DATE: December 2, 2001 CAST: Basil and Walter Bug City - Main Street South With access to a large apartment complex, and one of the more infamous bars, the Tin Can Bug Bar, this half of Main Street is just as busy as the rest of the place, perhaps even more so at times. The apartment is made of several stacked boxes, with small walkways for each different box. Many bugs seem to simply loiter around it. The distinctive rusty can nearby makes up the bar, and a small burger box on the corner seems to have been converted into a fast food stop, though the odor that trails from the place doesn't make it the most appetizing, at least to all bugs. The street slowly dies off into a more surburban area, with what looks like a few homes and perhaps a school as well... Although there are plenty of bugs in sight, this area is mercifully much less fast-paced than some of the other busy spots in the city. That's why it's easy to spot the muddy-lavender ant running into view, looking as if there were a swarm of locusts in pursuit. The figure nearly reaches the apartment complex before tripping and landing a few feet (ant feet) away, panting, and shaking slightly. Having noticed a delay in Walter's predicted return, a concerned Basil has exited the apartment, looking for the wayward ant. Eyes scan the area, first noticing some of the other city residents, then his vision shifts, and Walter's motions come into clear view. This manifests itself into a wince when the other ant's expression and express trip to the ground are seen. A more alert posture is assumed. Walter darts a glance over his shoulder, perhaps expecting something to pounce on him when he least expects it. Seeing nothing to be too concerned about, he climbs to his feet and staggers over towards the entrance of the apartment, breathing heavily. The blank expression that borders on terror is quite plain for all to see. And it is then that he sees Basil for the first time. He stops, almost unwillingly, as he struggles to regain his some of his composure, if only to get an intelligible word out. He doesn't even start with a greeting: "Saw... the... strawberry delivery... wagon. And that... grasshopper kid... we saw when we escaped..." It doesn't take a lot of imagination for Basil to understand the information that has been presented. In times like these, it's easy for the mind to go blank, and then to ask obvious questions. "Are you sure?" is muttered stoically. Then after a few moments of confusion, and a shake of the head, he asks Walter. "Did he look like he was following you?" Well, at least a half decent question this time. Another hard swallow, and dizziness begins to overtake as well, along with intense anxiety. Good thing they are near the complex. "I don't know, I... not up till that point, I guess." Walter shakes his head, places a hand to his forehead exasperatedly. "He saw me, started to approach, so I ran. Managed to lose him in the crowd." Without another word, he heaves a shaky sigh and starts to enter the apartment complex. Basil breathes a sigh of relief. "Good. At least we can hold up in Terry's apartment until he heads back, or something." Allowing Walter to pass by, Basil follows suit behind, but still anxious enough to stay off the street and to keep out of sight. He can't but help be reminded of what was told about escaped ants. "I think Terry should be home soon," is offered, knowing how anxious Walter must feel right now. "If trouble starts, she can hold him off, or tell him she hasn't seen us." Walter comes to an abrupt stop at the apartment complex's threshold. He turns to stare at Basil as if his companion is out of his mind. "You're kidding me," he snaps. "We don't know if Terry is going to fight this battle for us -- heck, we've always avoided telling her the whole truth, haven't we? Besides, we can't just hole up in an apartment forever!" He turns away, breathing quickly as he begins to wander further inside the complex. "What do you plan on doing? I can't think of a safer place to stay in the city then..." it quickly occurs to Basil what's going on in Walter's mind. "You can't be serious about leaving? We've discussed this before, and I told you, it's too dangerous to go out there!" A thumb is tossed over a shoulder decisively. A similar expression is given back to Walter as was received. "And just where were you planning on living in the city when we have to move out? I'm sorry Walter, I know you're frightened, but you're not thinking clearly." "Uh, no, there you're wrong. I'm thinking very clearly," Walter mutters as he traverses through the Foyer, hands bunched up into fists. Frustration rather than fear begins to dominate his expression. "It's only a matter of time, and *when* they find us, we're as good as dead. Gone. History." He makes a slashing motion through the air to emphasize this point. "If I'm going to perish, I'd rather be out *there*." Wingview Apartments - Foyer This large cardboard box, perhaps previously carrying beverages, has been converted by local bugs into a rather large apartment complex of sorts, with a constant traffic of bugs moving in and out of this small lobby-like area. It's not the prettiest of apartment complexes, and