[There is a long stretch—maybe ten minutes—where the message goes unanswere. Which is not beyond the pale. Presumably, the Commander of Riftwatch may presently have other items of concern engaging his immediate attention at this exact moment.
But eventually:]
If it isn't Rutyer's cousin.
[Sounds suspiciously like Flint's isn't the only reputation to precede ahead.]
Do you have any familiarity with anyone we know to be missing?
Um, right. [an uncomfortable silence follows, maybe just a beat too long, at that first observation. Octavius uncomfortably clears his throat, then latches onto that second question.]
I do, yes, [said earnestly, like he is trying (and failing) to rein in just how emotionally invested he is in this the safe return of at least one of these captives. another moment of hesitation--he remembers what was told to him, of Benedict running afoul of Flint--but, as his recent forays into subterfuge have revealed, he's never been any good at telling lies.] Benedict Artemaeus. He was my father's apprentice, years ago. [pause.] He was my friend.
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no subject
But eventually:]
If it isn't Rutyer's cousin.
[Sounds suspiciously like Flint's isn't the only reputation to precede ahead.]
Do you have any familiarity with anyone we know to be missing?
no subject
I do, yes, [said earnestly, like he is trying (and failing) to rein in just how emotionally invested he is in this the safe return of at least one of these captives. another moment of hesitation--he remembers what was told to him, of Benedict running afoul of Flint--but, as his recent forays into subterfuge have revealed, he's never been any good at telling lies.] Benedict Artemaeus. He was my father's apprentice, years ago. [pause.] He was my friend.