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Act 4 - Sapphire


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( 12 / 10 / 1539(5AU) - FRI 6:34 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and an apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She walks over to the stove, lifts a kettle slightly, then brings it over to the sink to fill it.)

(After filling the kettle, she sets it on the stove, and turns it on.)

(She crouches down, opening a cupboard, takes out a white mug, and places it on the table.)

(She walks over to a tall wooden cabinet, and takes out a small box of tea bags. She places a single tea bag in her mug.)

(She slides a chair out from the table, and sits down in it, then readjusts herself to the table.)

...

(The kettle whistles, and she gets up to turn it off. She then takes it and pours the water into her mug. Setting the kettle back on the stove and returning to the table, she raises and lowers the tea bag a few times.)

(She removes the tea bag, tossing it across the room off-screen. She then takes the sugar bowl and spoon from the table, puts two teaspoons of sugar into her tea, and stirs it gently, steam visibly rising from the mug. She places the spoon back atop the sugar bowl, and raises the mug to her mouth. She blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

(She looks at the empty table.)

(She slides her chair out and grabs from the shelf next to her some sort of clothing and a small box. She places both on the table and opens the box, retrieving a needle and thread from it. She begins to sew.)

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( 12 / 10 / 1539(5AU) - FRI 6:27 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Very little light is coming through the window now, and it's getting hard to see. There's a figure sitting on a chair in the middle of the frame.)

(The figure reaches underneath the table, and puts a lantern on top of it, then reaches for a small box on the shelf.)

(The figure lights the lantern and light pours into the room. The monklike kni with dark gray hair and an apron puts the small box of matches away. The resolution is low, but it's obvious that the figure is Sapphire.)

(Sapphire picks up the pile of clothing from the table, and places it back onto the shelf next to the table. She puts away her sewing kit and stands up, picking up her mug. She walks over to the sink and washes the mug.)

(She takes a plate and puts it on the counter. Opening the mostly cut off fridge, she takes a couple eggs and lays them gently on the counter. She then opens a small box and retrieves a paper bag, opening the paper bag to retrieve a loaf of bread. It looks homemade.)

(She places a small wooden board on the counter, and the loaf of bread on the board. Taking a knife out of the drawer, she slices two even slices, and sets them aside. She then takes a small bowl and a fork, cracks the two eggs into the bowl, and whips them with the fork.)

(She takes the slices of bread, eggs, and plate over to the stove. She takes out a medium sized pan, butters it, places it on the stove, and turns it on.)

(After a while, she puts a slice of bread in the pan. She waits a moment, flips it, waits a moment again, and takes it out of the pan onto the plate. She then pours the scrambled eggs into the hot pan, starting to stir with the fork as soon as they touch the pan.)

(Once the eggs are done, she places them onto the toasted bread, toasts the other slice, and places it on top of the stack, and the fork beside it.)

(She turns off the stove, and places the plate on the table.)

(She picks up the pan, brings it over to the sink, scrubs it out, sets it on the stove to dry, and turns on the stove. While that's drying, she takes care of the egg shells, puts away the bread, washes the board, and puts it away.)

(After the pan's dry, she oils it and hangs it back up.)

(She then walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down. She picks up her sandwich, holding it over the plate.)

"(Exhale.)"

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( 12 / 11 / 1539(5AU) - SAT 6:34 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and an apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She makes her tea like normal, placing it on the table.)

(She slides a chair out from the table, and sits down in it, then readjusts herself to the table.)

(She looks at the other chairs, and rests her head in her hand with her elbow on the table.)

...

(She blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

(She looks at the empty table.)

(She slides her chair out and grabs from the shelf next to her some sort of clothing and a small box. She places both on the table and opens the box, retrieving a needle and thread from it. She begins to sew.)

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( 12 / 11 / 1539(5AU) - SAT 02:37 PM )

(The camera is mounted in the corner of the room with another in the other corner. Shelia's sitting at a cams desk against the southern wall with her legs up on a small stool, and Zinc's at his desk against the western wall.)

Shelia: "Oh. We still have Sapphire's old cam still hooked up."
Zinc: "That old thing? It's still monochrome. I thought we uninstalled that years ago."

(Shelia puts her legs down.)

Shelia: "Did...did we ever tell Sapphire about Copper?"

...

Zinc: "Uh...no, I guess...I didn't."

Shelia: "I'll go."

(Shelia presses a key on the keyboard on the desk.)

Zinc: "Uh...ok. Alright then."

...

Zinc: "(I was going to do that...)"


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( 12 / 11 / 1539(5AU) - SAT 02:40 PM )

(Sapphire is still sewing at the table, repaired clothing making a small pile on the table.)

(There's a knock on the door.)

Sapphire: "Hmm?"

(She gets up and walks right, out of shot. She opens the door.)

"Oh, Shelia! Hello! Please, come in."

Shelia: "Thanks, Mrs. Bronze."

(Sapphire, now in shot again, pauses for a second, then brushes it off. She takes the clothes off the table, and puts them back on the shelf to the left of the window.)

Sapphire: "There. Sit, if you want. Tea?"

Shelia: "Sure."

Sapphire: "Hot or cold?"

Shelia: "Cold, please."

(Sapphire grabs a glass and pulls open a fridge that's cut off at the bottom of the frame.)

Sapphire: "What brings you over to my neck of the woods?"

(She sets the glass on the table for Shelia.)

Shelia: "Thanks."

(Sapphire gets another tea bag and places it in her mug. She walks over to the kettle.)

Shelia: "Saul, Zinc, and Amethyst...found Copper and sent him a message. He's in realm 25."

