[026. So you're gone and I'm haunted. And I bet you are just fine.]

[lydiascreams]

[Public video]

[Unlike her last couple of barge-wide communications, Lydia looks serious in this one. If you look close enough, or if you know her a little better, you can tell she's upset.]

Jackson's gone. [The words make her jaw clench, her stomach too. Because she might have moved on romantically, but she cares. She always has and she always will.]

I know he didn't have many friends here, but some of you probably knew him.

[And she feels guilty for not doing more, for not trying harder, for not focusing on him more and helping him every second of free time she had.

With a deep breath, she looks away, then back at the camera, her expression more neutral than before.]

Does anyone know why this happens? Why people are sent back without graduating?

Does anyone know what happens to them?

Comments

Private

[voluntaryapnea]

I'm coming over.

Private

[lydiascreams]

[She had been on her way to see him when she noticed Jackson's door gone. And then she just backtracked to her room because-- she needed some time. And she isn't want to be overly upset about Jackson around Stiles. He's been understanding enough as is.

But she's had some time, so when she gets his message, she nods slightly, trying for a smile. Because she does want him there. If anything, she needs to make sure he's there with her.]

Thank you.

Private

[voluntaryapnea]

[He's there with her. He's always there with her. He nods at her thanks, disconnects the feed and makes his way out of his room and toward the stairs. Moments later he's standing at her door. He forces himself to take a deep breath before he reaches out and knocks, chewing his lower lip.]

Lyds. It's me.

[whatthefoxsay]

He wasn't so bad.

I hope he's okay.

[lydiascreams]

No, he isn't. [Wasn't sounds too much like he's gone in a way she doesn't even want to consider.]

If he went home, back to the time where he was from, he'll be.

Audio : Private

[walkthedarkpath]

I have heard things, they simply go on with a new life.

[ He's lying through his teeth with no shame. Lydia doesn't need to know the truth of what he was told. At least thats how he feels.]

Audio : Private

[lydiascreams]

Vergil. I'm sorry about Dante.

[If she's upset about Jackson, she can only imagine how hard it's been on him.]

What else did you hear?

Audio : Private

[walkthedarkpath]

Dante's an idiot and not the point. You wardens can go and come as you please. Us inmates are different.

[ He refuses to admit anything.]

That is all I know. I am sorry for your loss Lydia.

[routemistress]

[Iris didn't know Jackson, beyond noticing that he was a face connected with the Beacon Hills crowd. It's not because of him she looks as though someone's punched her in the diaphragm.]

We don't know. I went looking, once. When it were ...when it were someone else. I couldn't find 'em.

Of all the shite that can 'appen 'ere, Lydia love, this is by far and away the worst. I'm sorry.

[lydiascreams]

[She was calm, she was keeping it together until she hears Iris' words. Then her stomach drops and she suddenly isn't so sure he's okay. And that terrifies her.]

He would go home, wouldn't he? He's-- he was from my past. If he went home, then I know where he is.

Was the person you were looking for from your past, too?

[routemistress]

[Iris' answering laugh is short and entirely humourless.]

That's a more complicated question than you know, sweetheart. No. She come from a world I'd never visited till I started 'ere: I've been there since, no trouble, but trying to find 'er, that time - it was like a fog that grew solid around my bus while I was driving it. I couldn't get through, couldn't find any trace.

But if 'e's alive and in Beacon Hills in your time, I don't see why 'e shouldn't still be. 'E probably won't remember 'aving been 'ere, mind.

[warisart]

No.

I'm sorry, Lydia.

[lydiascreams]

Thank you, Ben.

I think he's okay.

[mercurialize]

I went back for a while without graduating.

... Actually, it was more like a blink of an eye for me, but a couple months here.

And no, I have no idea why it happened, or why I got dragged back again. [Shrug.] It just happens sometimes.

[lydiascreams]

Knowing you went back and came back is a good start.

Do you remember the short time you were gone? What happened? Did you just pick up where you left off?

[darknessb4me]

They die.

[lydiascreams]

[She stills because-- that's the last thing she wants to hear. But it also doesn't go with what everyone else's telling her.]

Is that your experience? I thought you were already dead.

[strangehistorian]

Oh, no. I'm so sorry. I didn't know him, but...

No, we don't know why. Only that it's no one's fault.

[lydiascreams]

Thank you, Chromie.

I know it's no one's fault. [Except for the Admiral's.] I just wanted to hear everyone's opinions on it.

PRIVATE

[theresalwayshope]

Oh, sweetie...do you need me to come over?

PRIVATE

[lydiascreams]

[Lydia knew Allison would make the offer as soon as she saw the message. She wants to see her, but she also knows Allison's dealing with a lot herself.]

Stiles' on his way.

I'm okay. I just-- wish I could make sure he's okay back home without actually going back.

[donttouchthefur]

....this kinda thing happen a lot?

[lydiascreams]

No, not a lot.

I've been here for almost a year now and I've only seen it happen a couple of times. [Jackson and Blight. Needy graduated and Lydia can't wait to see her again when they all go home.]

[punched_hitler]

[It happened to his inmate, and not long after he was assigned. It's definitely not a good feeling. But,] Unfortunately, I don't know.

I wish I did. But I haven't been here as long as lot of other people, so I hope someone's got an answer for you.

[lydiascreams]

Most people seem to think they go back to where they were. If-- that's true, it won't be bad for Jackson.

[She's not even thinking about his inmate right now, about how many people seem to go back to their deaths.]

Thanks, Steve.