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

[ 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.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ ARE YOU LONELY... ]

There's always coffee in the morning. Or after work. Something simple.

[ Ha ha ha why don't you ask Mitch that. He laughs, in any case. ]

Have you seen him before he gets his morning coffee? [ Bradbury's had the dubious honor. ] Wouldn't wish that on anyone.

[ A beat. ]

Thanks, but ... things are fine the way they are. He's got enough on his plate.

Oh, um--

[ A sheepish pause. This conversation has started falling down the stairs ]

I'm sorry, it's none of my business. Absolutely not. I got carried away.

Just a little. [ Wry. ]

Come on, it's not like we need marriage counseling or something.

[ A nervous laugh. ]

Of course not. I just though, maybe--

But it's not important. I'm still just thinking of Sally, I suppose.

You'll get a chance to see each other again. I'm sure of it.

... When I go back, at the very least. I'm sure sooner or later I'd feel compelled to fly over to California to see her and Laurie.

Probably a good idea.

[ He likely won't even remember being here, but Bradbury doesn't point that out. ]

At least you know they're safe, back home.

[ A pause. ]

Uh... how do I know that?

Because when you get sent back home, it'll be like you were never gone. [ Speaking from experience, actually. ]

So if they were fine when you left, you don't have anything to worry about.

Oh.

That's good. I'm fairly certain she was all right... I would have heard if not, I think. [ A pause. ] Thank you.

Nobody ever told you about that?

If they had it slipped my mind, I've just been... concerned. Not about danger specifically, of course, but... [ A pause. ] It is nice to hear.

Some days, it's what keeps me from going crazy. At least I know I'm not missing out on my girls growing up.

[ At least not any more than he already has... ]

[ Beat. He's not sure he knew Bradbury had daughters. ]

How old are they?

They'll be turning 11 on their next birthday.

Oh, twins? That's sweet. They don't match, do they?

[ The idea amuses him. ]

[ He snorts. ]

Well, they're identical, but my ex didn't go in for the whole matching outfits thing. They're still pretty cute, though.

[ He's restraining himself from going full-on gushing dad mode. Barely. ]

Edited 2013-03-14 04:11 (UTC)

Oh, I'm sure.

[ Because they've got good genetics. :|a ]

Uh -- what are their names?

Alice and Angela. [ His big stupid sappy grin is probably audible. ]

Couldn't get away from matching names, I guess.

[ A slight laugh. He doesn't actually... like... kids... but he doesn't mind hearing Bradbury (or Sally) talk about them. ]

Are they the sort to follow in your footsteps?

[ That actually gets a laugh out of him. ]

God, I hope not. They should actually get to do something with their life.

Security is doing something -- that's also what I did.

I like my job, but I'd kind of hope they never have to do anything like it.

[ He doesn't want them to have to risk their lives, he means. ]

Maybe something in just regular politics, then.

voice;

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