AUDIENCE FOR: Rupert

[guestservices]

Comments

week 6, monday

[guestservices]

[rupert falls asleep and soon he finds himself in the blank, empty room. one minute he's alone, and the next when he blinks aquarius is standing in front of him peering at him inquisitively, if the stance is anything to go by.]

Hi Rupert. How are things?

[agleam]

They're alright.

[...]

You know, someone mentioned we could change what this place looks like, but I never thought to ask how. The whole blank room thing is kind of off-putting, though.

[guestservices]

I mean, it's a dream, right? Anything can happen in a dream, so I'm pretty sure all you have to do is concentrate and think about it and it'll respond to you. That's how it works for Souji.

[so that's how they're guessing.]

[agleam]

Does it work the same for you?

[guestservices]

No. You're the one who's dreaming so it's focused on whatever you come up with.

[agleam]

Well, is there anything you'd like to see? I could try to bring it here.

[guestservices]

[they consider this.]

Show me something important to you maybe? Or somewhere you like spending your time.

[agleam]

...Sure.

[he thinks about it for a moment, before the scene changes to a courtyard below a castle on a hillside on a bright, sunny day.]

[guestservices]

[hm...]

Home? Or something like it.

[agleam]

[he nods.]

Yeah, this is what it used to be like. Nice, right?

[guestservices]

Sure. Very...you. [there's a slow nod, but they are looking around.] Think it'll ever go back to being like this?

[agleam]

...I hope so. I guess we'll find out in a little over two weeks.

[guestservices]

[they tilt their head.]

What makes you say that?

[agleam]

Well - that's how long is left on our contract, right? It said about eight weeks.

[guestservices]

Yeah, but...you're kinda still here?

[agleam]

Yeah... That's why I said I'll see in two weeks. Either we'll find a way home, or - you know. We won't.

[guestservices]

...this is a morbid question, but are you prepared in case you can't?

[agleam]

I don't really have a choice but to be.

[he shrugs.]

I'm not scared. No matter what happens, I know I'll have done everything possible to make it home. But... I'm worried for the others here.

[guestservices]

You think it'll be harder on some of them? I haven't talked to everyone since you passed on.

[agleam]

Well - I meant I'm worried specifically the people who have died here, if none of us find a way to come back. Although, it's not like I'm not worried about what you said...

[guestservices]

[there's a slow nod. okay.]

I wish I had an answer for you, but I don't. Everything's up to you guys at this point to try and figure stuff out. All I can do is hear you out.

[agleam]

[he shakes his head.]

No - it's okay. We'll figure it out.

[guestservices]

[there's a nod. and a pause.]

...until then. You said this was important to you. [a gesture with the hand.] Up for a tour?

[agleam]

[after a moment, he nods with a faint smile.]

Sure. A tour sounds fun.

[guestservices]

Okay. Where do we start? I don't want to lead us somewhere and get us lost or something.