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

[cadmiums]

What did you expect me to be like?

[ Another pause, as he fiddles with his scarf.]

For all of it, though? I understand you're the one in charge, and the one who will enforce the rules. But are you the one who took us in the first place, and decided what the rules would be?

[transmittable]

We... I expected someone not so...open.

We are the ones who decided you would be taken- or, decided someone would be taken, and we received you. The rules, they...those are less our idea, but we did adopt them, without much hesitation. So in that sense, yes, for all of it.

[cadmiums]

I like my title, I think it suits me. I wouldn't be very amiable if I treated you different from everyone else, I think.

[ Maybe that's simple but, it's how he sees it.]

Is there a reason for all of this?

[transmittable]

There is. It's...not for me to say. That's not how this is supposed to work. It may not be one you like, though.

[cadmiums]

I understand, I didn't expect you to tell me right away-- this is our first date after all.

[ More muffled sounds, as he plays with his scarf again.]

I still don't think it would be fair to judge you without the whole picture, so I won't.

[transmittable]

[ She breathes out in surprise. The crackling picks up again. ]

Still a...boundless surprise. I suppose I'll have to get used to it.

What... What would you like to know? It's been...a long time. Since I've been on a, um. Date.

[cadmiums]

[ She can't see it, but he's certainly smiling right now.]

Hmm, well profiles have likes and dislikes... Would you mind telling me what you look like?

[transmittable]

Wh-what I look like? Uh, that might be a bit...much, I think? I'm shorter than you are, and my eyes are brown. How's that?

[cadmiums]

That's fine! I just wanted an idea of who I had the pleasure of taking out on a date. Does that mean we won't get to see you anytime soon?

[transmittable]

Not if I have anything to say about it, which. I do.

...You know, there's not really much you can do on a date over the phone. Uh, sorry.

[cadmiums]

That's too bad, I'm sure you're beautiful.

Well I can still get to know you better, which is one of my favorite parts of a date.

[transmittable]

[ Feedback intensifies. ]

J- jeez, warn a girl before saying that stuff. Uh... If you say so.

[cadmiums]

I'll just have to warn you before I compliment you next time. [ Cause there will be a next time.]

I'd know for certain how beautiful you are if I could see you, but I can be patient. I have a good sense for these kind of things, you know.

[transmittable]

...You're not gonna flirt me into coming out, you know. I've- we've been planning this for...awhile. A sweet guy isn't gonna change that.

[cadmiums]

Maybe not.

But maybe if you get comfortable with me, you'll tell me a little more about what you look like. That would make me happy on its own.

[transmittable]

Sure. Keep trying, lover-boy.

So you get to know me better. What else would you like to know?

[cadmiums]

[ He laughs into the receiver a little, somehow he's never been called that before. It sounds pleasant to his ears.]

What's your favorite color? Mine is yellow, but blue is my second favorite.

[transmittable]

Um... Favorite color...?

[ It seems like she has to think a bit on that. ]

Teal. Or...red. One of those.

[cadmiums]

Teal reminds me of the ocean and red... [ Strangely the image that comes to his mind isn't necessarily a pleasant one, so he stops himself there.]

I'll make sure to remember that when I get you a gift.

[transmittable]

A gift?! Aaahhh, you don't quit...

[ It sounds a bit more fond, though. ]

But, not the ocean. We. I don't like water.

[cadmiums]

I'd like to buy you something, but I haven't seen a store here. I'll just have to make you something instead. [ Nevermind that he doesn't know how to make anything, but #confidence.]

How about the sky, then?

[transmittable]

I like the sky. It's like...infinite possibilities. That sounds silly, but...

[cadmiums]

I don't think it's silly, I feel similarly-- the sky makes me feel like I could be free forever.

[...]

It would be nice to look up at the sky with you, even if it's not anytime soon.

[transmittable]

You don't even know my name, and you already want to do something like that?

[cadmiums]

What difference does that make? I'd love to know your name if you're willing to tell me but... that's not the most important thing. A name is just a name, it's the person who matters.