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]

You know, it's a little hard to be anything but unpleasant today. I get it. On-days for kindness don't necessarily have to be on-days for...upbeat...ness.

What's it like? Do they feel like yours sometimes?

[ossifragant]

You know, they do. It's a strange experience.

I'd say they feel like mine more often than not.

[Which might not be a surprise, considering the pronouns he's been using while describing the memories.]

[transmittable]

...It must be rough. It's yours, but it's not, at the same time. After hundreds of years, it doesn't...get easier?

[ossifragant]

Not exactly. But I also don't think about it very often. I think that's why I stopped being someone "she" could control; trying to figure out the mystery of my memories didn't appeal to me. I wanted, want, to be me.

It's about the freedom to not live in the shadow of someone you'll never know, I guess.

[transmittable]

[ The feedback increases. ]

That's... No wonder you're the one called Greed. You sure know what you want. If it all feels so weird, why'd you tell me about the ranch? Wouldn't talking about it make things worse?

[ossifragant]

Because it's a pleasant story, I guess. Because I like thinking about it-- it sure sounds a lot more peaceful than the life I've lead.

[transmittable]

Then, thank you for sharing it with me. We all need a little peace and levity, don't you think?

[ossifragant]

Of course. I'll see if I can come up with any more stories for you.

[transmittable]

So many of you aren't what I expected at all.

[ossifragant]

I'll take that as a compliment.

[That may or may not be intentional echoing of the Transmitter's own words.]

[transmittable]

[ ... ]

Ha. It is one.