No, its not like that all, Joe insisted.
I require elaboration, Maggie was unconvinced.
Okay, so. You know there used to be a place called London, yeah?
Indeed. It features prominently in your nations pre-space history.
And it was built on a river, a big one.
The Thas, yes.
Naturally, they built quite a few bridges over it.
Naturally, Maggie agreed.
But only one of them ended up being THE London Bridge.
The most important one, presumably.
Exactly. It was so important that people have been throwing all kinds of money and science at it just to keep the old thing standing. They did that for ages, even after wed started colonizing space.
This endeavour seems like a trendous waste of resources and manpower. Why did they not build a new one with modern materials and engineering?
It was the Queens favorite bridge, you see. Cant have anyone tampering with that. In fact, when the ga-quakes of 2167 finally collapsed it, She declared the Earth itself was a terrorist organization and airlifted the entire country into space. Or, is that space-lifted? You know what I an.
Maggie could do little but shake her head. Such stubborn futility and manic overreactions never ceased to amaze her. Admittedly Joe was hardly the most reliable source of historical information, and it was certain that his anecdotal knowledge was missing quite a few details. However, judging from what shed learned of the 3rd British Empires culture, Maggie estimated there was a staggering 87% chance of that story being almost completely true. It would, of course, only take her a few seconds to verify the veracity of that narrative via virtual volus, but that would take the fun out of it. Not to ntion it would be rude to Joe to do that right in front of him.
So, yeah, the man wheeled around towards his original point. Because of that, whenever you hear soone talk about London Bridge falling down, theyre politely implying that the governnt cocked sothing up in a big and obvious way. Usually through excessive spending.
I comprehend. But how does the phrase My fair lady factor into this idiom?
Thats just what youre supposed to say back, to show that you understand and agree. Its like a social contract.
This I deduced from context. I am asking why those three words in that exact order, specifically?
I dunno, he shrugged. Sothing about invoking the Queens na in a roundabout way, probably.
Curious.
Look, I know you got that look of I wanna study this completely trivial thing right now, but you kinda left hanging, so can we try that again?
Very well. I will cooperate.
Right, then.
Joe straightened his shirt out, coughed a few tis into his clenched fist, and then repeated the statent that started this whole topic in a slightly dramatic fashion.
Bliy! This place is so fancy that London Bridge is falling down!
My fair lady, the girl chirped cheerfully in response.
No, no, not like that, the man grumbled. Youre slagging off the governnt, here, Maggie. Youre supposed to be more disappointed. Cynical. Bit of eye-rolling. Lets have another go, shall we?
Pardon , Sir. Madam.
An obviously synthesized male voice interrupted the impromptu cultural lesson before it could really take off. Its source was a semi-humanoid robot just a few steps away from Joe and Maggie. Its upper body had a wide and vaguely V-shaped torso with two finely-tuned arms, their chanical internals concealed by interlocking plates of shiny white polyr. The sa went for the back half of the spherical head. The front was made transparent like glass and revealed the robots face was a giant cara with a softly glowing blue ring around the lens. As for the machines lower body, it didnt really have one. The torso just kind of floated in place with a barely audible hum. The robot also wore a stylish black vest and necktie over a pressed off-white shirt. The ensemble resembled traditional British formal wear from around the 20th century.
Much as its appearance would suggest, this hovering machine was a butler, of sorts. More specifically, a model S3-T1 custodial automaton with the designation Jeeves. It had already introduced itself as such when Maggie rang the doorbell of the luxurious suite she and Joe were currently standing in front of. One glance at the dwellings interior had caused the man to utter that London Bridge comnt, and the robot had been silently hovering in the doorway since. However, it would appear its patience subroutine had run its course, as it spoke sowhat insistently.
Though I would hate to interrupt your riveting conversation, I must implore you to step inside. The Master is a very busy individual and your appointnt is imminent, so it would behoove you to be as punctual as humanly possible.
Agreed, Maggie politely bowed her head.
Excellent. Right this way, please.
As Jeeves led the couple inside, Joe learned that his initial judgent of the place being way too fancy was an understatent. It had ridiculously spacious rooms and hallways, unbelievably soft and vibrant carpeting, and over-the-top furnishings straight out of a movie. The baroque walls were lined with exotic artwork in tasteful fras, and elegant mini-chandeliers hung from the tall ceiling. The extravagance of it all spiked even further when he entered the sitting room. It had a genuine stone fireplace for maximum coziness and actual windows that let in real sunlight.