roaches abound, but they're tenants. This small entrance has a few boxes where mail and messages are delivered, and picked up. A small squatty beetle shuffles around this area, watching with intent eyes. You can only assume this is most likely the crotchety old landlord of the apartment. Other places: (F)irst floor, (O)ut to the street ... Stepping through the doorway, Basil becomes a little more irritated, but intends on keeping his cool. "Walter, how many times do I have to tell you, it's too *dangerous* out in the wilderness. Especially not having the knowledge of where the nearest colony is located." The echoing sounds of their voices permeate the establishment, causing a slight decrease in his vocalization. Probably best not to let the neighbors known what they are talking about. "At least we have food and shelter *here*." Hands are then held outward, indicating the apartment down the hallway. "I heard you," Walter says, keeping his voice low as well; but that does nothing to hide the seething nature of it. He directs his footfalls toward the stairs. "That's way I've delayed so long. And Basil, I'm not going to sit around and wait for things to happen anymore. No. That's what got me and my family in this whole slaver mess to begin with. I'm going, and there's nothing you can say to talk me out of it." Basil stops, having a hard time imaging anyone *wanting* to brave the elements. "Walter, going out there is virtual /suicide/! I can't possibly go out, and letting you go willingly would be the same as letting you walk out into traffic, or letting yourself get eaten by an antlion." He then picks up his pace, allowing Walter to go back into the apartment. Maybe if he can stall long enough, Terry will come home and talks some sense into the terrified ant. "Or letting me get taken by slavers who'll take great pleasure in killing me in some creative way. Yeah. I get your drift." Although there is obvious sarcasm involved in this rejoinder, Walter barely suppresses a shudder at the memory of a fate that might await him if he ever gets taken back to the plantation. He walks inside Terry's apartment hurriedly, and makes his way over to where he's stored his earnings. Terry's Apartment A small, inelegant room of cardboard. Although it's kept relatively clean, its previous occupants must have had less than good hygiene, judging from the various faded stains on the walls and floor. There's very little furniture in sight, apart from shelves made from wafer thin cardboard and a small, equally thin cardboard box for storage. Other places: [A]nother room, [O]ut ... The whole situation seems to be getting out of control. Basil knows by now that it's basically beyond discussion to keep /both/ of them together and in the city. "Man, Terry, where the *heck* are you!" He mutteres, hopefully out of antenna shot, while his own level of anxiety is building. "Why is it that they are never here when you need them..." Observance is given as Walter extracts his money. "How do you know you can obtain enough supplies to survive out there. There are a number of areas where food or water is too scare, or nonexistent. I should know, I went without for several days." Basil walks up to Walter, and gives him a deep penetrating look. "There is *absolutely* no way to tell." "I'll just buy as much as I can carry," Walter states matter-of-factly. He makes a hasty count of the money in his hands, which is a pretty good amount, since he has spent as little as he could get away with. Now he only takes as much as he figures he'll need, and leaves the rest behind, as if the money is of no consequence to him. In fact, he treats it as if it's almost unpleasant to handle, and can't wait to see the last of it. Basil is becoming more desperate by the minute. "I wish I could come up with something to tell you to keep you here. I've given you every reason I can think of." Then in an attempt to drive this home a little farther, hands are outwardly held, intending to take a hold of Walter by the shoulders. "I know you've been through a lot, we both have." Then the most penetrating look imaginable is given. "Calm down, and give this some thought. We've managed to survive this long, I'm sure we can get through this as well." Walter merely sighs as his plan to start moving is momentarily apprehended, and listens somewhat edgily to Basil's plea. He glances at the other ant gravely once he's finished making his point, and sadly shakes his head. "I can't stay here," he says, quietly. He then attempts to move away. A deep inhale is made, held for several seconds, then released. Basil feels he's reached an impasse, as far as talking Walter out of his decision goes. A slow, methodical nod is offered, to express he understands, then in clear unmistakable words declares: "And I can't let you leave." A tight lipped expression shows, as he maintains a firm grip on the other ant's shoulders. Walter stares at Basil with an incredulous frown at this assertion. The expression turns into alarmed realization as he sees that Basil is serious, and apparently has no intention of letting him go peacefully. Feeling the firmer grip on his shoulders, he again attempts to wrench himself away, much harder