AUDIO ► Transmitted to every communicator

[shrewd_doc]

Ahem. Hello, my lovely citizens. Such a wonderful day, isn’t it? [ A dry laugh. She seems to be either forgetting the frogs, or even meaning them. ] Hope those pesky little frogs haven’t caused you too much trouble, has it? If so, please listen to the wonderful Naomi Hunter and make your way to the hospital. It’s always appreciated when my

Comments

[scientize]

[VIDEO]

Well, [the sarcastic reply comes with a semi-irritated roll of her eyes. It's been a long day on her feet at the hospital, after all, and it isn't even anywhere near being complete. Naomi doesn't necessarily want to spend her last ten minute break of the night in a mind game with the supposed head woman in charge, but what can she say? She's a scientist, curiosity has always driven her to oddest of actions.]

I guess I should be flattered that a woman like you thinks I'm wonderful.

[shrewd_doc]

Of course I think you're wonderful, my sweet doctor. We are alike, you and I. Plus, how can I not like someone who follows my needs so flawlessly? Without even being nudged.

[scientize]

Alike? I don't want to even ask how you've managed to think up something as ridiculous as that.

And I'm only doing my job. I wouldn't be a very capable doctor if I couldn't perform the tasks assigned to me.

[shrewd_doc]

Of course. Tasks assigned by me. Though, as a little warning, little one. You better keep doing what I say, else something quite evil might welcome itself back in your life.

[scientize]

[Naomi's tired expression recedes, a curious arch of her brows highlighting the sudden surprise on her lovely face. Well, that was an outright threat, no matter how prettily it had been wrapped.]

I don't know to what you're referring, but I assume it's the usual threatening tactics everyone here has warned me about.

[Despite the fact that Naomi is absolutely exhausted from pushing her delicate self so hard these last few days, the doctor still manages to steel herself against the other woman, her face hard and her ferocity unbreakable. She doesn't even attempt to hide the clear irritation in her tone.]

Listen to me. I'm not your pawn. Not now, not ever. My work during this crisis has absolutely nothing to do with your wishes. It's just a lucky coincidence. And my guess is it won't happen again, so try not to be too disappointed if I ignore your next request.

[shrewd_doc]

[ She outright laughs. Oh, she was glad she dragged this little morsel into her city. ]

Oh, take your pick, dear. You've had a few, and you know. I know them all. [ A pause. ] But does anyone else?

Oh. As long as you're looking out for my toys, which I assure you, you will keep it up, you will be my pawn. Unwillingly? Of course. I rather them unwilling anyways.

[scientize]

You're lying. It's a poorly constructed bluff. You think you can manipulate me like the other mindless drones in this city, but you're wrong. I'm not stupid like the rest.

[Naomi seems fairly confident in her analysis of the other woman. Even if they'd only spoken one time before previously, she's come to the conclusion that the Head Doctor was just attempting to scare people into fearfully cowering in her long shadow, manipulating others the same way that Naomi herself has done all her life.]

You must be so proud to see what a terrible reputation you are giving the other doctors in this place. You may have some fans in the city, but certainly not with us. We won't do your work.

[shrewd_doc]

Well, fine. If you're not worried about yourself, be worried about your "friend." Death lasts forever here, Naomi. Just because I can bring people in moments after they die, dying here lasts forever.

And everyone was connected to my machine, little one. Do you want to test it out? See if I can make him do it?

[scientize]

[She may not be using specifics, but the implication seems to be enough. The fight goes out of Naomi immediately, leaving a tired, sickly woman behind.]

N-no, you don't have that power....[But she doesn't seem nearly as firm and confident as before.]

[shrewd_doc]

Yes, I do, Naomi. I have all the power in this city. I'm a little disappointed though, didn't know your former sickness made you so weak.

[scientize]

[Her mouth clamps shut violently, lips pursing firmly together as Naomi's gaze flicks away from the screen, hoping to find some semblance of control if she can just have a single moment to push her currently tumbling thoughts away and catch her breath.

No, no. This wasn't what she had been ready for. The other woman isn't being very exact in her wording, but the connection was just too clear to not make. But how did she know? How could she have possibly figured it out?

...Did the Head Doctor really have more power than Naomi had initially assumed or was this a fluke?] It doesn't.

[She clears her throat, a bit too proud to switch the video feature off despite really wanting to, her gaze still offscreen.] No, I'm not weak. I'm fine.

That's enough. I'm not going to play this game.

[shrewd_doc]

Too bad, dear girl. [ Her tone seemed to get even snider, as if she wanted to cause damage. ] You're already a little pawn in my game. I know things you don't want anyone to know. Stuff maybe even your little boy doesn't even know. Do I make myself clear?

You are only here because I want you here. So are all your friends, all your family. I can take them away, and make you suffer, by not taking them back to their home world.

[scientize]

[The woman's pretty face flinches abruptly at the disrespectful 'little boy' comment. Javert is anything but.]

You're making a mistake. [Attempting to force Naomi into a any position is a bad idea generally, but threatening her husband along with it all? Well, that just takes the cake.]

[shrewd_doc]

I sincerely doubt it. I need my playthings to realize just how strong I am. You understand? If there is some... causalities then so be it.