Daily Logs 7-20-14

I. Video Call: Molly catches up with Shir via video call
II. Everyone wakes up in the simulation
III. Kain finds that Webb is the new boss ass bitch
IV. Rorin tells Claire about meditating
V. Marcella and Kelsey tease each other



I.
Molly: *realizes she hasn't called Shir in a really long time and decides she needs to do it before going off to the Lina Sophia* *settles on her couch and sets up her PADD for the video call, dressed in civvies with her hair braided to the side*
Shir: *not long come in from a shift, still in the uniform used on the outpost. Was in the middle of reading messages when Molly calls. Accepts the video call straight away, happy to hear from her* Hi, long time no see. *all smiles and clearly pleased to see Molly, or simply someone from the Legacy! Honestly both*
Molly: *settles back on her couch with a small smile* Yeah I know, I feel bad it's been so long. *since they talked last, will look skinnier and more worn, the smile is there but it seems less genuine than usual* Time just flies by, you know?
Shir: It's ok, I know what you mean. *on his end looks pretty much the same as always, though hair a little out of place from a tiring shift. All smiles and obviously in a happy mood though it falters when noticing the small differences in Molly since the last time they spoke* Are you doing ok?
Molly: *doesn't want to tell him what happened, since it will make him unhappy* Yeah, I'm doing okay. Just a little tired. *stretches her arms over her head and gives an exaggerated yawn for effect* I always lose track of time at work and then next thing I know it's so late. *drops her arms* Speaking of which, how are things at the outpost? Still crazy?
Shir: *... doesn't really buy that. Not one bit. But isn't going to pry (just yet)* *gives a fake disapproving look* I clearly need to hurry back so I can start nagging you again to work less for health reasons. *on the topic of the outpost* Things are much better, recovery has proven slow but at least people are actually recovering. *big smile* And because of that I might be able to come back, though just for a visit sadly.
Molly: It would be great to have you back, even just for a visit. No word on how long they'll need you there, still?
Shir: *shakes his head* No, not yet. But I'm hoping it's not too much longer. Not that it's bad here, they have advance labs here and great officers here but- *frowns, looks like a lost puppy* *but it's not hooommmeee T_T*
Molly: Can you have visitors? Should I start figuring out ways for Tivir to get some time off?
Shir: *looks a bit surprised by that and for a second or two he's clearly hopeful, but then calms himself and feels slightly sheepish for getting excited like that* Umm... I don't know. Maybe? There's no quarantine anymore at least. *thinks it over* I don't know though, I don't want to be a bother.
Molly: It's not a bother. Just let me know, and if you can then I'll try to arrange it.
Shir: *nods and the smile on his face can't help from getting bigger at the mere thought of seeing Tivir again, face to face. Though truthfully would much rather be back on the Legacy with everyone!* Thank you, really.
Molly: I hope it works out. We've had a quiet few weeks here, so we've played catch-up on anything that's gotten behind. It shouldn't be a problem to let him go for a bit.
Shir: Thanks again. *just hopes that Tivir would /want/ to visit if given the chance. He knows how clingy he can be...* And a quiet few weeks? *small laugh* That's not normal, you sure it's the same Legacy?
Molly: Yeah, I don't know if you've heard but we're splitting the crew onto another ship, the Lina Sophia for a couple months. So far they've had all the action.
Shir: *blinks, having /not/ heard that. Either that or missed the memo* Really? Uh, not /too/ much action I hope.
Molly: Well, last week there was some sort of weird virus that made them all rhyme, but the week before they ran into some sort of powerful entity that caused some trouble. *quiet for a moment* We lost a crewmember, an Engineer named Daltran.
Shir: *couldn't help but chuckle a little when she mentions the rhyming virus, since that sounds more funny than harmful. Though instantly stops when she says they lost a crewmember and feels terrible* Oh no. *seriously, losing crewmembers is horrid!* I... I'm sorry.
Molly: I didn't know him, but the people who witnessed it took it hard, I think.
