Meeting a New Prisoner.

"Candy that prevents death... extraordinary..."

"It's the poison through the collars they make you wear..."

Aerona frowned and tugged on her collar. "I never did like this thing, and now I find that it will kill me."

"They should have given you a full bag once you arrived... Did you eat it all already?"

"Oh that, no, it's under my 'bed'." Aerona rolled her eyes.

"How long has it been since your last candy?"

Aerona thought for a moment before answering. "About an hour ago I think, I ate one out of curiosity."

"I see... I guess they didn't brief you about DR?"

"DR...?"

"Death Row..."

"No, I haven't, care to explain?"

"What else is there to tell really?"

"Well, is it any different here then it is in Tokyo? Any odd twists? Crueler ways to kill us off?"

"Tokyo is gone... Earthquake took it down... As for twists, I can't say... But there are many ways to kill us off."

"So I've been living a lie all these years..." Aerona chuckled bitterly. "Let them kill me then. I've stopped caring."

"Why not do it yourself? Saves time..."

"I'm not into the whole 'suicide' thing...odd isn't it?"

"Odd indeed... If you wish, I can speed the process."

"Hm... perhaps I'll take you up on that offer later..."

"Nice to see that you are open to it."

"Nice to see someone who would oblige."

"It's no problem... There's a contest coming up soon, too..."

"Really?'

"Yes, actually. The details are unclear to me, but I won't participate... Dozens of prisoners get killed in those things."

"Perhaps I'll give it a try... what exactly does it entail?"