-23- [voice]
[At first there is only a ragged breath, as of a person attempting to gather up all the reserves of strength in her body. And then silence for another moment. This is more difficult that she thought.]
I have a Forge, so I must be in Anatole. Is that right?
[Her voice is surprisingly steady. A seemingly simple question, though to her it is really anything but. Up until this moment she has depended on touch to tell her where she is, but the sense gives her an incomplete picture. She needs confirmation and she can only hope that her question will seem natural given recent events and won’t give away her true condition.]
How long have I been gone?
[Another pause because in many ways her next question is more difficult and more vital than any of the others. Another steadying breath and only the slightest inflection of concern.]
Colonel?
[Please tell me you’re still here. Tell me you’re all right.]
May I speak with you?
I have a Forge, so I must be in Anatole. Is that right?
[Her voice is surprisingly steady. A seemingly simple question, though to her it is really anything but. Up until this moment she has depended on touch to tell her where she is, but the sense gives her an incomplete picture. She needs confirmation and she can only hope that her question will seem natural given recent events and won’t give away her true condition.]
How long have I been gone?
[Another pause because in many ways her next question is more difficult and more vital than any of the others. Another steadying breath and only the slightest inflection of concern.]
Colonel?
[Please tell me you’re still here. Tell me you’re all right.]
May I speak with you?