[ 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]

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

[glassbox]

Some gals are just born with it. I was. Invulnerability, that's my power.

S'pose you gotta have one too, eh? From the kidnappin' computer, if y'didn't come with one already.

[retropolis]

Invulnerability would be a nice one. [ He's envious tbh. ] If I have one, I don't know what it is. I'm not sure how to go about finding that out.

[glassbox]

Figure you'll probably know when y'need to. Anyway, bein' indestructible ain't all it's talked up t'be. Still hurts, y'know, gettin' hit and all, even if it won't actually break the skin -- and it ain't like I got invulnerable feelin's.

[ a light beat. then, in an amicable way: ]

Still, y'ever need a little invulnerability, I'm your gal.

[retropolis]

Oh. Yes, I suppose you're right. [ A pause. ] Though, I don't think either of those are bad things to feel, necessarily.

[ He chuckles. ]

I'm not sure I'll ever have to take you up on it, but I do appreciate the offer.

[glassbox]

That's awful optimistic of you, hon. On both counts.

[retropolis]

I try. Focusing on the good helps time go by better than dwelling on the bad.

... That is, when it's possible. I'll admit that it's a little more difficult here.

[glassbox]

Yeah? How d'you figure?

[retropolis]

There are just less... familiar resources here, I suppose. Less familiarity altogether.

[glassbox]

S'pose so. But don't y'ever want a break from familiar things?

[retropolis]

Uh. No, not normally. It's not so bad to have a routine.

[glassbox]

Y'musta had a nice life then. Back home.

[retropolis]

It was nicer about ten years ago. But you can't really prevent time from moving.

[glassbox]

Sure doesn't stop me from wishin' I could, sometimes.

[retropolis]

I know the feeling. [ He sighs again. ] The best I can offer you there is you'd ever like some company to talk to over coffee.

[glassbox]

[ a light beat ]

S'real nice of you, Nelson. I'd like that, some time.

[retropolis]

Whenever you'd like -- I don't have much to do when I'm not working.