[ 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]

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.

[glassbox]

[ a little sigh. ]

It ain't like that. Not really. I mean, it is now, her bein' here and me bein' here too but. It's 'cause of me -- [ a half-beat. still hard to say out loud. ] Dyin'. And all. He's from my future.

[retropolis]

Oh, no.

[ He's quiet a moment. The situation is exactly the kind of situation he fears happening to him, though in reverse. ]

Oh no. That's awful -- I -- are you -- [ He's not sure what to say. ] You're okay though, right...? How do you handle a thing like that?

[glassbox]

It ain't the worst thing I've survived, hon. Hard on the heart maybe, but I'm a big girl.

Thanks though. For askin'. Y'dont even know me, but y'asked anyway.

[retropolis]

Obviously it wouldn't be, but-- [ He exhales slightly. ] Death isn't an easy thing no matter which side of it you're on, I-I'd imagine. I've heard that can happen here, but I think you're the first person I've met who it's happened to.

[glassbox]

S'pose it ain't gonna matter all that much. Eventually, I'm gonna get sent home t'die, and it ain't like I'm gonna remember any a'this anyway.

Guess I'd be glad Maddie ain't gonna be alone when I'm gone -- if I was a good wife and all, but I ain't.

[retropolis]

I'm sure you weren't as bad as all that. At least you have another chance here, while it, uh, while it lasts. Right? [ Beat. ] That's how I've been trying to look at it, anyway. A second chance to do things better.

[glassbox]

If it is a second chance, I ain't doin' that great with it. We ain't been on the best a'terms. But then again, we never really have.

[ an exhale ]

Y'got anyone from home?

[retropolis]

There's always someone else. If you wanted. Some things can take years to mend, if even... I'm not sure it's always possible. Given enough time most things could be.

[ He is so not one to talk. ]

I did, but-- [ And a sigh. ] No one else.

[glassbox]

Hon, I don't think I got years left. And I only ever loved one man. It makes me kinda crazy, y'know what I mean? Gets me all kinds a'stupid.

[retropolis]

[ He's quiet, then sighs slightly. ]

Yes, I do know exactly what you mean. One can't always be irrational when love is involved.

[glassbox]

That experience talkin'?

oops that should have been 'rational'

[retropolis]

Uh -- maybe a little bit. I know how hard it can be recapturing a feeling.

LMFAO it's cool i didn't notice

[glassbox]

Ain't that the truth.

[ a little pause ]

S'pose it doesn't matter though. Y'had any luck with your gal friend?

TYPOS!!

[retropolis]

Oh, no, that's long over. I think our situations might not be all too different in that respect.

[glassbox]

That right? S'pose it's a shame.

[retropolis]

In a way. I've discovered that life does go on, though -- sometimes extremely literally. [ Considering present company. ]

[glassbox]

[ she makes a light, half-surprised noise that sounds a little amused. ]

I happen t'be a resilient gal. I don't go by Diamond Lil for nothin', y'know?

[retropolis]

I think that's admirable. It isn't always easy making yourself bullet-proof. [ Beat. ] However that ends up happening.