[Voice//Locked to Luceti residents]

[malnosso]

[It's a low but obviously feminine voice, familiar to some perhaps.]

Before you new kids ask, no I'm not one of the people that captured you, no I can't let you go, yes I'll answer any questions I can if I feel it's safe to divulge that information. Please keep the death threats to a minimum since you'll just be wasting your breath, it's unlikely

Comments

Prelude - [Locked to the Malnosso]

[malnosso]

[The following takes place a few days prior to ANI's entry.]

Gentlemen. A word.

[Action]

[malnosso]

[She's still examining the lab before she gingerly takes a seat on the edge of a worktable cluttered with half-finished projects.] You aren't even going to ask my why I came here?

[Action]

[malnosso]

I imagine you'll tell me before long.

[Action]

[malnosso]

Maybe I don't feel like it.

[Action]

[malnosso]

Suit yourself. [He has lots of work to do, after all.]

[Action]

[malnosso]

Any advancements on your most recent project? [She picks up a vial of clear liquid and shakes it.]

[Action]

[malnosso]

Minimal. One might say it's progressing an inch at a time.

[Action]

[malnosso]

An inch is better than nothing. [She pops the vial open and sniffs it.]

[Action]

[malnosso]

True enough. [He glances over at her.] I wouldn't do that if I were you.

[Action]

[malnosso]

[She sneezes, eyes watering, and caps the vial again quickly.] You're insufferable. You could have told me that before.

[Passing another sweeping glance around the room she frowns in dismay.] You're not doing too well down here, are you?

[Action]

[malnosso]

[He shrugs.] Just don't expect a gourmet meal during your visit. I've run low on luxuries. [It's clear that he's not very concerned about this.]

[Action]

[malnosso]

Am I going to have to start bringing you covered dishes? I'm warning you, I make a terrible housewife.

[Action]

[malnosso]

Grateful as I am, I'm not yet that desperate.

[Action]

[malnosso]

Out with it, John. [Though she doesn't open it again, she twirls the vial atop the worktable.] Do you need something from me?

[Action]

[malnosso]

[No point in wasting time, then.] I need you to speak with the skittering little mice up above.

[Action]

[malnosso]

[She sighs. Just once, she'd like it to be something else. A cup of tea. A nice relaxing talk. Some magnificent breakthrough that will end all of this madness.] About what?