SS572S | VOICE | D009

[2199]

[American, vaguely East Coast, female, an adult voice with a harsh cadence; she speaks in the dull tone of someone accustomed to terse military communication.]

This is Sierra-Sierra-Five-Seven-Two-Sierra, requesting Libra. I say again: Sierra-Sierra-Five-Seven-Two-Sierra, requesting Libra. Requesting November-Sierra-Charlie. Requesting... Requesting unknown station.

Possible India-Foxtrot-Tango bleed. Proceed with caution. Do not interact with any nonhuman organic life. I say again: do not interact with any nonhuman organic life, under any circumstance. This priority overrides all other orders. Authentication: Deep Waters.

Report... Report. [A long sigh. Something like fatigue creeps in, but it's quickly banished.] Reporting buildings on the horizon. Will attempt reconnaissance.

Please hail if assist is needed. Location unknown, but... well, if I can hear you on this thing, I should be able to get to you.

Sierra-Sierra-Five-Seven-Two-Sierra, over.

Comments

[aluminumandash]

Yes ma'am. [ He says to her thanks, with matter-of-fact solemnity.

He could warn her about the unseen people in the jungle, ask about the buildings, her health, but— ] You've seen it elsewhere? [ Almost not a question. ]

[2199]

If I had, nothing else would matter anymore.

[She's never talked about the White Hole with people who haven't been debriefed. She's not quite sure how to navigate what is and isn't worthwhile information. She doesn't want to cut people off so suddenly that it makes them curious; she doesn't want to give them enough information to cause a panic. Through this delicate balance, she doesn't realize she hasn't said no.]