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

[heritrix]

[Rin has to hide her disappointment.]

We have very different occupations, so I can't be annoyed by that. I don't even know your background. But is there a reason why you can't have that?

You'd be surprised how far one moment of happiness can get you, when you want to give up.

[transmittable]

I mean... I do want to live like that. Enjoying myself, you know. But...in the position I'm in, it's kind of impossible.

One day, it'd be nice...but even then, I can't think of something difficult to follow through on, like- like you being an heir, that'd bring me that. I'm just...I dunno. A simple girl at heart.

[heritrix]

It doesn't have to be difficult. That's sort of what I was getting at: the simple things matter too.

[She had a conversation with Lovecraft about it, a few weeks ago.]

What do you like?

[transmittable]

Uhh... I dunno. Going to concerts, seeing shows.

My family.

[heritrix]

[She thinks about suggesting CDs (Rin, we're in the age of iPods now), but recognizes the flaw immediately.]

You're an extrovert, huh? Or at least someone who likes to get out, and enjoy authentic experiences.

[transmittable]

Mmm, yeah, I'd say so? I like to do things, with people.

[heritrix]

I'm starting to see your problem. It feels like we're in the middle of nowhere.

[Definitely not going to get a concert up here anytime soon, unless it's with Pizzazz.]

Can you call your family?

[transmittable]

Ah, no. No, that's... I can't.

[heritrix]

[...]

This is just a hunch, but did something happen to them?

[transmittable]

I can't- No, I don't want to talk about that.

[heritrix]

Okay.

[Simply; without surprise or offense, and no hesitation. Rin understands that emotion, maybe too well.]

I'll keep at finding a solution to your problem then. It's tricky, but we'll find something. There's always something for everyone.

[transmittable]

[ The Transmitter sounds a little relieved. ]

That's sweet of you, really... Just talking's nice enough.

[heritrix]

Oh, there's an idea!

[Bright and chipper again, Rin latches onto it full force.]

And it's something you have to do every day for your job, too, so it's easy to arrange. Who do you like talking to the most here? I can tell them to chat you up more often, if they're not doing so already.

[transmittable]

Whoa-- u-uh, hold your horses there... I- the ones I like talking to the most are already calling a lot.

[ ...does she mean ryoji- ]

A-and I don't mind calls or texts from any of you, really. Even the more...abrasive are fun to talk to.

[heritrix]

[It is probably Ryoji but now we have to determine it for science]

You really don't a favorite? Not a single one?

[transmittable]

It's- my job here's to be- uh, to oversee and keep things running smoothly, and- having a favorite would be- favor...tism...

[ Wow. ]

[heritrix]

[...heheh.

Okay, she has to sell this. Rin forces a sigh, like she's relenting.]

You're right, of course. It would be wrong if you liked one of us more than the other. It would compromise your ability to remain impartial.

[transmittable]

Exactly!

[ Even through the distortion? Her voice goes really high. ]

...I'm not foolin' you, am I?

[heritrix]

Oh, you're admitting it here? I was going to try worming it out of you with a game. Traits you find most attractive in boys!

[transmittable]

Oh God.

[ The sound of a thump! ...Did the Transmitter's head just...drop on to whatever's in front of her...? Her voice is a bit muffled, that's for sure. ]

It's been a long time since I've dated, okay, I'm out of practice with- coy-ass stuff!

[heritrix]

[Ahhh, she has a potty-mouth! And it's just as awkward as the rest of her speech. That and the faceplant makes Rin burst into laughter, though she's polite enough to tilt her head away from the phone so it doesn't blare loudly into the mouthpiece, and the Transmitter's ear.]

[transmittable]

[ It may not blare, but hear it she still does! So in response, Rin's treated to a long, drawn-out, over-dramatic moan. ]

[heritrix]

[Hehehe... Rin comes back to the phone, feeling even more fired up.]

You know if you're that rusty, maybe we should play it after all?

[transmittable]

I- I do fine!

[ ...she sounds indignant- ]

I've made him blush several times, thankyouverymuch!

[heritrix]

Really, really!? [She sounds ecstatic.] I thought he was the smooth one!