deernet | Voice: Un: Diggs

[It had been nearly a week, and Oscar was becoming worried.

Lessons he has learned on the other side of the Dream had taught him that sitting in the worry and letting it overcome him did no one any good-- least of all himself. Knowing this, Oscar tentatively turned on the Audio function of his new device and, with an obvious case of awkward nerves, started talking.]

Um... Hi.

I'm Oscar Pine and... I'm sure some of you know me already, but some of you don't and that's okay.

There was just a couple of things I wanted to say.

First: I know that things have been stressful lately and that we all need something to do, so I'm willing to teach people how to garden if they want a hobby that lasts a little longer than baking all the time. I'm a farmhand... And I did the baking thing. Growing and taking care of your own vegetables helps a little more, for a longer time.

And-- you can share your extra zucchini with your friends and loved ones. Isn't that cool?

I managed to bring along some seeds to get started. Just... Contact me if you're interested.

... and thanks, Mako, for the idea.

Second: is anyone else having trouble sleeping since they got here? I know being nervous makes sleeping hard, but this feels different. Anyone have any ideas about why this is happening, or how to help?

Last: ... I don't know about everyone else, but there's still some people I'm looking for that haven't come ashore yet. Can people just...chime in to let everyone know that they're safe? And let us know if there's anyone else you're looking for?

Maybe we can make everything a little easier if we work together. I don't know...

I'm just kinda worried, and some of you all probably are too.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

What we did in Atlas would likely be seen as overstepping our bounds here. All citizens were registered, with precise records of each address and how many people resided there. That combined with licenses, permits, and other official information made it easy to keep track of the exact number of residents.

Perhaps if we made a means for each household to simply report the number of people without any other identifying information, more people might be willing to participate with that.

I understand.

Rei would be good to speak with. She can be trusted, and I know that she'll be honest.

Atlas is more rigid and into control than I realized...

[It was frightening to think about-- and all the more reason why he was grateful to be in Trench instead of Atlas once more.]

I trust you'll find a way to do this without stepping on anyone's toes, Winter. You're really clever, and you're better with people than you probably think you are.

[None of that was a lie, but he rightfully felt like Winter deserved the emotional boost. After everything he heard about what happened in Atlas... there was no doubt that Winter was likely still reeling.]

And, I did figure Rei could be trusted. I kinda told her about my... uh, Wizard Problems early on. Ruby trusts her. And, now you and her have gotten very close.

That's good enough for me.

After Beacon, the General was given a lot of freedom to take what measures he felt was safe to keep the people safe. He clearly overstepped, and went to far. I should have never let it get to that point though.

[Winter should have been able to stop it before he had completely lost it and threatened to drop a bomb on Mantle just to get his way. If she had then maybe, maybe things wouldn't have went so wrong.]

Yes we have, we live together and I trust her with everything.

[Rei was the closest Winter had been to anyone really, and the one that she had opened up to the most.]

I'll do my best to see that we figure out a way to account for everyone.

If Ozpin wasn't able to keep him in check, I doubt you'd have been able to.

[Even from the little time Oscar had spent trying to guide James in a better direction, the damage had already been done. The General had been allowed to act on his own for too long and was unwilling to be different.

There was no hope for change if the person wasn't willing.

Oscar cast Winter an understanding look. He had been in that position himself, and it had done him no favors.]

Please don't blame yourself. I know for sure that your hard work here is definitely appreciated. You deserved this kinda thing long before now.

[He released a weary sigh. Although he was only fifteen, he felt the weight of generations on him in that moment.]

At least you found Rei. And, I know you'll do as good of a job as you can.

Thank you, Winter.

That's easier said than done.

[Winter had been quiet and compliant in what he'd done, she was just as guilty as he was for what happened.]

I will continue to do my best though, to ensure that everyone here remains safe. And yes, it is a relief to have Rei here. She gives me a little more hope and strength.

[Winter had been put in a position where she couldn't retaliate by a man who had the power to ruin her very life; she was blameless in what happened.

Her hands had been tied, but she did do what little she was able to. That was all that mattered.

Oscar offered her a warm smile, glad to hear Winter's self assurance.]

We appreciate everything you do, Winter. And-- I'm glad you and Rei are both here. You fit well together.

...There's still plenty of space here if there's ever an emergency or if you want company. The both of you are always welcome.

[Winter had been born into that position, all she did was trade one controlling father figure for another it turned out. Both had seen Winter as a means to an end, a tool that they could use to further their own plans. At least with her father Winter had been smart enough to see through it.]

Thank you for the offer, I'm currently staying with Rei but if anything should change I will keep the offer in mind.

If you ever find yourself in need of assistance, please let me know.

[The fact that Winter had gotten out and survived proved everything: she was a woman capable of learning, making her own choices, and doing better. Clearly, she had done so already.]

Of course, Winter. And... you do the same, okay?

I will.

I the meantime, good luck with your endeavor. If I find any additional seeds I'll bring them by.

Voice: Un: Diggs

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