[She takes the ball with a little smile, and looks like she's about to start juggling. (Not in the same way as before, no, it would've been a quick and dirty three-ball deal, a sort of, "Look! I really can juggle.) And then Guinaifen...
...doesn't, because she doesn't want to be mugged by another dog trying to play fetch, or something. Doesn't seem like the right time for that.]
Something like that! I'm pretty new here, and I thought I'd see what's around? You know, try my luck, show off my skills, get an idea of what to do and who to do it with. It's not my first time ending up in a strange place with strange people, and it worked pretty well for me the first time.
Is that right? [ He exhales something close to a hmph, not quite a scoff. ] You are fortunate to be so unflappable, then. I have been here for some time and I still find the circumstances unimaginable.
[ Though he would think that the situation would rattle anyone just from the suddenness of it alone, to be fair, she may not be informed on the more disturbing details just yet either. He won't jump straight into that, not yet. ]
Well, your optimism may serve you well... The good news is that you are far from the only one aimlessly trying to make your way here.
[ Make no mistake he does find it to be aimless. But speaking of making one's way – ]
There is an inn here that offers free housing for newcomers, in case you were not aware.
[She's nodding along with a certain amount of self-awareness, flashing Miller a rueful smile as he says aimless because...because. Because she knows when someone (accidentally or intentionally) clocks her. Guinaifen's aware of this. She knows that she's very good at an aimless existence. She's a pro at aimlessly existing.
But that seems like too much baggage to dump on peepaw at this time. She just latches onto the last thing he said-]
Really?
[And on one hand, she nearly hit this guy with a ball. And on the other hand, he's been incredibly helpful in the last few minutes.]
You know, I could use someone who knows the place inside and out to maybe...show me around? Give me some tips, places to go to, places to avoid, and I could use what money I did get to buy you something to eat...? [Her voice dips, a little, a quieter thing like she's sharing a secret between the two of them, except this isn't much of a secret.] Free always makes food taste better.
[ It wasn't his intent to fire shots at her specifically, so that much is just a happy coincidence. They are all aimless here as far as he's concerned.
Fortunately, he is amenable to helping new arrivals find their bearings. It has been a completely uphill battle to find support in his endeavors to be less aimless himself — because isn't it just a law of human nature that they self-impose rifts among themselves? — but it hasn't stopped him from trying before, so he won't stop now either.
Of course, the deal she proposes still manages to catch him off guard. ]
You must really have an entrepreneurial mindset. Five minutes here and you're already putting on an act and trying to strike up deals!
[ He shakes his head. Why does he make it sound like a bad thing, huh? ]
I don't need your payment, but I will accept if that is what you prefer. I don't think you will struggle much to make ends meet. Where would you like to begin? [ How about... ] And what is your name?
[There's no good way of admitting that she hadn't seen a genuinely old looking old person in a long while - while she's seen some elderly they're more of the 'mentally 900, chronologically 1900, physically 30, tops' sort - and it's kind of weird and disconcerting, yet also weirdly reassuring, to encounter someone who looks the part. Someone from the same species as her? But that would ruin the vibe.
So, Guinaifen.]
My name is Guinaifen. Little Gui for short- it's kind of a nickname. [...] A nickname for a nickname, I guess- anyway, you'd also be doing me a favor. It's kind of lonely eating by yourself, you know?
As for what to show me... [Hmm.] Hmm...whatever you think a newcomer such as myself would know? There's probably stuff I could read up on, but nothing beats lived knowledge and someone who knows what it's really like firsthand.
[ If human is the species, then... yes. He still has yet to look at anyone obviously human in general appearance and assume otherwise, but this has proven to be wrong before, so admittedly it is truly impossible to judge.
Nationality, on the other hand, he does wonder about, but ultimately choose not to spend much time pondering because of all the other worlds nonsense that usually comes of it. ]
All right, Guinaifen. [ To both the introduction and accepting her offer. ] You may call me Miller.
[ Placing a hand on his hip, he squints into the bustling crowd as if thinking of what to suggest. ]
A few months ago, none of what you see was here. The entire city transformed into what it looks like now. Buildings materializing from thin air. So, I am prepared to tell you what I know, but I would advise against getting too used to it. This is the commercial district. There are shops for just about anything you'd want to buy. Some of us have established businesses here as well.