Joe couldnt help but feel overwheld and sorely out of place. This was by far the swankiest, most opulent residence hed ever seen. Even his virtual abode paled in comparison, to say nothing of his tiny shoebox of an apartnt. Indeed, the contrast between them was so stark that it was difficult to believe this place was even on the sa planet as that bland closet, yet was actually in the sa building. Admittedly it was about a hundred and thirty stories up from Joes place, but no matter how difficult it was to believe, the two apartnts definitely shared a hyper-scraper.
The man could therefore be forgiven for assuming that the owner of the place was so pompous, stuck-up twat. The sort of insufferable arsehole that wore a face mask just so they wouldnt have to breathe the sa air as commoners like him. He was therefore sowhat relieved to see that he was wrong, at least about the second bit. Already waiting for him and Maggie in the sitting room was a pleasantly rounded gentleman. He wore a sharp suit, had dignified traces of gray in his black hair, and an impressive well-grood moustache on his lip. The strangers plumpness implied financial success since it ant he was able to pay for lots of real food on the regular instead of relying on Noot-Goop for sustenance. Cullen was kind of the sa way since he made a good amount of money off of his avatar design hobby.
Master Millington, your three oclock appointnt has arrived, Jeeves announced.
Oh! Marvellous! the man said in a jolly tone. Co in, co in, make yourselves at ho. I do apologize for the extravagant decor, but this is the only suite I could rent on such short notice. Jeeves, do be so kind as to fetch our guests so of your spiffing tea, would you?
Of course, sir.
Joe was simultaneously surprised, relieved, and emboldened by the warm welco and decided to take full advantage of it.
Good afternoon, sir, he stepped forward with his hand out. Im Joe Mulligan.
A pleasure to make your acquaintance, Mr. Mulligan, the mustachioed gentleman smiled. I would shake your hand, but Im afraid Im not really here.
He then put his arm straight through one of the armchairs, showing that he was actually a highly sophisticated hologram.
Oh
Joes enthusiasm rapidly deflated as he ntally shuffled this guy back into the pretentious prick category in his head.
Please do not take this personally, Mr. Mulligan. This is a security precaution. It would, after all, be quite irresponsible for a man of my stature to put himself within reach of a Class-3 entity. Ah, where are my manners? My na is Oliver Millington, and I am the regional director of Her Immortal Majestys Supernatural Eviction Agency for this star sector.
Magh'rathlak the Observer, though you may refer to as Mags or Miss Oh, the girl introduced herself as well.
Chard, Im sure. Ive learned quite a lot about you thanks to Major Archers diligent reports. This includes your technological prowess. Speaking of which, my technician informs you are attempting to trace this holograms signal back to its origins. I would recomnd that you cease doing so imdiately, otherwise we will deem this an act of hostility and will be forced to respond accordingly.
Joe looked quizzically towards Maggie and was only slightly surprised to see her relax a tiny bit. It wasnt in the eyes or the face, but the hair. He had noticed that those constantly coiling locks seed to beco more animate in direct proportion to the intensity of her ntal efforts. The fact that they slightly cald down implied that she had done as asked.
I offer apologies, the girl stated. It was not my intent to appear hostile.
Its quite alright, my dear. From what I understand your rampant curiosity has caused quite a few misunderstandings, but protocol is protocol. Ah, I do believe your tea is here.
Jeeves had silently returned with a small silver tray. It had two fancy cups of fragrant lemon balm tea, a pot holding more of the hot beverage, a plate of carefully arranged biscuits, a porcelain pitcher of fresh milk, and a tiny jar of honey-squared. The chanized servant quickly yet gracefully laid these out on the small table in the middle of the room and then excused itself with a bow. Oliver invited Maggie and Joe to take a seat on the dizzyingly colorful sofa, and they obliged. The governnt official parked himself in such a way that his hologram fit perfectly into the armchair opposite them.
Now then, Miss Oh. I have so splendid news for you, Oliver got straight to business. After careful deliberation, my Agency has found the terms of your proposed ceasefire agreent to be quite reasonable. So much so that we have already prepared all of the formalities on our side. All I need to do is flip a switch on my end and youll officially be a citizen of the 3rd British Empire. Well also provide you with your very own PnP chip, though weve taken the liberty of assuming you are able to install it yourself.
