[The words are soft. Surprised, and almost (not quite) sorry. It's not startling that Arid could, or might. But to come this far since they'd last talked? That kind of understanding cost. 'A print you can't just override,' no matter how much she'd wanted to, back then. She'd thought her pilot would take care of it. Take care of her.
Is it selfish to be grateful that he hadn't?]
I chose, too. [A little wistful. His tone strengthens.] But I didn't help you for your human.
...
Arid?
[He's afraid. He was afraid; he is afraid. Maybe he always will be. The panic of lockdown, the blank pressure of the wipes. It's only more terrifying to know how that kind of death feels.
no subject
[The words are soft. Surprised, and almost (not quite) sorry. It's not startling that Arid could, or might. But to come this far since they'd last talked? That kind of understanding cost. 'A print you can't just override,' no matter how much she'd wanted to, back then. She'd thought her pilot would take care of it. Take care of her.
Is it selfish to be grateful that he hadn't?]
I chose, too. [A little wistful. His tone strengthens.] But I didn't help you for your human.
...
Arid?
[He's afraid. He was afraid; he is afraid. Maybe he always will be. The panic of lockdown, the blank pressure of the wipes. It's only more terrifying to know how that kind of death feels.
Still.]
I don't regret it.