Chapter Text
[There is a puddle in the middle of the muddy ground. Rain is pounding hard, causing it to ripple violently, and the ground is shaking. Mahogonee steps in the puddle as she runs past - and after she does, the audio sounds muffled. She’s drenched, panting as she runs with a baby Tonee in her arms. In the distance behind her, fires and explosions can be seen. Mahogonee is quickly approaching a fleet of ships. Some are already taking off.]
MAHOGONEE: (Shouting) Wait! Wait, please-!
[The audio stops being muffled. The Domineers, seeming surprised by her shouts, pause long enough for her to reach the bottom of the ramp.]
UCCELLO: (Voice raised) There is no place for you on this vessel.
MAHOGONEE: I have a child-
UCCELLO: A lot of you have children-
MAHOGONEE: (Interrupting, raising her voice a volume higher) I have a child and she’s Möka Hew’s! She has refuge on this ship, you have to take us!
[The Domineers exchange glances. Then Uccello looks back at her.]
UCCELLO: You cannot come with her.
MAHOGONEE: What? No- no, she’ll be alone!
UCCELLO: Automatic Refuge only applies for Domineers and their children. We cannot take both of you-
MAHOGONEE: (Interrupting) Then I pledge my allegiance!
[Both Domineers pause and stare at her.]
MAHOGONEE: I pledge my allegiance. Just please- please don't take her from me. She’s all I have.
[The Domineers look at each other again. Kumo gives a nod towards Mahogonee before deciding to leave. Uccello sighs then gestures for Mahogonee to come up. She huffs a relieved sigh before going up. As soon as she's off the ramp, he closes the ramp, shutting out all of the noise outside.]
UCCELLO: Welcome aboard-
[He lightly shoves Mahogonee forward, making her shoot a glare at him.]
UCCELLO: -Private.
[Mahogonee holds her glare for a moment before slowly turning away and walking towards the other refugees - all of which are Nemerian and Amtreekian. She is looking for a place to sit, holding her baby close. A male Nemerian with cloudy eyes notices, and promptly moves to make a spot for her next to him.]
SLAYT: Hey- here, sit here-
MAHOGONEE: Oh- thank you. Thank you so much.
[She takes the empty spot next to him, both of them sitting curled up as to take up less space. The engine of the ship roars as it begins to lift off. She looks out a window near her, and the planet she was on is clearly in flames.]
SLAYT: Sad, isn't it?
MAHOGONEE: (Deadpan) Seeing our home completely go down the crapper? Of course it’s sad.
SLAYT: No, I mean- just how many were willing to give up their freedom just to see another day…
[Mahogonee glances at him with a raised brow, then gains a look of calm understanding.]
MAHOGONEE: ...Yeah. That’s pretty sad, too.
[The ship is now fully out of the orbit of the dying planet. It is presumably sometime later, because everyone is asleep. Everyone but Mahogonee - who has out a video player that looks like a white hockey puck. The video is of Möka giving a sort of video diary.]
MÖKA: -Kinda sucks I have to go up so soon after you were born, but hey! I get it out of the way, and then I’ll have all the time for you in the world. No, wait, scratch that- the universe. Anyways, I love you, Tonee, sweetie - I’ll see you real soon, okay?
[The video stops. Mahogonee stares sadly at the freeze frame of Möka before putting the video player away in a messenger bag. She looks down at baby Tonee sleeping peacefully before deciding to follow her lead, leaning her head back and closing her eyes.]
[CUE OPENING CREDITS]
[Thirteen years later. There is a rundown but busy city with plenty of people walking through, doing business, etcetera. and in the distance, there is a fairly grand building surrounded by a tall, black fence and a decently elegant gate at the front. Inside, there is a bot roughly the size of a cat walking down the halls. She eventually stops in front of a bedroom door and knocks.]
DAYLILY: Miss Hew.
[No response. She knocks again.]
DAYLILY: Miss Hew, it’s time for you to to your daily chore.
