TM #318: What does your future look like?

[manorly_wayne]

Jules Verne wrote, “Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real

Comments

[queenemma]

I am not surprised in the least at this revelation, Bruce.

[manorly_wayne]

Jules Verne?

[queenemma]

Older women. You always struck me as the sort who needs some babying.

[manorly_wayne]

You see right through me, Emma. So astute.

I do want you to realise, however, not just any older woman will do. I am discerning in my tastes.

[queenemma]

You always were. I believe your tastes were "must be beautiful beyond all measure" or something to that extent? I can't believe you would have lowered your standards at all.

I've missed talking with you, Bruce.

[manorly_wayne]

I've really missed you, Emma.

And that's the truth.

I can only think of one person who accepts me as unequivocally as you always have.

And I suspect you would even if you knew me.

[queenemma]

I'm touched.

And that is also the truth.

Mmm, would that be dear Alfred?

I would. A pity you'll never tell me.

[manorly_wayne]

I must be tired.

Wouldn't that be telling?

[queenemma]

Has your life been hectic lately, or are you simply referring to what you said to me?

Oh, very well then. I'm certain it was Alfred; only he could stand by you year after year without a single complaint.

[manorly_wayne]

If only you knew the half of it, Emma.

Well, if you're certain.

Do you ever regret coming back?

[queenemma]

"If only" seems to be a phrase I hear a lot lately.

Sometimes, yes. At the moment, I'm not sure. I've no idea why I'm telling you this when I haven't bothered to tell anyone else.

[manorly_wayne]

Because I'm listening to you.

Sometimes it's that simple.

People like us, Emma, our whole lives everyone is just looking at us and seeing what they can get.

[queenemma]

What is it, Bruce? Did something happen?

[manorly_wayne]

No.

I'd rather talk about you.

Tell me about coming back.

[queenemma]

I was never really gone. I existed in a room where there were only thoughts were present. My body was a shattered mess of diamonds and my mind missed it. It felt like forever, but it was only a few months and the Phoenix... well, it's part of me now, Bruce. I'm not certain I like that idea. This thing that can create life from nothing can also be a deadly destroyer.

And now it's part of me. Now I'm "back", so to speak, but I'm not the same.

And that, dearest, is all you'll get out of me on the subject for tonight.

[manorly_wayne]

That's all of us, Emma. Not just you. We can create from life or we can destroy life. It's always been that simple.

Don't use words with me you don't mean, Emma.