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

[ichoosefight]

[ ...Well he sure is some kind of criminal. Or military, but that seems infinitely less likely. What's he doing breaking into military compounds? ]

Right.

Well, if that's what was used at one location it's probably the same for any others, so we'll want to keep it in mind.

[sharktrash]

[ Would she believe "stealing state-of-the-art military weapon technology because his bae boss wanted to use it to commit patricide and take over the familia"? Because that about sums it up. ]

Doesn't hurt to try either way. We might want a plan B or C on hand just in case, though.

[ichoosefight]

Oh, definitely. Always have at least that many plans.

[ That's the rule, but Steph's really better at having zero plans. ]

[sharktrash]

Well, if you think of any, make sure to let 'em know.

[ Assuming the guys are still fighting the cell locks by then. ]

[ichoosefight]

Yeah, for sure, I'll get right on it.

[ As soon as she thinks of a solution to a problem she's only got incredibly hazy details on. If only Batman had been kidnapped instead... ]