[Still no response. She heaves a deep sigh, then glances over her shoulder to make sure no one’s watching. She then decides to test the knob to see if the door is locked - which it is not. She then enters to find nobody in the bedroom at all. She slowly turns on the spot until her back is facing the window. She looks incredibly annoyed.]
DAYLILY: (Under her breath) Where among stars is-
[There is suddenly a large figure that flies by the window, causing the air in the room to blow for a moment, along with the sound of whooping. Daylily promptly turns and sticks her head out the window to see Tonee riding some sort of alien bird the size of a large horse. Daylily groans, releases her wings and promptly flies out the window after her.]
[Tonee is outside in the open air and riding the alien bird with a great amount of joy. She is cheering loudly as the alien-bird twists and turns and does a bunch of other cool stuff. Eventually, a bot suddenly flies right into her path.]
DAYLILY: (Stern) Miss Hew!
[The alien-bird, startled, squawks loudly, which in turn makes Tonee give a surprised cry. They end up landing in a semi-chaotic way, disrupting the activity of some gardeners which makes them shout in annoyance. Daylily daintily lands on the alien-bird’s head.]
TONEE: Aw, c’mon - why’d you gotta startle Wilson like that?
DAYLILY: You shouldn’t be on Wilson in the first place! Go on - off, now!
[Tonee groans with an eye-roll, but hops off. She pats Wilson’s side and he promptly takes off, the wind he causes disrupting the gardener’s more and earning more protests.]
DAYLILY: You were supposed to be in your room studying, Miss Hew.
TONEE: I did study.
DAYLILY: How much?
TONEE: Like...five.
DAYLILY: Pages?
[Tonee’s mouth makes a straight line.]
DAYLILY: ...Words?
[Tonee shrugs innocently. Daylily shoots her a glare.]
DAYLILY: Kitchen. Now.
TONEE: Oh, c’mon, you don’t seriously expect me to do maid’s work.
[In the kitchen, there’s a female alien teen around Tonee’s age in servant clothing washing dishes. The door behind her opens, making her look over her shoulder. An unimpressed Tonee in dishwasher clothes enters (which she rolls her eyes at before going back to the dishes) and Daylily enters with her.]
DAYLILY: Meerkat, miss, could you please make sure Miss Hew actually works before the Commanders get here?
MEERKAT: (Half-hearted) Yeah, sure, whatever.
DAYLILY: Thank you. (To Tonee) You behave, you understand me? Don’t give Miss Katarine a hard time.
[Daylily exits. Tonee huffs as she goes to the sink next to Meerkat’s.]
TONEE: (Under her breath) Yeah, sure, whatever.
[Right as Tonee reaches the sink, Meerkat takes a stack of dirty plates and places them into Tonee’s sink. Tonee shoots a dirty look at her, but Meerkat ignores it. Tonne groans as she grabs a sponge and starts scrubbing.]
TONEE: (Muttering) I can’t believe I have to do this. Seriously, I’m the Lieutenant General’s daughter, not a lowly servant. What’s the point in me doing this, it’s not like I-
[While Tonee’s going on a bit of a rant, Meerkat pauses in her work, seeming unimpressed by what she’s saying. She then looks at Tonee.]
MEERKAT: (Interrupting Tonee) I don’t know who you think you’re talkin’ to, but it ain’t someone who cares.
TONEE: Wow, okay, rude - I wasn’t asking-
MEERKAT: (Interrupting) And neither was I. Now shut your mouth and put more elbow into it.
[Meerkat goes back to scrubbing dishes.]
TONEE: ...You can’t talk to me like that. I’m above you.
MEERKAT: Your clothes currently suggest otherwise.
TONEE: Yeah, well guess what, maiden-
[The term makes Meerkat stop, glaring at her out of the corner of her eye.]
TONEE: -If you’re there serving me and my mother drinks tonight, then I’ll be the one having the last laugh.
