ic contact

[deathlessness]

[There will be a voice message here eventually...]

Comments

Voice

[ysobritish]

Urick. When you get a moment, please contact me. We need to talk.

It's regarding Yaha.

Voice/Private

[deathlessness]

Oh, did I say that? [Of course, he knows he did, but anything to deflect the subject...]

-I seem to remember you saying that you can handle him quite well, thank you. Barely ten minutes ago, in fact.

Voice/Private

[ysobritish]

Yes, you very much did.

Only if I'm aware of it at the time. If he breaks down while I'm not there or in contact with him, whoever's near by is out of luck.

Voice/Private

[deathlessness]

And you really think I can stop him?

Voice/Private

[ysobritish]

Try it. Tell him to do something. Anything. Tell him that it would make you happy if he did it. See if he does. If that happens, and he doesn't, then I'll stop bothering you about it. But if it happens and he does? I'd say that's pretty good proof that he listens to you.

Voice/Private

[deathlessness]

I see. So you'd rather I manipulate him for your own convenience, and perpetuate his delusions that I might actually return his feelings. I don't know about you, but I'd rather not encourage him.

Voice/Private

[ysobritish]

I never said that now, did I? Besides, it's not my convenience. I don't care how many people he tortures and kills.

I'm simply saying, don't forget that you have power over him that nobody else does.

I think he'd be happy just to even see you again. I can't bring him that joy. You? You can. Yet you'd sooner dwell in guilt and live to die like a fool.

Voice/Private

[deathlessness]

We've been over this already. Several times, if I'm not mistaken.

[The good humour is starting to fade from his voice.]

I can't bring him anything, least of all joy. And I certainly don't have any kind of power over him. Nor do I wish to.

Voice/Private

[ysobritish]

Because you're as blind as he is and just as stubborn. Sadly, really. But in the end, it's your choice.

Voice/Private

[deathlessness]

Stubbornness seems to be a common trait amongst our sort.

[A pause.]

I must admit, it's good to know that Yaha has... friends here. Perhaps if he'd met you years ago, things wouldn't have turned out the way they did.

Voice/Private

[ysobritish]

Don't think this means I've given up.

He has more friends than just I. And I'm not giving up on him.

Voice/Private

[deathlessness]

Oh, don't worry. I know better than to hope for that.

[And he's going to ignore that subtle gibe.]

Good for you! And good luck, I suppose.

Voice/Private

[ysobritish]

Smarter than I thought, then.

I don't believe in luck. Whatever happens, I'll always know I did what I could.

Voice/Private

[deathlessness]

Quite. Well, as enjoyable as this conversation has been, I'm afraid I can't talk all day...

[Yes, he is trying to cut this conversation short.]

Voice/Private

[ysobritish]

[A slight pause, and he chuckles lightly.]

If you found it so enjoyable, we must talk again, De'la.

[Oh boy, Urick. You've just given him an invitation. And Liquid simply overrides his obvious attempt to leave.]

I have to wonder, though... have you ever seen him, since he came here? Why are you so afraid?

And... do you have anything you want me to tell him?

Voice/Private

[deathlessness]

[...Of course. Getting rid of crazies can never just be simple, can it?]

I spoke to him a few times. We've not met face to face since... Well, since before I found myself here. But I believe I've told him everything I need to.

[Avoiding certain questions...]