005 Tracking

[whitefeathered]

So . . . if you work for the companies, are you going to do what they say?


Locked to Ahiru, Gilbert, Kaito, and probably Joe.

I know almost none of you like me working for them anyway, and I don't really either, but . . . right now I really want to keep my job. But if I affiliate, then what? Especially if I want to get out later?

I don't like the tracking. I don't even know if I could pass a "loyalty screening," whatever that is.

I'm worried. But I have to figure out what to do fast.

Comments

voice | private;

[motioned]

[She pauses, a bit surprised herself.]

Me? For what?

voice | private;

[whitefeathered]

[That's harder to explain, especially without all the complication that goes with it. So it takes a minute for her to reply.]

Because . . . it's always felt like it should be the other way to me, no matter what. And sometimes . . . I guess it's hard to forgive myself for wanting the way you said so badly.

[A quick breath, and she swipes at her eyes with the back of her hand. Strangely enough, they feel like they're stinging.]

My dad's a police inspector. Back home. I guess . . . some of the choices I've had to make here, it's hard to feel like I'm not disappointing him.

voice | private;

[motioned]

Oh my gosh, don't say that! I'm sure he would be proud of you... You're a really amazing person, Aoko.

voice | private;

[whitefeathered]

[The feathers on her arms twitch, tingle with a sudden itch.]

'M not really. I'm not always proud of me.

But . . . I try?

voice | private;

[motioned]

I think it's harder to see the good things in yourself than it is to see the good things in other people. I hope someday you can be proud of you all the time. I think you deserve it.

voice | private;

[whitefeathered]

I think . . . you're right on the first part.

On the rest . . . thank you.

I hope Ahiru is proud of herself too.

voice | private;

[motioned]

[Though Aoko can't see the smile, it's evident enough in her voice.]

I am. But it took a really long time for me to get there, so... I know how hard it is. But I know you can get there, too, and I bet all your friends want to help you just as much as I do.