#SalientRecollectionDoc

[mosneakers]

Alex: [Smiles warmly] Hi Coraleye…

Coraleye: [Smiles back] Hi Alex…

Alex: Ready for one last take before we officially call it a wrap?

Coraleye: I guess so! Alex: So how��s life treating you now? You adjusting okay?

Coraleye: Oh… well it's been a whirlwind, to say the least, heh. But I’m finding my footing again. Finally finishing up school. Just barely keeping my head above water some days, but yeah, I’m getting by. Trying to find my new normal.

Alex: [Nods thoughtfully] I want to talk about that a little bit. You’ve had to deal with the aftermath of everything that happened on election night. Do you remember when Cam and I came out to visit you in Brindleton Bay?

Coraleye: Mhm. I sure do. You interviewed some girls I went to school with.

Alex: So, Mackenzie, Briella, Logan… I’m not sure how much you’re aware of, especially with how quickly the media coverage was shut down after election night. But I’ve gotta ask—have you reached out to Coraleye at all since then? Offered any kind of support?

Logan: [Quickly glances at Mackenzie] I’m not sure if we got the chance to reach out yet, have we? Mackenzie:[Feigning innocence] She hasn't filled us in completely, but we’ve heard bits and pieces... Briella: We heard about her and her boyfriend. They broke up, right? [Big grin] Life has a cruel way of teaching us lessons!

Mackenzie presses her lips together, appearing to hold back a laugh, but finally cracks as a sharp cackle spills out.

Mackenzie: Oh my mod, Briella, stop! You can't say that! I just love you. So sorry about her, she's so crazy. Anyways, yeah. We wish her the best. I hope it all works out for her, I really do.

Cam: Well, I think that will probably do it for now, thank you ladies. Alex: Cam's right, thank you for your time. We'll be in touch. Have a happy Harvestfest.

Several weeks later, Britechester-

Alex: Cam and I try not to get too involved with work matters, but I'll be honest, that interview was upsetting. I wonder if they'd still be snickering if they saw what you've been through in these past few months.

Coraleye: Nah, they're the least of my worries. Pretty sure I got the last laugh when it comes to them. [Mischievous grin]

Alex: I'm in awe of your optimism, Coraleye. After all this, you’re really not bitter? I mean, look at Tycho—he lied, tried to erase your memories. And you still take the high road?

Coraleye: Oh no, please don’t get me wrong, Alex! I definitely went through—and sometimes still go through—my naughty phase, from time to time. Alex: [Leans in] You have my attention... Coraleye: Maybe it was for revenge, or a way to cope, or maybe deep down I was just really lonely and had a void to fill. Either way, it got me through some dark times. Perhaps you should book a follow-up interview with Briella, ask her if she found my panties in her boyfriend's room yet. [Waves at camera, winks, and mouths, ‘Hey, Pierce!’] Alex shakes his head amusedly and softly chuckles.

Alex: Damn! You really don't mess around. I'm guessing this doubles as punishment for Tycho as well?

Coraleye: Nope. Actually, his punishment is even better. I'm giving him exactly what he wants. After this documentary is over with, I'm erasing all of our shared memories together. He wanted to mess with my mind so badly, I'll do it for him. Alex: And how do you do that?

Coraleye: Through a spell, of course. You didn't forget that I'm a spellcaster, did you? I'll put the memories in an amulet and give it to our sage of untamed magic. They'll perform a ritual to destroy the memories. Alex: Wow. Remind me to never break your heart... Coraleye: [Smiles] Oh, I will. Alex: [Sighs] Well... Last question we're asking everyone else: Is there any question that you have, after all of this, that still haunts you?

Coraleye: [Tilts head, as she pauses to think] Hmm… I’ve still got to write that paper on my ten-year plan, and somehow I feel even more lost than before. I guess it’s time to start figuring that out now.

[mosneakers]

4 Months After Election

Filmmaker: So forgive me if I'm speaking out of turn here, but now that everything's pretty much said and done, what's left to hide?

Tycho pauses, breaking from his dazed stare, and looks up at the filmmaker quizzically. Filmmaker: You know… what's the purpose of your disguise now? Doesn't pretty much everyone know the secret at this point?

