Fourth Experiment

[puzzledwife]

Is everybody alright now? Those who were droned are normal again, right?

[...] Flora, Luke, Jolt? Are you and your families alright? If there's anybody who needs assistance with anything at all, don't hesitate to ask me. That goes for every one.

[there's a long, sad pause.]He did this all for a purpose--Officer Grady... Taking us from our homes

Comments

[electrowhipit]

... I'm doing fine, Claire. I missed all of the chaos.

And that's incredibly selfless of you.

[puzzledwife]

Good; it sounded as though more than just rioters got involved.

I wouldn't say it if I didn't mean it.

[electrowhipit]

I was sort of bedridden through the whole thing. I... what even started it, do you know?

Well, I'm right there with you.

[puzzledwife]

From what I understand, it was a group effort to get as many of the rioters droned as possible. They were probably testing Officer Grady's limits.

[...] Thank you.

[tophatofawesome]

[He's peeping in from the door, that small, sad smile on his face again.]

[puzzledwife]

[Alas, Claire's looking a little distracted.

Leaning with her back against the wall, the phone resting on her shoulder, she's a little more focused on thoughts than the room around her.]

[tophatofawesome]

Claire?

[He kept his voice soft, in case she didn't want to be bothered, and stepped further into the room, closer to Claire.]

[puzzledwife]

[Claire gives a start, standing up straight and turning to Hershel.

It takes her a moment to pull out of the startled stare before she relaxes and smiles lovingly.]

Ah... Sorry, I didn't see you there at first.

[weaponsparked]

...

You're rather brave to say that.

[puzzledwife]

It wouldn't be fair to somebody else if I went home in their place.

[weaponsparked]

Isn't there anyone at home who needs you?

[puzzledwife]

Possibly, but there's nothing I can do for them. The people I need and can help are here, and I plan to stay here until I can see every one who wants to go home does go home.

[bluecapboy]

[Luke sounds a little angry, but it's not directed towards Claire.]

No one should have to stay here against their will! And no one should be forced to stay here in the place of someone else!

We just have to find a way to defeat Grady!

1/2

[puzzledwife]

Luke...

[puzzledwife]

You're right: finding a way to defeat him should be our top priority.

[bluecapboy]

Right! With Grady defeated, then there won't be anything stopping us from all going home!

[dynamic_may_lee]

... Alright. That sounds... yeah.

That definitely sounds like something I should do.

[puzzledwife]

You don't have to, mind...

[dynamic_may_lee]

I do better when helping others rather than helping myself.

[puzzledwife]

Good, the more help we can get, the better.