[Meerkat appears tense, seeming as if she’s going to say something, and stares hard at Tonee. Something about the look she gives makes Tonee decide to slowly look away. They both return to their chore.]
[Another bot similar to Daylily is perched on the roof of the building. Daylily flutters up and perches beside her.]
DAYLILY: Aquabell.
AQUABELL: Hello, Daylily. Awful quiet up here.
DAYLILY: I can imagine. Are we prepared for a big night?
AQUABELL: Everyone’s about as ready as they’re going to get.
DAYLILY: Perfect, ‘cause our visitors are about to arrive riiight now.
[Right on cue, a large ship begins to descend outside of the gates. Aquabell releases her wings, prepared to set off, but Daylily holds out an arm, making her pause.]
DAYLILY: Wait until the servant bots take their place.
[From their perspective, two other bots quickly approach the gate.]
DAYLILY: Alright- go.
[At once, Aquabell flies off and through an open window. As soon as she enters, she starts shouting while zipping through the building.]
AQUABELL: (Shouting) The Commanders have returned! They’re back! They’re here!
[Tonee is still in the kitchen with Meerkat scrubbing dishes. Aquabell zooms past the door.]
AQUABELL: (On the other side of the door, fading in then out as she flies past) The Commanders are back!
[Tonee’s bored expression immediately lights up into a wide grin.]
TONEE: The Commanders are back!?
[She immediately drops the plate she was scrubbing (literally; it shatters on the floor, making Meerkat groan in annoyance), turns and sprints out of the kitchen and into the halls along with several other kids who are presumed to be other Commander children. She eventually reaches the doors to a balcony and swings them open, hopping onto the rail of the balcony - with Daylily eventually fluttering down to perch on it, placing an arm on Tonee as if to keep her from falling over - as she peers down. The two servant bots open the gates for the oncoming wave of Commanders - with Mahogonee at the front of it. Daylily appears to be scanning the crowd unbeknownst to everyone there, but stops when she notices Tonee suddenly turn to exit the balcony. She promptly gets in her way.]
TONEE: (Annoyed) Daylily-
DAYLILY: Miss Hew, with all my due respect - you are not going down and seeing your mother wearing that.
TONEE: But-
DAYLILY: No buts. She needs time to get settled in anyway. Come on - I’ll help you get ready.
[Tonee groans in annoyance, but complies.]
[The Commanders come streaming in through the door, with several of them dispersing while Mahogonee continues onto a straight path. Slayt - now with clearer eyes - pulls up beside her.]
MAHOGONEE: (Sighs) It’s nice to be back, isn’t it, Slayt?
SLAYT: I’m sure no one’s happier to be back than you, Mahogonee.
MAHOGONEE: Damn straight, Colonel.
[She claps her hands together.]
MAHOGONEE: I can’t wait to see my baby.
SLAYT: And I’m sure she can’t wait to see you! I mean, three months, she probably missed you as much as you missed her.
MAHOGONEE: Over three months. Three months, eleven days, and fifteen hours as of seven minutes ago.
SLAYT: ...Scratch that - you definitely missed her more. Guessing that means you’re gonna have dinner with her tonight.
MAHOGONEE: Uh, yeah? Duh. I don’t need to spend another night eating with all those ugly mugs. Yours not included, naturally.
SLAYT: Oh, you flatter me.
MAHOGONEE: (Chuckles) Have a good afternoon, Colonel.
SLAYT: Yeah, you too!
[He walks off with a pat on her shoulder, and Mahogonee continues walking. She eventually reaches the door to Tonee’s room, then knocks on the door.]
DAYLILY: (To Tonee, on other side of door) Forget about it- just zip that up- (To Mahogonee) Come in!
[Mahogonee grabs then turns the handle, opening the door as Tonee is zipping up some sort of uniform vest.]
DAYLILY: Oh- good afternoon, Lieutenant General!
[Tonee looks up quickly, her eyes wide in surprise before a large smile appears on her face.]
TONEE: Mama!
