VOICEMAIL

[enthusiast]

[beep]

... So I must record a message, for when I am unable to answer? Well, that seems easy enough–– oh. Is it already recording? Ah––

I cannot answer at this time. Please leave a message!

Did that work?

[beep!]

Comments

[sagacity]

[Sofia sounds like a woman's name. I mean, what kind of a guy runs around with a pretty name like Sofia? None. That he knows of, anyway.

But he digresses, and now her phone is ringing. Do you answer, O fair lady?]

[enthusiast]

[when she'd picked up the smartphone, she'd given it a curious lookover but been too distracted to pay it much attention; after all, she had more pressing things on her mind. But when it started ringing, well, it was harder to ignore.

She picks it up and flips it over to see where the sound is coming from, and peers at the screen. Incoming call?

This is Sofia pressing buttons until one happens to answer and connect the call.]

Oh! It stopped ringing...

[sagacity]

[On his end, he grins. He's had one call prior to this to learn how to manage the phone. To a half-decent level, but at least he knows to talk into it.]

That's because you answered! Longing to hear your voice, it has prostrated itself before you for you in the hopes that you'll speak into it.

[That makes no sense but whatever, man, he's going to roll with it.]

[enthusiast]

[A long pause, and then, perplexed:]

What kind of invention is this? Or is it some kind of sorcery?

[sagacity]

[Oh, she's shooting straight for business. Hm!]

Seems like an advanced piece of technology to me. I doubt magic was involved in its mechanical construction.

All I know is that it allows us to communicate with whoever's name is on the list. I don't know much of the finer details beyond that.

[enthusiast]

... Am I talking with a man, and not a machine?

[Oh dear. Mildly sheepish.]

I have never seen anything like this.

[sagacity]

[He laughs.]

That's right. We're talking through this thing. Incredible, isn't it?

The name's Serge. You must be Sofia.

[enthusiast]

Yes, that is my name. Piacere, Serge. Though I suppose it isn't quite "meeting" someone when it is through an invention, is it? As incredible as it is...

[sagacity]

[Piacere. He assumes that's meant to be a greeting of some kind.]

Not physically, at least, but it's something -- something incredible. Guess the more appropriate phrase would be, "it's nice to talk to you."

[enthusiast]

That does fit better, doesn't it? Nice to talk to you, then.

Do you have these inventions where you're from?

[sagacity]

We have our share of interesting machines, but they're nothing like this. That's why I'm trying it out. I'm not bothering you, am I?

[enthusiast]

No, messere, I'm fine. What machines do you have?

[sagacity]

Nothing as intricate as this, and much larger. Back home, anyway -- I don't have any of that technology with me. Ever heard of lightships?

[enthusiast]

Light ships? We have ships lit up with fires to act as beacons, but I imagine you have something else in mind.

[sagacity]

I don't mean the ships that go on sea. Lightships are aircrafts that carry people in the air.

[enthusiast]

I've never seen a flying machine, though my husband told me about one. Even then, I doubt it was as elaborate as this.

[sagacity]

[Oh, a husband.]

That depends on what your husband was flying. Lightships can be as big as naval ships and are often used to carry armies where I'm from.

[enthusiast]

His was crafted by Leonardo da Vinci, for just one passenger. Apparently, it was better at gliding than at true flight.

[sagacity]

Huh . . . Well, I imagine gliding has its benefits. It already sounds more exciting.

[enthusiast]

Doesn't it? I should like to try, but then again, I'm a bit too clumsy for it.

[sagacity]

You think? I wouldn't let that stop me if I were you. So long as you take the necessary precautions, what's the worst that can happen?

[enthusiast]

[Laugh]

Falling out of the sky, perhaps?

[sagacity]

Right. Then your husband can catch you!

[enthusiast]

True, true. But I think I will stick to small roles in his adventures nonetheless.

[sagacity]

What modesty! But I'm sure he appreciates your contributions regardless.

[enthusiast]

Of course he does. That is why we work so well.