(Sapphire, who was checking how much water the kettle has inside, sets the kettle back down onto the stove. She covers her mouth.)

Shelia: "We intended to tell you sooner, but it slipped our minds."

Sapphire: "Uh...I...Sorry, I...

(Sigh.)

I think I'd need to see him myself."

...

Shelia: "I understand that, it's been a long time."

(Sapphire braces herself on the counter.)

...

Shelia: "Your tea is always really nice, how do you make it?"

Sapphire: "I...uh...use...wildflower honey..."

(Shelia taps the table firmly.)
Shelia: "Why hadn't I thought of that?"

...

Shelia: "Well, I have to get going. Surveillance waits for nobody. Thanks for the tea, Mrs. Bronze."

Sapphire: "...No...problem..."

(Shelia gets up and walks right, out of shot.)

...

Sapphire: "I-..."

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Sapphire's journal, entry 1

Sevdas - 12/11/1539

I've never really kept a journal before. There was that one time in young teen focus school that I tried, but I never really made it past the first few weeks. However, I've just been given news that, if true, could change everything. Again. Maybe for the better. Hopefully.

I did give Copper a journal, though, and he seemed to really enjoy it.

Shelia Daniels came over for a while. She said that they were able to find, and send a message to, Copper. I can hardly believe it, to be honest. I'm not calling her a liar, but it's just hard to trust when he's been gone for five years.

Could he really be out there?


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( 12 / 11 / 1539(5AU) - SAT 6:19 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Very little light is coming through the window now, and it's getting hard to see. Sapphire's on a chair in the middle of the frame.)

(Sapphire places her lantern and lights it. Light begins to flush the dim room.)

(Sapphire closes the small journal before her, and places it back onto the shelf next to the table. She stands up, picking up her mug and Shelia's cup. She walks over to the sink and washes them both.)

(She begins to cook just like every other night.)

(She puts a slice of bread in the pan. She waits a moment, flips it.)

"Hmm. Darker than usual."

(She continues to cook as usual, placing the sandwich on the table then oiling the pan after it's dry and hanging it back up.)

(She walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down. She picks up her sandwich, holding it over the plate.)

"(Exhale.)"

"...could he...?"

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( 12 / 12 / 1539(5AU) - SUN 6:35 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and an apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She makes her tea like usual, blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

(She looks at the empty table.)

(She slides her chair out and grabs from the shelf next to her some sort of clothing and a small box. She places both on the table and opens the box, retrieving a needle and thread from it. She begins to sew.)

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( 12 / 12 / 1539(5AU) - SUN 6:18 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Very little light is coming through the window now, and it's getting hard to see. Sapphire's sitting on a chair in the middle of the frame.)

(Sapphire places her lantern and lights it. Light begins to flush the dim room.)

(Sapphire picks up the pile of clothing from the table, and places it back onto the shelf next to the table. She puts away her sewing kit and stands up, picking up her mug. She walks over to the sink and washes the mug.)

(She cooks just like every other night.)

(She then walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down. She picks up her sandwich, holding it over the plate.)

"(Sigh.)"

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( 12 / 13 / 1539(5AU) - MON 6:35 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and an apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She begins to make her tea like usual. She walks over to the stove, lifts a kettle slightly.)

(Sapphire pauses.)

(She continues, filling the kettle, turning it on, and getting a clean mug and putting it on the table. She walks over to the pantry cabinet and grabs the tea bags, like she would every other day.)

(But...she just stares at the box in her hands.)

(Eventually, she takes one out and lays it in her mug. The kettle whistles and she pours the hot water into her mug.)

(After waiting a moment, the tea bag comes out and two sugars go in.)

(She raises the mug to her lips, both elbows on the table, looking out the window.)

(The sun is above the horizon, warm but wintry light spilling into the dug-in room from the partially forested park outside.)

(Sapphire sets her mug down and slides it to the side slightly, reaching over for her journal on the shelf next to her.)

...

(After writing a bit, Sapphire closes her journal and places it back on the shelf. She stands, stretches slightly, and walks out of frame to the right.)

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Sapphire's journal, entry 2

Sirdas - 12/13/1539

The Resistance's first housing section in Lynn Park in Southern Crystallyne is about as hidden as you can get without leaving the city or going into the Resistance underground. Lynn Park is pretty big, and the replica kni never patrol off the paths. It's gone unnoticed for five years. We're pretty much safe here.

But it's still a far cry from an actual home.

I think I'm going to take a trip to the ruins district. To our old home.


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( 12 / 13 / 1539(5AU) - MON 9:35 AM )

(Sapphire returns from the right side of the frame carrying a box or suitcase of some sort. She braces and lifts it up onto the table, accidentally knocking over the third chair in the process.)

(After picking up the chair, she brushes off some sort of thick dust the box with her hand.)

(She turns and starts rifling through drawer after drawer.)

"I had them somewhere..."

(She walks left, out of frame again.)

...

(She returns with a few keys on a single ring. Picking one out, she tries it in the box.)

(It doesn't fit.)

(She tries another.)

(Again, it doesn't fit)

(She tries the last one, a key with a dark handle.)

(It seems to fit.)

...

(She turns the key and the box's latch releases.)

(She pulls out her chair and sits in front of the box.)

(Pulling the box open, her face shows only confusion.)

(She takes some of the contents of the box out and examines it. They seem to be letters of some sort.)

(Sapphire's eyes widen, she covers her mouth with one hand.)

"Steel..."

...

"you kept them..."

(Putting the rest of the letters on the table, she opens the one on the top.)