[She promptly bolts over and hugs her mom.]
DAYLILY: Ahem.
[Tonee clues in, then releases her hug, taking a step back and standing straight.]
TONEE: (Matter-of-factly) Good afternoon, General.
MAHOGONEE: Girl, don’t be ridiculous, come here-
[Mahogonee immediately crouches down and pulls Tonee back into a tight hug, the two laughing.]
MAHOGONEE: God, I’ve missed you so much. Daylily, do you mind maybe-?
DAYLILY: Oh- yes. Of course, Lieutenant General.
[Daylily then proceeds to flutter out, shutting the door behind her. While still hugging Tonee, Mahogonee reaches an arm and tugs on the knob to make sure it’s actually shut, then goes right back to hugging her.]
MAHOGONEE: I am so happy to see you, baby girl.
TONEE: I’m happy to see you, too, mama. (Suddenly realizing) Oh!
[Tonee pulls away from the hug suddenly, earning a raised brow from Mahogonee. She hops onto her bed and goes over to the wall. She presses her paw against it, and a piece of the wall opens up to reveal a small compartment.]
MAHOGONEE: Was that always there?
TONEE: Apparently! I’ve been hoarding snacks in here.
[Mahogonee chuckles in amusement as Tonee digs her arm in the compartment, pulling out Mahogonee’s messenger bag.]
MAHOGONEE: Oh, you kept it safe!
TONEE: Of course I did!
MAHOGONEE: Aw, you’re so sweet, baby.
[Tonee hands the bag to her, and Mahogonee looks in it, examining its contents. She’s still looking in the bag when she speaks.]
MAHOGONEE: Have you looked at any of this stuff while I was out?
[Tonee says nothing, making Mahogonee look up with a raised brow. Tonee’s solemn, almost guilty expression silently answers the question. Mahogonee’s expression softens, and she closes up the bag.]
MAHOGONEE: (Softly) Well, there’s no rush.
[She places the bag on the bed, then sits on it, patting beside her while looking at Tonee. Tonee sits beside her, and Mahogonee wraps an arm around her.]
MAHOGONEE: So - what have you been up to.
[Tonee lights right up.]
[In the kitchen, the staff are bustling and busy. Chefs are busy at the stoves and ovens, and servants are coming in and out of the kitchen serving - one of which is Meerkat, currently donning a more formal servant uniform. A female chef places a plate down on a tray right as Meerkat is walking past.]
CAMILLA: ‘Ey, Meerkat - get this out there, ‘s for the Major at the big table.
MEERKAT: Yes ma’am, right away.
[She takes the tray and heads out of the kitchen and into the dining room, where the Commanders with children are sitting at their own isolated tables while those who don’t are sitting together at one large table. Meerkat passes underneath Daylily perched on a beam near the ceiling, who is carefully scanning the dining room before her gaze falls on Mahogonee - who’s seated with Tonee. Mahogonee and Tonee’s meals are barely touched - and, in fact, Mahogonee’s has her pushed aside so she can lean forward, clearly invested and enraptured with what her daughter is saying.]
TONEE: -And, honestly, I’m not even actually that irritated. I mean, this servant girl’s got nothing on me.
[Right as she’s saying the last part, Meerkat is within earshot, and looking over at the table - more specifically, looking at Mahogonee.]
MAHOGONEE: Right.
[Meerkat rolls her eyes, then moves on.]
TONEE: But she’s clearly challenging me, and I can’t stand for that.
MAHOGONEE: Of course.
TONEE: So I look her in the eye, and tell her, ‘if you’re there serving me and my mom drinks, I’ll be the one having the last laugh.’
MAHOGONEE: and what does she say?
TONEE: Not a word. Girl’s speechless!
[Mahogonee laughs, and Tonee joins shortly after, then the two quiet down. They seem to be ready to get to their meal, with Tonee picking up her fork and Mahogonee pulling her plate back in front of her. Tonee pauses, a look of realization on her expression.]
