[open network - video] backdated to beginning of August

[ruevealing]

Who: Delloso de la Rue
Username: rue
Warnings: mentions of murder/dissection, non-human

[After the last few difficult months here, is it any surprise that the first network message from Rue in some months now comes with none of the cheerful optimism and excitement of their last? Instead, the owlbear looks exhausted, tightly wound and deeply troubled.

Something they have recently learned has set them on edge.]

I am afraid I must be the bearer of unfortunate news.

Though our numbers have dwindled greatly these last few months, there are still those of us non-humans simply trying to live in this world. But I have recently been informed by Nia that there is a greater chance of danger coming for us. My worst fear about being seen by humans was the terror the sight of me would incite, but now I have learned that was only the beginning.

Pray, if you are weak of constitution, I beg of you to turn this off. I do not wish to distress anyone, only to inform.

To put it plainly, Nia said that if we were discovered by those government forces outside of ADI, that we would very likely be killed and dissected. Such news has weighed heavily on my heart, I can not think how any of us are meant to reaction to such horror.

Comments

video | un: SGR

[punched_hitler]

What's her solution to protect you?

[Assuming she's telling the truth, which... Steve isn't sure about, in the first place. What matters is protecting the people at risk, if there is a risk.]

[ruevealing]

[It occurs to Rue that perhaps they should not be revealing all of the details of their conversation with Pam and Nia, but also, they don't quite care. If ADI's leadership will not be transparent on their own, Rue will force them into it.]

The conversation arose because of Benny Holt, the former groundskeeper, and the fear of what secrets he will tell the world about ADI and all of us.

Nia alluded to needing to converse with some mystery person on the grounds, someone she described as being allowed to use their powers, but needing authorization to speak to. I did not know who she meant. But she insisted she would find a way to keep us safe, and that perhaps she would travel to Washington to speak with the politicians there. Beyond that, I was told to be vigilant and extra careful of revealing my true form to outsiders.

[punched_hitler]

[Well. All of that sounds very vague and fear-mongering to him.

But it's still troubling.]

In my experience, one guy saying something about a bunch of non-humans might not be taken seriously. But of course that's not something to hinge your safety on.

I think maybe you should try to make sure you're with someone at all times. Someone you trust.

And -

Can we talk? In person. When you have some time.

[ruevealing]

[The very idea of sticking someone with the task of babysitting them feels so terrible, but Rue is not too embarrassed to ask for the help. It's a good idea, as much as it kills them.]

Certainly, my friend. Please, should you like to stop by? I would come to you, but well -

[Considering this whole conversation, he can likely see why that may not be for the best.]

[punched_hitler]

Of course - I can come to you, [Steve confirms.] I'm still doing a little work at ADI for a few weeks.

[Well. He's investigating something, which is what he wants to talk to them about, but doing it under the guise of "work," at least.] Is now all right?

[ruevealing]

Please, I am home and free. Come as soon as you are able.

[punched_hitler]

I'll be there soon.

[And true to his word, it's maybe half an hour before Steve's able to slip away from what he was doing to knock on Rue's door.]

[ruevealing]

Steve!

[Coming from a distressing conversation or not, Rue is still radiant with joy at seeing their dearest friend.]

How wonderful to see you, darling. Please, come in.

[punched_hitler]

[Steve is not much of a hugger. But something about Rue makes him want to hug them hello - or, at least, hold his arms out for one and see if they're amenable.

Either way,] It's good to see you, too. I'm sorry I'm not around as much.

[ruevealing]

[oh hell yeah, Rue is taking that hug. There is no hesitation on their part, swooping in to seek comfort in a dear friend's embrace. They have missed seeing Steve around ADI.]

You have nothing to apologize for! I only want to hear of the excitement you are facing out there in the real world. [Rue says like they aren't just living like any other human would be.]

[punched_hitler]

[Steve takes a moment, letting himself enjoy that warm hug, before he finally pulls back with a wry smile.]

Oh, mostly battling leaky roofs and windows, and trying to clean up after a lot of neglect. But we're managing.

