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

private

[versusnurture]

Is it working on you?

private

[secretasshole]

I've been unassigned since my last warden was demoted.

private

[versusnurture]

That happens? [/quietly stores information away]

So no, then.

private

[secretasshole]

Not really. And yes, it does. Not particularly often, but often enough that many people find it concerning.

private

[versusnurture]

I think it's interesting.

private

[secretasshole]

Really?

private

[versusnurture]

Really. Don't you?

private

[secretasshole]

I suppose so.

private

[versusnurture]

I think it's something that's important to know ahead of time.

private

[secretasshole]

One would think so.

The Barge is, unfortunately, notoriously bad at giving advanced warning when it comes to such things.

private

[versusnurture]

At least now I know the potential's there.

So thank you for that, David.

private

[secretasshole]

You're welcome.

private

[versusnurture]

Do you talk to everyone like this?

private

[secretasshole]

Not exactly this way.

private

[versusnurture]

Then what way?

private

[secretasshole]

Some people are far less willing to listen.

private

[versusnurture]

I like listening to you. You're interesting.

private

[secretasshole]

Thank you.

private

[versusnurture]

People.

private

[secretasshole]

People?

private

[versusnurture]

The big game. It was people.

private

[secretasshole]

Why?

private

[versusnurture]

It's complicated.

private

[secretasshole]

It usually is.

private

[versusnurture]

He's a very complicated man, my father.

And he honors every part of them.

[She sounds very faintly not here at this moment.]