1.5 Reinstall lungs and reboot

[no_fastolfe]

It-

[There's a fit of coughing as her lungs try to expel fluid that isn't there. So much for that start.]

It is not by any means new data, but in the interests of consensus and statistics, allow me to say that the Death Toll is awful.

[That's enough talking. More coughing, but the feed quickly cuts over the sound.]


[Private to Lore]
I understand that you dedicated your efforts to restoring the barge. Commendable and much appreciated. Was the experience stressful for you?

Comments

[Private]

[no_fastolfe]

My first Death Toll.

...at least it makes one sure that death... here... is not final.

[Private]

[substandard_parts]

I guess the Admiral was checking to see how many he could push through it at once. [Because, seriously, how many people died?] He's one hell of a boss.

[Private]

[no_fastolfe]

Even wardens were not guaranteed safety.

[She sounds... so uncomfortable about this.]

All Spacers fear death. The loss of our centuries.

[Private]

[substandard_parts]

So did my father. I think it's a pretty common practice. I know I did. [Though he doesn't know whether or not he should regret bringing that up yet.]

[Private]

[no_fastolfe]

How much worse it must be... when your lifespan could be millenia instead of centuries.

[She sounds exhausted. But actually quite sympathetic.]

[Private]

[substandard_parts]

I was three months old.

[Flatly delivered, and a rounded number because it does still emotionally tweak him. Three months is a long time to an android, but the colonists still operated on human time. His interactions were based upon their speed, not his, and it was always frustrating for him. He still wants to do things at his speed, but it's funny to him that he didn't learn to deal with people fast enough.]

[Private]

[no_fastolfe]

With so much time ahead.

[She swallows and leans back, looking strained.]

I have read your file. But can you tell me, for a while-- what it was like for you. What you felt, as the conflict began.

[Private] Lost the tag

[substandard_parts]

I didn't know. It surprised me. [He shortens the story, abbreviates it into that. Vasilia looks a little too uncomfortable to be talking to him.]

You should probably take it easy until whatever rebooting this is is over. I hear headaches are the worst.

[Private] Lost the tag

[no_fastolfe]

Boredom is the worst. Headaches are a close second.

I was never incapacitated this way before the barge. Had never been ill or seriously injured in any way. [She shuts her eyes.] It is like an affront.

[Sleepy conversation makes so much sense, yes?]