IC Inbox

[empathicfault]

"Will Graham here. Leave a message."

[Open for text/audio/action/whatever.]

Comments

[empathicfault]

[ Whenever this happens with Will- when a strong image just burns itself into his brain without an invitation- he takes notice. So here he sits with it, not replying to Walter in an overly-long pause.

But when he does come back, he looks Walter up and down with a raised eyebrow but a mild expression. He dips his head in acknowledgement. ]

The real deal? You haven't been here long enough to know how this place works. Literally anything is possible here. Some months, a flood or a port or even just certain inmates are going to seem targeted to make you deal with hard truths that you won't be able to control.

[ He sighs. ]

I'd say maybe Malcolm and I have been here too long, gotten too used to how things go- but I went through the messy process of self-discovery back home. I'm sorry this whole thing has scared you.

You know Malcolm is never going to be the guy you want when handling public relations, right? I'm not arguing that. But he will be the one to save your life. That's always his highest priority. That's what he did here.

And you're going to have to be honest with Malcolm, eventually...if you want to revive yourself and leave this place. I suspect that's going to be difficult for you.

[forensicks]

[He thought the real deal was reasonable enough - that as roundabout as it seemed to ask someone else, he had come for a "translation" from Will and was now prepared to talk to Malcolm himself. But the thought as he'd told to Yelena that wardens and inmates completed each other (and Walter has glossed "complement" that way, because inmates are inherently broken)... So what, is Malcolm's inability to recognize his grandmother supposed to be a sign that Walter needs to move the fuck on?]

Yeah, well, that's what my file is for, isn't it.

[Perhaps Will knew that Malcolm hadn't read it and Walter hadn't confided about it. But - why? Isn't the point that Walter wouldn't have done this work out of his own free will?

He shuffles, picking up his iced tea.]

Look, I'm getting a feeling that reviewing the instructions for the games will be a little much to process. I can leave all three of them for tonight, come back tomorrow.

[empathicfault]

[ Will's eyebrows raise at the mention of Walter's file, as if asking "Is it?" But he doesn't speak the words.

As Walter declares he's leaving, Will gives him an amused smile. ]

Of course. And thank you. I'd love to play another game with you anytime.