Phase Eight: Recrimination

[emorangerpink]

[Laura's in the brig.

It's at her own insistence, as soon as she was awake enough to insist. Once the medics were okay with letting her out of their sight, she went in to a cell. She's staying there until as much has been done to confirm she doesn't have any more surprises buried in the back of her mind as was done for Cheng, and then some. And it's noticeable to anyone who's used to her appearance that her ever-present amplifier is not on her wrist.

If you want to talk to her, it might take a while. Aside from the exhaustion of the fight, she's spending some of her time awake curled up in tears or otherwise unresponsive. Still - if you're patient, or time your visit right, she'll be able to speak, if you have something to say.]

Comments

[emorangerpink]

...I'm glad. I... I'm sorry. You shouldn't have to look after me. But... I'm glad I could help.

Please. Stay.

[mecha_eihwaz]

There is nothing shameful in wanting the help of others at a time like this...

[Lily sits down right next to her.]

I, I don't think you can hurt me without your armor on. Um, you know... Not physically. Because I'm a robot.

[emorangerpink]

You're my friend. I hope I never hurt you... physically, or not.

I...

[Laura's too tired and choked up to do more than take Lily's hand in hers where they sit side by side.]

You're right. It helps. More than a bit.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Laura... I refuse to believe you would ever be able to hurt any of your friends. You're too gentle for that...

[emorangerpink]

I... wish it was that simple, but coming from you, that means a lot, Lily. It really does.

[mecha_eihwaz]

I really wish... I wish that your life would change for the better, Laura. Nobody deserves all this suffering...

[Lily squeezes her hand a bit tighter.]

Especially not you...

[emorangerpink]

It did, Lily. When I came on board... I thought I had it pretty bad. I thought I had nothing left to lose. But so many people here were worse off... and so much good has happened. Like meeting you.

[Laura's head drops to Lily's shoulder.]

I've already gotten more than I deserve.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Why do you think you deserve less? For many of my people, just having to live on this war-torn planet would already be something bad enough that shouldn't happen to anyone...

[emorangerpink]

...We all have it pretty bad... but I know who sacrificed so I could have what I've got. Shouldn't they be the ones enjoying it, rather than me?

[mecha_eihwaz]

It's a horrible, sad feeling when your friends sacrifice themselves so that you may live... I know that first-hand.

But... If they haven't done it and you died, don't you think they'd feel even worse? I know that if I could save you but didn't, I wouldn't be able to forgive myself...

[emorangerpink]

...I'm starting to sound like Devon. And I hated hearing her like this...

I'd feel the same, Lily. For a while there, at the Academy... I did.

You're right. I have to fight this. I have to take my life back.

[mecha_eihwaz]

Please tell me when you're ready, Laura. In the meantime, I'll be here for you... Just like you were when the times were dark for me.

[emorangerpink]

I know.

[Laura closes her eyes, head still on Lily's shoulder. She's still drained... but with Lily here, she can let herself properly rest.]

[mecha_eihwaz]

[Lily will just stay like that for now, holding her hand. For comfort.]