24.0. the line between reality and not.

[systemfails]

[There's a grating sound. Like someone's scratching something across the table. Sue's voice is just very... flat.]

Y'ken, when I was pissed as hell on a sinkin' ship... I kinda thought I might die. Kinda thought I might wake up, though, too.

I did. Jus' with sand in me mouth. Again[More scratching, and a slight clatter

Comments

[balancedlight]

[After hearing that post, Sveta sighed and gathered her keys, heading back to her place. She unlocked the door and stepped inside, shutting it cautiously behind her.] Sue? [She didn't expect to see her out, so her first stop would be her room.]

[systemfails]

[She didn't answer. She just hoped Sveta would give up and go back to helping people. They needed it. She had actually meant to ask after them, but those words hadn't happened, not like she planned. She was playing with the keys nervously between her fingers, and just staring through her glasses at the ceiling in her room. She did have solitaire open, but was just moving a nine of spades around aimlessly.]

[balancedlight]

[She walked over to Sue's room and knocked on the door.] Sue. I know you're in there. [She didn't, but she could just assume.]

Let me in? Please?

[systemfails]

You can come in. [She paused, but didn't really look away from that nine of spades,] But promise me you willnae stay long and will go help the others.

[balancedlight]

Everyone's going to be fine. [She opened the door and stepped inside, closing it behind her.]

But I promise.

[systemfails]

[She still sounded pretty flat, and didn't really look over at Sveta,]

They're actually hurt.

[balancedlight]

You don't have to have cuts and bruises to be hurt. [She walked over and sat down near her.]

Sue...look at me.

[systemfails]

[Sue did look at her, but then pulled her glasses off.] It's hard sometimes, Sveta.

[balancedlight]

I know. [She sighed.] It's hard a lot of the time. But you don't always have to be the strong one, you know.

[systemfails]

Not quite what I meant.

[She tossed the keys from one hand to another,] It's hard to tell what's real now. You ken what I mean?

[balancedlight]

[She nodded.] I know what you mean. [Sveta shrugged, though.]

But does it really matter? I don't think....I don't know. I don't think any of it is any less real than this.

[systemfails]

[Sue shook her head firmly and turned to face Sveta,]

But... when you take stupid risks, do ridiculous things when you make the judgement it isnae real, it is just a dream, just a game... it starts to matter. Reality's a fucking complicated thing when it comes downta it.

[balancedlight]

Then what about this? [She kept calm, spreading her hands out a bit.]

And no one said that this was a game. This place might not be real but...you are. And I am. And they are.

[systemfails]

But... it's like thinkin' someone's internet avatar is real, y'ken? It is, but they arenae... it isnae the same.

[She ran a hand through her hair,] And I donae mean any offence by that, but.. it's possible to think reality is fake and other things are very real when they're not. When someone can... rob a fucking virtual bank in a fucking game... in the real world, then maybe the ship's real, or as good as real. Maybe this is real, or as good as real. Maybe nothing's fucking real and I just cannae keep up.

[balancedlight]

[Sveta instantly looked confused.] What do you mean? Sorry, Sue. You lost me there.

[systemfails]

Did I nae tell yous about the last crime I... [She shook her head,] No, I didnae.

[She sighed, then turned to her,] Sit yourself down and give me a cigarette.