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[contract_star]

[Hei is afraid. Which is surprising in and of itself. More surprising is the fact that he's actually showing it, a testament to just how afraid he is.]

The Gate.

It moved. A whole inch to the left.

I felt it...we all should have felt it, but...no one...

[After a while and a visible effort, Hei manages to control himself, and the fear transforms into a cold sort of anger. When he speaks again, his voice is a bit louder.]

Twins. Or Ms. Sault. We need to talk.

Comments

[realitymods]

Perhaps it is not necessary. But very well.

[contract_star]

[It's hard to stare someone in the eye when you can't see their eyes, but Hei tries it anyway.]

Why did the Gate move?

[realitymods]

Perhaps it didn't like the view from where it was before.

[contract_star]

[His eyes narrow. He's trying hard to keep his cool.]

It's liked it well enough for the past ten years. An inch isn't much of a change, either. There's no reason for it to have moved.

Was it your doing?

[realitymods]

In some ways.

[contract_star]

Why?

[realitymods]

You cannot answer that question yourself?

[contract_star]

Because this is an experiment? You want to see what will happen? How we'll react to having our homes and lives manipulated?

I don't really appreciate being your lab rat.

[realitymods]

I suppose you do not.

[contract_star]

Then if I kill you, does the experiment end?

[realitymods]

[smiles] I doubt we would allow that. You may wish to try, however.

[contract_star]

[He's thinking about it. But then he closes his eyes briefly and looks away. No rash actions.]

At least tell me why I'm the only one who felt it move. None of the others even noticed.

[realitymods]

It would seem to them that nothing has changed.

[contract_star]

...

Then it's a matter of whether I trust my own judgment, or theirs.

[realitymods]

I suppose.

[contract_star]

Is there logic to all of this? A purpose? Or are we here for your enjoyment?

[realitymods]

It is an experiment. Did we not say that?

[contract_star]

[Hei does not like feeling trapped, but here he is, unable to do anything, like he was unable to do anything for his sister, for the others who died. He can't kill Ms. Sault. He can't even question her. So he just grits his teeth and looks away.]

Alright, then.

[realitymods]

Perhaps you should not dwell on it. There may be ways you can gain things from this place.

[contract_star]

[Stares at her. For a long time, he says nothing.]

I'll keep that in mind.