Shir: Yes, of course. *witnessing something like that is never easy!* Still, sorry to hear.
Molly: *rubs her hands up and down her arms once* We've got another mission starting today, I think I'll join them. I'm starting to get a little bored, believe it or not. *actually just needs something to distract herself*
Shir: *forces a small chuckle at that* Too used to the Legacy's normal routine then? *slightly concerned and curious* What's the mission?
Molly: We'll be testing a simulation, to see if in the simulation we're able to discern what's wrong and how to get out of it, or fix it. I'm a little fuzzy on the details.
Shir: That sounds... interesting and rather painless. *or at least hopes so!* Well, if you do join I wish you luck. Though knowing you, you won't really need it. *supportive smile for the win!*
Molly: *wrinkles her nose* Are you kidding? My luck is awful.
Shir: Well... it's not too bad. *feels a bit silly now because, ok yeah, Molly has had bad luck in the past*
Molly: It's pretty dang bad. But, here's to hoping it gets better.
Shir: I'm sure it will. *is smiling and is getting the feeling that something is up, but is still oblivious to exactly just how bad Molly's luck has been lately*
Molly: How are things with your ex, if you don't mind me asking?
Shir: *visibly uncomfortable with the topic shift, but answers anyway* Ok, all things considering. To be honest I just try to avoid her as best I can. I don't mean to be impolite but... *trails off, because there's no nice or easy way of saying "being near her gets him frustrated, in more ways than one"* *so instead just shrugs*
Molly: *notices he's uncomfortable* That's really all you can do.
Shir: Yeah... it's uhh, helping. *not a comfortable topic, nope!* So, uh, things ok there? On a personal level I mean. *knows from what she's told him that she's been working, but hopes she's ok on a personal level*
Molly: *takes a breath and looks away from the screen for a second* If I tell you something can you promise to try and not feel too bad about it?
Shir: *blinks. Oh dear, that's not good* ... I'll try? *winces a bit because, really, he can't promise. What's upset his friend?! T_T*
Molly: *that will have to be enough* Terrence and I were really struggling, and we decided to separate. It's the best thing for both of us, but it's been hard.
Shir: *eyes go wide with shock and for a few seconds just looks back at the screen with his mouth hung open. Instantly feels bad for them! Both! But tries not to show it* W-Wow. Um.... wow... *has a bit of a pained expression, not really knowing what to say or do considering Molly said not to feel too bad* Are... are you ok? I mean- *of course she's not, idiot!* I mean... have you been hanging out with other people? To try and help? *meaning for support and comfort*
Molly: *folds her hands in her lap* Yeah. Leslie's been a big help, and Erik too. And Terrence has Zef. *they're basically attached at the hip*
Shir: Aw, good. *glad to hear that she's being looked after, and hearing about Terrence too since that was his next question* ... I'm really sorry, for both of you. But, I hope you two will be ok in the long run. *feels really saddened by this, but forces himself to smile to try and hide it. Just feels for them both...*
Molly: I think we will be. Sorry to make you worry about this, I just didn't want to keep it from you.
Shir: Oh don't be silly, don't you dare apologise for something like that. *smile a bit more genuine* Just focus on making yourself feel better. And it goes without saying that if you want someone to talk to, I'll listen. *pauses and realises that might be hard, giving his shifts and stuff* Well, when I can. Sorry, I meant to be more supportive than that.
Molly: *shakes her head* You're great. Don't worry. And I have people to talk to here, so I should be fine after some time. Thanks.
Shir: Good, and no thanks needed. *feels better knowing that, and hopes that Terrence is ok too. Maybe will try and call him but doesn't know how exactly to approach the topic of "you and Molly split up?! T_T" gently*
Molly: So yeah. Send me a message about visitation, and I'll work on getting Tivir some time off for a trip.
Shir: Ok, thanks. Will do as soon as I've got permission on my end. *really, really hopes he can, and really hopes that Tivir would want to visit too* By the way don't mention to Tivir that I might be coming back to visit in a few days. I want to confirm all the details first and, well, maybe make it a surprise? *honestly isn't sure if he can keep himself from keeping that from Tivir, since he's so happy and excited to be coming back to the Legacy, even if briefly*
Molly: *nods* Right, sure. I won't breathe a word.
