a rush of blood

The name is Richardson, Isaac Richardson. Vespasian Field Doctor. Various others.

[aria-parish]

Eh, howzit?

[aria-parish]

What’s next, riddles and a maze? A “steed,” huh? Listen, the only thing anyone is riding here is my last good nerve, and the only thing anyone’s gonna “overcome" is— hopefully your delusion that you can tell me what I "must" do.

…You arrogant ass! I’d be impressed if I wasn’t so damn appalled. It’s a movie reference, thespian. You’re less a man of the silver screen than a man of the stage, huh?

[isaacrichardson]

Of course I cannot force you to do anything. Alas, I can dream, can I not?

I realized the reference, though, hardly the time for one. But, yes, I am a man more of the stage than of the "silver screen." Less computers involved in the theatre. 

[isaacrichardson]

Hmmm

[freyja-bennett]

Yes, and we’ll make sure that both of us get home. 

Oh. you needn’t worry about that. Your darling Freyja is just fine. She’s just gotten a bit— I mean, I have just gotten a bit caught up in everyone else’s gloomy attitude. Shall I try to reclaim my optimism for you?

[isaacrichardson]

Mmmm, yes, and then maybe I'll finally pluck up the courage to marry you, and we'll have two beautiful children together, and they'll be kind and beautiful like you and as overly talkative and old-fashioned as I am.

You've never been influenced by gloom before, though, most of it came from me. Yes, please, if you could be so kind. If both of us are pessimistic we'll just be such dreadful company.

[aria-parish]

Eh, howzit?

[aria-parish]

Yeah, you mentioned the pauper thing already. Is this a test if I’m a gold-digger or something? I marry not for money, but for love, sir. And all this talk about extravagance and high passion and big promises— sounds like a lot of hot air to me. Rehearsed.

…Well, nobody’s perfect.

[isaacrichardson]

Perhaps it is, yet maybe it is not. You are proud, then. You must overcome your pride so that we can finally be together. Do that, and I shall never leave you side, darling, like a loyal steed.

Well, I am.

[isaacrichardson]

Hmmm

[freyja-bennett]

And I’m not going to let anything happen to you, either. You can protect me and I’ll take care of you and- and everything will be alright. We’ll keep each other safe.

Look at me, going on like this like some worried hen. And I’m supposed to be the optimistic one.

[isaacrichardson]

Yes, keep each other safe.

Look at you indeed. When did you get all dark and gloomy about the future? That's supposed to be my role. Who are you, and what have to you done with my darling Freyja?

[isaacrichardson]

Hmmm

[freyja-bennett]

Of course you would turn a touching statement into a chance to show your egotism.

It may be foolish of me to put much faith in your assurances, but I have to believe you are right. There have been so many close calls already… Who is to say next time we won’t be so lucky? You can’t control it, but I am going to believe you can to keep from going mad.

[isaacrichardson]

We've been lucky up to this point; what's to say that luck will suddenly come to an end? I can try, and I swear I'll succeed. I'm not going to let anything happen to you, Freyja; if I did, I-I don't know what I'd do with myself. 

[aria-parish]

Eh, howzit?

[aria-parish]

Trial run. It’s not official until I see the ring, I told you. I know you’re heartbroken, but I can’t compromise on this one.

And please, I can’t marry an actor. Far too much attention-seeking behavior for my tastes, and performers never settle down worth a damn. That right there is why we should call this marriage off. …Immediately.

But it would explain a lot about this journal thing— are you sure you’re not just deeply in character right now? We’re at the end of the 2090s, in case you didn’t know.

[isaacrichardson]

I am but a pauper who cannot afford to provide you with something extravagant, but you will have your ring.

But we always keep things interesting and are quite the passionate breed. I'll follow you do the ends of the Earth.

No I'm certain this is no character. It is simply what I've enjoyed and grown used to from the time I was a young boy in England.

[isaacrichardson]

Hmmm

[freyja-bennett]

Memorizing Shakespeare and impromptu surgery; what a god you would make! You know, if you said something like that to me while we were back home— and somehow convinced me you weren’t joking— I would truly feel touched. But out here, with everything that has happened, it frightens me to think of a situation where a choice like that would have to made. 

[isaacrichardson]

I'd be quite the individual to model oneself after, that much is certain. Well, I suppose you should feel touched either way, dear. While the chances may be high for a situation like that to arise, I can assure you, Freyja, I will never allow something like that to happen.

[aria-parish]

Eh, howzit?

