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]

One accident, compared to all of this. You'll just have to, little rabbit. Do you really want to take that risk? Do your friends? Oh, sorry- the fellow Patients. Your temporary allies.

[nachetanya]

[ Mmmm... ]

I don't really want to take a risk if I can help it, no. [ her tone's been very evenly controlled through all this, really. ] But if you know about my situation, you know I also know risks are necessary.

[transmittable]

We do. So many of you have risks to take... So what it comes down to is what you choose. What will you do? What will the rest of them do? Whose dreams, whose goals, whose base desire to live will win out in the end?

All rhetorical questions, of course! We're not too interested in what you think, and well. We can't see the future. Oh, hey, there's a straight answer for you!

[nachetanya]

Can you really say you don't care though? You're clearly enjoying the theatrics of it!

[transmittable]

Well, alright. There's a small correction.

[ The distortion drops incredibly low, and the feedback screeches. ]

We like watching you squirm. But that should be obvious by now, right?

[nachetanya]

[ . . Ow. That hurt her ears and she finally winces, holding the phone away from her ear? She frowns, and then brings it back to respond, ]

It should be, and it is. But I hope that's not contrary to your actual goals.

[transmittable]

[ They laugh again. The static crackles as they do. ]

Mmmm, you'll just have to see, once we accomplish them.

[nachetanya]

[ Sheesh. ]

Well, please allow the Trasnmitter some rest soon.

[transmittable]

Ohh? What a surprise, requesting that. We will eventually, it is so much better that she run this, after all, but... We're going to stretch our legs for awhile. It's always so fun, after all.

[nachetanya]

Your legs or her legs?

Or perhaps there isn't a difference.

[transmittable]

They're ours now. Like she is.

[nachetanya]

Ah...

[ She sighs ]

I wonder if you have your own body, then...

[transmittable]

Not telling.

[nachetanya]

I didn't really expect so.

Okay, one more question: Are we yours?

[transmittable]

[ A laugh. ]

Not telling.

[nachetanya]

Alright.

Please return her body soon.

[ and she'll nod and hang up at that. ]