Shir: *nods his appreciation and then looks a bit sheepish and a little guilty* Sorry to ask, but do you mind this being a little short? I should really change and try and get some rest before my next shift. *pause* That is, if you're really ok. If you still need to talk about something, anything, *meaning Terrence too, if she needs to* then I'll stay.
Molly: *shakes her head* Nope, I should head out too. But I'm glad we caught up.
Shir: *big smile* Same here. See you soon hopefully.
Molly: *gives him a wave and cuts the connection*


II.
[The crew of the Lina Sophia, now recovered from their rhyming troubles, meet with a group of doctors, psychologists and computer programmers to face their next test. After being briefed and signing a consent form allowing themselves to be involved in the test, each crew member is put into a stasis chamber and enters a medically induced coma. Once they are hooked into the simulation, they will each find themselves in their respective jobs at Sophia Industries, a scientific research facility in the middle of the Nevada Desert. They could find themselves in any part of the building, waking as if from an intense daydream.]
Kain: *blinks, his surroundings coming into focus around him. Did he fall asleep standing up? what the hell* *looks around, he's standing in a hallway of the... lab? right, he's at work, it's his security shift* *shakes his head and heads to the main security office to figure out what he's supposed to be doing - he doesn't remember what his assignment for today is*
Marcella: *blink, blink* Huh!? *shakes her head and continues her way to the lab*
Loise: *leans over a sample when coming to her senses* What the-? … *and breaks up abruptly, looking left and right if anyone heard her* *oooooops*
Claire: *enters the simulation in what appears to be mid-step, walking through an office space* *pauses, face falling into a confused expression, looking around* What was I... *feels like she just walked into a room and forgot what she was meant to be doing there* *there's a paper in her hand, oh, right, she was running something down to human resources, right right* *heads off in that direction*
Leslie:*oh whoops she managed to zone out over paperwork again, good thing she didn't fall asleep at her desk and get woken up by some minion that'd be embarrassing* *shakes her head and gets back to staring at her computer screen, trying to figure out where she left off because she has no clue*
Zef: *sitting at his desk in his office, head lying on the desk when he wakes up, coughs and straightens* *blinks, glances around and looks down at the desk... oh right: too much work and too little sleep again? Must be so*
Webb: *took a nap in a patch of sunlight like the old person he is and now gets back in his cart to do rounds and creep on everyone in the compound* *nyoom*
Brady: *is hunched over paper work of some kind, ambling through the mundane task when her conscious mind kicks in* *straightens some in her chair as she looks around, she's in an office?...Oh it's her office.* *there is a blank of information for a few seconds before she realized she'd drifted off from her task at hand* *sheesh this busy work sure had a nack for putting her in her own world*
Rorin: *in one of the facility's eating places with a glass of fruit juice, feeling like he zoned out (or was he meditating?) while watching the people around him* *shakes his head quickly and some sips juice*
Kain: *wanders into the office and flops down into a chair* Hey boss. This is gonna sound kinda strange, but I have no idea what I'm supposed to be doing. I blanked. Am I on patrol today or what? *simulation has sent signals to his brain informing him that this is the head of security and giving him very basic background info*
Brady: *is staring at the paper on her desk in confusion like started singing about loitering on the bluff and government practices when some one enters her office, lifting her head it takes her but a second to two to remember the face thats greeted her today* I- *she pauses* you've caught me a little of guard, I seem to be having a lapse in memory my self. give me a moment, I know I have the logs here somewhere.
