Public Channel - Day 59

[pipers_son]

[He really didn't want this to happen, but...]

I think it's time we start keeping a list of those who's disappeared, been taken, or is otherwise indisposed.

I'll start.

Lauren has been buried in the ground, somewhere, and Steven Universe has been taken by the Rose Queen.

[He says all of this blankly, matter of factly, and there's only the sound of a shaky breath at the very end.]

Comments

[dontpokethat]

...I know you didn't.

[He'd be shocked if Joker was any kind of okay with that.]

But you had to get the others out safely. You did the best you could, under the circumstances.

[He's sure of that much.]

[pipers_son]

I wish these kids could get that.

[Another heaved out sigh before there's a pause as he checks up on the rest of the group.]

Sorry for unloadin' all that on ya.

[dontpokethat]

Give them some time to cool down. Maybe they'll realize it on their own.

[That can't be guaranteed, of course, but... leaving them for now is probably better than pushing the issue, in any case.]

Don't worry about it. I'll keep my radio on in case you need to talk more, okay?

[By which he means, please keep calling him every so often while you're stuck out there.]

[pipers_son]

Would ya believe me if I said I was all tired out of talkin'?

[Don't, because it's a lie. Joker will talk forever, even when he's exhausted. The only cure is complete unconsciousness.]

But, ah... While yer there... Can ya keep an eye on Doll?

[dontpokethat]

Absolutely not. But, I would if you said you wanted to take a break, or talk about something different.

[He knows you, okay, Joker.]

Sure. I can do that.

[pipers_son]

Ha.... [Called out again.] Anyway, thanks. She's.... rather cross with me right now. And I don't want her ta do anythin'.

[dontpokethat]

[Only seems fair, given how much Joker does it to him.]

Sounds like it. I'll make sure she doesn't try anything rash; don't worry.

[Any more than he already is, at least.]