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Sapphire's journal, entry 3

Sirdas 12/13/1539 (again)

I haven't sewn at all yet today...

I found an old, red lock box while poking around in the ruins of our house.

He had given me a key, but he never told me what was inside it. He only said it was "for when we were older and needed something to laugh at." I had thought that it burned in the blackfires, but it looks hardly even melted, just covered in black ash.

I'm... not sure I was ready for this.

It's our letters. From when I was a girl.

Our focus school was running a program were we would become pen pals with the students of a different school. I was assigned a boy named Steel. We chatted somewhat, and he asked if I had any interest in fantasy stories.

I'd...experimented in the past, but I don't think it was ever very good. I said as much. He proposed that we build a story one letter at a time, rolling dice to see if each other's actions succeeded each time. His character was Sir George Lance of Synehall, and I was Sarai Baker, daughter of the village baker. Sarai had always dreamed of adventure.

She definitely found it.

With a man named Steel.

(The ink trails off.)


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( 12 / 13 / 1539(5AU) - MON 5:15 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Some light is still coming through the window. It's somewhat hard to see through the camera, but it's still very possible. Sapphire's still sitting on a chair in the middle of the frame.)

(She closes her journal and drops her pen onto the table next to a significant but but short stack of papers.)

(She reaches underneath the table, and puts a lantern on top of it, in the middle and away from the papers. She then reaches for a small box on the shelf.)

(She lights the lantern and light pours into the room.)

(She sighs, and begins to gently pack the letters back into the lock box, then locks it again. Standing up, she lifts the lock box, and places it next to the shelf to the right of the table. She takes at her tea, forgotten and cold now, and pours it out and washes the mug.)

(She cooks just like every other night.)

(She then walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down. She picks up her sandwich, holding it over the plate.)

"(Sigh.)"

"I'm..."

...

"...I'm not hungry."

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( 12 / 14 / 1539(5AU) - TUE 6:46 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and a slightly wrinkled apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She makes her tea like usual, blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

(She looks at the empty table.)

(Longer than usual.)

(She slides her chair out and grabs from the shelf next to her some sort of clothing and a small box. She places both on the table and opens the box, retrieving a needle and thread from it. She begins to sew.)

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( 12 / 14 / 1539(5AU) - TUE 1:27 PM )

(Sapphire pulls her thread tight against the piece of clothing in her hand. With her other hand, she ties the thread, cuts it, and puts down her needle.)

(She holds up the shirt and reverses it. The repair is nearly seamless. She folds the shirt and stacks it onto the pile on the table. She then reaches into the shelf next to her, but it's empty.)

"Oh!"

(She glances at something the camera can't see.)

"Mmm. It's only half-past one, but I guess I can send out the clothes early."

(She puts the needle back into the small box, stands up, stretches, and, after drinking the last of her tea, picks up the stack of clothing on the table. She grabs a canvas bag from the shelf, and places the stack inside of it. She barely fits all of it inside.)

(She then walks off to the right of the frame.)

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( 12 / 14 / 1539(5AU) - TUE 7:42 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Very little light is coming through the window now, and it's getting hard to see. A figure walks in from the right of the frame.)

(The figure reaches underneath the table, and puts a lantern on top of it, then reaches for a small box on the shelf.)

(The figure lights the lantern and light pours into the room. The monklike kni with dark gray hair and an apron puts the small box of matches away. The resolution is low, but it's obvious that the figure is Sapphire.)

(Sapphire places the canvas bag back onto shelf. She has a noticeable spring in her step. She closes her sewing kit and places it on the shelf as well, then she picks up her mug. She walks over to the sink and washes it.)

(She cooks just like every other night.)

(She then walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down. She picks up her sandwich, holding it over the plate.)

...

(She places her sandwich back onto the plate, opens it, and reaches to the center of the table for a salt shaker. She tips it above the eggs.)

...

(The salt is solid.)

"Oh."

(She firmly taps the shaker on the table, then shakes some salt onto her eggs.)

(Then she picks up her sandwich again after placing the piece of toast back on top of the eggs.)

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Sapphire's journal, entry 4

Thirdas - 12/14/1539

I finished my backlog today! I love going out and delivering peoples' repaired clothes on Thirdas. I'd do it if they paid me or not, honestly. From what I hear though, this is a darn sight better than working for the replica kni.

Now what do I do?


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( 12 / 15 / 1539(5AU) - WED 4:27 AM )

(The camera is black.)

(A figure walks in from the right-hand side of the frame. They have warm-white eyes and seem to be wounded. Their left arm looks to have a large cut and they're leaving glowing footprints, essence soaking into their shirt sleeve and right pantleg.)

(The figure puts their hand on the table and tries to brace against it.)

(They don't seem to be strong enough. They fall to the floor, creating a rather loud noise.)

(Sapphire with her hair down walks in from the left side in a gray tank top and some shorts, with a couple illusion lights floating next to her.)

(The light reveals the figure to be Cobalt, currently on the ground.)

"Cobalt!"
(Sapphire rushes to help Cobalt into a chair. Cobalt looks at Sapphire. Comparing hers to Sapphire, they're noticeably dimmer.)
"You've been... You've lost... Here."
(Sapphire starts to help Cobalt out of her coat and chestplate, and helps her take her shirt off. Then, without much delay, her hands turn purple and she starts healing Cobalt's arm.)

"What happened, if you don't mind me asking?"

"got ambushed. single replica kni was just hanging out, watching the street after curfew. didn't see he had buddies."

"Hmm."

"i got away, but still got hurt."

"You lost a lot of essence too, it seems."
(Sapphire walks over, grabs a blanket from the shelf, and drapes it over Cobalt.)
"Here, your shirt's slashed."