this time, but as yet makes no move to actually lash out. Basil feels Walter's attempts at working his way free of his grasp. "Walter, I have to tell you something. It's not easy for me to try to keep you here, as much as I support a person's right to make their own decision, but I'm afraid that in this circumstance I feel I have no choice in doing so." A slight pause occurs. "I still feel you are making a potentially deadly mistake, and until you calm down, I intend on keeping you here, no matter what happens." Hopefully taken as a promise, rather than a threat. Why it's not voiced, is even beyond Basil's comprehension. "Or at least until Terry returns." None of that seems to do a thing to change Walter's mind, nor does he seem inclined to calm down. His breathing rate quickens, while his frustration slowly seems to be bordering desperation, almost as if he fears he'll actually suffocate if he has to stay in this room another moment. "I'm *not* staying here," he tells Basil, faintly but insistently. That's the only argument he can come up with. In the meantime he tries to free himself from Basil's grasp, this time attempting to pry his hands off as well. Perhaps nothing said to Walter will change his mind, but by the same token, nothing Walter has done can keep Basil from looking after his well being. He feels Walter's continued attempt to escape. "Even if you do get away from here, I will do whatever it takes to bring you back, I promise you that. I know that might sound cold, but I have to do what I can to keep you in the city. I care about you too much to let you throw away your life, on a moment of panic." Basil would rather Walter not know that he's on the verge of losing grip on him. This doesn't have much affect on Walter, other than the fact that it causes him to redouble his efforts in getting free, without having to resort to the fist -- which, considering his frantic state, must be something he's loathe to do if he hasn't already tried at this point. "Basil, just *let* me *go* NOW. Next to that plantation, this is the last place I want to be." It takes all of Basil's efforts to keep Walter in place, but to no avail. He loses grip, allowing Walter to become free to move as he pleases. Absolute panic claims him. "I don't want to go back to the plantation any more than you do!" Basil attempts to step in between Walter and the doorway. "I won't pretend to understand what happened to you, up until we met, but, I, I..." Basil has reached a point of total desperation. He can't watch Walter every second, and knows that sooner or later he will probably get away. "But I've lost virtually everyone I've ever cared about. I've made a number of mistakes in my life, that cost me greatly. I can't find it within me to just let you go." Walter does indeed make a mad dash for the exit, but finds his way blocked once again. The sheer panic suddenly dissolves into pure fury. Gritting his teeth, one hand curls into a fist, and he moves as if to strike Basil -- but even before the other ant gets far in his speech, he lets his hand drop, trembling, as if he barely averted himself from doing something unforgivable. Instead of trying to force his way past Basil, as might be anticipated, he simply turns and takes a few steps away, as if to regain control of himself. He doesn't reply at all. Basil stares at Walter in an absolutely incredulous manner. His mouth stands agape as he realizes that he was nearly struck. Virtually all feelings of friendship and devotion seem to have been blown by the wind to nothingness. Not that Basil feels this way toward Walter, but past feelings of recollection, of betrayal by others he cared about. Suddenly a look of fury and a strong erect posture is adopted. "I see." No expression is returned. A lot of thoughts are going through Basil's mind, along with feelings of betrayal. "If I didn't value life as much as I do, I'd let you go and get yourself..." An inward cringe is felt, as guilt washes over his entire form for thinking such a thing. "But I can't even do that. No matter how you feel about me, or I about you." Walter seems to have given up the quest to leave the room -- for the time being. Perhaps he figures he can get a better chance at it later. Contrasting with the erect posture Basil adopts, his bearing has become slightly wilted, whatever determination he had shattered. "I wish you would," he says in response to Basil's last comment, his voice a lifeless monotone. He takes a few more steps away, turning only so that he may sit and lean back against the wall without having to look Basil in the face. No words are expressed, but a feeling of total despair has filled his frame. After noticing Walter's movements toward the wall, he relaxes his posture, and with all the emotion and physical activity, he's totally drained. He passes a nasty glare to Walter, but tosses himself down onto a pile of tissue, taking his frustrations out on the floor, but in doing so, he's causes himself a good deal of pain in the process, which will make it much harder to get back to his feet again. The pain is suppressed hoping Walter won't catch a glance of it. Then he softly mutters. "Well, Holly, I hope you're happy, because it