TONEE: ...Wait a second.
[Mahogonee pauses as well, giving a puzzled look.]
TONEE: ...I’ve talked so much about what I’ve been doing, I completely forgot to ask about you!
[With her bright smile reappearing, it’s now her turn to push her plate off to the side, leaning forward, her rear nearly off the seat.]
TONEE: What’d you do for the last three months? Did you visit some cool places? Talk to cool people? Did you recruit anyone?
[Mahogonee chuckles while she’s shooting off questions, and puts her fork down.]
MAHOGONEE: Well, I’ve-
[Mahogonee’s eyes wander over Tonee’s shoulder and her expression seems surprised. In the doorway of the dining room, Kumo (now missing her arms) is standing there. Tonee raises a brow.]
TONEE: Mama?
[Mahogonee blinks, snapping out of it a bit.]
MAHOGONEE: Uh-
[Kumo’s gotten the attention of a servant, and seems to be asking them something. The servant gestures towards Mahogonee and Tonee’s table, and Kumo’s gaze follows. Mahogonee leans closer to Tonee.]
MAHOGONEE: (Lowered) Eat your dinner.
[Tonee blinks, but obeys, pulling her plate back in front of her, both her and her mom picking up their forks. Kumo is walking across the dining room towards the table. Daylily’s gaze is following her.]
DAYLILY: (Under her breath) Are you seeing this?
KATACOMB: (On other end of line) Affirmative.
[Mahogonee is pretending to mind her business until Kumo reaches the table, to which she raises her head to meet the other’s gaze.]
KUMO: Lieutenant General.
MAHOGONEE: Good evening, General. It’s a surprise to see you here.
KUMO: I have my reasons. Mind if I have a seat?
[She doesn’t even wait for Mahogonee to answer - she pulls out a chair using her foot, and Mahogonee averts her gaze in annoyance as she takes a seat, though her expression remains the same.]
KUMO: How was your flight back in, Hew? Peaceful, I hope?
MAHOGONEE: Very.
KUMO: And how about the journey itself - did it go well?
MAHOGONEE: Well, you’ve been reading the reports, haven’t you?
KUMO: I have, but I want to know how you felt it went personally.
MAHOGONEE: ...It went well.
KUMO: Good to hear. Perhaps we can talk more about it after dinner?
[Mahogonee side eyes Tonee for a moment.]
MAHOGONEE: We...certainly can. There’s a room we could-
KUMO: (Interrupting) The one with the fireplace. I’d prefer that one, it’s more...private.
MAHOGONEE: Of course, General.
[Kumo then turns her attention to Tonee, a more pleasant energy replacing her authoritative one.]
KUMO: And how are you doing today, miss?
TONEE: (Cheerfully) I’m good, Yumi, how about you?
MAHOGONEE: (Quietly, scolding) Tonee-
KUMO: Oh, don’t be a hardass, Hew - she’s not my subordinate. (To Tonee) I’m good, thank you. I’m sorry to intrude on your time with your mom, but I do have to speak to her.
TONEE: I know, she’s busy. It’s alright.
[Mahogonee is practically glaring at Kumo, almost seeming embarrassed by the situation.]
KUMO: Bet you’re excited to get out of this old Institute, yeah? Get away from all these commoners?
TONEE: Oh, the commoners don’t bother me. I can handle them.
KUMO: (Laughing) God, you really are just like your mother. Uh-
[She gestures to Mahogonee.]
KUMO: -This one, not your other…
[Tonee blinks, brows furrowing and frowning.]
MAHOGONEE: (Harshly) Yeah, she assumed that.
KUMO: Right, that’s- lapse of judgement, I-
TONEE: (Interrupting) It’s...fine, Yumi. I get it.
KUMO: ...For what it’s worth, she was a fantastic lady.
MAHOGONEE: (Under her breath) Knock it off.
[Kumo looks at her, then sighs, standing up.]
KUMO: I’ll let you enjoy the rest of your dinner. (To Mahogonee) Join me after.
