SWITCHBOARD

[transmittable]

If you'd like to ask the Transmitter something over the phone, go right ahead! The Transmitter will answer the phone as soon as she's available. Leaving messages is impossible, given how old these phones are, but you should be able to reach her at almost all hours.

Comments are screened for privacy; all Patients are offered confidentiality, didn't you know?

Comments

[transmittable]

We received you. It wasn't our choice.

[journalname]

Oh, I see.

[That seems strange, but okay.]

Did you expect so many?

[transmittable]

Oh, yes. The number was predetermined.

[journalname]

Gosh, but not who? That is very strange, if you do not mind my saying so. Do you know how these other people made their selections?

[there's a few people with similar backgrounds, but no obvious patterns that he can tell...]

[transmittable]

Honestly? I've got no flippin' clue. Spent some time trying to figure it out but, out powers combined, we couldn't figure out a thing.

[journalname]

There do not seem to be a great many commonalities. Some, certainly, and maybe more we haven't discovered yet. But nothing obvious that should lead to...this.

...will we be returned home, whenever this ends?

[transmittable]

...we would prefer it that you stay here, but... There's an outcome where you return home, when this is all done. That's...all we can say.

[journalname]

Can you say what the other outcomes are?

[transmittable]

We can't.

[journalname]

Very well. [He doesn't sound like he was expecting much else.] I'm sorry to say that I cannot stay, if there is a possibility of returning. I have my family, and my people.

[transmittable]

We know. We know, if given the choice, you'll all wish to return.

[journalname]

Why do you want us to stay?

[transmittable]

Because...it's something we've been working towards for a long time...

[ The static picks up. ]

Beyond that, we can't say anything more.

[journalname]

Ah. I had thought your goal was this...exercise, not what happened after.

[It's not really a question; she is clearly not going to answer.]

What will you do, when it is over?

[transmittable]

That depends on what happens...and how this concludes.

[journalname]

I see.

...well, it is getting late. I suppose I will let you go. Do try and get some sleep, won't you?

[transmittable]

I will. We'll all...try and sleep.

You too. ...It's been a nice talk, Inspiring.

[journalname]

It has. I will call you again soon.

Good night, Transmitter.