(Sapphire grabs a box of teabags.)
"Chamomile still your favorite?"

"mhmm."
(Sapphire turns on the kettle, then pours some hot water into a mug and places a teabag into it. She turns around and sets it on the table next to Cobalt.)
"There you go. It's still very hot."

"Now, let's see that leg. Your pantleg is ruined, you'll probably need to..."
(Sapphire motions to Cobalt's jeans, then to her shirt next to them.)

"no, it's fine, i... (sigh,) you'll have to help me then."

"That's fine."
(Sapphire lets Cobalt brace against her with Cobalt's arm over her shoulder, and helps her take her jeans off. She then kneels down to inspect Cobalt's right leg.)

"You didn't set this."

"no time to."

"Mmmh. This'll sting."

(Sapphire's hands glow purple and Cobalt grips the edges of the blanket and grits her teeth as Sapphire heals her leg.)

"There. You should stay off of it for a few hours so it can firm back up."

(Sapphire looks to Cobalt's clothing.)

"While I'm up, do you want me to fix your clothes?"

(Cobalt takes a moment, then nods once. She takes a sip of her tea and Sapphire scoops up the clothing and places them on the table. She reaches to the shelf and takes down her sewing kit again, and places it on the table as well. Sapphire then pulls Cobalt's shirt forward, finds the slash, and begins to slowly sew it closed.)

(Cobalt watches Sapphire, drinking her tea.)

(She puts her arms on the table.)

(She drinks the last of her tea.)

(She rests her head on her arms, still watching Sapphire sew.)

(Her eyes start to close and her posture relaxes.)

"...thanks, mom..."

(Sapphire freezes, mid-thread pull. She lowers her hand, takes a breath, and continues to sew, not looking up.)

(Cobalt readjusts on the table, now asleep.)

...

...

"Shirt's done."
(Sapphire looks up at Cobalt to find that she's asleep now.)
(She exhales with a smile, and rubs her hand gently through Cobalt's shoulder-length hair.)

(She holds her hand palm-up, and has one of her illusion lights drift into it for a moment.)

(She gets up, straightens Cobalt's blanket, and sets a better one on her as well. Then she sits down, and continues to fix Cobalt's clothes, pulling Cobalt's coat toward herself.)

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( 12 / 15 / 1539(5AU) - WED 5:52 AM )

(The sun is barely shining through the window on Cobalt, still lying on the table. She stirs. Sapphire is nowhere to be seen in the shot.)
...
(Eventually she picks herself up off the table. She takes the blankets off herself and, getting up, starts to fold them. She stacks them neatly on the table.)
(She notices her folded clothing on the table. She adjusts her chest wrap, and picks up her shirt.)

"thanks, Sapphire."

(She puts her clothing, chestplate, and coat back on, and leaves the room to the right.)

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( 12 / 15 / 1539(5AU) - WED 6:34 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and a slightly wrinkled apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She makes her tea like usual, blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

(She looks down at the floor where Cobalt's essence was, now ash. She gets up, grabs a broom and dustpan from the corner of the room, and sweeps the floor.)

...

(After disposing of the contents of the dustpan, she sits back down and stares at her tea.)

...

"I might make chamomile instead tomorrow."
(She finishes off her tea, grabs the canvas bag off the shelf, puts her mug on the counter, and heads out of frame to the right.)

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( 12 / 15 / 1539(5AU) - WED 11:52 AM )

(Sapphire, now wearing a coat, comes back with the canvas bag now filled with clothing, and places the bag on the table. She takes her coat off, and walks to the right.)

(She then comes back and takes the clothing out of the bag, putting them on the table. She then takes the bag and puts it back on the shelf. She then sits down at the table and starts going through the clothing.)

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( 12 / 15 / 1539(5AU) - WED 1:37 PM )

(Sapphire is working through, repairing clothing on the table. There's a knock at the door.)

"Mmh. Popular this week."
(She gets up and walks out of the frame to the right.)

(She opens the door.)
"Hello Saul! Come in."
"Oh, I'll only really be here for a moment."
"That's fine. I was just working on some more clothes."
"Huh. Keeping busy, hmm?"
"Trying my best."

(Sapphire comes back into frame and pulls out a chair.)
"Here, take a seat if you want."
"Thanks."
"Tea?"
"Ah, I probably shouldn't. I won't be here long"
"That's fine."
(The two sit down at the table. Sapphire continues working on patching the garment she has in front of her.)
"Need me to patch your jeans again?"
"No, not this time, Sapphire."
"How are they doing so far?"
"They're doing fine."
"That's good. I wasn't really satisfied with my stitching when I patched them last time."

...

"I actually came because Amethyst and I are working on a machine to pull open rifts. We're calling it the rift engine. We estimate it'll take about a week, and it might actually be able to recover Copper with it."
(Sapphire slips.)
"Ah!"
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah. Just pricked myself by accident."

"I..."

...

"I would have to see it working to believe it."

"Shelia told me."
"Mmh. News travels fast."

(Sapphire takes a sip of her tea.)
"Truth of the matter, Sapph- Can I call you 'Sapph?'"
(Sapphire chokes mildly, puts her tea back on the table, braces against it, and coughs into her arm. She speaks slightly weakly.)
"Please..."

...

"...Please don't."

"Oh. Sorry."

...

"But, point is, we have hope. Retrieving Copper is one step. If we can get him back, we might be able to use this."

(Sapphire is just staring at the garment she's holding.)

"And plus, he's your son, so I figured you should know."

...