[aria-parish]

Shouldn’t you be more reassuring, trying to convince your wife of something?

If you say so, dude. That was really my main concern, but, tell me, if this whole medical doctor thing doesn’t pan out, have you considered a career in historical re-enactment? I know a few museums that would love to have someone on hand who knows how to use a quill.

[isaacrichardson]

I thought you had refused my hand. So happy to see that you've reconsidered! 

Oh that would be absolutely delightful. You know, I did have a rather successful acting career at Cambridge. I'm sure historical reenactment would be right up my alley. 

[isaacrichardson]

Hmmm

[freyja-bennett]

Then I suppose that makes me a little foolish. You can be a wonderful role model when it comes to certain matters. Oh really? Well I’ll have to remind you of that the next time I irritate you to the point of madness with my worrying. I prefer seeing the two of us as equals, even if my teasing would make you think otherwise.

[isaacrichardson]

Well, perhaps when it comes to memorizing Shakespeare. In that case, I may as well be a deity. Darling, your teasing wouldn't make me think of us as anything but equals. Though, if I were forced to choose which of us is the better, I would, without even a moment of hesitation, choose you.

[aria-parish]

Eh, howzit?

[aria-parish]

…That we do. And I’m sure you will. I’m sure I can’t stop you, anyway. Just let me know when you’re recruiting for your army, darling, and I’ll stay out of the line of fire.

How— how is typing into premade forms more tedious than hand-writing everything into journals the rest of your staff then have no access to? Dehumanizing? I can’t— parchment? Look, there’s nothing wrong with old fashioned, but you gotta— those need to be digitized, no matter how you’re taking your logs down. You are absolutely sure you do not need lessons on recording or scanning in your work records?

[isaacrichardson]

Sure, love, sure.

Clearly you weren't listening properly because I said I knew how to use the medical equipment, that includes the database. Of course I'm not simply going to hand-write everything and make it inaccessible to my fellow officers. That would be horrible practice. I simply prefer the records for myself; it's far faster. I'm certain. I've been working this way since before med school, and it's how I'll work until the day I die.

[aria-parish]

Eh, howzit?

[aria-parish]

So would that be narcissism or solipsism? Words and determination got me this job. You could be stunned to find that not everybody here is your goddamn intellectual inferior. The less we need weaponry and rebellion the better, and sometimes that means keeping your words out of people’s ear as much as putting them there. Do yourself a favor and save your army for when you need it. Learn to exercise some fucking prudence.

Wait, filing? Journals? As in on paper? They gave you storage for this? What do you, have a records clerk on retainer or something? I’m maintaining shared databases for medical so medical can put data into them. You have a doctorate. Good God, man, what century are you from?— You do know holotabs have the same basic function as a notebook, right? There’s a stylus and everything.

[isaacrichardson]

A combination of both, perhaps? I'm by no means calling anyone my intellectual inferior. We all offer something, dear. And I'll do what I want, thank you very much.

Yes, on paper. A journal is filled with paper. I know how to utilize the database, I simply prefer not to. Far too tedious, with less of a personal touch. Dehumanizing, really, all this technology. Just call me old fashioned, then. I've been told they have that feature, yes, but the light bothers my eyes, throws me off. It's just not the same, the feel. It lacks the sound and satisfaction of a pen scratching on parchment. 

[isaacrichardson]

Hmmm

[freyja-bennett]

Indeed it is. 

What you’ve earned with that education is responsibility. You are supposed to be a role model for society! Though I can’t object to a tiny bit of mischief when the time is right. I appreciate that, but you needn’t thank me. That is just what friends do; especially friends like me who have a bad habit of worrying overmuch.

[isaacrichardson]

Now where's the fun in that? If anyone sees me as a role model, then they're rather foolish. There, that's the spirit. Well, I wouldn't call it a bad habit. Though, you are certainly the better half when it comes to this friendship, my dear.

[aria-parish]

Eh, howzit?

[aria-parish]

…Who was it who first encouraged this sense of “humor” in you when you were a child? Just wondering. Most people need someone to laugh to think they’ve actually said something funny, but I’m curious if there aren’t some Freudian underpinnings, here.

And yeah, he’s a fucking ass with personnel issues, what of it? Unless you have an army with you, it’s gonna be hard for you to change his status as the boss for the time being.

How the fuck— how did you not notice it was on? There’s a light. You have to hit a switch. It prompts you to enter an access code. I just— did you have that going off on all channels? …Do you understand just the sheer amount of paperwork I would’ve had to do if anyone reported that? Do you need lessons or something?

