[The pause is echoed by a longer one. It is not impossible that Beckett would have preferred to keep talking about chocolate. He'd been avoiding the network - avoiding everything that day. Trying to rest. It had even worked, to the degree it could. Now Kunsel comes and dangles this right under his nose. And clearly expects him to bite.
It had worked, resting. His mind is clearer than it's been in weeks. He can think of what to do next. He can wonder why.
His voice is subdued.] Do you suppose it might be the edge of town? That is rather a lot of empty space.
Maybe. Or maybe it's just another part of town. But either way, it's somewhere new. If it's not the edge, then it's still someplace we haven't already combed over looking for clues.
[That's enough for Kunsel right now. Anything is better than the feeling of just sitting around and waiting for the end.]
[Silence again. Long. Drawn. It occurs to him that he's making his doubts obvious. Can't help it, though. He can hear Kunsel's hope, and reacts to it instinctively.]
Thank you for telling me. I might head there. I'll... think about it.
[Even if Kunsel hears those doubts, he's not going to call them out.
But maybe he's not above trying to do something for Beckett, even if it's something as little as trying to lure him into finding something to do.]
We could definitely use the help in exploring. An experienced eye to help us look for anything useful here. And there's hot water in the sinks in the aquarium.
[Hot water. Beckett lets out a weak laugh.] I'm that easy these days, aren't I?
[It isn't a good thing. But that's not Kunsel's fault - he sees what the other man is trying to do. It's a kindness, however off-mark its aim. The least he can do is be sincere in response.]
I'm not sure how much of a help I can be to you. I'm... not what I was. I can't say how much strength I have for this anymore, never mind anything like hope.
[He still thinks back longingly to the feel of having his hands actually warm.]
Anyway, I'm not asking for strength here, Beckett. I'm just asking you to do what you can. Anything you can do is already more than what we'd have without you, and none of us know who will be the one to spot to spot something significant.
[When he puts it that way, there's nothing there to argue with - too reasonable. Kunsel is always reasonable, that's the trouble. Beckett knows he isn't, himself. It should make it easier, and doesn't.]
You're asking me to go back to the search. It's - more than you know. [A pause. He makes a soft weary noise as he rubs his eyes with thumb and forefinger.] Have you considered what we'll do if there is no way out? If this is all there is?
If this is all there is, then we'll either die, or we'll make a new life while we keep looking. If we die, then we're dead and it doesn't matter, so why plan for it?
Death is, still, an alternative. [Beckett's voice is quiet. This isn't fair of him and he knows it. Kunsel is asking for his help. One of those young people who have so much to live for.]
I'm tired, that's all. Tired of mysteries... but that isn't on you. I'll come. The others here will also be interested, no doubt.
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bookofnope) wrote2015-10-04 01:39 pm
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[A pause, then there's a deliberately leading grin in his voice.]
Though I guess I never know what we might find down here. Here. Have a look for yourself.
[You know you want to click this link, Beckett.]
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It had worked, resting. His mind is clearer than it's been in weeks. He can think of what to do next. He can wonder why.
His voice is subdued.] Do you suppose it might be the edge of town? That is rather a lot of empty space.
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[That's enough for Kunsel right now. Anything is better than the feeling of just sitting around and waiting for the end.]
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Thank you for telling me. I might head there. I'll... think about it.
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But maybe he's not above trying to do something for Beckett, even if it's something as little as trying to lure him into finding something to do.]
We could definitely use the help in exploring. An experienced eye to help us look for anything useful here. And there's hot water in the sinks in the aquarium.
[That last part is offered as a blatant tease.]
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[It isn't a good thing. But that's not Kunsel's fault - he sees what the other man is trying to do. It's a kindness, however off-mark its aim. The least he can do is be sincere in response.]
I'm not sure how much of a help I can be to you. I'm... not what I was. I can't say how much strength I have for this anymore, never mind anything like hope.
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I think we're all that easy.
[He still thinks back longingly to the feel of having his hands actually warm.]
Anyway, I'm not asking for strength here, Beckett. I'm just asking you to do what you can. Anything you can do is already more than what we'd have without you, and none of us know who will be the one to spot to spot something significant.
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You're asking me to go back to the search. It's - more than you know. [A pause. He makes a soft weary noise as he rubs his eyes with thumb and forefinger.] Have you considered what we'll do if there is no way out? If this is all there is?
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I'm tired, that's all. Tired of mysteries... but that isn't on you. I'll come. The others here will also be interested, no doubt.
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Thank you, Beckett. I appreciate it.