Listeners (LISTENERS)

That sound.

The one reverberating through my head that day.

What was it?

Waste.

Garbage.

Junk.

A sea of trash that stretches on forever,

and I live in the middle of it.

There was a time long ago

when the world revolved around this place.

Or at least that's what I hear from the old timers in town.

But if that's how things were,

you'd never know by looking at it.

There's hardly anybody left here apart from us day laborers

digging through the junk piles.

The outside hasn't forgotten us, though.

They just know us as the world's biggest trash heap.

Look alive, friends, this will be

the final shipment for the afternoon!

Keep a sharp eye out for anything valuable!

If you fell short of your quota last month,

today's your last chance to make it up,

else you're eating a hefty penalty!

Got it? Now keep digging, and take these words to heart!

In this world, to stay alive...

Ya gotta stay working.

Don't look to the sky, keep your eyes down.

Your mind in the present, not in your dreams.

That way of living is Liverchester's pride.

And also our promise.

The one we swore to the Monument of Admonishment.

Uh-- Hey, it's nice to see you, too, Bruno!

Oh sure. It's been a great day for me!

How could it not be?

After all, a shipment came in from Lucia!

Linchpin of the North. That's the good stuff.

And it's home to Bilin, one of the best Players in the world!

Getting the chance to find parts from Lucia.

It's like a dream come true!

See her? She's the Crimson Belle, Bilin!

Man, look at that Equipment.

It gives me goosebumps!

Oh, there's no way.

I haven't thought about being anywhere but right here.

I like it in the junk heap, the way the parts feel in my hands.

When I look at one, I can imagine

the things it's done and all the places it's seen.

It's amazing when you think about it.

Really, if I can scrape together an okay living

digging these guys up, I'll be happy.

So yeah. I guess that's a day in the life.

This is it? C'mon, man!

Yes, now keep the line moving.

Let's go, people!

Fine.

Well, Echo Rec.

It pays enough to get by.

I could even say it's my calling.

That's why I'll be back here tomorrow.

And next week.

And the week after.

Digging trash is my life.

Of course, there is one other little thing I've got.

Something I have to keep secret that gives it all meaning.

Yes!

Little more.

Almost.

A-- A girl?

Yep, it's definitely a girl.

So, I'm harboring a kidnapper now.

Come on, Swell, it's not like that!

She must have gotten dropped in with one of

today's trash shipments by accident.

Well she certainly doesn't look like

she's from around here.

Don't think a day laborer would wear that.

Whoa, easy with the yelling there!

But look, her back!

A Player?

She must be.

This looks just like the holes I've seen in the books!

And if that's there, it can only mean one thing!

Oh, you're awake. Feeling okay?

No I'm not okay! This sucks!

Wait. Where's this?

Oh, just a humble watering hole

on the outskirts of fair Liverchester.

A corner booth, specifically.

Makes sense. So, how'd I get here?

The story I got is that he found you buried

in the scrap field and brought you home.

Who is "he"?

That guy.

Can I ask you one more?

Mm-hm.

D'ya know who I am?

I'm a Player?

Shh! You can't say that so loud!

Sorry, jeez.

You've got an output jack on your lower back.

That proves it! You have to be a Player.

Huh.

I guess you really don't remember.

Dude, yes, I told you!

I don't even know my own name.

Yeah, fair enough.

Although you don't seem all that bothered by it.

Why should I be worried about what I forgot?

Right? Seems like I'm not the type to let it bug me.

Either way. I know that I'm me.

Yeah, that's true. I guess.

Yup! Though I am learning a little about myself.

Let's see. The noise in here doesn't bother me at all.

What else?

I learned that I could eat this all day!

Glad you're enjoying it!

That was a perfect chance

for him to land a clean shot!

You're missing the point.

His execution on that sidestep was flawless.

Enough with the commentary, guys.

What's that about?

Huh? Ooh! I can tell you!

Dude, chill!

Right, sorry. Okay.

The big machine is called an Equipment.

They're special weapons operated by people called Players.

And Players, they use the Equipment to fight the Earless.

What's an Earless?

Pardon the intrusion.

Uh-- The mayor!

Who's he?

How do I put it? He's the worst.

Come on, fellas. I know you know better!

What gives!

You didn't have to take a mallet to it, man!

It's the only fun we get.

I'm sorry, Swell, but we can't have you holding

Gig-watching parties for your malcontent buddies.

Oh no, that janky old thing picks up signals all on its own.

It's a real issue.

Huh. Yeah, sure.

Problem?

Oh, there's certainly a problem.

We got a damn Player in town.

--Say what? --Hey. Hold on!

We saw you carrying her in here, Echo.

That girl has a jack, plain as day.

A Player? A real one?

No, no way in hell!

Why would a Player bother coming

out to a scrapyard in the sticks?

Where a Player goes, calamity follows.

If you've got no business here,

then hurry up and be on your way.

Okay, now wait a minute.

Sure, she's a Player, but right now

she can't even remember her own name.

So it would be a little bit unfair to just suddenly...

Echo, you numbskull!

This is the whole reason we built

the Monument of Admonishment!

Ten years ago this town learned firsthand

the kind of trouble that Players bring with 'em,

and it's not gonna happen a second time!

There's too much at stake, son.

Nothing good's gonna come from feeling sorry for a Player.

Now, get your head on straight and stop--

But... But still!

Running her out of town wouldn't be right!

Will you listen to reason for one second?

Mr. Mayor. I think you need a beer.

People come to this bar for a chance to relax.

Take a load off and enjoy!

I wasn't done.

Here. On the house.

Huh. Really? Well thanks.

Hey, Echo. I think things are about to pick up here,

so would you two mind taking it upstairs?

Oh yeah, great idea, let's go!

Come on, we can find something fun to do!

That guy sucks. What's his deal?

Sorry, the Mayor really isn't a fan of Players.

Ugh, that was tense!

Yeah, I'll say. So why did you stick up for me?

Huh? Well I couldn't let him throw you out.

I mean, after all...

I just... I have to learn more about you!

That's cool...

For real.

I've been trying to hold it in since we first started talking.

But now we finally have a chance to be alone.

Whoa, whoa, whoa.

I never knew much about this stuff, or if I did, I forgot it.

But it kinda feels like you're takin' things a little fast...?

I have to show you this.

Look! Seriously, look at it!

Here! Isn't it awesome?

You see?

Oh man. Sorry, it's just that I'm kind of