Poi 05 - Voice

[firewalled]

...It's Rich.

[Might as well not bother with preamble, though that's certainly odd for him. Odder still that he has the video off, even if there's still the faint strumming of guitar suggesting that he's nervously plucking at strings as he often does.]

I'm 18 now, according to the roster. Guess I missed my birthday. I knew it was coming up, but I was kinda distracted with stuff.

[Like having a mental crisis for the better part of two months at least.]

Anyways, was just wondering like... what's the longest someone's been stuck here before they got to go back home? Maybe, uh, maybe it was wishful thinking? But I was kinda thinking with the whole Ministry investigation and how fucking useless I am on the missions that the train would boot me off by now.

[He's really trying to laugh, trying to make that sound like a joke.]

Just. Was thinking about it. At this point, my friends back home probably assume my dad stabbed me or shit... maybe they'll believe those messages we got to send at that river, but more likely they'll think I'm nuts.

[Just another certified Rich Goranski Comedy Routine. He'll be here all week, folks.]

Comments

[firewalled]

More than a pickpocket, huh...

[Rich listens carefully, the smile on his face starting to widen. He has to admit, the way Yondu describes it definitely makes it sound appealing. Being able to fight back even when he's seen by others and even himself as less than may be the leg up he needs.]

I do love fucking over the wealthy and powerful. I'll be looking forward to learning.

[Though Yondu's mention of his boy gives him pause, and sobers his growing excitement somewhat.]

...I mean, it's nice, if you think I can do that. I never thought I was really good with words, though. It's why I've got this lisp, you know? Being too unsure of myself to even speak properly.

[He makes a show of sticking out his tongue, but it's a weak attempt at humour in the show of bare-faced honesty.]

[yondu]

[Yondu sticks out his tongue right back. And it's blue* so that's a thing.]

Well my boy was from Missouri- which I think is real rural where y'all are from? -and had the manner of speakin' to match. Considering how judgemental the world gets about how people talk, sometimes loyalty and a good point means ten times as much as soundin' fake smart. The friends you got would definitely do a lot for you if you asked 'em.

[He doesn't have any doubts about that in the slightest. Otoha? Devero? They'd both run to the ends of the universe for Rich.]

Look, if I can put one other person out into the world that'll make self-important folks think twice about how much control they really got? Then you'd be doin' me a favor as much as yourself one. I wanna see you succeed.



*So Yondu's mouth only got colored blue in GotG2 because they dyed the inside of his mouth rather than CGIed it but yeah it's supposed to be blue all through.

[firewalled]

[That... certainly is a thing, but frankly, it looks less creepy than it would if his mouth was red, so Rich pretty much just waves it off, listening to Yondu speak about his boy.]

Yeah, that is pretty damn rural. And with how closed-minded rural places can be, I bet he learned quick how to talk the talk and get support. People can be really judgemental about all sorts of shit... I guess I never put in the effort to make an impression past that first one.

[Maybe people here have better opinions of him... but Rich still finds it hard to believe. He smiles, a little distant, but grateful.]

I wouldn't mind us doing a mutual favor, then. I'll try my best. I promise.