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]

We hoped you would be! And everyone else too. All the scrambling, the scurrying, like little chicks, peeping in the hen house. Keep on crying, birdies!

[ There's laughter, and it's particularly distorted. ]

Are you going to act, do you think?

[doctorize]

Hmm, I thought about it, but... honestly, I think it would be more exciting to see who among us would do so other than myself. After all, these trials tend to bring out the best in people, all the way down to the way their peepers shine even more brilliant than ever with despair...

[... He's not even going to fucking try to hide his perverse interest in this because the Risen already know about it, if the secret written on his envelope had been any indication.]

[transmittable]

You like that, do you? When they shine with despair... When things are...interesting...

[ There's a soft laugh. ]

What if we say we had a proposition for you...that we can guarantee would get you that beautiful satisfaction you so richly crave? See all their peepers sparkle like gems about to be smashed?

[doctorize]

... Then I would say that you have my interest piqued. Tell me more about what this "proposition" of yours consists of.

[transmittable]

Oh, you wouldn't have to do anything. Not now, at least.

Just, one day, when we request it...kill someone. Maybe we'll tell you who. Maybe we won't. Make the perfect crime. Be our...kill switch.

[doctorize]

That's certainly quite the request being made here.

[And yet, Daniel Dickens doesn't sound disgusted by it--if anything, he sounds fascinated by the proposal.]

Are you wanting to ensure that things end on a strong note when you've tired of playing this game: a grand finale, as it were? Because if so I have to admit, I'm a little flattered that you would want us to play a part in that, if that is the case.

[transmittable]

Mmm, you could put it like that. Really, we want this game to keep going and going and going...but when we have use of you, we think you'd be a wonderful asset. A dandy doctor to send them into despair.

[doctorize]

It wouldn't be a bad fit, given the hospital theme and all; it's a lot like home, actually.

[His special floor, where he pretends to be the kind and friendly doctor to the lost ones that find their way there, only to betray them and excise those beautiful peepers to add to his collection...]

[transmittable]

That's exactly what we thought! See, we think alike already. Darling Danny Boy, what do you say? Will you, won't you, won't you say yes?

[doctorize]

[Aha... Ahahahaha...]

Sounds like fun. Consider my response a yes... if you answer just one question for me first, if you don't mind.

[transmittable]

[ They laugh, and it's...not just the Transmitter's voice. It's many voices, too distorted to get a read on the demographics of. ]

What is it?

[doctorize]

If I succeed and the resulting trial ends in my favor... would it be at all possible to allow me to extract and keep the peepers of my fellow patients here as souvenirs?

[DANIEL DICKENS WHY THE FUCK ARE YOU LIKE THIS]

[transmittable]

[ ...Murmuring. What the fuck, dude- ]

Aaahhh... We'd let you...before you leave the hospital grounds, we'd let you!

[ The laughter's back. Well, this is. Cheery. ]

[doctorize]

[when even the risen are wondering what the fuck is wrong with you, that is probably a sign that you're a terrible person]

Wonderful! There are quite a few pairs of eyes I've become fascinated by, and it would be such a shame to not take them home with me after all the time we've spent together here, you know?

[transmittable]

Yes, yes, doctor... We're pleased you're willing to be our associate.