[Text] S03E03: Shit Gets Real

[manicurious]

[Ichijou has received a very alarming message, which despite the general secrecy surrounding anything to do with Nathan he just can't keep to himself. He's trying to maintain a calm tone via text, but in person he's, well, clearly more than a little upset.]

I received a message overnight from the device of my emergency contact in response to one of my distress calls. It isn't him. I don't know who it is or what they've done with my contact. The message reads:

There is nothing for him to say as he does not know you are saying anything at all. Your words fall on ears unable to hear.

And soon, you will have no breathe with which to utter them.

I'm at a loss here. Aside from attempting negotiations, I can only think of one possible measure to take as a last resort...

Comments

[fortune_sought]

[dismissively] I'd heard about that, yes. And it's good to speak to you, Mr Ichijou, but... [she pauses, scowling. she certainly doesn't want to make Ichijou's situation worse, but his suggestion about the room sounds like the only productive thing that they can do] I'm afraid you might be right. That room could yield something useful. But was it Na--I mean, your contact who forbade you from entering it to begin with?

[manicurious]

You're right of course. He was the one who set that rule. Maybe I'm just not in my right mind at the moment. You know I'm not one for breaking rules or bravery.

Well, I suppose it's not really bravery. It's about as brave as a crab that's about to be boiled snapping its claws at the chef.

[fortune_sought]

[Sophie gives him--well, the CAT, at any rate--a stern look] Mr Ichijou, do stop saying such things! The situation certainly isn't hopeless, though obviously it's your decision whether to enter that room now or to wait. Otherwise, we simply continue what we've been doing already and watch for any more changes. So do please calm down!

[manicurious]

You're always so sensible.

I typically trust my own judgements, but right now I feel like my thought processes have started twisting and unravelling significantly. I've even become so hungry that I've seriously considered eating things that aren't even digestible just to put something in my stomach.

It's unsettling - no matter how much I try to pull myself together, I can't seem to avoid thinking things that I shouldn't be thinking.

[fortune_sought]

[Sophie's expression is one of rather horrified concern] Have you and Agent Washington run out of food?

[she nods. if he hasn't eaten, then she can imagine why his judgment would be influenced] Then it sounds to me like exploring that room is the only option that might change your situation immediately. Don't you agree?

[not that she isn't still worried about his safety, but if they're out of food, it hardly seems like it could get much worse--she hopes]