looks like you were right." Indeed, Walter doesn't seem to take notice of any of this activity, nor Basil's muttered comment. The only thing that comes out of him is slow, deliberate breathing. He closes his eyes and draws his hand across his face. Whatever's on his mind, he ain't saying, but it's a good bet that he's thinking about when would be a good time to make his move and run like heck. Basil head drops down in exasperation. Little seems to matter to him now. How he feels, how Walter feels. Really nothing matters. He falls backward into the tissue, resolute to spend the rest of his life in this horrible place. Will he and Walter ever patch things up again? What kind of life is that? Having to do battle with all the other bugs, and ill feelings with the guy you spend the most time with. Again, Basil realizes that he can't watch Walter every minute. The whole scenario takes out more energy than before, and he finds he has to close his eyes to all the fatigue, frustration and defeat. Walter's mind also dwells on this -- he can't be watched every minute. At some point, he'll have an opening. After awhile, his hand drops away from his face. He looks in Basil's direction cautiously; noticing what seems to be something along the lines of distress, his expression becomes almost apologetic, even if it does go unnoticed. Of course he never expected Basil to let him run off easy, but still. Basil's mind suddenly focuses into a mere pin point. It finally has occurred to him what he probably should do all this time. Imposing his feelings over Walter's isn't the way to deal with this situation. Nor is challenging his opinion, or how he feels. Basil slowly gets up into a seated position, gives a soft smile, and states openly. "Try to take care of yourself out there. And if you find a colony, please come back and let me know, okay?" It's all Walter can do to stare at Basil in bewilderment, as if he cannot believe a word of what he's just been told. For a second it crosses his mind that he ate something that went bad and fell asleep when he wasn't aware of it, but it all seems real enough. Finally he rediscovers his voice: "Um... yeah... sure." Basil gets up to his feet, slowly, painfully. "When Terry returns, I'll tell her you were looking into a lead on a nearby colony. I'll take the rest of the money you don't need, and see if I can find a place in the city to hold up. If you don't have any luck, I'll be around town, somewhere." Basil then gives a reassuring expression that he's making this decision fully at his will. "In case you are wondering why I'm letting you go, I just thought that we've been through too much to end at odds. Besides, I can't say you *won't* find a colony out there. In fact, I'm really hoping you will. Then I can comfortably venture into the open safely. That way it works to both our advantages." A proffered hand is made to Walter. "Good luck." A wide smile is given. Walter still can't quite seem to grasp that all of a sudden he's being allowed to leave, just like that. He rubs the back of his neck momentarily, gathering his wits together. As Basil approaches, he too rises from his sitting position, still holding what he's decided to take of his share of the earnings. By the time he does believe it, he doesn't act nearly as eager about leaving as he did earlier -- perhaps it's reverse psychology at work? Or maybe guilt. Whichever works as a suitable explanation. Finally he accepts the proffered hand in his own, forcing a smile. "Yeah. You too." "Well, unless you need help gathering up stuff, I'd just assume to stay here, until the heat dies down. I'm guessing that the hopper' will be giving up and heading back to the plantation, he'll have to return soon enough." A soft swallow is given, then Basil does a little calculating in his head. "Actually, I think this will be enough to secure a pretty nice area on the other side of town, and I'll keep my eyes open if you find a new home, or decide to return to the city." A slow nod is given. "One can only hope," Walter replies, in reference to the grasshopper giving up. "Just make yourself scarce, whatever you decide to do with the cash." He glances away solemnly, before he starts making his way towards the exit, the small portion of cash clutched tightly in one hand. "I... guess I'll see you," he barely gets out over a lump in his throat. He may not have experienced the wilderness firsthand, but he has a fair idea of his chances of survival, and almost doesn't expect to return. But for some reason it sounds more appealing than the alternative. "I will," returns Basil's reply softly. He intends on staying at Terry's place probably one more night. Then it should be safer tomorrow. Watching Walter head toward the exit, he hears the reply, feeling sincere doubts again at his choice to let the other ant go. He too knows how dangerous going out there is. But either way, Walter must make that choice for himself. "Yeah, good luck." Basil then stands nearly motionless as he watches the ant he's spent the last few months with leave the apartment of Terry and Sienna. [END LOG] Next Log: Liberation Return to: Muted Identity logs.

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