Hissabeth: So, let's return to the topic of our last meeting: do we join Prismagreen's new project, or stick with our own?
Snake V: What is our current project again?
Hissabeth: Space. Stars. Everything Voyager 1 encountered beyond our atmosphere.
Snake VI: Have we finally finished our research proposal?
Hissabeth: No, I think it still needs work.
Snake VIII: Camille's proposal has already passed Laplace review.
Snake VIII: Nailing down a new research direction isn't easy; these things can take time. Why not check out Camille's plan first?
As if struck by inspiration, Hissabeth claps her hands.
Hissabeth: You know what? Estelle, you're right. We should go to headquarters. Why not?
Hissabeth: Evaluate first, decide later. We've saved up enough vacation days.
Snake I: Awesome! A field trip and a scouting mission—maybe even fully expensed!
Hissabeth: I do love an expense report. All right, let's vote.
GAMEPLAY
Pointer: I wanted to talk to you about—
Pointer pauses to re-examine her optic feedback as it becomes clear the girl holding the snake is not who she thought.
Pointer: Oh, I thought you were Hissabeth.
Snake VI: Sylvie was up all night talking with Prismagreen. I suspect you won't see either of them this morning.
Snake VI: Thanks again, sweetheart. I'll be off now.
Kiperina: Shall I walk you out?
The snake flicks its tail, declining the offer, and vanishes through the door.
Kiperina: I was just helping Monique feed the fish.
The thoughtful girl gave a very short explanation so Pointer could understand her easily. Then, she couldn't help but murmur out the thoughts racing through her head:
Kiperina: Speaking of which, if Miss Hissabeth really does decide to join Prismagreen, she'll probably take the eco-tank with her, won't she?
Pointer: It's a logical deduction. I certainly won't be feeding them in her absence.
Kiperina: I was just thinking …
Pointer: Don't get too sentimental. Once you and Windsong are back at HQ, you'll probably see her again.
Pointer: Though, knowing her, I doubt she'll stay there long.
Kiperina: If—just if—Miss Hissabeth decides to accept …
Pointer: Then it will be her choice.
The other shoe drops, louder and sooner than anyone expected.
Hissabeth: Ah, good you're both here. I've arranged with Prismagreen to head back to Laplace HQ. Remember to feed the fish.
Pointer & Kiperina: ...
Hissabeth: ...?
Hissabeth: What's with that look?
Seeing her confusion is genuine, Pointer decides to answer in plain terms.
Pointer: We'll remember.
Hissabeth has never been troubled by packing. After all, she has eight helpers.
Hissabeth: Leave that. And that too. We're only going on vacation.
Snake VIII: Oh, but I haven't finished that one yet!
Hissabeth: I'm the one that needs to lug them around. Three books, max.
Snake VIII: Sylvie, my darling sister—five? Just five, come on, please?
Hissabeth: Is it just me, or are you starting to sound exactly like Prismagreen?
Pointer: Can I … come in?
Hissabeth: Yeah. Door's open for you anytime.
Pointer: Thanks. I had noticed.
Pointer: I was hoping to talk about those shelved research plans, but I guess this isn't the best time?
Hissabeth: Actually, I wanted to talk to you about that too.
Hissabeth: This place is a mess. Can you grab that folder for me? The gray one.
Pointer: Aha, so this is going to be your next pursuit.
Hissabeth: Given the context of aerospace applications, protective measures are obviously crucial.
Pointer: A good angle. But as a research topic, it could use more refinement.
Pointer scans the document in her hand in a series of careful and precise eye movements, putting the conversation on hold.
Hissabeth: Take your time. No need to rush to think up your constructive criticism. I'm sure you'll get it to me before I leave.
The word "leave" triggers something deep in Pointer's circuitry.
Pointer: I hadn't predicted that you would go. Just like that. Aren't you concerned about personality clashes? As I recall, Ms. Prismagreen said you had a serious argument the last time you announced your departure.
Hissabeth: Oh, that. I wouldn't call it an argument. I simply didn't agree to her proposals. She has a habit of blowing things out of proportion.
Hissabeth: And the success of our research here proves I made the right choice.
Pointer: Respectfully, I disagree.
Pointer: Of course, I can't deny our success here, but your decision was reckless. Luck and probability played a significant role in your success.
Pointer: I don't regret trying to talk you out of it. Even if you got lucky.
Hissabeth: Has there ever been a scientific endeavor that didn't rely on a little luck and probability? All that I care about is that we succeeded.
Pointer: That's the problem—that's entirely the problem, Hissabeth. I had hoped you'd given your decisions a more sober analysis during our wind-down.
A gentle voice slips in between the two gradually rising ones.
Kiperina: Ma'am—
The not-quite-closed door creaks open again. The girl peeking in looks as if she's about to step out on a tightrope.
Kiperina: The door wasn't shut. I … Do you need any help?
Hissabeth & Pointer: No, we're fine.
The synchronized nature of their reply seems to only highlight their tension. Still their intruder doesn't press.
Kiperina: Would you like me to close the door?
Hissabeth & Pointer: Thank you.
The click of the lock begins a long silence.
Calculations and meditations on both sides seem destined to break.
Pointer: Take a look at this when you have time.
Hissabeth: What's this?
Hissabeth: What an interesting concept. I'm glad you've been keeping busy too.
Hissabeth flips through eagerly, sparks flying between her eyes and the pages.
Hissabeth: Just this line alone could keep us talking for three days straight!
Hissabeth: But I'm leaving tomorrow. But it's cool. We can always exchange letters!