the 002nd. || voice

[pike]

[ Much like Nigel's first post, there is only silence when the device first clicks on. Eventually, though, the young man on the other end of the connection clears his throat. His tone is politely curious. ]

I've been told that the dead do not stay dead here and in ways much more involved than the occasional curse. Which leaves me wondering, City: is there no need for undertakers here?

[ There's a pause and then Nigel adds: ]  I had hoped to make myself useful.

Comments

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

I'm sure you'll find some way to repay her.

[pike]

And how long have you been a resident here? As long as her?

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Longer, actually, which is the subject of a bit of a joke between us. I've been here for three and a half years now. And I think she'd been here for perhaps two or two and a half.

[pike]

That's the longest I've ever heard for this place.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

I know. It's something of a dubious honour. I hope you're not here this long.

[pike]

Have you ever tried to escape? Or seen others attempt it?

My impression, based on the Network, is that most tend to accept their situation fairly quickly. Usually at the insistence of others.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

I have tried and I have seen others try and I have even aided in several attempts. It has not, as yet, succeeded.

Yes, most do, which is unfortunate in my opinion. If one gives up, then the 'deities' have already won.

[pike]

And have you found purpose or reason for our capture? Beyond satisfying idle boredom, of course.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

The story, of course, is that our misery at being here and at suffering the curses serves to keep the Clock under the City wound, which serves to keep our worlds spinning.

But that's only the story.

[pike]

So that's where the ticking comes from.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

So I'm told. I've never seen the Clock, but I know there are some who have.

[pike]

They've gone down below?

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Some have, yes, and more than once. It's never gone quite according to plan, though. The 'deities' have some protection around the Clock.

[pike]

I'd guess security measures around here are more likely to be a minotaur and a maze.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Something like that, yes.

[pike]

[ His voice is a strange mix of amused and irritated. ]

They do nothing by halves, do they?

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Never--that wouldn't be their style at all.

[pike]

[ He's silent for a while and then eventually exhales once, very loudly. ]

I would ask another question but I think I've spent too much of my time already milling over them. [ A beat. ] If ever you find yourself at the warehouse to visit Rosella, you're welcome to knock on my bedroom door to say hello.

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

Thank you--I may just do that. And if you ever happen by the opera house, feel free to pay me a call as well.

[pike]

An opera house?

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

The Opera Abandoned--though it's somewhat less abandoned with so many of us living there.

[pike]

How many qualify for 'so many'?

[misterblackbird.livejournal.com]

There are seven of us, I believe, at the moment.