ic: contact post

[12second_orz]

[The video cuts to a plain black screen with the word 'UNAVAILABLE' written in white, with Tonegawa speaking over it.]

At the moment, I am away from my desk. Please leave a message and I will get back to you at the most convenient time.

[beeep]

Comments

backdated to Tuesday

[vinovidivici]

Tonegawa. [ No "Tony" for the minute. How's that for a gesture of goodwill. ] When you get this I'd appreciate if you'd make some time for me.

[ just about as blatantly "call me back or I'll come over to your office to talk in person and do something really bad for your PR while I'm at it" as you can get while still sounding amicable ]

[voice]

[12second_orz]

[Fortunately for the both of them, he's been expecting a call from Stanfield some time soon; he doesn't delay in calling back.]

Is this about Laforet-kun?

[vinovidivici]

Yeah. She's in Skye Medical. There was another Hunt yesterday, like they thought. [ "They" being the Newcomer network - he'd seen Tonegawa already register Chane's disappearance with Mary. ] Bastards got her sometime on Sunday when she was out.

[12second_orz]

[Tonegawa sucks in his breath. He knew this was coming, of course. He'd read all the signs. Even so, it's a testament to the moment that the first thing he does is take a moment to light a cigarette, then take a deep drag on it.]

As I thought. [He sounds grimly plain- what else is there to say?] How badly hurt is she?

[vinovidivici]

She's safe. [ That's the important thing. He runs a hand through his hair, considering the rest. ] Depends what your definition of "bad" is. The worst of it's a bullet wound and a couple sprains. She's too tough for them to have managed more than that. [ The tone of his voice is plainly admiring, despite the seriousness. ] She's worn out, though. You oughta arrange some leave for her.

[12second_orz]

[Tonegawa surprises himself by answering instantly this time, tone almost irritable.] What do you take me for? Of course she's getting leave. [This seems almost too close, god forbid, so he quickly adds:] She's of no use to me while she's still injured, after all.

[vinovidivici]

You got a heart of gold, Tonegawa. [ Not quite worn down enough to miss an opportunity for sarcasm. ]

Well then, I'll let the two of you work out the details. Just lettin' you know I'll be back in touch if I feel your offer doesn't live up to your generous nature.

[12second_orz]

[Now he pauses, quietly absorbing Stanfield's meaning. Is he being threatened? How preposterous- and how insulting, that he should think that he could pressure him into doing anything. He has half a mind to cut Laforet's leave by half just to spite the man, but he knows better than to give into that particular impulse and gives a dismissive snort instead.]

Don't be a fool. I've already told you that it wouldn't be in my interests to take her back too early, Stanfield.

[vinovidivici]

Then there shouldn't be a problem. [ Don't hold it against him, he's just a little bit overcompensatory edgy under the current circumstances. ]