Old Acquaintances and lost friends

[Bazza]

Ah...! I think you're right.

Kana's expression changes once again, the girl seemingly having reached peace within herself.

I like escalators better.

Kana pauses for a moment - for reasons unbeknownst to anyone but herself.

Because an escalator can never break down. They can only become stairs.

You would never see an "escalator temporarily out of order" sign - just a sign that says "escalator temporarily stairs".

A minute later, Evangeline gently kicks the bathroom door open, stepping out into the main room with baby Sanya - sporting a fresh diaper - in her arms.

Unfortunately, Kana, I don't think this place has an escalator.

We can take the stairs though.

The rooftop of the Cosmopolitan sports a small courtyard area amidst the utilitarian features - accessible by the elevator and adjacent staircase. Although a sea of concrete with little more than a fenced-in platform with some seating whose primary purpose is an respite for guests whom smoke, the small public area offers an interesting view of the city surrounding the hotel - of course, anywhere not otherwise obscured by one of the many skyscrapers nearby.

Through the maze of designated traffic lanes, a member of Liberty's naval fleet clumsily meanders its' way towards the hotel grounds. Bearing the distinct insignia of Liberty across her hull, the aged - yet hardy - utility vessel proudly enjoys the right of way granted by the colours she flies under.

Like many dedicated space vessels, this particular craft lacks the ability to actually "fly" under atmospheric conditions - instead relying on a complicated array of vertical thrusters and computer control systems. Despite her handicap, however, the ship is capable of a not-insignificant speed through Manhattan's atmosphere.

With all of the anti-glory bestowed upon such tools-of-the-trade, the ship stalls out several meters above the hotel, down-draft from the engines kicking up the layer of dirt and debris that had accumulated atop the roof.

The impolite, blatant noise generated by the new arrival alerts Evangeline - and most everyone else in the building - to its' arrival.

Aaand... that'd be our ride out of here.

We're leaving? I haven't even packed anything yet!

The distress in Kana's voice is clearly apparent to those around her.

We're not leaving for good, Kana. Just going on a sightseeing trip.

Kana once again returns to her blissful natural state as Evangeline - with a handbag apparently retrieved from the bathroom over one shoulder - walks to the front door. She turns around and beckons Kana and Sev to follow her.

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