2024-06-19 A Misunderstanding

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  • Cutscene: A Misunderstanding
  • Cast: Ranka Lee, Grace O'Connor
  • Where: New Delhi, Concert Tour
  • Date: June 19th, 0099 (UC)
  • Summary: Ranka confronts Grace about going behind her back to change security arrangements at her concert in Tokyo. It goes entirely as expected!

"Grace, I'd like to speak with you."

This was an entirely predictable outcome. Grace had watched Ranka build up the courage for this confrontation for some time, even catching a full rehearsal of what was to come. There was steel in those words, resolve.

Good.

Grace put down the prop that was the phone she was holding in the New Delhi hotel they were staying at, giving the girl a look of feigned surprise, pretending as if she were giving her all of her attention.

"Of course, what can I do for you, Ranka?" Grace asked smoothly, and Ranka replied with... confidence in her frustration.

"I heard from my friends that they were denied entry backstage at my last concert. That they had to have Sheryl get them in. I know I'd given you a list of the people that security is always to admit, no matter what, so I don't appreciate you giving them different instructions. I want you to know that's not the way things are to be done going forward."

Grace actually sighed, and adjusted her glasses theatrically, "I'm was afraid of this. Unfortunately there's been something of a misunderstanding... I was hoping that you wouldn't find out."

"You were hoping...!? So... is this a forgiveness versus permission thing? I really never thought you'd do something like this after seeing how you managed Sheryl for so long!"

Grace gestured towards a seat nearby, a couch in the hotel suite, but Ranka didn't take it immediately, "No Ranka, the misunderstanding is... the reason I did this is because there's been a credible threat on your life." Ranka's hair leapt in shock, as Grace continued, "I didn't want you to find out because - I didn't want to worry you. I just had security tightened considerably so that you wouldn't have to deal with it."

"B-But... that's no excuse. Celebrities have threats on their life all the time? I even had a few in my early career..." Ranka pointed out, "Security doesn't need to... /deny/ people I know."

"It's more serious than the average threat, Ranka." Grace pulled up a datapad, and a profile of one... Yuliana Kafim, showing Ranka a picture of her during the Sri Lanka incident. "This is Yuliana Kafim, High Priestess of the Silent Calling - and known terrorist. From what I understand, you're acquainted?"

Ranka stared mutely for a time, her entire posture drooping, including her hair as she suddenly sat down on the couch Grace had offered her earlier, as she now meekly stated, "... Yes."

"Her anti-Newtype, anti-Spacenoid rhetoric is well documented. She's the one that sent the threat, ahead of your schedule, apparently due to your intent to tour within the REA. Within her inner circle is this man-"

The datapad shifted to a profile of a man in his late 20's with burnt orange hair, and a perpetual smirk on his face, "-Parminder Chaudhri, a specialist in data infiltration as well as identity theft. I imagine you're beginning to understand my concerns?"

This time Ranka didn't even respond audibly, just nodded lightly, thoroughly chastened.

"I promise, it wasn't my intention to ignore your wishes. I was only looking out for your interests." Grace told her, as she sat down beside her, her posture turned towards her, Ranka her best supportive look, "Maybe I'm being overcautious, but - I take the safety of the people in my care very seriously."

Ranka was quiet for a while longer, as she looked in the opposite direction, "I... no, I appreciate it... I'm... I apologize, I don't know what I was thinking... of course you were just looking out for me."

Grace put her arm around Ranka, hugging her from the side, leaning in, just close enough for a familiar scent to enter the other girl's nostrils.

"It's not as if it was unwarranted for you to be suspicious. We're new to working together, you haven't gotten used to how I do things yet." She smiles supportively, "I understand I'm asking for a lot of your trust in the meanwhile... but there's nothing to fear, bringing your concerns to me, I'll always make time for them."

Ranka managed a slight smile as she leaned a little into the hug, feeling safer, "Thanks... still, I'm really sorry I doubted you. I don't... I just don't know why she won't leave me alone." Grace gave her a sympathetic look, "A bigot like her doesn't need a reason other than your existence, Ranka. You shouldn't obsess over the how or why, it's not worth the energy. I've dealt with my own share of... individuals prejudiced against my augmentations."

Perhaps she's even thinking of a young pale skinned friend of Ranka in this moment.

"Now - I want you to rest and not think about this even /one second/... I promise." Another smile this time, and much wider at that, "You can leave everything to me, from now on."