You assu correctly, Oliver Millington. However, if I am accurately interpreting your intent, you are not yet agreeing my terms, rely stating that they are acceptable.
Quite so. You see, this is a first for our Agency, making a pact like this. Weve known that it was possible in theory, and had developed certain safeguards and protocols with that in mind, but you are by far the first entity to actually attempt to parlay with us. I understand we have Mr. Mulligan to thank for that.
Joe looked up from his cup startled and still, like a deer in headlights. The entirety of his attention had been focused on the fragrant beverage and tasty-looking treats in front of him. He was deliberating if he wanted one or two drops of honey-squared in his tea when he suddenly heard his na. Consequently, he didnt have the faintest idea of why he was being called out, and was afraid of saying sothing stupid or embarassing. He was especially wary since he knew just how important this eting was for his and Maggies future. However, the girl had previously reassured him that she would do the talking and that all Joe had to do was remain by her side. The man had taken this to an that he didnt need to worry since his extrely capable girlfriend would handle everything, and as such hadnt bothered to keep track of the conversation.
Indeed. Joes existence is most precious to .
Maggie smiled at him so sweetly that he suddenly felt as if he didnt need any honey-squared in his tea after all.
Well, isnt that lovely? Oliver remarked joyfully before turning serious. Back to the matter at hand, while my colleagues and I are most certainly interested in this agreent, we also think it would be a terribly missed opportunity if we left it as-is. Would you be willing to expand upon it beyond a re non-aggression pact?
I am, provided that we can agree on mutually satisfactory terms.
Jolly good! Now, to begin with, I was hoping we could secure your help in lightening our Agencys workload.
If you are asking to assist you in expelling other cosmic entities, then I must decline.
It wasnt as if she cared about the rest of her kind one way or another, but chaotic entities tended to hold grudges and would surely target her and Joe if she gave them reason to.
Nothing like that, Oliver assured her. While Im sure your personal involvent would be a boon to our field agents, we have a very specific issue we would like your input on. In other words, we wish to take advantage of your unique knowledge and expertise in an advisory capacity.
Curious, Maggie was intrigued. Explain.
You see, my Agency has noted a worriso trend. Breach events - like the one you caused when you crossed over - have steadily been increasing in frequency and severity for the past three hundred years or so. Theyre especially common in heavily populated systems like this one. Were not quite sure why this is, so we were hoping you might shed so light on the situation, maybe even help us reverse this trend before it gets out of hand.
The cause is your wormhole generators, she instantly revealed.
Is it? the man seed genuinely surprised.
The way your interstellar vessels bend, mold, and stretch the fabric of reality leaves it weakened, making it easier for those like myself to reach through it.
Bugger.
That was all Oliver could muster at that point. He didnt know the science behind wormhole generation, but what Miss Oh said certainly made sense at face value. It correlated with the data he had since humanity had been aggressively expanding across the stars ever since it mastered faster-than-light travel. These days wormholes were so commonplace that people didnt really think about them too much. Even the Agency had sohow overlooked the rather obvious connection between them and the increase in breach events. So far they had assud that trend was caused by hitherto unknown psionic and psychic factors, but the notion that spatial disturbances were to bla definitely warranted investigation.
The real issue with this was that, if that was indeed the root cause, it wasnt the sort of thing that could be fixed quickly or easily. Wormhole generators were a galaxy-wide standard, with so ships housing devices that were over a hundred years old. Discontinuing their use was not going to happen for so many reasons that they werent even worth counting. Ideally it wouldnt co to that, and the Milky Ways civilizations could find so way to alter or upgrade the technology so that this spatial fraying stopped happening. Even then such changes would take decades before they could be enacted on an impactful scale, and that was assuming such a thing was even possible.
Thankfully, Oliver had the ear of a vast intellect whose knowledge and computational prowess were akin to a quantum supercomputer on steroids.
Is it possible to fix the damage, or prevent it from getting worse?
It is, she confird.
How can you be so sure? Do you even know how wormhole generators work?
Not yet. However, I know from personal experience that the regions of space belonging to the Mostly United Republic of Inter-Cosmic Arica are significantly more stable than yours even though their interstellar traffic is no less severe. It is extrely likely their wormhole generator designs have already accounted for the issue I ntioned, whether on purpose or by accident.
Blast those yanks! Oliver grit his teeth. They probably knew all about this but kept quiet!
