text; not-really-video; — backdated to 2/12 (just as the away team is getting started)

[notglitching]

[The ACE activates to show a brief video: the murky air of a contaminated hallway, occupied by a dark-armored shape with glowing red points of light. Those who know Rinzler will find the helmet-tilt plenty familiar. Those who aren't might wonder at the purpose: of the broadcast, or of the rattling whir of noise that fills the background of the feed. Both stare and sound will persist for several seconds before the video promptly shuts off.

Introductions clearly and obviously complete, Rinzler reverts to texting.]

Request data on available security personnel for groups: "away team", "home team".

Non-security combat functions also accepted.

[Just... skeptically.]


Private to: Roommates, Clu, Alan, Wash

Status?


Private to: Shiro

Request status of security subgroup.

Comments

text; encrypted

[notglitching]

Difficult.

[Of all the reasons not to leave, Yori quite possibly tops the list. But he isn't of much use stalling here.]

Compiling list of active security functions remaining with system.
Will forward on completion.

[In case Yori needs assistance. Of any kind.]

text; encrypted

[yorisearching]

[It's true that worry isn't going to leave either of them until they find each other again afterward, at the very earliest. Yori bends her head to lean her bulky mask against the ACE for a moment before she types.]

Difficult for me, too.

[She trusts Rinzler's skill, but she hates to watch him go into danger without even being able to help.]

I hope you'll be careful. You need to come back safe.

[In theory Yori could put together her own list of nearby contacts, but with the vents spouting smoke she hasn't had any time and likely won't.]

Thank you, that will help.

text; encrypted

[notglitching]

Will
I will
I'll try.

[Rinzler stares at his own screen for a long moment. It feels like there should be a lot more to say.]

I love you.

[That, at least, he knows he doesn't tell Yori enough.]

text; encrypted

[yorisearching]

I'll do my best to stay safe here.

[The words of affection make her smile, even now. Nothing she says can make being apart any easier, but at least they can motivate one another to hang on through whatever happens next.]

I love you, Rinzler.

[Hard to be sure how far the network can reach, or where either of them might end up before they find some way to clean up this particular mess. Yori doubts either she or Rinzler will have much time for reports. Back to short notes. She hasn't missed that.]

I'll send updates when I can, if you will.