countermeasures | chroma | catchall for vin

[honestly, she gets it]

...sometimes I catch myself wondering how genuine it is. I'd like to trust that it's sincere. But I don't think there's anything wrong with giving them a chance to prove themselves, as long as we keep our guard up.

It would be good if it were sincere.

[but her voice betrays that she doesn't think it is.]

[very gently: ]

Yes, it would be.

[a beat.]

But their claim to not know why we are here, and their story that they have lost their memories... It is very convenient.

...it certainly is.

[she purses her lips slightly.]

If it is some sort of an act, they've all coordinated very well with one another. I've spoken to all four of them, and they do seem to say similar things, in their own ways.

Yes, but...

[she frowns.]

I have wondered if that might be part of it. Not remembering their past is an easier cover story than a more detailed explanation of where they came from and who they are.

Yes... and it's a little concerning, too, that there aren't other people for us to talk to. Any other beings we've encountered in this place have been, well...

[she shrugs]

Not much for conversation.

So there's nothing to contradict them...

[ah... she hadn't thought about that, but she nods.]

I hope that as time goes on, we will find a source other than the four of them that can tell us about this place.

I hope so, too.

...and I do hope that they're being genuine. For the most part, they've been easy to get along with... I'd hate to think that was faked.

It's not unpleasant to talk to them.

[a beat.]

Is it... rare where you are from? People being dishonest or untruthful.

[she's quiet for a moment, and then she shakes her head.]

It isn't as rare as I would like.

Then... Perhaps it is best we do not get our hopes up. It seems unlikely that they are genuine.

[saying something like that is her idea of kindness, unfortunately.]

...

[she nods slowly]

I'll give them the chance to prove themselves one way or another, but I'll try not to hope too hard for a positive outcome.

It would be best to put our trust in ourselves to achieve that.

[she nods again]

I definitely agree with you about that.

[nodding]

They sounded as though they might have something for us tomorrow, so... Maybe it will help us learn more about this place and what is possible.