MAHOGONEE: ...Yes, General.
[Kumo nods her head, then proceeds to leave. Mahogonee’s glare follows her before her attention turns back to Tonee, her expression softening. Tonee’s gaze is lowered to the table.]
MAHOGONEE: ...She meant no harm.
TONEE: I know, it’s- it’s fine, mama.
[Mahogonee looks as if she wants to say more, but instead picks up her fork.]
TONEE: What she said was true though, right?
[Mahogonee glances up. Tonee is looking at her.]
TONEE: That my other mom was a fantastic lady? She wasn’t just saying that, right?
MAHOGONEE: No, no, of course not…
[Tonee looks at her as if expecting a further explanation.]
MAHOGONEE: ...Anyway-
[Tonee’s shoulders slump - as if this wasn’t an unexpected reaction - but Mahogonee’s smiling now, acting as if the mention of Möka never happened.]
MAHOGONEE: -Wanna hear about Wulver?
TONEE: (Lighting up) Yeah!
[It’s some time later now. The Commanders are exiting the dining room. Mahogonee and Tonee exit, with Mahogonee’s hand placed on Tonee’s shoulder.]
MAHOGONEE: Alright, I’ll be with you soon, okay? This shouldn’t take too long.
TONEE: Yeah, alright.
[Mahogonee gives her shoulder a small squeeze before walking off. Tonee hesitates, before heading off herself. Kumo is seated in a chair next to the fireplace, looking into the fire before glancing towards the door as Mahogonee enters, her gaze following the other as she approaches. Both of their expressions are hard, though Kumo’s is more stoic than Mahogonee’s - whose expression shows faint signs of annoyance.]
MAHOGONEE: You had some nerve disrupting my and my daughter’s dinner like that. I haven’t seen her in three months while you didn’t even go - you could have a little more respect.
KUMO: (Deadpan) Are you done?
[Mahogonee says nothing but her gaze is still intense.]
KUMO: We are speaking on purely professional terms, Lieutenant General. You have no right to demand respect from me, and you should know better than to storm in ranting like a child throwing a tantrum.
[Mahogonee opens her mouth to speak.]
KUMO: Don’t embarrass yourself, Mahogonee. Sit down.
[Mahogonee hesitates, but obeys, taking the seat across from her.]
KUMO: Keep your patience and we can talk about it. Test mine, and we won’t - got it?
MAHOGONEE: Yes, General.
KUMO: Good.
[On the table between them, there are two sheets of paper. Kumo leans over to examine one of them.]
KUMO: I’ve only a couple of questions, Lieutenant General, if you will.
MAHOGONEE: Of course.
KUMO: First - I’d like to inquire about Wulver.
MAHOGONEE: What about it?
KUMO: It states here that Doguardi agreed to transfer ballistic weaponry.
MAHOGONEE: Yes.
[Kumo glances up at her, and Mahogonee looks back, her expression remaining neutral.]
KUMO: Awfully primitive, isn’t it? Bullets? Gun powder?
MAHOGONEE: You know Wulver’s simple lifestyle-
KUMO: oh, I do, and I understand that Doguardi does not conform to it.
[Mahogonee says nothing.]
KUMO: Hew, you aren’t an idiot - you know as well as I that she has more proper, up-to-date weapons to offer. She is purposely withholding them and that alone is an insult to the Dominion.
MAHOGONEE: I have negotiated with her, and she placed an offer. She is not a member of the Dominion, she is not obligated to-
KUMO: (Interrupting) You are my Lieutenant General. My right-hand. You are supposed to do whatever it takes to get what you want - even if that means cornerning her.
MAHOGONEE: She’s a mafia boss negotiating on her own land - she’s mastered not getting cornered. What do you expect me to do about that - go back and talk to her for another two weeks.
[Kumo leans closer to her suddenly, and Mahogonee leans back slightly out of surprise, though her expression remains the same.]