Tycho: [Shrugs] Yeah, Alex, guess you got me there.

Alex: There's been somewhat of a movement going on amongst the extraterrestrial community; an advocacy to reveal their true identities, since the election. You know— live freely? Have you—

Tycho: ...Considered removing my disguise? Actually, Alex, yes, I have. For good. I've… I've considered it a lot. Hiding who I am has cost me everything.

Alex: Well, this doc seems like as good a time as any, if you ask me.[Quietly, off to the side] Cam, are you getting this?

Cameron nods silently, while swiftly adjusting the lens and checking over the sound levels, his attention locked in. Alex: I know this isn't easy, but sharing your true self could be a real turning point for so many others like you. So if you're comfortable, we're here to support you every step of the way. Whenever you're ready.

Silence fills the studio as Tycho anticipates a reaction from the documentarian, but there is no sign of shock or a gasp from him, only an enthusiastic air of rehearsed professionalism.

Alex: I want to thank you for your vulnerability, Tycho. I know just how incredibly difficult this whole ordeal must be for you.

Tycho takes a deep breath and exhales slowly.

Tycho: Yeah, well, I don't really have anything left to lose anyway.

Alex: Walk me through that. What happened the night of the election?

[mosneakers]

Following the final moments of Erwin’s abduction, Jill Smith ordered an immediate halt to all live media coverage.

Desert CAHR Productions was granted special permission to film on the rooftop during this critical moment.

Jill Smith, her security, and the members of the SWAT team do their very best to be respectful, allowing Coraleye the space to process her shock, while also keeping their weapons drawn and remaining vigilant for any signs of returning spacecraft or any other potential threats. Tycho pushes through the crowd to reach Coraleye, who is collapsed in despair on the ground, wailing incoherent sobs toward the sky. Only barely cushioned by mascara-stained gloves, her clenched fists pound relentlessly against the cement. Tycho grasps her wrists firmly, desperate to pull her back from her anguish.

Tycho: Coraleye! Please, stop! You’re going to hurt yourself! Are you okay? Are you hurt? Talk to me, baby, please!

He cradles her face in his hands, smudged with mascara and tears. She locks her gaze onto his, searching deeply into his eyes—into his soul, really—her voice emerging in a guttural growl that shakes him to his core.

Coraleye: DO SOMETHING.

More than a plea, she demands it, her voice raw.

Coraleye: Let go of me, and fucking— [attempts to yank her arm away from his grip] —do something to HELP HIM. QUICKLY!

He freezes. This is it—his only chance. With a grand audience and everything being filmed, there’s no way to erase anyone's memory. There’s no backing out now. He takes a deep breath.

Tycho: Listen to me! Fuck, honey— I never imagined I'd be telling you this surrounded by guns and cameras and helicopters. I... I don't really know how I'm going to say it, so I'll just come out with it. Coraleye: Just say it, Tycho. Tycho: I am, I promise. Just… please don’t rush me. He’s gone. Erwin is gone. [Breath hitches as he watches her furiously shake her head in denial] For good. There’s nothing anyone can do to save him, alright? And I’m so, so sorry.

Coraleye: No, no, NO! Why? Why would you say that, Tycho? Tycho: Darling, there’s something I need to tell you.. There’s a reason I know—[voice cracks]—that he won’t be coming back.

Coraleye: Stop! Just stop! We don’t have time for this! [Voice cracks, sobs tear from her throat] You and I both know you could have done something to stop this from happening... I know exactly who you are, Tycho. Tycho goes still, his body rigid with disbelief as he tries to discern whether the words she just uttered were reality or a demented figment of his imagination.

Tycho: W-what? What did you just say? I don't understand. Coraleye, what are you saying? Seeing her shaking uncontrollably, Tycho instinctively reaches for her hands, but she shoves them away. After a deep breath, she speaks, her voice unnervingly calm compared to the turmoil displayed moments before.

