[ 3 ] [ voice; forward-dated to early saturday morning ]

[retropolis]

[ He doesn't speak immediately, though there's the very, very faint sound of the radio in the background. A breath is drawn and when he does finally talk he sounds some combination of very concerned and upset while also trying not to be. ]

Um -- uh -- hello. I wouldn't normally use this thing for such a simple question, but I figured this would be the fastest way to get a real answer, since-- well, I know that protocol here doesn't always allow for just calling the police.

So: Has anyone else disappeared... recently? Unaccounted for?

[ He clears his throat and there's a pause as he takes a drink of something. ]

You see, I can't reach my friend Sally. [ Another pause. ] Jupiter. She's not normally very difficult to get ahold of, but it's no use. Now, my coworkers went missing for about a week last month without any warning, and they're all back now. But they weren't alone, either, and I know -- I know that these things can depend on if they're individual or en masse. That is, it's what I've heard.

But if anyone has seen her... or heard from her... I'd just like to make sure she's all right. I want to ensure that--

[ You don't want to know how many times he's tried calling her to bring him to the conclusion that, yes, something may be wrong. Like. It was a lot of times. Just in case: ]

Sally, if you're listening to this, I really hope you aren't just avoiding me.

Comments

[retropolis]

As sure as I can be, but, uh. I'm no expert when it comes to women. [ A beat. ] She should just tell me, then. I gave her plenty of chances to answer the phone.

[glassbox]

Well, from a woman to a guy who apparently ain't an expert when it comes to women, y'can't just expect a girl t'tell you that kinda thing straight-like.

[retropolis]

Do you think I should I have insisted on seeing her more often? I thought she'd want some space. I-I'm not really sure, I assumed we were close enough she'd tell me if I was bothering her. It's what friends do, isn't it?

[glassbox]

Wouldn'tve hurt t'insist a little. That's what I figure anyway. Gesture's nice, y'know?

[retropolis]

I hope she didn't think I was ignoring her. Or doesn't. Oh, no... [ A fretful pause. ] But I can't even apologize if she won't answer my calls.

[glassbox]

S'pose that's the trouble, ain't it? 'Least you'll know better, for next time. Some guys never learn, I'm tellin' you.

[retropolis]

Oh, I know. I mean -- I can imagine. If she's still around I'll definitely have to make it up to her. [ A beat. ] Though I'm starting to doubt that she is.

[glassbox]

Oh. Y'mean, y'think she's gone after all?

[retropolis]

I keep getting told it's the most likely scenario, but I'm going to keep trying her anyway. Maybe she had an emergency, if she's not just upset.

[glassbox]

Ain't easy. Guess if she comes 'round and y'gave up, she'd probably get pissed anyway.

[ a beat. ]

Nice of you though. Not givin' up on her, I mean.

[retropolis]

She's been very supportive over the years, it's the least I can do. She'd do the same for me.

But I'm sure you know how it goes with friends. You don't want to have to give up on anyone.

[glassbox]

Sure. S'pose I've had a few friends. We ain't too good at stickin' together or stayin' alive though.

[retropolis]

That's why it's important to keep up with people while they're still around. You never know when-- [ Beat. ] Don't you have any friends here, uh... Ms....?

[glassbox]

It's Lillian, hon. Mostly just Lil though. Diamond Lil sometimes, if y'like the codename thing. And my husband's here, I s'pose. That ain't here or there though.

[ a beat of her own. ]

What'd you say your name was, anyway?

[retropolis]

Lil. It's nice to meet you -- that must be nice, isn't it? Having your husband around? This place might not feel so bleak if it brought people in pairs.

Uh -- and I'm Nelson. Nelson Gardner.

[glassbox]

Y'ain't ever been married before, huh, Nelson?

[retropolis]

Uh. No, I never really-- [ With some caution: ] Is he your ex-husband?

[glassbox]

No. We ain't ever been properly divorced. It's complicated, that's all. And I can tell y'that y'ain't missin' out on much.

[retropolis]

It was never really among my plans, but -- uh... so, it's nothing that can be worked out? Since you're both here...

That must be difficult to manage. I suppose I can't really imagine.

[glassbox]

Not with that robot girlfriend of his 'round.

[ she's a little petulant first, then curious: ]

How come y'don't wanna get hitched? Y'ain't the marryin' type?

[retropolis]

His what? [ A shocked pause. ] You're kidding. I'm not sure what about that is more offensive.

[ Cheating is bad enough, but cheating with robots kind of blows his mind. Why... ]

Something like that, yes. I've never been keen on... settling down. Busy life and all, you know how it can be.

[glassbox]

It ain't what you're thinkin'. It is, but it ain't. Like I said, hon, it's complicated. Superhero life ain't kind t'marriage.

Still, y'might change your mind someday. Y'never know.

[retropolis]

I suppose it wouldn't be. Superhero life isn't kind to many things... as I understand. It's easy to see how it could interfere with a happy relationship. Or -- any relationship. I'm, uh, I hope it's not too awkward for you.

I won't deny there's something tempting about the idea of spending the rest of your life with someone. Life just doesn't work out that way for everyone.

[glassbox]

That's sweet, hon. Thanks. M'sure it'll work out for you somehow. Y'seem decent enough.

[retropolis]

It's no trouble, really. I can only imagine how I'd -- forgive me saying so, but no one deserves having to put up with a cad like that. Especially not... well, if this place has to be good for anything I'd think distance would be it.

[ Beat. ]

Maybe you're right. These things can sometimes take you by surprise. Uh -- and that does go for you too.