003 — handwritten [graph paper]

[argents]

[ July 1st.

This time, Banagher's number is copied down on graph paper. What appears isn't anything handwritten, but a rough technical sketch. An empty jumpseat of some kind, crowned by three screens and what looks like an impossibly advanced panoramic HUD. The rest is left sparsely detailed — no buttons, concrete controls, or clues as to what this cockpit (what else could it be?) belongs to. Save for the odd one-on-one occasion, he's been tight-lipped about what exactly has splashed itself uninvited across his memories, never knowing for sure what to trust when it came to himself. Never quite believing he could have been this... thing's pilot.

Off to the side, around some messy notes, is a scrawled out line of text in another language: À mon seul désir. There's a poetic ring to it, nearly romantic.

It's odd, placed next to a piece of technology so futuristic. ]

It's weird. I had to wrack my brain to remember this thing enough to put it on paper, even if I can't forget it. [ A pause, possibly to tap his pencil. ] If you asked any kid when they were younger what they wanted for their birthday, a giant robot probably ranked pretty high, right? Not so much when you're 18, though. When things like this aren't even supposed to be real...

[ Let alone crazy brain powers. At least he was getting used to those. And more importantly: ]

...it could have come with a better name.

[ Which he is hoping like hell wasn't his doing. ]

Comments

[argents]

[ If they ever find themselves in need of a distraction tactic... ]

Yeah, like that. I don't know how, or if I even can, but I want to think I could be someone who could live with it. All of this, whatever it ends up meaning.

[talktothedoll]

[It would be the greatest of distractions.]

That's admirable, certainly. There's something to be said for adaptability.

[argents]

I feel like it's just talk right now. But it's my hope.

[talktothedoll]

Don't give that hope up. It's a valuable thing to have at a time like this.

[argents]

Thank you, um...? Sorry, I've been talking to you this whole time and I didn't even ask for your name.

[talktothedoll]

I'm Dr. Yokugawa. Mort Yokugawa.

[There's a bit of a chuckle.]

I believe we're somewhat even on that front.

[argents]

You're a doctor? Oh, and my name's Banagher! It's nice to meet you, even if I'm late saying it.

[talktothedoll]

That's right. I'm a doctor of psychiatry.

It's nice to meet you as well, Banagher. And there's nothing wrong with being late, as long as we introduce ourselves sometime, right?

[argents]

That's really cool... and I think so, yeah. With how many people ended up on this thing, it's not so easy to get to know everyone anymore. "Better late than never" though.

[talktothedoll]

I must admit, it's a little alarming as to just how many of us there are. And there could be even more who haven't yet given in and said anything, and possibly more still who are about to gain access...

I can't imagine it will be possible to speak with everyone, but trying is a worthwhile endeavor.

[argents]

It's still crazy, to think that we've all been from Locke so far. But still, I don't mind it. Knowing that there's probably someone who's not far from you that knows what this is like.

...Even though I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

[talktothedoll]

It's yet another part of the mystery. But it is fortunate, I think. We're able to meet each other in person. It would be terrible if this were so widespread we'd have no one nearby to turn to for support.

[He'll agree with a nod.]

I'd hope our numbers don't increase any more than they already have, but I can't imagine that would be the case.

[argents]

Me neither. Then all the attempts to get together and pool what we know will really be impossible, huh?

[talktothedoll]

Most definitely, and I'm sure there's some information that people would be more comfortable talking about in person.

[argents]

I understand that. Up until now that's how I've felt, mostly.

[talktothedoll]

You're making peace with it, then?

I suppose I should consider myself lucky all I've gotten back aside from the robots is just an odd toy. I've had nothing to worry about.

[argents]

Something like that. I haven't really had anything to hide, and it's not like I prefer being secretive, or whatever. It's just that I thought there wasn't anything I could do on my own to help everyone.

[talktothedoll]

Sometimes, all anyone needs is a willing ear to listen. That alone can be invaluable.

[argents]

Pretty simple, right?

[talktothedoll]

One of the few simple things about this situation.

[argents]

One of the few, but I feel like it's the most important too, somehow. Beyond all the weird powers.

[talktothedoll]

I’m inclined to agree with you. It’s important to have a normal constant throughout all of this, and there’s nothing better than being able to share problems freely.

[argents]

Is that why you became a psychiatrist?

[talktothedoll]

That's right. I thought it would be the best way for me to help people.

[argents]

There's — [ A brief hiccup occurs in his speech, like he's reconsidering what he wants to say. Ultimately he decides to barrel on through. ] ...there's something like that for me too. Something that I think I can use to help people. Or at least protect them.