[voice]

[highfrequency]

[At first there is only a light tapping of claws against a tabletop, then a slightly labored, agitated breath.]

Dialysis.

[Well that was an awkward thing to just blurt out. There is another pause then he speaks again, his rusty voice carrying a note of mingled embarrassment and anger. It's the voice of someone publicly confessing to something he'd rather keep secret.]

Who here can perform dialysis? Mr. Stark... Anyone...

[More tapping then he snaps with a bit more nastiness than is probably necessary.]

And if you're gonna lecture me then just shut up, 'cause I don't wanna hear it.

Comments

[xenophiliac]

I apologize, was I not clear? Come to the clinic, and we will treat you.

[highfrequency]

Oh. Right.

You a doctor?

[xenophiliac]

Yes! Kinna Nananea, and yes, I have experience working with humans and other aliens!

[highfrequency]

I'm not...I mean...uh....

[Okay...He pauses to collect his thoughts]

What about machines?

[xenophiliac]

Hm? You mean the operation of the clinic equipment? Of course I know that. [She frowns briefly, tilting her head.]

Somehow, I have the feeling that is not what you meant.

[highfrequency]

Not exactly.

[xenophiliac]

Then if I can ask, what exactly did you mean by that question. Because I find it intensely intriguing.

[highfrequency]

...

[Sigh]

Most of me is a machine.

[xenophiliac]

Oh! Oh! That certainly was an interesting answer! [She laughs sharply.]

And that poses an interesting challenge, does it not? You are lucky, I have some mechanical experience. Well, slightly lucky, I think. You have need of dialysis? Even being mostly mechanical? Interesting.

[highfrequency]

Is it?

[xenophiliac]

I find many things interesting. I have a feeling you do not want to hear about it.

You have been directed to the clinic? Yes?

[highfrequency]

I-

...Yeah. Thanks...

[His voice lingers a moment-an unasked question at the tip of his tongue.]

[xenophiliac]

Hm? Something else? If you wish to continue talking I am, as humans say, all ears!

[highfrequency]

[How to ask this politely...]

What should I call you?

Species-wise, I mean...

[xenophiliac]

Hah! I knew I should start included my species in my introduction! I am sa-marad, and I am sure I am the only one you will ever meet.

[highfrequency]

Sa-Marad?

[xenophiliac]

My species, yes!

[highfrequency]

Are you the last one?

[xenophiliac]

Hah! Far, far from it, my friend. There are exceedingly high numbers of us! But as a general rule, we do not like aliens and do not socialize with them.

As you may guess, I am quite the unusual exception.

[highfrequency]

What made you so interested in other races?

[His voice relaxes slightly as the topic drifts away from him and his cyborg-hood.]

[xenophiliac]

Because other species were never talked about. Unless it was to mention how backwards and sad they were! [She laughs.] So you can't blame a girl for becoming curious, yes?