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[purrtagonist]

Soooo how's everyone feeling?

[THIS MESSAGE HAS A PURPOSE HE SWEARS]

Serious question, by the way. I talked to Astoria as soon as we got back, and she was pretty worried about the way I. . . felt to her?

[GOD PUTTING IT THAT WAY SOUND WEIRD]

She said that I brought something back with me from Struxta. Something dark, evil, heavy. . . wrong? I don't know about you guys but absolutely none of that is confidence inspiring. Wonder why.

[AHA]

She also told me that the wilting plants around the temple aren't normal. "Everything here seems to be just here. Present, alive, blooming," is what she said, word for word. She's never seen anything here die before.

[. . .]

I don't really know what she's talking about, especially because I feel just fine. I don't think she does yet either, though I imagine she's going to investigate. Just be careful, all right? And if you notice anything off about yourself, let me or someone else know.






Because if we all came back possessed by space demons or infected by robot tuberculosis I'm gonna be pretty pissed.

Comments

[valuedstrength]

[He makes it sound so simple. Steve's never actually had an opportunity to meet this woman in person much less be left contact information. He quickly has to concede he's still learning technology in his time. There's a strong chance there could have been a way and he never picked up on it because he's always playing catch up. It's not like he has Google or a co-worker to ask here.]

I've never met her. Not exactly sure how I'd go about it either.

[purrtagonist]

Yeah. She doesn't really make it easy for those who don't know how to get in touch with her.

But just use your watch to reach out to her like you would anyone else in the circle. She accepts text messages, video calls and regular voice calls.

[valuedstrength]

I'll be honest and admit I didn't think it'd be that easy. Kidnappers are hard to contact in my experience.

Thank you again. I really appreciate the warning and the help. Let me know if I can ever return the favor.

[purrtagonist]

And I'll be honest and say it is that easy, judging from personal experience. Astoria isn't a malicious kidnapper.

[which he knows will be hard to believe, but. that's the truth in his mind]

And don't mention it. Usually I always ask for a favor in return, but for something that'll help everyone here stay safe? It's free.

[valuedstrength]

I wish I could say that was a comfort. And noted. I'll make sure to come up with something worth having in the future.

[purrtagonist]

I'm Akira. By the way.

[valuedstrength]

Steve. Nice to meet you, Akira. In a sense.

[purrtagonist]

Circumstances aside, you mean?

[amusement is hard to convey via text, but he's feeling a bit of it]

[valuedstrength]

That too. Nothing great about meeting a someone over a kidnapping.

[purrtagonist]

Nope. So let's not focus on that part and instead become comrades in arms in the next world we go to.

[valuedstrength]

Believe it or not, that's actually my policy. I met a guy named Day who made it pretty clear what the consequences were for not acting like a team. Besides, this is actually what I do back home so I'd be a real jerk if I stomped my feet and refused to help because I don't like how I got here or what changed about me.

My grievances with the woman who brought us here doesn't change my loyalty to the people who are in this with me. I'll look after all of you even if I don't know you or the people we'll help next.

[purrtagonist]

Hm. I'm glad to hear that.

Day. . . do you mean Daylight? Ten foot tall robot?

[valuedstrength]

That's the one. I never got to see the ten foot robot part in person, but yeah. He said to call him Day. Nice guy. I've been meaning to check up on him since we got back.

[purrtagonist]

He is a nice guy. And he'd appreciate you checking in on him, too.

[Akira endorses Daylight making more friends]

[valuedstrength]

In that case, I guess I better stop dragging my feet, huh?

[purrtagonist]

There's no time like the present. Or something.

[valuedstrength]

I can take a hint. I'll catch up with you later, alright?

[purrtagonist]

All right. And thanks for checking in.