[ off-stage and hidden from anyone not backstage, ripley fusses in her cage. it could be the growing crowd. it could be the assortment of strange smells. it could even be the cage itself.

then claire strides past, lips pursed in an unhappy line, accompanied by an older man. ]

It'll be fine, [ she tells the museum's director. ] Rehearsal went exactly as planned. Tonight will too. He did his job well. [ there's some grudging assent to which claire smiles. ] It's almost time. I'll find you after the show.

It'll all go fine, [ she emphasizes, ] I promise.

[ after he's gone, claire picks up the short train of her gown. she starts in surprise when she sees kang, quickly smoothing over her expression. ]

How's everything looking on the other side? [ brightly; like the other conversation had not just happened. ]