Kain: Right. I'm pretty sure I'm on patrol, if that helps. Like, 90% positive. Maybe... maybe 80%. Pretty sure. *should he have this information? probably. more organization in the future, jeez*
Brady: *jesus if the desk wasn't a mess before it was a mess now. shuffling around a few sheets of....something important. she really must of zonked out if she was having trouble recalling something as simple as who was doing what*
Kain: *looks around the office* *it looks... familiar? in a confusing, distant way, like entering a room you've only seen before in pictures* *shrugs off the weird existential crisis he's having or whatever and refocuses on Brady* If you can't find it I can just run patrol or figure out what the others are doing. Find out where I'm needed. No big deal.
Brady: *She sighs softly* That might be for the best, I was so in my own head I seem to have turned my desk in to a record littered war zone.*she gives a soft chuckle* If there's anything particular your suppose to be doing I'll let you know.
Kain: *nods* Alright. You need anything before I go?
Brady: *starts gathering some of the stray papers together* No, your free to leave.
Kain: *gives a short nod before standing and heading out, off to see if he can find any other security people who can tell him where he's needed* *if he finds none he'll just patrol on his own*
Brady: *waits until Kain leaves the room to give a small sigh* how unprofessional. *gather together her papers together she manages to get them in to a neat pile before she begins shuffling through them looking for the patrol logs.*



III.
Webb: *cruising around in a pimped out golf cart, it has leather seating, a small cooler, a stereo, and is basically swag on wheels* *in the driver's seat is Webb dressed in long pants and a polo shirt wearing sunglasses, his job is to drive around and keep an eye on people from behind his killer shades and that is precisely what he is up to* *spots Kain and slows down coming up behind him, turning the music down on his stereo*
Kain: *patrolling along and comes to a sudden halt when he sees Webb* *audibly* What the fuck.
Webb: *sloooowly edges the shades down to the tip of his nose as he slooooowly starts to cruise by Kain* Got a problem?
Kain: What's with the golf cart?
Webb: *rolls to a halt* It transports me from point A to point B. That's generally what these are for.
Kain: *gives it a critical once over* How fast does it go?
Webb: I'm sure you'd like to know.
Kain: *raises an eyebrow* Is it a secret?
Webb: It's on a need-to-know-basis.
Kain: What if I need to know?
Webb: You don't.
Kain: But how can you be sure.
Webb: *sloooowly pushes the shades back up* Because you're the dumb muscle, and I'm in charge.
Kain: I believe you, only because of the cart. And if I had shades and a golf cart I'm pretty sure I'd be dominating this conversation. Just sayin.
Webb: *scoffs* But look at that, you don't. Funny how that worked out.
Kain: For now. *quick eyebrow raise*
Webb: You think someday you'll be driving the cart?
Kain: *shrugs* I'm just pointing out the fickle nature of the corporate power tier.
Webb: *leans back comfortably on his seat-back* But you see, in order to rise in corporate power, you need some discernible skill.
Kain: *cheerfully* I can kill someone with my thumb. That's a discernible skill.
Webb: You're going to need a little more than that, Thumbs. *nickname acquired*
Kain: I don't know. Seems applicable. *tilts head* What's your /skill/, then? Golf carting?
Webb: If I told you /my/ skills, I'd have to kill you. And not with my thumb.
Kain: *has a feeling that he simultaneously would not be easy to kill but would also not have any easy fight with this guy* Fair. I'll just have to assume that masterful golf carting is the least of your abilities.
Webb: One of my many talents.
Kain: Well, as one of the top-of-the-line security officers working for this facility and yourself, highness, I'll have to inform you that golf carts are not permitted in this area. Safety hazard.
Webb: *starts driving in sloooow circles around Kain* Is that so.
Kain: *straight face* Yes. Indeed. It is.
Webb: *still circling* I think I'll have to go check on that information. *isn't sure if it's true or not* Let's hope you're right, I would /hate/ to have to tell your boss that you're ignorant of your own duties.
Kain: *pretty sure his boss would react to the information with a dramatic eye roll* That /would/ be unfortunate.
Webb: Certainly would be. Better watch yourself, Thumbs. *flicks his stereo back on, which revs to life with a loud pop song, and then zooms away in a puff of dust*
Kain: *watches him go with a slightly raised eyebrow* Weirdo.
