089

[truth_is_cold]

[Public | Audio]

[Rhade's voice, steady and flat.] I have my deal, and my mission is over. If you have any parting wishes, I would like to hear them now. I am sincerely hoping that returning won't be necessary.

[Private to Riddick | Audio]

The invitation stands when you're ready. I'll leave you with the access code to the planet. You'll have to forgive the defenses, we have more thieves to worry about in the galaxy these days. Giant civilization shattering wars tend to do that.

[Private to Ben | Audio]

You make me very proud. Take care of your people.

[Private to Friends | Audio]

Thank you. I would never have returned in the first place if I didn't know that people like you would be there. If you have something special that you would like to be kept safe, I'd like something to take back to the Collection with me. [He wants keepsakes, and keepsakes that'll be preserved for a very long time.]

I do want to see you again. Come find me when you have the chance. The Barge has been helpful in giving me that chance.

Comments

private/video

[tolaywaste]

[For a long time, Alex really doesn't know what to say to this. On the one hand, he knew this would happen someday, but he knows Ben will be torn up to see Rhade leave.]

[He's earnest, intent, a little awkward when the feed comes on.]

Sir, we don't know each other well, and I know that. I regret that. But I'm glad you've got what you need, and -

I wanted to say thank you. For being there for Ben, and for helping him. He deserved someone like you on his side. He deserved that a long time ago.

private/video

[truth_is_cold]

Yes, he did.

I'm glad he still has someone like you here, too.

[Because he does know Ben will be torn up by him leaving, but now he has friends. And he needs friends more than he needs a caretaker, or a supervisor. He's ready for that life.]

private/video

[tolaywaste]

Yeah, me too. He'll do well as a warden, I think.

[His tone heavily implies that he's thought about this before, because he has.]

private/video

[truth_is_cold]

If a selfish bastard like me can, anyone can.

[And he'll stick by that he's a selfish bastard until his dying day.]

private/video

[tolaywaste]

[Which just makes Alex laugh.]

Well, it wouldn't hurt for him to be a little bit selfish, right?

Are you gonna be safe?

Re: private/video

[truth_is_cold]

I will be. I am concerned about him, though.

Perhaps he'll know what a really good place is one day. But I'm glad for now that this is it.

private/video

[tolaywaste]

[After a moment of hesitation:] If he doesn't find somewhere that fits him better, in the end, I'd offer for him to come with me. It's not a perfect place, where I'm from, but it's getting better.

private/video

[truth_is_cold]

Wherever he's happy, and wherever he will have a family. [Those are very high priorities, in Rhade's mind.]

I know that he'll do his very best. Just reassure him every once in a while that he's doing well.

private/video

[tolaywaste]

That's just about at the top of my priority list, trust me. And I know he will.