[ "Us," he says, as opposed to the locals. However, there is probably a very specific point of interest for most newcomers. Miller gestures with a hand for her to follow along. ]
[Miller might notice Guinaifen blinking for a moment as he says 'none of what you see was here', followed by her eyes narrowing, and then she...nods, just nods, it's an accepting nod, buildings materializing from out of nowhere, okay.
Okay.]
Okay.
[She falls into step like she's a dutiful granddaughter following her peepaw, wondering if she should call him Uncle Miller (as is traditional aboard the Xianzhou Luofu) or not, leaning not, but it feels weird. But also not.
...she can play it safe by skipping the question for now!]
[ "Okay?" Just like that? He looks at her with consternation, but says nothing, continuing to the lead the way. There is an effort made to avoid the need for weaving through the crowd, but the street is busy, so it isn't fully possible. ]
It has been about five months. The change I told you about took place around three months into that. I was told that it wasn't the first time the entire city of Aldrip changed forms. I don't know how much you've already heard, but we have been brought here by a group known as the Council and branded as the "Chosen." We are not the first to be called that name.
[ As they walk, eventually the crowd will begin to thin as they move towards the direction of the shore. ]
[She continues to follow, arms behind her, looking for all the world like she's incredibly comfortable and is taking a little too much into stride, and all of this is (in the grand scheme of things) no big deal. There's a little bit of a bounce to her steps. Not much. Just a slight hint of a bounce, implying this is a little bit of a jaunt.]
How much of that do you believe? I mean...not the city-changing part - if you saw that it's pretty easy to believe - but the entire...
[Well.] "Chosen" thing. That's not the sort of thing people call people who got sentenced to a crime, you know? Usually it's prisoner or criminal, not something that sounds like that.
[ He keeps the pace steady, though quickly loses focus on the destination as they advance the conversation. Eventually, they will reach a turning point, and Miller heads towards some nondescript side street without comment.
At some point, when the buildings of the commercial district stop blocking their way, they will be met with the relative emptiness of the city center. ]
It doesn't make sense. [ His tone is forceful, suggesting that of course it doesn't make sense. ] That is precisely why I brought the history of this place up. It was not common knowledge, but something that was uncovered over time by those paying enough attention to sniff it out. The real goal of this Council... That isn't clear. But it is not some twisted, but well-intentioned attempt at rehabilitation. I do not believe that.
[ Even if that is what Jerry or the AI that appeared on the network might want them to believe(?). If anything, Miller is starting to believe that provoking reactions out of them is what is desirable. Even if many of those "reactions" fall under the rather wide array of things they'd call crimes. ]
[She just tap-tap-taps along as they change course, vaguely wondering if she'll need to turn around and run...but it doesn't seem like that sort of quiet side street situation? She won't need to fend off muggers? Maybe she's wrong, but Guinaifen felt like Miller gave off a reliable peepaw sort of vibe, something she could trust...well, at least long enough to see what he had to say.
And what he had to say didn't disappoint. She just-
Nods. Guinaifen nods.]
I already got charged once for my crime back home- it's trespassing, if you were wondering? It's the sort of thing you do when you're in my line of work. [But then, quick, ah- she shuffles over and pats Miller on the arm like this is normal, because-] Don't worry! You don't have to tell me yours, uncle, it's something between you and them. But- [Moving right along.] What was I saying- oh! Right. It had me wondering if I already cleaned up the mess I made once, why would they care? Isn't it between me and the Xianzhou? Unless this is their way of telling me to get a new job.
So...all of this seemed weird to me. I'm glad it's not just me.
[ He stops for a moment as she reaches over to pat his arm. Back home, it would be quite normal to introduce a family friend to someone else as "aunt" or "uncle," though this coupled with "Xianzhou" and the sound of her name has all pieced together something for Miller. Well, not that it is incredibly important either, as he seems to move on from it easily. ]
I can't believe how quick you are to divulge that! But you aren't wrong. These accusations are basically meaningless. There's no real legal system. They could accuse you of forgetting to wipe your ass if they felt like it and no one would be able to argue otherwise. People will commit real crimes here and see the same kind of repercussions as those brought to stand trial for "trespassing."
[ Anyway, it is true that the area by the docks is not the most well-kept or, shall we say, secure looking when compared to the rest of Aldrip. It's just that this hardly occurs to Miller as cause for concern. It's just the fastest way to get there.