[It isn't why he wanted to talk to them, though, and his expression does sober a little.] I wanted to talk to you about something else, though. Something I've been looking into, with the - the illusions ADI uses. For you and the other nonhumans.

[He knows they're in Rue's private space, but his voice is still quiet, wary - not of Rue, but like he can't help but worry about being overheard.]

[ruevealing]

[No one could blame Steve for his caution. Rue would leave ADI housing if they were able.

They rest a hand at his shoulder, gesturing with their head for him to follow them to the sofa. May as well sit down for this.]

Please, I am prepared for whatever it is you must tell me.

[punched_hitler]

[Steve does follow, taking a moment to let them both get settled before moving on.]

Well, I don't have much - yet. But from what I can tell - it's not a machine or a spell. It's a person. Someone is keeping up the illusions for ADI. And I think that's how they've been doing it for at least the past few years.

[ruevealing]

What?

[It is the quickest change in expression and tone he'll ever see from Rue. The information is just so out of left field. They hardly know if what they are hearing is what he is really saying.]

What do you mean, it is a person? Not a machine? A single person, even? To glamour all of us?

[punched_hitler]

[Steve nods.] I'm not sure, but I think a single person. I... keep running into information that insinuates as much.

I'm going to go looking for them. [He hasn't yet, but he will. Soon.] See if they - need help. Or could help us. Help you. So you can choose to leave without relying on ADI.

[ruevealing]

That is quite the information you've stumbled upon. I can hardly believe it. But please, if there is anything I can do to help you - or them - you need only let me know.

[punched_hitler]

[Steve smiles, and it's soft, genuine, even a little bright.] You're too kind, Rue. I'll keep that in mind. I don't know how or why this person might be doing what they're doing - provided the information I've got is right. I kind of wish it was a machine - at least that feels more like a guarantee, you know?

I'm bad at building machines, but way better at that than, uh. Making illusions or glamors or whatever kind of magic might be going on.

[And he wants so badly to make sure everyone can be safe.]

[ruevealing]

What luck, because I am much more talented at magic than anything to do with machinery in the slightest. I would hardly know where to begin.

But truly, I thank you, Steve. If you - if you should see this person, please will you let me know where to find them? I should like to speak with them myself.

[punched_hitler]

Well, we all do definitely have our strengths.

But I will, yes.

[Although he may not get the chance before said person starts wandering around outside... but such is the nature of life, sometimes.]

How are things going here, for you? With all the recent changes.

[ruevealing]

[a gentle pause]

May I speak candidly?

[punched_hitler]

Of course, Rue - always.

[ruevealing]

I am miserable, but I do not know what to do about it. I simply continue on, because I must and there is no other option, but I have never felt such grief within me before.

[punched_hitler]

[Well. That's utterly heartbreaking, isn't it.

And he kind of knows the feeling, but this isn't about him.]

Rue, that's - very brave of you, [he says, quietly.] I think you should know that.

Can I do anything to help?

[Of course, he suspects:] It's Hob, though, isn't it.

[Or, really, Hob's absence.]

WTF I THOUGHT I RESPONDED TO THIS IM SO SORRY

[ruevealing]

Indeed. I know it is the predictable answer, but I have felt as if my very heart has been missing since he... [the word sticks in their throat, rue so hates to say it, but it is the truth of what happened]

Since he left. I have been too fearful for his safety to sleep. Too heartbroken to eat. I will persist because it is what I must do, but I feel as if the whole world around me is duller.

<333 it's okay!!!

[punched_hitler]

Just because it's predictable doesn't make it any less true.

[He thinks of their wedding. How nice it was. How happy he was for them.

And he hears what they're saying, and - Jesus.]

I know what you mean, [he says, softly. He does. That's how everything felt after the ice. For a long time. He wouldn't wish that on anyone, let alone Rue.]

I know I can't replace him, I would never dream of it. But - could we meet sometimes? Maybe a few times a week. Have lunch or dinner or - something. Maybe it'll be less bad to get through, if you've got someone to distract you for a little while?