AUDIENCE: DOROTHY

[retellers]

Comments

[retellers]

Well, it's more that I recalled something that happened to contain that particular bit of info... but that's the gist of it, yes.

[misstrust]

Is that in any way related to why the symbol was blinking?

[retellers]

I would wager that it's precisely why.

[misstrust]

... Can you tell me the rest of what you recall, if that much was a part of it?

-- Also, how did you know? About Thursday?

[retellers]

[ they wave a hand. ]

The details aren't important. Just... people talking.

[ ... ]

We do get a sense, on Friday, if any of our team members were up on Thursday night. There's really only a few conclusions to draw from that.

[misstrust]

... So why aren't you condemning me for it?

[ It's rather quiet. ]

You've all been trying to stop this, haven't you? And I told you I was responsible.

[retellers]

[ serenely, ]

I mean, I do find it almost laughable that you didn't like me acting too calm about death and then you do this!

[ a tap of their finger. ]

But--and make no mistake, I'm not happy about it--I don't think condemning you would have any point. You're not a child who needs to be told she did something wrong.

[misstrust]

I don't think you and I have the same experiences with death.

[ A bit dryly. Rather, she hopes he doesn't? ]

But I'm not planning on doing it again. I got one answer.

... But I would like to ask you about this whole... splintering nova thing.

[retellers]

So having experience with death is the only thing that makes it okay to be calm?

[ also said so, so serenely. ]

I really don't know much more than what everyone has been saying, so you'll be sorely disappointed if you hope to walk out of here enlightened.

[misstrust]

[ Dorothy wrinkles her nose. ]

... I hope you won't be disappointed that I've never felt particularly enlightened leaving these meetings of ours.

I was just wondering if you had any solid idea of what that looked like-- if there was a noticeable change. Or if the person themselves would be able to tell.

[retellers]

Then I applaud your determination in continuing to see me, since it certainly isn't for my charming company.

Not so far as anyone's said.

[misstrust]

And you don't know how Shima was able to tell with his victim?

... Believe it or not, I do want to try and help here. And now you're telling me the dead can be revived, but can you even remember how?

[retellers]

... I do, but the method isn't exactly one I want to announce to the world. So, it's a matter of trust.

[misstrust]

... Yes, well, I can't imagine you'd be able to trust someone who aided with murder.

[ She... knows. That's not good. She can't even be mad. ]

[retellers]

[ tap, tap. ]

How likely are you to kill again?

[misstrust]

I'm not going to unless I absolutely have to. [ And she says this wearily. ]

And I doubt that will come up. I hate... killing. There's also no real benefit to it.

[retellers]

[ ...

well. ]

... I'm very glad to hear that, but congratulations, you're going to hate everything as much as I do.

[misstrust]

... Please tell me you're not suggesting that part of the method to bring back the dead is to kill more people.

[ SIR. ]

[retellers]

Well, do you want the answer we'd both rather hear or the truth?

[misstrust]

... [ She grimaces. ]

The truth but also why I ought to believe you.

[retellers]

You don't have to believe me. In fact, I have no proof of anything whatsoever.

But in that case, this conversation is as good as over.

[misstrust]

[ ... Dorothy has such a headache. ]

All right. Fine. Horrify me.

[retellers]

A little late for that, I think.

[ what reason do they have to tell anything to someone who clearly doesn't trust them?

they give her a polite bow, before they turn to leave. ]

If you're so curious, perhaps you should ask your friend instead.

[misstrust]

[ Rude. But also-- ]

Can you at least be a little more specific about which friend?

[retellers]

[ they just smile, if somberly. ]

Which one do you think?

[ and with that, they leave. ]