To the City Hall. With its long stone staircase leading up to it, it's probably the most distinct looking building here — but there's a lot to see in the city center itself. Unlike the path to reach it, the streets are wide and there's greenery all around. It is only quiet due to the lateness in the day, not to mention the gathering taking place for the solstice.
Miller points to the building in the distance. ]
That is what I wanted to show you. That's where they'll summon you if they decide you're going to be sentenced.
[ He pauses as if considering how much he wants to say, but ultimately decides to respond to her honesty in kind. ]
I have not been inside yet. I was accused of betrayal, something that would be taken quite seriously by the military tribunal. Yet I have heard nothing from this supposed Council.
[He stops; she stops, for a moment, feeling as if she had misstepped, and prepared to take it back or at least explain - everyone's an auntie or an uncle, she has brothers on the street, most of whom aren't related to her - but then Miller continues walking and talking and Guinaifen exhales. It's a breath she wasn't consciously holding. She follows.
The area by the docks isn't the most well-kept or otherwise secure looking, and she passes through it with- not a total lack of concern. She's not indifferent, so much as she walks through it like a duck swimming through a river that has some trash floating in it. She's aware of that tire someone chucked into the river, and pays attention to the can. But it's not the first time she had to do something like this? And she (thinks) she knows what to look for? Something like that. This might be concerning, or maybe trusty Uncle Miller is reassuring.
Many questions, not enough answers, but she tries to be a good audience - not only listening but making noises so Miller knows she's paying attention. A huff as he calls her out on how quick she was, a grimace about the lack of real legal system, and a deeper grimace when he brings up real crimes. It's almost tempting to interrupt, but she doesn't, and then there's a pause, and he admits that his crime was betrayal.
Guinaifen's silent, chewing the inside of her cheek as she considers that.]
If it was serious enough they had to go out of their way to bring us here, you'd think they'd hurry up with the sentencing instead of leaving us hanging. [Then, that. They're starting with that.] When they handed me my paper and threw me in here, they could've just as easily told me to-
[She adopts a stuffy legal voice, something serious and weighty and completely totally faked.] 30 hours of community service! [And then her normal voice, again.] Or something like that. And...
[This time, Guinaifen hesitates, and she rolls up on the toes of her feet and back down to her heels again, her shoes clacking on the ground: clack-clack.] I don't mind telling the story, but it's not a very happy one. But, short version: my siblings did some...less than legal things, just to keep us fed, and they got caught. The Xianzhou could've just as easily killed us all, but they gave us a second chance and we all turned out for the better because of it.
So, if they really think we did things bad enough that they had to go out of their way to bring us all here, why punishment? It just feels like they're going to end up with a bunch of upset people who were in the middle of doing something, instead of a bunch of reformed criminals.
[ In fairness to her, he is perhaps not the world's easiest read. A lot goes unsaid behind a stern look, and while not overtly threatening, this pause leave room for anticipation. Maybe later they can discuss their homes in more detail. He does wonder to himself each time he meets someone new if there is even a single chance that they know of his country. Or Earth at all? But is "Xianzhou" even Chinese as he knows? Well, that's to find out later.
For now, he keeps the focus on the place they're in currently. All the way up to the steps of City Hall. As she rocks on her heels, he crosses one arm over the other, frowning and tilting his head back to take the lofty building in. For probably the hundredth time.
Of course, everything she's saying is logical. But what good does logic do them? He's been through most of this same thought process and had to give up on running in circles a while ago. So, he nods, commiserating. ]
Exactly. So, now we are on the same page, more or less.
There are murderers here. Those who aim to harm others, not just soldiers or victims of circumstance. But most of us are just regular people whose lives have been disrupted for this nonsense. We have been "chosen" to participate in an experiment. Do not be fooled into believing anything different.
[ And what the hell. Since they've made it this far on friendly terms, he may as well add— ]
Working together is key to unraveling the truth. I am more than happy to share any information that I know with you. Just remember to be careful in being too... candid over the network. They are collecting data...
[-and the way Guinaifen carries herself shifts ever so slightly, for a moment. She's a bit more guarded- not in that way, no, not in the shuttered way in which someone puts up a facade and promptly holds their secrets close to their chest. It's in the guarded way when they're somewhere somewhat dangerous (not outright dangerous, but with the potential for danger) and they know something could be listening in or something could happen and they might need to react fast. That sort of way. Because while Guinaifen wouldn't consider herself a warrior, she also grew up in an impoverished mining town in which the authorities looked the other way so long as the residents didn't cause trouble and meet their quotas and paid their taxes.
