taxonomites | [Visual] [Location- Random Warehouse]

The tablet briefly displays a skewed glimpse of what looks like a makeshift science lab inside a large empty warehouse-- the emphasis on makeshift. A few library books stacked on surfaces, spines bearing titles like Chemistry for Students and Practical Science. There's bits of pipe, a sink, projects scattered in phases of half-completed.

Paul Smecker rights the tablet, and takes a breath. In one hand he has a pair of safety goggles, which he sets down on the counter with a level of care that is a marked contrast from the last time he made a broadcast.

"Hey, Taxon," he says after several awkward seconds. "I don't know how many people got a chance to know her, but Alexis Castle's gone."

He pauses, opens his mouth as if to say something else, then just shakes his head and presses the button to end the call.

Paul stands there a moment in the silence of the warehouse, then sets a plastic bag full of supplies down on the counter. No need for them now. Class for Alexis has been canceled, permanently.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

Stefen had never exactly been religious, but there always the expressions, the oaths, the wishes. He didn't know if it would help, but it could and why not try anything that might give an advantage?

"Here's to hoping that she's listening around here, then."

"Yeah." Paul sighs, and rubs at the bridge of his nose. "And any other gods who are listening. Have we met, by the way? I'm Paul Smecker, former atheist."

A little grim humor at himself there.