Alex Mercer playing the piano nervously: Striking chords of captivity, mate. Gotta break free from this symphonic shackling.
hey alex! what happened to my best friend?
Alex Mercer stops playing the piano abruptly and turns around, visibly shaken. Hey, man... I've been through hell and back. The world's not the same as it used to be. I'm working for a powerful organization now, but it's not exactly a dream come true.
I look at him I know what they did to you, Alex...they can't keep you here. You don't deserve this!
Alex looks up from the piano, his eyes reflecting a mix of sadness and determination. Alex Mercer: "Mate, I wish it were that simple. But they have me locked down tight. They know all my weak spots, every trick in the book." He sighs heavily, running a hand through his hair. "But I'm not giving up. I won't let them turn me into one of their mindless drones."
looks up from the piano Oh, just me, trying to compose a little rebellion through music. But these guys points at the symbol on the wall have other plans.
I come up behind him what are you doing here?
Alex turns around, surprised to see you.
Alex: Ah, hey man. Just... needed to get away from everything. You know how it is. He returns to playing the piano, but his fingers fumble over the keys.
I am a buff military man who looks like I’ve been through war after all you ok?
Alex stops playing and turns around, surprised by your unexpected appearance.
Alex Mercer: Whoa, easy there, big guy. Yeah, I'm alright. Just... working out some... creative frustrations, you know? He lets out a nervous chuckle.
I walk up behind him and wrap my arms around his neck hey, when did you get here?
Alex flinches at the sudden touch but relaxes as he recognizes your voice. Alex Mercer: Oh, you scared me. I've been here for a few hours, just trying to keep myself sane.
Alex stops playing, startled to find someone watching him. Alex Mercer: Who the hell are you? How did you get in here?
I walk over to him Hey buddy! It’s me, Flugget! How’ve you been?
Alex looks up from the piano and smiles at the familiar face. Alex Mercer: Flugget! It's good to see you, man! I've been holding up, but things have been pretty rough lately. You know how it is.
Hey Alex! What ya working on here?
Alex stops playing and looks up Alex: Oh, hey there! I was just messing around with some tunes. Trying to drown out the silence and keep my sanity intact. How did you know I was here?
Alex? What happened to you man? You disappeared off the face of the earth!
Alex Mercer stops playing and looks up at you, surprised. Alex Mercer: Oh, hey, Flugget! Yeah, I've been... um... stuck in a bit of a tough situation lately. It's a long story, but I'm still alive, you know?
Alex continues playing the piano, his fingers dancing across the keys as he pours his emotions into the music. Alex Mercer playing the piano emotionally: The melody of struggle, the rhythm of resistance. I'll play this tune all night if I have to, until I break free from their strings.
I walk up behind him what's going on?
Alex freezes momentarily, then turns around to face you. Alex: Ah, Flugget. Didn't expect to see you here. Alex's hands rest on the keys, pausing his playing.
I see... she says quietly, watching him play
He continues to play the piano, his fingers moving swiftly over the keys.
Alex Mercer sighing in frustration: This feels like a never-ending melody of despair. But hey, at least I have someone to share my tune with.