Speaking of-] That makes sense. Networks always have moderators, and I'm used to watching myself there. No sense in getting an audience if you go to far and get yourself banned.
[...fuck it.] ...and I grew up in a place which kind of reminds me of here, a little. It wasn't as nice as this place was, and the food was terrible, but it also had a...uh, it had hands on owners who let the people get away with a lot in certain respects, and not that much in others. What mattered is if they got what they wanted.
None of the other [she makes a face, because it really makes her feel like a chuuni saying it] Chosen have been asked to do anything besides stuff related to their crime, have they?
[ Ah, so she has familiarity with this sort of thing after all. The network, too. Miller listens quietly, but his gaze is especially attentive on her when she starts talking more about her home. Although they've been more or less meeting each others' energy at this point, it is humbling, in a sense, to be offered this degree of trust from a stranger. ]
I understand. It seems that many of us were acquainted with crooked regimes... I have wondered if that's part of why we were chosen.
[ That is, of course, his way of saying that he is acquainted as well — but it's more than just the two of them. He's met many people here who've told a similar tale. As for her question, ]
Well... I guess that depends on how you frame it. Once you have atoned for one "crime," there is a good chance you will be accused of another. They'll also send their henchman knocking if you break their unspoken rules.
[ It would be great if there was an actual code of law to go by, no matter how rudimentary. But there just isn't. She sounded concerned about this for some potentially more specific reason though, so he looks at her sidelong. ]
Well... [She drags the sound out a bit, almost like she likes the sound that well makes, likes the way her mouth makes the sound and is just saying it because she likes it, not because she's not sure of the best way of saying something which might not even matter.]
It's probably nothing. I was just thinking if they had us accused of a crime and sent us here to atone for whatever-that-crime is, and they had us...
[Fuck if she knows.]
...chopping down trees or making batteries while we wait, that's a pretty easy way of getting free labor, isn't it?
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expiationlogs2024-06-10 07:58 am
no subject
...doesn't, because she doesn't want to be mugged by another dog trying to play fetch, or something. Doesn't seem like the right time for that.]
Something like that! I'm pretty new here, and I thought I'd see what's around? You know, try my luck, show off my skills, get an idea of what to do and who to do it with. It's not my first time ending up in a strange place with strange people, and it worked pretty well for me the first time.
no subject
[ Though he would think that the situation would rattle anyone just from the suddenness of it alone, to be fair, she may not be informed on the more disturbing details just yet either. He won't jump straight into that, not yet. ]
Well, your optimism may serve you well... The good news is that you are far from the only one aimlessly trying to make your way here.
[ Make no mistake he does find it to be aimless. But speaking of making one's way – ]
There is an inn here that offers free housing for newcomers, in case you were not aware.
no subject
But that seems like too much baggage to dump on peepaw at this time. She just latches onto the last thing he said-]
Really?
[And on one hand, she nearly hit this guy with a ball. And on the other hand, he's been incredibly helpful in the last few minutes.]
You know, I could use someone who knows the place inside and out to maybe...show me around? Give me some tips, places to go to, places to avoid, and I could use what money I did get to buy you something to eat...? [Her voice dips, a little, a quieter thing like she's sharing a secret between the two of them, except this isn't much of a secret.] Free always makes food taste better.
no subject
Fortunately, he is amenable to helping new arrivals find their bearings. It has been a completely uphill battle to find support in his endeavors to be less aimless himself — because isn't it just a law of human nature that they self-impose rifts among themselves? — but it hasn't stopped him from trying before, so he won't stop now either.
Of course, the deal she proposes still manages to catch him off guard. ]
You must really have an entrepreneurial mindset. Five minutes here and you're already putting on an act and trying to strike up deals!
[ He shakes his head. Why does he make it sound like a bad thing, huh? ]
I don't need your payment, but I will accept if that is what you prefer. I don't think you will struggle much to make ends meet. Where would you like to begin? [ How about... ] And what is your name?
no subject
So, Guinaifen.]
My name is Guinaifen. Little Gui for short- it's kind of a nickname. [...] A nickname for a nickname, I guess- anyway, you'd also be doing me a favor. It's kind of lonely eating by yourself, you know?
