LN: Why are we this far out? 

EC: Oh, I didn’t realize. Sorry. The ground drops out a little beyond this point. I think this is far enough.

LN: What’s up?

EC: I wanted to clear some things up with you. I mean – I wanted to apologize firstly, if I made you feel like you had to leave – or if I was being overbearing.

LN: It’s alright. I didn’t leave because of you.

EC: Okay, so, you should have. They put out a code for you and they sent me to collect you. They want you in custody.

LN: Okay. 

EC: I can’t help noticing you’re a little cavalier about this.

LN: Are you trying to scare me?

EC: No. I’m not. I want you to be aware of the danger because I brought it on you and I feel I owe you that much. And I want you to know that I’m not going to be part of it anymore.

LN: That’s good. I never wanted to fight you. Tell them to send someone else.

EC: I’m not telling them anything because I’m not going back.

LN: What? No, what? Why?

EC: I don’t want to hurt you. I don’t want to give them anything that can.

LN: No. You shouldn’t quit because of me. I don’t want you to lose your job. You can blame me for it. Tell them how dangerous I am. You won’t even need to lie.

EC: It’s not just you, though. It’s my problem. There’s a nature you need for this job and it didn’t take for me. I know it. You can see it in me and they will too. I can’t go back to them like this. I can’t. It’s not even an option. 

LN: Ezekiel.

EC: Yeah?

LN: I don’t know.

EC: Why are you crying?

LN: I don’t know. Did I fuck you over?

EC: No. It’s not like that at all.

LN: Okay. I’m sorry. 

EC: It’s not like that, either. I don’t know why you’re sorry. Let me know. Do you want me to leave you alone?

LN: No. What? Why would you say that?

EC: Oh. 

LN: I don’t want you to go off by yourself. 

EC: I’d stay if you’d have me. I know I said I can’t do the job anymore, because I can’t, but there are parts of it that I still feel obligated to carry through. I’d like to help you, even if I have significantly less to offer this time around.

LN: That’s really nice.

EC: Are you alright?

LN: Waterlogged. It happens.

EC: That was the end of my spiel. I mean, there’s more, but June will probably want to be looped in on it, so-

LN: All good. I’m good. Let’s go back.

EC: So many damn mosquitos.

LN: They haven’t been bothering me. I think my blood is too toxic for them to drink.

EC: Lucky.