Coraleye: Did you really think you were erasing my mind all this time, Tycho? A skilled spellcrafter? You never once considered I’d have taken precautions to protect myself? Like, I don't know, maybe a spell to keep my mind from being fucked with—really, Tycho? Tycho's mind goes blank, and he lost the ability to swallow. Sirens can be heard in the distance of the bustling city; for a split second he wonders if they could be coming for him. Tycho finally chokes out a response. Tycho: How long... Coraleye’s silence is deafening. She doesn’t respond with words, only a piercing glare, her eyes burning through his. Tycho: Don't tell me...You knew the whole fucking time, didn't you?

[mosneakers]

4 Months After Election

Tycho: What else is there to say? This is pretty much done, right? You got what you needed?

Alex: I did have one more question for you; one that I had saved for both you and Ms. Darling. Is there anything you’re still asking yourself, after this whole ordeal? Tycho: ...How did she answer that? Alex: Haven’t asked her yet, man. You’re up first.

Tycho: [Long pause, glances over and points his head at Cam] Has Coraleye tried anything with Cam, yet? I'd be surprised if she hasn't. He seems like someone she'd go for. She never could control herself.

Cam: Me? Ha. [Jokingly brushes hand over beard] So you admit you think I’m cute? Seriously though, we keep things professional with work clients man, no need to worry about me crossing any lines.

Alex: [Calm but firm] I don’t think you really meant that, Tycho... I think you’re just pissed off. Maybe you should walk that back.

Tycho: [Sigh] Yeah, you’re right. She didn’t deserve that. I’m sorry. Honestly, I still have plenty of questions that still keep me up at night, you know? Like, what if I’d followed her to the rooftop when Erwin wanted to talk to her alone? If I’d been with Erwin when that ship came, would they still have taken him? Should I have gone to Sixam with Coni to be by Erwin's side when they executed him? [Winces in pain from the mental image] ...Could I have done more?

Alex: [Nods thoughtfully] Those are some pretty difficult questions. I can see how much they're weighing on you. Any theories?

Tycho: I hate to say it because Erwin would have a solid theory to rationalize every one of my questions by now, but I just… can’t make sense of it. I wish I had better answers—any answers, really. No matter how many times I replay those moments in my head I just... I don't know. Nothing.

Alex: Can I ask you something kind of personal? And if you don't want to answer, by all means— Tycho: Go ahead, Alex.

Alex: Right, okay. Do um, have any regrets—I guess what I’m really asking is, do you regret not being there for the funeral? If I remember correctly, you were invited but ultimately decided against going, right?

Tycho: [Sigh, followed by a lengthy pause] Yeah listen, I'm ready to call it— can we just cut this part? Alex: Wait, Tycho... I'm sorry, I didn't mean to push! I thought it might be relevant because there wasn't a funeral for Erwin, so I thought maybe going to another funeral might bring up some of those emotions. I swear it ties in, man, but if you're not comfortable going there, we don't have to— Tycho: I told you I wanted to stay on track. That funeral doesn’t have anything to do with Erwin.

[mosneakers]

[suspenseful synthwave music playing]

[mosneakers]

Granite Falls, 6 Months After Election Night

Alex Hart, Lead Documentarian: You’ve just been through so much these past few months. Your strength… it’s really moving. Sorry—I’m getting a bit emotional here, as you can probably tell, heh.

Coraleye: [giggles softly, attempting to lighten the mood] I bet it’s just the charm of the great outdoors! Camping has a way of casting a spell on you, doesn’t it? Makes all your senses feel so heightened!

Cameron Rai, Camera Technician: [Squinting against the sun] Great segue— now can we keep it pushing before the sunset wrecks our lighting?

Alex: Right. While we're on the subject, could you please explain how we managed to interview Erwin for this film, given the horrific incident that happened six months ago? Coraleye: Oh, since you asked like such a perfect gentleman, I can do you one better—how 'bout I show you instead?

Coraleye smiles gently at Erwin and begins her spell. "Goodbye for now, buddy.” she whispers, brushing away an emerging tear from her eye before it has the chance to fall. “Until next time.” In a whirlwind of sparkles and light, Erwin's image fades away right before their eyes.

Alex: [Shakes head in bewilderment] Incredible. So that wasn't the real Erwin, right?

Coraleye: [Chuckles] Nope, not really! I’ve put my own little twist on a classic untamed magic spell —Duplicato.