An illustration of the event: lilbanili.deviantart.com/art/I…



IV.
Rorin: *in one of the facility's eating places with a glass of fruit juice, feeling like he zoned out (or was he meditating?) while watching the people around him* *shakes his head quickly and some sips juice*
Claire: *finishes dropping off things for HR and heads off for food... it's lunch time, right? sure* *arrives at the faculty mess hall and grabs a tray from the serving staff, a bunch of very blank-faces NPCs* *smiles at them - with no response - and heads over to Rorin* Hey, mind if I sit?
Rorin: *looks up from his juice* Ah? No, please sit-- *small smile, sheepishly* --what was your name again?
Claire: *smiles brightly* Claire. And you're Rorin, right? *she knows that because he was Captain two weeks ago, though she doesn't remember that now* *sits*
Rorin: *nods* Yes~ right. Rorin Loreno. And I think you just caught me daydreaming, more or less. I am a bit out of it, as it seems.
Claire: *takes a bite of her... pasta? she's not sure. Cafeteria food* I did that just a couple minutes ago, I know what you mean.
Rorin: Perhaps it's one of these days. *leans back* But luckily I'm /almost/ sure that I'm sitting here because I'm taking my break. *half amused, half concerned*
Claire: *jokingly* Well what could have given you that idea? *since it's obvious he must be on his break if he's eating*
Rorin: *chuckles* I started daydreaming instead of meditating and /that/ hasn't happened to me since I was a child. I must be having one of these chaotic days.
Claire: You meditate? *curious*
Rorin: I do, normally. *tilts his head* My parents taught be how, but it's easier said than done. So when I was a child I drifted into sleep now and then, or I zoned out, instead of truly meditating. *but it got late last night, so he isn't really suspicious about it, other than wondering about himself*
Claire: That's really interesting! Does it help you concentrate and stuff like that? *seems genuinely interested*
Rorin: It does. I sort a lot out with myself this way and some things /about/ myself I only realize when I meditate over my day or an issue. It helps me to focus on one thing at a time, instead of getting distracted by other thoughts or feelings like-- *thinks briefly, shrugs* guilt, for example.
Claire: *takes another bite of food and looks thoughtful* It sounds helpful. Maybe I should learn to do that. *sorting out emotions and being good at reflection are good leadership skills*
Rorin: Do you know anything about it? *curiously, sips from his juice*
Claire: *shrugs* I know the general idea - clearing your mind and connecting with your inner thoughts, right? I have no idea how to do it, though.
Rorin: Ahhh, there are many forms of meditation. Some are to clean your mind from all thoughts, others let you focus your mind on specific thoughts or emotions. *puts his drink back on the table* If you like I can tell you a thing or two about how to get started.
Claire: *excitedly* That would be great! I'd love to try it out.
Rorin: *smiles, getting exited as well* Hmm. *gives her a thoughtfully scrutinizing look* Do you go well with routines? I find them mostly boring, but it's the easiest way to start. The same time and place, perhaps a certain smell. The place should be pleasant and quiet and no one should interrupt you.
Claire: *nods* Routines work well for me. I'm very habit-oriented. *knows from college* *she thinks?*
Rorin: Ahh, good~ *nods* So. Chose a quiet place then, lock yourself in and find a comfortable upright posture. It shouldn't be too warm or cold either. Set a timer to ten minutes, but if that's too short you can always do more. Close your eyes and-- think of nothing. *pause, inhales* Ahh, though that won't work, the mind is used to constantly think about something. For me it works well to focus on my breath and, if I'm calm enough to sense it, on my heartbeat. But if my mind clings to random thoughts too much, I have to give it something else to do. So I count from one to five to the rhythm of my breath, over and over.
Claire: *nods slowly, thinking that through and committing it to memory* Interesting. So just engage your brain in sort of meaningless rhythms that keep you from forming solid thoughts?
Rorin: *nods* Yes. The sense in counting to five and no further is indeed the rhythm. It needs a certain focus, but keeps the mind from thinking about anything else. *small amused smile* Though I often caught myself having forgotten about that rhythm, thinking or having counted to, I don't know, something beyond five.
