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

[journalname]

I was happy to know that they have been talking to you as well! I was sure I was not the only one, but it is good to see it. Of course they would worry about you too.

[transmittable]

Why say that? I mean... Dude, I kidnapped you. Or like...I had a hand in it. You're in this nightmare...partly 'cause of me. Why's it obvious to you?

[journalname]

I'm sure many of the others feel that way. Those who have not spoken with you personally. But it is clear to me that you are not...entirely pleased about your part in this situation either. And I am sure others have seen the same.

Besides, it is natural to worry about others, is it not? Especially when something that...ah, alarming happens.

[transmittable]

[ ... ]

Doesn't change the fact that I'm here, doing this, and you've lost two people and gotten a cheery little message about murder. Feeling bad about it doesn't mean I'm not responsible...isn't that what you guys determined last week?

[journalname]

...perhaps not. But I would not have had Arietta held responsible in...in that manner, if I had a choice. And while you are part of what put that choice in our hands, I would not have that happen to you, either.

[It takes a second for it to catch up to him that he's basically just told her that he does not want her literally killed by an electric version of someone she loves - which, while true, is not really the sentiment he intended to convey.]

I do have a choice in how I speak with you, and I have made it.

[transmittable]

[ hahahaha WOW those implications well. The Transmitter is quiet for a few moments, presumably digesting all this. ]

Then- who am I to argue you with you?

If you ever want to change the way you speak with me, though? I don't think anyone'd blame you.

[journalname]

I have had a very long time to think about what I might do, were I ever faced with the people who imprisoned my people and I. They are long gone, of course, but it is...still the kind of thing you think about.

And I was angry, once. In some ways I still am. But I do not want any more fighting. I can understand why Arietta may have wished for revenge, but that would only ensure that none of it ever ended. If I could only have made peace with them from the beginning...

[transmittable]

...then nothing would be as it is now.

Alright. I understand your point of view, then. Violence begets- all that stuff.

[journalname]

That is what I have come to believe.

And - I understand now that the dreams we had are actually memories returning to us? It seems I have a human child myself now. I never would have come to know them, had we kept to the idea of vengeance.

[transmittable]

They are. At least, that's my belief. That's...that's true. Your second kid's a product of forgiveness.

...I'm glad you remember them.

[journalname]

I am, too. I'm sorry that I forgot - but I know, it is not my own fault.

Did you know that they existed, before?

[transmittable]

I knew...two kids. That's a basic thought that came to mind, without having to focus too hard on you. I don't know much about them, though.

[journalname]

....I'm afraid I don't follow.

[you found that out by thinking about him?]

[transmittable]

...I didn't...? Ugh, see, just like that, I thought I told you! I've got...all this information, about you, about your lives. I have to, to put up those profiles, to know...stuff. But it's all kinda jumbled up in here.

[ There's a light thumping sound - is she knocking on her head? ]

So, it comes and goes, but when I think hard on one of you, I can get things. Some are more around the surface. That's one for you.

[journalname]

[That's a little loud, for tapping your own head...]

Oh, I see...well, do not worry! I have been quite the same - I half-forget who here knows about the Underground and who does not, I have repeated the story so many times!

[He chuckles.]

But yes. My children are named Asriel and Chara. And I suppose you know about my wife Toriel, as well - was it some magic, that simply gave that information to you?

[transmittable]

I do! I know about her, at least...what she looks like, a little about her. Her name, I couldn't remember that right away, or your kids' names, but you know.

And as for how I know, that's uh...classified, sorry.

[journalname]

Ah, I should have known. It is just strange to think about - knowing things without ever learning them. I can understand why you would have trouble keeping it all straight.

Do you think you could tell me if I have a third child I'm forgetting, at least?

[transmittable]

Believe me, it's something that's taken a lot of getting used to. Unfortunately, I can't, either way. Trying to tell people about their own memories...it's not something I wanna get involved with. Especially if I misremember.

[journalname]

Hm. That is fair. I suppose I will simply discover it on my own. As long as I do not return home before I have - can you imagine, if I had gone back only to not recall Chara at all?

[transmittable]

[ ...knowing the future sucks- ]

Yeah. That'd be a pretty big faux pas.

[journalname]

Worse than that, I should think. They would probably be terribly hurt.

[transmittable]

I'm... I'm glad you won't have to go back to that.

[journalname]

Thank you. I am, too - even if it is not my fault that it happened, I should hate to cause them pain.

[transmittable]

You're...a good person, Inspiring.

[journalname]

...thank you. But that is just part of being a parent, you know?