first ♢ voice

[versusnurture]

[Abigail's voice quavers, as though she's uncertain of the connection, like someone making their first long-distance call. She starts out firm and then peters out into uncertainty, the tail end of her first sentence almost a question.]

My name is Abigail . . . Hobbs.

I'm not sure how I got here, but I'm here now. [A pause; who to ask for?] I'm looking for Dr. Alana Bloom. She's tall with dark hair. She was supposed to check in with me this morning, but instead I'm here.

Are there - [And here she inserts a little more tremor than necessary into her voice, because she doesn't know what else to do right now - ] Are there letters home? That kind of thing? How does this work? Because I need to talk to my dad.

Comments

audio

[payshisdebts]

I cannot say I know a warden or inmate by that name.

[ Tyrion's voice is honey-smooth, sweet. ]

Do you know where you are, my lady?

audio

[versusnurture]

Do I know where I -

[She laughs, disbelieving.]

Dead. Wherever dead is.

audio

[payshisdebts]

Then you are an inmate, my lady. Your Dr. Bloom is not here. But there are others you may assist you.

I am called Tyrion Lannister, and I welcome you.

[secretasshole]

There is no Dr. Bloom on board at present, and there is no way to communicate with the outside world. I'm sorry.

[versusnurture]

Why?

[secretasshole]

The Barge exists in an entirely separate universe from the world you came from.

[lastrat]

No post. I'm sure the Admiral could, if he was feeling generous. But he's not often generous.

[versusnurture]

Why not?

[lastrat]

He's a bit of a prick.

[hellofist]

Why was she... supposed to check in?

[versusnurture]

Because she's my doctor. My psychiatrist.

[She's frail and crazy. Feel sorry for her.]

[hellofist]

[MAYBE IF SHE COULD SEE YOU TO KNOW IF THAT'S APPROPRIATE.]

Oh... I'm sorry, she's not here. There might be... other doctors, to help you. After you... settle in, feel comfortable.

voice;

[themissingpiece]

You got plenty of people answering your questions but, for what it's worth, welcome. You'll either hate it or love it. Haven't seen a middle ground yet.

My name's Arkin.

voice;

[versusnurture]

Hi, Arkin. [Now she just sounds baffled. Weirdest space death club ever.]

Do you love it?

voice;

[themissingpiece]

I've been worse places. I don't feel anything for it.

[ Voice ]

[warisart]

My name is Ben.

There is no one here using the name Alana Blooms, doctor or otherwise. I doubt she is here.

It is a possibility that someone might get a letter home, but extremely unlikely that you would get one back.

[ Voice ]

[versusnurture]

Hi, Ben.

[She is less tearful, more subdued now, sounding resigned; this is where she is now.]

If I don't get one back, I don't see -

What happens now?

[ Voice ]

[warisart]

Now I would normally suggest familiarizing yourself with your surroundings, but it has been particularly dangerous to do so recently. Are you able to defend yourself?

voice;

[pvtparts]

Unfortunately, there's no way to talk with the outside world once you're on the Barge. Which also means Dr. Bloom probably won't be checking in with you any time in the near future.

voice;

[versusnurture]

Yeah. That's the impression I'm getting.

So what do I do now?

voice;

[pvtparts]

What do you want to do?

[Outside of the usual "I wanna go home," of course.]

[intelligently]

I don't think there's any way to the outside. [ Maybe for Wardens, but most seem intent on staying regardless ]

[versusnurture]

There should be.

[strangehistorian]

Hello, Abigail. You're on the Barge.

[versusnurture]

I'm getting that.

Who are you?