Claire: *continues eating* Sounds like it'd be... harder than it seems?
Rorin: It isn't easy, but even when it doesn't work perfectly in the beginning it's quite relaxing. Just don't get frustrated over yourself when you catch yourself thinking. Return to the rhythm instead. *^^*
Claire: *nods* I can try that. Thank you. *smiles brightly*
Rorin: Anytime. Try a few times, but if it's the wrong approach you can get back to me. *small grin* Most people aren't even interested in meditation. How come you are?
Claire: *shrug* I like to be organized, especially in my mind. Having control over my thoughts and emotions seems like a good thing. Especially if I'm ever in a position of power.
Rorin: *nods agreeing* Heh, true. I feel more balanced that way and stress doesn't stress me so much.
Claire: See, that seems good. Especially when I start moving up the corporate ladder and stuff, I'll need to be able to stay total focused. *takes another bite of food*
Rorin: Big plans? Well, me too. *small grin* I like to rule.
Claire: *laughs* Maybe not /that/ big. But I don't know. I'd like to be a partner someday, maybe. Who knows? Maybe even CEO. We'll see. *CEO doesn't feel exactly like what she wants, though* *weird*
Rorin: *grins* CEO does sound good. I'm planning on having a position like this some day. *blinks, grabs his glass and sips juice, having sensed her confusion*
Claire: *takes a bite* Yeah. Maybe something in a different field, though. Research isn't really my thing. Maybe something in the field.
Rorin: *nods* Though I did think about becoming a scientist when I was younger. Or a psychologist. My young self would shake his head in disbelief.
Claire: *snorts around her bite of food before swallowing* Not me. I don't even know how I ended up in this place. *internship or something*
Rorin: *raises a brow* Hm. I wanted a leading position more than doing research. But I do feel a bit out of place today.
Claire: *shrugs* One of those days, I guess.
Rorin: *nods, sighs quietly* It must be so. *empties his glass, small smile* I should go back to work, if I'm not too out of it to find the way.
Claire: *finishing her meal as well* Same. Thanks for the chat, and the advice on meditating. *^^* See you around?
Rorin: Yes, anytime. Have a good day, Claire. *gets up, leaves his glass at the “dirty dishes collection point” and heads off ^^*
Claire: You too! Bye! *finishes off her water and does the same, heading back to the offices on the second floor*



V.
Kelsey: *hustling down a hallway distractedly on her way back to the human resources office after getting something delivered to some office somewhere, she can't remember and isn't bothering to, she's too flustered by that moment of being zoned out and disoriented. That was valuable work time she wasted!*
Marcella: *turns around a corner, still kind of distracted and out of it, and almost bumps into Kelsey* O-oh! I’m sorry. *awkward step aside, with her back to the wall now, because she was /way/ too deep in Kelsey’s personal space when she managed to stop* *presses the papers she apparently has with her to her belly, hoping none of them fall off because the portfolio feels somewhat out of balance >.<*
Kelsey: *takes a step back suddenly and stops, being almost run into by Marcy, suddenly being snapped back into reality* I'm sorry as well! I did not mean to run into you!
Marcella: What? But! But I ran into you! *nervous laugh* *quickly gets a better grip on her portofolio* Never mind, in any way. How are you?
Kelsey: I am well. *glances down and then looks back at Marcy* Not run-into. Perhaps a bit frazzled. And you?
Marcella: *grins sheepishly* Yeah, me, too. *rubs the back of her head with the hand in which she holds the portofolio* I don’t know. Not my day I think. I’m on my way to the lab, handing that thing in- *waves with the portofolio and loses two sheets of paper* Ooops.
Kelsey: *bends down to retrieve the papers* It is not my day, either. I lost I do not know how much time, just staring out the window at /nothing/ not too long ago. *shakes her head* That is very unlike me.
Marcella: *kneels down to retrive the papers, too* Thanks. *smiles* Ah. But it happens. Anything special on your mind?
