Based on my calculations, Karteria would cease to exist. It's possible that there are extensive underground structures beneath Patho-Gen similar to the ones under Kelesia, which might help contain the blast if that's where they're storing the failed experiments, but I can't imagine any of Patho-Gen would be left at the very least. It wouldn't just be the scientists, but any Augmented they have there as well.
[He doesn't want to do this - he doesn't want to ever do this. He doesn't even want to promise to do this. He doesn't want to think about doing this, especially not to Gale - his friend, his confidante, someone who makes his heart beat a little faster when he's near.
But it's his job as a hunter, and sometimes, softness and mercy takes the form of a knife. There's a pause on his end, hesitation. He pulls in a quiet breath, steadying himself.]
There are probably people here who wouldn't care to do it. Whether or not they're physically capable of relocating me is another matter, but not an insurmountable one.
[He trails off that time, unable to figure out what he wants to say.]
Nevermind. Ain't as important as keeping my word to you. This is what I'm supposed to do. I'm supposed to watch your back. I'm supposed to be a hunter. And chances are good I'm one of the few who can and will do it.
[Silence on his end; it stretches to a few seconds, then several more. Is what he wanted to say important? Does it matter within the bigger picture, especially when they're in a place where they might not even be people tomorrow?
It's important to Gale, and Purl would say that's why it matters even more. As for Pom himself, he isn't so sure: the thought just makes his chest ache, and he's not sure who he can talk to about it. He already has a similar pact with Mel; Northly would probably slap him again if he so much as brought up the idea of slaying someone who's gone feral, especially if that someone was a friend - or himself. He's not as close to Pal, and as for Gale—
Well, he already can't vocalize how he feels about Gale, now can he? The silence wears thin, and he pushes himself to say something, anything. He promised to stop running - the least he can do is try.]
[It's his turn to be silent for a moment. He's not exactly surprised to hear this, but it catches him off guard all the same every time someone expresses that they value him -- him, not what he can do.]
I don't plan on going anywhere, not while I'm here. I promise I'll do everything in my power not to leave you.
[Disappointment wells in Pom's gut, and he's not sure why - it's mild, but undeniably there. Maybe 'important' wasn't the right word, or wasn't strong enough, he realizes belatedly; it doesn't seem to fully encompass what he meant.
That, or Gale doesn't understand. He didn't make it clear enough, didn't pick the right thing to say. Purl would have known what to say. She'd have known what he's feeling, what to do about it.
Pom pushes it down for now. It's not as important as just having Gale near... for as long as he can.]
I'll tell you again when I get home, if you want. Been trying to keep an eye on Mel.
I understand. I've been trying to stop by, to bring food for her at least. I wish I could bring something for Viktor too, just to be able to feel useful, but alas, the sun fulfills that purpose. All we can do is offer support.
It seems they've known each other for years. I don't think I would want
anyone I know to see me like this or to have to go through this either. I
just wish that I could at least get word to them.
The answer to that is a bit more complicated than it might seem. I haven't
spoken to my mother in so long that I can't imagine she hasn't given up
hope of seeing my return. Tara would know I never intentionally left. My
traveling companions also know that I have good reason not to abandon our
common quest.
Seven of us began together, our fates linked by the parasites inside our
skulls. There are more than ten in camp now, though, as we've picked up
more throughout our mission.
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But it's his job as a hunter, and sometimes, softness and mercy takes the form of a knife. There's a pause on his end, hesitation. He pulls in a quiet breath, steadying himself.]
All right.
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I can ask someone else if you're uncomfortable with this.
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I'm sorry, I shouldn't have asked this of you.
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No. I shouldn't've snapped on you. I just—
[The words stick in his throat; he tries again.]
You know I...
[He trails off that time, unable to figure out what he wants to say.]
Nevermind. Ain't as important as keeping my word to you. This is what I'm supposed to do. I'm supposed to watch your back. I'm supposed to be a hunter. And chances are good I'm one of the few who can and will do it.
So I will. I promise.
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It's important to Gale, and Purl would say that's why it matters even more. As for Pom himself, he isn't so sure: the thought just makes his chest ache, and he's not sure who he can talk to about it. He already has a similar pact with Mel; Northly would probably slap him again if he so much as brought up the idea of slaying someone who's gone feral, especially if that someone was a friend - or himself. He's not as close to Pal, and as for Gale—
Well, he already can't vocalize how he feels about Gale, now can he? The silence wears thin, and he pushes himself to say something, anything. He promised to stop running - the least he can do is try.]
It matters to me. You being here. You being near.
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I don't plan on going anywhere, not while I'm here. I promise I'll do everything in my power not to leave you.
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[Gale might not blame him, but Pom sure would blame himself.]
You... know you're important to me, right?
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[Disappointment wells in Pom's gut, and he's not sure why - it's mild, but undeniably there. Maybe 'important' wasn't the right word, or wasn't strong enough, he realizes belatedly; it doesn't seem to fully encompass what he meant.
That, or Gale doesn't understand. He didn't make it clear enough, didn't pick the right thing to say. Purl would have known what to say. She'd have known what he's feeling, what to do about it.
Pom pushes it down for now. It's not as important as just having Gale near... for as long as he can.]
I'll tell you again when I get home, if you want. Been trying to keep an eye on Mel.
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You know if they all come from the same place?
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Nor can I. It's hard enough to see it as a friend. They come from the same world and they knew each other there.
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As much as I miss Purl... maybe it's a good thing I'm the only one here. I wouldn't want her to see this. To see me now.
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It seems they've known each other for years. I don't think I would want anyone I know to see me like this or to have to go through this either. I just wish that I could at least get word to them.
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That I didn't leave them on purpose.
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The answer to that is a bit more complicated than it might seem. I haven't spoken to my mother in so long that I can't imagine she hasn't given up hope of seeing my return. Tara would know I never intentionally left. My traveling companions also know that I have good reason not to abandon our common quest.
But I would still want them to know, in my words.
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[Aside from the two missing ones.]
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Seven of us began together, our fates linked by the parasites inside our skulls. There are more than ten in camp now, though, as we've picked up more throughout our mission.
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