IC contact for etraya

[cactusy]

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Comments

[ornithologist]

I disagree, but if you want to tap out, I can certainly provide a hug.

[cactusy]

bold words for someone who's never seen me try to hug someone

[But then, she's never seen Harold hug anyone, either. She pauses for a moment, trying to picture it; she doesn't deny that it's possible, but it's still weirdly difficult.]

you turning touchy-feely in your old age?

[ornithologist]

I have every confidence in you, like I said.

Not broadly speaking, but for someone under my care and in duress I can make an exception.

[cactusy]

good, because he probably does need it. that man has "secret heart of mush" written all over him

[ornithologist]

Yes, it's always the people insisting the loudest that they are reprehensible and unforgivable that could most use a hug.

[cactusy]

I'm not great with self-loathing people, either

[ornithologist]

If you really think you're unsuited to this assignment -- on either level -- I'll find someone else.

[ Apparently she'd missed the irony in his comment. Does she really think she's that impossible to deal with, that incapable of empathy? Creating, teaching, and loving something like the Machine has taught Harold so acutely how little human empathy actually matters. A facsimile of it does just fine. ]

[cactusy]

don't get snippy, I didn't say that

I'm setting expectations, that's all

[ornithologist]

And yet my expectations remain high as ever.