"Well, I'll be on my way now."
"Thank you, Saul."
"No problem."
(Saul gets up and starts to walk away.)
"Oh, hey, one of the scavenge teams found some purple thread. I remember you wanted some."
(Sapphire doesn't look up.)
"Ah, thanks."

(Saul leaves the frame to the right.)

(You can hear the door open then close.)

...

"Sigh."

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( 12 / 15 / 1539(5AU) - WED 6:39 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Little light is coming through the window now, but you can still see somewhat.)

(Sapphire finishes patching the shirt she was working on. She folds it and places it gently on the shelf beside her.)

...

...

(She gets up and leaves the frame to the left.)

( MOTION BELOW THRESHOLD, RECORDING ENDED )


Sapphire's journal, entry 5

Fovdas - 12/15/1539

I can't sleep. Tried.

Is he actually alive?
Is he actually out there?
Can they actually get him back?
Can they actually open a rift now?
Can you even use a machine for that?
Would it even work?
Who says he'll still be there?
Will he still
Will he want

I'm trying not to get my hopes up. I don't know if I can

I just


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( 12 / 16 / 1539(5AU) - THU 1:52 AM )

(A kni woman with long very dark gray hair, a gray tank top, and gray shorts comes in from the left of the frame, a single focus light hovering around her.)

...

(It's Sapphire with her hair down.)

...

(She pulls out her chair and sits in it. She puts her elbows on the table and puts her hands on her head, through her hair.)

...

(2:00AM)

...

(2:30AM)

...

(3:00AM)

...

(The single focus light fades away. She falls asleep on the table.)

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( 12 / 16 / 1539(5AU) - THU 2:19 PM )

(Light is streaming through the window, illuminating Sapphire, who is still sprawled out on the table.)

(She moves slightly, picking up her head and looking around.)

(She picks herself up, sitting upright now.)

(She stands up carefully, and walks to the left, out of shot.)

...

(She comes back dressed as she usually is, with her hair in her typical ponytail.)

(She makes her tea. Black tea, like her usual. She blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

(And she grabs another piece of clothing to fix.)

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( 12 / 16 / 1539(5AU) - THU 4:11 PM )

(Sapphire is still repairing clothes. There's a knock at the door.)

(Sapphire looks down at the table.)
"(Sigh.)

(She gets up and leaves the frame to the right.)

"Oh, Cobalt! Come in."
"thanks."
...
"ame's been helping saul build the machine, she hasn't been around much."

(The two arrive back in frame, and Sapphire sits down. Cobalt sits opposite her and pulls out a book.)
"she told me to tell you that they're testing the machine on the 23rd, next thirdas, and that she's inviting you."
"Oh."
(Cobalt opens her book. Sapphire resumes repairing clothing.)

...

"What are you reading?"

"it's just a YA romance novel."

"Oh. Is it good?"

(Cobalt smiles slightly for a split second.)
"not really. but... i kinda like the cheesy ones."

...

"What do you think about the machine? Do you think it'll work?"

"i saw a smaller one work. there's really only one way to find out if it can be scaled up."

...

"Do you think he'll still be there?"

"i'm not really sure. i wasn't there when they made contact. i hope so, though."

...

"How much do you think he'll-"
(Cobalt puts her hand in her book and lowers it, looking up to Sapphire.)
"sapphire. slow down."

...

"Oh. Sorry. I have been talking a lot and you're trying to read."

"don't apologize. i get it. five years is... a long time. but... i personally... i wouldn't miss the test."

"...i'm going too if that helps."

...

"Thank you, Cobalt."

(Cobalt nods once and returns to her book.)

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( 12 / 16 / 1539(5AU) - THU 6:19 PM )

(Cobalt places a slip of paper back into her book and closes it gently.)
"it's getting dark. i think i'll head back now."

"Okay. Well, it was nice having you."
(Cobalt gets up)
"thanks, Sapphire."
"Come back anytime."

(Cobalt leaves the frame to the right.)

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( 12 / 16 / 1539(5AU) - THU 6:21 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Very little light is coming through the window now, and it's getting hard to see. Sapphire's sitting on a chair in the middle of the frame.)

(Sapphire places her lantern and lights it. Light begins to flush the dim room.)

(Sapphire picks up the pile of clothing from the table, and places it back onto the shelf next to the table. She puts away her sewing kit and stands up, picking up her mug. She walks over to the sink and washes the mug.)

(She cooks just like most every other night.)

(She then walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down. She picks up her sandwich, holding it over the plate.)

...

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( 12 / 17 / 1539(5AU) - FRI 6:24 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and a slightly wrinkled apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She makes her tea like usual, blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

(She looks at the empty table.)

(She swipes her hand across it, brushing off some dust.)

(She slides her chair out and grabs from the shelf next to her some sort of clothing and a small box. She places both on the table and opens the box, retrieving a needle and thread from it. She begins to sew.)

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( 12 / 17 / 1539(5AU) - FRI 6:52 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Very little light is coming through the window now, and it's getting hard to see. Sapphire's sitting on a chair in the middle of the frame.)

(Sapphire looks out the window.)

...

(For a while.)

...

(She then places her lantern and lights it. Light begins to flush the dim room.)

(Sapphire picks up the pile of clothing from the table, and places it back onto the shelf next to the table. She puts away her sewing kit and stands up, picking up her mug. She walks over to the sink and washes the mug.)

(She cooks just like most every other night.)

(She then walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down. She picks up her sandwich, holding it over the plate.)

...

(She leans forward slightly.)

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( 12 / 18 / 1539(5AU) - SAT 6:31 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and a slightly wrinkled apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She makes her tea like usual, blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

(She looks out the window.)

