oo2 • text | handwritten • some time before the teams dispatch!

[abidan]

[ It's concern that guides the nib of his pen to the top line of a fresh page. It's a fountain pen, one of his favourites, and a flower of ink is unfurling beneath the tip, but something stills his hand from moving any further.

Emery hasn't written in this journal in months. To be honest he's had no real desire to do so—not since he lost touch with the girl who gave it to him—but he doesn't feel like showing his face, and an electronic message seems too impersonal.

He's not good at watching people do potentially dangerous things without saying anything; not during times like these. He might not know everyone heading out tonight personally, but ... ]

You'll be careful, won't you?

[ For a few moments there's nothing more. Then; ]

All of you, I mean. And if there's anything I can do to help

[ —But that line peters out right there. All of a sudden he feels a bit guilty: surely if there was anything he could do he'd be heading out with them? ]

... Anything. Just send me a message. Oh—this is Emery, by the way.

[ Since he neglected to introduce himself in his last post. ]

Stay safe tonight.

Comments

[twopercent]

Like I said. Don't worry. Some of us do have training, and we'll be helping to look out for everyone.

[Casval, Jack thinks, I really hope you know what you're doing...]

We all know there's an invasion coming, but nobody has enough information on what's coming and how to stop it. I don't like it much more than you do, but given the circumstances, I don't think any of us can turn aside anyone who volunteers to join up.

[abidan]

[ Jack's right, of course. They can't afford to do nothing in the same way that doing something might be a bit too costly ... And what's that old saying? Nothing can change until something changes? ]

You're right about that. And like I said, if there's anything I can do — I've never fought anything before, and I'm not really very good at hunting, but.

I do want to help.

[twopercent]

[Feeling guilty and helpless is something that Jack does understand. So even if he doesn't quite believe it himself, it's easy for Jack to type the words:]

We're all in this together. Today might not be your day to help, but you have to have gotten those numbers in your head for a reason, right?

[abidan]

[ /HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL ]

... I hadn't actually thought about it like that.

[ But on a slightly more serious note. Emery'll be considering that for the rest of the night rather than feeling useless because he's clumsy and physically flimsy. ]

Saving the best for last, maybe?

[twopercent]

Heh, exactly.

I think it's about time I head out, so I'll be signing off. I'm sure I'll see you around one of these days, Emery.

[abidan]

All right. Be careful — I'll be keeping an eye on the network just in case.

[ There's a pause. ]

And I'll hold you to that, which I suppose means you don't really have any choice but to make it back in one piece.

[twopercent]

[If only Emery could see the look Jack gives the message. Still, it's not Emery's fault, he doesn't know.]

Or at least make sure everyone else does.

Jack out.