Kelsey: *shakes her head* No, I do not think so. No more than the usual. *hands a paper to Marcy and then stands once she's sure Marcy has the other one*
Marcella: *stands, too, closing the portofolio once both papers are back in* Well, that’s strange then. But, ah, still happens. What are you up to?
Kelsey: I am headed back to Human Resources. I had to make a delivery to *pause* Somewhere. I am running errands. *because that second bit answers the question better...*
Marcella: *nods* Me, too, actually. ^^ I’m delivering my findings to the other lab. The one that’s… doing what is next. But don’t ask me /what/ I was working on, I’m overworked and blank and just glad it’s over. So much statistics. You’d think you’re released after the Uni’s finals, but nooo… ^^
Kelsey: *grins* The tests continue, no matter where you go. It is all part of an experiment to see how much we can take.
Marcella: *sighs overly dramatically* It must be so! I only wished the test was about fun. How much fun can one person take? I’d readily sign up for that one. *cheery grin*
Kelsey: *chuckles* Only a privileged few are allowed that. And then they complain that their lives are so difficult and filled with work.
Marcella: Pfft! Sounds about right! Bet the bosses count as these privileged few.
Kelsey: It may be that! We should go to their office and be allowed to let in on their secret!
Marcella: *explodes with laughter, though somewhat ironically* And how shall we do that? Just knock and ask?
Kelsey: Why yes, of course. I can bring to them a complaint. I am, after all, HR. And you can bring the data to back it...
Marcella: *grins* Great. And then I’ll be blamed and you’re just the runner. ^^
Kelsey: *shrugs nonchalantly as she can* I must have /someone/ to take the fall who is not me. *clearly not serious, the idea is rather revolting to her*
Marcella: *laughs and narrows her eyes* I can see right through your schemes!
Kelsey: *widens her eyes* Am I that transparent? Goodness, I must try harder.
Marcella: You forget, I’m a psychologist. I know everything about everyone! *serious face* *nod, nod* *…grin*
Kelsey: *hangs her head* That I did hope to circumvent.
Marcella: There is no escape!
Kelsey: Perhaps it was unwise of me to use you as my scapegoat.
Marcella: Yeah. Let’s find someone else. Someone who’s easily manipulable. Someone like… er…
Kelsey: Hmm, nobody comes to mind. *taps her chin* Perhaps there is an intern somewhere we could use.
Marcella: Who would that be? *happily plotting what is never going to happen~*
Kelsey: Do you have anyone new in your department?
Marcella: Erm… *tabs her upper lip with her finger while thinking* yeah, actually. A few.
Kelsey: *devious grin* Do any of them seem eager to please and willing to do anything?
Marcella: Eh… no? *grins* At least I hope not, seriously. That’s something psychologists should know better!
Kelsey: There are always foolish ones among them, though.
Marcella: *sighs* True. I’ll look into that. And you find out who to complain to best? Maybe someone we can bribe or blackmail. *grin*
Kelsey: Yes. *nodnod* Someone who has the power but not the brains.
Marcella: Someone like… hm. *sighs* Sorry. I blank /again./ *:C*
Kelsey: The thought will come. Such things take time to plan and do not come together quickly. *like she knows all about it*
Marcella: Heh. *laughs* All right! But now I should really bring these papers to the lab, before I lose my chance of ever manipulating them because they think /I/‘m dumb.
Kelsey: Oh! Yes! That would be /horrible/. Maybe you could explain to them that you were busy talking to me. ...Ah, you were ensuring I was not emotionally damaged by our encounter!
Marcella: *nod, nod* Because me almost-bumping into you could have damaged your ego. Makes perfect sense!
Kelsey: Truly, I could be an emotional wreck at the moment. The shock, it has shattered me.
Marcella: *grins widely* And everybody knows just /how/ fragile you are. Now that’s a wonderful excuse. Perfect~!
Kelsey: *amused smile* Yes. There are office rumors of how I cry at my desk daily. It would not be hard to believe.