(The volume is a little low, but you can hear a couple birds.)

(She then slides her chair out and grabs from the shelf next to her some sort of clothing and a small box. She places both on the table and opens the box, retrieving a needle and thread from it. She begins to sew.)

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( 12 / 18 / 1539(5AU) - SAT 3:25 PM )

(Sapphire is still repairing clothes. There's a knock at the door.)

(Sapphire looks down at the table and breathes deeply.)

(She gets up and leaves the frame to the right.)

"Hello, again, Cobalt. Come in."
"thank you."

"Can I get you some tea?"
"sure."

(The two arrive back in frame. Cobalt sits where she sat before and pulls out her book again. Sapphire shortly after places a mug beside her, and sits down.)
"It's still very hot."
"thank you."

...

"Cobalt?"

"hmm?"

"Have you... ever been let down by something's outcome?"

...

"plenty of times."

...

"but... you... can't let that stop you."

"I guess."

...

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( 12 / 18 / 1539(5AU) - SAT 6:23 PM )

(Cobalt places a slip of paper back into her book and closes it gently. She gets up.)

"thanks again, Sapphire."
"Anytime. Door's unlocked."

(Cobalt leaves the frame to the right.)

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( 12 / 18 / 1539(5AU) - SAT 6:34 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Very little light is coming through the window now, and it's getting hard to see. Sapphire's sitting on a chair in the middle of the frame.)

(Sapphire places her lantern and lights it. Light begins to flush the dim room.)

(Sapphire picks up the pile of clothing from the table, and places it back onto the shelf next to the table. She puts away her sewing kit and stands up, picking up both mugs. She walks over to the sink and washes the mugs.)

(She cooks just like most every other night.)

(She then walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down. She picks up her sandwich, holding it over the plate.)

...

(She takes a deep breath.)

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( 12 / 19 / 1539(5AU) - SUN 6:24 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and a slightly wrinkled apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She makes her tea like usual, blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

(She looks across the shot to the right, into her out-of-shot living room.)

...

(She slides her chair out and grabs from the shelf next to her some sort of clothing and a small box. She places both on the table and opens the box, retrieving a needle and thread from it. She begins to sew.)

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( 12 / 19 / 1539(5AU) - SUN 6:52 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Very little light is coming through the window now, and it's getting hard to see. Sapphire's sitting on a chair in the middle of the frame.)

(Sapphire looks out the window, up at the stars.)

...

(She then places her lantern and lights it. Light begins to flush the dim room.)

(Sapphire picks up the pile of clothing from the table, and places it back onto the shelf next to the table. She puts away her sewing kit and stands up, picking up her mug. She walks over to the sink and washes the mug.)

(She cooks just like most every other night.)

(She then walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down. She picks up her sandwich, holding it over the plate.)

...

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( 12 / 20 / 1539(5AU) - MON 6:37 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and a slightly wrinkled apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She makes her tea like usual, blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

...

(She slides her chair out and grabs from the shelf next to her some sort of clothing and a small box. She places both on the table and opens the box, retrieving a needle and thread from it. She begins to sew.)

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( 12 / 20 / 1539(5AU) - MON 2:48 PM )

(Cobalt walks in from the right, holding her book)

(Sapphire looks up for a split second, jumps slightly, then closes her eyes and puts her hand on her chest for a moment.)
"Oh! Hello! I didn't even hear the door."
"i get that often."

"Tea?"
"please."

(Sapphire gets up and starts making Cobalt's tea. Cobalt sits down at the table and opens her book.)

(Sapphire then sets Cobalt's tea on the table in front of her.)

...

"they say it's going to snow tomorrow."

(Sapphire sits back down in her chair.)
"Oh."
(Sapphire looks out the window briefly)
"Some of the roads still aren't shoveled from the last time it snowed."

"tell me about it. makes it a pain when i go out."

...

"i wish it didn't look so much like ash sometimes."

...

...

(Sapphire looks up briefly.)
"How's Amethyst doing?"

"busy, i guess. she comes back home and falls asleep pretty quickly."

...

"She shouldn't work herself too hard."

"she always does."

...

"What do you think about its chances of working? The, uhh... What is he calling it? The 'Rift Engine?'"
"yeah."
"Do you think the bigger one will work?"

...

"i hope so."

...

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( 12 / 20 / 1539(5AU) - MON 6:31 PM )

(Cobalt places a slip of paper back into her book and closes it gently. She gets up.)

"see ya."

"I'll be here."

(Cobalt leaves the frame to the right.)

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( 12 / 20 / 1539(5AU) - MON 6:43 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Very little light is coming through the window now, and it's getting hard to see. Sapphire's sitting on a chair in the middle of the frame.)

(Sapphire places her lantern and lights it. Light begins to flush the dim room.)

(Sapphire picks up the pile of clothing from the table, and places it back onto the shelf next to the table. She puts away her sewing kit and stands up, picking up both mugs. She walks over to the sink and washes the mugs.)

(She cooks just like most every other night.)

(She then walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down. She picks up her sandwich, holding it over the plate.)

...

"I wonder if she'd stay someday."

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( 12 / 21 / 1539(5AU) - TUE 6:39 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and a slightly wrinkled apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She makes her tea like usual, blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

(She looks at the chair opposing her.)

(Then to the one to her side.)

(She slides her chair out and grabs from the shelf next to her some sort of clothing and a small box. She places both on the table and opens the box, retrieving a needle and thread from it. She begins to sew.)

