1. petronilla introduces herself
[Since Petronilla is illiterate and vain, she's spent the last day trying to figure out how to use the video function on the communication device. She finally turns it on and looks triumphantly into the camera - well, half-triumphantly, because she's pointing it at a spot just above her shoulder - but you can see her face and and the neat folds of
( Read more... )
Oh, this is just -- I am so sorry, madame. You've been brought here by a being that calls himself the Admiral and he ... seems to have used you very poorly indeed.
Reply
[Judging the tea as having steeped for long enough, she removes the teabag and hands the mug to Petronilla.]
There are men and women here who have traveled through time, they say, and people from other planets-other stars, you might say. I am very ordinary, compared to many.
Reply
People from other plants.
[She doesn't believe Mal, but she's too distracted by the taste of the tea to say anything more.]
This is delicious.
Reply
[Carefully, in case there's more trauma attached to the question:] May I ask ... is this your first?
Reply
No, it is not. I...I lost my first.
[She seems to look utterly distraught about this - and it is genuine, even if what she's saying isn't.]
Reply
[Mal's look is one of deep and very genuine sympathy, and she gently reaches out to put a hand on Petronilla's shoulder.]
I am so sorry.
Reply
Yes. We were all devastated. It was a little boy...
[She blinks and brings herself back, hand back to her stomach.]
This one is precious to me.
Reply
But of course. They are all precious and I imagine that this one is all the more so.
[Sadly:] I miss my little ones, but it is just as well they are nowhere near here. I hold out hope that someday I shall see them again.
Reply
What sort of place is this, to separate mothers from their children! Some cruel Hell, this imprisonment!
Reply
[She notices the change in Petronilla's manner with some interest, though. She's not sure what to make of it yet, but Mal is not unperceptive, after all, and files the information away for later.]
I will say that there are some here who are quite kind and sympathetic, and will do all they can to help. There are some that are dangerous and mad, however, and you would do well to be cautious. Particularly given your additional vulnerability.
Reply
[She glances at Mal.]
Save for a select few people, of course, and I do thank you for the tea and the warm welcome. I am just so shaken still by everything, and feeling particularly weak without the protection of my husband's family.
Reply
My warden, Angelica Sexby, and her husband Edward-they are good people, and you may trust that anyone they count as a friend may be relied upon as well. But please-do not hesitate to contact me either. Particularly if there is something you need to say that you'd rather not mention to a warden.
Reply
Thank you, madame. Your kindness to me and my baby has been a solace to me. This prison is a lot more like a convent than it is a gaol, but finding welcoming people has been comforting all the same.
[Petronilla breaks her own rule of 'No Touching' and gently places her hand on Mal's. The woman seems to approve of such things.]
Reply
It is much more rowdy than a convent, I think you'll find. But I'm glad I could help at all. [She gives Petronilla's hand a gnelt squeeze.] Is there anything else I can help you with for now? Or shall I leave you to rest and settle in?
Reply
I think I shall have to rest. It has been an arduous day for us.
Reply
I understand. You may reach me through the communicator at any time. Take care, Petronilla.
Reply
Leave a comment