lifetothefullest | [IC Inbox

[He gives a faint hint of an amused smile as an acknowledgement of that first comment, but then goes immediately serious again at the rest of his reply.]

That's possible, though that's also only one aspect of what happened.

[And prior experience with a potentially traumatic event doesn't always give a benefit in dealing with a repeat, either. Often it's the opposite.]

[ Lance is exactly right that he's having more trouble with the repeat, but he's kind of in denial about that and claiming (to himself as well) that it's the opposite and he should be better equipped. ]

I know. And everyone's experiences will be different. But I want to try to help.

The best way to do that is probably just to play it by ear.

[There's no guidebook for this sort of thing, after all. For natural disasters and large-scale violence such as in wars, sure, but not living an entirely alternate life.]

I'll do my best.

[ In more practical needs, though: ]

Do you know if there are any empty jugs or large bottles here I could take with me?

For as much as I'm around this place, I don't work here.

[It isn't snappish or anything, just a statement; he's not the right person to be asking about this sort of thing. As presumptuous as he's willing to be about Red Wings' resources in a situation like this, that's much more haphazard and on the fly, and he rarely knows what's actually available.]

What do you need them for?

I actually do work here -- or did, I'm not sure if Stephen will keep me on now -- but haven't been around for awhile so figured you might know better. I can check the back.

[ There's usually a bunch but who knows right now. ]

I told Gene I'd head to New Cairo and he's pretty sure they desperately need water.

I don't think Stephen has any standing to be firing you for whatever might've happened in the Aerie.

[Just saying. He's more than willing to assume whatever might've happened there was Stephen's fault rather than Washington's.

But okay, as for the actual issue, he frowns a little in thought.]

I'm sure that's true, though it'll probably be needed on larger scale than a few bottles. There must be a way to divert a larger supply; I'm not suggesting stealing a shipment or something like that, but...

[He's not not suggesting it.]

I figured something was better than nothing, but if supply shipments are up and running again...

[ He can handle hijacking one. ]

I'm not sure if they're running or not, but even if they aren't, everything kind of just... Froze, I guess, as we all disappeared.

[So there may be abandoned trucks somewhere, or trailers that had been loaded at a warehouse and never taken to be delivered.]

...that's a great thought, actually. I'll look up the shipping routes and see what I can do.

Thanks, Lance.

[ He probably won't get arrested. ]

You don't have to thank me; I'm sorry I can't really offer anything more useful.

[He barely knows what he's doing at the moment and it's just too much for him to organize anything or give any real advice, as much as he'd like to be able to.]

It's a good idea, don't sell yourself short. I didn't think of it.

[ He turns to head towards the kitchen, but hesitates. ]

...are you okay, Lance?

[He decides not to argue with the first point, instead offering a small nod of appreciation, but at the question--]

Yeah, I mean, things are kind of terrible for everyone right now, but I'm okay.

[And that's totally believable, right? Definitely. Nothing to see here.]

You seem kind of...

[ Down? Everyone does. Hmm. He doesn't know how to put it, but. ]

Do you want to talk?

[Lance watches Washington a moment as he tries to find the right word and then eventually asks a question instead, which is a nice offer, but--]

I appreciate you asking, but it's just... I'm really tired.

[He can admit that much, especially since it's very obvious.]

I was one of the first back, so this has all been really nonstop.

...I get that.

[ Tired. Okay. If that's all it is, and he has a bad feeling but no reason to accuse Lance of lying to him. And doesn't know him well enough to do so, besides. He smiles faintly. ]

Try to get some downtime in, okay? I'll see you when I get back.

[He manages a faint smile of his own, appreciating both the concern and that Washington isn't prying further.]

I'll do my best. Be careful yourself, and let me know if anything happens and you need help.

I will. Thanks again, Lance.

[ And then he's gone, off to hijack a transport in all likelihood. The next call Lance gets might be Wash needing bail, honestly. ]

[IC Inbox | Meadowlark]

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