As for what to show me... [Hmm.] Hmm...whatever you think a newcomer such as myself would know? There's probably stuff I could read up on, but nothing beats lived knowledge and someone who knows what it's really like firsthand.
no subject
Nationality, on the other hand, he does wonder about, but ultimately choose not to spend much time pondering because of all the other worlds nonsense that usually comes of it. ]
All right, Guinaifen. [ To both the introduction and accepting her offer. ] You may call me Miller.
[ Placing a hand on his hip, he squints into the bustling crowd as if thinking of what to suggest. ]
A few months ago, none of what you see was here. The entire city transformed into what it looks like now. Buildings materializing from thin air. So, I am prepared to tell you what I know, but I would advise against getting too used to it. This is the commercial district. There are shops for just about anything you'd want to buy. Some of us have established businesses here as well.
[ "Us," he says, as opposed to the locals. However, there is probably a very specific point of interest for most newcomers. Miller gestures with a hand for her to follow along. ]
Let's take a walk.
no subject
Okay.]
Okay.
[She falls into step like she's a dutiful granddaughter following her peepaw, wondering if she should call him Uncle Miller (as is traditional aboard the Xianzhou Luofu) or not, leaning not, but it feels weird. But also not.
...she can play it safe by skipping the question for now!]
So...how long have you been here?
no subject
It has been about five months. The change I told you about took place around three months into that. I was told that it wasn't the first time the entire city of Aldrip changed forms. I don't know how much you've already heard, but we have been brought here by a group known as the Council and branded as the "Chosen." We are not the first to be called that name.
[ As they walk, eventually the crowd will begin to thin as they move towards the direction of the shore. ]
no subject
How much of that do you believe? I mean...not the city-changing part - if you saw that it's pretty easy to believe - but the entire...
[Well.] "Chosen" thing. That's not the sort of thing people call people who got sentenced to a crime, you know? Usually it's prisoner or criminal, not something that sounds like that.
[Something with dignity.]
no subject
At some point, when the buildings of the commercial district stop blocking their way, they will be met with the relative emptiness of the city center. ]
It doesn't make sense. [ His tone is forceful, suggesting that of course it doesn't make sense. ] That is precisely why I brought the history of this place up. It was not common knowledge, but something that was uncovered over time by those paying enough attention to sniff it out. The real goal of this Council... That isn't clear. But it is not some twisted, but well-intentioned attempt at rehabilitation. I do not believe that.
[ Even if that is what Jerry or the AI that appeared on the network might want them to believe(?). If anything, Miller is starting to believe that provoking reactions out of them is what is desirable. Even if many of those "reactions" fall under the rather wide array of things they'd call crimes. ]
no subject
And what he had to say didn't disappoint. She just-
Nods. Guinaifen nods.]
I already got charged once for my crime back home- it's trespassing, if you were wondering? It's the sort of thing you do when you're in my line of work. [But then, quick, ah- she shuffles over and pats Miller on the arm like this is normal, because-] Don't worry! You don't have to tell me yours, uncle, it's something between you and them. But- [Moving right along.] What was I saying- oh! Right. It had me wondering if I already cleaned up the mess I made once, why would they care? Isn't it between me and the Xianzhou? Unless this is their way of telling me to get a new job.
So...all of this seemed weird to me. I'm glad it's not just me.
no subject
[ He stops for a moment as she reaches over to pat his arm. Back home, it would be quite normal to introduce a family friend to someone else as "aunt" or "uncle," though this coupled with "Xianzhou" and the sound of her name has all pieced together something for Miller. Well, not that it is incredibly important either, as he seems to move on from it easily. ]
I can't believe how quick you are to divulge that! But you aren't wrong. These accusations are basically meaningless. There's no real legal system. They could accuse you of forgetting to wipe your ass if they felt like it and no one would be able to argue otherwise. People will commit real crimes here and see the same kind of repercussions as those brought to stand trial for "trespassing."
[ Anyway, it is true that the area by the docks is not the most well-kept or, shall we say, secure looking when compared to the rest of Aldrip. It's just that this hardly occurs to Miller as cause for concern. It's just the fastest way to get there.
To the City Hall. With its long stone staircase leading up to it, it's probably the most distinct looking building here — but there's a lot to see in the city center itself. Unlike the path to reach it, the streets are wide and there's greenery all around. It is only quiet due to the lateness in the day, not to mention the gathering taking place for the solstice.
Miller points to the building in the distance. ]
That is what I wanted to show you. That's where they'll summon you if they decide you're going to be sentenced.
