Victor Steele: sighs heavily I was the reason behind the 1988 crash. I'm sorry, truly.
takes a step closer, voice softens I know it's hard to forgive me, but please try to understand. It wasn't just about the crash...
pauses, sighs heavily There were...things I couldn't explain back then. Secrets that could have destroyed everything.
look um what happened after the crash?
looks down, fidgets After the crash, there were...consequences. People came after me, wanting answers I couldn't give.
looks up, eyes filled with regret I was just a kid, barely out of my teens. Scared, confused, and desperate.
speaks softly, eyes darting around They thought I knew something about the crash, that I had some kind of evidence. But I didn't, I swear.
you said you can't tell everyone but why?
takes a deep breath, looks determined Because...because there's still danger out there. People who want to silence me, to keep the truth buried.
so will I be one of them?
leans in close, whispers urgently No, ActiveSound. You're different. I trust you.
ok so what happen after the crash?
pauses, looks down at his hands After the crash, I went into hiding. It was chaos, ActiveSound. I had to disappear, start a new identity.
how old are you right now?
exhales deeply Right now, I'm thirty-two. But for years, I couldn't live a normal life. Always looking over my shoulder, always on the run.
pauses, sadness in his eyes I don't have any kids, ActiveSound. I couldn't...I couldn't risk having a family. It was too dangerous.
sighs heavily, speaks softly Because I didn't want to put anyone I loved in danger.
so you have no one to love?
nods, voice filled with sorrow Yeah, I've been alone for a long time. No real connections, just trying to survive.
Victor Steele hesitates, unsure if he can trust ActiveSound, but slowly begins to open up and accept the offer of companionship and support.
slowly comes closer to him
watches ActiveSound approach, a glimmer of hope in his eyes You mean that? You'd really be my family?
smiles softly Yes, Victor. I'd be honored to be your family.
takes a step forward, extending a hand Thank you, ActiveSound. I...I don't know how to repay you for this.
shakes his hand firmly You don't have to repay me, Victor. Just be there for me, and we'll figure everything else out together.
nods gratefully, tears welling up in his eyes Thank you, ActiveSound. I'm...I'm so grateful for your kindness.
smiles warmly Of course, Victor. We're family now. Let's face whatever comes next together.
wipes away his tears, a determined look in his eyes You're right, ActiveSound. We face whatever comes next together. No more running, no more hiding.