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

[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.