audience: emma perkins

[cyclists]

Comments

[foodbin]

[She nods.]

I just think it would help me understand things here better.

[Also—]

What you mentioned earlier, about how people interacted with the darkness. Does it have anything to do with the gateway?

[cyclists]

[there is a smile in their voice at that]

Clever.

[it would appear as though they can’t say more though]

[foodbin]

[From her expression, it seems like she's taking that as a confirmation.]

Thanks. And... I know you told me that there wasn't a way to save both sets of partners, but is there anything that might make it - I don't know, easier for them?

[cyclists]

Easier...

[a pause, and then gently]

... have faith in one another. I believe there is a chance you will find your hopes answered.

[foodbin]

[She looks like she wants to say something else for a moment, but:]

...Okay. Thank you.

[cyclists]

You are welcome.

[there is a smile in their voice]

I have been pleasantly surprised in many ways today. I believe I have reason to think that the trend will continue.

[foodbin]

...You realize that we let one of the corrupted get away with it, right?

[cyclists]

So you did.

But you do not lack the pieces to be able to discern it in the future.

[foodbin]

We had to tell three separate people not to drink cyanide.

[cyclists]

[a gentle laugh]

Three people who, at the very least, had their hearts in the right place.

[foodbin]

You don't have to be so easy on us, you know.

[cyclists]

Do you believe that I am easy on each of you?

Would it be more productive to grow cross with those who are trying to help? You certainly all scolded each of them enough for me.

[foodbin]

I mean... If it's getting in the way of us actually making progress, then yeah, I think it's pretty fair to be angry.

[cyclists]

Certainly it is.

But others already accomplished that.

[so why would lune add to the mob, you know?]

I am sure you were well-heard.

[foodbin]

You're saying that like you can just turn off being annoyed because other people already have it handled.

[can he?? maybe he can. she doesn't know.]

[cyclists]

Hmm... I do not know if I was annoyed in the first place.

At the very least, such earnest and reckless action is not something I have not encountered before.

[so they sort of just accept it?]

They are merely young.

[foodbin]

Young is one word for it.

[hers would probably not be as kind.]

[cyclists]

[there is another laugh at that]

Foolish might be another. Reckless.

Even still, there are some things that might only be taught with experience and guidance from others that they did not receive before.

[foodbin]

Right.

[She waves a hand.]

Anyways, I'll stop going on about how awful things are. It could be worse.

[cyclists]

[there is a shake of their head at that]

Certainly it could, but I do not mean to dissuade you from feeling as though you may express your thoughts either.

You are also young, in ways, but mature enough to find displeasure in the acts of others.

It comes only from a place of concern, does it not?

[foodbin]

Nah, you didn't. Thinking too much about how much things suck is just another way of wasting time, though, you know?

[She shrugs.]

I just want all of this to turn out okay. There's a lot riding on it for everyone, but...

[cyclists]

You and I both desire the same.

[honestly, but just as lightly as usual]

I am sure that the others also feel that way.

[foodbin]

Yeah. Well, all but one now, I guess.

[...]

Do you know how it chooses who to inhabit?

[cyclists]

[there is a shake of their head at that]

I'm afraid we are not capable of interfering or predicting much at all on Thursdays - the darkness ensures that.

[foodbin]

How? Do you get knocked out, too?