Alex: I'm only clarifying because in the time I've gotten to know you, you've mentioned that you're an experienced medium, as well. Correct me if I'm wrong, but we weren't speaking to Erwin's spirit or anything, right?

Coraleye: No... we did attempt a séance once and sadly, it seems he may have died too far away for any of us to be able to connect to his spirit. [Face reddening, eyes beginning to well with tears] Although I'd like to think I captured the essence of his spirit pretty accurately. But this spell is essentially just a magical hologram created from my memories of him.

Alex: We really appreciate you sharing him with us today, it's truly such an honor. Just to reiterate for our viewers, are you still completely comfortable with this? Your comfort is very important to us. I can imagine this must be extremely challenging for you.

Coraleye's shoulders slumped, and a frown clouded her expression, as she battled the urge to cry. The thought of Tycho watching this documentary strengthened her resolve—she refused to let him have the satisfaction of seeing her cry again.

Coraleye: No worries, I promise. I think it'll be good for the movie. I want people to see Erwin the way we did. Sure, it can be emotionally taxing, but I don’t do this spell often—and when I do, I actually find it to be so healing. [Smiles after long pause] — But yeah, anyway, thanks for the support, Alex... you've been really great.

Alex: [Softly] You’re really something else, Coraleye. I can’t imagine how hard this must be, but you’re handling it with so much grace. You know, it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling. If you need a moment… [Opens his arms slightly]

Coraleye laughs and accepts his subtle invitation for an embrace, easing herself into Alex's arms. Not expecting that familiar flutter that she's been dodging for months now to come creeping its way back into the pit of her stomach, she buries it deep down for now. But Coraleye knows she's a Darling, and when it comes to love, that's one curse that never stays dead.

Cam: Yeah, cool, I think we got the shot now.

[mosneakers]

Jill: Belladonna, sweetheart, I know what that blue aura means when I see it. You holdin' up okay?

Coni swallows, her shoulders slumping as she shrugs softly. She can’t find the right answer, her eyes fixed helplessly on what's left of her world crumbling to dust before her. Coni: I should have said something a long time ago. Jill: Oh, honey, you don’t have to carry that blame. There are extraterrestrial beings everywhere doing the same thing—keeping their identities hidden to protect themselves, and for good reason. You did what you had to do.

Jill Smith lightly brushes her infant son's head to soothe him, a subtle gesture to reassure Coni of her maternal nature.

Coni: But the Darlings can be trusted, though. We didn't have to keep this from them. Jill: Well... maybe. Coni: ...Sorry? Jill: I don't know, dear. It seems to me like some of those characters may not have been who you thought they were. Coni stares blankly ahead at the grim scene unfolding in front of her, deeply contemplating the weight of Jill's words.

Tycho: Why? If you knew this entire time, why did you string me along? Another wave of shock crashes over her; every muscle in her body feels like it's screaming, and she can no longer contain her rage. Like a defensive fawn posturing as fierce to fend off a predator, she steps forward and furiously shoves him, stumbling clumsily over the high heels that had earlier tonight driven Tycho wild.

Coraleye: I'm sorry, what? I gave you chance after chance after chance to come clean—to do the right thing. But instead, you tried to steal my goddamn memories! Our memories! The private things kept just between us—were they not sacred to you? Huh? Tycho: I struggled so much, okay? The guilt ate at me every single day. But I guess it turns out I wasn't the only one lying here. I feel like such an idiot. Coraleye: [Mock-sympathetic tone] Oh! It really hurts, doesn't it, baby? Welcome to my life! Only the joke’s on me— because I lied to myself, too. I fully convinced myself you'd come around, that we’d build a life together. I was ready to give you my babies, my hand in marriage, my whole future. But no, you couldn't help yourself. You get off on fucking with my head. Well guess what? You can't control me, Tycho. You never could.

Tycho: Control you? Coraleye, I was never trying to control you. I put it off for so long because I didn't want to scare you off. I thought there could be a chance I'd lose you—lose what we had. Coraleye: Well if you thought that would scare me off, then you have no idea who I truly am. Tycho: That's never been clearer. Given your reaction now, seems I was right to believe that. Coraleye: Yeah, now! God, Tycho, your double standard is insane. Are you happy, now that Erwin's out of the way? You never did quite get that jealousy trait under control, did you?

