[0008]

[prideinbattle]

[phone]

[Those cookies sure were good, maybe a little too good. Now Hiling has a tummy ache. Determined not to suffer in silence, she picks up the phone. Surely somebody would be sympathetic. She groans loudly, making sure everyone knows how she feels.]

I guess this is it. It's too late for me. I just wanted to say good bye because I know you'll all miss me. If you'd like to leave a gift or make a donation in my name, I live at 748 Partridge. Well, it was nice knowing you all...

[748 Partridge Drive]

[Hiling languishes on the couch, having decided to stay home from school today. Boxes of cookies litter the floor around her. The blanket is pulled up to her neck and her whines can be heard throughout the house. Somebody pay attention to her.]

Comments

[prideinbattle]

It is serious. I'm in a lot of pain and I don't know why.

[sturmbahnfuhrer]

[Oh dear. Just a small bit of tsking on his end, Hiling.]

Now now, Madchen. A bit of pain never did anyone any harm.

Indeed. I'd say becoming used to it would be ideal!

[prideinbattle]

[She blinks at the phone, not sure what to make of that.]

Why? Is this supposed to make me stronger or something?

[sturmbahnfuhrer]

Indeed.

In the end, pain can make you much stronger.

[prideinbattle]

That might be so, but I still don't like it. I don't like this body at all.

[sturmbahnfuhrer]

[Well. This is news to the Major.]

I see. So you aren't naturally a human then. What might you be, if I could be so bold as to ask?

[prideinbattle]

I'm an Innovator. We're living bioterminals, genetically engineered and enhanced with nanotechnology.

[sturmbahnfuhrer]

I see! Truly, you would make a sterling soldier then.

[Why didn't you tell him this before? He might have more uses for you than he thought after all.]

[prideinbattle]

But it's kind of a waste if I don't get to use my skills.

[sturmbahnfuhrer]

I assure you!

You will get more than ample use of your skills by the time all is said and done.

[prideinbattle]

Good. I'm starting to get bored.

[sturmbahnfuhrer]

Patience is also a virtue a soldier must learn.

[prideinbattle]

[She sighs.]

If you say so.

[sturmbahnfuhrer]

Now.

If you truly feel sick, it would be more productive for you to get rest instead of expending energy talking over the phone.

[prideinbattle]

Right. I'll get Tieria and the Doctor to take care of me. Did you hear? He's my new dad.

[sturmbahnfuhrer]

Is he? How wonderful!

It will certainly make things easy as we march ever further.

[prideinbattle]

It's pretty nice. I've never had parents before, so it's been interesting too.

[sturmbahnfuhrer]

I see! That is life, though! You're young, so it's important you have as many new, and unique, experiences as you can!

What is the other parent like? Will they be a problem?

[prideinbattle]

The other one's a drone. So she can be annoying, but not really a problem.