voice.

[oddbod]

We should start keeping track of the missing.

[That's two more good friends, in the span of a couple of days, and the loss isn't easy to push through. But it's not time to get sad, or scared. It's time to get angry, get moving, get ahead.

Someone had once suggested they were going home, all of the vanished people. But no matter how hard she hopes, Clara just can't make herself believe it. Things don't work that way. Why would their captors just toss them back, like lucky fish? It doesn't make sense.]

I've got a few working theories, but none of them are very nice, so I'm open to suggestions.

Comments

Re: >> [private]

[episodically]

It's a --- it's a pretty big thing.

[ he's not saying no but he's surprised. he hopes that he doesn't sound like he's rejecting the idea, at least. ]

I don't want to just be done, no. Figure there's a lot of shit I'd miss out on if I chose that route. But, what if you change your mind?

[oddbod]

[She’s swearing at herself very vigorously right now.]

It’s not like I’m proposing marriage, [she teases, a bit nervous.] I just thought we could knock about for awhile, maybe. All of time and space, and the like. Just... let me know.

[If she ever gets them out of here, that is.]

[episodically]

I didn't think you were proposing marriage. If you were doing that, I'd be demanding flowers and grand gestures. A proposal over the network is not allowed.

[ best to keep things light, easy. even if the topic of conversation was definitely not. ]

Might be cool to see a few things that I've only read about. Flirt with someone from centuries past.

[oddbod]

I’ll keep that in mind for later.

[She won’t, and she hopes they both know that. It’s not in her future anymore. She’s not willing to lose anyone else she loves, and as far as she’s concerned, the easiest way to do that is by never falling in love. No boyfriends, no girlfriends, no feelings.]

And in case you forgot, mister, you already have been.

[episodically]

You don't count.

[ he says it lightly, a laugh in his voice. ]

My flirting's already worked on you.

[oddbod]

Or maybe mine worked on you.

[That... doesn't really make much sense, Clara.]

I've got to pop round the Regency era first, we can find you a nice girl. Or boy.

[episodically]

You jealous?

[ he's not really being serious but...are you, clara? ]

[oddbod]

No.

[Maybe in another life. Maybe in a life at all.]

Should I be?

[episodically]

Not something I can answer. I'm not you.

[ he smiles a bit. ]

For now, think I'm just going to keep flirting with you. I like it.

[oddbod]

A shocking coincidence.

[Okay, awkwardness stabilized, conversation back on course.]

Turns out I do too.

[episodically]

Good. Then, I'll stick around if you do? Deal?

[ should we shake on it? kiss on it? wrestle on it? jim's good with anything, really. ]

[oddbod]

I pinky swear that I'll do my best.

[He can't see her, but she's absolutely waggling her little finger.]

[episodically]

That's all I can ask.

[ but don't think he's going to just forget what you said earlier, clara. that wasn't going to happen. ]

[oddbod]

[Don't hold her responsible for things her mouth said while her brain was emotionally compromised, okay??]

What did I do to deserve a casual acquaintance like you, Jim Kirk?

[episodically]

Casual acquaintance, huh? All right.

[ he was just going to pause on that one and then sigh, shake his head. ]

You're just lucky, I guess.

[oddbod]

[Ah.]

Friend, [she amends.] With... benefits? Do they still say that in the 2200s?

[episodically]

Something like that.

[ but, since she sounds a little pained about talking about this, jim just lets it drop quietly. ]

But, friends is probably better.

[ won't cause her to sound near a panic attack. ]

[oddbod]

Friends. Yeah.

[Well, there are apparently a few things they need to talk about, because she's absolutely not sure how to read this whole little exchange. Friends? Only friends? Not friends? Did she offend him, somehow?]

... Sorry, my mouth sort of gets away from me. Makes jokes without my permission. [She should just wear this disclaimer like a sign.] You are my friend.

[episodically]

I'd hope so.

[ he smiles though there's still some uncertainty floating around. maybe it's just better brought up later. ]

It's all right, don't worry about it. It's been a stressful day for you.