[TOY] Plaything

[skinstealer]

You have to play it cool. Suave.

...you're probably not in trouble, right?

POLKA DOT: Yeah, ssssure...but...let's give Tim and Devo some space.
POLKA DOT: Just a bit over there okay?
ROULETTE: Sure.
 

You walk over a little ways, getting some distance between you and the other pair. You won't be able to hear their conversation now, but....

They also wouldn't be able to hear yours.

POLKA DOT: So...
POLKA DOT: What's up?
 

The robot glances away to the side, taking a moment before it addresses you.

ROULETTE: Were you the one who reported what happened in the hallway?
 

It doesn't say it in an accusatory way, as far as you can tell, but the question throws you off regardless.

 

You...aren't sure how to answer this- but your silence speaks volumes.

The robot nods slightly.

ROULETTE: I don't blame you for doing that.
ROULETTE: Not at all.
ROULETTE: But-
 

It pauses.

ROULETTE: I doubt... the likelihood of that happening again, to me.
ROULETTE: And I doubt that you would be there again to see that, if it did.
ROULETTE: But... I am sure you're aware how this place can be.
 

At this point, the robot glances away from you entirely.

ROULETTE: If something like that happens again-
ROULETTE: Specifically with me-
 

It resumes eye contact.

ROULETTE: Please don't report it.
 

Roulette's shutter 'blinks',
and it moves its gaze straight ahead now, close enough that you can hear the rotors moving.

ROULETTE: I apologize... for putting this on you.
ROULETTE: But I cannot afford to rock the boat here.