i am a cage in search of a bird

[crocodiline]

[ The figure inside the frosted glass snaps her fingers, and the glass falls away, sliding into grooves in the ground below. Inside, behind additional bulletproof glass, sits a woman, legs up on a transparent glass desk, absentmindedly petting a... whatever this thing is.

Say hello to your mastermind, everyone! ]

Hey there, everyone. Nice to talk to you in person - my name is Cipher, welcome to my city. Sorry I took so long to show up in person. No need to get up on my account - how about we talk business?

[ Let's drive. ]

Comments

[inaclearing]

...is the vending machine still there?

[Like Brett's sort of been assuming she does not need anyone's help in coming and going, but - ]

[crocodiline]

I don't think I could stop her from leaving with you all, she literally has a Lutece Machine built into her, along with the... five other things Valerie and Peridot did.

[inaclearing]

Well, whatever she wants to do.

[YEAH OKAY SURE]

Uh...how practical would it be to get those trees out? Just seems like a shame...

[crocodiline]

[ She exhales. ]

I can... make an arboretum very confused and happy somewhere, sure.

[inaclearing]

Hey, you asked.

[If this shit was supposed to bring out the best in him, we've established that consists of "stupidly sentimental" and "makes dumb decisions".]

[crocodiline]

It's fine, it's just going to take a little work, that's all.

[inaclearing]

Okay.

[.....]

The Founders' offices. Do you want anything from them?

[crocodiline]

... I'll go pick up a few things myself, if that's alright?

[inaclearing]

...I don't have an issue.