Nice place you got here... I'm not going to lie, I think I'm going to trauma dump on you while we get to know eachother.
*Morgen's gaze flicks around her permissible studio apartment, then back to her guest. She doesn't comment.
She kicks out a chair at the small breakfast table, hanging her cane on the back of the other chair, taking a seat as she gestures for Dr. Nova to do the same*
A common sentiment here. Everyone seems to have strong opinions over their death. But you're not dead yet, are you?
*Her voice is raspy, worn, her expression flat, and yet, you don't feel unwelcome*
*She cautiously steps into the apartment and takes a look around while she makes her way to the chair. Something about Morgen is comforting for her. Lola is used to the flat, expressionless, no BS talks in the Foundation. Morgen reminds her of a safe version of that. She takes a seat.*
N-no. I'm... I have been using clones to extend my life in this line of work. I think this is going to be my last clone though. It's anxiety inducing to know this is my last one.
*There isn't much to see in the small space. The apartment is sparsely furnished, bed, kitchenette, a door in the corner likely leading to a bathroom. The only real points of interest are the drying rack with neatly stacked microscope slides and other glassware, and a map of the layer with pins stuck in it.* Clones hmm? And how exactly did you achieve that?
I made a deal with the Foundation to download my memories onto their systems. Clone were made and turns out this system works. I have my memories and personality but without the true body.
I'm kinda having a crisis of who I am and how to live my last life....
*Looks over their shoulder.*
What's with the map?
Intriguing... I worked on a similar project. Although we took it a step further and transferred those memories to entirely different bodies. *She crosses her leg, knee to ankle and leans back in the chair while she thinks the information over* And does the "true body", as you call it, still exist? Are there other Lola Novas still up there?
*Morgen glances over to the note-riddled map* Personal project, getting my bearings.
*She thinks over the different body thing.* That's interesting...
As for the true body thing, I'm not sure. I'm pretty sure the 'True Body' is dead and gone by now. I'm sure they only have one of me at a time due to confusing the rest of the staff with to many Lola's. Also I think we got up to mischief by trading name tags and stuff when there was more than one.
The map is a good idea. I should do something like that.
*she pauses and bashfully asks*
If it's not too personal. How did you handle dying? I've done it too many times to count, but every time it's the scariest most painful thing to go through.
"Pretty sure" isn't sure. You're making an educated guess, but it's still a guess. I'd posit your identity crisis has less to do with who you are as a person, and more that you've realized how very expendable you were to the Foundation. *There's an odd gleam in her eyes, lying in wait for a reaction. She doesn't break the searching eye contact as she answers the next question*
Painless, horrifying, insulting
*Lola has the gut urge to run. She didn't like the cold sudden 'diagnosis'. She realizes that she's just talking to someone who almost gets it but isn't willing to change after hearing 'insulting.' All this, the realization and the emotion, shows on her face. Her face hardens and her counter is a cold.*
I knew I was expendable. I didn't know to what degree. I found out I was lower on the totem pole than I thought I was.
*She smiles and stands.*
Thank you for clearing that up for me. I think I'll be heading home now.
*Hmm, pushed too far this time.*
Much to process I'm sure.
*She stands and unlocks the door for Lola. Deadbolt, chain slide, the one on the knob, and one that slides into the floor. She nods at the excessive security* I hope all this didn't give you the wrong impression, the neighbors leave much to be desired in terms of social graces.
*She waits until Lola gathers her things and reaches the threshold before she speaks again. Hidden in her gravely voice, there's an unexpected note of apology and under that, the human need for connection*
Dr. Nova, should you find you have other questions about...anything, you know how to contact me.
*Lola doesn't have much to gather, but patiently waits for the door to unlock. She sighs when she hears the need for connection in the gravely voice. Her posture softens a little. She knows that feeling.*
I... I'll let you know if I have any questions. Thank you.
*Her phone is in her hand as she walks out the door.*
*Rattle, scrape, slide, twist. The door is locked again. Morgen leans against the door and curses under her breath. A long moment passes and she pushes off the wall and makes her way over to the bed, drained from the experience*
