"Test. Testing. Hello?
"How does this thing work...?
"Okay, I think it's on."
"Hey. What are you doing?"
"Just trying to get this thing to work. It's not cooperating with me--how the hell do you work this stuff out?"
"I dunno. Just comes naturally to some people, I guess.
"Can I try? You just need to...there. See? It should be working now."
"...Thanks. You seem so casual, given what's about to happen. And you're on the front lines. If I were you, I'd be freaking out."
"I mean, you've got everything planned out, right? So things should be fine."
"Yeah, but...dammit, I just don't want to mess this up. You're crucial to this plan! If something bad happens, there's no do-over."
"I trust you. You've got things sorted out, I'm sure of it! And there's no avoiding it, really. This has to be done."
"I don't want to leave this place. They're going to take me away, it's inevitable. But this is my home. I'm not abandoning it."
"So that's where I come in. I know, I know. We've been over this lots of times; I practically have it engraved in my head. Why do you run your plans by me, anyway?"
"Psh--it's because you'll tolerate me longer than any of my other friends."
"Not because I'm a good person? Not funny or likable? The only reason you like me is my patience?"
"Well...yeah."
"You're so mean."
"Oh, shut up. But let's get serious here. After you leave, I'll lose all contact with you."
"...So, I guess this is goodbye, then?"
"I guess so. They'll be coming any time now. I'm gonna miss you, you know--we have a long history, don't we?"
"Yeah. We've come a really long way from what we used to be."
"You're sure you can take care of yourself?"
"Geez, you don't need to parent me! I can fend for myself just fine."
"Okay, okay. Meanwhile, I'll be here. I don't want to reveal where here is, in case something goes wrong, or you fall into the wrong hands or whatever. Just remember, fit in. Don't say a word about all this. It's strictly a secret--no one will find out."
"At least, not for now."
"Oh, god, I don't like the way you said that."
"I'm just joking, for goodness' sake. Have a sense of humor. Everything will be fine. I'm sure of it!"
"I sure hope so..."
"No one has to know."
WC: 379
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FanfictionThe screen flickered, distorting for a moment, then played a fuzzy video. They could barely make out what was happening, but it was enough. And what they saw would change everything that they knew. Things aren't what they seem to be. - Some informat...
