[audio]

[synthedick]

[Nick's voice sounds pretty weary -- and also a bit distorted on certain syllables, as though something might not be entirely right with his vocal modulator. Or maybe he's just got a cold. Who knows with these robot types.]

Anyone still out there who needs a place to wait this out safely, come to the Guard headquarters or the Clinic. Doesn't matter which one -- they're right next to each other. And if you don't think you can make it here on your own, let me know. We'll find a way to get you here, even if it means an escort.

[Though given his voice, he might not be in the best condition to do any escorting himself, but like that has ever stopped him.]

Guard, do what you need to do to restrain those looking to cause trouble, even if they're one of us. Try not to add to the body count.

[With that, he cuts the transmission, since as one of the few who doesn't seem to be affected, he has work to do. Click.]

Comments

audio;

[claritatis]

I wouldn't be so quick to suggest that people gather together in one place. [Ignis is quick to say. He's on the bad end of all of this, himself, but he isn't too concerned about being murdered just yet. Let a man put his faith in his abilities to stay alive against insurmountable odds... especially after he recently cut his way through an entire army. Fear's 'blessing' is just another thing to add to his current arsenal.]

That's just inviting a mass slaughter.

[And it would take a fool to not notice the strain in Nick's voice.]

You don't sound too good, Nick.

[audio]

[synthedick]

So far, leaving people on their own isn't doing them any favors. At least in one place, those who haven't lost their damn minds can keep a look out. It's not like it's a big secret that people head to the Clinic when trouble's brewing in the city.

[Or at least that's what they've done in the past. And just like he's done in the past, he's overworking himself, if certain parts in need of repairs are any indication. Other signs he probably needs to take a break: the fact he doesn't even bother to assert that he's fine.]

[claritatis]

In one place, we become a target. We don't know how deceptive the others can be. It could be like letting a fox into a chicken coop. [Look, he's a little paranoid right now, but he thinks it's warranted when people are actually trying to kill him.]

Does anybody have eyes on that blasted demon?

[He'll pick up on your avoidance in a moment, Nick.]

[synthedick]

Not at the moment, though we're looking out for her, just in case.

[There is an aggravated sigh on his end.]

Look, I get it. Folks aren't safe where we can keep an eye on them, and they aren't safe hiding on their own. There are people here who could raze the whole damn city in the blink of an eye if they wanted, so frankly, no one is safe anywhere.

[He's not mad at you, Ignis; he's just frustrated with everything right now. At least he knows said person who could raze the city is outside the city at the moment. One less person he has to worry about.]

[claritatis]

Don't mistake what I say for a personal attack.

[He's quite sure Nick isn't, so he keeps his tone as level as it always is. This kind of thing is trying for all of them, and most of all for those people who want the most to keep everyone else safe. Nick is one of those people, and Ignis knows that very well.]

And you didn't answer my question. Are you alright?