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

[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. ]