Day 2 | Afternoon | Many Worlds Interpretation

[Kannon]

"They are noble enough, and I've expressed them. I want the drug lord busted and soon, to prevent... the worst."

[Cuyler Gray]

"That isn't what we are here for. But, it is in our interests." She nodded. "It may help us, actually."

[Kannon]

That sent Sinsei's thoughts racing. She brought her tone to a whisper.

"Are you here for... any of the two individuals playing hunting games?"

[Cuyler Gray]

"Have you seen anyone playing hunting games?" she raised an eyebrow.

[Kannon]

"I might have seen a damn handsome man and a cute teen hunting each other as equals in some silly competition only men could come up with, and then returning to where their thopter crashed for sleep and repairs. Or I might not have."

[Cuyler Gray]

"This seems to be a very busy jungle." She sighed. "You said your father is here, too?"

[Kannon]

She nodded, very slowly.

"Too busy for both our research and the local population."

[Cuyler Gray]

"Is your father safe?"

[Kannon]

"No. He might be dead, or he will be in a day or two."

She couldn't keep it in any more. She turned away her face when her voice crumbled and turned rugged.

[Cuyler Gray]

She pulled her into a comforting hug. "I'm sorry. I'm sure we'll help you, if we can. We need to know what's happened."

[Kannon]

"He was captured by the cartel. By what Pantazis said you already know what happens next."

She didn't resist.

"I don't share your certainty. They are horrible people, those Atreides. Where was their legendary honour in all that has happened to me today? Maybe it is true what they say that they are in cahoots with this ailar mafia. As a last resort, I'd rather get out of here and try to approach that hunting duo."

[Cuyler Gray]

"If you go, I will go with you. But, I think we'll need everyone to save your father." She said.

[Kannon]

"Will you? Sinsei turned abruptly, with new hope. "Is there anyone who can covince them? That Lanville is intractable. You said it yourself this is not their goal."

[Cuyler Gray]

"I can speak to them on your behalf." She answered. "It would mean more coming from you, however. The stubbornness and frustration is because we're operating blind out here. No communication and not enough intel. You can help with the latter, so that they can make an informed decision. If they understand your situation better, they'll be inclined to help you. If they won't help you, I will."

"They are who they say they are and they do believe you are who you claim. But, they know little else about this jungle or what's happened here. You have every reason not to trust them. But, they are the best chance at rescuing your father or punishing the cartel."

[Kannon]

Sinsei pulled away.

"I've said too much, Ms Gray. If you go with it to them I will have lost most of my leverage. They will hold me at a gunpoint or torture me to reveal the rest. And they are smart enough to guess what I'd do next and prevent it, your help being moot then. And forgive me, but I am done talking with them myself. If I am gaslit, condescended or verbally abused again I'll start a fight."

She rested the slinged arm on her knees. "But I think I am powerless to stop you, so it's about your integrity what you choose to tell or not to them."

[Cuyler Gray]

"Alright. As you wish." She sighed.

[Kannon]

Sinsei stayed silent for a moment, then yelped from anguish.

"I mean, you're a sensible woman and have some diplomatic status they actually recognise. Perhaps your judgement would be better than mine. I am not exactly at my best being held here knowing my father is being drugged to death. If you think you can convince them to anything constructive without compromising me, do try. In the end, time is not my ally."

[Cuyler Gray]

"I'll be back. Don't leave without me, please."

She got up and left to speak with the others.

[Kannon]

Sinsei was torn about it but if Razar had accomplished something, it was crushing her spirit and battering her sense of agency. And she was afraid of another shot in the back. Those were ruthless people. She had managed to compartmentalise when they had been talking about planetology, but now all the demons set in. She hid her head between her knees.

[Cuyler Gray]

After some time, Cuyler returned.

"I've made some progress." She said sitting down next to Sinsei. "It seems Captain Lanville had not been made aware if your father's presence in the area. With the focus on the circumstances of our encountering you and all the stupidity that followed, that was missed."

"Once I informed him that you had spoken of your father being in the jungle, which is all I told him, the captain immediately added finding and extracting Dr. Vim to our mission. He considers it his responsibility to ensure that any civilians who may be at risk are protected." She took a breath. "I did not tell him about what happened to your father. You should do that. And, you should share any other information you have, to ensure we are fully prepared. Please."