Borr scratched his chin. “You bring up some valid points...” The world started to feel like a distant place to Keefer. He was starting to lose focus, and could barely make out what his boss was talking about. “...magnetism is something I was aware of, but surely you can't expect me to...” It was Cerridwen's words. She knew something wasn't right with Keefer. It must be because her body is still on the Noah, she could gain access to everyone's files with ease. At least that was what he had to assume. “...We have a mobster problem down here. If they lift a calk gun from the work site they can use it to plant explosives....” Had she told anyone else? Would she tell anyone else? Well, Keefer suspected that without her avatar, she wouldn't be able to communicate with anyone. Not right away at least. It wouldn't be like Keefer was killing her. It would just be buying himself some time. He looked at the calk gun in his hand. “...Will you tell Mr Quan you were aware of the problem when the mobsters realize this? I''m not trying to get anyone in trouble here, I'm just concerned... ” No. That wouldn't be fair. Even if Cerridwen didn't die, a lot of people depended on her. Removing her presence from landing would hold everyone back. People could even die as a result of her disappearance. Why should Cerridwen be without a body when Keefer was the one at fault? Yes, he was the one at fault. He was the useless, unremarkable one. A sincere smile crept across his face as he told himself this. He was a loser, a fake. The words made Keefer's smile grow, despite believing every word. “...Can I get you anything Doctor Lankerfield? Does that body of your need anything for sustenance?” Keefer lifted his head up. His expression glowed like the morning sun. “Sir, this dust is kind of agitating my nose. I'm going to go start the next build site up, alright?” Keefer walked away before Borr could respond. He was tied up listening to Doctor Lankerfield. … When no one was watching, it was much harder to keep that smile up. What was the best course of action? He had the money to go anywhere and do anything. If he acted fast enough, Keefer could escape. But to where? He knew he couldn't make it in the wild. He refused to join the mafia, and landing was still too small to just disappear inside. He needed someone's help. A single glance at his wrist phone. The first contact to pop up was Lenna. She understood the situation best, but Keefer couldn't be a burden to her this time. Tensions between them were just starting to lift. Placing this on her shoulders wasn't a wise choice. He only had one other contact. Keefer wouldn't have even considered calling her, but she was his neighbor. Without thinking about it further, he tapped the call button. “I'm so weak.” Calling a celebrity? Really Keefer? One who made a point to lie to him on her way out the door? Perhaps this just showed how desperate the situation was. Keefer waited patiently for her to pick up. It wasn't until the eighth ring that her image came up on screen. Holla was all wet, and she wasn't wearing anything more than a towel. The room she was in looked really dark too. He smiled nervously. “Hi Keefie!” Holla was a cheerful as ever. Keefer blinked. “Is now a bad time?” She giggled. “I was taking a shower. The lights are off because I'm hiding in the closet. My manager doesn't like me answering the phone.” “Well, did you want to get dressed first?” “Nah.” Holla waved her hand dismissively. “It's like my bra suddenly shrank two sizes. Or did my 'heart' grow three sizes when you called?” She winked. “So what's up?” This was starting to feel like a waist of time. But he had already crossed the point of no return.“I... am in trouble.” Holla raised an eyebrow. “Trouble?” Keefer nodded. “I have a secret, and I think someone discovered it.” “You're being kind of vague.” “I know.” Keefer rubbed his eyes. “But you never know who could be listening in.” “Alright.” Holla looked at something off screen. “Who knows your secret?” “Doctor Cerridwen Lankerfield.” “Oh...” Holla's face scrunched up like she had just been punched. “Okay, what's the worse thing that could happen to you?” “I could be put on trial and executed.” “...Did you hurt anyone, Keefer?” “No!” “Okay, just calm down!” Holla took some deep cleansing breaths with Keefer before continuing. “Alright, what makes you think she knows your secret?” “She said something.” “You have to tell me exactly what was said or I can't help you.” “She whispered 'I'm guessing the reverse engineering on the medical pod have treated you well.' to me.” “So there's something different about you?” Keefer remained silent. “...Okay. I don't know everything Keefie, but I don't think you have anything to worry about... yet.” “Yet!?” “Please relax.” Holla sighed. “Alright, if the secret she knew was that bad, she'd have done something by now. I think Miss Lankerfield wants something from you.” “You think?” “Are you a valley girl or something? Is everything a question with you? Like, I didn't know valley boys existed?” Keefer groaned. “This really isn't the time to joke.” “This is totally the time to joke! She doesn't want to hurt you. Black mail? Maybe. Probably. But better that then a trial and execution.” “What should I do?” “Well...” Holla lifted a finger to her cheek. “I think you should confirm what she knows, and then arrange to meet her. If you cooperate with her things will go smoothly for you both.” “I just don't know what she could possibly want.” “Well, she might want someone to help her come down to landing early. Or she might have... other needs.” Keefer remained silent. “I'm just sayin' okay? Don't screw it up! You are one babe away from a harem. Between me and Lenna-” “That's my sister you're talking about!” “Oh right.” Lenna gave Keefer a sideways glance. “Speaking of which, why didn't you talk to Lenna about this? You don't think... Me and you are...” “No, I'm aware of that.” Keefer let out a tired sigh. “She's busy and... probably not ready for it.” Holla didn't respond right away. “...You should really tell her about this.” She raised her arms to hug herself and looked away from the screen. “Families fall apart when they keep secrets from each other. I'm sure you could tell her more about it and get a better solution.” Holla grabbed a handful of her wet hair and threw it over her other shoulder. “Anyway, my manager is probably wondering why I'm not done yet. I should hang up now. See you later.” And with that, the transmission ended. Keefer was glad he called Holla. She was a little strange, but he always seemed to take something away with his talks with her. Well, so far anyway. But she was right, this was something he should talk to his sister about. In the meantime though, there was no reason to panic. He had faith Holla was right. Cerridwen needed something. She had something on Keefer, and now she expected him to do her bidding. But wouldn't Keefer be happy to help her anyway? A brilliant mind that gave humanity so much? Helping her would be like saving a princess from peril. With renewed determination, he headed towards the next job site. [@NuttsnBolts]