audio (after shield is repaired and things are settling down at the end of the area)

[coffinturk]

[ Vincent isn't one to mince words. The message is relatively short and precise given its content. ]

We are all changing.

[ Yes. That is correct, Valentine. ]

The marks that appear are connected. But the changes are different even when two people seem to be becoming the same type of monster.

Contact me with the changes you are experiencing and the sigil's appearance. I will make a record.

Deliver it however you wish. Your thoughts on the changes are welcome.

Comments

[coffinturk]

[ Fortunately, Vincent is only talking about how memories can be muddied with the passage of time. Details aren't as crisp. That's the nature of most human minds.

If there's other types of muddling, he's yet to experience or witness it. ]

You don't.

[ What, thought he was going to defend himself? ]

My name is Vincent Valentine. I take care of the firearms and ammunition I or others who are willing to pass to me scavenge. The record will be placed in the Convoy's database. Names can be omitted on request. Sigils can be generalized.

[ Does he expect that to be enough? Also no. But his identity is now clear. And it would be hard to stand against the entire Convoy if he chose to misuse the information. ]

Whether or not you provide information is your choice.

[phantomshow]

[It seems contradictory to the wariness Ren has so far expressed, but he respects Vincent’s answer a lot - more so than if he’d tried to argue for his trustworthiness. It signals an understanding of the world’s variability, an acknowledgment of the myriad shades of grey between the comparatively rare specks of black and white.]

OK. I’ll consider it.

[If he’s trusted enough by the community to handle firearms, that could be another point in his favor. Ren wouldn’t mind having that particular tool back in his belt, either. But he wants to consult with Akechi first before making a decision.]

If someone wanted to talk to you in person, where would they find you?

[coffinturk]

[ It's all circumstance. But Vincent was clearly honest about it; he keeps the firearms he salvages and the ones people are willing to leave in his care. This is largely because some see the sense in his expertise to make certain the weapons are safe to use and what caliber the ammo itself is. It's not all factory stamped.

He also has offered reasonable conditions to teaching proper use of such weapons.

As for the rest? Vincent is a former assassin. He knows the grey all too well. ]

The trailer with the shop boots. I'm available there from one hour after the Convoy stops for the night for a span of two hours barring emergencies.

[ Ren might have seen the sign. ]

[phantomshow]

[Ah yes, that sign. Ren noted it briefly but didn’t investigate further, deciding to prioritize his time on fishing to help stock the Convoy’s food stores. But now that he has connected the dots, he’ll likely pay Vincent a visit soon enough.]

If I stop by I’ll let you know.

[And Ren feels like he should give Vincent something in return for his transparency. A show of good faith, if nothing else.]

I haven’t been here long enough to have anything change permanently. But I can tell you my thoughts on the changes - whoever is responsible needs to face justice for what they’ve done.