The political climate between the 3BE and MURICA had always been rocky, ever since before humanity spread across the stars. Both space-faring civilizations were part of the Federation of Allied Governnts, so they were technically allies. However, their cultures and core values were vastly different. For instance, every Brit worth his stiff upper lip adored a spot of tea, but the yanks insisted that their heretical bean juice - also known as coffee - was superior. There were many other similar conflicts, but the biggest divider between them was their stance on artificial intelligence.
While the 3BE outlawed and reviled synthetic life forms, MURICA embraced them. In fact, their leader was one. His na was President John Henry Rushmore, and he was thoroughly unique in that he had a quad-core central processing unit. Each of his cores was programd to think like one of the great leaders immortalized upon the legendary monunt he was nad after. The result was a ga-president that did such a stellar job that he was poised to be reelected to serve his sixty-ninth consecutive term later that year. He and Eternal God-Queen chalizabeth II also had sothing of a personal rivalry going on, though they had managed to avoid bombing each other over it thus far.
The bottom line was that the 3BE and MURICA were begrudging acquaintances at best, so it was only natural they wouldnt share certain potentially catastrophic secrets.
So, can you figure out how to fix our own wormhole engines? Oliver bluntly asked.
With enough ti and data, yes, Maggie confidently replied.
Excellent. Then well have you spearhead that developnt. Our people will double-check your findings, of course.
In return, I demand that your governnt assists in ensuring that no entities, whether yours, rogue, foreign,or alien, endanger myself or Joe Mulligan.
Done. Next up, about that vulnerability in our banking software, have you spotted any other exploits like that?
Yes.
How many?
Maggie wasnt sure how to answer that. Did he an vulnerability in the accounting systems specifically? Or in general? Or perhaps only those relating to the governnt and its operations? Also, would readily divulging that information not harm her stance in this discussion? Secrets were leverage, and she had already screwed up by spilling the beans on the wormhole generators for free. She hadnt considered that things which seed obvious to her would not be so to the Agencys representative. It was a mistake she did not want to repeat.
Many.
The girl ended up letting her budding humanity take over and for once provided a vague, evasive, yet technically truthful answer.
I figured as much, Oliver sighed. Brain like yours probably sees even our most secure systems as a trifling obstacle.
This statent is not entirely inaccurate.
In any event, I intend to put you in touch with our cybersecurity division so we can plug those holes as much as we can. This includes the ghost money thing youve done a few tis now, but well be happy to offer you a generous stipend for your assistance. How does three thousand poundingtons a month sound?
Joe was quietly paying attention since Maggie ntioned his na just now, and hearing that number nearly made him choke on his biscuit. That was sixty tis his usual allowance - easily way more money than he could ever spend in a year, let alone in a month.
London Bridge is falling down, Oliver Millington.
Even Maggie seed to think that sum was too ridiculous.
Falling down? the man was taken aback.
Falling down, she confird.
My fair lady! Whatever makes you say that?
I have just finished cross-referencing financial records from sixty five cybersecurity consulting firms. Your offer appears to be 43% higher than the industry standard rate for a consulting position for a task of this scale and severity.
Yes, well. We want to be generous as a sign of good faith, you see. Its not like the Agencys budget cant handle the expenditure.
Irrelevant. I cannot agree to the terms of the pact unless they are balanced, even if they would be in my favor.
I see. Thats quite noble of you, but it puts in a bit of a rough spot. You see, my colleagues agreed this sum was acceptable, so not giving it to you in full will make them think Im short-changing you. Perhaps you will be willing to provide so additional services in exchange for the extra wages?
This is permissible.
Marvellous! Ive actually been aning to tackle a few problems with our psi-ops advanced training programs. As sothing of an expert on psionics, I believe your insight will be instruntal in this endeavor.
What followed was an elaborate balancing act that just dragged on and on. Oliver would suggest sothing, then Maggie would make a counter-offer, then Oliver would counter-counter-offer, and so on and so forth. The complexity and scope kept escalating so much that Joe completely lost track of the conversation within just five minutes, and it seed as though it would go on for quite a while longer. He stopped listening altogether and just focused on relaxing. Between that wonderfully refreshing tea, the delicious biscuits, the superbly soft sofa, and Maggies dulcet tones, he found himself rapidly dozing off.
Hey, Maggie?
