013 - Mile-High Apple

[deadly_ned]

I'm, um.

I'm leaving.

Thomas - my inmate - he's...graduated, he's left the Barge, so I think that's...probably my cue to leave too.

I'm...terrible at goodbyes, and let's be completely honest, I'm quiet enough that most of the Barge doesn't know I'm actually here, so I doubt I need to stay very long.

That sounds terrible.

I'm sorry. Something's come up. I have to go.

[The Piemaker - nervous, clearly hiding something, and agitated - leans over to shut off his communicator. Unbeknownst to him, he'll be back in a matter of days for reasons not clearly stated in this post]

[Private to the Marquis de Carabas]

And now it doesn't matter what you know.

Good luck graduating, you....bad, bad person.

Comments

[composited]

So what was your big payout, after how many months of work? Inquiring minds and all.

[deadly_ned]

Do you ask all wardens that question? It's a very personal issue. For...most of us.

[composited]

You're buying it with our souls. So, yeah, actually, I'm asking.

[anewlanguage]

[Cain wouldn't have expected to care, if he'd been told in advance. But there's an uncomfortable twist somewhere under his ribs and he has to work at his expression for just a split second.]

Get the hell off while the getting's good, kid.

[Which is almost the same as 'good luck'.]

[deadly_ned]

I will. I am.



I....



Good luck to you too.

[anewlanguage]

[But he'll miss Ned.

He shuts the feed off before he can make an ass of himself by saying it.]

[routemistress]

Remember what I said, Ned love.

[private/text]

In case you don't come back, this number reaches my office from anywhere. Call if you need me.

But come back.

[deadly_ned]

I do remember. I will.

[private/text]

I don't know how necessary that's going to be but...it's very kind.

[private]

[routemistress]

Doesn't 'ave to be necessary, my love. If you don't come back it's a way of keepin' in touch. I want that to 'appen no matter what.

video;

[some_kinda_hero]

[In which she's conflicted between being happy he's done his job, and sad that he'll be departing.]

Ned...well, congratulations on the graduation. But I'll miss you. I was just getting to know you. What about Digby?

video;

[deadly_ned]

Congratulations goes to Thomas. He...He should be well away by now. Starting a new life, doing new things. Getting free of the town. Every opportunity should be available to him.

I'll, um. I'll miss you too.

Digby? He...


I don't know about Digby. I suppose I ought to take him back with me. We've been together for...twenty years?

video;

[some_kinda_hero]

Nonono, none of that, you deserve some praise too, Ned, you helped get him there.

You should definitely take him. Twenty years is a lo- wait, how can he that old and still be alive?

[with_my_teacup]

....well fuck.

[deadly_ned]

You're welcome to come back with me.

Private

[with_my_teacup]

[Riddick jams the button to filter it private half a second before the rest of the nerwork can see him displaying what looks shockingly like affection and regret. ]

I've been to Earth. I don't think it'd work out for me.

But. Thanks.

private

[mattersverymuch]

[Guess who doesn't sound perturbed at all.]

After considering this sentiment for a few moments, and the fact that you're smarter than I had originally given you credit for, I have to think that you just cursed me.

Well done.

private

[deadly_ned]

I didn't want to. You forced my hand.

[surfaceshine]

Quiet enough, huh?

Good luck.

[ Private ]

Was there something else you needed to work towards?

[deadly_ned]

Thank you. I'll...really miss you, Dean.

[Private]

I only had the one deal. There's nothing else I need.

[Private]

[logistical]

Thank you for the pie.

[A pause which could almost be considered sad.]

Live long, and prosper.

[Private]

[deadly_ned]

That's a very beautiful saying.

[landfall]

You'll just be... gone?

[ Gods damn it and she was just starting to make friends. ]

[deadly_ned]

That's...usually what leaving means.

I'm sorry.

[bitteraftertaste]

Good luck.

[deadly_ned]

Thank you.