KUMO: I sure ought to send you back, because what you’ve displayed here is pure laziness. Wulver was your last stop and you just wanted to go home, so you laid down and took it. More importantly, I don’t think you should speak to me when I’ve received reports saying you went off-planet without any authorization.
MAHOGONEE: I was the highest ranking present, I didn’t require anyone’s permi- (Pause; realizing what was said) ...Wait, who told you that?
KUMO: Confidentiality policy states I can’t say.
MAHOGONEE: Then what was said?
KUMO: Just that you took a cruiser and left for eight hours. Of course, these are reports, so assumptions and suspicions aren’t permitted. Which is precisely why you’re going to fill in the blanks for me.
[Mahogonee says nothing.]
KUMO: Kindly inform me, Lieutenant General - what were you doing that was so important that you felt it was okay to leave when you should have been on-duty?
MAHOGONEE: If you read the report more carefully, you’d know it was a buffer day.
[Kumo narrows her eyes, then looks at the paper.]
KUMO: Alright, fair - it wasn’t on-duty. That doesn’t answer my question. And don’t tell me what I wish to hear - I will cut our conversation short.
MAHOGONEE: ...I was visiting Orebe.
[Kumo blinks, surprised by the answer, and leans back in her seat.]
[Tonee is sitting at a desk in her room, writing something on paper with a book. She puts the pen down, sighing and running a hand through her hair.]
MAHOGONEE: (Voice-over) It was nearby, and I hadn’t seen it in thirteen years…
[Tonee glances over towards her bed where the messenger bag is still resting there.]
KUMO: (Voice-over) ...I see. and was it worth it?
[Mahogonee is quiet, then shakes her head, gaze to the floor.]
MAHOGONEE: No. It was still collapsed.
[Kumo’s brows furrow in sympathy.]
KUMO: ...You should have known better. Now you’ve gone and hurt your own feelings.
MAHOGONEE: I know, I just- I don’t know. I really wanted to bring Tonee back one day…
KUMO: Mahogonee, look at Old Earth. It’s been collapsed for decades - and probably will be for thousands of years more. Same goes for Orebe. Planet collapses fix themselves over time, but it won’t be in our life-
[She meets Mahogonee’s gaze.]
KUMO: -time… (Pause) ...I’m sorry.
MAHOGONEE: ...It’s alright.
[Tonee eyes it for a moment longer, then gets up and heads over to it, looking down at it.]
[Meerkat has changed out of her servant clothes and is exiting the kitchen into the darkened hallway, the only lighting being the faint glow of the few lights attached to the walls and the circular windows on the kitchen doors. Daylily comes out right after her.]
DAYLILY: Thank you.
[Meerkat turns to look at her.]
DAYLILY: For contributing so much of your time tonight.
MEERKAT: No need t’ thank me - I didn’t have a choice.
DAYLILY: Well, your work is still appreciated. Have a good night.
MEERKAT: Yeah, you too.
[Meerkat begins to walk off, then notices something out of her peripheral. She looks over with a puzzled expression and notices what looks like white, electric energy, slithering through halls and illuminating it.]
MEERKAT: What the-
DAYLILY: What?
[Meerkat doesn’t respond. She begins following the energy stream, which in turn causes a confused Daylily to follow after her.]
DAYLILY: Miss Katarine, is something wr-
MEERKAT: (Interrupting, quietly) Shush.
DAYLILY: (Gently) Oh-
[Meerkat continues to follow it.]
[Kumo heaves a sigh.]
KUMO: I suppose I shouldn’t keep you from your daughter too much longer. I do apologize for my previous actions, by the way.
MAHOGONEE: It’s fine, Yumi - I know you weren’t trying to be rude.
[Tonee opens up the messenger bag and looks inside. Meerkat - with Daylily - is following the energy stream up to Tonee’s room.]
KUMO: I just- I miss it, y’know? Being able to be on the field with the rest of you guys. (Pause) I missed you.
