the sum of our parts is greater, but a few of them might have been broken

[overworker]

[Immediately following the strange insanity that took place in the aftermath of that trial, Towa decides that enough is enough-- she has to attempt to do what she can do. For too long she's let herself be daunted by her own abilities or lack thereof... but she can't do that anymore. If she can support everyone, even in any small way, then she's going to do that now.

Before they're dismissed she calls out to the group--]

I'm going to prepare the lounge for a proper meeting. It'll take me a little bit to get everything set up but please... I want everyone to come. We have a lot to talk about and I don't want anyone shouldering this burden alone.

[And as soon as that's done, she gets to work. Coffee, tea, soup, cookies... she prepares a small, but fairly simple collection of foods as quickly as she can and works to make the space as comfortable as possible. It feels like a lifetime ago she did this the first time. A lot has changed but some things really haven't. If anyone would like to help, she certainly wouldn't turn away the help.]

Comments

[overworker]

That’s right. You mentioned it to me before, that you saved us...

[There is a good deal of evidence here, all of which she handles carefully as she flips through each.]

While there are things I think you kept from us, I don’t believe you lied. You have always been fairly willing to share information with me so I trust this much. And I appreciate it.

[disregartist]

As I've said, I don't generally indulge in cruelty.

[And, in the pile, are nine envelopes of high quality. Inside is the invitation, all on rather lovely paper.]

No matter what some of you might think, we don't do this because we enjoy this. Though many who don't understand obviously do.

[overworker]

No, I never got that impression. I think everyone's views are a little biased because of the situation we're in. There's a lot we're still trying to figure out so... it makes it difficult to judge fairly at times.

[Those are... some grand invitations, to be sure. But she can't find herself too surprised considering who they're from.]

[disregartist]

Of course. Not many accept the truth in any case. They would rather cast it all as some grand black and white battle or some romantic nonsense.

The truth is messier.

[overworker]

Yes... it is. I suppose because of all the things I've seen back home... I've learned that you can't really expect anything to be black or white. So... I understand.

Try not to take what the others say too much to heart.