Quoted By:
>Lol bye
You look down. You look sideways. "I... I don't want to mess you up more. If you're able to fix everything, then I don't know why you wouldn't—"
"No, of course. Very sensible." Richard is also finding the horizon very interesting. "If I am crossing my 'T's and dotting my 'I's with it, though, I'm concerned it could bleed into your Headspace expedition. That's really the only..."
"So what? I can handle it." You fold your arms. "It's not like you've been all that useful lately, even while you've been—"
"I believe I prevented your imminent vaporization? But no, yes, of course. You're a highly capable young lady. If you ever needed me, you don't now."
He's smiling ruefully. "God," you say. "It's a <span class="mu-i">few days</span>, not forever. And after that you'll be totally fine, and you can stick your nose in my business all you want, okay? That can still be your sacred purpose. Or whatever. It's better than you being all messed up inside."
"Of course," Richard says, and sighs, and sits up. "As I said, very sensible. Very well-reasoned. I will pursue this course of action. But, if I'm to be absent while you're engaged in risky activities, then I ask that you do what I say now. Alright?"
"If it's good advice..."
"I have only your best intentions in mind. The first thing I'll say is that you were intending on taking control of a Headspace employee as a means of infiltration. Is this still correct?"
"Pretty much. Um, and also to sort of gather info? Like, sneak around, and—"
"That's all well and good, but don't maintain it for longer than a day. Two if you must. I'm sure I told you that eight is the theoretical maximum, but that is the maximum for somebody who knows extremely well what they're doing. Not only do you not know what you're doing, but you have actively avoided learning. Two days at <span class="mu-i">most.</span> Do you understand?"
"I guess..."
"Say you understand."
"I understand," you say. "Geez."
"Thank you, Charlie. The second thing I'll order is to [<span class="mu-i">not</span> infiltrate that place alone. Please bring Gil. Bring others, if you can trust them and they would provide a positive benefit. I would not recommend the man who killed your worm."
"I wasn't planning on it," you mutter.
"Really, please bring Gil anywhere risky. He will reel you back from recklessness in my stead. Plus, he is usefully portable." Richard steeples his fingers. "Most people are not."
"I'll be sure to tell him that." You glance at the workshed. "Do you have more?"
"Only the usual. Don't act stupidly. Haste makes waste. Treat others kindly, and they'll be kind in return. None of it is heady stuff, but sometimes you need the reminder, Charlie. And, last— take this."
He reaches into his pocket and pulls out a key on a yellow string. "Put it around your neck, or you'll lose it. I am not going through that again."
You take it and dangle it. The key itself is black iron, with a twisting groove on it. Familiar. "...Okay."
(1/3)