Marcella: *dismissive handwave* Tzk, not daily. Hourly!
Kelsey: *eyes widen, covers her mouth with her hand* Who /told/ you??
Marcella: I know /everything/ about the human psyche, did you forget?
Kelsey: I did not know your uni classes were that extensive!
Marcella: But they were! And I mentioned it, before.
Kelsey: I am a slow learner.
Marcella: Hah! I’ll just make sure to tell you every day until you get it. *^^*
Kelsey: Are you sure that would be wise? It may upset my fragile psyche.
Marcella: Even if it’ll help you catching up?
Kelsey: But at what cost?
Marcella: Well we don’t have to tell anyone /else./
Kelsey: Oh. That may make it easier. So I am not on display. You are so considerate.
Marcella: *nod, nod* See? I’ve nothing but your best in mind.
Kelsey: That is so very comforting. Thank you, Marcella. I rest easy at night, knowing that you work with us here.
Marcella: *grins* It’s a pleasure to serve you all so greatly and well and, oh, did I mention /selfishly?/ *XD*
Kelsey: *frown* And here was I, feeling guilty using you as a scapegoat! Not so much anymore, I think, when I find you may do the same to me!
Marcella: *laughs* You felt /guilty?/ I must be a very bad psychologist that I missed that!
Kelsey: Perhaps you are! Maybe your insight was blocked by the sight of your ego!
Marcella: Pffft! Or /my/ ego was damaged by bumping into you, and… confused me. Yes! *nod, nod, that makes perfect sense!*
Kelsey: But you are a psychologist and should be prepared for this. Did they not teach you this at school?
Marcella: Uhm, I… guess the class in which they tell you not to almost-bump into people was my worst. *bites her lip* *:/*
Kelsey: *shakes her head* And they still hired you after that failure? Such a disgrace.
Marcella: Hey, hey, I didn’t /fail/ that class! *arms akimbo*
Kelsey: But it was not your best. So surely you must have done less than perfect. That is close enough to failure, no?
[12:13:07 AM] Lettie: Marcella: Pfft, if you say so. What do /you/ know of perfect, anyway, being a slow learner? *pseudo-sulk-face*
Kelsey: I am a slow learner, yes, but when I learn it I get it /right/. I put much effort into my classes. *nodnod*
Marcella: Wow, you must have spent a looooot of time learning.
Kelsey: Oh, I did. *this is why I have no friends* It helps that I am so quiet. I do not spend much time talking to others.
Marcella: *grins* I’m the exact opposite. *now speaking the truth again* I mean I learned a lot, too. It comes with the subject. But I spent each and every free minute partying and being with friends and stuff.
Kelsey: And their chatter did not drive the learning from you head. *shakes her own head* Astounding.
Marcella: No, actually. *laughs* Well aside from the ego-class, anyway. But *shakes head* no. It distracted me /from/ learning, so when I came back home I had my head clear for more learning.
Kelsey: Ah. *nods* Perhaps that is wise, and that works for some.
Marcella: *shrugs* I guess it’s not for everyone. I also had /fun/ doing these things, others rather read or watch TV or… *watching TV. She hasn’t done /that/ in… forever. Strange. Why?*
Kelsey: Ah, yes. I was of the sort who read. *nodnod* *pause* Just like I should be reading now. Things at my desk.
Marcella: And I should /really/ bring this thing to the lab. Ehehe. *waves with the portofolio* Coffee later?
Kelsey: *smiles* Yes, I would like that. After work?
Marcella: *nod, nod* Right after work. I’ll wait for you~ *because I’m the one sneaking away five minutes earlier, and you’re the one bringing every minute to good use* *waves again and heads down the corridor* See you!
Kelsey: *yes that is true* Goodbye! *continues down the hallway to her destination, hurrying because OMG she just wasted /more/ time*
Marcella: *wasting time through socializing is contagious~*
Kelsey: *nooooooooooo she must purge and spend an extra 10 minutes at the office to make up for it o_o*
Marcella: *will wait for her for fifteen minutes after work, then oO*