❧ Homeward bound

[luministimods]

[Audrey waits outside the door to Lab #3. she smiles--she finally has something to smile properly about again] Go on in if you're ready, and take care, my darlings.

[the door opens to reveal a silver, cylindrical room within, and on the opposite side of the room is a small observation room, walled off with glass through which the real Dr. Constantine Caligin and Verita can be seen, waiting. Caligin moves out of that room, into the main area; the warm smile on his face from so many past announcements is tinged with sadness and regret.]

I heard everything you said before, and I thank you. Saying "I'm sorry" is in no way sufficient enough for what you were put through, but I really hope you do believe me when I say that I made the biggest mistake in my life. Grief, like love, makes us all fools. I just know that if you had met my father, you would have understood why I started the project in the first place.

But now, if you can head into this chamber, I can get you home. If you need a minute to say any last good-byes to anyone, do so now and let me know when you are all set to depart.


[ooc: Once your character is all set to leave, please write "Ready to go home!" in the subject line of your comment.]

Comments

[fortune_sought]

[hurrying up to him from behind, she shouts sharply:] Mr Braxiatel! I do hope you weren't planning to leave already.

[collector]

[He turns around, deciding not to look apologetic.] I hadn't intended on staying around.

[fortune_sought]

[stares at him] You could at least do us the favour of saying something first!

[collector]

[in that calm, quiet way] I thought all my accounts here were already settled. What is there to say?

[fortune_sought]

[she's having none of it] Good-bye, for a start!

[collector]

Goodbye, then, Ms Hatter.

[fortune_sought]

I... [now you've left her speechless. why are you being so difficult about this!?]

[collector]

What, you aren't going to return the sentiment?

[fortune_sought]

I...yes, but... Months in this awful town, and that's all!?

[collector]

[a half-smile] I suppose a 'thank you' is owed as well.

[fortune_sought]

[makes a face at that smile] Yes...thank you as well, Mr Braxiatel.

Do take care.

[collector]

And will you say 'hello' to Howl for me? I'll always be disappointed that we never met.

[fortune_sought]

[relaxes slightly at that, some of her awkwardness fading behind her warm smile] Perhaps that's a blessing. I'm not sure what two slitherer-outers of your talents might have taught each other.

But I will--and please say the same to Professor Summerfield.

[collector]

Yes, of course. I imagine she'll thank you for keeping me in line.

[fortune_sought]

[smiles, amused] Yes, well, I'm sure Howl will be glad to hear I keep other people in line as well.

[collector]

And not jealous?

[fortune_sought]

If he is, I know how to handle his sulking.

[collector]

I'm overcome with sympathy.

[fortune_sought]

[smiles. but then there's an awkward pause, and she fidgets a bit] Then I suppose...this is good-bye.

[collector]

Yes. It must be. I . . . appreciated your company.

[fortune_sought]

Ah...yes. And yours as well. [fidgets. she's starting to understand why Brax wanted to sneak off] Good-bye, Mr Braxiatel.