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( 12 / 21 / 1539(5AU) - TUE 1:57 PM )

(Sapphire finishes the patch that she'd been working on, and folds it on the table. She looks over to something out of frame, then reaches to the shelf beside her, grabs the canvas bag, and starts putting the finished, folded clothes in it.)

(After the finished clothes are in the bag, she stands up and walks off to the right.)

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( 12 / 21 / 1539(5AU) - TUE 3:41 PM )

(Sapphire comes back from the right side of the frame wearing her coat. She puts the canvas bag on the table, then walks off to the right again.)

(She then comes back, takes the clothes out of the canvas bag and adds them to the other clothes she has yet to repair, and puts the bag back on the shelf.)

(She then sits back down and continues to repair the clothes.)

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( 12 / 21 / 1539(5AU) - TUE 6:27 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Very little light is coming through the window now, and it's getting hard to see. Sapphire's sitting on a chair in the middle of the frame.)

(Sapphire looks out the window.)

...

(It's gently snowing.)

...

"It still looks so pretty..."

...

(She then places her lantern and lights it. Light begins to flush the dim room.)

(Sapphire picks up the pile of clothing from the table, and places it back onto the shelf next to the table. She puts away her sewing kit and stands up, picking up her mug. She walks over to the sink and washes the mug.)

(She cooks just like most every other night.)

(She then walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down. She picks up her sandwich, holding it over the plate.)

...

(She looks out to the snow again.)

...

(She looks back at her sandwich for a moment, and takes a bite.)

(And then looks back out to the snow.)

...

( MOTION BELOW THRESHOLD, RECORDING ENDED )


Sapphire's journal, entry 6

Thirdas - 12/21/1539

The test is only a few more days away now.

Cobalt said she saw a smaller version of the machine work. I trust her, but

At this point, I don't know if I could forgive myself if I

I just

The test is on Fivdas. The day after tomorrow.


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( 12 / 22 / 1539(5AU) - WED 6:43 AM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(A monklike kni woman with very dark gray hair in a ponytail and a slightly wrinkled apron walks in from the left. The resolution is low, but it's unmistakably Sapphire.)

(She makes her tea like usual, blows the steam away, takes a sip, and lowers the mug back down to the table.)

...

(She slides her chair out and grabs from the shelf next to her some sort of clothing and a small box. She places both on the table and opens the box, retrieving a needle and thread from it. She begins to sew.)

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( 12 / 22 / 1539(5AU) - WED 2:29 PM )

(Cobalt walks in from the right, holding her book again)

(Sapphire looks up briefly)
"Oh! Hello, Cobalt!"
(Sapphire gets up preemptively as Cobalt sits down at the table.)
"Tea?"

"please."

(Sapphire makes Cobalt's tea, and sets it on the table.)

...

"thank you, Sapphire."

"Don't mention it."
(Sapphire sits back down at the table, and resumes repairing clothing.)

...

"quick to the draw today."

"A lot on my mind."

"i imagine. the test is tomorrow."

"I'm aware."

...

(Sapphire pauses.)

...

(She looks up to Cobalt.)

"Cobalt... What if... What if he doesn't come back?"

"and what if he does?"

...

"Hmmh..."

...

(Cobalt stops. She then puts her bookmark back into her book, closes it, and places it on the table in front of herself.)
"Sapphire."
"Hmm?"
"do you think the rift engine will work?"
(Sapphire freezes.)

...

"I don't-"
"yes or no."

...

"I... Uhh..."

...

"take your time."

...

(Sapphire sighs.)
"I really do hope so."

...

(Cobalt nods slowly once, then returns to her book.)

...

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( 12 / 20 / 1539(5AU) - WED 6:22 PM )

(Cobalt places her bookmark into her book and closes it gently. She gets up.)

"see you tomorrow."

"I..."
(Sapphire sighs.)
"See you tomorrow."

(Cobalt leaves the frame to the right.)

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( 12 / 22 / 1539(5AU) - WED 6:51 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Very little light is coming through the window now, and it's getting hard to see. Sapphire's sitting on a chair in the middle of the frame.)

(Sapphire places her lantern and lights it. Light begins to flush the dim room.)

(Sapphire picks up the pile of clothing from the table, and places it back onto the shelf next to the table. She puts away her sewing kit and stands up, picking up both mugs. She walks over to the sink and washes the mugs.)

(She cooks just like most every other night.)

(She then walks over to the table, pulls out her chair again, and sits back down.)

...

(She stares at her sandwich on the plate.)

...

(She looks out the window for a moment.)

...

(Then she looks out of frame.)

...

(Then to the chairs again.)

...

(Then back to her sandwich.)

(She picks it up and holds it over the plate.)
(Sapphire sighs.)

...

( MOTION BELOW THRESHOLD, RECORDING ENDED )


(Beep!)

(THU - 12/23/5AU - 2PM)

(The camera opens to Amy adjusting the camera.)
Saul: "How's the tripod working, Amy?"
Amy: "Ehh, better than nothing. As long as it doesn't fall over again, I'll be happy."

(She backs away and the shot opens to a large open room in the resistance underground, with a large machine with a campfire underneath it to the left of the frame and a small group of people to the right. The people includes, but is not limited to, Sapphire, Cobalt, Shelia, Zinc, Luke, Scott, John, and Radium. Saul is standing near the machine. Luke is standing next to Shelia and holding Scott. Zinc is standing next to Shelia. Cobalt is standing somewhat nearby Sapphire, who is sitting down.)

(Amethyst walks over to the machine.)
Amy: "Here's to the inaugural test of the rift engine, I guess."
Saul: "Mhmm."