He injected himself into the ongoing discussion with the grace and finesse of a freighter crashing into a refueling station. Oliver was naturally a bit put off by the intrusion, though the girl didnt mind in the slightest.
Yes, Joe? she turned to him with a smile.
Is it okay if I take a little nap?
Of course.
She gently patted her thighs, indicating that he could rest his head in her lap if he so desired. Joe absolutely did, so he took her up on her offer and in the process raised his feet up onto the armrest of the couch. Maggie gently caressed his head as she lulled him into the best damn nap hed ever had. It was so unbelievably comfortable that not even the occasional yelling from Oliver was enough to wake him. He slept soundly for so long that when a dull thumping sound finally woke him, the eting was already over.
Did you enjoy your nap? Maggie asked when she saw he was awake.
It was pretty ace, yeah, he replied from her lap. Mind if I stay like this a bit longer, though?
Are you still tired?
Not in the slightest. That was really refreshing, actually. Its just that your thighs are really soft and comfy, and your dress feels great against the back of my head.
Your approval pleases .
Joe took this opportunity to glance around the room. It was still as overwhelmingly posh as before, albeit with two significant differences. The first was that Mr. Millingtons hologram was gone, which was perfectly natural since his business was done. The other was that the golden light pouring through the window had turned distinctly more orange, and was dying most of the room in that hue. Now, Joe very rarely saw his howorlds sun in person, but there was plenty of simulated sunlight in VR. So, while it took him a few seconds, he was able to successfully deduce the ti of day. His eyes sought confirmation by turning towards the fancy grandfather clock on the opposite end of the room.
Wait, its already seven thirty?!
Yes. Is this an issue?
No, no, its fine. Its just, its awful rude to be sleeping in a strangers house for so long.
An hour-long nap while the smart people ironed out boring details? That was fine. More than reasonable, in Joes opinion. But occupying the room for an entire afternoon was a bit much.
Your consideration is admirable, but unnecessary, Maggie calmly stated. Oliver Millington has no right to object to our presence here.
Right. I guess he doesnt actually live here, him being a hologram and all.
The girl slightly tilted her head as she looked down at him, her eyes blinking rapidly. Joe recognized that gesture, sothing he had started internally calling the thinky-blinky. Maggie did it whenever she was rapidly processing sothing that she really should have thought about before. One of those obvious in hindsight things. Given who and what she was, these delayed revelations were usually quite ridiculous, so the man tempered his sense of normality in anticipation for the incoming truth bomb.
I neglected to ntion that I have claid legal ownership of this dwelling.
It was a good thing hed braced himself, because that was quite the hefty one indeed.
Ah. Yes, probably should have said that earlier. Like, way earlier. Like, before you did it earlier.
I sense hostility in your tone, Joe. Did I offend you sohow?
Little bit, he rose from her lap. So are you going to live here now? Moving out of my dinky commoners abode into this fancy-shmancy suite?
My intention was to have both of us reside here.
Uh-huh. And you just made that decision for , did you?
I concluded that letting you sleep was more important.
An afternoon nap is more important than what is potentially a lifelong commitnt?!
Maggie did her thinky-blinky thing again as she realized what Joe was getting at.
Ah.
The man sighed, groaned, and rubbed his face in exasperation. While he was rightly upset that his girlfriend had excluded him from such a huge decision, he was far angrier at his own stupidity. He knew full well that Maggie had a bad habit of taking things too far whenever she got invested in her work, and it was Joes job to remind her to take a step back. Shed gotten a lot better at keeping her impulses in check, so he figured she had a handle on the negotiations. In retrospect, he had underestimated that mustached bastard because of the jolly uncle act. He probably goaded Maggie into agreeing to so outrageous things in exchange for this pointlessly fancy suite she didnt really need.
If you wish for us to remain in your apartnt, then I will comply, the girl stated.
What, and just leave this place empty? Thatd be a huge waste, and we both know you hate that.
This is true, she looked down at her knees. However, my lack of consideration has caused this impasse, therefore I must be the one to yield.
Look, its not like Im against the idea of moving here. Im upset, not crazy. Well just have to redecorate, get rid of all this posh rubbish and figure out what to do with all the rooms. Actually, what even is the layout here?
Theres this sitting room, a dining room, a kitchen, a living room, a study, a gas room, a master bedroom, a guest room, and two bathrooms.
Joes mouth flew open and his finger went up, but he managed to stop himself from saying sothing incredibly inappropriate.
