Musings [Escher]

[Thexare]

Leiden Base

"Mom. Dad. It's been a while, I know. Sorry I didn't call... guess it doesn't matter now. Maybe you heard, the Raiders are starting their own country. Pretty sure Kane's crazy, but... I suppose it's worth a shot. You always did want me to run for office."

He took a deep breath, shaking slightly before continuing. "I... got your message. I can't pick it all up today, but I'll bring someone with me next time to help. I know, you always wanted me to have that Bayonet when you retired."

Another shaky breath. "Kelly. Don't try to sneak up on me."

The blonde Raider stood next to Escher, silently watching as he dusted off the memorial in front of them.

VINCENT & MARIE DELACROIX
Taken too soon by the bastards from Deshima

"I... didn't know your parents died."

"Until a few days ago, neither did I. They were moving a load of stolen Ageira equipment from Alberta... a couple hunters caught them in Kepler."

"I'm sor-"

"Spare me. It's part of the life. One day, you're doing your part to destroy Ageira, the next you're killed by a hired thug so the corporate plutocrats can live in luxury. It's happened to dozens of Hackers. It'll happen to dozens more. And somewhere down the line, it may happen to us too."

"Then we make the most of our time."

"We think alike."

"Good," she replies as the two start to leave. "And while I'm thinking about it, don't go after those bounty hunters. I know you don't want to draw more attention to yourself right now."

"I won't lay a finger on them."