Tycho: Am I happy? What's wrong with you? Why would you say something like that? Erwin's my best friend. You know what? You’re no better than me. If you’d just been honest from the start, instead of sneaking around, we could’ve worked together to protect him—and your brother, too! I know I was a coward and a liar, but you’re just as much to blame for all this as I am, and you know it.

Coni: I… I can't do this. They’re putting our friend to death, and I can’t just stand by and watch the world burn while it happens. I can’t stop them, but I can’t let him die alone.

Jill: I see. You'd like to leave for the cosmos? Should I tell your friends you'll be back?

Coni: [Pauses, shakes head] No. Please give them all my love.

The storm inside Coraleye comes to an abrupt halt, leaving her mind reeling in the eerie wreckage. This is what I get for breaking the rules and following my heart, she thinks to herself.

Tycho instantly recognizes the harm in his words and desperately tries to take them back, but it's too late—Coraleye severs their relationship. He doubles down, and the tension escalates until officers must intervene, dragging them apart as they curse and scream.

In the midst of the chaos, Coni Breeder quietly slips away, leaving for a distant planet to spend the remainder of her days as Belladonna Darling Goth.

[mosneakers]

A bottleneck effect forms on the rooftop balcony as Tycho and Coni reach the passageway, desperately trying to push past the personnel crammed together. Forced to a halt by the blockage, Coni calls out to the man in front of her.

Coni: What's the hold up?

Alex: Abduction attempt, apparently…

Tycho’s insides completely plummet as he strains to hear better, pushing forward to get a better listen.

Tycho: What? H-how do you know for sure?

Alex: [Grins slightly, tapping headset] Documentary production. We've got eyes and ears on everything.

Coraleye: I held onto him as tightly as I could, but in the end it wasn’t enough. He just… slipped away. I tried to conjure up a spell or something to save him, but trying to work under that kind of pressure was just useless.

Alex: I’ll be honest, the sound of his screams… and then yours… it was harrowing. [Brief pause] Cam and I couldn’t sleep for days after witnessing that.

Coraleye: [Nods knowingly with a sweet, but somber smile] I know the feeling, honey. Alex: —So, what happened next?

Coraleye’s body stiffens as she crosses her arms, trying to keep herself together. Election night loops in her mind and she clenches her eyes shut. With an inescapable frown, she fights against the tears, but a shaky breath escapes her, and little droplets release in a downpour.

Coraleye: ...Then he was gone. I lost my friend that night. Alex: Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think it's safe to say you lost three friends that night.

Coraleye: [Defeated nod] Yeah. You could say that.

[mosneakers]

Coraleye: [Screaming] SOMEBODY HELP! Hold on, Erwin! You're slipping! Erwin: Coraleye, let go! They'll get you too! They can hurt you! Coraleye: No! I can't let them take you! The fluorescent cyan beam engulfing Erwin intensifies, fighting against Coraleye’s grip, further straining his voice. Erwin: Cor, please— You have to save yourself! Coraleye: Please, I—I can’t lose you!

═════════════════════════════════════════

Tycho: Why would you just let her go like that, Coni? Erwin's clearly up to something shady. He lied to us both, remember? Coni: [Rubbing forehead frustratedly, with a sigh] So only Erwin's forbidden to lie? Interesting standard we’re setting here. Tycho: [Narrows eyes] It's different and you know it. Coni: So what's the alternative, Tycho? Go ahead, just tell her it makes you uncomfy when she's alone with Erwin, when you're supposed to be working on those issues. Do you realize how unhinged you'd sound? Look, at some point, we're going to have to face the music.

Tycho opens his mouth to dispute Coni's argument, but before he can say a word, the double doors burst open, flooding the hallway with security personnel and uptempo jazz. In the midst of the chaos, Mrs. and Mr. Smith dash forward, followed closely by the entirety of their team and some camera stragglers from a documentary crew, all rushing in a panic. Tycho and Coni whip around, bewildered by the sudden commotion.