Ten rooms? he squeaked out.
Eleven if you count the hallway.
Bit much for two people, isnt it?
Indeed.
At least therell be plenty of room for AzgodKalar to run around and play if snakes did that sort of thing.
This residence is suitable for a pupper, the girl hopefully pointed out.
Maggie, please. One thing at a ti, okay?
His attention was then drawn to the odd bumping sounds from sowhere down the hall, the sa ones that had woken him up.
Also what in the Queens na is that noise? Its been going for a while.
My shoggoth is settling itself in.
Your- you an the VR pod?
Yes.
It can walk?
Its more of a scuttle, but yes, it can.
Did it co up here by itself?
Mostly.
Mostly?! the man squealed incredulously.
I had to remotely guide it here, the girl calmly elaborated.
How did it even fit through the door?!
With difficulty.
It smashed through the door fra, didnt it?
Yes, but the maintenance drones already repaired the damage.
The superintendent is gonna blow a fuse when she hears about that.
She wont. The governnt has agreed to intercept and scrub any automated reports involving anomalous activity in exchange for keeping quiet about sothing they did that they shouldnt have.
Joe wasnt quite sure what anomalous activity entailed, but a pantry-sized shoggoth-possesed machine making holes in the walls probably fell under it.
Actually, about that. You made a proper contract, right?
Indeed.
Where is it? I need to see what other insanities youve committed to while I was napping.
Maggie pointed at the rather worryingly thick stack of papers sitting on a little table in the corner. Joe warily walked over and flipped through the dense agreent with a look of disbelief. At the very least most of the text was bloated by details, clarifications, and specifics, but there were still at least twenty clauses in that thing. The worst part was that it was all written in legalese, so simply skimming through didnt tell him much.
Look, just so were clear, theres nothing dirty, criminal, or amoral in this, right?
Of course. I do not agree to terms that I am incapable or unwilling to fulfil.
Thats good, I suppose. Though I feel you really dont need half this stuff youre getting. Like, the accounting course and the law degree I can understand. Perfectly respectable. But a shuttle pilots license? Really?!
I find the idea of the two of us flying through space together to be quite appealing.
I an, yeah, its kinda romantic, but if its all the sa to you, Id rather not go into actual space in an actual shuttle where I can actually die.
Joe suffered from an acute fear of space flight, otherwise known as astrohodophobia. It was a common ailnt among the planet-dwelling citizenry. As one might expect from an irrational fear, no amount of official statents or scientific studies could convince the man that space travel was statistically safer than taking a walk. Well, Maggie could probably persuade him to get in one of those personal shuttles, but he really didnt want to think about it.
Excuse , Mistress Oh?
The rather uncomfortable topic was interrupted by Jeeves the robo-butler, who had just hovered into the room.
Pardon my intrusion, but you have a visitor, he politely declared. Should I show her in?
Please do, she nodded.
As you wish.
Oh, co on, Maggie! Joe groaned as Jeeves left. You got the butler-bot, too?
He makes an excellent cup of tea.
Yeah, fair enough.
Joe decided there wasnt much point in him going over the contract. Maggie and Mr. Millington had both signed it already. With blood, no less. How he managed to do that via hologram was a bit of a mystery, but ultimately irrelevant. The important thing was that the deal was struck, and the girl would stick to it no matter what. Having Joe question the terms served no purpose but to exhaust him. Sure thered be a few surprises here and there, but nothing could beat waking up to learn that his space-witch girlfriend had landed herself a luxurious apartnt.
He then rapidly reconsidered that sentint when he saw a ginger-haired woman in military fatigues and ard to the teeth walk into the room and salute them both.
Psionic Agent 2nd Grade Sarah Johanson, reporting for duty, maam.
Joe just slowly turned to Maggie.
Agent Johanson will be staying with us for the foreseeable future, she calmly answered the unspoken question.
But But why, though?
I will be conducting experints that aim to harness her full psionic potential.
The man looked quizzically at the woman in question. Their eyes t, and the two strangers that had never spoken face to face shared a mont of deep, profound understanding of the human condition. It was the unfortunate realization that they didnt have anywhere nearly as much control over their lives as they liked to think. The epiphany that, try as they might, there were certain things that they would just have to abide by and live with.
Certain many-eyed, girl-shaped, terrifyingly curious things.
My condolences, he offered.
Likewise, she replied.
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