(Saul opens a small rift in the heart of the machine, and it starts to pull the campfire up into it immediately. Saul steps aside and the rift holds stable, feeding off the fire. Amy then places the six hooks from the machine into the small rift. Saul uses a lever on a short panel and the machine creaks loudly to life, pulling the hooks tight against the rift's edge.)

Saul: "Are we in position?"
Amy: "Looks like it."
Saul: "Everything looking good?"
Amy: "I don't see anything unexpected."
Saul: "Good enough for me."

(Saul moves the lever on the panel beside him and the machine groans loudly as it slowly widens the rift. The rift pulls more and more of the campfire towards itself, consuming more and more of the fire and darkening the room. The edge of the rift crackles with very short flames as it pulls to the center, held in place by the hooks.)

...

(After a while, the machine reaches the end of its travel, and rift slowly stabilizes to its full size. The camera, positioned to look through the rift, can now see straight into realmspace.)

(Sapphire stands up.)

...

Amethyst: "It's working? It's working!"
Saul: "It's actually working."

(The campfire crackles softly behind and beneath the rift.)

...

Sapphire: "Mmh."
(She walks to the front of the rift. Amethyst backs off slightly to give her space.)

...

(She raises up her hands to her mouth.)
"Copper!"

...

"COPPER!"

...

(Her hands lower. She looks to Amethyst.)

"Are you sure he's out there?"

(She looks back to the rift.)

Amy: "I'm pretty sure of it. Maybe."

...

Amy: "Yeah."

Saul: "We're not sure how stable the rift is, Sapphire."

(Cobalt shifts her weight.)

...

(The edge of the rift glows purple, held open by the fire's energy and the hooks.)

...

(Sapphire looks down slightly and her pose relaxes.)

(Cobalt steps forward once.)

Sapphire: "He's not there. Is he?"

...

Amy: "I'm... I'm not sure."

...

(A form with a straw hat, a damaged, rough robe, and a focus sword drawn comes slowly around to the front of the rift.)

(Cobalt steps forward, focusing her shortsword to her right hand and holding it in front of herself. Sapphire looks up.)

Sapphire: (Gasp!)
(Sapphire covers her mouth.)

...

(Cobalt holds her sword out.)

Sapphire: "Are... Are you...?"

...

Copper: "...Mom?"

(Copper drops his sword on the uneven ground of realmspace and it fades away. Cobalt relaxes and lets hers fade away in her hand.)

...

(Copper falls to a kneel.)

...

...

Sapphire: "I-"

(Sapphire carefully steps through the rift and crouches down in front of Copper. She rakes her hand through the hair in his face gently.)

"It is you..."

...

(Copper stays silent.)

(Shelia sits down with her knees to her chest and her hands covering her mouth.)

...

(Sapphire takes Copper's arm over her shoulders and lifts him up.)

(They slowly walk through the rift together.)

...

(Once they're through, she lets him down onto the floor carefully and hugs him, not letting go.)

...

"I had honestly thought I'd never see you again."

...

(He hugs her back as they both start crying.)

...

"...How did... how did you open a rift?"

(Amethyst kneels down and hugs Copper as well.)

(Cobalt almost steps forward as well, but doesn't.)

(Saul looks at the machine.)
Saul: "Huh. I guess it's pretty stable. Though maybe we could make something a little more reliable than a campfire."

...

(Shelia, who hasn't moved, is crying as well. Scott looks at her from Luke's arms.)

Zinc: "Welcome back, man."

...

(Cobalt looks down at the ground and starts slowly backing away.)

John: "I'd never thought that fire could be used as focus energy..."

(Cobalt turns and runs to the doorway of the room, stopping just shy. Zinc looks over to her.)
Zinc: "Huh."
(She shields her face and leaves the room.)
(Beep!)


( MOTION ABOVE THRESHOLD DETECTED ON CAM 0 OF 0 )
( RECORDING )

( CAM 0 - TEST CAM )

( 12 / 23 / 1539(5AU) - THU 4:42 PM )

(The camera, monochrome and mounted in the corner of a combination kitchen and dining room, looks on towards the opposing wall with a window, a table and three chairs in front of the window, and shelves flanking the window on both sides.)
(Afternoon light is streaming in through the window.)

"-And this is where I've been staying."

"This is the kitchen."
(Sapphire walks into the frame from the right.)

(She pulls out her chair and sits down in it. Copper follows her into the frame and puts his hands on the back of one of the chairs.)
"I'm sorry that there isn't another bedroom, you might have to sleep in the living room."

"That's more than fine, mom. Believe me."

...

"I can't say how happy I am you're home. Honestly."

(Cobalt walks into the frame behind Copper.)

(She playfully punches him in the shoulder, scaring him.)
"welcome back, wires."

(Copper struggles to catch his breath for a moment.)

"whoa... are you okay?"

...

"Yeah."

...

"Nice to see you too, Cobalt."
(Copper pulls out the center chair and sits down in it. Cobalt sits down in her usual chair. Copper takes his hat off and places it on the table.)

(Sapphire perks up.)
"Where are my manners, can I get you guys some tea?"

"Sure!"
"please."

(Sapphire gets up and moves over to make the tea.)
"Ooh. I don't have any of that blueberry tea you liked, Copper, is that okay?"
"That's fine."
"Cobalt? Chamomile still?"
"yep."

...

(Copper looks up to Cobalt, who has taken out her book.)
"I take Ferrite's busy?"
...
"uh... yeah. busy."
"I guess some things don't change."

...

(After a moment, Sapphire puts three mugs of tea on the table. She glances up with a slightly worried expression at Cobalt for a quick moment, and sits back down.)

( MOTION BELOW THRESHOLD, RECORDING ENDED )