The shouts from head of security barking orders and the garbled static of two-way radios blur into an indiscernible mess, rendering it impossible to detect the specifics of the emergency. But Coni and Tycho, relying on context clues and gut instinct, just know it’s no coincidence that Coraleye and Erwin happen to be in that direction that this group is advancing—up.

[mosneakers]

Coraleye: Wait, Erwin! Slow down! It's hard running in these heels! Erwin: We have to hurry. They're already setting up. Erwin leads Coraleye around the building’s exterior to the circular section of the rooftop balcony, where a single podium and various equipment are set up for Jill Smith’s speech. Between surveillance and drone footage, every movement's tracked.

Erwin: They can take any form they want, Cor—the aliens. Shapeshifters, ok? They could be your roommate, your best friend, even a lover— and you'd never suspect a thing. Coraleye suddenly becomes hyperaware of the balcony's height. She forces a queasy smile, trying to pacify his nerves. Coraleye: [Soft, soothing tone] Erwin, honey, maybe we shouldn't be so close to the railing, huh? Let's go find somewhere to sit down... She softly reaches for his hand, holding it firmly. Erwin: Just— just let me finish, ok? And if you ever did find out? They'd completely wipe your memory. Instantly. They control the whole narrative. They're horrible to simkind; they abduct, experiment, impregnate, and even kill, Coraleye.

Camera crews, security, and staff begin to trickle in, preparing for the media coverage. Coraleye’s eyes well up with tears, her body trembling. Coraleye: They're not all like that, though! Rorie? She's just an innocent baby... Erwin: That's because the Big Greys up there? [Points to the sky] Their goal is to blend human and alien DNA over generations. Seems like they're trying to create the ideal beings. Halflings like Rorie are part of this process, but their ultimate plans? Well we can only speculate. Coraleye: How did you figure all this out?

Erwin: [Takes a deep breath] Well, Darling, I have reason to believe they've infiltrated our lives. I've been quietly stashing evidence, and the evidence has been piling up.

Coraleye: Erwin...I... Erwin: Anyone you know who seems just too perfect? Like suspiciously flawless? The Big Greys—they’ve got these emissaries here on Earth, born and raised for the job. Planted here to reproduce with humans... essentially breeders.

Coraleye: No, no, no...

Erwin: Think about it, Corie. Haven't you noticed? There's always something a little bit off about Coni. Remember that time when we— [voice trails off]

Coraleye: When we... Erwin? That time when we what, Erwin?

Erwin: In Britechester... —my ears... they’re... they're ringing...

Coraleye: Erwin! Are you okay?

Erwin: Coraleye, I think... —GET BACK! NOW!

Coraleye: What? Why? Erwin? Please! WHAT'S GOING ON? ERWIN!

[mosneakers]

The Spot - San Myshuno, Election Night

[mosneakers]

Coraleye: [Hands clasped together, grinning excitedly] You guys, I'm gonna say it... this kind of feels like old times, with the gang back together like this! Mira: —Well, almost back together, that is. We're still missing a couple. Coraleye: [Frowns] I know. I tried to get Glo to come, he just... [shrugs] wasn't really ready.

Tycho: [Eyes narrowing slightly] Speaking of missing parties, has anyone seen from Erwin? He told me he was tagging along with Coni, but I haven't heard from him since. Coni at Tycho, and raises an eyebrow, with a flicker of concern.

Coni: Interesting. He assured me he'd be with you... Unease creeps in, and Tycho, attempting a separate private conversation with Coni through widened eye contact, feels his mind begin to race. Tycho: Wait, what? He told you he'd be with me? Are you sure?

Starling: [Melodramatic sigh] I'm really starting to regret leaving the last party. This conversation is such a flop. We were having so much fun before, I think we should go back. Tatiana promised dinner! Coni, if you want, you're more than welcome to join us. I can't imagine anyone would rather play hide-and-seek with a full-grown unmedicated adult. Mira: [Sharp, reprimanding tone] Starling. Enough. Starling: What? Sorry! Mira: I should get her out of here. I think she's just getting hangry.

Coni: [soft, nervous chuckle] It's okay. I should really stay with Corie and Tycho to try to find Erwin. You two go ahead. We'll have to get together sometime soon, though.