[Mahogonee says nothing, though her expression is thoughtful for a moment. She stands up with an exhale.]
MAHOGONEE: Have a good evening, Kumo.
[Kumo pauses with uncertainty, but nods.]
KUMO: You as well, Mahogonee.
[The energy stream slips under Tonee’s door.]
MEERKAT: (Quietly) Oh, shit.
[Tonee takes out the video player, examining it, turning it over in her hands. The energy stream is sneaking up behind her-]
[Mahogonee is exiting the fireplace room, closing the door behind her, when Tonee’s shriek can suddenly be heard in the distance. Mahogonee immediately appears wide-eyed with alarm.]
MAHOGONEE: TONEE!?
[Meerkat flinches when the shrieking starts.]
MEERKAT: Oh, shit-!
DAYLILY: Oh my god-
[Meerkat immediately barges into the room to see Tonee being harshly gripped by the arms by the energy, appearing frightened and confused. Meerkat and Daylily also frightened by the sight.]
DAYLILY: What is-
MEERKAT: (Interrupting) Hang on, let me help-
[Meerkat moves forward to help, but as soon as she does, the energy pierces Tonee back and through her chest, her shrieking ceasing immediately and causing Meerkat to freeze in fear. The energy starts pointing in her direction, almost as if it’s looking at her. Daylily starts scanning it-]
MAHOGONEE: (Distant) TONEE!?
[Both Meerkat and Daylily glance towards the doorway. The energy suddenly dissipates, Tonee’s body slumping to the floor with a thud, which causes them to look back at her.]
MAHOGONEE: Tonee, sweetie, what’s-
[She storms in, then stops in the doorway, her eyes wide in shock.]
MAHOGONEE: (Quietly) -wrong… (Panicked) Oh my god, Tonee-!
[She shoves Meerkat and Daylily out of the way and gets to her knees next to Tonee’s slumped body, checking her pulse, listening for a breath, all while growing more desperate. Eventually, it becomes clear that Tonee is dead, and when that realization hits Mahogonee, she starts breaking down into sobs.]
MAHOGONEE: (Sobbing) Oh, Tonee...oh, my baby girl...my beautiful daughter...
[Meerkat is still frozen, still unable to process what just happened. Daylily, however, is frantically scanning for the energy, before her eyes settle on Tonee. Mahogonee’s gaze slowly lifts towards Meerkat, her anguished expression soon turning into one of cruelty and hatred.]
MAHOGONEE: (Lowly) What did you do to her?
[Meerkat blinks, as if coming out of a trance.]
MEERKAT: (Shaky) I…
MAHOGONEE: (Angrily) What did you do to her!?
MEERKAT: Nothing! I-I didn’t-
MAHOGONEE: You killed her! You killed my daughter!
MEERKAT: No! I never touched her, I-
[Slayt suddenly comes into the doorway, intending to see if everything’s okay, and his eyes widen at the sight. Everyone looks at him.]
SLAYT: Mahogonee, what-
MAHOGONEE: (Interrupting) Arrest her!
[She’s looking at Meerkat - and Meerkat looks back with frightened disbelief. Slayt immediately is looking at Meerkat with an expression of hatred.]
MAHOGONEE: (About to sob) She murdered my daughter - arrest her!
MEERKAT: No! I never touched her!
[While Meerkat is trying to plead her case, Slayt roughly grabs her, and proceeds to drag her out of the room.]
MEERKAT: (Voice fading away with distance) I wasn’t the one that killed her! Please, you have to believe me!
DAYLILY: (To Mahogonee) Lieutenant General, with all due respect-
MAHOGONEE: (Harshly) Shut your mouth, servant bot - I ought to have you destroyed for letting this happen!
[Daylily shuts her mouth at once, her gaze falling on Tonee as Mahogonee proceeds to lean over her daughter’s body. Daylily’s gaze lingers, a hint of suspicion present, but she proceeds to leave the room. Mahogonee is quietly crying.]
[CUE CLOSING CREDITS]