[ He pauses as if considering how much he wants to say, but ultimately decides to respond to her honesty in kind. ]
I have not been inside yet. I was accused of betrayal, something that would be taken quite seriously by the military tribunal. Yet I have heard nothing from this supposed Council.
no subject
The area by the docks isn't the most well-kept or otherwise secure looking, and she passes through it with- not a total lack of concern. She's not indifferent, so much as she walks through it like a duck swimming through a river that has some trash floating in it. She's aware of that tire someone chucked into the river, and pays attention to the can. But it's not the first time she had to do something like this? And she (thinks) she knows what to look for? Something like that. This might be concerning, or maybe trusty Uncle Miller is reassuring.
Many questions, not enough answers, but she tries to be a good audience - not only listening but making noises so Miller knows she's paying attention. A huff as he calls her out on how quick she was, a grimace about the lack of real legal system, and a deeper grimace when he brings up real crimes. It's almost tempting to interrupt, but she doesn't, and then there's a pause, and he admits that his crime was betrayal.
Guinaifen's silent, chewing the inside of her cheek as she considers that.]
If it was serious enough they had to go out of their way to bring us here, you'd think they'd hurry up with the sentencing instead of leaving us hanging. [Then, that. They're starting with that.] When they handed me my paper and threw me in here, they could've just as easily told me to-
[She adopts a stuffy legal voice, something serious and weighty and completely totally faked.] 30 hours of community service! [And then her normal voice, again.] Or something like that. And...
[This time, Guinaifen hesitates, and she rolls up on the toes of her feet and back down to her heels again, her shoes clacking on the ground: clack-clack.] I don't mind telling the story, but it's not a very happy one. But, short version: my siblings did some...less than legal things, just to keep us fed, and they got caught. The Xianzhou could've just as easily killed us all, but they gave us a second chance and we all turned out for the better because of it.
So, if they really think we did things bad enough that they had to go out of their way to bring us all here, why punishment? It just feels like they're going to end up with a bunch of upset people who were in the middle of doing something, instead of a bunch of reformed criminals.
no subject
For now, he keeps the focus on the place they're in currently. All the way up to the steps of City Hall. As she rocks on her heels, he crosses one arm over the other, frowning and tilting his head back to take the lofty building in. For probably the hundredth time.
Of course, everything she's saying is logical. But what good does logic do them? He's been through most of this same thought process and had to give up on running in circles a while ago. So, he nods, commiserating. ]
Exactly. So, now we are on the same page, more or less.
There are murderers here. Those who aim to harm others, not just soldiers or victims of circumstance. But most of us are just regular people whose lives have been disrupted for this nonsense. We have been "chosen" to participate in an experiment. Do not be fooled into believing anything different.
[ And what the hell. Since they've made it this far on friendly terms, he may as well add— ]
Working together is key to unraveling the truth. I am more than happy to share any information that I know with you. Just remember to be careful in being too... candid over the network. They are collecting data...
no subject
Speaking of-] That makes sense. Networks always have moderators, and I'm used to watching myself there. No sense in getting an audience if you go to far and get yourself banned.
[...fuck it.] ...and I grew up in a place which kind of reminds me of here, a little. It wasn't as nice as this place was, and the food was terrible, but it also had a...uh, it had hands on owners who let the people get away with a lot in certain respects, and not that much in others. What mattered is if they got what they wanted.
None of the other [she makes a face, because it really makes her feel like a chuuni saying it] Chosen have been asked to do anything besides stuff related to their crime, have they?
no subject
I understand. It seems that many of us were acquainted with crooked regimes... I have wondered if that's part of why we were chosen.
[ That is, of course, his way of saying that he is acquainted as well — but it's more than just the two of them. He's met many people here who've told a similar tale. As for her question, ]
Well... I guess that depends on how you frame it. Once you have atoned for one "crime," there is a good chance you will be accused of another. They'll also send their henchman knocking if you break their unspoken rules.
[ It would be great if there was an actual code of law to go by, no matter how rudimentary. But there just isn't. She sounded concerned about this for some potentially more specific reason though, so he looks at her sidelong. ]
Why do you ask?
no subject
It's probably nothing. I was just thinking if they had us accused of a crime and sent us here to atone for whatever-that-crime is, and they had us...
[Fuck if she knows.]
...chopping down trees or making batteries while we wait, that's a pretty easy way of getting free labor, isn't it?