Starling: [Flashes a dazzling smile at Coni] Yes girl, we'll be in touch! Mira: [Softly] Keep us updated.

Morgyn: [Watching the group closely] I suppose that's my cue. I'm on security duty tonight along with Niko. But if you need me, I can stay… Tycho buries his hands deeper into his pants pockets. Tycho: We've got it from here, Morgyn, thanks. Morgyn gives Tycho a single placating nod, but looks straight through him and directly at Coraleye. Morgyn: Hey... you've got this. Coraleye gives Morgyn a cordial nod and a smile, then laces her fingers through Tycho’s. She then directs her attention back to Coni. She looks forward to spending the rest of the night catching up with her, there’s so much to talk about.

[mosneakers]

Ophelia: Tyke, you seem just as stressed out about this as Jill is about the votes. It's going to be okay. Johnny: Yeah kid, chill out a little. You're overthinking it. She's gonna take it just fine. She doesn't give off the vibe that she's got any issue with aliens. No shot she won't accept you.

Tycho smiles politely at the bartender as he requests another cocktail. Tycho: It's not that she wouldn't accept me. It's that I lied to her for so long. And erased her memory! Several times, mind you. Johnny: Well... we all mess up, bud. Just be honest with her and it'll be fine.

Ophelia: Mhm. 'Cause the longer you keep putting it off, the worse things are gonna get.

Tycho: I know, I know. Tonight's the night. No matter what happens.

Ophelia: ...And do we have a strategy for this "Mission Rectify-a-Lie"?

Tycho: [Sigh] A vague one, maybe. I haven't seen her in a while, and tonight could be my last chance with her. So when she gets here, I'll set everything aside and just enjoy our time together. We were planning on getting a hotel here in San Myshuno tonight, so that's probably when I'll tell her. But I'm not entirely sure, I'll just go with the flow. I'm sure the tone of the night will be determined by whether or not Jill wins.

Johnny: Well, you better figure it out soon. [nods head in the direction of the staircase] Looks like your darling is making her grand entrance.

[mosneakers]

6 Months After Election

Alex: Thanks for being so open with me, Erwin. So, I’m guessing it’s safe to say you miss him, right? Erwin pauses momentarily, taking a deep breath. Erwin: Some days are easier than others; but yeah, I guess I miss him. We'd grown pretty close over the years. We all did. Alex: That must've made the events that happened even more difficult to process.

Erwin: [Nods] Ya know, there wasn't a whole lot that Sunglo, Tycho, and myself could all three agree on, but I do remember one thing standing out to me—and I told Coraleye about this.

Coraleye, standing near the camera man, flashes an affectionate grin off camera.

Alex: Yeah? And what was that? Erwin: You know in movies, or comic books, whatever your drug of choice is— Alex: Mhm...

Erwin: We all agreed the best ending for a character is a heroic death. A happy ending is cool and all... But once the ending comes, the reader moves on with their lives. If they're gonna remember the character, they're gonna remember them by a good death. One that really means something, ya know?

Alex cocks his head to the side as he ponders Erwin's words. Alex: That's beautiful, man.

[After a long pause] So election night... Walk me through your perspective...

[mosneakers]

Coni: Okay Cor— you're gonna break my ribs.

Coraleye: [Still hugging tightly] Well I I wouldn't have to squeeze you so hard if you didn't have to go and ghost us! We've all been so worried about you.

Tycho: You had Coraleye especially worried, Coni. Coni: I'm sorry for how I handled things. I just got overwhelmed and I needed space. I just didn't think anyone would want to see my face again after what went down between Sunglo and I.

Coraleye: [Grabs Coni’s hands] Are you kidding? Don't be silly. You’ll always have a place in our family, Con— no matter what happens between you and my brother. Coni: You're right. I should've known you'd be forgiving.

Coni shoots Tycho a subtle, almost undetectable glance, as Coraleye's attention is diverted by a text on her phone.

Coraleye: [Gasps] Oh my... It's Erwin. He says he's here. Coni and Tycho let out a synchronized sigh of relief.

