the danger you may be in, you may have just answered your own question. Just. Please, please be careful if you are set on doing this.

From:

oncedevil

[It was kind of weird how easily he'd been found. Not many people knew he was out like that, after all, and he hadn't exactly been loud about it beyond shouting at Lazarus. But after that he'd not told anyone where he was going or when.

So how did Thunder Corp hone in on him so easily?]

Exactly. We're not going to find out anything just trusting that some good samaritan from within the company's gonna come calling and spill the beans. Or if those are even beans at all. Don't worry, I'm pretty hard to kill anymore.

From:

solvethepuzzle

Do keep in mind that the fact that you were found so readily lends credence to the statement that it is indeed Thundercorp in possession of the technology to find us.

But not impossible. I am not going to lie and say that I am at all comfortable with you doing this. I just do not know what else to say.

[Or whether he should be telling Lazarus or not. He hasn't made that decision either way.]

From:

oncedevil

That's true, it's pretty weird how easy they found me. I wonder if my body double messes with that? Huh, he might actually end up useful after all. We're not gonna figure anything out sitting on the sidelines and wondering. Someone's gotta go in headfirst, right? Besides, maybe they actually do want to help and they're just shady as hell about it?

[Look at the optimism.]

From:

solvethepuzzle

[He would really prefer not to think about some of the doubles on this matter. But he knows at least one extremely troublesome one saw that message.]

I was not suggesting sitting on the sidelines. There are likely multiple ways to investigate this. Even as useful as it might be, I do not like the idea of you placing yourself in what must be the most dangerous one. But if you are set on it, I'm not sure there is anything I can do about it.

[Except tell Lazarus. Because he hasn't said that he won't. He still might do it. But he's also just as unsure as to whether it would make any difference.]

It would be nice. But I'm not quite prepared to share that optimism, I'm afraid. Please keep in regular contact. I want to know you're okay.

From:

oncedevil

I've spent a lot of time sitting back and letting everyone else take the lead, Nathan. For once I have a chance to do something useful, other than die for a cause or wait until someone else is in trouble and bust a head. Dangerous is what I'm built for. There's a purpose behind the souls we've been given, right? Let me put mine to some good use for a change.

[It may, it may not. Tony isn't sure right now. He's not sure he wants Lazarus to know, but then if he does end up in too deep there might not be anyone else who can arrange for a lifeline, either. He won't tell Nathan not to though, he won't pit them against each other.]

Sure. I'll try to do that.

From:

solvethepuzzle

You're family. I worry. I cannot help worrying. Regardless of anything else, I do appreciate the risk you're taking for the sake of investigating this.

[That lifeline still potentially exists, though. It just goes through Nathan first now. As long as he knows when something goes wrong, Lazarus would be Nathan's first call.]

From:

oncedevil

Ah...

[Did you have to say the F word Nathan now he's touched and starting to second guess this idea. He feels bad, doesn't want to leave them behind ~~even though he's already done it once~~ but... this feels important.]

It'll be alright. I've still got you guys, right? So far they haven't said anything other than wanting to keep in touch. But if things start getting hair, I'll let you know.

From:

solvethepuzzle

[There's a noticeable pause here as he feels that familiar hollowed-out feeling.

[... Hm. First things first:] Sorry. Echo. And yes, you do.

Thank you.

[And another pause before:]

Have you told Richard about this?

From:

oncedevil

An echo? What kind?

[Oh. Yes. Hm.]

I haven't told anyone other than you.

[That would be a no.]

From:

solvethepuzzle

Memory. One of my Other's agents took on a dangerous undercover mission and he expressed gratitude for her putting the investigation over her safety.

[Whether his Other was sincere about it is hard to tell, though. Even Nathan can't really read him.]

Are you going to? He checks how I'm doing sometimes, and I need to know if this is okay to talk about.

[Implying to you that yes, at least for now, he's going to keep this quiet.]

From:

oncedevil

Yeah? Well if he was a big time investigator I guess it makes sense that sort of thing would happen.

[Still, he feels a little proud to be the source of an echo. Look at him, being relevant.]

He'll have to find out eventually just... not right now. Alright? I hadn't really planned on letting anyone know. I want a better idea of what my game plan is before everyone comes storming down my throat.

From:

solvethepuzzle

[You helped trigger an Echo the day the both of you met, Tony. Though of course you don't know your part in that and it had been a less pleasant one besides.]

Alright. I will not discuss it with him before you do. [Much as he dislikes it, he'll comply.] I am glad you at least told me.

From:

oncedevil

[He doesn't know that, though. He thinks it was just L and Nathan echoing off of each other. That's why he stormed out all jealous.]

Thanks. Well, you did ask, couldn't really bring myself to lie to you.

[He knows Richard isn't going to like it, he also can't just sit around and do nothing. Not his style.]