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

[nachetanya]

You know that I have to, and that I will based on how we've handled things so far.

[ Her tone softens. ]

But I'll drop that for tonight, at least so directly. Why don't you chose what we talk about?

[transmittable]

...How do you like the new rooms?

[nachetanya]

Honestly, I've only sparingly been in them. My first time lingering with the room with the machines was this morning. I think I will spend more time in that art room soon, though.

The medicine room had a great deal of useful things in it, as well. The number of beds reminded me of the dining hall.

[transmittable]

Yeah, that one's... The art room's better. We- ...We tried to make sure there were many things of use in the infirmary. Hopefully it'll be put to good use.

[nachetanya]

I confess, I have less experience with art than you might expect for a princess. I did some letter work, but I never learned to embroider or sew... Actually, I suppose that's more a matter for that sewing room. But I've rarely painted either.

[transmittable]

Take some time. Channel creativity. ...You know, hospitals- they have a lot of different kinds of...things like that for people to use. Art therapy, craft therapy. Like that. Something for people to focus on to take their minds off everything else.

[nachetanya]

I might, honestly.

[ She laughs a little at the idea of it, she can't help it ]

Ms. Kashima showed me how to use those sewing machines, but working out something in the art room could be rewarding feeling.

[transmittable]

Hang pictures in your room. Just...go the extra mile, hell.

[nachetanya]

I don't know if I'll do that.

[ She goes to - ah, right, her hair is shorter now. she plays with the ends of it. ]

What would I even draw that much of?

[transmittable]

Oh, something uh... Something you like. Like...animals. Birds.

...Cranes.

[ Ah. The Transmitter goes quiet. ]

[nachetanya]

... Misty?

[transmittable]

...Just a conversation that didn't...go very well. I don't remember all of it, but- the Risen suck.

[nachetanya]

`[ . . . Cranes, huh ]

They do, based on events today.

Is this anything I could be an intermediary for?

[transmittable]

Not an intermediary just- could you check on Amiable? Try to make him smile.

[nachetanya]

If I'm going to do that, could you give me that bag? I didn't get one from the vending machine yet.

[ That said, the tone she says it in is sort of airy. She ... might not expect that, but. ]

[transmittable]

...I can't.

[ There's a tone of defeat. ]

[nachetanya]

[ . . . ]

Did you get scolded today?

[transmittable]

Not...exactly. They LIKED doing this. It's probably going to happen more often. But...

They reminded me there's a fine line between being approachable and being...too...approachable- I can't remember what they said, okay, it's been a day, but that's what they meant. So. While I can still talk with all of you, I need to be a little more...uh, careful.

[nachetanya]

[ Mmm ]

Does that mean that you won't answer further requests? Or perhaps that you won't have another date with Ryoji?

[transmittable]

[ Blankly. ]

That second one's up to him. The other... Expect a lot of wait-and-see.

[nachetanya]

I won't pry, but you really did get in a fight with him, didn't you?

[ Eesh. She shakes her head ]

I decided to confess to Tsubasa.

[transmittable]

Wha- I didn't, they did! It wasn't even- they just...mocked him and said things, and-

[ Maybe she does remember more about that conversation than she cares to admit. ]

I- ...I'm glad you did. Even just...a crush, something fleeting, in this place...you don't want to regret anything.

[nachetanya]

Ohhh. If it's something as simple as that, I'm sure you and him can work it out! In the meantime, you please try to think of something you can repay me with for going to cheer up your paramour.

[ . . . She may or may not be trying to tease the mastermind, yes. ]

[transmittable]

I don't think it's that simple.

[ From her bitter tone it doesn't seem to be working... ]

[nachetanya]

Why not?