Coraleye: He says he wants to talk to me... alone. Is it alright if I step away for a moment? Tycho: I don't know, what could he possibly have— Coni: Tycho. Relax, okay? Please, go ahead. He's fine. You're fine, aren't you Tycho. [Eyes shooting daggers] Tycho: [Deep contemplative breath] Yeah, she's right. I'll be fine. You go ahead. I... I love you.

═════════════════════════════════════════

Despite immediately picking up on his jittery demeanor, Coraleye greeted Erwin with her usual warmth as she made her way up the stairs. Coraleye: Hey you!

Erwin: [Eyes shifting nervously] Hey Eyelash! Over here— [motions closer] I tried to find a quiet place to meet but this place is buzzing with activity. Wow... you look fantastic.

Coraleye: Oh, ha, thanks! You look great too; I love the suit. So what'd you want to talk to me about? Is everything alright?

Erwin: This stays between just us, right?

Coraleye: Yes, of course, Erwin... this is me you're talking to. I won't tell a soul. Not even Tycho. Erwin: Especially not Tycho... [Concerned expression]

Coraleye: [Reflects expression] Yeah, Erwin. What is it? You're starting to freak me out...

Erwin: I don’t have all the pieces yet, but you can bet that's all changing tonight. Smith should not be president. Aliens are far more dangerous than the media’s letting on—think shapeshifting, mind control, memory manipulation—

Coraleye: Erwin— Erwin: And I have proof that Curious has been hiding things from you Cor, he knows a lot more about this than he's letting on.

Coraleye: What? What are you saying? Erwin: In about fifteen minutes, Jill Smith will be making her speech on the rooftop; either the concession or acceptance. The media will be covering it live. That’ll be my only chance to expose the truth about aliens. I have the evidence, but there's security everywhere, I need your magic to get away. We have to move quickly.

Coraleye: Well then... take me away.

[mosneakers]

Upon entering the bustling lounge, Coraleye is surrounded by a gathering of prestigious guests, each handpicked by the potential president-elect herself. Many are close relatives of Jill Smith, and thus also of Tycho, which Coraleye finds comforting.

She soon spots Tycho's cousin, Nova Curious, with her boyfriend, Lewis, dancing and laughing with a lively group of friends. Nova gleefully introduced Coraleye to each of them.

Nova: Coraleye, this is my best friend, Katydid. K, this is Coraleye. You're gonna love her. She'd be my new bestie if it weren't for you.

[Mutual laughter]

Katydid: Hey girlie! Oh my mod, you look INCREDIBLE! Here I am, blinged out in fifteen pounds of jewels like I robbed a damn jewelry store, and I still don't outshine you! Nova: Don't mind her, she's always so self-deprecating, despite me constantly reminding her she's literally perfect in every way.

Coraleye: Well, you both look beautiful too. I love your dress!

Katydid: Oh, this damn thing? [Scoffs] Girl, let me tell you. I ordered it online, aiming for Golden Bejeweled Goddess, like in the pictures, but when I got it in the mail, it's giving Ugly Pee-Yellow!

Coraleye: Well I happen to prefer it this way. Yellow is a very special color to me. [Smiles] Katydid: Yeah? [Glances down] Well maybe it's not so bad after all. You got me changing my mind over here! But it's still not attracting cute strangers like yours is... I think you might have an admirer, girl! [Winks and subtly gestures behind Coraleye]

Tycho: Excuse me, miss? Coraleye: Huh? Oh! Hello...

Tycho: Pardon the interruption, but I just had to tell you. When you walked in, you seemed to have taken my breath away, and I don't take kindly to thieves. I'm going to need that back.

Lewis, excited to see Tycho, greets him with a hearty tap on the shoulder. Tycho politely but swiftly acknowledges Lewis with a smile, his attention still on Coraleye as he twirls her around.

Coraleye: [Giggles] You are so corny. Tycho: Something like that...

Nova notices the confusion on Katydid's face as she tries to interpret the interaction in front of her. Nova: Don't worry, he's not actually a stranger. That's my cousin, Tycho. He's attempting to do a bit.

Tycho: Mind if I steal you away for a moment? I've missed you so much. Coraleye: I don't know, I... I don't really take kindly to thieves. Tycho: I don't expect you to be kind tonight.

Coraleye: Well then... take me away.