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[notsolomon]

This is William Twining. I shall reply to your message at my earliest convenience. Thank you. ***BEEP***

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[notsolomon]

Why? Does the world end? Or something like that?

[That was probably way too blunt, but there's no point in dancing around the subject.]

I mean, if you were not dead, you would have something to go back to, correct?

[babermetrics]

. . . I dunno about that.

[He sighs, still relaxed, but a little more sullen about it. And picks up his beer again. What a good idea having a beer is at a time like this.]

It ain't like it's ended yet, but it's real messed up. I didn't really get to see it . . . but I hear it's bad. I don't even know if I'd recognize my life anymore, man.

[notsolomon]

[That's awful. There's nothing more William can think than that. Depending on what is true or not true here, he has a place to go back to, friends he knows he can rely on and a future that awaits him.

Realizing that's not the case for everyone is a bit of a shock.]

Do you want to go back there? Regardless of everything?

[babermetrics]

. . . I dunno yet what I'm gonna do. Ah, I talked to Mosley about it . . . 'cuz I figured I couldn't, right? I'm dead, what'm I gonna go back to? Being dead? I guess I could do that if I wanted, he said that, but—no way! No chance! I'm not gonna just accept that!

[He stares down at the mouth of his beer, just because he has nothing else to look at as he thinks.]

He said they can send me back in time with my memories so I can try and change the past, but it's gonna cost me.

[notsolomon]

Mosely huh?

[William doesn't trust the guy or really anyone who has power over them here. But well, CERES is also the one that does let them live ordinary lives when things are not running amok. So, he's not willing to gain say anything that might give Leon hope either.]

What is it going to cost you? And do you think it's worth it?

[babermetrics]

. . . A whole lot. Like, I'm gonna have to save up for years kinda lot. But my other options are living here forever and goin' back without remembering anything so I can't really do shit about it . . .

[He sighs. It sucks, but on the other hand, he's a little grateful sometimes for how out of his hands the decision is.]

I figure I'll stick around here making money or whatever and just see what happens. Who knows, right? Maybe we'll kick CERES to the curb and it'll be better to stay here forever after all! Or maybe not, I dunno. I can't even plan stuff like that out right now . . .

[notsolomon]

So basically, if I am to understand it right, if you pay him enough, he shall send you wherever?

[It sounded too good to be true. But William had to wonder if it could work both ways. Maybe he could bring people from home here if he had enough money.

But he dismisses that thought immediately. Because what is the point in worrying on it?]

I suppose it is a start though. If it's that simple, there might be hope for all of us.

[babermetrics]

I didn't ask about wherever . . . and he said it works different for dead and alive people. It was kinda complicated. Why, you thinkin' about skipping outta your world?

[That's an interesting thought. Or maybe the best option really is to overthrow CERES, claim the colony for themselves, and everyone can just live there in peace, or maybe even visit . . .

Leon doesn't spend a lot of time thinking about how he's going to miss his friends here someday, but he sure is having a pang of it right now.]

[notsolomon]

Not exactly. The technology and advances in this world are everything I have dreamed, nay beyond that. And I have Kevin here as well and do not have to worry about what might happen to him back home.

And you are here as well, as are some other people.

[He sighed though, because this was hard.]

But the path to my dreams is still back home and there are other people there. One in particular that I need to talk to. And more than anything, I need to make that right with him.

[He closed his eyes for a moment.]

But there is no use worrying about that until the moment to choose is upon me.

[babermetrics]

. . . Yeah. Yeah, why worry about it yet, right?

[You are here as well . . .

Shit, how's he supposed to express how hearing that makes him feel? This is dumb! It's a normal thing to say, right? Obviously everyone's happy to have their friends around! You just take that for granted, or they wouldn't be your friends in the first place, right? So why does he feel all tight about it? Why does William saying that make it so hard to swallow?

What do you even say to acknowledge that feeling?

You probably just don't. He decides not to, not wanting to risk getting all—sappy or whatever. But after a beat, he does reach over to smack William companionably on the shoulder. It means, you too bro, or maybe more like please don't leave me.

Smack.]

Who even knows what's gonna happen between now and then? Right? That's how I see it! For now all we can do is go with it and see what happens!

[notsolomon]

[He laughs a little at the shoulder smack, but says nothing. Because no, he isn't going to just leave Leon if he can help it. Granted, such things are often out of one's hands. But as long as there is a choice...

But do what you can and all of that.]

Exactly. If one ignores their present life for the future, they will live to regret it. So let us make sure to prosper together.