trj communicator ;

[kaijuice]

SILCO ;

INMATE OF THE S.F.S. PEREGRINE

Comments

[kaijuice]

Excluding my much-publicized admiration for Barnes —

Uneventful. Grace seems a fine young woman. And your inmate experiences?

[nineteenfortyfive]

Everyone loves James. It's to be expected.

The same. Uneventful. Volk was troubled and Alex is docile enough. Both preferred the private room over the dorms. Will that be the same for you?

[kaijuice]

No. I value the perspective; unless you've another to offer.

[nineteenfortyfive]

Only that which peace and quiet and privacy can offer.

[kaijuice]

Surely not a mannequin collection.

[ travis. ]

I raised a child above a bar — peace and quiet are doubly posthumous. Do you ever miss your own bustle?

[nineteenfortyfive]

All the time, but I still wouldn't choose the dorms.

Where did the terrorism come into play?

[kaijuice]

Is that what they led with?

[nineteenfortyfive]

No. There's a brief list. Would you like to know it?

[kaijuice]

If you would.

[nineteenfortyfive]

"Murder, distribution of controlled substances, racketeering, terrorism."

I'm very curious about that second one.

[kaijuice]

Thank you. Illuminating as to how one's been judged.

As to your first question — I reckoned with certain political realities when I was a bit older than Grace. The two of us discussed the matter.

You've already seen to the second. As I recall, you've been jabbing it into my eye.

[nineteenfortyfive]

I thought you'd find it interesting.

When not injected into an injured eye, what does it do?

[kaijuice]

Shimmer enables the body's mutation. Increased vigour, the regeneration of tissue.

Taken in large enough dose, one might rise beyond their limitations: A weak man made strong. A slow man quick. The dying, given a second chance.

[nineteenfortyfive]

I imagine a lot of people would do just about anything for some of that.

[kaijuice]

Or to keep their enemies from it.

[nineteenfortyfive]

A dangerous hobby, as a parent.

[kaijuice]

Home is a dangerous place. She's been safest with me.

[nineteenfortyfive]

A kingpin?

[kaijuice]

A survivor.

Those with the benefit of power are seldom termed terrorists. The order of things camouflages its horror in mundanity, lives broken by the unrelenting momentum of progress.

I refuse to see her crushed beneath it.

[nineteenfortyfive]

A common thing I've noticed with inmates that I've spoken to is that they don't understand a need for change. They want out, right now, regardless of what awaits them. Is that how you feel?

[kaijuice]

I pity those without something to die for.

[ death awaits them.

but. ok. calm down, exit screed - ]

The difficulty ever is in living. I'll do what's required of me, Claire. You needn't affect a helmet.

[nineteenfortyfive]

Not a new one, anyway. I'm hoping for a peaceful month with you, but I do recognize you're one of the more clever passengers aboard. Warden or inmate.

[kaijuice]

Does your husband know you're flattering other prisoners?

[ as for prison, i've been in a few myself ]

If you'd know more of Shimmer, you really ought to speak with Viktor. I've not his education.

[nineteenfortyfive]

My husband knows I say what needs to be said.

Viktor? You're from the same place, then?

[Lovely. One of the wardens she's not especially close with.]

[kaijuice]

Surprising, isn't it? The way home laps at one's heels. Perhaps there's something be said of fate — or the local crime rate.