Epilogue

[cartesio]

Welcome to Cartesio!

You open your eyes and see the ceiling of the lodge. There is no real sensation of having slept, but you're still feeling rested. Sitting up, you can see that the building around you is in ruins. Dust and dirt dominate your environment. Around you, there are familiar people - some of them you've been with up until now, some of them you have been brutally forced to part with weeks ago. They all look alright, a little confusion aside.

From a corner of the room, you can hear the soft whirring of a machine. Upon examination, you can see that it's 3D-printing more gelatinous bodies like you've seen earlier today. Every body that is dispensed from the machine is a safe haven for another mind from the simulation, another mind to join your ranks as real people.

After you've adjusted to the new situation and left the lodge, you find yourself greeted with perfect sunshine. There's a town welcoming you, friendly and peaceful. Though it is more modern than what you are used to, there is no mistaking it.

Cartesio, Nevada, welcomes you.

You're new people, in a new world. Every chance it has to offer is open for you.

Comments

[robitussin]

...You know, while I was here and before I came here, I’ve always just wanted to do everything perfectly. Because - if I did, I figured it meant maybe people would finally care about me. But it meant I wasn’t that great at trusting people.

[It’s hard to say this without getting emotional, and she glances away even as she keeps holding his hand.]

But - now, even if I mess things up, there are people who care about me. So maybe it’s okay if I trust them when they say it’ll be okay. [...] Even if that involves borrowing a plane.

[marmoron]

[That's...okay. He wasn't expecting to hear anything meaningful here and he pauses mid-step to look at her.]

You're...

[Actually, this is probably a whole lot easier to say when he isn't actually looking at her, so he'll start walking again. Pretend like that little pause never happened and all. Or you know. Just not say it at all.]

... Never mind.

[robitussin]

[That might be easier for him if she didn't glance his way, before:]

...No, what were you going to say?

[marmoron]

[...yeah. Yeah, okay. No surprises there. He doesn't stop walking this time though and continues to not look at her.]

You're a real headache when you mess up, just so we're clear on that. I know I've given you a few, too, but...

[....]

I'm not saying this right. Just...I'm glad that you can be yourself because you're great the way you are.

[robitussin]

I'm a real headache? I'm not the one who suggested we "borrow" a plane.

[She smiles, though, regardless of whether he's looking to see it.]

...Same to you, you know.

[marmoron]

You can tell me to stop any time.

[Just pointing this out!! Then a little more seriously:]

...But you know, I think I can actually accept that better now.

[robitussin]

Yeah, but that wouldn't be as fun.

[Hm.]

Well... Good. It's something you should accept.

[marmoron]

[The hangar is in sight just ahead with workers milling around conducting their usual business. A small cargo plane is being unloaded on the tarmac. It's not a secure facility and security, if any, seems light.

They've taken unnecessary risks together before, but under very different circumstances. Though Keith has no intentions of letting either one of them get caught, it's a relief that the consequences aren't going to be as grim as getting brainwashed into submission or dying alone or together. "Fun" still wouldn't have been his word of choice for this, but when he turns to look at her it's with fondness.]

I've got a few things to work on. It was harder back home with Shiro dying and Black choosing me to lead. The role never came naturally to me, you know? Felt like I had to change a lot about myself for the sake of the universe and even then... I wasn't half the leader that Shiro is.

[It's a sentiment that could easily have been accompanied by bitterness, but there isn't any. Instead there's a soft smile as he squeezes her hand.]

...It's nice, I guess. Being able to change on my own terms.

[A beat.]

We should see if we can get any closer to that cargo plane.