New Avalon

[yamikuronue]

"...Yes. Do you think... did that... is that upsetting the City? Do I need

to stop visiting places?"

[CalamityJade]

"We highly doubt that. Many others have managed to travel the city without that much of a problem. It could simply be that there is something about yourself that is drawing the city's attention. Thank you for keeping us posted. Was there anything else?"

[yamikuronue]

"Something about me? What can I do?" she asks, worry creeping into her

voice.

[CalamityJade]

"For now, I would continue doing what you are doing. Deviating too much might make things difficult for yourself in the future. After all, this is a path that you must see through to the end, and I do so hope that is for much longer than tomorrow."

[yamikuronue]

"a-alright. thank you," she says, her voice shaky."Anything else?"

[CalamityJade]

"I believe that will be fine for the time being, Miss Stark...oh, one last thing. I would like it if you kept all of this confidential. There would be...drastic measures to be taken if I felt the need to protect my investments. You understand, of course."

[yamikuronue]

Erika is silent for a good four seconds before she manages, sounding

suspiciously like she's struggling to sound normal, "Understood."

[CalamityJade]

"Thank you. Well, I will let you get along with your day. I will speak with you later." And with that the call drops. Also that vaguely hazy feeling has gone away completely

[yamikuronue]

Erika replaces the phone, slowly, her mind whirling furiously. He wanted to know what Rob was up to... clearly he wanted her to spy on him for her, and yet, she knew she wouldn't be up to that. She'd crack under pressure, and let Rob know, and then she'd be... something unfortunate would happen. Something highly unfortunate.

"I don't feel well," she says, looking pale as she steps away from the phone.

[Hammer Sister]

Rob, his back turned, had been listening to Erika's side of the conversation throughout the phonecall.

This whole fake-Welcomed thing really has her spooked... The way she said 'Affirmative' and 'Understood'; sounded like she was trying to disguise something... And then there's the note... Someone's taking a rather unnerving interest in my professional affairs... What if they're using Erika, getting her to spy on me for them? No, that's crazy... but then she does work for a Roidmet...

Rob breaks from his thoughts when he hears Erika hang up; he doesn't want to give the impression he was eavesdropping on her side of the phonecall. First, make sure she's OK. Then I can think about who's watching me.

"You do look a bit pale," Rob observes after Erika speaks. "I'm thinking I should get you home; today's been quite rough, and it's probably best for you to chill out and relax."

[yamikuronue]

She nods. "feel free to go on investigating, I just need to lie down... I'll be fine..."

If I can get rid of him, maybe I can find a way to avoid running into him again that looks natural. Then I won't be able to spy on him even if I wanted to?

[Hammer Sister]

"Sure you'll be OK by yourself?"

[yamikuronue]

"Y-yes, of course," she says, trying to sound more sure than she feels.

[Hammer Sister]

She's not sure; maybe I should... but if she's... no, I have a job to do; that should... that should come first.

"OK," Rob agrees. "I guess I'll see you around then; it seems Fate has a habit of bring us together," he quips with what he hopes is a reassuring smile. Funny how it's doing that...

[yamikuronue]

Erika nods. Not if I can  help it, she reasons, turning to go.