[Network Audio]

[work_wife]

Hey guys. Um. Robin here.

So I feel like I've started to understand how much of what is going on here, right? Or just a little bit. And now that I've figured that out, I'm a bit... Lost?

[Yeah, she's sighing and just a touch frustrated she supposes.]

I'll admit it. I don't know why I'm here other than to maybe keep my friends from home from strangling each other? So I guess this is me asking who needs help with stuff? I can't spend all day fretting. So, uh, I guess I should figure out what to do. But I'm not, well, really great at the sorts of things I think we need here?

For instance, I'm really good with languages. And music. And throwing things.

Guess I'm saying what can I do to help people? I want to help. If I'm going to be here I sort of need it.

Comments

[in_extremis]

It sounds like you have a talent for it. What if there were full time opportunities available? No holidays, unfortunately. Or insurance. Honestly, it's a pretty thankless position. Are you sure you wouldn't rather drink cocktails on the beach all day?

[work_wife]

Oh, I'd so rather drink cocktails on the beach all day. But sometimes you gotta take care of your friends.

[in_extremis]

It does come up.

There's some people here who could use someone to show them some of those language, music and throwing skills. Maybe not the throwing so much, I don't know, I don't know your process, maybe that's a good way to teach physics. Do you think you could teach physics to a 12 year old who was raised in a cult?

[work_wife]

The language thing is sorta moot, isn't it? Like. I've heard that you just hear things in your language if you don't know it. So I can't teach them. And there's no brass instruments here. And my throwing isn't very good but it was the weapon I was best with when all things were considered.

Uh... Physics was not my strong point? I'm humanities, not sciences? And I definitely haven't actually got a teaching degree or whatever.

[in_extremis]

First of all, you don't have to write me an essay, you can just say no, nobody's going to come after you. Second, you're the one that highlighted those skills, it's like you put them on your resume and now you're in the room just to tell me they're actually useless. I don't know what to make of that. Do you need someone to explain to you why you're good at music?

[work_wife]

Oh. Uh. Teachers at school tend to want more detailed explanations for rejections. Sorry.

But those are some of my very limited skills. I was pointing out that they aren't really useful, you know? I feel like I said that. And if I didn't that's sorta not shocking I guess.

[in_extremis]

Okay, well, if a teacher at school was telling you that you have some skills that can be applied, how much would you be arguing with him right now? This can't be what you wanted this conversation to be, telling some stranger how bad you are at stuff. Are you some kind of fresh faced pop star back home and can't break the habit of letting the press know how adorably relatable you are?

[work_wife]

Well, I definitely got in disagreements with Mr. Hauser about joining drama, soooooo apparently plenty?

No, I didn't want it to be this. I was sorta hoping people would tell me what was needed and maybe teach me how to do that so I can help? And I'm definitely not a pop star. Just a band nerd.

[in_extremis]

Nothing is needed. Everything is needed. Just like you apparently have to argue with authority figures, but need to be told what to do. Multitudes.

What do you think is so much more important than language and music and throwing?

[work_wife]

When you are the accidental love child of hippies, arguing with authority figures is sorta your shtick I think. But sometimes you've got to rebel against their free spirits and seek structure I guess.

Uh, survival?

[in_extremis]

Okay, if it's so important, why weren't you learning that before now and were putting the hours into the band? Just to pick up chicks?

[work_wife]

Because the intention was to go to college, and then something sorta came up the summer after my junior year that made things...

Wait. Stop Hold on. What?

[Yes, she would like to pick up chicks. How can you tell from only her voice!?]

[in_extremis]

That's why I thought I was learning guitar. Turns out the fingering techniques are also really effective.

[work_wife]

[Is he serious? He can’t be serious. Oh god what if he’s serious.]

That’s not why I joined band.

[in_extremis]

How many 'no's do you have in you? Can we wring them out a little faster somehow?

[work_wife]

Who knows? Wait, does that count? Homophones?

Listen, is there something you know how to do that you need people to learn to do or to help you do?

[in_extremis]

If it's really some mountain man survival thing that you want to be your new personality, I can point you to some better guidance than I would be. I might have a good name for you for any number of new identities you're looking to pick up. That's more my business, than telling anyone what to do.

[work_wife]

So you're like the operator on the phone?

[in_extremis]

I'll take that. I make connections. Even better if you know what kind of connection you want to make. This operation isn't in the business of judgment.

[work_wife]

I really don't know what kind of connection sadly.

[in_extremis]

You're not giving me very much to go off of. Is this, like, a cry for help? Have you tried having a nap? There's got to be something about yourself that you like.

If you really want to run away to the woods to do the survivalist thing, try getting in touch with a guy called Cal Kestis. He's a little shy, he won't mind that you do most of the talking.

[work_wife]

There is plenty about me that I like. That's not the same as having survival skills to live in a post-apocalyptic city with things like volcanoes and evil aliens.

Guess I'll write that down?

[in_extremis]

I don't know how it isn't clear that those parts that you like are going to be a much stronger foundation to build off of than doubling down on the chaos. We've got people checking our six on the survival stuff, it's their thing, do you want more names? James, Link, Gladio, Felwinter, try them all, one of them will answer on the first ring.

[work_wife]

I mean, languages aren't a level to build on here?

[in_extremis]

When I went to school, I had to take a class in my first language all the way until I got out of there and went to college, even though I knew well enough how to tell my first grade teacher how to fuck off, which I think is a pretty advanced use of the language. I cannot say the time was entirely wasted on most of the population. Language is not just a dictionary of words that's been downloaded into our brains. Language might be the one thing that gets us out of here, if someone can figure out how to communicate what we're really going through to the Agrii or the Barrys or the next invading force that touches down and demands to see our leader.