002 | AUDIO | CALLSIGN: DI481O | LATE MORNING/EARLY DAY 003

[salamanca]

[ There's a click and static of the walkie turning on, and then... nothing. Just breathing. Each breath is slow, heavy, and labored, like the person on the other end is gearing up to say something, but it's too hard. The walkie clicks off.

Then back on again. One more deep breath. The voice on the other end is quiet, soft, ashamed. Lalo is trying to seem less hysterical than he was trying to come off when he first messaged Jet, but still sad and forlorn. Who knows if he's actually accomplishing that goal, but that's what he's going for, anyway. ]

Hello, everyone. This is Ben.

[ The voice on the other end is slightly warm, but low and sad; very very faint Mexican accent, if you're familiar with what a Mexican accent sounds like, barely there unless you really listen for it. ]

I have a confession to make. I —

[ Another pause. ]

I let two of you down last night. I'd like to promise that it won't happen again, but I can't. The thing is — the last thing I remember before I woke up here, some perp attacked me with an electrical cattle prod. Last night, I encountered one of the drones, and when I saw it coming at me, crackling with electricity, I — I — I — it was like I couldn't think straight. My whole world collapsed. I was able to keep it together for a little bit, but it was like that sense of helplessness, those awful feelings came rushing back.

I'll never forgive myself. I'm not asking any of you for sympathy. Or for forgiveness. I say this only because I believe it's only fair that all of you know this before trusting me with anything again.

Thank God for Jet. If anyone is wanting to know about Martin, Jet is with him now. In the building with the drones...

He's working to rescue him. We're keeping in touch.

Kokichi is with Jet too. Kokichi, I am sorry I failed you. I will never forgive myself.

[ There's yet another brief pause. ]

Please be careful, everyone. Stay safe.

Comments

[trialbyliar]

Got it! I wasn't worried about you in the first place so that's easy enough!

[Is he lying? Who knows!]

[salamanca]

Good! Then it's settled! But how are you holding up? Looked like it was a nasty fall you took. No concussions, I hope? Are you hurt?

[trialbyliar]

Oh yeah, I pretty much split my head open! There was sooo much blood when I woke up...

[Ironically, he does have a half-healed scab under his bangs from a nasty fall just a week or so before waking up in this island. It's a good thing he didn't actually hit his head this time around – that much blunt force trauma probably isn't great for the brain.]

But that's a lie. I just twisted my ankle a lil bit, no big deal! It's a good excuse to make one of these guys carry me.

[salamanca]

[ Aww, he's almost gonna miss this. Almost. ]

From what I remember, mijo, you don't need an excuse.

[ He says it like he's trying to force his own spirits to lift, and maybe Kokichi's too. ]

Sounds like you could use a splint, too.

[trialbyliar]

Not everyone's a sucker like you! Some people won't do it without a good excuse.

[Such innocent laughter from such a little shit.]

It'll be fine, though. I don't think it's that bad.

[salamanca]

Nah, nah, nah, nah! You're just saying that to be noble. I get it. You should have someone whip up a splint for you. Won't take no time. Maybe I can, when I get there with food. Besides, you get carried waaaay more if everyone can see that you're hurt! [ Somehow, you can hear the wink. The seemingly jolly and playful energy Lalo was projecting initially fades, though; almost like the person on the other end of the radio briefly had their spirits lifted, but is now wilting again. ]

I should let you go now, Kokichi. Again, I can't say how sorry that I am that I failed you.

[trialbyliar]

[He makes an exaggeratedly disgusted noise.]

Ugh, quit it with the pity party. It's super lame, y'know!

[It has the air of an exasperated teen dealing with an embarrassing parent. It wouldn't suit his image to graciously accept an apology, but more than that, the excessive groveling just rubs him the wrong way. He's pretty confident in his ability to tell when people are lying, and this whole display has the feel of an act to him.]

[salamanca]

Yeah? I'm thinking you're right about that. I'll try to do better next time.

Sweet dreams, Kokichi. Get some rest for me.

[ There's a soft click, and the walkie connection ends. ]