[isaacrichardson]

I please myself with my humour, and that's all that matters, is it not?

Maybe I have an army, tucked neatly away in the filing here in med bay. Then again, you could be stunned what words and determination can do. Far more effective than weaponry and rebellion sometimes.

What do you mean "there's a light?" Wait, that's what that was? I thought I was recording a personal log. Freyja, or Dr. Bennett rather, is constantly pressing me to record personal logs rather than write them down in journals. She says it's essential, but I don't believe her. God, I was wondering why it was asking me for an access code. How should I know? I'm a doctor, not a computer technician. And no I don't need lessons. I know how to use medical and survey equipment, and that's all I need.

[isaacrichardson]

Hmmm

[freyja-bennett]

Don’t fret— you pull them off marvelously.

I don’t think I should grace such a foolish question with an answer. You know very well you get into trouble more than any man with a medical license ought to. As for worrying about you, I’m afraid I can’t help that. So you just remind Dr. Hargrave that if he even thinks about suggesting a challenge like that, we will be having a nice, long chat in the surgical room.

[isaacrichardson]

What thrilling news.

I think quite the contrary! With a medical license, I think I should have a warrant to get into far more trouble than I actually do. After all the education, I think I've earned it. You care so much, love; I suppose a thank you is in order here. Mmmm yes yes of course.

[aria-parish]

Eh, howzit?

[aria-parish]

You have no idea. I prefer “tenacious,” myself. I also prefer my maiden name when I’m on the job, dear husband.

…Noted. And you’re so welcome? I mean, there’s pleeeeeenty more where that came from. And you “managed” yourself straight into being left behind on an away mission— based on that, I didn’t figure our little chat for being a privileged look behind the covers of Dr. Isaac Richardson’s book of secrets. Next time you need to vent, just stay off the fucking wire and stay out of my hair.

[isaacrichardson]

Call it whatever ever you'd like, but I see it as a potentially redeeming quality. So I like it. I understand for professionalism's sake, but you can't simply try to mask our burning romance, love.

  How wonderful. Marlow simply couldn't handle my differing opinion, and that is why I was off the mission. In my defense, I didn't realize the com was on, and I was raised being told it was rude to simply ignore a start of conversation.

[isaacrichardson]

Hmmm

[freyja-bennett]

When it comes to manipulation and socializing your skills overwhelm my own by leaps and bounds. Not to mention autopsies, drinking, trauma surgery, and public speaking. Fortunately, I think when it comes to modesty I win.

Good— I fully expect to hear one next time you ask for a favor. Now be a dear and try not to get into any trouble. I want you in a decent mood for the party, without the need of alcohol. 

[isaacrichardson]

Ah yes, I did get the sly dastardly traits, didn't I? But, alas, you can't win them all.

Mmmm, only if you're lucky. Though, you seem to be lucky enough, so, perhaps, you'll get your request fulfilled. Now when do I ever get into trouble? Now you know I don't drink like I used to, so there's no need to worry about that. Unless Hargrave challenges me, then, well, it's on.

[aria-parish]

Eh, howzit?

[aria-parish]

You know fucking what—? [Aria threw her hands up in frustration and let out a shrill, frustrated growl before shoving them back into her hoodie, nostrils flaring. She considered slapping the back of Dr. Richardson’s stupid fat head. Instead, she gripped the fabric lining of the split kangaroo pocket harder, balling her hands into fists and narrowing her eyes.] I tried, dammit. You’re right, you can say what you want— and I never said you shouldn’t be able to. Keep the title for yourself, and you can stow the fucking attitude— save it for three a.m. in your goddamned jammies.

I was just trying to help you watch your stupid back, since you don’t have sense of a rat’s ass to do it yourself, talking stink li’dat on an unsecured intercom network. Excuse the fuck out of me for trying to be nice and save someone else some damn grief from our watchdog employers. I don’t care how you feel about Marlow, one way or the other. But I’m not a babysitter; you’re so determined to get in trouble, don’t bring me into it. I’ve got enough problems of my own.

[isaacrichardson]

You are a feisty one, aren't you? I must give you credit, Mrs. Richardson, you do a strong degree of fiery sass that I do so enjoy. Maybe there's hope for you yet.

You certainly have an interesting way of being nice. Thank you, I suppose; though, I'm afraid your efforts are for naught. I've very always managed myself and kept a cover over the things I say. I'm better at it than you may have concluded. I appreciate the concern though, sweetheart.